CCW- nano, Shield, Kahr, LC9

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Been there and done the same search. For me the one with the nicest feel and most comfortable ergonomics was the Kahr CM9. Don't waste the extra money on the PM9 (IMHO it is not worth it).

While the CM9 has a smooth trigger, it is very long in travel and I wish it was a little shorter. But the best trigger of the bunch excluding the Shield.

The Shield is a very nice gun (I wish it didn't have a safety) but it is also the largest gun here and is not a pocket gun unless you are an extremely big guy.

My order of preference would be:
Kahr
Shield
Nano
LC9

Now I just need to wait for Glock to make a 9mm model of the G42
 
Another vote for Kahr. I have a CW9 and a CW380 that are very reliable. I have had the CW9 for about 4 years with no malfunctions at all.

So did I until the frame rail broke, they don't support it. Before mine broke and I experienced their EAA level of customer support, I'd have recommended them, but now I'd strongly suggest something else because "if you've never broken a gun, you just ain't been shooting enough!"
 
The Rohrbaugh R9 is the most pocketable 9mm out there IMO.

No protruding levers or buttons, very slim and weighs in at just 13.5 ounces

Here is a list of smallish pistols - it started out as a list of "Pocket Pistols" but then someone would always chime in that they can pocket carry their Glock 26 so I included that in the list and if you include the Glock 26 then you have to include other guns that are similar in size like the Shield and the SCCY CPX, the Walther PPS etc...

Rohrbaugh R9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 2.9 in
Length: 5.2 in
Height: 3.7 in
Slide Width: .82 in
Width at thickest part of pistol: .95 in
Weight: 13.5 oz, magazine 1.6 oz
Capacity: 6+1 Rounds

Boberg XR9-S (Shorty)
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.35 in
Length: 5.1 in
Height: 4.2 in
Width: .96 in
Weight: 17.5 oz
Capacity: 7+1 Rounds

Kahr MK9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.0 in
Length: 5.3 in
Height: 4.0 in
Slide Width: .90 in
Width at slide stop: 1.0 in
Weight: Pistol 22.1 oz, Magazine 1.9 oz
Capacity: 6+1

Kahr PM9 / CM9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.1 in
Length: 5.42 in
Height: 4.0 in
Slide Width: .90 in
Width at slide stop: 1.0 in
Weight: Pistol 14 oz, Magazine 1.9 oz
Capacity: 6+1

Kimber Solo
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 2.7 in
Length: 5.5 in
Height: 3.9 in
Width: 1.2 in
Weight: 17 oz
Capacity: 6+1 Rounds

SIG SAUER P290
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 2.9 in
Length: 5.5 in
Height: 3.9 in
Width: 0.9 in - 1.1" w/slide catch (roughly the same width as MK9, Kahr lists the width of the slide only)
Weight: 20.5 oz w/magazine
Capacity: 6+1

Diamondback DB9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.0 in
Length: 5.60 in
Height: 4.0 in
Width: 0.80 in
Weight: 11 oz
Capacity: 6+1 Rounds

Kel Tec PF-11
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.1 in
Length: 5.6 in
Height: 4.3 in
Width: 1.0 in
Weight: 14 oz
Capacity: 10+1 Rounds

Beretta Nano
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.07 in
Length: 5.63 in
Height: 4.17 in
Width: .90 in
Weight: 17.67 oz
Capacity: 6+1

SCCY CPX-2
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.1 in
Length: 5.7 in
Height: 4.0 in (without mag extensions)
Width: 1.0 in
Weight: 15.0 oz
Capacity: 10+1 Rounds

Kel Tec PF-9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.1 in
Length: 5.87 in
Height: 4.3 in
Width: .88 in
Weight: 12.7 oz
Capacity: 7+1 Rounds

SIG SAUER P938
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.0 in
Length: 5.9 in
Height: 3.9 in (not counting magazine w/extension)
Width: 1.1 in
Weight: 16.0 oz
Capacity: 6+1 Rounds

