Which 9mm CCW/BUG?

[junyo]

Up until now, when I've carried, I've carried my XD9 4". Which is fine except a bit large, heavyish, and not the most easily concealable. Which means i don't carry it. I got rid of my Bersa a while ago (nothing wrong with it, just got a good trade for something else) so at current, I don't own anything smaller. So I'm looking around for a small, lightish, slimish, easily concealable-ish, 9mm. My current list is:

• Star BM
• Kel-Tec PF9
• Para Hawg 9
• Sig P239
• XD9 Compact

The Star is essentially ideal. Cheap, small, light, slim, SA. Unfortunately it's a 30 year old gun, getting harder to find/fix, and I've heard the frames don't take P+ all that well. The Kel-Tec is right there, but I was hoping to get an SA or and SA/DA piece, and nothing against KT, but it's a new design. The Para and the Sig are nice, but a bit dear for what I'd put them through, and in the case of the Para, I have a love/hate relationship with the 1911. The simplest answer would be the XD, because it would best leverage the kit I already own and maintain a single "manual of arms", but having handled it, it doesn't feel that much smaller. FYI, I've never handled the Sig, but all the others I've seen.

The short list varies day to day, but I'm leaning toward the PF-9 or the P239. Are there any others that I should look at, or anything else I should consider? What should the choice be, and why? Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[elric]

How about the CZ RAMI?

 

[strat81]

What about the Glock 26 and Taurus Millenium Pro? Those two, and the XD-Subcompact are what I'm considering.

 

[grimjaw]

The P239 is almost as large as a Glock 19 (I've got both); the width of the slide is virtually the same. Unlike some carry guns, though, the P239 is going to be a joy to shoot and carry, rather than carry often / shoot seldom types. I've started shooting the G19 more often and depending on how it carries in a new holster, I might let the P239 go. That will leave me with one handgun, the G19.

I've been thinking about a BUG but I want to stay with the same caliber. I don't care for the G26, so I'm looking at Rohrbagh(sp?) and Kahr MK9s.

jm

 

[GunNut]

From the choices you have given I'd choose either the XD9 Compact or Kel-tec.

I'd really look into a Glock 26 or the CZ Rami as suggested above.

STeve

 

[JDGray]

Got your answer

This would make a great BUG
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=238057

 

[GunNut]

JDGray,

Great suggestion on the Glock 19.

 

[JDGray]

Gunnut,
Got the itch for something new,and aint got the cash to scratch it

 

[fineredmist]

I personaly favor the Kahr P9. It is compact and extremely reliable, what more could you ask for?

 

[GunNut]

JD,

I know how that is, i'm just bugging you.

Steve

 

[hexidismal]

My suggestion is that you start carrying a .45 instead

 

[critter]

My most-often carried is a Kahr MK9. Only thing is that it is a little heavy. The PM9 might be better if weight is a problem.

 

[Exmasonite]

couple of thoughts...

I'm a huge fan of the bersa/firestorm line. the mini thunder 9mm/.40 is a great gun.

I have an xd .40 4" and an xd 9 sc. I love them both. i got the 9 b/c i wanted something i could shoot more for less $$.
.40 subcompact XD would be nice, too. same size frame, etc and you could use service mags in your SC.

 

[PaulBk]

Check the Keltec forum regarding the PF-9. Many, many problems have been reported. Same thing for the Rohrbaugh. Nice range guns but CCW has to be 100% reliable.

Glock 26 would be my recommendation.

-PB

 

[MICHAEL T]

I bought a clean used S&W 3913 9mm a while back It carries in front pocket of my jeans and has shown to be accurate and relieable I loaded with Corbon +P and is very controlable.
I never like looks of S&W Autos didn't like way they fit my hand. This pistol fits my hand, still ugly , but can it shoot..

 

[TX35]

Look into a CZ PCR, or a PO1. I love carrying mine......

 

[ronto]

I picked a revolver for CCW for reasons we won't go into right now...But the Kahr MK9 came in a very, very close second.

 

[david_the_greek]

not as small as a keltec but I second the cz pcr (or rami .45) I have a pcr and it is an extremely reliable and rugged gun. Or atleast that is my experience and that of everyone I've talked to. they are reasonably price IMO and have a decent capacity of 14+1. the p01 is the same gun with a light rail so it might be too bulky a ccw (it would be for me)

 

[dmallind]

Kahr PM9 is a good option but DAO. Nice DAO, but DAO

 

[PX15]

FWIW:

I have a Star BM.. Sweet little shooter.. But heavy.. Single action, and if it breaks, parts are iffy.. Great plinker, not a good choice for cc.. IMO.

Forget the KelTec PF-9. I'm not a KelTec basher as I have a P32 and a P11.. Both have been excellent pistols. The PF-9 is having teething problems with cracking slides and other stuff and I personally wouldn't have one until the bugs have been fixed.. For sure.. Plus the more I hear about the PF-9 the more I think my P11 is a better choice anyway..

No experience with the ParaHog, but I did have a P10 and it was a piece of merde. No more para's for me. Plus you pay a high price for them yet can't give them away if you want to sell them.

No experience with the XD9 compact.

I have had a Sig P239 for over a decade and it is a wonderful, always reliable, always accurate pistol. Top quality and a super choice in my mind. I have Crimson Trace Lasergrips on mine, and it is a tack driver at any self defense range.

Another pistol I have recently acquired is the Walther P99c/AS. This is a fantastic pistol and the overall package is the best of any cc pistol I've ever owned. The accuracy is amazing and it has several unique features that I appreciate. It's like a Glock 26 on steriods, with all the negatives fixed..

Best Wishes,

J. Pomeroy

 

[foxmoor]

How about a Kahr P9 Covert? Love mine.

kent

 

[junyo]

Forgot about the Kahr, and never really thought about the CZ, have to check those, esp. the CZ. This is why you ask.

Not a really Glock guy, for purely for aesthetic reasons. I was afraid the KT would be having teething pains, looks like that's the case.

Helpful, as always. Thanks.

 

[RUT]

S&W 3913/3953. Greatly underated and fortunately, undervalued.

 

[wooderson]

I'd look first at the CZ P-01, or even a 40P since they're so cheap now if you were willing to carry .40S&W ($295 from budsgunshop.com, give or take a few bucks - I don't need one, but it is tempting).

 

[10-Ring]

From the guns I've tried, I really like the P2000sk and the Glock 26. If I had to choose from one of those, it would be the HK
From the list you provided....I'd go w/ the SIG 239