Need Help for Black Friday Decision - Concealed 9mm Purchase

[fadetoblack73]

On Friday (Black Friday), there are several deals of which I am interested. I have made the decision to purchase a new 9mm pistol for EDC concealed-carry. The options are the Ruger LC9s, Sig Sauer P290RS & Kahr CM9. They are all exactly the same price at different locations in my area. I know that all are very reputable brands. I have fired an older Ruger LC9 and wasn't crazy about the trigger. However, I understand that LC9s would more than likely take care of my issues with the older designed trigger. I have fired a Kahr PM9 many years ago. I don't remember a lot about the feel of its trigger. I know the CM9 isn't quite as 'refined' as the PM9 to lower cost. I don't have any experience with the Sig P290RS. However, I have plenty of experience with the Sig brand and can't imagine the P290RS isn't a quality piece. I have, obviously, not 'carried' any of the models.

Can you please lend your thoughts and recommendations?

Thank you!

 

[RON in PA]

My experience with the CM9 has been very positive. It has gone bang every time I've pulled the trigger. It conceals well in my front jeans pocket in a pocket holster. Considering its size and weight it's quite accurate, helped in part by its good sights. I like the trigger, but I shoot revolvers DA only and find the CM9's trigger similar. I won't comment on the other two pistols you've mentioned as I have had no experience with them.

Almost forgot, recoil can be a bitch in small pistols such as J frames and blowback .380s. The CM9 handles recoil very well considering its weight and size.

 

[critter]

I had a Kahr MK9. Perfectly reliable, very accurate and a so-SO sweet trigger. Only drawback is that it is a bit heavy.

I have a new Ruger LC9s. Also 100% reliable, accurate and a nice trigger. Easily carrable and not heavy.

I also have a SIG 938. If you like 1911-ish stuff and cocked-n-locked carry this one is your cup of tea.

Any of the above would make great carry guns-just choose the type YOU prefer. Find a place you can handle (and preferably shoot) them before you buy if you can.

 

[bannockburn]

fadetoblack73

My experience with sub-compact 9mm.s pretty much mirrors yours; that is I tried the original LC9 and didn't like the trigger, had a Kahr CW40 and thought the trigger was just so-so, and have yet to check out the SIG P290RS. Another gun I looked at before I bought the CM9 was the Beretta Nano. A side by side comparison convinced me that the CM9 had better ergonomics (at least in my hand), more natural pointing qualities, and had the better trigger.

 

[franco45]

I have owned a Kimber Solo, a Diamondback DB9, a Kel-Tec PF9, a Sig 290 and a Kahr CM9. I don't have any of them currently but will own another CM9 soon. It was the first "pocket 9" I owned and I should have stuck with it. I guess ya' don't know what ya' got till it's gone.
I currently own a CW9, a CT9 and just picked up a CT380. I am one who loves the Kahr trigger. It is predictable and very smooth, though a bit long.
By the way the CM9 was the only pocket nine that was 100% with all ammo. I honestly think that 9mm is the sweet spot for the Kahr design.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Embarrassment of riches....

A local larger shop/FFL holder near me(45min) has great holiday deals on a few pistols.
They are offering a deal with a SIG Sauer P226 in .40S&W or 9x19mm for $999.00 with a free SIG P290RS EDC sub compact.
They are also selling SIG 1911s in .45acp with a free .22LR SIG SAO 1911 pistol; $879.00 USD.

The regular sale price of the SIG P290RS EDC is $299.00. That's not a bad offer.

I've heard many + reviews of the compact Ruger LC9s. It's not my cup of egg-nog but many like the pistol.
I might do a new Shield 9x19mm "no thumb safety" pistol on lay-away. The holiday price there is $369.00. Plus they give customer rewards, .
Bud's qualified price for M&P Shields is $300.00(cash price). I think the regular Bud's qualified professional rate for the M&P Shield is $318.00(if in stock).

 

[orionengnr]

I have owned a PM9 since 2006 or so.
I've owned and fire a bunch of other 9mms before and since, but the only 9mm I own is the PM9, and that will continue into the foreseeable future.
If I were of a more frugal bent, I would go with the CM9.

JM .02 worth.

