I have come to appreciate the single stack 9mm service pistol. Today's pistols seem to consist of either hi-cap double stacks OR single stack pocket sized pistols. The single stack full-sized 9mm seems to be obsolete these days. But not for my tastes. Here are some of the reasons I like service size single stack 9mm:
1. Ergonomic grip. I don't have huge hands, and the single stack frame fits me well.
2. Balance. These single column guns just balance well.
3. The steel frame and slide offer good recoil control for fast shooting a 9mm.
4. Light weight for steel. I prefer steel framed pistols. Double stack steel pistols get very heavy, but their single stack counterparts are still a comfortable carry weight of 28-35 ounces.
5. They are thin guns.
6. Full sized barrels offer good ballistics.

Here are two of my favorite full size single stack 9mm's: the H&K P7 and the S&W model 539. Both are from the 1980's. While I love my 45 1911 and wheel guns, these pistols just speak to me.

Anyone else prefer the single stack FULL size 9 as well?

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I do sympathize. I have small hands and appreciate a single stack 9mm. I have two sub-compact single stack 9mm's. I've shot a friend's XD-s 4.0 with the extended mag and find it to be quite enjoyable. I'm looking forward to shooting the new Springfield Armory EMP 4.0 9mm pistol derived from a 1911 design.

With that being said and when the concealment garment allows, I will always choose to carry a double stack pistol with a slim grip. I make the adjustment for the sake of capacity.

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-John

Me too. Years back had a 59 and it was a handfull. Really like the 3913 series and my CS-9 for easy concealment. Too bad they quit making em.

The mid size 3913/14 guns are great.....

I also have a soft spot for the Beretta Compact Type-M a single stack (8+1) with a short 4.25" barrel

I never could understand how women, and others with small hands, can handle a full size Glock service pistol.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

+1 for the CS9 with "Big Dog" grips and night sights.

I happen not to be a fan of lightweight guns either. One reason I never bought a MDL 39 back in the day-- ran across a 639 at a show and passed on it-- kept thinking how I could of missed them in the day but was working hard and never got around much in the '80's. Went to another show a couple months later and saw another 639, NIB-- that was it, she came home. was ask the other day about the weight of it-- everyone seems to worry about weight-- HA! ever pick up a woman purse?? some of them should require a permit. The MDL 39 is one of the most beautiful pistols S&W ever made-- this one is close to it--

The S&W 39-2 and Sig P225 are nearly identical in size and weight. I am fond of both models.


I liked my HK P7 PSP so much I bought my son one. These things attract so much attention at a range that I try not to shoot them around a crowd.

I'm a little different. The only single stack 9mm I carry is a sub compact. It's easy to conceal and offers more than a .380 for about the same size.
As for full size, I like a 9mm for its extra capacity, so I go double stack for that.

I like my Sig P6 so much that I bought a 225 to go along with it. They both handle and shoot very well.

For what it's worth, a Sig P239 fits my hand better than any other semi-auto I've tried. If I had the money, it'd probably be my first choice in a carry semi-auto.

I typically carry a 3914 when I have an auto. While my 39-2 fits my hand better than both the 3914 and my Model 59, I can't justify carrying it. If I'm carrying full-size 9, it's going to be a double-stack. I do like me some range time with that 39, though.

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Because of the metric system?

These are my favorite single stack 9mm service pistols.
P210


P38


P08

I got to shoot a Star M43. All steel single stack, compact, but great recoil absorption. What's not to like?

I like this single stack 9mm:

Star Model B and the smaller BM are nice single stacks. The Model B (and Super B) has a 5" barrel, and that can't hurt when shooting 9mm.

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Release the Kraken

One of my favorites is the Kahr K9. It's full length grip, steel frame and single stack give it a substantial feel yet small enough to carry. Heavy enough to suck up recoil too.

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Star BKS......Flat....full size....Flat......1911 ergo......Light
FLAT

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I know you specified single-column, but a Browning High Power with custom grips can be pretty slim. I have the standard grips and they max out at about 1 3/8" across the fattest part. The rest of the gun is very slim (under an inch across the slide), and the weight is 32oz. The shape of the backstrap really makes it comfortable to shoot and the longer barrel (about 4 5/8") is nice to have. Perhaps someone here can post a picture of a thin-grip model.

I have two sigs. First one is a West German made P6 Think 8 rounds in the mag and one in the tube. Didn't do anything when I first got it except clean and lube and then to the range. Shoots very well accurate and feeds just about anything. The other one is a sig p239 in 40 S&W I load that with some 165 grain winchester silvertips and it is not as accurate as the p6. Have 4 mags for the p239 and about 6 for the P6 Frank

Apparently, unlike most of y'all, I don't think, "I need a gun that will do THIS", but instead I see a gun and think, "GOTTA HAVE IT".

