Hello everyone! I am in the market for a compact 9mm for concealed carry and range fun. I have narrowed my decision down to three contenders. The Ruger SR9c, Glock 26 and Kahr CW9. I have shot them all and could not pick a clear cut winner. Its probably going to have to come down to what's easiest to live with everyday in regards to CC. I am 5'10" 165lbs and live in southern PA where the summers are hot and humid and the winters are cold and wet. My preferred method of carry is pocket or IWB. Any sort of insight from owners of any of these handguns would be helpful. If I am excluding a compact 9mm in the $550 and under price range that has worked well for you please let me know. Thank you all in advance.
Which 9mm would you choose?
- Thread starter Prorock
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Have you thought about a Px4 storm subcompact? I'm not sure what the going price is, but it's probably close to your limit. Not sure if you've considered Kel Tecs either.
I owned a G26 for a while, and while it was a good gun, I eventually switched to a Ruger SP101. Part of my problem with the G26 was I was carrying it in the wrong place (small of the back). I hadn't really tried the 4:30 o'clock position much with it where I carry the SP now. So I can't really fault the Glock any, but I don't regret selling it. If I were to switch to a Px4 subcompact.
Either way, you ultimately get to make the decision, and whatever you pick, enjoy.
I owned a G26 for a while, and while it was a good gun, I eventually switched to a Ruger SP101. Part of my problem with the G26 was I was carrying it in the wrong place (small of the back). I hadn't really tried the 4:30 o'clock position much with it where I carry the SP now. So I can't really fault the Glock any, but I don't regret selling it. If I were to switch to a Px4 subcompact.
Either way, you ultimately get to make the decision, and whatever you pick, enjoy.
utbrowningman
Member
I can only speak of the CW9 as that is what I carry. I really like the size but trade off for having 7+1. Shoots anything I put into it. Will not win any beauty contests. I have added a Hogue Hand All jr. for a better grip. They can be found in the $380 range.
memphisjim
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I would go glock
OneBagNomad
Member
If it feels good in your hand, I'd go with the glock. Not a fan of the ergos myself but mine were always reliable. Also, you can buy just about any glock part you need. Finding holsters and accessories is easy. Can't say the same about some other manufacturers/product lines.
hardluk1
member
I have G-27 with 9mm barrel for it too and the kahr cw9 but may everday carry is a KT pf-9. Same round count as the kahr ,as good a trigger and way lighter to carry. I may keep the kahr but I won't carry it as it is thin but the wieght is to closer to the glock with a higher round count and better trigger than the kahr
ForumSurfer
Member
Well I don't like the ruger or the kahr...so I am forced to default to the 26.
Pocket carry with a 26 isn't very feasible unless you have really, really big pockets. I'm 5'10" 170lbs...and a 26 isn't going to fit in anything short of a cargo pocket on me if I wear pants that fit. And a big hunk of plastic and steel swinging at thigh level is very uncomfortable.
You may want to look at the m&p 9c. It shoots nice, also. I find that it is sized between the 19 and the 26 imho.
Pocket carry with a 26 isn't very feasible unless you have really, really big pockets. I'm 5'10" 170lbs...and a 26 isn't going to fit in anything short of a cargo pocket on me if I wear pants that fit. And a big hunk of plastic and steel swinging at thigh level is very uncomfortable.
You may want to look at the m&p 9c. It shoots nice, also. I find that it is sized between the 19 and the 26 imho.
M2 Carbine
member
I recently bought the new Ruger LC9 for pocket carry. So far I'm right impressed with it.
I started shooting it right from the box. At present I have over a thousand rounds of mixed ammunition through it without one gun caused malfunction (a few ammo caused malfunctions). About ten people have shot the gun and all like it.
The gun is very accurate, even out to 50 yards.
OTD door price was $400 but right now they are still hard to find.
I started shooting it right from the box. At present I have over a thousand rounds of mixed ammunition through it without one gun caused malfunction (a few ammo caused malfunctions). About ten people have shot the gun and all like it.
The gun is very accurate, even out to 50 yards.
OTD door price was $400 but right now they are still hard to find.
rellascout
member
If you really want to pocket carry wait and get the CM9 which is the budget PM9 which will be out shortly. They will be selling for about $400 and should be as reliable as the CW9.
The others on your list are too large for real pocket carry IMHO.
If I had to choose from your 3 I would choose the CW9 due to its sub $400 price.
The others on your list are too large for real pocket carry IMHO.
If I had to choose from your 3 I would choose the CW9 due to its sub $400 price.
In my opinion none of your choices will make a good pocket pistol,can it be done yes.If your new to carry your going to probabally going to be exprimenting for a couple of years with holsters ,carry possitions and fire arms.What you find to large(Fat) now you may find fine down the road.
