I carry 115 gn gold dot's in my SR9c, but I've shot pretty much everything under the sun out of it. Most of what I've shot has been either cast lead RN and Remington CTF bullets I had a bunch of. Any factory ammo should work fine. The only failures I've had were from bad factory ammo or experimental reloading.
Weigh in on these CCW options
- Thread starter hcker2000
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hardluk1
member
I tend to look at a defence handgun as just a tool so how it looks or if it shows wear or scratchs as time goes by is fine with me. Stainless steel a bit is easy to keep nice do to sweat or mosture and wear but would not be a deal breaker for me. For the last few years my carry pistols have been kahrs. A cw9 for iwb and a cm9 for pocket when at work. Mine have been completely reliable from round one and serve well and just added one more larger models. Mine run fine with hp ammo and carry a 124gr+P ammo. I fired 400 rounds of fmj and 100 hp ammo before carry'n any pistol. So todate rounds fired are around 2250 rounds between the kahr 9mm.s. My new one is a larger tp40 and still shooting it , 400 so far 100 % reliable too.
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Kal-Tec - PF9 - $280 Horrible trigger, snappy recoil, poor build quality, relative short service life (but does have lifetime warranty). It is not a gun that people seem to like to put a lot of training rounds through. Any gun I'm going to stake my life on I want to be able to shoot a lot.
Diamondback - DB9 - $360 No experience
Beretta - BU9 - $450 No experience with this gun
Taurus - PT-111 - $340 No experience with this gun
Bersa - BP9 - $350 No experience with this gun
Sig Sauer - P250 - $390 No experience with this gun
Ruger SR9C - $450 Not a bad gun, for roughly the same money their are other similar guns I personally would rather have. Namely offerings from glock, M&P, Steyr, and Walther. Many owners really seem to like them. It is a serviceable gun
Sig's P290 - $500 I don't love the trigger. I'm also not a fan of how high the bore axis is. I don't enough experience to really fully evaluate it though
Kahr CW9 - $400 Overall I like Kahrs. I find them to really fall into the sweet spot size wise for carry guns. They are big enough to be able to shoot and run them well and small enough that they carry and conceal very well also. I personally like other triggers more than Kahrs long, but smooth trigger and its rather long reset. It is a trigger that is very workable and one can shoot it well, its just not my preference, particularly the long reset.
Other guns worth checking out:
Definately give the walther PPS a look.
The S&W shield is getting rave reviews and is similar in size to the PPS and the Kahr CW9
I'd also happily carry any number of the sub compact 9mms . To wit, the S&W M&PC, Glock 26, Steyr SA1, etc.
Diamondback - DB9 - $360 No experience
Beretta - BU9 - $450 No experience with this gun
Taurus - PT-111 - $340 No experience with this gun
Bersa - BP9 - $350 No experience with this gun
Sig Sauer - P250 - $390 No experience with this gun
Ruger SR9C - $450 Not a bad gun, for roughly the same money their are other similar guns I personally would rather have. Namely offerings from glock, M&P, Steyr, and Walther. Many owners really seem to like them. It is a serviceable gun
Sig's P290 - $500 I don't love the trigger. I'm also not a fan of how high the bore axis is. I don't enough experience to really fully evaluate it though
Kahr CW9 - $400 Overall I like Kahrs. I find them to really fall into the sweet spot size wise for carry guns. They are big enough to be able to shoot and run them well and small enough that they carry and conceal very well also. I personally like other triggers more than Kahrs long, but smooth trigger and its rather long reset. It is a trigger that is very workable and one can shoot it well, its just not my preference, particularly the long reset.
Other guns worth checking out:
Definately give the walther PPS a look.
The S&W shield is getting rave reviews and is similar in size to the PPS and the Kahr CW9
I'd also happily carry any number of the sub compact 9mms . To wit, the S&W M&PC, Glock 26, Steyr SA1, etc.
My experience is that it depends on the gun and the finish. My ruger has a lot of slide wear. Older XD guns I've seen do too. My glocks and my Steyr have thousands and thousands of draws and lot of daily carry (years worth for each) and their slides show no wear.
I had a KelTec P11. It was a decent gun but the trigger was VERY HEAVY. No matter how hard I tried I could never get decent groups with it. I currently carry the Kahr CW9. I shoot it MUCH better. Slim, very easy to conceal, far superior trigger to the P11, and very well made. No problems with any ammo (fmj or jhp) so far. I paid $400ish for mine new a few months ago.
I have shot the older S&W M&P compact in 9mm as my friend has one and it is a very well made gun.
For me it is very important that I be able to run rounds threw the gun as I want to take it to the range with me when I'm shooting.
I have shot a glock 26 (i think, it was S&W .40) and there very nice but harder to come by at this point. I'm going to be shopping around this weekend in the area to see what is available locally.
