Need a recommendation for a Small, flat 9mm for dalily carry.

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The only truly slim 9mm guns I have owned are the Kahr PM9 and Taurus 709.

I highly recommend both, but my fav is the PM9. It is truly a quality piece.

There are many "slim" models out there. It is a popular niche right now. Just browse the slim line of all the major manufacturers.

I personally rather the greater firepower and shootability that a full size, full width, gun affords me so I don't go "slim" often. Pocket carry and running is the only thing I use my PM9 for.
 
Are you looking for a lower bore axis for less recoil? Its probably a little bigger than some of your other options, but my dad picked up a Beretta PX4 sub compact in .40 and I've shot it a bit. I didn't expect to like it, because I hate the snappy nature of the .40 cartridge, but its a real sweet shooter, and the recoil is surprisingly low. I'd imagine that the same pistol in 9mm would have even less recoil if that is what you're looking for. The PF9 is or LC9 would be my choice for a small carry 9mm, as both work well for me.
 
For me personally it all comes down to weight. If you are comfortable with more weight on your belt then it opens up more possibilities. Of course reliability trumps everything so we have to assume whatever gun you have on you is reliable. If not then you shouldn't bother carrying.
Lots of people will talk about the trigger and sights, which are very important, but most carry weapons, especially pocket or IWB, will not be shot all that much at the range. I shoot mine enough to remain proficient but rarely fire 100 rounds in a session. I have fired many of the guns mentioned in earlier replies and don't have anything negative to say about any of them. Some are extremely high priced and probably worth it but you can find a dependable 9mm for EDC anywhere from $300 to $1,200.
If you can find a DB-9 then I highly recommend it for carry. I believe it's the smallest 9mm on the market and definitely the smallest in that low to moderate price range. Mine works 100% and has never had any issues. I read a lot of negative comments about the guns which would lead me to believe they would show up at cheap used prices everywhere but that's not the case. Apparently they had a lot of problems the first year of production but I can't complain about mine.
 
Need a recomdation for a Small, flat 9mm for dalily carry.

I've carried a KelTec PF-9 for the past five years. Low cost, compact, lightweight, easy to conceal. Some guys hate 'em but it works for me.

YMMV
 
They aren't an expensive pistol, but the XCCY is very flat, very light weight, and seem to me to be built very well. I have put a bunch of full house reloads through mine, and they are extremely accurate and reliable. But due to the size and weight, the recoil is not something I enjoy much though, which is pretty consistent with any super light and small framed 9mm.

No BS warranty also!

GS
 
Tried a Kahr, wife and I HATED the trigger and loved the size.

Ran a couple thousand rounds through a Kel-Tec PF-9. Light and kicks like a mule.

Have the XDs-9 and wife has the PPS. Love them both!
 
Go to a range with rental guns It might not help a bit but it is fun ,, hold as many 9MM pistols as you can find see what feels the best . always go with quality . the gun shops are getting a better selection again .. GO Shopping ...

Oh I forgot to mention the only I still have is a Firestar . small heavy and shoots great . I like my 1911. better Kimber Pro Carry
 
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I would like to go back to how you are carrying... if you cannot conceal the Glock 19 comfortably, have you tried a different holster or the Glock 26?

If you cannot conceal either comfortably I'd suggest you re-examine your carry holster, belt and pants as a starting place. I can make some suggestions if you want.

If you are dead set on a slimmer gun, then the Kahr will meet your requirements. Bore axis is very low due to their proprietary offset lug technology and the gun is very slim, but you give up rounds to get it. Your call.
 
Paladin7 I would like to go back to how you are carrying... if you cannot conceal the Glock 19 comfortably, have you tried a different holster or the Glock 26?

If you cannot conceal either comfortably I'd suggest you re-examine your carry holster, belt and pants as a starting place. I can make some suggestions if you want.

If you are dead set on a slimmer gun, then the Kahr will meet your requirements. Bore axis is very low due to their proprietary offset lug technology and the gun is very slim, but you give up rounds to get it. Your call.
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I have used a couple of different holsters with it. I am not sure if its just me being ultra aware of the fact that I am carrying as its new to me. No one has made mention of it but I always feel like the gun is showing on me.

I carry the 19 in a Kramer IWB, a Galco CM2268 OWB, a Cover your 6 Kydex holster from a local mfg and a Kramer OWB holster.

I ware a Army issue Riggers belt every day. Tee shirts I may have to move a size up to make them a bit looser.

I am not using this one as a pocket carry at all. If I go to a pocket carry I will use my LCP. Part of this is I want to start to carry on my hip every day. I know it may take a few weeks to get use to it and not be constantly thinking that the gun is going to show.

Oh ya reason for the lower axis barrel is I have a LC9 and the thing feels like it sits a foot above my grip compared to how the Glock sits. So its more like a Revolver. Not a recoil issues, just another me issues I guess.

Any advice is welcome
Thanks
WB
 
I also agree with the Beretta Nano. Can be carried in a pocket for larger things like cargo shorts or easy to carry IWB. I paid $339 new for mine and it comes with 6 round and 8 round magazines.

Been very reliable; min prefers heavier than 115 grains though. It does shoot them; just occasionally fails to eject the casing. Really likes 125 grain lead bullets for practice.
 
I have had nothing but great success with the Kahr guns, both the PM9 and the less expensive version as well. You can usually find the budget version for less than $400 from Bud's or similar dealers.
 
When I was looking to downsize a bit from my G26, I narrowed my choices down to the following:

Kahr CM9 \ PM9
Beretta Nano
S&W M&P Shield
Sig P938
Ruger LC9

I ended up with the Kahr CM9 and am very happy. Long but smooth trigger not too heavy, small light thin and shoots amazingly well.