Running through my nines, I've got a Beretta 92 and a Browning Hi Power. Both double stack.

But I find I also have a Vis, a Walther P1, a Luger, a HK PSP, a Broomhandle and a Commander-length top for a 1911. Also a 940, but I don't guess that qualifies as a single-stack.

Gotta admit, the HK and the 1911 feel much better to me than the Beretta or the Browning.

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I always take precautions

Only got one single stack 9, and it's a half stack.

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Yes I am a fan of single stack 9's..My first was a S&W 39-2 in 1971..Great pistol, it's complicated as to why I no longer have it..
I currently have a S&W 908, KelTec PF9, Kahr CW9 ( newly acquired) and 2 WWII era P-38's..
The single stacks just make it so easy to carry concealed IWB or OWB....

Had one for years, but being left handed and an aversion to cocked and locked left handed with right handed safety went back to DA revolvers. Solved the issues with XDs 3.3 9mm. Like a DA revolver in handling, single stack, controls work LH, reasonable power, 7, 8, and/or 9 shot magazine capacity, very accurate for me, LG 469 laser helps for those awkward sighting potential issues, especially aging eyes in lower light. Still working on the best holster options though? Revolvers are still available and in use as needed. Wish I still had a .41magnum though, one of my dumber moments letting it go, but still could reload for .41 if that situation improves in the future?

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Wherever my mind isn't
Jim

My only single stack 9mm is a custom Sig P6 that I had made up for Brenda as she has small hands. I carry a Sig P228 double stack 9mm.

+1 for Sig P139 8+1, what a swell compromise between form and function

I have small hands and like the single stacks. I don't go I for CCW type guns, I buy full size. I am mostly a revolver man
anyway. I have owned most of the old single stack guns, but
only 9 I have now is a HP, even as a double stack it is comfortable to me. I bought 92 and Ruger 9 when first out, both
Clumsy in my hands. I have never had the opportunity to buy
a 210, but I have shot one, I believe with my limited experience
it is Cadallac of 9s.

I own and shoot several of the guns mentioned in this thread including the Md 59, Browning Hi Power, Sig P210 (don't shoot this one), and 3rd Gen Smiths. However, if you made me give up my CCW gun (Md 649 in .357), here are the three guns I would put into service (and I own them).

1. HK P7, supremely accurate and compact
2. Sig P239, mine is chambered in both .40 and Sig 357
3. S&W Md 39-2, a bit large but accurate and BEAUTIFUL

Sorry, I'm a revolver guy by nature but I sure do love my auto loaders.

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I'm gonna grow fins.

I understand where you're coming from. Although I wear a size large glove, double stacks really push the edge for me. My duty weapon is a gen 4 Glock 23. I have to watch that I don't push my shots to the left because of too little finger on the trigger with a properly centered grip. That's the reason my off-duty carry is a Kahr K40. A 1911 works for me, especially with slim grips and a short trigger. I've owned a S&W 5906 and a SIG 226, both fine guns but still oversized in my hands. Don't even ask about the Beretta 92.

It's a curse I tell you.

Flagman we apparently have the same taste in handguns, Besides a 639 and 39 I would recommend considering a Walther P5 or P5 compact to compliment your collection of fine single stack 9mm's

Sig 239 and the 225 were my only single 9's. Great weapons and carried them each until I found the 228.


P239

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Isaiah 41:10

Don't own any double stack 9mm anymore.
Sold the Browning HP and M39 some years ago.
Never felt right, too big to grip.
Only ones now are a Shield for the better half

and a P1911

I had a 9mm barrel fitted for.
The P38 has never been fired.

And the luger was shot only once by my wife since it's hers.

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

Ever try a Browning High Power?

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Stay protected my friends.

I did, once, several years ago. However, the only thing I clearly remember from shooting it was the red mark left on my hand from the hammer spur.

I do like the Hi-Power and would like to get one someday. It's been a while since I've handled one, but I recall liking the grip. But the Sig P239 I handled, a 1st generation SAS, felt like it was custom made for my hand, both in grip feel and trigger finger placement.

I like them as well.

I've had a bunch of single stack 9mm's over the years.
Lots of MilSurp,,they were cheap!

I'm down to a few Lugers now, one WW2 P38 and a post war P1.
The P1 shoots the best for me and is very accurate. I carry it at times.
The WW2 p38 sits it out now.
The Lugers I just like. They get range time too.