I stopped last night and the local gun store had hand guns. Tons of 1911's and 22's. I didn't try any thing for a fit then as there were probably 25 people inline.
For me it is very important that I be able to run rounds threw the gun as I want to take it to the range with me when I'm shooting.
I have shot a glock 26 (i think, it was S&W .40) and there very nice but harder to come by at this point. I'm going to be shopping around this weekend in the area to see what is available locally.
I stopped last night and the local gun store had hand guns. Tons of 1911's and 22's. I didn't try any thing for a fit then as there were probably 25 people inline.
The smiling swordsman
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Kahr CW9 or the Beretta Nano are the two that stick out to me as the best options for a CCW in this list.
almherdfan
Member
I am very happy with the M&P Shield 9mm I brought home a few weeks ago. It's very comfortable to shoot, nice trigger (for DAO) easy to carry, accurate and simple to clean. I've owned the Kel Tec PF-9, Ruger SR9c. I shot or handled most of the others.
mdauben
Member
I would be happy with any of these for CCW. I would go to your FLGS and handle each to see if one fits your hand better than the others. If you could test shoot any of them that would also be a plus. Then just make your own decision.
The Taurus PT111 is not a DAO unless you find a gen 2. The Gen 3 are SA/DA
The Gen 3 PT111 I carry has been flawless for at least 4k rounds.
It may be a bit bigger than you are looking for judging from the size of the guns listed but you should look at the SD9 from Smith and Wesson. It is DAO with a long pull
I have the SD40 with Apex Tactical Carry/Duty spring kit And I am very happy with it. MSRP is 379$
The Gen 3 PT111 I carry has been flawless for at least 4k rounds.
It may be a bit bigger than you are looking for judging from the size of the guns listed but you should look at the SD9 from Smith and Wesson. It is DAO with a long pull
I have the SD40 with Apex Tactical Carry/Duty spring kit And I am very happy with it. MSRP is 379$
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I have a SR9c with thousands or trouble free rounds through it and I love it. I like the looks of the black slide but opted for the stainless and it looks like it did the day I took it home. Who knows maybe the black would have worn as well.
needmorecowbell
Member
If this will be your only ccw, then I suggest you make sure it's small enough that you can always carry it no matter what you are wearing. For that I'd go with a kahr cm9. If you already have a small enough ccw then I'd pick the SR9c from your list.
Of the pistols listed I would go for the SR9C. It has a great trigger, reliability, and the size is right for concealability but still be being large enough to be a really good defensive weapon. The compact pistols like the SR, Glock compacts, and my M&P 9C are really good shooters for their size. Smaller weapons take a little more effort, generally, to shoot well.
hariph creek
Member
I've got a two tone Sig P290RS. I love it! It's the first semi to usurp a snubbie, as my always gun.
I think the "RS" (ReStrike) variant has a better trigger, compared to the first version. After some dry fire practice it gets even better.
If you want a true DAO, not striker fired? I have a slight preference for a hammer fired gun, for this application. Given some of the "intimate" locations a gun this size can be carried. I like to be able to cover the hammer with my thumb while holstering.
It seems like allot, at $500 but, that includes night sights and often a laser. It's also a well made STURDY little gun.
I find recoil to be no problem, despite the "high bore axis" (still lower than a revolver). Due to a couple ounces extra weight, compared to competing sub-compacts. Not so heavy to be a burden to carry.
It looks bigger than it is, it shoots bigger than it is, it carries small. It's actually nearly the same dimensions as the Kahr PM/CM series (I think the little Kahr is the "yardstick" for this class of gun.) but, the P290RS is allot sturdier (and it's mag won't puke bullets in your pocket).
If you include striker fired guns, as DAO?
I'd give consideration to the S&W M&P Shield.
Also the Kahr PM9 or CM9.
The Nano could be pretty slick? Had some "teething pains" hopefully fixed now?
I don't like the base plate on the mag. EMERGENCY reload! Rely on muscle memory! Which way is the front?
Bersa? Where's that made? Guess I'm just a snob? I prefer American.
As far as LC9/Taurus/KelTec/DB9? They're just not in the same league as your other options. They have there fans, though?
I think the "RS" (ReStrike) variant has a better trigger, compared to the first version. After some dry fire practice it gets even better.
If you want a true DAO, not striker fired? I have a slight preference for a hammer fired gun, for this application. Given some of the "intimate" locations a gun this size can be carried. I like to be able to cover the hammer with my thumb while holstering.
It seems like allot, at $500 but, that includes night sights and often a laser. It's also a well made STURDY little gun.
I find recoil to be no problem, despite the "high bore axis" (still lower than a revolver). Due to a couple ounces extra weight, compared to competing sub-compacts. Not so heavy to be a burden to carry.
