Single-stack 9mm recomendations.
- Thread starter cookekdjr
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Single stack 9mms are my "thing". I love them and I have a few of them and have owned many of them.
The SIG 225 is not as small as the Kahr by any means. I have two K-9s and I love them. If you can get a K-9 for your budget, I think that is the way to go. Another winner that people in the know will tell you about is the S&W 3913. It is not as popular or as new as some but it is still one of the best. You can find them for very good prices used and they tend to be trouble free.
I got a nice excellent condition 3913 at a gunshow for $275. It only had one mag but it came with a Fobus holster and a set of Hogues. I couldn't be happier with it but that price is not average. I am sure you could find a nice used one for about $350-400 if you looked a little.
The SIG 239 just doesn't have the ergos of the K-9 and it feels bad too me. It doesn't sit well in the hand and feels heavier than it really is. It weighs about the same as the Kahr but the Kahr is smaller and all stainless steel. It is kind of a no brainer. About the only bad things you will hear about Kahrs pertains to the polymere line, which are not up to snuff and should be avoided at all costs. The all steel Kahrs are top of the line and what every other single stack 9mm is judged on. It is the best in that class and I think if you can get one, you will not regret it.
Second choice, S&W 3913. Third choice, SIG 225.
The SIG 225 is not as small as the Kahr by any means. I have two K-9s and I love them. If you can get a K-9 for your budget, I think that is the way to go. Another winner that people in the know will tell you about is the S&W 3913. It is not as popular or as new as some but it is still one of the best. You can find them for very good prices used and they tend to be trouble free.
I got a nice excellent condition 3913 at a gunshow for $275. It only had one mag but it came with a Fobus holster and a set of Hogues. I couldn't be happier with it but that price is not average. I am sure you could find a nice used one for about $350-400 if you looked a little.
The SIG 239 just doesn't have the ergos of the K-9 and it feels bad too me. It doesn't sit well in the hand and feels heavier than it really is. It weighs about the same as the Kahr but the Kahr is smaller and all stainless steel. It is kind of a no brainer. About the only bad things you will hear about Kahrs pertains to the polymere line, which are not up to snuff and should be avoided at all costs. The all steel Kahrs are top of the line and what every other single stack 9mm is judged on. It is the best in that class and I think if you can get one, you will not regret it.
Second choice, S&W 3913. Third choice, SIG 225.
saltydog452
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The two 'best' handling, (for me), 9X19s are the BHP and the K-9.
The K-9 fits MY hand, my body build, Texas weather, and my choice of clothing. The fact that it has factory tritium sights that are 'on' for me, a good DAO trigger, and is dang near omniverous regarding its preference for 9X19 ammunition, cinches the deal.
I liked the K-9 so well that I bought its plastic cousin, the P-9. The Tupperware P-9 gets carried more these days, but the K-9 with its tritium sights and DAO trigger combined with Cor-Bon ammunition make it, for me, an ideal carry or bedroom pistol.
Although not a 'pocket pistol' unless you wear bib overalls, both of them carry well with Leather Arsenal holsters.
As always, opinions and mileage will differ.
salty.
The K-9 fits MY hand, my body build, Texas weather, and my choice of clothing. The fact that it has factory tritium sights that are 'on' for me, a good DAO trigger, and is dang near omniverous regarding its preference for 9X19 ammunition, cinches the deal.
I liked the K-9 so well that I bought its plastic cousin, the P-9. The Tupperware P-9 gets carried more these days, but the K-9 with its tritium sights and DAO trigger combined with Cor-Bon ammunition make it, for me, an ideal carry or bedroom pistol.
Although not a 'pocket pistol' unless you wear bib overalls, both of them carry well with Leather Arsenal holsters.
As always, opinions and mileage will differ.
salty.
Texfire
Member
I bought a P11, took it to the range, then right back to the gun store and traded it in towards a used K9 and haven't regretted the decision. It's a compact, solid, carry gun and well worth the three rounds capacity I sacrificed. I used to think the trigger on Kahrs were excessively long, until I tried to P11. Then I loved the Kahr trigger. 
Nothing against the Kel-Tec pistol, just not my cup of tea. Can't help you with the Sig, I've never had or shot one.
Oh, and another 9mm in your price range, though not a single stack, is the FM M95 Detective Hi Power. You can find it at Sarco for $299 + shipping. Add in your FFL transfer fees and it's still well within your price range.
Tex
Nothing against the Kel-Tec pistol, just not my cup of tea. Can't help you with the Sig, I've never had or shot one.Oh, and another 9mm in your price range, though not a single stack, is the FM M95 Detective Hi Power. You can find it at Sarco for $299 + shipping. Add in your FFL transfer fees and it's still well within your price range.
Tex
"Oh, and another 9mm in your price range, though not a single stack, is the FM M95 Detective Hi Power. You can find it at Sarco for $299 + shipping. Add in your FFL transfer fees and it's still well within your price range."
