Which 9mm

Choot-um · May 8, 2012

OK im going to get another small 9mm and I need some help deciding. I have 6 of them im looking at that are very similer in size and price. I already have a Smith and Wesson M&P Shield and like it but my wife wanted it so now its hers. I was just going to get another Sheild but now I dont know what I want. Heres the list of what im looking at.

Smith and Wesson M&P Shield
Ruger LC9
Diamondback DB9
Taurus PT709 Slim
Kel-Tec PF9
Kahr CM9

What do you think? Pros and Cons. Anyone own one or more of these? I have already conciderd a Glock 26 but its to wide.

mark_b · May 8, 2012

Hi

I have shot both the Ruger LC9 and the Keltec PF9. Sizewise both are about the same. I ended up buying the LC9 because I think it has a better fit and finish. Both have fairly longer trigger pulls. I also considered the Glock 26, and actually like it better to shoot, but choose the LC9 for it's size. I wish Glock made the 9mm sub-compact in a single stack mag, it would be the best thing since sliced bread.

Mark

11B3XCIB · May 8, 2012

Smith and Wesson M&P Shield or Ruger LC9, in that order.

jjwestbrook · May 8, 2012

shield

Nerdwithguns · May 9, 2012

Have you looked at the Bersa BPCC. I use it with a pocket holster and it is my main carry.

fordnut · May 9, 2012

I have to vote for the:

1) Kimber Solo...except priced very high and can't find one to buy...but, I love mine.

2) Kahr...I have not owned the real small one, but, have had the CM9, and, now own a CM45. I have really enjoyed both of them

3) Keltec PM9...Had one and liked it. Also had the PM11. Good shooter, but, to big to be little, and to little to be big,if you can follow that.

What I am talking about is what I have now, or, what I have owned. Also have the Glock 26, but it is to wide for me to carry.

Steve

94formulabird · May 9, 2012

Can't beat the price/size/weight of the keltec...I got my pf9 with 2 extra mags and a slip on hogue grip for $240, doubled the extractor spring and haven't had a hiccup. Bout to order two +1 mag extensions for the spares

shane361 · May 9, 2012

Handle each..fell in love with the S&W M&P :mrgreen:

13mx · May 9, 2012

My wife carries the Taurus 709 slim. It has performed well and even likes the cheap ammo for target practice.

I ordered for $299 from cheaperthandirt.com and sent it to HHB for the transfer. After FFL and Shipping I still save about $100 over buying it at the shops
Around here.

I carry a SCCY cpx-2. It holds 10+1 and is double action only. I love this gun! I have about 500 rounds through it with out one hiccup. You need to get out and handle
Each of the guns you are interested in.

Tigerstripe · May 9, 2012

got another choice for you.

we were wanting to see the shield . academy didnt have it but they have a new Colt. the New Agent. shorter than an officers model in 9mm. womder if it comes in 45?

Torontogosh · May 9, 2012

It looks like your list is composed of very similar guns that fall within a reasonable price point. I think that Fordnut is onto something and perhaps a Kahr would also be a viable choice. I have the CW9 and while being the "budget" Kahr, I have to say that it seems very well made and shoots easily.

If I really had to pick off of your list, I think I would go for the Ruger or Smith, depending on fit. I just think those brands will hold up better in the long run, but that could just be marketing hype infecting me.

mflugel · May 9, 2012

I have the Kahr CM9. paid $354 at Cheaperthandirt.com Fire about 500 round thru it and never had a hiccup, ever. IWB behind the right hip and I forget its there. I would highly recommend it, it conceals much better than my Colt Commander.

bigfutz · May 9, 2012

Tigerstripe said:
got another choice for you.

we were wanting to see the shield . academy didnt have it but they have a new Colt. the New Agent. shorter than an officers model in 9mm. womder if it comes in 45?

But the Colt New Agent is blatantly lacking one key element: sights. It has no sights. You can probably find another very similar model that can be used for more than spray and pray. It is available in 45 ACP.

bigfutz · May 9, 2012

mflugel said:
I have the Kahr CM9. paid $354 at Cheaperthandirt.com Fire about 500 round thru it and never had a hiccup, ever. IWB behind the right hip and I forget its there. I would highly recommend it, it conceals much better than my Colt Commander.

How tight is the slide spring on the CM9? I know the CM45 takes a really agressive grip to rack, at least when new. Did the CM9 take some breaking in, or just some practice? I was considering one for my wife except for that one thing.

fordnut · May 9, 2012

If it helps, My CM45 has around 2000 rounds thru it. The slide is pretty smooth and not near as hard to pull as whenit was new. And, the trigger is a lot nicer...

Steve

Enjay · May 10, 2012

I have an LC9 with laser sights, and an XD9, which wasn't on your list but I thought I'd offer it up in case you haven't tried one. I live in Summerville, if you're in the area and want to try them let me know and we'll figure something out.

PCShogun · May 10, 2012

Any "Big Handed" fellow's held the Kahr CM9? Those short grips worry me. Son-in-law had a Glock 27 .40 compact and it tended to roll up on my hand as I could not get a firm grip with my last two fingers. Even with the added finger rest to the magazine, it tended to do this.

Choot-um · May 10, 2012

Im leaning towards the Kahr CM-9. I use to have a PM-40 and regret getting rid of it. I have handled alot of others not on my list and I narrowed it down to those. I currently own the Smith M&P Sheild and love it, Ive had a Kel-Tec PF9 and have no complants. The others on the list I have handled but not been able to shoot yet. Thanks for all the opinions and info so far.

bigfutz · May 10, 2012

Choot-um said:
Im leaning towards the Kahr CM-9. I use to have a PM-40 and regret getting rid of it. I have handled alot of others not on my list and I narrowed it down to those. I currently own the Smith M&P Sheild and love it, Ive had a Kel-Tec PF9 and have no complants. The others on the list I have handled but not been able to shoot yet. Thanks for all the opinions and info so far.

Tell me if I'm wrong but the only differences between the CM and PM series are that the PM has extra machining to take the hard corners off the slide, and the price.

Choot-um · May 10, 2012

The differance between the CM and PM is the CM has plastic sites and the front is not adjustable, Less machening on the slide, less detail in the font on the slide and the CM has a regular barrel where the PM has a match grade barrel. Also the CM uses different metal on pices like the trigger and slide release. And the CM only comes with one mag.