Ruger LC9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.12 in
Length: 6.0 in
Height: 4.5 in
Slide Width: .90in
Weight: 17.10 oz
Capacity: 7+1

Remington R-51
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.4 in
Length: 6.0 in
Height: 4.5 in
Width: .96in
Weight: 20.0 oz
Capacity: 7+1

Smith & Wesson Shield
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.1 in
Length: 6.1 in
Height: 4.6 in
Width: .95in
Weight: 19.0 oz
Capacity: 7+1

Glock 26
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.46 in
Length: 6.29 in
Height: 4.17 in
Width: 1.18 in
Weight: 19.75 oz w/o magazine
Capacity: 10+1 Rounds

Walther PPS
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.2 in
Length: 6.3 in
Height: 4.4 in
Width: .90 in
Weight: 20.0 oz
Capacity: 6+1

Springfield Armory XDs
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.3 in
Length: 6.3 in
Height: 4.4 in
Width: .90 in
Weight: 23.0 oz w/empty 7rd magazine
Capacity: 7+1

Bersa BP9CC
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.3 in
Length: 6.35 in
Height: 4.8 in
Width: .94 in
Weight: 21.5 oz
Capacity: 8+1
 
There are a lot of nice small 9mm guns being made. I think it comes down to trigger systems and which style fits you best.

I own and alternately carry a Shield and a PM9. VERY different trigger systems. Both of my guns are extremely reliable. I would believe only what you experience as to claims of customer support. Parts broken off the frame will be covered and repaired by S&W and Kahr as well as pretty much any other manufacturer, unless you modified something.

If It came down to me having to keep one of the two, I would keep the Kahr PM9.

KahrShield-1.gif

Much smaller and easier to carry just about anywhere on your body, smooth repeatable trigger, better sights,( Mine are night sights), and I shoot my Kahr more accurately than the Shield. Why? I do not know.

Be aware the Kahr PM9 will cost you nearly twice the price of a Shield.
 
I own a Shield, CW9, KelTec and Sig 938. I shoot them all relatively well, but feel that the Shield, CW9 and Sig 938 are just about equal for carry. The Sig is most expensive and a metal frame if you're into that. The Shield and CW9 are both great guns however, the trigger on the Shield is very good especially withe Apex Duty/Carry sear and trigger. Kahr's trigger is long, but smooth, just a different feel, not bad, just different. I would recommend any of them for a nice carry pistol. I suggest shooting them if you can and then decide. I like pocket pistols, that's why I own several! :)
 
So did I until the frame rail broke, they don't support it. Before mine broke and I experienced their EAA level of customer support, I'd have recommended them, but now I'd strongly suggest something else because "if you've never broken a gun, you just ain't been shooting enough!"

As a Kahr owner, I'm curious what that said to you regarding the problem you had (have?).
 
I own a Nano, PM9, Solo, and Kahr P380. I pocket carry 100% of the time. The P380 is by far the lightest weight and easiest to conceal, but it is a 380. Of the Other pistols, the Solo is the easiest to conceal and carry as it is slightly smaller than the Nano and PM9. There is really no significant difference between the Nano and PM9 in size or weight. They are all good reliable guns.
 
I chose the CM9 for pocket carry, and the CW9 for a practice-spare. It's similar in feel/controls, obiously, but about 1/2" longer at both ends. That helps comfort at the range and durability, too. I dont want the wear and fouling of practice on the ccw gun. When I compete, it's with an IWB rig with the CW9. As long as nobody beats me at IDPA or IPSC with practical gear, at realistic challenges, I am the winner of that match. Cheating scores dont count. It is no more part of the game to use a Gov't model and space-rig than it is to run with a basketball, without dribbling that ball.
 
For me the Shield 9mm is the most ergonomic and most comfortable for me to shoot. IMO if I couldn't get a shield I would get a Kahr CW9, Which I think is a slick piece for the price. Of course nothing wrong with the Beretta or the Ruger (I'm a huge Ruger fan.) These are just my preferences.
 