I had one of these and I was not impressed with it. I had reliabilty problems that I assume were due to the shorter slide. It felt like it was kicking an lot of kick for being an all steel 9mm. I think maybe the recoil springs were not strong enough to make up for the reduced weight in the slide. It was not that much smaller than a regular BHP and in no way compares to a K-9 is terms of size. The grip, like all BHPs was very comfy but that is about all I can good about the gun. It had a horrible trigger and the sights and safety were much too small to use. After you factor in the cost of a new safety and sights and remove the mag safety and possibly get a trigger job, you might as well get a nice 'real' BHP.
I had one of these and I was not impressed with it. I had reliabilty problems that I assume were due to the shorter slide. It felt like it was kicking an lot of kick for being an all steel 9mm. I think maybe the recoil springs were not strong enough to make up for the reduced weight in the slide. It was not that much smaller than a regular BHP and in no way compares to a K-9 is terms of size. The grip, like all BHPs was very comfy but that is about all I can good about the gun. It had a horrible trigger and the sights and safety were much too small to use. After you factor in the cost of a new safety and sights and remove the mag safety and possibly get a trigger job, you might as well get a nice 'real' BHP.
fineredmist
Member
Mech-Tech CCU
I have been looking at the Mech-Tech CCU for my Glock 22 and I am looking for some feedback from someone that has one. I don't want to drop some money on a product I will not enjoy.
Thank you.
I have been looking at the Mech-Tech CCU for my Glock 22 and I am looking for some feedback from someone that has one. I don't want to drop some money on a product I will not enjoy.
Thank you.
MCgunner
Member
The P11 is a double stack. The new PF9 will be Kel Tec's single stack.
Different strokes, I guess. I tried a Kahr when I went compact 9 shopping and didn't like the trigger, too short, dangerous IMHO for concealed carry, heavy, too big for a pocket. The P11 was much lighter, fits some big pockets, longer trigger is true revolver like DAO, safe to carry.
Everyone has preferences. Some folks can't handle revolver DA and want a single action without safeties. Glocks are great for them. Kahrs approximate Glocks without the trigger safety. I shoot DA just fine, better than a lot of shooters I've seen handle a 1911's single action and I like a safe gun in my pocket. ADs are not an acceptable risk, to me anyway, and I think the trend in lighter and lighter triggers on "da" guns is getting a little ridiculous. If you want an easy trigger, buy a gun with a safety on it and carry it condition one, cocked and locked. The 1911 is safe to carry, redundant safeties, and has about the best SA trigger an automatic can have. If I couldn't shoot DA, I'd be totin' a lightweight officers ACP, personally, ore maybe a lightweight commander. It's handy, lightish, and there is no better trigger on the planet. If you can't shoot a 1911, you need to give up pistols.:banghead:
Different strokes, I guess. I tried a Kahr when I went compact 9 shopping and didn't like the trigger, too short, dangerous IMHO for concealed carry, heavy, too big for a pocket. The P11 was much lighter, fits some big pockets, longer trigger is true revolver like DAO, safe to carry.
Everyone has preferences. Some folks can't handle revolver DA and want a single action without safeties. Glocks are great for them. Kahrs approximate Glocks without the trigger safety. I shoot DA just fine, better than a lot of shooters I've seen handle a 1911's single action and I like a safe gun in my pocket. ADs are not an acceptable risk, to me anyway, and I think the trend in lighter and lighter triggers on "da" guns is getting a little ridiculous. If you want an easy trigger, buy a gun with a safety on it and carry it condition one, cocked and locked. The 1911 is safe to carry, redundant safeties, and has about the best SA trigger an automatic can have. If I couldn't shoot DA, I'd be totin' a lightweight officers ACP, personally, ore maybe a lightweight commander. It's handy, lightish, and there is no better trigger on the planet. If you can't shoot a 1911, you need to give up pistols.:banghead:
I shot my P239 for the first time yesterday, and it really suprised me with how smooth it was. Sure, it's only a 9mm, and the gun is a little large/heavy for the 9+1 capacity, but at the range, it's a great shooter.
You should be able to find nice used copies right around the $500 mark as I did. It's a little more than your budget, but I think the extra $50 is well worth it.
You should be able to find nice used copies right around the $500 mark as I did. It's a little more than your budget, but I think the extra $50 is well worth it.
Texfire
Member
Just goes to show, I had a totally different experience with mine. It's shorter than the Hi Power, but otherwise identical in the other dimensions. This isn't a problem for me, as the Hi Power is pretty thin for a double-stack. Since I carry both the Detective and the K9 I can tell you that for IWB, there is no real difference in comfort. I find the recoil very managable, identical to my FN Hi Power for all measurable purposes, and just a reliable. It worked just fine for me right out of the box.
