Thoughts: Replacing my 4" XD-S with a CM9 and G19

2018 Views 26 Replies 20 Participants Last post by Hodad, Dec 12, 2016

andybob

Discussion Starter · Aug 31, 2016

Haven't posted much in this forum but I do lurk and read a lot and could use some opinions on this.

I am still fairly new to CCW and bought a 4" XD-S earlier in the year for CCW and fun at the range. I went with an XD-S as its slightly thinner than a G19 (that was my first choice) and holds just a few rounds less than a G19 as we can only have 10 rounds here in NY. With a 7 round mag the XD-S is slightly shorter than a G19 and I thought that would make it easier to conceal.

I have been carrying it when I can (can't carry at work, company policy) and the only thing I really don't like about the XD-S is the weight. It's 25 oz's with an unloaded mag. I have a 5.11 gun belt (might not be the greatest, but money was a little tight when I bought it) and I have tried some different holsters. I have a Hidden Hybrid Holster, minimalist kydex holster, and recently a single clip hybrid style holster from Vedder. I just can't seem to find a happy medium with the XD-S. I know carrying isn't always comfortable, but it always seems like such a chore with my XD-S. Especially in the summer when I typically wear just shorts and a t-shirt and find it hard to keep the XD-S from printing with just a t-shirt for cover.

I got looking into smaller pistols and really it's a toss up between the CM9, LC9s, G43, and Kel-Tec PF-9. I've got my mind made up on the CM9 as it has the same capacity as a G43 and it's a little cheaper. Not to mention I have a thing for bi-tone pistols (my XD-S is bi-tone.) I know the CM9 is typically a pocket carry gun but I have thick legs and I would use it as an IWB gun in the summer with a kydex holster. Should be really easy to conceal under a t-shirt. I'm thinking the CM9 could be my summer carry rig.

I shot a 4th gen G19 and my brother has one and always rants and raves about it. I haven't shot one back to back with my XD-S but I think the 19 would be more fun for range days. I've also looked into .22lr conversion kits that could also make the G19 more fun. I guess I'm thinking a G19 would be more fin at the range and make a good winter carry gun when I have hoodies and long shirts for concealment.

I've gotten a little long winded here, and maybe I'm crazy, I just seem to think the XD-S isn't as good as I thought it could be since it's a heavy little bugger. Looking for any and all opinions, and reviews on the CM9. From what I've read it looks like a good little rig at a very decent price. I'd most likely trade my XD-S for the 19 unless the trade price isn't all that great. Thanks for any and all help. -Andrew

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Zredwire

· #2 · Aug 31, 2016

I think you are right on. I had an XD-S .45 and really liked it but for the size gun it was pretty heavy. I ended up getting rid of it. The G19 weighs less than a 9mm XD-S unloaded. I really like Kahr guns and they are very small and light for caliber. So to me your decision makes perfect sense.

Reactions: 1

HandgunWorld

· #3 · Aug 31, 2016

I had a PM9 for many years. I liked it a lot and it was my favorite single stack carry gun for several years. But other manufacturers out did it, in my opinion. The Glock 43 and Shield 9mm make more sense for me. Their triggers are better than the PM9 and recoil is slightly lighter. They aren't any more difficult for me to conceal either. The XDS is too heavy for what it is.

The primary reason I moved away from the Kahr PM9 recently is because after a lot of testing, carrying and shooting at the range, I learned that consistency of platforms is more important to me than 1/4" shorter grip. So a G43 or 42 or Shield make more sense to me.

Having said this, Kahr guns are very good. I still have 2, a P380 and a CW380 as they are true pocket guns. PM9 was too big for me to pocket carry. Glock 19 gen 4 is as good as it gets!

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Buckeye63

· #4 · Aug 31, 2016

Why not a Glock 26 ???? I like mine ....

My pocket 9 is a Taurus PT709.....

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Reactions: 4

lee n. field

· #5 · Aug 31, 2016

andybob said:
Haven't posted much in this forum but I do lurk and read a lot and could use some opinions on this.

I am still fairly new to CCW and bought a 4" XD-S earlier in the year for CCW and fun at the range. I went with an XD-S as its slightly thinner than a G19 (that was my first choice) and holds just a few rounds less than a G19 as we can only have 10 rounds here in NY. With a 7 round mag the XD-S is slightly shorter than a G19 and I thought that would make it easier to conceal.

