I am currently researching for my next conceal carry pistol. I've been alternating between a HK P2000 in .40 s&w and a S&W Model 60 in .357 Mag.

The HK is nice, but a little bulky on my frame (especially in the summer) and not exactly comfortable for all-day carry. The S&W is great, but I'd like a sub-compact auto with a few extra rounds for my next carry piece.

I've shot the Sig Sauer P250 Nitron SubCompact. It's a nice shooter in terms of accuracy, but something about the grip makes it not too comfortable to shoot. And I've read iffy things about the reliability of U.S.-manufactured Sigs lately.

I've also looked at the HK P2000sk, but dimensionally it is slightly larger than the Sig P250 and I worry that it may not conceal too much better than the P2000 I already own.

Anyone have any suggestions for a nice subcompact 9mm that I may not otherwise have thought of? I'm open to unique suggestions. Money is a factor, but it will not be the deciding factor.

Have tried any of the Kahrs?

Good suggestions. I did shoot a friend's Kahr the other day, and liked the feel of it. Only problem is that I'm a lefty, and the slide release and magazine release toggles were not very left-hand friendly. Otherwise, it was a nice pistol.

Anyone have any experience with Walthers or CZ?

S&W CS9 would be one to think about. Somewhere around 20 oz dry (I think), single stack 7+1, 3.25" barrel, very compact but controllable and reliable, S&W dependability. No longer made but I see them regularly on this and other sites for (mostly) decent prices.

I've often thought about getting a SIG P225/P6, but carry a 9mm Makarov.

Check the Sig 239, 9MM or the 225/P6, 9MM. Both excellant. 239 is newer copy of the 225 which goes back into the 1970's and ofter imported from European law enforcement. The all wear like iron and are all steel guns.

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NRA Bene Life, SWCA 2372

HK P7? S&W 3913?

I am left handed, and a Kahr PM9 rides in my pocket everyday. The controls have never been a problem for me.

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Only a cold warrior

CS9 is good but the sticky grips can cause shirt to ride up. mine has been VERY reliable. I'm looking into bigdog grips for it. the PM9 is good for pocket carry or OWB IMHO much better choice for CCW and reliable after break in period.

Am I ever sorry I let that one slip out of my hands. What a great pistol. I purchased an imported P225 last year, but decided to concentrate on 3rd gen Smith & Wesson's. It was smooth, accurate, and extemely well constructed. You should be able to find one for 3-400 bucks in VG condition.

With regard to the single stack 9mm pistols, there are a great number of relatively new ones on the market. My brother in law recently bought one of the Ruger LC9's. It has a long smooth trigger, but is extremely accurate and does not have the perceived recoil of the similar sized Kel-Tec PF9. I've shot the LC9 a few times and I really like it. I've owned two Kel-Tec PF9's and the Ruger is a much more finished product, for what its worth.

I've also shot the Sig P250 subcompact in a 9mm. Rented it one night at a local range and ran about 25 rounds through it. One of the best double action triggers I've ever felt. The pistol is much more accurate than I'll ever be. I've never owned a Sig, but have several friends who love them.

Good luck with your search!

The H&K P7 would be my choice.

I had a PSP years ago and it was one of the best 9mm's I have ever shot.

However I am just not a 9mm fan.

I think the best concealed semiauto is a 1911 Lighweight Commander in 45 ACP.

My present CC 9 is a 3913.
That said, after trying a Sig P250, if I was picking a new one, that would be the one. Really liking DAO in that one.
Wish my S&W could be converted to DAO

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

Ruger LC9
Walther PPS
Kel Tec PF9

I have often thought about selling but cannot find a suitable replacement. Paid $375 used (police gun) and did my own dehorning and 3913 grip mod. replaced the plastic rear sight with a plain rear novak. perfer a front dot only set up.

Rumor has it Glock is suppose to unveil its single stack (I heard 9) at the Shot Show 2012. No other info is avail.

started out with this


Current...

Hard to improve on a CS9/3913 for your needs......I have both and the the 3913 rides with me more than anything else simply due to fit in my hand. Get one soon and see what some many on here rave about!

Randy

I have two Sig P250's, my preference is the compact, I have the exchange kits for the 9MM, 40 and 45. My everyday carry when legal is the 45. I have yet to have a single malfunction with over 1k rds through the two. I have been researching my next purchase which would be a bug and at this point am leaning to the Keltec pf9, the lcr or a j frame for ankle or pocket carry.

Having carried numerous single stack guns, including Kahr PM-9, Sig 239, S&W 3913, Para Carry 9, and Colt Commander, I'm stuck with the Walther PPS. It's light, easy to conceal (the different floorplates on the magazine determine the overall height), and comfortable to shoot, even with +P. The price has now come down to below $500 (Cheaper Than Dirt has them for $458) and availablility is great with the comeptition from the Kimber Solo, Ruger LC9, and Beretta Nano now on the market.
S&W is the sole importer, so you even get S&W markings on the right side of the slide. Since it's been out for awhile, there are a bunch of holsters available for it and all of the bugs in the early manufactured guns have been resolved. The only accessory I have on my PPS is a Hogue Handall Jr. rubber grip.