Are you referring to the opinions of people that haven't even held one yet? They haven't been released yet. What I've seen from the media events was very positive.
I'm referring to the folks at the Bang Switch who fondled one at SHOT. They claim that the action and trigger is gritty as well as that the grip safety is "horrendous".
 
For any reason you look hard at the shield then look at the larger cw9 kahr as its much closer to the same size over the smaller cm9.
 
I'm referring to the folks at the Bang Switch who fondled one at SHOT. They claim that the action and trigger is gritty as well as that the grip safety is "horrendous".


Both of which a subjective remarks...
 
I have owned all of them discussed (literally). I chose the Kahr CM 9 for my everyday carry. I use a Wilderness belt, Crossbreed for IWB, Desantis Nemsis for pocket and I don't see myself changing.

It really is the best of all worlds for me.
 
Kahr, if you are talking pocket carry. I have both a Kahr PM40 and a Shield. The Shield is too big for pocket carry, but is an ideal belt ccw gun. The Kahr is reserved for pocket carry.
 
Wow, I would not get another Kahr!

Just my opinion. DO NOT BUY A KAHR! They are some of the nicest looking, sweetest shooting guns with the smoothest trigger pulls out there WHEN THEY WORK!

Go to KahrTalk, or for that matter, any gun forum and do a search on Kahr's, especially the CM9 and the PM9. About half of the guns manufactured end up being returned for broken magazine followers, premature slide lock and other well known common failures. (The other half seem to work great.)

Kahr got caught up in the recent "gun panic" where all of the manufacturers were selling more guns than they could make. They ramped up production and ignored previous quality control inspection levels. Now, they are experiencing the deluge of returns that is inevitable when you make manufacturing decisions like that.

Their current, woefully small, customer service and service departments are being overrun with angry customers.

If they can survive the next year or so, they may very well get back to building quality guns. In the meantime, I would spend my money elsewhere.
 
I registered just to ad my opinion. Let me start by stating that I am a STRONG advocate for the 1911, I have more 1911's than any other type of pistol in my collection, from Kimbers, Dan Wessons, and Wilson Combat. I carried (past tense) a HK USP .45 Compact, Dan Wesson ECO and Wilson Combat CQB daily, until Monday.

As of Monday, I no longer own a Kimber Solo, or the Beretta Nano. I do have a S&W Shield in .40 on me, and a 9mm ordered through my LGS for the more opinionated half.

The Kimber Solo was probably the most unreliable weapon I have ever encountered, 3 trips to Kimber, one excuse after another, and both my wife and I could not ever get it to run effectively. Maybe it was the both of us, but no other firearm we shoot has had the same issues, FTE, FTF, Stovepipes, EVERY MAGAZINE, shooting different ammo, 124gr and 147gr.

We have owned Kahr's, the CW9 and CW45 were both in our carry rotation, until she experienced some frame issues, we tried dealing with Kahr warranty and customer service, finally got a replacement CW9, and sold them both.

The Nano was, well....the Nano. I have nothing bad to say about the Nano, the wife however felt that the barrel axis was too high, and she had a lot more felt recoil than some of her other 9mm's. She has the Sig Sauer P238, and P938, loves them both, but unlike me, does not want to run the risk of having an expensive CCW confiscated if used in a self defense situation. She has an LCP, it sits at home (I hate the trigger, but as she says "Not Your Gun"). Now, she will carry her HK USP 9mm Compact if she has a larger purse selected and ready to go, she loves that pistol and it shows by her willingness to heft it around, but I want her to carry on her person, ongoing argument.

We have both been looking at a smaller carry option, I happened to see a NIB Shield in .40 S&W locally that had been done in FDE Cerakote, and I bought it. Took it home, ran it through the cleaning process, loaded it and shot it. She shot it. We both liked it so much I ordered hers in 9mm yesterday. I am carrying in a Comp-Tac MTAC IWB and am hardly aware of its presence. She has already stated she will stop purse carry when she gets her Shield, and carry on her person, which has me relieved.

Sorry for the long winded response, but if I had to do it all over again, I could have saved some money and headache and just gone with the S&W.

IMG_167801262608088.jpg
 
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