What is a good alternative to the Shield?

[ndoren]

The PM9 also has a dovetail front sight, as opposed to a pinned one on the CM9. I ordered mine with the factory Meprolight Tru Dot night sights.

I waited endlessly for a Shield, so ended up getting a PM9. Bud's gun shop has the best available prices on all variations, and most are in stock. Most get the CM9 (identical dimensions to PM9) because they're essentially the same gun except for the frills. Identical as far as function and reliability, that is. I really wanted a better front sight so I went with the PM9. Neall

 

[M29since14]

The Kahrs are good little guns. They make a version of the PM9 with a safety lock, but unfortunately, it operates the wrong way for a frame-mounted safety. You push it up to fire. I have a PM9 without the safety. Very good little gun, for what it is. Some people rave about Kahr triggers. They are generally long and smooth, and not too heavy. I am not too keen on that layout, but it is usable, so that is a fairly minor criticism for me.

A M&P9c would give you a gun with very similar characteristics (compared to the Shield). Might be something to consider.

Naturally, you could not go wrong with a 3913/3914.

 

[rraisley]

Some people rave about Kahr triggers. They are generally long and smooth, and not too heavy. I am not too keen on that layout, but it is usable, so that is a fairly minor criticism for me.

When I was selecting a small carry gun, I loved everything about the Kahr EXCEPT the trigger. It seemed like you had to pull it back INCHES before it went off (just fooling with it in the store). But I liked everything else about it so much, and their reputation is good, I bought it anyhow. Lo and behold, I've now not only gotten used to the trigger, but like it (some how). And I shoot it more accurately than my 9C. But yeah, the triggers are, uh, different. ;-)

 

[RussC]

Walther PPS. Outstanding gun

I would go with the Walter over a Kahr.

I did not have a good experience with my Kahr CM9 and I am not alone if you read posts on the Kahr forum.


Russ

 

[chief63]

Walther PPS.

 

[tomuchiron]

How did everybody forget the Kel-tec and the SCCY's. You all have them.
I think they serve a definate purpose for their specification's.
And, they always go bang.

 

[jayman9207]

One of the biggest reasons I like the PM9 and the CM9 are its size. I want to carry inside the pants hip or my ankle as I live in Texas and it is alway hot as frell. I wear a lot of semi-baggy (not falling off my arse) shorts and larger t-shirts much of the time so I was looking for something that would easily holster inside the pants at about 4 o'clock. During our 2-3 weeks of "winter" I typically wear jeans. I doubt I would carry inside of work but I would keep it in my truck (which is parked 10 feet from my office).

Is it worth getting a PM9 with the night sights out of the box? If not then I might consider the CM9 and get the extra magazine and night sights after as there is a big price difference between the two. I know it is only a cosmetic thing buy I also like that you can get the PM9 in all black. Other than the rifling are there any other major construction differences between the PM9 and the CM9?

 

[highaltitude]

I know you mentioned getting a semi-auto for CC.. have you considered a revolver ? My first gun was a Shield 9mm a few months ago. Just last month I picked up a Ruger LCR 357, to shoot 38's out of it (steel instead of aluminum). That LCR 357 is an awesome gun. The trigger is smooth and best in the business. IMO, I think it's one of the best civilian SD firearms around.

Semi's get all the attention and good looks... but sometimes there is beauty in simplicity

 

[skip4309]

I love the Walther PPS. Have a G26. Bought the 'better half' a Shield 9 after doing some research. Ruger LC9 kinda small and long trigger pull, the Nano doesn't come with a slide lock. I think the Shield 9 is the best of both worlds for size, price and shootability (is that a real word!).

 

[rraisley]

Just last month I picked up a Ruger LCR 357, to shoot 38's out of it (steel instead of aluminum). That LCR 357 is an awesome gun. The trigger is smooth and best in the business.

I got the LCR in .38 Special, but the fatter barrel doesn't conceal nearly as well as my Kahr PM9 does. Plus, .38 Special rounds are really at the low end of being powerful enough for SD (although obviously .357's are more than enough); I prefer the 9mm. I now keep the LCR in my glove compartment.

 

[Will Carry]

I have grown to trust my LC-9 with my life. It has never failed me from the first shot. The trigger is long but with a little practice you get used to it. It is accurate, dependable and no stupid 200 round break in period. It fits in my jacket or vest pocket or IWB. The Shield was not out when I bought the LC-9 but my LC9 performs so well that I can't see buying anything else.

I have just about stopped messing with pocket 380s because of the LC9. Right now my DB380 and P238 are safe queens.

