Single stack 9's

[American1776]

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?

 

[JaPes]

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.

 

[mauser9]

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.

 

[BAM-BAM]

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

 

[Old cop]

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

 

[3S16]

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

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

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--

 

[ColbyBruce]

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.

 

[Jessie]

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.

 

[max]

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

 

[ContinentalOp]

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.

 

[petepeterson]

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 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.

 

[BARgunner]

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


P38


P08

 

[BC38]

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

 

[Dennis The B]

I like this single stack 9mm:

 

[LVSteve]

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.

 

[Big E3]

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.

 

[gaucho1]

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

 

[Darkenfast]

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.

 

[Frank46]

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