Need gun selection advise please.

[DWS1117]

I usually hate threads like this and here I am starting one. I guess I need to be punished.

Anyway, I am considering trading my Kimber Ultra Carry for a Glock 19 or some other similar small 9mm.

Why would a I trade a perfectly good 1911 style .45 for a plastic 9mm?

First and foremost is cost of shooting. Even with loading my own .45, 9mm is still cheaper. Due to cost I haven't been shooting near as much as need or would like. With the new baby and 2 day care payments looming keeping the Kimber AND buying a new gun is out of the question. I am not a person who has internal 9mm vs. .45 debates. I am firmly in the shot placement camp. so i wouldn't feel undergunned with a 9mm.

Second, although I have no trouble concealing the Kimber, the grip safety isn't comfortable poking into my considerable love handles. It's not unbearable. I know carrying a gun is supposed to be comforting, not comfortable, still I can't help but think that it can be both.

I love my 1911. The optimal solution would be to get the Kimber Pro Carry in 9mm. It lets me keep the 1911 platform and get 9mm but it brings back the love handle issue.

I won't be abandoning the 1911 as it is my first love in pistols and I'll still have a full size Springfield. That gun will never be sold or traded. It will either go to my one of my kids or be burried with me.

Help! What advise can you offer?

 

[Dienekes]

Consider a .22 caliber conversion unit for the 1911, preferably a Colt. Even cheaper than 9mm and you keep the same platform. (Hint--run it with Federal
American Eagle 38 gr HVHPs which burn very clean and don't clog it up.) The units can be found; not cheap, but neither are new pistols.

I am old school. My daughter likes her G19, but I can shoot a 1911 better on a bad day than I can a Glock on a good day. There is a difference!

If you must go 9mm, the Browning High Power is a classy way to go and not dissimilar to the 1911.

 

[DWS1117]

That is good advise, but the Kimber is my main carry gun. If it will be replaced it will with something suitable for carry. I don't get into the caliber debates, but .22lr is a tad small for carry. I am, unfortunately, not that good of a shot.

 

[ezypikns]

How about a Kahr?

I'm currently carrying a PM9 (9mm). I think it's about 16 oz. loaded, and is very compact and very thin, a little under an inch. Downsides? Small sight radius, limited number of rounds in the magazine (6). They do make up to a 9 or 10 rd mag (I think), but it sticks out of the gun butt pretty far.
I'm carrying an extra 6 rd mag with a Pearce grip extender, which really gives you something extra to hang on to. If you have big hands, it may be a little hard to hold onto. You can always go to a gun store and just ask to see one. I love the 1911 too. Got one. But I just want something a little lighter and more compact for carry. Good luck

 

[DWS1117]

A Kahr is on the consideration list. I played with one at the gun store last week. It was the CM9 which is essentially the same gun. But If I go that route I will go for the PM9 due to the ability to change sights. It felt good in the hand. The trigger wasn't bad.

I don't have very large hands. I have no trouble controling a Kel-tec P3AT, which is always in the fron pocket, with one two fingers on the grip.

As mentioned. I have no problem with the Kimber's weight or thickness. It's the beavertail jabbing be in the love handles. It does this in every position shot of small of back and I don't consider that an option. I have yet to find a holster that will prevent beavertail jab.

 

[ezypikns]

The nice thing about the PM9.....

is that if I want, I can and do carry it in my pocket in a DeSantis Nemesis holster. It's (the holster) made from amazing stuff. Kind of tacky on the outside so the pistol is the only thing coming out of your pocket. The Kahr is accurate too. Takes a little more concentration and follow through on the shot, but it'll do it's part if you do yours.
One thing I will tell you. The pistol has a break in period of 200 rds. I did have some FTF issues for about the first 150 rds, but they gradually went away. Also the only (best) way to chamber a round is to lock back the slide, insert the mag, and unlock the slide stop to chamber. You can also slingshot the slide. It sounds crazy but that's the advice the factory gave me.

 

[Trashman43]

Practice is the main thought

DWS1117, It seems that you are wanting to practice and be able to carry the .45. Dienekes has the right idea in that a conversion kit, either by Ceiner, Marvel or whomever is the way to go. They cost around $200, can be converted in a few minutes, allow you to practice with inexpensive ammo, and be able to carry the gun you would like. .22 ammo is still a heck of a lot cheaper than .9mm and the cost of a Kahr is still in the $400 range( I have a P9). I still use a Kimber Ultra CDP II as my main carry, although my HK's are starting to push their way in. Remember, you are talking practice and carry, two separate things. Hope this helps.
Bruce

 

[tegemu]

I too have a "Love Handle Issue". One solution is to carry your pistol in your pocket. I often carry my Ultra Carry II in my pocket. Good pocket holsters are available for them, Mine is from sam Andrews at www.andrewsleather.com, he is a great guy and a delight to do business with. Great product, reasonably priced.

 

[Inline_6]

Well, tegemu beat me to the holster recommendation. Andrews Leather has an IWB that is uber comfortable. It is the McDaniel II. I carry a Para P14 w/o any printing or comfort issues.

With regard to the cost of ammunition... substitute dry-fire practice. Not only is it cheaper, it is more effective IMO. No distractions of noise or recoil. I didn't believe it until I tried it. It will have a huge impact.

Nothing wrong with a 9mm IMO... but I would not replace a 1911 45ACP with one unless my agency forced me to.

 

[DWS1117]

These are all terrific suggestions. The .22 conversion is something I've considered for a while. With reguards to ammo cost. I also shoot/compete in an informal league once a week. 150-200 rounds of 9mm per week is still much cheaper than .45 ACP.

I am not abandoning the 1911. My favorite gun is my Springfield full size. It sees some carry time depending on how I dress. That gun will either be in the box with me when I am planted or go to one of my kids.

 

[Steve C]

Its pretty hard to beat the Glock 19 for a carry pistol. Compact but not so small as to be dificult to handle, reliable, accurate and holds 15 rounds. I've had mine for many years now and its been carried more than any of my other pistols. Why did I choose the 9mm? Because at the time that was the only caliber Glocks came in. Last year I put night sights on it and while I always had some reservations regarding night sights usefullness I've become very fond of them.

 

[Falconeer]

Anyway, I am considering trading my Kimber Ultra Carry for a Glock 19 or some other similar small 9mm.

Depending on how 'small' you want to go, the Sig P229 or P239 will work.

I carry a P239 357 Sig in an Andrews MacDaniel II (saw a reference to that holster eariler). It's a bit 'beefier' than some of the other 'personal' size guns, but it's a very nice package. Very concealable, VERY accurate. I had some issues with grip when I first bought it, but the more I shoot it the better it feels. I've also shot the 9mm version of the P239 and that's also one great handling pistol.

The P229 is probably very much like your Kimber Ultra in terms of overall size. I don't own one (yet! ), but having handled and shot them they also get a big thumbs up.

 

[jmorris]

I still shoot the 1911’s and carry one occasionally; however, the Glock is more comfortable for concealed carry than most any gun with a hammer. Anyhow, I’m in Texas also and have a 26,19&34 so let me know when your ready to trade.

 

[DWS1117]

Thanks for all the replies. I apologize for neglecting this thread. The Kimber has been traded for a Glock 19.

I still shoot the 1911’s and carry one occasionally; however, the Glock is more comfortable for concealed carry than most any gun with a hammer.

That is why I opted for the Glock. While I stewed over the Kahr for a while, the Glock won because it is still very concealable and you don't sacrifice capacity.