Opinion on 9mm CCW

[sniper58]

My primary carry (winter) is my 5" 1911. I am selling my .40 Witness steel 4" and ammo to get a 9mm (range economics) and ammo. I love my Witness but feel it is too heavy and too thick for comfortable summer wear. I know I am opening a can of worms, but what 9mm's should I try on that a) cost less than $400; b) are thin enough to comfortably carry IWB; and c) have enough capacity to be an effective carry weapon? I never liked 9mm but my son made some good points in today's phone call.

In my very limited search I like the Taurus 24/7 Pro 17+1 and the Witness Polymer 13+1. Kahr's do nothing for me and are as pricey as S&W (not sure who thought higher priced is better...). Thanks!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[FlyboyLDB]

See this post http://www.defensivecarry.com/vbulle...ad.php?t=39239

I also carry a Kel-Tec PF9 for those days when I need to be more concealed. You can pick up great used 9mm for <$400. I have a 1911 9mm that I carry sometimes - I think I gave around $280 or so.

[AZ Husker]

I live in Phoenix without winter coats. I have no problem whatsoever carrying a 5" 1911 in hot weather clothing. Amazing how incognito you can look in shorts, a wifebeater tucked in, and an open Hawaiian or Cuban shirt. The patterns really conceal whatever print you might have. I'll stick with my trusty .45's!

[klx9mm]

look at the s&w mp9 compact. slightly over 400 but very nice, small gun.

[matiki]

In my very limited search I like the Taurus 24/7 Pro 17+1 and the Witness Polymer 13+1. Kahr's do nothing for me and are as pricey as S&W (not sure who thought higher priced is better...). Thanks!

Since you don't like Kahr...

A used 9mm XD sub compact?

[SleepingZ]

With your price range in mind, and the fact you are wanting a 9-mm for economics, I am under the impression that your going to shoot a lot, so you will need something more substantial than a Kel-Tec PF-9 (great gun to carry) and my suggestion behind door #1--------Ruger SR-9. There you go.


Z

[Footslogger]

Any of the subcompact or compact polymers (Springfield, S&W, or Glock) can be found for close to 400 used. I have a Glock 26 that I picked up for 400 even, it was used but fresh as a daisy. I believe they are all lovely to shoot, and they always will go bang. Each of the models also typically have a lot of holster options.

The Glock (I don't know about the others) has loads of parts and accessories available on Ebay.

[Rbrown777]

... too heavy and too thick for comfortable summer wear...

Hmmm...I carried full sized Witness P in 10mm this summer in Crossbreed IWB under polo in office this last summer without detection. I now carry Glock 29 16 hrs a day in same IWB rig. All very comfortable and easy to carry. I am 5' 11" 210 lbs.

Have you tried different carry techniques and or holsters? I'd rather experiment that dirrection rather than moving down the lethality chart...to a little 9 or even .40...IMHO.

[sniper58]

Thanks! Yes, I intend to shoot a lot. I read the thread about Ruger's newest entry....I'll check it out. AZ - I'll try your wardrobe! I prefer my .45 to anything else and will probably get a small 9mm for those times I need to run to the local shop-n-rob for provisions and don't feel like "dressing around my gun." Rbrown - thanks for the feedback. I have you by 20#, but have developed into the pear-shaped guy (a radical departure from my younger days.....). I haven't felt comfortable with my Witness IWB, but that could be more of a holster function than my rotundness.

[Pro2A]

I'm a Glock nut. So I'm gonna say a Glock 26 is your best bet in 9mm, that or the 19. But the grip is rather long on the 19. The 26 is a subcompact, so it's easier to conceal. The 26 will probably run you about $400 used.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glock_26

[rodc13]

Some excellent 9s have already been mentioned. I fully intend to geta PF-9 before too long to use as a pocket pistol. I don't think I'd want to shoot it a lot, though.

I'd mention for your consideration that you take a look at the FN lineup. My young bride's FNP-9 is a joy to shoot. It can be set up left or right handed and has the ergonomically adjustable grip.

[FIRE310]

I dont think you should throw out the idea of a kahr because of price just yet. I spent a whole 1 hr on the internet looking around and found a brand new Kahr CW9 on gunbroker for $345. Its just like the Kahr P-9 in size and weight. Do some looking before settling on a decision.

[inferno3]

This is a hell of a deal:

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/p...s_id/411534724


Really nice gun for the money IMHO:

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg131-e.htm

[friesepferd]

9mm are great. if you like ur old 1911. dont forget you can get one chambered in a 9. i have the kimber ultra aegis and love it

[Nightflurry]

look at the s&w mp9 compact. slightly over 400 but very nice, small gun.

+1

The M&P9c is a sweet shooting little gun. I didn't warm up to mine, still prefer the Glock for carry, but the M&P is an excellent choice.