I had 3 different M39s. They never shot well in my hand. Beautiful pistols though. Star Model B were a favorite. They handled nice. The Model B-Super too. Probably should have kept one of those and the pre-war FN HP with the tangent sights and slotted frame.
Oh well,,,,,can't hardly pull slides back anymore anyway except for the P1.

My best shooting 9mm hands down is my Sig P06 from 1984. It has had a trigger job and it shoots "lights out" It's nothing to look at but it does still have the W. German Police holster with it. I traded a 5906 (I had an extra one) for it a few years ago... I made out big on that deal.
My other favorite is the Sig P239 SAS. The short reset trigger is very nice. I had it in 357 sig but sold it as the rounds were hard to get... I just found a very slightly used one at my LGS tonight in 9mm.. I really want to pull the trigger on that one. But it is $750. Not too much as the gun goes but just a lot for 9mm. But the Sig P239 SAS is a very nice single stack. Although it's not full size it's also not a small compact either.
I also have a 3904 and a 539 and a 439 that are great shooters. AS well as my collection of Model 39s.

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

They don't handle it well...they tolerate it.

This is my Sig 220 single stack heel release 9mm, very early made in West Germany, jb code liberated during Operation Desert Storm.
Had Bruce Gray work her over and she is ever so sweet and very accurate.


This one has to be my favorite, have shot about 600 rounds through her and all I can say is WOW. Only owned her for a month but been in my hands every day either dry fire or shoot when the temp is over 0 f.
S&W 952-1

Hand size is what drew me to the 3913/3953. Would like to find the blue versions. I see there's a new P225, with a rounded trigger guard. Could be interesting, thought expensive. I picked up a Shield when my wife wanted one. It's fine.

I was in a LGS yesterday holding a 659 and a 3913. Man what a difference in weight. Still, I would like that 659, but the double stack is just a bit big for my hands

I see you your W. German 220 9mm and raise you a 1976 Geneva Switzerland police 220 9mm

Absolutely beautiful, first one I have seen.
Thanks for sharing!

Ed / Arik...those are my true non S&W Grail pistols.. very very nice.
I was in W Germany in late 1970s.(US Army 3rd ID) I want one for nostalgia. I have a W German P06 from 1984 with police holster. But I really want the . german 220 But the Swiss one really takes the prize!! Also would like a P210 from back then.. but my bank account will never be large enough.

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

Not a 9mm but I've got a W. German 220 in .45.... at the risk of offending a few here.....it's my favorite "carry .45".......will do cloverleafs at 50'..... traded my last Colt 1911(a Combat Commander IIRC) for it in the later parts of the 80s.

If the ----- 4566 wasn't so heavy.....be hard pressed to make a decision.


For the longest time (pre 3913/14) I wanted a 225 but they were rare as hens teeth....... articles written .....but none in the LGSs of the 1980s.

Came across one in the mid 90s...... grabbed it up..... but by then ..... it was a lot bigger than the 3913/14s I was concealed carrying...... and I had the single stack Beretta 92 Type-Ms...... with a stash of holsters and extra magazines.......decided that the 225 filled a gap that no longer existed...at least for me............ don't recall what I traded it for; but I didn't lose any money on the deal.

I have one of those too. Shoots on par with any 1911 I've tried

I'm a P6 fan also. Mine is the proverbial carried a lot, shot a little ex-police weapon. I swapped the P6 mainspring for a P225 mainspring. Much better DA trigger. I also picked up a W German police OWB holster.

While I didn't get a P225 to go along with my P6, I did get a P226 CPO. While the P226 is a little large for me it's a nice, accurate, soft shooting 9mm.

I have several single stack Sig's with a Sig P220, Sig P220 SAO carry, Sig P6, and a Sig P239 in 40 S&W and the only 9mm is the Sig P6. I do really like the P239 in 40 S&W and I have the 357 Sig barrel for it also. The Sig P239 would be my next choice as a carry pistol.

Sig P239 in 40 S&W

M@p with small back strap is bout as thin as an old metal single stack but sure not as pretty

I don't have huge hands, so single stacks have always felt better than most doubles, except for the BHP. That is the auto that feels best in my hand. Period.

I've had a Llama 1911 in 9mm, and a Star BM. I liked both.

The only auto I carry regularly though, is not only my favorite single-stack, but also my favorite DA auto overall. This is a no-dash from 1968:

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Here's my P220 KC, West German from 1992. Not a 9mm, only a .45.

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Isaiah 41:10