9mm sub-compacts...What to choose?

[seeker_two]

I’m thinking about trading my M-43 Firestar in for a lighter, more compact model for CCW. I’ve looked at the Glock 26, and it doesn’t light my fire. After owning a G-17 for a year, I couldn’t get used to the light trigger w/ no non-trigger-mounted safety & the “trigger-guard-covering-holster-must-be-used-at-all-times-or-Austrian-inventors-will-hunt-you-down-and-lecture-you-about-Glock-perfection-until-you-gag†requirement.

Has anyone here tried the above-listed models? Which do you prefer & why? And, if I’ve left out another good option, let me know.

Thanks in advance…

 

[Jim PHL]

My Kahr K40 is an excellent carry gun. If you are set on a nine, I'd suggest you check out a K9 or P9. The way the K40 eats up .40 recoil, the K9 should be a real pleasure. They carry very well. If you will shoot it a lot I'd lean towards the "K" for the added weight. If it will be carried much and shot little, you may prefer the polymer model.

Good Luck.

 

[Denmark116]

Here are some you left out....

Sig P239
S&W CS9
Kel-Tec P11
Bersa Thunder 9mm


All of the above are good guns and will serve you well. However, when in doubt, go with a Sig....

Denmark

 

[longeyes]

Get more kindling: Glock 26.

 

[sgb]

Another vote for Kahr. I've got the P40 and though the muzzle flip is a little sharp, recoil is not bad at all. The same gun in 9mm the P9 is a pussy cat to shoot if 9mm is more your liking. Check them out.

 

[wally]

Kahr PM9 or PM40.

Also consider the CZ RAMI if you want 10+1 and cocked'n'locked SA option and can stand a bit more weight (~1/4 lb).

--wally.

 

[ddj8052]

I would also vote for the Kahr. I have a MK40 and it is an outstanding gun. Personally, I much prefer the .40S&W round over the 9mm, but of you insist on a nine check out the MK9 or the PM9. Also I had a Glock 27 and whle it was a little to wide for me, it is still a nice gun. Both are excellent subcompacts.

 

[Redlg155]

The Kahr PM9 is one of my carry guns. I can definitely recommend them.

If you like the Glock but you are uncomfortable with the trigger you can have a safety fitted. At the shows here in NW FL there is usually a guy who will supply and install them for a reasonable price. I got to see the system and it looks and works pretty good. Enough to alleviate any concerns about the Glock short trigger.

Brownells sells them as well.
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=5532&title=GLOCK~+MANUAL+SAFETY+KIT

Good Shooting
Red

 

[tc300mag1]

I went with the Springfield Xd fit my hand the bes out of the smith the glock and Kahr .. Kahr's were way to small in the grip for me

 

[rbernie]

CZ PCR or RAMI.

 

[Myself]

Kahr MK9.

I have bigger and smaller but I find this is the one that most frequently fits.

Thin and pocketable, Multiple ways to carry.

 

[Will Fennell]

Pocket auto with a punch

I voted with my wallet for a Kahr P9 Covert. I've been very pleased with my pocket rocket so far. I highly recommend it!

 

[Josey]

The ONLY compact anything I could suggest would be the S&W CS series, CS9, CS40 and CS45. They work.

 

[waktasz]

glock 26

 

[magsnubby]

From the three listed i would go with the Taurus. I've shot the Springfield and it just feels clunky. I have a Taurus PT-111 in 9mm and it's really a sweet little shooter.

 

[makarov]

I have a Kahr K-9 Elite 98 and it is a great shooter. It is heavy though. It carries pretty well because it is slim, but you know it is there. I haven't seen a CZ Rami in person, but I love CZ guns. Have an 85 Combat and a pre-B 75 and 2 452's and a 527 Varmint. Great guns.

 

[jem375]

you left the best one out........G26

 

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

PT-111...................................................NOT


The XD-9 is real good. Little small for my hand. The grip safety can be a problem for large hands.

The Glock has no such problem.

 

[fastbolt]

Of the listed pistols, I picked the SW99 Compact ... because I've shot the .40 S&W version, I'm familiar with the 99 series platform, and I tend to shoot it well enough to satisfy myself.

If the SW99 wasn't on the list, I'd have selected the "Other" option, and listed the CS9. I really like my CS9, but the slightly longer barrel & slide of the SW99 Compact may make for an advantage at some point, sometime.

I wouldn't accept the Taurus as a gift (I could state hit gentler, I suppose, and hope nobody that owns one is offended. It's only a personal opinion about Taurus firearms, and your opinion and experience is every bit as good as mine) ... and I just don't prefer, personally, the always fully cocked striker of the XD series.

The full size XD I recently handled and shot functioned just fine when I was shooting it, and observing the owner shoot it, though ...

 

[9x19]

The Kel-Tec P-11 gets my vote.

I've had at least one since they were introduced and they have been excellent performers.

 

[mini14jac]

Any of the guns on your list are good choices, but I feel that a true "subcompact" should slip into a pocket.

I voted for "Other".

If you're looking at true subcompacts, the Kahr PM9, or MK9 are excellent subcompact guns.

I believe the guns on your list are double stack guns, which makes them easy to carry on a belt, but they wouldn't work for pocket carry for me.

 

[bradvanhorn]

Kel-Tec P-11

It's the smallest and lightest 9mm I've handled, and it fits very comfortably in my hand. For ~$225 new, the P-11 is a steal!

 

[Whole Hog]

Here's another vote for the Kahr PM9. They're small, thin, light, and mild-recoiling, and the trigger is amazing.

Scott

 

[Marshall]

I have a 4" XD-40, I have no doubt you would enjoy the smaller and more compact one. I considered it but, I carry OWB and the service model concealed as easily as the sub compact when carrying that way. Both are really two large for decent pocket carry.

They're considerably more money but I sure like these .45 double stack LDA's from Para!

Para Ordanance

 

[Rock]

Kahr PM9