 

[tz99]

Wow this thread is starting to look like a train. I just bought my first Kahr, a CM9 two weeks ago. I'm very pleased to say the least. Differences from the PM are minimal in my opinion; roll marking instead of laser etching, button rifled barrel rather than polygonal, fewer machining operations on the slide, front sight is staked rather than dovetail. I'm only 150 rounds through it, but it runs like a champ. Felt recoil is minimal and much less than I was expecting for a compact. The trigger is different from what I would normally prefer for a range gun. This is not a range gun. It has a long of take up and reset and a trigger weight somewhere around six pounds. This is intended to provide a feel similar to DA revolver trigger pull. It might take some adjustment from what you are used to, but works fine and feels fine with a little range time or dryfire. I just picked up a Galco MX5 paddle for it which works and fits nicely.

I can't comment on the other two options as I have no experience.

 

[txblackout]

I have about 500 rounds through my cm9. I carry it in a sticky holster and it basically disappears. I can carry my glock 26, but it is definitely less comfortable.

My only mod was to upgrade the sights to truglo tfo

 

[rcmodel]

The best Black Friday decision you can make is stay home and eat leftover Turkey sandwiches all day Friday.

The best deals you are gonna get all year are right after Xmas / New Years when everyone's credit cards are maxed out.

rc

 

[thefish]

Not on your list, but take a hard look at the shield. It's perfect for cc.

http://www.slickguns.com/product/hpgs-black-friday-deal-sw-mp-shield-9mm-8rd-safety-33700

 

[md2lgyk]

I recently had to decide between an LC9 and a CM9 to add to my CCW collection. The LC's trigger was one of the worst I'd ever tried. Bought the CM instead and have been very pleased with it. Holsters specific to Kahrs are hard to find around here (I refuse to use anybody's "generic" holster for a CCW) but I found plenty on the internet.

 

[mugsie]

LC9s would be my number one choice. I have several concealed carry weapons, S&W 642, Sig P250 9mm SC, Sig P250 45ACP compact, Ruger LCP in .380 and of course the LC9s in 9mm. Out of the, all the two which get carried the most are the two Rugers. The LCP in my pants pocket and the 9mm IWB.mthe 9 probably 75% of the time and the .380 the balance.

I love the trigger on the 9s, very accurate and easy to conceal and shoot. Price wise and utility wise, I don't think you could go wrong with the 9s.

 

[B_Li_Ber_Tar_Ian]

Anyone catch Bud's Black Friday/CyberMonday ad? Seems to be some pretty good deals.

http://www.slickguns.com/product/bu...s-emperor-12ga-pump-shotgun-49-canik-9mm-hand

 

[Praxidike]

On Friday (Black Friday), there are several deals of which I am interested. I have made the decision to purchase a new 9mm pistol for EDC concealed-carry. The options are the Ruger LC9s, Sig Sauer P290RS & Kahr CM9. They are all exactly the same price at different locations in my area. I know that all are very reputable brands. I have fired an older Ruger LC9 and wasn't crazy about the trigger. However, I understand that LC9s would more than likely take care of my issues with the older designed trigger. I have fired a Kahr PM9 many years ago. I don't remember a lot about the feel of its trigger. I know the CM9 isn't quite as 'refined' as the PM9 to lower cost. I don't have any experience with the Sig P290RS. However, I have plenty of experience with the Sig brand and can't imagine the P290RS isn't a quality piece. I have, obviously, not 'carried' any of the models.

Can you please lend your thoughts and recommendations?

Thank you!

I'm in the same boat. I'm not interested in the LC9s, so I'm trying to decide between the Sig and the Karh. I too own a Sig, so I'm partial and want to like the P290RS, but from the reviews I've seen and read say that this gun is heavy (21oz) & the slide is thick. On the plus side compared to the other(s), it come standard with night sights, 2 magazines (one 6 rounder and one 8 rounder extended if I remember correctly), and has re-strike capability. The P290RS also has changeable grips, so that you can change the grip size to fit your hand. I also believe that they sale grips in different colors as well... The P290RS ships with an injection molded holster too if I'm not mistaken.

I believe the Kahr (6 rounds) and Ruger (7 rounds) only ships with one mag, so you may have to calculate the cost of an extra into the price of the gun. I've also heard that the Kahr has the better trigger out of the other options. The Ruger will be a larger pistol compared to the other 2, and, unlike the Sig & Kahr, the Ruger has a blued alloy steel slide (will rust easier and require more maintenance). The P290RS is (optionally) treated stainless for added durability and of course the CM9 is bare stainless (the blackened stainless version is hard to come by) . The LC9s has a plastic guide rod, but the other two have solid metal guide rods (not sure if that makes any difference).

