which of the following (in 9mm) do you recommend and why?

[Maximum1]

Daughter is looking for a home defense weapon which she will also use for CCW. So which of the following 9mm would you recommend and why?

Walther PPS
Springfield XD Sub-Compact
S&W M&P Compact
Beretta Storm PX4-SC
Kahr PM9 /P9
Kel-Tec PF-9
Glock 26
H&K USP9 Compact
Glock 17


BTW, she has small hands and CAN'T get her hands around a FULL size gun.

 

[chris in va]

Whichever one she shoots/likes the best. Honestly.

Here's some reading.

http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC.aspx

 

[alfsauve]

Walther P99

First the P99C over the PPS.

Secondly why the compact versions. A full P99 would fit the bill.

Why? True SA/DA capability. No safety to worry about.

 

[W.E.G.]

Because its a proven performer.

 

[Monkeybear]

Whatever fits her hand, but you already knew that.

As far as just general recommendations I would say the Glock 19. Its not much bigger than the 26 and its a hell of a performer. 15 rounds of 9mm. Full sized grip. A slide that every woman I have ever taken shooting has been able to rack with confidence. Its the only centerfire that ever female so far has liked shooting. Thats only a total of 4 so take it for what its worth.


The Kahr CW 9 is pretty small, although bigger than the one you listed, and a good size for those with smaller hands. They can also be found for sub $400.

 

[wcb]

I voted the XD because it's so ergonomic and dang near everybody loves how it fits their hand and almost aims itself. But my first choice would be what she likes best; I would just be sure to have her look at the XD.

 

[rellascout]

I too like proven performers that is why I went for other...

The original wonder 9mm the Browning Hi Power. Cocked and locked carry with a 1911 quality trigger, with a little work. The fit my hand perfectly. Almost no kick and completely controllable.

 

[chilie]

take her out and shoot.. and start with the xd! I like it, she may too? if not try any of those, they are all quality.

 

[10-Ring]

I have the most experience w/ the HK USPc 9. Great shooter, fantastic size and very very very reliable

 

[RobertFBurnett]

+1 on corneredcat.com I believe they have a whole section on choosing the right gun to fit small hands.

RFB

 

[rellascout]

The best thing to do it get out and shoot with other people that own a variety of 9mms. Let her shoot and narrow it down from there.

 

[doc2rn]

Styer single stack M9A1 in 9mm, I want one so bad. I also could not part with my American made FN 9.

 

[Gun Slinger]

I'd vote for the Glock 17 only because I like it.

Your daughter may have a different preference, though.

 

[Redhat]

Kahr K9 - All steel gives better recoil control

Glock 19 - Very size efficient and fits many hands well

 

[possum]

i will always choose an xd over the competitors, but that is a personall preferense. i have 2 xd's and they have been great. i carry an xd sc .40 daily. my wife would too but she dosen't like the grip safety, yeah wierd i know so she carries my kahr k-40. and she likes it allot.

if you do go kahr i suggest that you go with the steel framed models.

 

[gallo]

The ergonomics of the XD are hard to beat. The gun just fits like glove. All the levers and buttons are in the right place.

 

[LawofThirds]

Springfield Armory EMP. The grip length is shortened and being a single stack it's a small package, especially with ultra thin grips. If your wife really has that small of hands, a J frame might be better for her since with the stock wood grips or other small grips a J frame has about the smallest circumference of any gun suitable for CCW. Other things to think about include her ability to rack the slide, some of your choices up there are a pretty rough deal to rack, especially under stress.

 

[tntwatt]

My wife prefers the G19 to my G26. Says it has less recoil. That might be something to consider. Smaller means more perceived recoil.

 

[glockman19]

IMHO in the 9mm Catagory Glock makes the best pistols. They are Reliable, accurate and practically indestructible. The Glock 19 is also a gun that can be concealed.

 

[bestseller92]

Glock 19.

 

[guntotinguy]

XD is my vote...

 

[Bill_G]

FNP-9. great pistol.

 

[USMCDK]

My wife is the same as your daughter... SMALL HANDS. She loves her lil Walther P22. So I can only assume ( I know it make an @$$ outta U and ME), based on what was just previously said, that the Walther PPS would/could be the better choice.

*SIGH* I digress though and agree with the others. Take her out to that range and let her have her way with each one (1 box ammo a piece) and let her tell you what she digs best and go from there. I can only imagine that if she likes a specific one then you and her both shall be happy.

 

[Navy87Guy]

I voted for the M&P Compact.

First, the PX4 SC is a legend -- kind of like Bigfoot. Very few have ever seen it. Latest guesstimate is that it might be out by June (a full year after first promised). Don't hold your breath.

I used to have a Walther P99C. It was very "snappy" and my wife didn't like it at all.

I have an M&P 9C. The interchangeable backstraps may help your daughter with the grip - although my wife (5'2", small hands, short fingers) prefers the medium over the small. The recoil is very manageable and less noticeable than with the P99C.

I've found there's no way to predict what my wife will like. Her two favorite guns have been my Beretta PX4 (small backstrap) and the Ruger KP93 (of all things!) When a gun fits her -- it fits her!

Jim

 

[grimjaw]

The article that chris in va listed from pax is good advice. Instead of the Kahr PM9/P9 I'd recommend trying the Kahr K9, which has a little more heft and not much more recoil (subjective) than a G19.

jm