My ex reclaimed the S&W 908 that I used as a purse gun and now I'm facing the dilemma of replacing it. I saw one available in an on-line auction but by the time I paid shipping and transfer fees, I'd be looking north of $425 and that's simply not possible. I can get a new Sccy CPX-2 from Academy Sports or a Taurus G2 for around $260 before Texas sales tax. A friendly pawnshop has a used pristine Sccy for somewhat less out the door.The CPX had a spotty early reputation; later ones seem to be all right. I've shot a Taurus PT111 and liked it, but they're recalled. I don't really care for the G2 with the magic dingus in the trigger. A thumb safety would be appreciated yet I'm OK with DAO. Kel-Tecs and Kahrs, I'm unfamiliar with. Since I seriously don't want to go smaller than a 9mm nor switch to a 5-shot .38, are there other options? Advice and opinions gladly accepted.
looking for a purse 9mm
- Thread starter Bbra
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If you shop around you can get into a m&p shield 9 or Ruger LC9/LC9S both with or without a safety for less than $300. I've seen both in used cases for around $240 ish. The kahrs are also good little dao guns that have become really reliable pocket/purse guns. The cm9 is pretty sweet and fits the role you want it for, just do some research of it on YouTube or the internet and check out the reviews. As a side note I really hate purse carry just because that the one thing criminals try to snatch from a female giving the opportunity to become a purse snatcher. This incident happen 30 miles from me in Ohio and is kind of a true eye opener for purse carry
This happen broad daylight in a store, so imagine at night outside somewhere. Opportunity criminals strike at random times, that's the scary part
This happen broad daylight in a store, so imagine at night outside somewhere. Opportunity criminals strike at random times, that's the scary part
I have a love/hate relationship with the SCCY. The model with the safety will kill my thumb when firing it, however the CPX 2 is just fine. There just isn't really a gun similar to the 908 these days, I don't know of many single stack DA/SA pistols that are reasonable in price.
I'd look at the LC9, it's proven and can be had very reasonably. Taurus 709 as well. I have a SCCY for a winter carry pistol, hasn't given me any troubles.
I'd look at the LC9, it's proven and can be had very reasonably. Taurus 709 as well. I have a SCCY for a winter carry pistol, hasn't given me any troubles.
Coyote3855
Member
My wife likes her Kahr P9 and shoots it well. I have a Kel-Tec PF-9 that's been reliable, cost under $250, but is uncomfortable to shoot more than a couple of magazines because it's very light and has significant recoil. Most of the small 9mms and .380 will be snappy as stoky says. Since you have experience with the S&W 980, have you looked for a used one?
bannockburn
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Bbra
Since a couple of my other carry guns are primarily DAO (S&W Model 638 and Model 649 revolvers), I really liked the idea of getting a DAO semi-auto so it would be easier to integrate it into the line-up. Tried out quite a few mini 9mm.s and went with the Kahr CM9. It has a great feel and balance to it, incredibly small yet easy to shoot, quick to acquire sights, very good ergonomics, and an extremely smooth double action trigger.
Since a couple of my other carry guns are primarily DAO (S&W Model 638 and Model 649 revolvers), I really liked the idea of getting a DAO semi-auto so it would be easier to integrate it into the line-up. Tried out quite a few mini 9mm.s and went with the Kahr CM9. It has a great feel and balance to it, incredibly small yet easy to shoot, quick to acquire sights, very good ergonomics, and an extremely smooth double action trigger.
Fine Figure of a Man
Member
I have about 400 rounds through a recently purchased LC9's Pro. Recoil is snappy but not to the point of being uncomfortable. I usually put night sights on carry guns but the factory 3 dot are very nice and it has a CT laser so I'll leave it as is.
My sister has a Kahr CM9, to small for me to shoot well but a very nice gun.
My sister has a Kahr CM9, to small for me to shoot well but a very nice gun.
Middletown
Member
My pocket carry is a Sig P290RS DAO. I am thinking it would also be a good purse carry. My wife purse carries a 9mm Shield and likes it a lot. No problems with either so far. The Sig might be in your price range with the Shield being more expensive.
Ramone
Member
I'm a born and bred 1911, and besides the 1911 pattern pistols, I really, really like the Kahr PM9. Great trigger, like a well broken in S&W revolver, compact without being tiny, simple, clean design, excellent fit and finish, a good feel in the hand.
A friend had the less expensive CM9, and shooting them side by side, we both felt that for the US$100.00 ( used ) difference in price, the PM9 was nicer enough to justify the price, but that they shot equally well. Buying new, I'm pretty sure the difference is more around $300.00, so I'd lean pretty hard towards the CM9
A friend had the less expensive CM9, and shooting them side by side, we both felt that for the US$100.00 ( used ) difference in price, the PM9 was nicer enough to justify the price, but that they shot equally well. Buying new, I'm pretty sure the difference is more around $300.00, so I'd lean pretty hard towards the CM9
redbullitt
Member
In that size of pistol, unless it has good heft, I honestly prefer 380. I probably do not practice as much as I should,but I can do much better with the 380 as opposed to the 9mm in an lcp type pistol. Granted this is probably a training issue lol, but I do practice more than most and still find this to be noticeable.
I have had good experience with the little 380 lcp. The 9mm was unpleasant for me to fire... simply did not like it. The 380 however I shot much more often since it was so much friendlier, and hopefully that would translate to me shooting it better and being more confident with it! Ended up selling that one and got a little 380 kahr, and I liked it even better if you can swing a little higher budget. I will say the little kahr has an awesome trigger for the type of pistol it is. Definitely a standout.