 

[kudzu3]

I like the Kahr CW 9, have carried and shot mine for a lot of years with absolutely no problems.

 

[ndoren]

Is it worth getting a PM9 with the night sights out of the box? If not then I might consider the CM9 and get the extra magazine and night sights after as there is a big price difference between the two.

Really it's not as expensive as it seems. If you buy the CM9 you have to pay extra for the night sights, plus installation, which may mean sending your gun away. Dawson is one of the few places that sells the pinned front night sight for the CM9. The factory PM9 night sight is excellent and it was dead-on for accuracy. It may be worth the extra cost of the PM9 if you want the night sights. The other upgrades.. polygonal barrel, machined take down lever, etc., are not worth the extra money.

If you really want a CM9 with night sights, you can buy it new directly from Dawson for only $515:

Kahr Arms CM9 w/Installed DP Perfect Impact Sight Set, Tritium #520-012 Kahr CM9 9mm 3.0" with DP Tritium Front & Tritium Fixed Rear Sight Set Detail Page

 

[S&W Rover]

Lots of good suggestions -- I'll add the S&W M&P 9c to the list.

Small enough to carry in a holster, purse, or jacket pocket (its winter, after all) and, with the magazine extension, big enough to shoot pleasurably on the range as something that is virtually a "full size" pistol.

Add to that reasonable initial cost, great reliability, modest recoil, and S&W's great customer service -- in case it is needed. The Shield is a bit of a specialist gun anyway -- it fills a niche that a lot of people felt needed to be filled, and does it with S&W quality -- but it is not a full size gun and it is not the most concealable smaller gun either...

Heck, if all you want is concealable, at a reasonable cost, go with the S&W J frame Airweight (or Ruger LCR) in .38... but then, you wouldn't have a decent gun to use at the range, to enjoy and learn from (both of these revolvers have small grips and a lot of recoil).

If you can find a commercial range with a rental counter, it would be great to shoot a couple of the options side-by-side. Give the M&P 9c a look.

 

[jayman9207]

You make a very good argument for sure. I just might have to think about that deal. Kind of hard to pass it up. Thanks a million for pointing me to it.

 

[M29since14]

The other upgrades.. polygonal barrel, machined take down lever, etc., are not worth the extra money.

I thought the same thing when the CM9 came on the market, not long after I had purchased my PM9. The price difference was a bit brutal.

Subsequently, of the several CM9s I saw at that time, I can say with certainty that none of them kept up with my PM9 in terms of accuracy. Unless accuracy is not important, for some reason, I would not be so sure about the value of the better barrel until you compare some of the guns side-by-side. PM9s seem have a reputation for being fair shooters - CM9s not so much so.

 

[GRP17]

After looking at a few in person yesterday and then looking at all of your suggestions online into the wee hours of the night last night, I think I am kind of leaning towards the PM9. It has the better rifling and it comes with two clips. I really like the size and based on what I have read so far and what a couple of the gun store guys were saying they are very reliable, easy and accurate to shoot. Now comes the even harder decision........deciding which of the PM9 models to actually purchase!

If you can look/call around to a bunch of ranges to see if they have it for rental or in stock so you can at least pull the trigger and see if you like it. I have heard lots of things about this gun or that gun but shooting it is the beast way to know if its for you. Just because a gun works for some doesnt mean all will like it. This is especially true in the pocket 9 battle. I have read a dizzying amount of reviews on them, check out this post from another forum, enjoy this very detailed read

G26 vs Pocket 9’s/9mm Compacts Major Shootout - Glock Talk

 

[rraisley]

I have to agree. The PM9 is especially accurate, and I shoot this little gun more accurately than I do my M&P9C, so that's saying something.

 

[jayman9207]

Just curiuos but why didn't anyone mention the Kahr P9? I just noticed it while poking around on the Kahr website. It is a bit smaller and lighter than the CW9 I see and it has the same rifling as the PM9.

 

[SSW1911]

My 2 cents is go with the M&P9c. The reality is the Shield is only a few ounces lighter and slighty thinner.

I am a huge fan of the M&P platform and if you want get a Shield later you'll be very familiar with it in a general sense.

I like the 9mm for a lot of reasons, but a big one is cost of ammo, for me anyways means affordability, I shoot around 600 rounds a month give or take.

That said I do have a SW 1911ss 45acp as I also like the 1911 platform and do want something in a larger caliber. I just can't shoot it as much.

I am an S&W fan and really like the M&P for the the fantastic plastic platforms compared to other manufacturers.

Best of luck with whatever you choose!!

(disclaimer, I didn't read every post on the thread either so YMMV).