I thought the 26 was a great shooter but terrible for carry.I ran the gauntlet of 380,9mm,38spl,45's ect.I own a CW9,PM9,G19,G27,and several others.
My favorite carry is my Glock 27 and my 1911s and have no problem with either(IWB).The 27 is in no way a problem .I use a thin leather holster,a bood gun belt.One size larger pants and alls good.
I thought the 26 was a great shooter but terrible for carry.I ran the gauntlet of 380,9mm,38spl,45's ect.I own a CW9,PM9,G19,G27,and several others.
My favorite carry is my Glock 27 and my 1911s and have no problem with either(IWB).The 27 is in no way a problem .I use a thin leather holster,a bood gun belt.One size larger pants and alls good.
You folks have given me a lot more to think about. I don't mind if I don't pocket carry this 9mm. IWB would be fine with me. I already have a Ruger LCP to fit the pocket carry role. Just looking to expand my options right now. Thanks for all of your well thought out advice! I knew this would be the best place to ask these questions and of course you guys did not disappoint.
IdahoLT1
Member
If the deciding factor is what will be the easiest to carry all day long, the CW9 will be by far the easiest to conceal and you'll notice it less due to its size/weight. Its noticeably smaller in every dimension(except height compared to G26) than the other 2 choices.
CW9 dimensions:
Weight: 15.8oz
Width: .9"
Length: 5.9"
Height: 4.5"
Ruger SR9c dimensions:
Weight: 23.4oz
Width: 1.27"
Length: 6.85"
Height: 4.61"
G26 dimensions:
Weight: 19.75oz
Width: 1.18"
Length: 6.29"
Height: 4.17"
CW9 dimensions:
Weight: 15.8oz
Width: .9"
Length: 5.9"
Height: 4.5"
Ruger SR9c dimensions:
Weight: 23.4oz
Width: 1.27"
Length: 6.85"
Height: 4.61"
G26 dimensions:
Weight: 19.75oz
Width: 1.18"
Length: 6.29"
Height: 4.17"
The Kahr, if you can get a good one. My CW9 was a disaster that made 3 trips back to Kahr for light strikes. My PM40 was 100% out of the box though.
I like the G26 but it's chunky and not that much easier than a G19 for carry. The LC9 looks like a good option....
I like the G26 but it's chunky and not that much easier than a G19 for carry. The LC9 looks like a good option....
In that case I suggest the soon to be released Kahr CM9 (budget pm9). The ones you listed are too big and heavy for pocket carry IMO. If width is of greater concern than capacity go with the CW9, if capacity is more important than comfort go with the Glock 26. I've never shot an sr9c so I don't have much of an opinion about it.
Shadow 7D
Member
Not you don't know you
GO SHOOT THEM
what works for me, won't for you
and what I may like, you may not
As far as those guns, they all have a good rep for quality manufacture.
GO SHOOT THEM
what works for me, won't for you
and what I may like, you may not
As far as those guns, they all have a good rep for quality manufacture.
I have shot them. Didn't have a problem with any. That's what's making this hard. Liked them all and not one really stood out.
Shadow 7D
Member
Then keep at it, and see if you can find a store that will let you try the gun in a IWB (and if they do expect to buy there/then when you find the one you like)
I would suggest KT's the PF-9 is a great gun, but also would suggest that you not limit yourself to sub-compact size guns, as they mostly have the same size, and in IWB slide length doesn't play as much of an issue as grip length and width, when it comes to concealment.
Oh, and try a CZ-82 in 9mak, great gun that can't be beat for the price, I love mine, and it's one of my most accurate guns.
I would suggest KT's the PF-9 is a great gun, but also would suggest that you not limit yourself to sub-compact size guns, as they mostly have the same size, and in IWB slide length doesn't play as much of an issue as grip length and width, when it comes to concealment.
Oh, and try a CZ-82 in 9mak, great gun that can't be beat for the price, I love mine, and it's one of my most accurate guns.
sniper4usmc
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I would go with PM9
torrejon224
Member
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Had a chance to shoot the new Ruger compact this weekend and it is pretty sweet. Trigger is smoothing out nicely (this one had 500+ thru it) and the owner is very picky about his weapons. Rugers have always been built like tanks. I still have my first SA ever, a Ruger P85 and while it may be a bit beat up it still runs like the day I first bought it. Another thing to consider is aftermarket accessories. Lots of folks are taking notice of these and a lot of companies are starting to offer sites, etc and ever holsters are readily available. If I wa retiring my P99c, the SR9c would be the one I'd pick.
Capp35
Member
+1 on the PM9
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