Attached Images

PPS left side.JPG (23.5 KB, 198 views)

It was on back-order last I checked, but the Kimber Solo sounds exactly like what you're looking for. I've only held it, haven't gotten a chance to fire one(Gun shop had a buyer who had ordered it online but hadn't picked it up yet). Very comfortable single stack 9mm, I've got pocket knives I'd have more trouble trying to conceal. It has an ambidextrous thumb safety as well as mag release. Truly the most comfortable subcompact I've ever held

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Just the opinion of a kid

I've seen that Kimber reviewed in at least 2 magazines, both were very good reviews. Accuracy was a major benefit. Ruger SR9c is really nice, but not a pocket pistol for most folks.

You may want to take a hard look at the new XR9-S and join me on the wait list.
XR9 Shorty - Boberg Arms

Here is my favorite at the present.
Sig P239

Rather partial to both the HK P7 and SIG P225 myself. But have you tried a Springfield EMP? It has ambi safeties, night sites, and is a dream to shoot. Dale

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"Long live the S&W 3rd. Gen.!"

Not often mentioned (or seen) is the single-stack Beretta 92 Compact, Type M.



Finding magazines can be a problem, and while it still has the fat slide of a 92, it feels and carries totally different.

Somewhat of a cult following at present but they are available if you look.

Dead-nuts reliable, of course.


Regards,

Pat

Isn't that expression an oxymoron?

Think about it.

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WWSSD?
What would Skeeter do?

+1. To me, it's not a pocket gun, but it's the class act of the single stack 9's for belt carry.

The Beretta Nano looks good. I didn't think much of it until I saw this review. I will definitely keep an eye the forums before I buy.

http://www.guns.com/reviews/beretta-nano.html

I agree, it's best carried IWB (I carry mine in a High Noon holster appendix position) or OWB (I use an Enhanced Pancake holster from Lobo Gun Leather). I even have a DeSantis Apache ankle holster, but you have to wear 5.11 or similar style trousers to adequately cover it. I've never carried it in a pocket, that's where I carry a J frame.

I love my P2000..I used to carry a P7 and although it was thinner, it was 6 ounces heaveir..I fidn the double stack grip of the P2000 to be not much thicker than most single stack 9s...and it's even thinner than a 1911...yes, the slide is a bit thicker, but with the right holster, mine disappears under a t-shirt...maybe a new holster will rekindle your love for your P2000...

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Thirty characters. Exactly...

I do really love my P2000. Out of curiosity, did you ever consider a P2000sk? Also, what holster(s) are you using to comfortably carry your P2000? I've been using a Pete's Custom Kydex IWB holster, which has great retention but just isn't comfortable for me for all day carry. Maybe I just have bony hips...

Another vote for the Walther PPS for a compact 9mm, and this form someone who prefers to carry an Ed Brown 1911, dislikes polymer and Glock style triggers, and prefers walnut and steel.

Reliable, light, compact, durable, comfortable to shoot and very accurate for its size.

I have owned mine for several years, and it is now equipped with Meprolight nights sights and a steel guide rod. I carry it in a Desantis pocket holster, a High Noon IWB, or a Wild Bills Concealment "Avenger" style OWB holster.

As much as I want to dislike this pistol, I cannot.

+1
P7, 225
They are freaking fantastic guns.
I happen to really like steel single stack 9's. The others that are top on my list are the Kahr K-9 and the Walther P-5
Interestingly enough the Walther the Sig and the H&K are known to the German Police as P-5, P-6 and P-7

Food for thought. S&W M3953, stainless steel, 9mm, or it's brother
M3954, blue, 9mm. Both are small, all steel and DAO.

My "most carried" concealed pistol is a Kimber Pro-Carry (Commander size) in .45 acp. I can carry this throughout the year with an inside the waistband holster without it ever being spotted, or uncomfortable. At times I will cary one of a couple of S&W no-lock .38 snubnoses. If you really want a small 9mm, look at Kahr arms. I had one, liked it, but wasn't as accurate with it as I like to be. This was due to the small grips on the model I owned. That being said, go to their web site and check out the variety they offer. Ditto with Sig; a 239 or 225 might be just the bet for you. There are other companies that make small 9's, but both Sig & Kahr make reliable, quality guns.