It looks bigger than it is, it shoots bigger than it is, it carries small. It's actually nearly the same dimensions as the Kahr PM/CM series (I think the little Kahr is the "yardstick" for this class of gun.) but, the P290RS is allot sturdier (and it's mag won't puke bullets in your pocket).
If you include striker fired guns, as DAO?
I'd give consideration to the S&W M&P Shield.
Also the Kahr PM9 or CM9.
The Nano could be pretty slick? Had some "teething pains" hopefully fixed now?
I don't like the base plate on the mag. EMERGENCY reload! Rely on muscle memory! Which way is the front?
Bersa? Where's that made? Guess I'm just a snob? I prefer American.
As far as LC9/Taurus/KelTec/DB9? They're just not in the same league as your other options. They have there fans, though?
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I own and carry a SR9C. It has not once failed to shoot any and all ammo that I have loaded it with.
EXCELLENT trigger- can't say enough about how great this pistol is.
Having said all that, my SO picked out a laser equipped LC9 for her carry weapon about 6 months ago-and she really likes it. BUT...the first time she shot my SR9c, she admitted she liked it better!
. She likes how her LC9 is easy for her to hide in her purse though.
My opinion for a " male" EDC that is almost the perfect 9MM...the SR9c.
Pud
EXCELLENT trigger- can't say enough about how great this pistol is.
Having said all that, my SO picked out a laser equipped LC9 for her carry weapon about 6 months ago-and she really likes it. BUT...the first time she shot my SR9c, she admitted she liked it better!
. She likes how her LC9 is easy for her to hide in her purse though.My opinion for a " male" EDC that is almost the perfect 9MM...the SR9c.
Pud
dastardly-D
Member
hcker2000
To hear some of these replies to your thread,I wonder why they don't read and stick to the selections you made ? I find this problem on all different forums though.....I'm also wondering if some of these people know that Kel-tec makes two different 9's,the P11 and the PF9,which are two very different pistols ? Lot's of people also have a different opinion of the same pistol,I hope you are able to handle all of the pistols in your selection ? Good luck...
To hear some of these replies to your thread,I wonder why they don't read and stick to the selections you made ? I find this problem on all different forums though.....I'm also wondering if some of these people know that Kel-tec makes two different 9's,the P11 and the PF9,which are two very different pistols ? Lot's of people also have a different opinion of the same pistol,I hope you are able to handle all of the pistols in your selection ? Good luck...
I was able to handle the M&P 9mm shield, Kal-tec pf9, Ruger SR9, Bereta BU9.
My findings were as follows:
The PF9 and the BU9 were to small for my liking.
The M&P 9mm shield grip fit my hand better than the PF9 and BU9
The Ruger SR9 was a dream to hold but they didnt have the SR9C
In the end they had the XD sub compact on sale. It fit my hand very well. Came with a small mag and a large mag, holster, magazine belt holster and speed loader.
Took me almost two hours to get get in an out. No one seems to have any ammo aside from self defense ammo (picked up a box).
Cabelas just opened here in town and I guess people are lined up onto the freeway trying to get in there. Glad I didn't go there.
My findings were as follows:
The PF9 and the BU9 were to small for my liking.
The M&P 9mm shield grip fit my hand better than the PF9 and BU9
The Ruger SR9 was a dream to hold but they didnt have the SR9C
In the end they had the XD sub compact on sale. It fit my hand very well. Came with a small mag and a large mag, holster, magazine belt holster and speed loader.
Took me almost two hours to get get in an out. No one seems to have any ammo aside from self defense ammo (picked up a box).
Cabelas just opened here in town and I guess people are lined up onto the freeway trying to get in there. Glad I didn't go there.
CommanderCrusty
Member
I love my Sig P250 Compact. 500 rounds. No jams. Great trigger like a custom revolver. Excellent sights. Easy to carry in a Mitch Rosen Express Line holster.
I also like the Ruger SR9C, but that's a striker fired "safe action" type pistol. Not the same feeling as the Sig at all.
I also like the Ruger SR9C, but that's a striker fired "safe action" type pistol. Not the same feeling as the Sig at all.
leadcounsel
member
Those prices are 2010 prices! Wowsa.
9x19 with quality ammo will do the job.
Of the choices, I'd say the Kahr...
Have you looked at a CZ compact, 75 or Rami?
If you can afford a Kahr, why not a small Glock? Or XD?
Edit: Appears the OP already picked the XD. Good choice.
9x19 with quality ammo will do the job.
Of the choices, I'd say the Kahr...
Have you looked at a CZ compact, 75 or Rami?
If you can afford a Kahr, why not a small Glock? Or XD?
Edit: Appears the OP already picked the XD. Good choice.
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