Thinking out loud: In search of The Perfect Carry Gun

I'm not looking for a definitive answer here. I know most of this is personal preference. Like the title says I'm mostly thinking out loud and hopefully getting some input from the group.

As with a lot of topics in life, sometimes you already know the answer but you just need to soundboard it off of someone for it to solidify.

I have a M&P 9mm full size that I love, but it's just a bit too big for daily carry (IN MY OPINION). I know some guys carry giant rigs and that's great, it's just not for me.

I've got my dad's CW9 on loan for a few weeks to try out and I love how easy it is to carry. However I am less accurate with this gun than I am with my FS M&P when I practice defensive shooting. I know it's perfectly understandable.. the gun is lighter, it's got a shorter sight radius, and it's got a different (LONGER) trigger, with no reset.

So.. I've been looking for, what I consider to be, the perfect carry gun. Something between a CW9 and a M&P9. Boy that narrows it down, huh? :) But seriously... I don't want a pocket gun, and I don't want a full size gun. I'm looking for something in between.

Here is what I'm looking for.
Single Stack: for width and for weight
Width: between .9 and 1.2, the thinner the better.
Height: Between 4.5 - 5.0

Capacity: Not a huge issue for me, but if it comes down to it then capacity will be probably will the tie breaker.
DA/Sa vs Striker: again not a preference, but there's a part of me that wants a DA/SA gun. Could be a tie breaker.

Top contenders: (In no particular order)

M&P9c
Glock 26
Bersa BP9c and Thunder 9mm ULtra Carry
Sig P239
Kahr TP9

The correct answer will probably be for me to just stick with the CW9 and practice.

Ideally, I'd love for Smith and Wesson to make a single stack that is just SLIGHTLY larger than the CW9. 1.0 thick, 4.8 Height, 8+1 capacity, 18-20 ounces weight, with the M&P trigger... I'd be all over that gun.

Your thoughts?

Get the compact version of what you have and be done with it.

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Originally Posted by tacman605

Get the compact version of what you have and be done with it.

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Agreed.

M&P9c makes the most sense.

SA XD 9mm sub compact would fit within your guidelines very well.

Have you considered a Glock 36?

Some of those guns on your short list aren't single stack...

But I agree with the others about the M&P9c.

Your list of wants perfectly describes the Walther PPS. Except the PPS arguably has a better trigger. Also has option if 6, 7 or 8 round magazines.

I love mine. There are times when I wouldn't mind the security of a higher capacity firearm, but the PPS is the perfect compromise and I shoot it better than some larger guns...

Steve

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

Ditto on the PPS. Very thin and very accurate...

Hands down the best handgun I've owned so far.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tacman605

Get the compact version of what you have and be done with it.

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Yep...Right here is the winner....

I don't know how this happened.. but this thread got posted twice. Here is the first one. with the most conversation


http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/...carry-gun.html

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kmagnuss

Agreed.

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Me as well.

Look at the Ruger SR9C it is a double stack but you may not notice it as much a very eassy carry.
10 or 17 round Mag in a smaller than expected weapon.

Quote:

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Your thoughts?

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I've come to really appreciate the Kahr TP9. It's close to my ideal.

My fantasy CCW is a similar sized pistol, same weight, with a hammer, mag release paddled on the trigger guard (ala HK and Walther), a tiny built in laser, (not bolted onto the front), good sights of one's choice, and mags that don't nosedive or shed rounds. I wish HK and Kahr would merge and produce a Heckler Kahr P9, T9, TP9, or K9. I'm salivating.

Why is this thread running twice?