For me I didn't like the Ruger's trigger and didn't care for the ergonomics of the Nano. I also don't like safeties on carry guns so the Sig P938 was ruled out.

The Shield just didn't feel like it was giving me much size advantage over the Glock. It was thinner but also longer in height. It did feel well made.

You need to handle all the models you are considering to see which one fits you best.
 
At 4.17" high the Beretta Nano is kind of a tall pistol, but the grip doesn't offer that much more room for fingers than the other small nines - like a Sig P290 or the Kahrs. The Nano is just tall... I mean relative to pistols like the R9, MK9, PM9/CM9, and Kimber Solo.
 
Wildbillz said:
I have used a couple of different holsters with it. I am not sure if its just me being ultra aware of the fact that I am carrying as its new to me. No one has made mention of it but I always feel like the gun is showing on me.

I carry the 19 in a Kramer IWB, a Galco CM2268 OWB, a Cover your 6 Kydex holster from a local mfg and a Kramer OWB holster.

I ware a Army issue Riggers belt every day. Tee shirts I may have to move a size up to make them a bit looser.

I am not using this one as a pocket carry at all. If I go to a pocket carry I will use my LCP. Part of this is I want to start to carry on my hip every day. I know it may take a few weeks to get use to it and not be constantly thinking that the gun is going to show.

Oh ya reason for the lower axis barrel is I have a LC9 and the thing feels like it sits a foot above my grip compared to how the Glock sits. So its more like a Revolver. Not a recoil issues, just another me issues I guess.

Any advice is welcome
Thanks
WB
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Hi WB.

Very good insight into your situation...

When you first begin carrying you will always feel like you are printing...comes with the territory... After some time you will just get comfortable with it and it won't be a problem.

If you think about your daily interactions...how many times do you look at someone's waist when you are out and about in public? Probably, never... So, if you are carrying correctly it won't be an issue.

The best bet is to try a pair of pants that are slightly bigger in the waist and a larger covering garment like a bigger sized T-Shirt can make a world of difference.

When you carry IWB, there are a few excellent options with offset belt loops like the Crossbreed Holster which is a combination of Kydex and leather or the Milt Sparks Versa Max-2. Both have offset belt loops and are very comfortable, which allows you to carry a gun with a larger capacity than a flat 9mm...

Hope this helps. Let us know what you end up deciding...
 
I have used a couple of different holsters with it. I am not sure if its just me being ultra aware of the fact that I am carrying as its new to me. No one has made mention of it but I always feel like the gun is showing on me.

I carry the 19 in a Kramer IWB, a Galco CM2268 OWB, a Cover your 6 Kydex holster from a local mfg and a Kramer OWB holster.

I ware a Army issue Riggers belt every day. Tee shirts I may have to move a size up to make them a bit looser.
Click to expand...

Oh ya reason for the lower axis barrel is I have a LC9 and the thing feels like it sits a foot above my grip compared to how the Glock sits. So its more like a Revolver. Not a recoil issues, just another me issues I guess.
Click to expand...

It sounds like you just need to work harder to make the Glock work, and get more experience carrying.

When I first started carrying I felt like a paranoid criminal. I thought surely everyone is looking at my gun. When in reality nobody noticed my gun, and hardly even noticed me. It was all in my head. That feeling took a few weeks to wear off. I started out carrying a Glock 17 with a crappy nylon IWB holster.

I moved to more loose fitting pants, shirts a sturdier belt and a better holster (Galco Triton) and it works just fine. Except now I carry a Glock 19. Practice carrying around the house is a good confidence builder.

Take some time to make it work before going to buy a new gun just for that reason.

I can also tell you that I went full circle in gun size. It went from G17 to G19 to G26 to Ruger LCP then back up to Taurus 709 to G26 to G19 to G17 then back to G19. The G19 just seems like the best all around gun for home defense and CC so I stick with that. I like using one gun for most situations. The only time I deviate is when I pocket carry my Kahr PM9. After a long and expensive process I came back to about the same gun I started with.

It's better just to pick a reasonably sized gun you like and make it work.
 
I have an XDs in .45 and carry it easily. One of those in 9mm might do.

I also have a SIG 938 which is even easier to hide.

Both are 100% reliable and shoot remarkably well. Give each of them a look to see if they fit your needs.
 
Forgot about the Sig 938. My wife has one; easy to shoot and easy to pocket carry in cargo shorts or easily carry IWB.
 
My suggestion would be to get a Makarov 9 X 18. They are very similar in size & weight to the LC9, they shoot well and are very dependable. They also work well with an IWB holster. And yes, I am a Makarovnik. It's my prime carry weapon, and it's fun at the range
 
My Wife & I both carry a KAHR C-W 9 with a Crimnson Trace lazer on them. You can shoot lead bullets with the CW-9. We think this is the best CC firearm for us and have carried them daily for that last several years. Never had a problem with either of them. And we try to go shoot every week if possible. Our CW-9`s are very easy to shoot and very accurate, light weight, and low recoil. And are very easy to conceal even in shorts and a tee shirt.
ken
 
My wife and I have carried Karh PM9's with CT sights for quite some time, we actually shoot them quite a bit too. Suits are needs very well.
 
Ruger SR9C. Slimmer than a 1911, and it's a double stack. I carry the full size SR9 concealed.

Get the best concealed carry belt and holster you can afford.
My CC belt is from www.bullhidebelts.com
It was $69 and worth every penny.
I can carry the SR9 on my hip and a S&W 36 in a pocket holster and never notice the weight. And my back isn't in the best of shape (too many wrecks and too many years as a mechanic).
 
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