Which single stack 9x19mm auto for CCW?

[hartzpad]

I already carry my Steyr S9 and sometimes my Steyr M9, but I'm thinking of picking up a more compact 9mm single stack to carry when the Steyrs are harder to carry in the summer time. I also would like to stay with 9mm because I like to consolidate my calibers so that I can always have cases of ammo for all my guns and not have to buy for different calibers everytime I want to go shooting. Also, it is hard for me to trust in anything smaller than 9mm as a main carry weapons (even .380 or 9x18). I've thought about the Kel-Tec P3AT, but I've decided to wait until I can be sure to get the newly updated model. So what single stack 9mm autos are there for CCW?

1) Rohrbaugh R9 - looks amazing and is the perfect size and shape, but ~$950 (is that right?) I would rather pick up a number of other pistols. One disadvantage is that it uses a Euro style mag release. But that's not a deal breaker as much as the price is.


2) Kahr PM9 - I found the PM9 locally for $570 out the door with tax and everything.

Is there anything else that I'm forgetting out there?

How does the PM9 compare with the R9 in terms of ergonomics/shootability? Reliability? Does the R9 have a slide lock?

I've considered a CZ RAMI in 9mm but it is just a little bit taller and wider than my Steyr S9. I've also thought about Walther PPK's and Sig 239's, but both of those are the same if not larger than my Steyr as well.


Here are some measurement/price comparisons:

Steyr S9: 6.7" length x 4.6 high x 1.18 width ($299)
Kahr PM9: 5.3 length x 4.0 high x 0.90 width ($570)
Rohr R9: 5.2 length x 3.7 high x .812 width ($950)

 

[Tom Servo]

I've got an MK9, which is the stainless version of the PM9. First one was a lemon, but the second has about 800 rounds through it, and it's a keeper. It's utterly reliable, and more accurate than a gun this small should be. What's more, it's got real sights, unlike KelTecs and the like. Wonderful trigger, too. Check around. I got mine for $550.

I haven't shot the Rorbaugh, but I've handled one. Didn't feel very solid in my hand, and the guy who had it was shooting shotgun-sized patterns at 15 feet. YMMV, but the Kahr's a nice little gun.

 

[albanian]

There is the S&W 3913 but it is a little larger than a Kahr K-9 and just as heavy. If you are looking for very compact 9mms, the store is almost empty. I think there is a market for it but the gun companies haven't caught on yet. A Kahr MK9 but with an alloy or titanium frame would be a huge hit but for some reason, Kahr won't offer it. It would put Rorghbah out of business in less than a year. It would also hurt the Kel-Tec sales I think. I don't like the plastic Kahrs and the all steal ones are vey heavy for the size but an alloy one would be super!

 

[critter]

My Kahr MK9 fits that role for me quite nicely. Fine firearm, reliable and quite accurate for its size. Easily concealable and very shootable. My choice. YMMV.

 

[5string_dean]

I know it doesn't actually meet the criteria of your question, being that it is not single stack, but the Kel-Tec P11 is only a tad larger than the Kahr or Rohrbaugh at 5.6"L X 4.3"H X 1"W. It only weighs 20oz. fully loaded with 10+1 rounds (12 round flush fitting mags are now available as well). I just got one for just over $200 and it's been very reliable with a range of FMJ and JHP ammo (except Gold-Dots which it just doesn't seem to like) as well as surprisingly accurate. It's not as comfortable to shoot as my Ruger P95, but hey, it's a carry weapon --- not a plinker. I'm looking forward to using it in the BUG category at this weekend's IDPA shoot at my local range.

 

[USGuns]

Sti Ls9

Are you a fan of the 1911 style pistol? If so, STI has the LS9 which isn't nearly as small as the R9 or PM9 but is actually thinner:
http://www.stiguns.com/guns/ls/ls.html

Single stack, 7+1 capacity, 1911 SA trigger, STI quality but like the Rohrbaugh it is a tad pricey.

 

[hillbilly]

Which single stack 9mm for ccw?

That's easy!

Get one that's in .40 or .45!



hillbilly

 

[Mulliga]

Don't get the STI unless you feel comfortable with cocked-and-locked.

Since you want something significantly smaller than your Steyrs and in 9mm, I'd say the Kahr is the way to go.

 

[gbelleh]

I love my PM9. It's small, thin and light, but still controllable, accurate and reliable. It's able to be easily pocket carried or carried IWB. I carry mine every day and usually forget it's there.

 

[tarrigoni]

HK p7m8.

 

[brickboy240]

I have seen several Sig 239s used going for around 450 dollars.

Looks like a good choice.

-Brickboy240

 

[MNine]

I vote for the SIG P225. I have used one for my CCW. The only reason I got away from it is that I prefer 40 or 45 caliber.

 

[armedcitizen]

Another vote for the HK P7M8

Great gun if you can bankroll it.

