Was thinking of a compact 9mm

Status
Not open for further replies.
B

bobbo

Member.
Joined
Apr 11, 2010
Messages
172
Location
Upstate NY
Hi, all. I was looking around at 9mm pistols, and I don't know what to get. This will be for CCW and fun at the range.

Here's what I'm looking for in a pistol:
- Small frame (Compact, sub-compact, whatever).
- A maximum of 10+1 magazine capacity (I'm in NY, so I can't have anymore). I don't need something that is normally 15+1 or 17+1, as that's just a bigger gun for no real need where I am.
- 9x19mm.
- Metal frame (Alloy or steel...I just don't like the look or feel of polymer).
- Blued or black finish (I don't want a stainless gun, or some camo-colored monstrosity).
- No preference as to DAO or SA/DA.
- Under $500 is required. Under $400 is preferred.
- Used is OK.

What are some guns that might fit my requirements? I've seen some CZ pistols, as well as the S&W 3913 as options. What others could I look at?
 
S&W 3914 or 3954. (The former is a DA/SA, called TDA by S&W, the latter a DAO.) The 3913 is stainless which you said you don't like. There is also the 6904, but you will have to use 10-round mags (normal capacity is 12). I loved my 3913 LadySmith, but had to let it go. :banghead:

Used Kahr K9. This is a sweet gun, very compact and ergonomic, with a light and smooth DAO trigger. The CW9 is more within your price range, but ... it is polymer.

You can probably get a new CZ75 Compact, P-01, PCR Compact or RAMI for around half a grand if you shop around. I got my PCR for $469 plus tax, but that was in 2007. Again, you will have to use 10-round mags; the normal capacity of all but the RAMI (which, conveniently, is right at 10) is 14 rounds.

Unfortunately, your price limit is going to exclude a number of metal-frame guns, notably SIGs. :(
 
If you're planning to shoot recreationally you might not want to go with a micro-compact gun. They have more recoil and so most people don't enjoy shooting them.

A regular "compact" model (which is really a medium-sized pistol) with a single-stack magazine is probably your best bet. My choice would be the SIG Sauer P239, but it would be above your listed price range unless you can find a used one for sale.
 
In addition to the S&W 3914, there is also the 908 and the CS 9. I am a big fan of the 3rd generation S&W's.

I also love the Kahr K9's, but you have going to have a good chore to find a good used one for under $500.

Rock Island Armory makes a 9mm 1911, but it has a five inch barrel.

The CZ Rami does have ten round mags as an option. My CZ SP01 is my favorite gun, but I have never shot the Rami.

All steel, compact, and limited mags for under $500 is really going to limit your options. I am not a big fan of polymer guns either, but they do have their place. A good quality polymer compact gun makes a fine concealed weapon. I'm not trying to tell you that you should get one, but with your criteria you are not going to have a lot of options.

Shawn

Oops, I forgot about Bersa. They have a Thunder 9mm UC that I believe is all metal. I have never shot one, but have heard really good things.
 
Glock 26, SR9c, M&P compact. Those are all small, good reliable pistols that shoot well and if you have to fight them you probably will not be wishing for a bigger pistol. They all have 10-12 round capacities but I'm sure there are 10 round magazines available. You are going to get a bunch of suggestions for single stack pistols but they will not have ten round capacities.
 
For CCW I'd say flat profile is more important than carrying a couple extra rounds. A single stack 9mm is typically going to be 7+1 or 8+1 unless you go with a tiny one.
 
Gents he said a MAX of 10 round mags and wanted all metal.

After looking a little more, Taurus has a couple of models that come with ten round mags.

Taurus PT 909

Taurus PT 911

These plus the other are all that I can come up with that meet all of your criteria.

If you are willing to go 9mm Mak, then you can get a Makarov, FEG PA 63, or a Polish P 64 are a few good old guns. I really like my PA 63.

Shawn
 
Another vote for the K-9

IMHO its the best if you want an all metal THIN gun for IWB CCW

.9 inch thick

good range gun as well as CCW


I got a deal on Gunbroker for $450 shipped a month ago


Most used are $500 to $600
 
Kahr K9
Dan Wesson Guardian
Hekler & Koch PSP, P7

$400 is an ammo budget. Can't be too picky down there. Maybe a used PD trade in Glock 19 or 26 is available in that range.
 
Dont think you will be able to get a CCW permit in NY unless you are approved to "need" it.

Is your life in immediate danger? If not they probably wont give you a CCW.:cuss:
 
yOU MIGHT TRY A STOEGER COUGAR--IT IS ALL METAL -MADE IN TURKEY BY STOEGAR FOR BARETTA.-JUST UNDER 400


Jim157
 
Biggest issue is the budget and metal frame requirements. Some of the guns being listed are over $500 used unless you catch a deal.