Speaking of giude rods, google LC9s Recall. Apparently earlier this year many people had issues with their LC9s. Being a newer model pistol (unlike the P290RS and CM9), I think Ruger is still working out the issues. I do not know the whole story, but you should look into it before buying the LC9s.

The Sig seems like the better value for what you're getting, but more people seem to own the Kahr CM9...

 

[Tallball]

I also have a Ruger LC9. I haven't fired more than 500 rounds through it yet, but so far it hasn't malfunctioned at all. The accuracy and trigger are just fine. It's easy to conceal.

 

[wally]

I have about 500 rounds through my cm9. I carry it in a sticky holster and it basically disappears.

My Kahr CW9 is a bit bigger and it was great until it wasn't, after ~5000 rounds the front frame rail broke and Kahr Customer support was not there for it.
IMHO buy a S&W, Ruger, or SIG instead where they won't leave you hanging on "shouldn't happen" failures.

 

[celem]

I'm in the same boat. I'm not interested in the LC9s, so I'm trying to decide between the Sig and the Karh. I too own a Sig, so I'm partial and want to like the P290RS, but from the reviews I've seen and read say that this gun is heavy (21oz) & the slide is thick. On the plus side compared to the other(s), it come standard with night sights, 2 magazines (one 6 rounder and one 8 rounder extended if I remember correctly), and has re-strike capability. The P290RS also has changeable grips, so that you can change the grip size to fit your hand. I also believe that they sale grips in different colors as well... The P290RS ships with an injection molded holster too if I'm not mistaken.

I believe the Kahr (6 rounds) and Ruger (7 rounds) only ships with one mag, so you may have to calculate the cost of an extra into the price of the gun. I've also heard that the Kahr has the better trigger out of the other options. The Ruger will be a larger pistol compared to the other 2, and, unlike the Sig & Kahr, the Ruger has a blued alloy steel slide (will rust easier and require more maintenance). The P290RS is (optionally) treated stainless for added durability and of course the CM9 is bare stainless (the blackened stainless version is hard to come by) . The LC9s has a plastic guide rod, but the other two have solid metal guide rods (not sure if that makes any difference).

Speaking of giude rods, google LC9s Recall. Apparently earlier this year many people had issues with their LC9s. Being a newer model pistol (unlike the P290RS and CM9), I think Ruger is still working out the issues. I do not know the whole story, but you should look into it before buying the LC9s.

The Sig seems like the better value for what you're getting, but more people seem to own the Kahr CM9...

... Apparently earlier this year many people had issues with their LC9s. Being a newer model pistol (unlike the P290RS and CM9), I think Ruger is still working out the issues...

The issue is completely resolved. If you have the old style flat ended guide rod call Ruger and they mail out a free new one with the new design tapered end. Any new stock should already have the new design guide rod.

I love the LC9S - a great little 9mm with a great trigger.

 

[ku4hx]

Wife and I like our two LC9s guns a whole lot. Guns with safeties may not be your thing, all guns are a compromise to one degree or another, but we really like these guns.

Flawless operation for both. Mine has some 400 rounds through it; wife has less and I'm not sure of the round count.

Both do have the updated RSAs. Earlier RSAs were a bit of a problem if not reinstalled as per the Ruger's recommendation. A bit of a silly proposition that.

As to the LC9, we have one of those too. I like it but then I cut my shooting teeth on double action revolvers. If you're not accustom to revolver double action trigger pulls, all double action only pistols may not be suitable for you.

 

[golden]

Try before you buy

My only recommendation is that you try them first.

I shot the LC9 of a relative and will never shoot it again. I found the recoil objectionable. It may not bother you, but you will save a lot of money if you try it first.

I also owned a KAHR CW9. It was not as bad as the RUGER, but I did not enjoy shooting it and sold it.

Recoil is both a subjective and a physical thing. Some people are not bothered by it. I once worked with a gun who shot full powered .44 magnum loads out of a S&W model 29 WITH THE ORIGINAL GRIPS. He said it was not a problem.

I used to shoot heavier weapons, but as I aged, it lost its appeal. Now my EDC is a GLOCK 42 which I find quite easy to control.

I may not be the only one, since RUGER brought out the LC380 after bringing out the LC9. Same gun, lighter recoiling ammo.

Jim

 

[Kahr33556]

I would say no to the LC9 because its kinda the same as the lcp platform.
me no like, I have 2 Kahrs a cw9 and a cw380 both are great, I was going to get the p290rs for 279 black Friday but decided to save my cash because I have so many other CCW and its close to my shield and cw9.