I did have a problem with Hi Power bite, but installing a Cylinder and Slide no-bite hammer solved that problem. The smith that did it also suggested that I replace the sear with a C&S set to match the hammer, and removed the disconnect at the same time. It now has one of the nicest triggers I've ever had with very little stacking and a suprise break. Almost too light for a carry gun to be honest, I've actually considered getting the disconnect put back in, but hate the thought of messing with a trigger that nice.
But even with all that work I ended up with a very nice gun for around $600. It was a nice gun at $400.
Tex
Texfire
Member
I agree with you whole-heartedly, each person will have different set of criteria when it comes to carry guns, each equally right.
I carry a Hi Power Detective, a Kahr K9, and a S&W 642. One single action pistol, one striker fired DAO pistol, and a DA revolver. They all have their places. I'm most accurate with the Hi Power, but feel comfortable with my accuracy with the K9 at common defensive distances. I have the 642 for pocket carry, as the Hi Power and K9 are both too bulky and heavy for pocket carry. I'm least accurate with it, I suspect that the short sight radius and trigger control are the causes of that, but have ordered a pair of CT Lasergrips to eliminate the sight radius as an issue.
I do however, disagree with the idea that the Kahr is more prone to ADs than the other two. It has several safety features that keep it from firing until the trigger is pulled. As far as NDs go, as long as you carry it in a good holster that protects the trigger and keep your finger off the trigger then you won't have to worry about either an AD or a ND. The K9, the 642 and the P11 all share that aspect. If you pull the trigger they will go off.
If you don't like that then carry a single action cocked and locked. But the safety on it is no substitute for safe gun handling and keeping your finger off the trigger until you're ready to destroy something.
Tex
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Greeting's All-
My personal favorites are, in NO particular order: the aforementioned
SIG P225 and the Smith & Wesson model 39-2. Both, can be very
difficult too find LNIB. I saw a S&W 39-2 this week that belonged
to a police officer, and when I questioned him as to where he came
across one in pristine condition (like that one) he replied; "at the
Collinsville, AL flea market". He said an old gentleman that had
gotten on up in age was at the flea market selling off a few of his
weapons; and he got lucky, and stumbled across the S&W 39-2.
My personal favorites are, in NO particular order: the aforementioned
SIG P225 and the Smith & Wesson model 39-2. Both, can be very
difficult too find LNIB. I saw a S&W 39-2 this week that belonged
to a police officer, and when I questioned him as to where he came
across one in pristine condition (like that one) he replied; "at the
Collinsville, AL flea market". He said an old gentleman that had
gotten on up in age was at the flea market selling off a few of his
weapons; and he got lucky, and stumbled across the S&W 39-2.
MCgunner
Member
I just prefer a much longer DA trigger for safety's sake than the Kahr (first one that came out, all steel) had I tried. The P11 is perfect for me concealed and I do have a Taurus M85UL I like, too.
No, I know the safety rules. I was certified as a NRA pistol and rifle instructor and have lived with firearms all my life. I still believe that having safety built into the gun is not a deterent to proper gun handling. It's not an either or situation. I can handle my guns safely and have safety built into the guns at the same time, not mutually exclusive, and I feel safer if the gun is a safe design to carry. I don't want the gun going off because I bumped into something and a twig got in the trigger. Good leather is great, but good leather and a safe DA action gun is greater. I really don't know if you can be "too safe". Sure, if it deterred the funtion of the gun, it'd be one thing. But, I know how to shoot DA well enough to defend myself successfully. I have confidence in the gun.
I would like a small DA decocker for IWB if I could get one small enough. This is what I love about the 3913 beyond it being and accurate, reliable, and danged sexy firearm. It's light and compact enough for carry and is a DA. I'd prefer a decocker rather than the decock/safety, but not a biggy I guess. I have a P85 and have never had the safety slick on accidently, though I suppose it COULD happen. I do prefer a decocker only. The Sigs have that decocker really handy, right under the thumb 1911 style. I like the Taurus system, too.
One of these days I may yet wind up with a 3913. It was a little expensive when I was subcompact shopping and the Kahr and P11 had just come out and I was pretty infatuated with the idea of a tiny, concealable, even pocketable 9mm. So I passed on the 3913, but not because it isn't a desireable gun to me, far from it!!!!
Anyway, to the original poster, because of the above personal reasons, if it were between the Sig and the Kahr in MY belt, the Sig would get the nod I believe. I like true DAs. They give an SA action at the cock of the hammer if you're shooting, for any reason, at extended ranges. That really doesn't matter in a self defense scenario to most folks. The DA trigger is the most important. But, it's kinda cool to have, eh? That said, I have no idea how good the Sig trigger is, but it's a high end gun.
JLaw
Member
I hear good things of Sigs, but can't comment since I don't own one. I'll place my suggestion for a third-gen Smith. My carry piece is a 908, which is basically a third-gen single stack that wishes it was a 3913...little less 'smithing (no checkered front strap, etc.).
JLaw
JLaw
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