Going polymer would really open up the options.

If you would accept a polymer the following are all in play NIB:

Glock 19
Glock 26
M&P 9 in almost all configs.
FNP 9 or FNX 9
Sig SP2022
Kahr CW9
Kahr CM9


If you have to have a metal frame look at these:

CZ P01 Used
CZ Compact
CZ PCR
Sig P6/P225 Used with the proper feed ramp.
Sig P229 Used
Sig P228 Used
Surplus Isreali Hi Power Used.
Used Kahr K9
Stoeger Cougar 9mm

If it were me I would look at a Izzy Hi power or a Used CZ P01. If you find a P228 for under $500 get it even with some wear.
 
Last edited:
Here's what I'm looking for in a pistol:
- Small frame (Compact, sub-compact, whatever).
- A maximum of 10+1 magazine capacity (I'm in NY, so I can't have anymore). I don't need something that is normally 15+1 or 17+1, as that's just a bigger gun for no real need where I am.
- 9x19mm.
- Metal frame (Alloy or steel...I just don't like the look or feel of polymer).
- Blued or black finish (I don't want a stainless gun, or some camo-colored monstrosity).
- No preference as to DAO or SA/DA.
- Under $500 is required. Under $400 is preferred.
Click to expand...

There is no such animal, at least that I'm aware of. If you're willing to give up the metal frame requirement, then IMO you could do a whole lot worse than the LC9.
 
hp-izzii-2.gif

Or this

stoeger1(1).jpg
 
Last edited:
my preference in semi auto handguns has always been the w german Sig.

for the subcompact semi auto i am a fan of the G26.
 
Thank you all for your responses. I do appreciate it.

A couple of things:
1) I don't mind used guns. Used guns are OK, and in fact, I don't own a gun made prior to 1960 (since I'm only 25, that shows I like used guns). I figure if I can't find a gun for $500, I'm not looking in the right place.

2) I'm not running out to the store to buy a gun today. I'm going to save my pennies and get something nicer than a Hi-Point. Hence more time to digest you guys' responses.

3) I already have a CCW in NY. I'm in upstate NY, in a very gun-friendly county. You pretty much need to be a personal enemy of the judge here to not get a CCW. And again, once more for the cheap seats (I seem to post this quite frequently), Upstate NY is NOT NYC. :) You couldn't pay me to live in the city. The biggest town I'd consider is Ithaca or possibly Utica.

4) You guys have given me 13 good choices for metal-framed, small 9mm. Now, to do some more reading.
Here's a quick compilation of the suggestions I've gotten:
S&W 908, 3914 or 3954; Kahr K9; CZ 75 Compact, P-01, PCR Compact and RAMI; Sig P228, P229 or P239 (used); EAA Whitness Compact; Bersa Thunder; Stoeger Cougar

There's always room for more suggestions.

I have looked at High Powers. While a little big, I've found lots of pre-ban mags in NY for sale. They also fit my hand better than a 1911, and have history with them. Hmm...
 
imo the Sig P228 is an owner's delight. without flinching... i don't think i've ever heard a negative comment about one.

i've owned a few early examples; great handgun that has earned it's cult status.
 
Here's a quick compilation of the suggestions I've gotten:
S&W 908, 3914 or 3954; Kahr K9; CZ 75 Compact, P-01, PCR Compact and RAMI; Sig P228, P229 or P239 (used); EAA Whitness Compact; Bersa Thunder; Stoeger Cougar
Click to expand...

The CZs (and clone) carry extra rounds (and are thicker) This really is a job for a used 3rd-gen S&W, unless a screaming Sig deal presents itself. Not being adverse to stainless finishes myself, I've got a Smith 3953 within reach as I type, so that's my take on the carry 9mm problem.

Just one more opinion.
 
It's not 9x19 but I'd take a look at a Bulgarian Makarov. I just picked one up. It is, for me the sweetest shooting gun I own! Also, using something Hornady HP's it is adequate for defense. A CZ p-01 is also a great choice. (9x19)

Armedleprechaun
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

6
  • Locked
Another "help me decide" thread - which polymer gun?
2
Replies
30
Views
1K
LegalRaptor
L
P
  • Locked
Recommendations: da/sa 9mm?
2
Replies
45
Views
3K
ny32182
N
R
  • Locked
  • Poll
compact 9mm
2 3
Replies
52
Views
3K
Nushif
N
S
  • Locked
Help me identify Glock-similar cub-compact
Replies
9
Views
523
Putt380
P
S
  • Locked
you favorite COMPACT all metal 9mm?
2 3 4
Replies
78
Views
6K
sideways
S
Back
Top