I have been carrying it when I can (can't carry at work, company policy) and the only thing I really don't like about the XD-S is the weight. It's 25 oz's with an unloaded mag. I have a 5.11 gun belt (might not be the greatest, but money was a little tight when I bought it) and I have tried some different holsters. I have a Hidden Hybrid Holster, minimalist kydex holster, and recently a single clip hybrid style holster from Vedder. I just can't seem to find a happy medium with the XD-S. I know carrying isn't always comfortable, but it always seems like such a chore with my XD-S. Especially in the summer when I typically wear just shorts and a t-shirt and find it hard to keep the XD-S from printing with just a t-shirt for cover.

I got looking into smaller pistols and really it's a toss up between the CM9, LC9s, G43, and Kel-Tec PF-9. I've got my mind made up on the CM9 as it has the same capacity as a G43 and it's a little cheaper. Not to mention I have a thing for bi-tone pistols (my XD-S is bi-tone.) I know the CM9 is typically a pocket carry gun but I have thick legs and I would use it as an IWB gun in the summer with a kydex holster. Should be really easy to conceal under a t-shirt. I'm thinking the CM9 could be my summer carry rig.

I shot a 4th gen G19 and my brother has one and always rants and raves about it. I haven't shot one back to back with my XD-S but I think the 19 would be more fun for range days. I've also looked into .22lr conversion kits that could also make the G19 more fun. I guess I'm thinking a G19 would be more fin at the range and make a good winter carry gun when I have hoodies and long shirts for concealment.

I've gotten a little long winded here, and maybe I'm crazy, I just seem to think the XD-S isn't as good as I thought it could be since it's a heavy little bugger. Looking for any and all opinions, and reviews on the CM9. From what I've read it looks like a good little rig at a very decent price. I'd most likely trade my XD-S for the 19 unless the trade price isn't all that great. Thanks for any and all help. -Andrew

IMHO & YMMV. The XDS is, essentially, a single stack G19. It's right about as big as you'd ever want a pocket pistol to be, but (with the extended magazines) makes a jim-dandy compact belt gun. If you're in a governance that limits magazines to 10 rounds, you may as well carry it. I myself do not find it too heavy. Again, YMMV.

The PF9 I have experience with. I sold mine off to fund my XDS, which is a better gun.

Glocks I'm indifferent to. Yeah, a G26 might be worth looking into.

I had an XD-S .45 and really liked it but for the size gun it was pretty heavy.

All Springfield's XD guns tend to run heavy, for their size.

Reactions: 2

andybob

Discussion Starter · #6 · Aug 31, 2016

Buckeye63 said:
Why not a Glock 26 ???? I like mine ....

My pocket 9 is a Taurus PT709.....

I've thought about the 26 as it's only 1" longer and .25" wider than a CM9 but holds 3 more rounds in the mag. I just really think the CM9 will be easier to conceal here in the summer when it's 85+ degrees out with 80% humidity outside. It might seem like I'm making excuses, but it can be pretty brutal. I work outside so I tend to dress as comfortable as possible outside of work and that usually means just a t-shirt in the summer.

A gen 4 G19 is surely in the cards though. Their such a great gun to shoot. Will be perfect to carry in cooler weather here.

I've also thought about .380's and after reading some ballistics I'd rather stay with 9mm. I make a decent wage but I'm trying to save for the future the best I can and 9mm is a good bit cheaper to shoot than .40 and .45. Keeping my carry guns in 9mm will just be easier as it makes for only one caliber of ammo to buy.

Techer40

· #7 · Aug 31, 2016

I carry the XDs 9 in the 3.3" version. I also have a CW9. The Kahr is lighter than the XDs and I do carry both guns. My main carry is the XDs because for me the trigger is better than the CW9. Personally I wouldn't hesitate to carry either one. Find the one that works best and use it. Not sure that was much help...lol

Reactions: 1

WuLiPuOva

· #8 · Aug 31, 2016

My wife has the PM9 and loves it. I prefer more grip I'd check out the CW9 or CT9, esp. for IWB. Drawing a mouse gun from IWB can be kinda tricky( at least I find it to be).
CT9 may be the best of both worlds for you a bit smaller than the G19 in footprint size but slimmer and lighter, 8+1rnds.

