What is the best compact single stack 9mm for CCW?

[albanian]

Kahr K-series and P-series
SIG 239
Beretta M
S&W 3913 (CS-9 and others)
H&K P-7
Other

What do you consider the best CCW small single stack 9mm? Why is one better than the others?

 

[Alan Fud]

First place has to go to the 3913TSW (the CS9 isn't really in the same class) followed closely by the 239 then the Kahrs. The reason why I kept the Beretta off the list is because of it's size. Even though they called it a "compact", it's still a bit on the large size. Here it is next to my 3913 ...

 

[Marshall]

Interesting question. Seeing as how I am carrying nothing smaller in a semi auto than a 4" XD or one of my HI-Powers, I am interested in this one as well. The only problem is, I won't buy a Kahr, I won't spend the $ on an HK P-7 and I am not fond of that Beretta. That leads me back to my P239 vs 3913/CS9 thread.

 

[Gunsnrovers]

I really like the S&W M39 and Sig 225.

 

[12 Volt Man]

Single stack makes me think Kahr. I had a K9 and it is one that I wish I did not sell.

 

[Serpico]

If I didn't carry a P7M8 it would be a 3913.....great gun....very underrated.... I went with the P7 a the time because my eyes were turniing 40 and I liked the sight picture better on the P7.

 

[Zak Smith]

I think a 1911 Commander in one of the longer 9mm calibers (38Super, 9x23, etc) would be a great carry gun. But the P7 is smaller. I carry it all the time in the summer.

 

[Ala Dan]

Another vote for the old S&W 39, 39-2, or variants; along with the
SIG P225.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Justin]

I'd have to vote for the P7 first with Kahr second. I've handled but never shot a couple of Smith single stacks, and none of them really seemed all that great.

For a functional work of minimalist design, the P7 is really quite astounding.

 

[9mmepiphany]

the p7 has to be my first choice because it has been a companion for over 20 years. while small in size it has a full 4" barrel. it has a fixed barrel for accuracy and a "straight" feed angle for reliability. it is also the "safest" gun on the list, with the ability to go from uncocked to SA with a tightening of your grip.

if i were just starting my collection, i might very well go with the kahr. i see the kahr as the spiritial decendant of the ASP...the 3913 was a good interim solution, but it has been superceeded by the kahr

 

[stv]

P225 again.

 

[Black Majik]

im gonna agree with the Sig P225

 

[lindermant]

Sig P225

 

[albanian]

I have always considered the 225 as more of a full sized gun. I have never seen one in person so I really don't know. How does it compare in size and weight to a Kahr K-9 or S&W 3913?

 

[lindermant]

Kahr K-9 specs:
Overall Length 6.0"
Height 4.5"
Width 0.9"

Sig P239 specs:
Overall Length 6.6"
Height 5.1"
Width 1.2"

Sig P225 specs:
Overall Length 7.08"
Height 5.4"
Width 1.4"

S&W 3913 specs:
Overall Length 6.75"
Height (not listed on website)
Width (not listed on website)

Beretta 92 Type M
Overall Length 7.8"
Height 5.3"
Width 1.5"

here's a great weblink with comparison shots

http://oleson-info.com/ipw-web/gallery/kahr MK9 shown against other pistols

http://oleson-info.com/ipw-web/gallery/sig assorted Sigs compared against each other

Hope this helps!

 

[Ranger61]

If price is no object then a P7 is an excellent CCw piece, small but a little heavy. Course in all the gun shops around here your looking a $1500 bucks But I think you should look at the S&W 3913 or one of the other of that series. They arent too expensive even new I can find them for $430 and used sometimes under $300. I got a 3943 DAO for $279 with night sights formerly a backup from a LEO and its a great shooter with light weight.

 

[Tamara]

The P7 is the bee's knees of 9mm single-stacks, but I'd be perfectly happy with a P-225/239 or a 3913, as well.

 

[Mastrogiacomo]

The type M -- I have three...

 

[pchicone]

Colt Defender!

 

[deputy tom]

Another vote for the S&W 3913.I used to own one and will get another one as soon as a good deal shows up.tom.

 

[albanian]

lindermant,
I just measured my 3913. The height is 5" and the width at the widest point (the ambi safety) is 1 3/8". The slide is the same thickness as the Kahr and the weight is about the same.

Because of the alloy frame, the 3913 feels top heavy while the Kahr feels much better balanced. The Kahr also sits much lower in my hand. There is about 1 1/8" between the top of the slide and the web of my hand. In the 3913, there is about 1 1/5". That may not sound like a lot but you can really tell when you hold them side by side.

A couple of things that the S&W has going for for a CCW is that it holds one more round than the Kahr and it is a true DA/SA pistol. That means that if you get a dud, all you have to do is pull the trigger and the hammer will have a second strike. On the Kahr, if you pull the trigger and nothing happens, you will have to either fully rack the slide or at least move it back about an inch to reset the striker. In a gunfight situation, I doubt anyone would have the fine motor skills to partially rack the slide without jamming the gun or ejecting the dud. This could be a big deal if you only have one hand free or if split seconds count.

 

[Mac Attack]

I voted for the P7 which is part of my CCW rotation. My second vote would be for a Commander sized 1911. I have just reacquainted myself with my Colt Combat Commander in 9mm and really have enjoyed carrying it as of late.

Mac

 

[TheEgg]

Used to love compact single stack 9's. Went through the 3913 then the Sig 239. Then looked at the numbers.

Glock 19
6.85 in -- length
5.00 in -- height
1.18 in -- width
20.99 oz. -- weight (empty)

Laid a G19 down alongside the 239 and the 3913.

Vanishingly small differences.

Now I carry a G19. Picked up the 15 round capacity, and have not looked back.

 

[socomcen]

There is no 'best'. Every humans hand is different. Use whatever fits your hand the best, you shoot the best and feel comfortable with and is VERY reliable with your carry ammo.

 

[rbernie]

Alloy 1911 Commander-size in 9mm.