Single stack 9mm

[old tanker]

The Star BM is a very nice pistol. I picked mine up some time ago when all the cheap ones were coming in from Spain. The other police surplus pistol that I like very much is the P6, aka SIG P225. I think the cheap supply has dried up on both of them, but either merits consideration.

 

[John F.]

If you can use a 1911-style, the Springfield EMP-4 (4" bbl) is a light,
reliable and accurate pistol. They make it with a "bobtail" frame or
standard 1911 style frame. I like the 4" bbl for the higher velocity,
longer sight radius, and faster recovery between shots. They also make
a standard EMP which has a 3" barrel. They aren't cheap, but are very good, with alloy frame.
John

 

[otis24]

Sig P239 is certainly a possibility. Appreciate all of the suggestions. Not looking for polymer because I like a pistol with a little more heft. I know that that bucks the current trend of lighter. Heavier means a little more difficulty in carrying, but I shoot more accurately with a heavier gun.

 

[ladder13]

Too bad CZ does not make a single stack CZ75D Compact, because that gun is amazing. Best compact I ever owned, better than my Smiths.

 

[Murdock]

This Kimber meets my needs when I gotta go small. I added the skateboard tape. The ASP is the original "sub compact" and is the gun the 3913 wanted to be.

 

[gdogs]

I'd highly recommend the Sig P239 as well, though mine is in .40 (I wish they'd have made it in .45). It is finely crafted, accurate, comes in a DAO variety (which I prefer in a carry gun), plenty of holster/grip options are available, and they can still be found for a reasonable price. That said, if heft and accuracy in a single stack 9mm is what you're after then look no further than the HK P7 line. This PSP has got to be the heaviest 9mm I own, more than most of my double stacks lol. It's also one of the most accurate in my stable thanks to the fixed barrel design and a superb trigger. I was lucky enough to pick this one up for $500 a few years back when all the police trade ins were being imported. Shocking to see what they are going for now.

 

[OLDSTER]

Sig P6/225

 

[old tanker]

... I was lucky enough to pick this one up for $500 a few years back when all the police trade ins were being imported...

Dang! I missed that cycle of imports! I got to shoot one years ago when the Ansbach Kreispolizei first got them. The chief of detectives used to shoot IPSC matches at Oberdachstetten in the mid-Eighties.

Never did find one I could afford.

 

[URIT]

I EDC an S&W Model 3953 which is the double-action-only version of the 3913. I also own a pre-rail Model 3953TSW along with many of the single stack S&W models mentioned above. I'd recommend both for EDC or range use.

 

[clang444]

Kahr also made the E9, an economy version of the K9:

I own both. My E9 is the first gen all carbon steel version with a Parkerized type finish. There were some made with a stainless frame and carbon steel slide and maybe vice versa too.

I actually like the grips on the E9 better, they are hard (maybe nylon?)
so they don't grip your clothing like the rubber grips do. If you find one used, don't be afraid to pick it up.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Sig Sauer 938 . . .

Looking for a non-polymer subcompact single stack 9mm similar in size to the Kahr K9 or S&W 3913. The Kahr K9 is at the top of the list. I'm familiar with S&W 39 (3913, 3914, 3906). What are my other options?

 

[BAM-BAM]

Beretta 92 Compact Type-M....... is a single stack 9mm....... 8+1.

One of my favorite carry guns in my "Burb of the Burgh"...... 4.2" barrel and slide.... single stack grip frame ........ not sure if they are in current production... but they go back to the early 80s S version (bright blue/walnut grips) through the 1990 and the FS version......

Got my first back in 93 because of the unknowns of the 94 AWB.... added 4 more over the years including a DAO version.


Not a sub-compact but a great single stack 9mm.

 

[ContinentalOp]

My general preference when buying guns are ones that are still in production, or at least guns with a wide availability of parts and mags.

With that in mind, if I were in your position, I'd lean towards a Kahr K9. The P9 is actually on a short list of 9mm guns I'd like to get. While I haven't tried every striker-fired gun under the sun, the Kahrs I've tried had the best triggers, reminiscent of a very smooth, light DA revolver.

If you're ok with SAO, 1911-style guns, the Springfield Armory EMP and Sig P938 could be good options. I believe Kimber makes a version of a 9mm-specific, downsized 1911-style gun, too. If you have the budget for them, I believe both Wilson Combat and Ed Brown make high-end versions.

Both the Sig P239 and Beretta 92 Compact M are guns I'd really like to get, and are excellent guns, but they may be a little larger than your size parameters. And they're out of production. While parts may not be an issue, getting mags can be a problem, especially with the 92 M. I consider mags to be consumables, so being able to easily replace them would be a factor for me.

Just my opinion.

 

[PPS1980]

Not a big fan of Kahr, they tend to be very ammo sensitive (and their materials - at least in the past- said you had to break them in prior to carry). No ploymere rules out the best single stack 9 that I know of (and I tried around 18 of them before I settled on it) the PPS Classic from Walther. But the P239 from Sig is an excellent single stack, comes in 9, 40, and my favorite 357Sig. Its an excellent weapon IMHO and I carry mine in 357Sig as my EDC.

 

[otis24]

Beretta now makes a 92x compact with or without rail

 

[BigBill]

Let's not forget the cz82's & cz83 have 12rd mags.

 

[hardknocks]

My Kahr K9 has never not worked through around 3K rounds, and 10 years. i can load 7 different brands of 9mm ammo in the mag and it works like it should.
I have the star 9mm also its a good gun.
If You dont want a safety it makes the choices tougher.
I have spent some time on the Kahr forum and the K-9 seems to be one of the guns with the least problems that Kahr sells.
Then there is the S&W 3953 no safety.
Good luck

 

[.38SuperMan]

I'd suggest a Kimber Micro 9. I've had mine for about 3 years and it's functioned 100% and is very accurate. You can get a good idea of scale from my hand. Next would be my Kimber Ultra Aegis 9mm. It's the same size as the Colt Officer model.

1st image is the Micro 9 and second Ultra Aegis.

 

[Art Doc]

Why dismiss the polymer guns? Not pretty but carry pieces are tools, anyway.

I've been carrying a Ruger EC9s for two years and I am very happy with it. As small as a 9 can get and still allow for a strong grip. So far 100% reliable and at 20 yards rapid fire I feel confident with it.

 

[mbliss57]

Sig P239 is the best thing out there in a single stack. I carry one in 357 Sig. I have owned a bunch and this is the most accurate, well made gun out there hands down. I love CZs but the Sigs are just built better. Of course there is also the SW 39xx series that I also carry and love.
The P239 production just stopped last year. But there are plenty out there and plenty of parts. I recommend the SAS as it is "melted"/ dehorned for carry. I also like it because it's a DA/SA like the SWs. CZ doesn't make a single stack 9mm. Kahr makes a good pistol based on reviews butI have not owned one.
The Berreta 85 and 86 Cheetas do not come in 9mm either unless you consider 9mm Kurz a 9mm. They are 380 ACPs. Th eBeretta 81 is a .32ACP.