380 is not my favorite by any means, but sometimes it does fit the bill. Use good ammunition and it should do the job. Check this out :http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/
I have had good experience with the little 380 lcp. The 9mm was unpleasant for me to fire... simply did not like it. The 380 however I shot much more often since it was so much friendlier, and hopefully that would translate to me shooting it better and being more confident with it! Ended up selling that one and got a little 380 kahr, and I liked it even better if you can swing a little higher budget. I will say the little kahr has an awesome trigger for the type of pistol it is. Definitely a standout.
380 is not my favorite by any means, but sometimes it does fit the bill. Use good ammunition and it should do the job. Check this out :http://www.luckygunner.com/labs/self-defense-ammo-ballistic-tests/
Crowman
Member
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield with safety and in 9 mm. Won't go bang when you don't want it to, soft recoiling and good sights. That is my " big city" gun when I absolutely haveta go down to Atlanta. Also pack two extra magazines. It is compact, and fast to get into action. I have absolutely no problem disengaging the safety upon drawing. It is instinctive after years of carrying a 1911. Mine prints low with 115 grain bullets but is spot on with 124 grain. I carry mine in a leather open top OWB pancake. With safety, would do a-ok in purse. It really is a soft shooter, better than my Glock 17 by a long shot.
Interestingly, my wife prefers the Makarov...she has a cheap side and loves hers. The cartridge is more like a 380 ACP, though. I have to rack the slide for her. Up here around the property, she prefers a 7-shot Taurus Total Titanium Tracker with full house .357 magnums.
Interestingly, my wife prefers the Makarov...she has a cheap side and loves hers. The cartridge is more like a 380 ACP, though. I have to rack the slide for her. Up here around the property, she prefers a 7-shot Taurus Total Titanium Tracker with full house .357 magnums.
Howdy and welcome. My partner loves her early Kahr in 9mm (pricey but worth the extra), Me I've carried KelTec's both the PF-9 and a real early P-11 and have at least 5000 thru the P-11. It's been back to the factory twice in 20 years (trigger pin and ejector).
Used ones can go for as little as 200
Used ones can go for as little as 200
MedWheeler
Member
^^ Uh, why?
I carry the PF9, and have since 2010. Up until a year or so ago, I would have put it at or near the top of recommendations based on the OP's inquiry. Now, though, there are so many good possibilities to choose from. Were I so shopping now, I'd be considering the Khar CM9/CW9, Ruger LC9 (not the "s", as I simply do better with DA-type triggers), and the Taurus PT709, as well as the SCCY CPX-II.
I carry the PF9, and have since 2010. Up until a year or so ago, I would have put it at or near the top of recommendations based on the OP's inquiry. Now, though, there are so many good possibilities to choose from. Were I so shopping now, I'd be considering the Khar CM9/CW9, Ruger LC9 (not the "s", as I simply do better with DA-type triggers), and the Taurus PT709, as well as the SCCY CPX-II.
I have a CM9 and I like it.
Another gun - a little bigger and it has a DA/SA trigger with a slide mounted manual (flip down) safety is the SAR B6P Compact, around $250.00 - $255.00. Also a similar gun is the Tanfoglio / EAA Pavona for $290.00
Another gun - a little bigger and it has a DA/SA trigger with a slide mounted manual (flip down) safety is the SAR B6P Compact, around $250.00 - $255.00. Also a similar gun is the Tanfoglio / EAA Pavona for $290.00
Try an M+P Shield at the range if you can. The recoil it managed very well for a small pistol. Nice clean trigger break being striker fired. I have shot an LC9, it was pretty snappy with recoil. The Shield can be shot all day
A revolver doesn't offer many advantages over a good semi auto, but shooting through concealment (pocket/purse) is definitely one of them. I just don't like the idea of purse carry at all. I've heard of to many women getting their purse snatched and beaten over it. Watch my video I posted on the first reply
I agree with the early comment and the video about issues with purse carry. Sometimes we're left not much in the way of options, however. As for carrying a revolver, been there, done that. I used to carry a well-used S&W 49. One trip to the range with the 908 convinced me that the semi is a better option for me. The sizes are almost the same, the capacity is higher and the shootability (for me) is better. I would never have said the .38 was fun to shoot, the 9mm always.
For what it's worth, I'll probably get the Sccy tomorrow and get it to the range Saturday.
Thank you all for making this newbie feel welcome.
For what it's worth, I'll probably get the Sccy tomorrow and get it to the range Saturday.
Thank you all for making this newbie feel welcome.
There are a ton of used S&W 6906, 469, etc on gunbroker. No question, have to pay shipping/transfer but they are out there. My PF9 and 709 are my favorite inexpensive small 9mms, however the PT 111 G2 might replace both of them. Hard to beat it for the price, and in my experience it's been 100% reliable.
browningguy
Member
My daughter carries the EAA Pavona in 9mm or 380 as her purse gun. She prefers a single action gun with a safety. She got the .380 first and thought it shot so well she added a 9mm, and loves them both, her 9mm is Imperial Purple and the .380 is Sapphire Blue.
I get it, I really do but may I suggest belly band type holsters, UnderTech compression, thigh carry, and bra carry as well. Check out faliaphotography's YouTube page and she shows serveral ways a woman can carry a gun in her holster section of her playlist, and yes there is some purses to . There is more ways than one might think to carry a gun, you just have to be willing to give it a try. The sccy should be a good gun for you, they've been getting better and better over the years.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0EAE334EDF19918B
98bluewave
Member
You make a very important point about the .38 revolver. I have one, it's not fun to shoot, even after a trigger job. Therefore I very rarely shoot it. Whatever you carry you need to practice enough to get confident in your ability to handle it and shoot it periodically to remain proficient. Just my opinion.
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