I own a Ruger LC9, Taurus 709 and Sig P250 subcompact. The 250 is chunky (big slide) but is high capacity and 40 caliber. The LC9 and 709 are very thin and concealable single stack 9mm's. Both are very reliable. The LC9 is the most accurate of the two. All are too big for pocket carry IMHO. Of the three I would carry the LC9 IWB. Hope that helps and good luck.

ditto on the Ruger LC9

I only have two single stack 9mm's, Kahr MK9 and S&W 3913. The Kahr by far,better fpg (front pocket gun).
If & when Kimber Solo makes it to California, that will be my nxt fpg.

and another vote for the PPS. after a very greasy break-in, mine has been 100% reliable and its far more accurate than any of my other semi auto's.

Lots of choices. I sometimes carry this 3913LS. It's never had a failure of any kind with various brands of ammo and I can hit a softball-sized rock with it @ 50 yards or so. You'd have to try one to see if it'd fit your hand. It may be a bit larger than some of the other choices.

Several have mentioned the Ruger LC9...I have one, and really like it. I don't find it too big for pocket carry. I find it easier to carry in my pocket than I did the LCR.

Actually, I guess I am in the market for another pocket carry pistol...my wife has decided the LC9 is hers. I have several .45s, but they are not pocket carry pistols for sure. I have had some other models, including a Kahr CW9, but so far the LC9 is the one I like best...and if I get another one, my wife and I can share magazines.

Someone mentioned that Glock may be coming out with a single stack 9mm...that will be very interesting! I like the G36, since it fits my hand very well...better than the G30 (even in SF) or the G26...so a single stack 9mm will more than likely be a really hot seller for them. I wish S&W would come out with something similar to the LC9.

I'll probably stay with something from S&W or Ruger...because of the service and warranty...especially if they come out with a small 9mm.

In my opinion both great carry pieces.....Try to get a Hk P7-M8

been wrestling with this problem for 40 years.

I currently carry a Smith 642, and a Kahr P9, with night sights. The 642 has a Crimson Trace Laser Grip.

I can shoot the Kahr much better, and it's an eight shot, more powerful, and offers a quick reload. It is DEAD reliable with Federal 9BP's, my preferred short barrel round.

Of course, in high threat mode, or the clothing allows it, one of my Glock 19's are in the fray, with one of the smaller guns, as back-up.

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NRA Instructor

I carry Kahr CW9 IWB daily. Best, for me, I've found so far.

An older, but high quality pocket rocket launcher, The Detonics Pocket 9:


Here is the Pocket 9 resting on top of a Colt Combat Commander .45 acp to give you a comparison of size.

Although a little bigger and not a single stack, the S&W Model 469 is an excellent concealable 9mm. Here's mine with a recent target that I shot with the 469:


The knife is by Jerry Hossom and is called a "Dogtag". I like how the 439 shoots. The target is 2 12 round magazines shot at 10 yards, a compromise defense range...

That can't be a factory finish on that sweet pistol, what is the finish???

i can honestly say ive never seen that Detonics model, i thought all they ever made was the .45's. thanks for the pics.

I'm a Lefty and LOVE my Kahr CM9. I have no problems running the mag release to replace a mag and if you practice a bit, the slide release can be handled easily as well... either with a strong trigger finger pushing down or do a reach under and pull it down with your off hand.

Great little concealable 9mm.

If I was designing the mods myself, I could not do better than this. Very nice.

Out
West

I bought a sigP6/225 a couple years ago. West German police turn in. I got lucky as it came with two mags. Some dealers would with hold the second mag and charge extra for it. Went on a West German surplus buying kick. Got the leather AKAH holster, 6 mag holders and then the polymer/leather holster. I like the latter one as I can wear it under a shirt jacket in cold weather and it won't print. I paid about $330 for mine but lately have seen them for sale at the $400 level. Good pistols, expect some finish wear on the slide from being holstered and maybe some dirt. Mine cleaned up well and is the best 9mm shooter I have. Frank

Frank, I will have to agree with you regarding the Sig P6; although it is a little top heavy and thicker then most guns in its class, they were (when available) one of the absolute best gun values ever offered.



Based on the markings on my P6 (the NW on the slide) it was issued and carried in the German State of North Rhine/Westphalia. Like you I have bought a few German surplus items including the leather concealable belt holsters (LH and RH) and recently the Sportsmans Guide had a special on used German Police Goretex jackets; Kelly Green in color with retroreflective stripes on the sleeves and the word POLIZEI on the back. Mine has a officer's name on the tag and is also from North Rhine.

What can I say? The following list says it all about how much we like our single-stack carry guns.

In alphabetical order:

• Dan Wesson CCO
• Kahr CM9
• Kahr K9
• Kahr PM40
• Kimber Ultra Carry II
• Sig P232
• Sig P238
• Springfield 1911-A1
• S&W 3913LS
• S&W 3913NL

The Kahr PM40, Kahr K9 and the S&W 3913's are the go-to guns generally. The others fill niches.

FYI, we also have several double-stacks and enjoy shooting them every bit as much, but not for carry.