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Techer40

· #9 · Aug 31, 2016

WuLiPuOva said:
My wife has the PM9 and loves it. I prefer more grip I'd check out the CW9 or CT9, esp. for IWB. Drawing a mouse gun from IWB can be kinda tricky( at least I find it to be).
CT9 may be the best of both worlds for you a bit smaller than the G19 in footprint size but slimmer and lighter, 8+1rnds.

The CW does give you a full grip. Thats the reason I went with it over the CM.

jrockin629

· #10 · Aug 31, 2016

Owned an xds and Mod 2. Keyword, owned. Now I've moved onto the 26/19. Love the 19 so much I had to get the 26.

I live in FL and was able to carry the 19 comfortably the majority of the summer. Enough so that I decided to get the 26, to maximize my EDC efficiency/rotation.

Dress around your carry choice. Loose pants, snug gun belt, draped shirt, etc.

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rocky

· #11 · Aug 31, 2016

I carry a p9 in the summer when in light shorts and t shirts. I sure feels lighter that other single stacks I have handled.

Reactions: 1

Bigsteve113

· #12 · Aug 31, 2016

I'm with Buckeye, if I were limited to 10 rounds, and I only wanted 9mm, and I aspired to getting a G19 in the future, my CC guns would be a G26, and/or a Shield 9. Of course I would still tote my KLCR everywhere too.

I've been carrying a G27 daily, OWB and IWB for 18 years. It's been dead nuts reliable! My "business gun" is my G23. The G23 is not much harder to CC, but there is a definite difference in carrying it and the G27. Not much difference in performance.

A G26 and a G19 make a wonderful team!!! Just food for thought!

Reactions: 5

emr454

· #13 · Aug 31, 2016

Another CNY resident here! If you are close by the Syracuse area, you're welcome to try out my G19 and PF9 if you haven't shot them yet. Definitely a night and day difference. I've had my eye on an XD-S for a while, it's a toss-up between that, a Shield, or a G43 if I ever have to replace the PF9.

Eric

Reactions: 1

5lima30ret

· #14 · Aug 31, 2016

As a former owner of a PF-9 I would strongly recommend shooting one before buying! Mine was very reliable despite various internet rumors but... the recoil was fierce and aggravated my RA. I have .45's and .40 and .357 and none of them produce the painful recoil that the PF-9 did! I would add the S&W Shield to your list they are very easy to carry and are a pleasure to shoot! The G-43 is a good choice as well although I prefer the ergonomics of the Shield plus the increased capacity is a bonus! Good luck!

Reactions: 1

emr454

· #15 · Aug 31, 2016

5lima30ret said:
As a former owner of a PF-9 I would strongly recommend shooting one before buying! Mine was very reliable despite various internet rumors but... the recoil was fierce and aggravated my RA. I have .45's and .40 and .357 and none of them produce the painful recoil that the PF-9 did!

Totally agree with this! I made the mistake of shooting a magazine full of 124gr+p through my PF9 once, and never again. A 13 oz 9mm can be quite a punisher with full power loads.

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5lima30ret

· #16 · Aug 31, 2016

emr454 said:
totally agree with this! I made the mistake of shooting a magazine full of 124gr+p through my pf9 once, and never again. a 13 oz 9mm can be quite a punisher with full power loads.

^^^AMEN!^^

Reactions: 1

Eric357

· #17 · Aug 31, 2016

5lima30ret said:
but... the recoil was fierce and aggravated my RA.

This is what a lot of foks have a hard time getting. The smaller the gun the more felt recoil. My wife loves carrying smaller guns like her Xds,g43,etc. But she honestly shoots her PX4 better.

Reactions: 1

franco45

· #18 · Aug 31, 2016

The CM9 is a fin little pistol. Make sure you go to Kahrtalk.com and follow the break in procedure.

Fizban

· #19 · Aug 31, 2016

Sounds you are splitting hairs bro.. I guess it all depends on just how much its bothering you. I would just carry the xds and rock on, its not like its a terrible gun or something.

Reactions: 1

andybob

Discussion Starter · #20 · Sep 2, 2016

Fizban said:
Sounds you are splitting hairs bro.. I guess it all depends on just how much its bothering you. I would just carry the xds and rock on, its not like its a terrible gun or something.

I agree, I am splitting hairs a bit. I'm a bit too analytical sometimes.

I've been talking back and fourth with my FFL and after looking at other options and reviews I've decided I'm going to go with a G43 and a G19. I can get a G43 for not too many more monies than a CM9 and I think it will suit me well.

Thanks to all for the input!

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