Single stack carry piece

[Malice]

I finally have the cash to get my 2nd handgun. My first was a CZ-75b which I love, but I find myself pretty much unable to carry it. A friend of mine has helped me out with carry methods, and I am pretty much sold on the SmartCarry type of deal.

So, I am looking for a small, thin 9mm.

I see I can get the Kahr CW9 poly frame,
The S&W 3913, used,
The SIG p225, used,
and stay within my budget more or less.

I have heard some bad things about the Kahr poly frames. Elaboration?

I cannot go around buying lots of guns all the time, so I NEED this next gun I buy to be suitable for carry. I THINK that all of these choices should be small enough to suit my needs.

However, can anyone who owns 2 or more of these chime in with some details on why one is more concealable than the other?

I am afraid I should just go the mouse gun route to make sure I get somthing I can carry all the time. The problem is, the little Kel-Tec guns dont shoot very well for me.

 

[outofbattery]

Consider a P239? It's hard to tell you what will work best for you and even though it's among the most commonly asked of questions,it's hard to get a right answer.It really depends most upon what you personally find to shoot and carry the best.My brother can carry a full sized 1911 comfortably and concealed perfectly.I find it to be impossible.

As far as a pocket auto goes,I too find I don't shoot them very well compared to well,just about anything,but it's not really their design or function.It's impossible to ask that my Seecamp handle or shoot as well as say the 239,G19, J-frame etc but it makes sure that I'm at least obeying rule number one.With practice,one can become surprisingly proficient with one but it's never going to be something to shoot bullseyes with at 50' unless you're un-naturally talented or are shooting on the internet.

 

[Srigs]

Smith 39xx series guns are fantastic thin single stacks. I have not read any problems with them at all. I have and carry its fatter brother the 6946 and it has never failed to fire any ammo put in it.

 

[kirkcdl]

Sig P239 or a steel framed Kahr K9...

 

[ccmdfd]

HK P7 M8 or PSP are nice single stack guns.

 

[Litlman]

A S&W 3913 runs around $400 to $450 around here , if you could find one.

 

[shotgunkevin]

I have an older Kahr K9 in all stainless. I used to also have a P9, with the poly frame. Both pistols have had small parts breakage, though I do shoot quite a bit.
Without starting a whole debate, I believe it boils down to metal injection molding parts. Between both pistols, I've had 3 broken strikers, a broken ejector, two broken trigger springs, and one or two broken cocking cam return springs. Mind you, both of these pistols were from fairly early production runs.

I sold the P9 and bought an XD .40 Service model. The K9 I still have, and it's my carry weapon 95% of the time. (But I'm in the market for a Sig 239!)

 

[HOLYROLLER]

Just picked up a Bersa today, just as slim as the CW9 if you could deal with the .380 Cal. $250-$300, great gun for the money.

 

[pogo2]

Kahr CW9

Of the guns you mentioned, I would get the Kahr CW9, which weighs 18 ounces empty, holds 7+1 rounds, and is about 0.90 inches thick. It sells for about $400 new. This gun is more concealable than the others you mentioned, and the CW9 has a good reputation for reliability, assuming that you are not using it as a range gun with high round count.

 

[gbelleh]

The Kel-Tec PF-9 is the slimmest 9mm available, but recoil is harsh. If you don't like Kel-Tecs, the Kahr is the next slimmest in your price range, carries very easily and is easier to shoot well. I've never had any problems with my polymer Kahrs, but there is always a chance of getting a lemon from any manufacturer.

 

[tension]

Sig 239

For as good of a gun as I think the P239 is, it carries like a brick.
Very accurate and reliable but I don't carry it anymore.
J-frames are best for carry.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I have a S&W 3913 LadySmith (used) that is a delight - perfect functioning, good accuracy and very light, slender and flat.

http://www.gunshopfinder.com/smithandwesson/model3913ls.jpg

 

[JJ Hiryuu]

I love my SIG P225. It is rather largish for holding 8+1 of 9mm, but it handles very very well because of it. Mine has a fantastic trigger, both DA and SA, and points quite naturally.

 

[Pilot]

The deals on the police trade in P7 PSP's are hard to beat right now. The Sig P6 (P225) trade ins are also a great option. Snap them up now while you are able.

 

[Zundfolge]

A steel Kahr, an HK P7 (or PSP) or some kind of 1911 are your best choices.

I've got a Kahr MK9 Elite 98 that is my "Church Gun" and it carries real darn nice ... although a full size K9 would probably be a better shooter.

What exactly is your budget?

 

[MarshallDodge]

All of your choices are good but out of all of them I would go with the Kahr. I have an old Kahr E9 and love the way it carries. It has been very reliable. The only time I can recall an issue is when I loaded it with some really light 9mm reloads and had a couple failures to eject.

 

[Bill B.]

I just got a chance to handle a Para Carry 9 with the LD trigger. I haven't shot one but if you like 1911 style and can afford it it appears to be a very nice single stack auto.

 

[takhtakaal]

SIG P225 and the S&W 39XX series are both fine options. It sounds like the OP doesn't want to go northwards of low $400s, so some of the other suggested pistols, while fine, wouldn't be options.

I've had a 3953, an awesome shooter, now have a 39-2, even better, and a P225, as well. The 39-2 seems to go a bit flatter, but is without the greater holster options that the P225 affords. Also, consider trying to find Pachmayer Signature grips -- they turn, at least for me, the P225 from good to great.