 

[Pilot]

I carry an HK P7 PSP. I also have an M8, but like the heel release of the PSP a little more for carry. Its slim and concealable but the only downsice is, its heavy.

 

[FunYet]

I had a Rohrbaugh R9 and a Kahr MP9. I eneded up selling the Rohrbaugh. Their customer service is top-notch and the gun is a fine piece of machinery. I found the PM9 eaiser to grab and get into action than the Rohrbaugh. I also had a hard time getting used to the mag latch on the R9 as well as the fact that the slide does not lock back after the last round. All of these are personal preferance issues, no reflection on the gun itself. As far as the price of an R9, they're starting to show up on gunbroker.com at substantially lower prices.

 

[TheEgg]

SIG 239 in 9mm. Not super slim or light, but hides very well, is accurate-accurate-accurate, and is super reliable. It is also available in .357 SIG and in .40S&W if you like.

 

[Steve F]

What the egg said Great piece of work

 

[Alan Fud]

I presently own the R9 and I use to own the MK9 (stainless steel version of the MP9). The Kahr is definitely a better shooter than the Rohrbaugh and the MK9 is +P rated which the R9 is not. That said, I am able to carry my R9 in places that I could not with the MK9 because it is THAT MUCH smaller.

If deep concealment is not a major consideration, you may want to consider the 3913TSW -- a gun that I highly recommend!

 

[Hawk]

Another chiming in for the P7 PSP.

 

[KLR]

TheEgg-
I have to disagree about the 239. The Glock 19 is roughly the same size as the 239 but holds a lot more rounds. Never saw the point of the 239, actually.

I'll put in another vote for the PM-9. With +P EFMJs it is a potent little pistol.

 

[TheEgg]

KLR --

Please refer to the original poster's request - he asked for a SINGLE STACK 9mm.

I was trying to address my post to his request. If he had asked for a DOUBLE STACK 9mm, I would agree with you 100%. In fact, I carry a 19 a lot.

Therefore, you are wrong. You don't disagree with me at all, now do you?

 

[brickboy240]

The "point" of suggesting a 239 Sig over the Glock 19 is the fact that the Sig 239 has a much better grip...less chunky and blocky like the Glock. The Glocks all have a funky grip angle, too...its annoying if you shoot Sigs, 1911s, Hi-Powers or CZs. The loaded Sig 239 also weighs much less than a fully loaded G-19.

You're not going to need 15 rounds of 9mm in a gunfight...come on now. Carry a quality piece that feels good in the hand. The Sig 239 fills that niche real well.

-Brickboy240

 

[Spreadfire Arms]

given your specifications of single stack 9mm semi, i'd go with either a Sig Sauer P225 or if you can afford it, a HK P7M8 or P7PSP.

The Sig is very ergonomic and compact, while still filling your hand and not being too small to get a good grip. I like the decock only feature with it also, I'm not one who prefers a manual safety.

The HK P7 series is a very high end choice, even a used one will run around $800 or higher. A good used Sig can be half of that, around the low $400's. The HK is heavier since it is all steel vs. Sig's aluminum frame, but has the oh-so-cool squeeze cocker and very very high grip that puts your hand almost in line with the barrel for great point shooting and reduced recoil. most people that have shot the HK P7 have reported it is the most accurate 9mm pistol they have ever shot.

The M8 is the American version with the American "thumb" mag release and an enlarged trigger guard to shoot with gloved hands. The PSP is the European version with the Euro "heel" mag released and a smaller trigger guard. They use different mags, so if you go this route, make sure you buy the right mags. the Euro mags have a notch on the bottom of the spine of the mag, the American mags have a notch higher up on the front side of the mag (like a standard pistol mag would have..does that make sense?)

the downside to either choice here is that leather is not exactly easy to find for either of these, and almost anything that is factory HK or Sig is expensive.

Also locating a factory certified HK Armorer to work on your P7 if needed may not be easy. Sigs are primarily built the same. Most HK Armorers nowadays get certified on USP's instead of P7's.

good luck. i don't think you can go wrong with either one.

 

[Marcus]

Since you asked for single stack options *smaller than an S-9* (which is about G-26 sized) I`ll stick to sub compact 9mms. I`ve shot 3 Rohrbaughs and they`re wonderfully made little guns. They just ooze quality. The DAO trigger is smooth with a crisp break. I`ve also done quite a bit of shooting with a PM-9 and own a P-40 myself. Both the PM-9 and the Rohrbaugh require a firm grip and have quite a bit of muzzle flip unless you really man handle em. Neither is really a joy to shoot lots of rounds through but the comfort edge probably goes to the PM-9. That said the Rohrbaugh is quite a bit smaller and will easily carry places where the PM-9 is awkward or printing. Side by side with my KelTec P-11 the R-9 makes it look like a Glock 30! If you have a need for something *that small*,the R-9 is probably well worth it. If you can get away with somethign a little larger but still small the PM-9 should serve you well too. Marcus

 

[BigSlick]

Simple choice

P225 Sig

BigSlick