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AR15.COM
12/19/2012 3:58:03 AM EDT
Feel free to provide opinions, thoughts and/or general thoughts on these single stack 9mm options or others I may have not listed.  Magazine prices and ammo preference is also helpful.  I'm in the market to pick up(hopefully one of these listed) for my primary CCW.  I would like to keep it around the $500 price range.  My preferred range shooter is a XDm(I'd jump all over a XDs in 9mm, but who knows how long before it will actually be available).

  • S&W Shield

  • Bersa BP9cc

  • Walther PPS

  • SigSauer P290

  • Taurus 709 Slim

  • Ruger LC9

  • Kahr PM/CM/CW/T/P9

  • Beretta Nano



Considered, but out of price range: Springfield Armory EMP, Kimber Solo Carry, Colt New Agent, SigSauer 938
12/19/2012 4:41:12 AM EDT
[#1]
lightweight Commander 1911, older Star BM/BK series, S&W 39/439/639/3913
12/19/2012 5:11:26 AM EDT
[#2]
The Kahr options totally slipped my mind as well. Can someone give me the run-down on the differences between the CM/CW/PM9 variants?
12/19/2012 5:47:24 AM EDT
[#3]
Sig 938?
12/19/2012 5:51:18 AM EDT
[#4]
Kahr T9 too
12/19/2012 5:53:40 AM EDT
[#5]
Sig P6 which is the police version of their venerable P225.
12/19/2012 6:01:24 AM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
Sig 938?


Thanks for that, unless I catch one on sale this one may be a bit out of my price range.
12/19/2012 6:18:07 AM EDT
[#7]
I own a BP9CC because I refused to wait for a Shield.  It's a very, very nice shooter.  It is virtually the same size as a Shield.
I decided on the Bersa simply because it has an awesome trigger with a nice short reset.  IMO, the only pistols on your list that have nice triggers are the PPS and Shield.  At least that's what I arrived at while shopping.
the other pistols have those long, stiff double action pulls that make them bad range guns.

You should put the Nano on your list too.
12/19/2012 6:23:27 AM EDT
[#8]
Quoted:
I own a BP9CC because I refused to wait for a Shield.  It's a very, very nice shooter.  It is virtually the same size as a Shield.
I decided on the Bersa simply because it has an awesome trigger with a nice short reset.  IMO, the only pistols on your list that have nice triggers are the PPS and Shield.  At least that's what I arrived at while shopping.
the other pistols have those long, stiff double action pulls that make them bad range guns.

You should put the Nano on your list too.


Thanks for that outside of youtube reviews of the Bersa, I am not familiar w/ them at all. It's very intriguing to say the least.  The Nano was a consideration as well, but was a bit thick for a single stack; I will toss it into the list since it does qualify as a option.  Thanks for the insight/experience w/ your Bersa.
12/19/2012 6:48:49 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I own a BP9CC because I refused to wait for a Shield.  It's a very, very nice shooter.  It is virtually the same size as a Shield.
I decided on the Bersa simply because it has an awesome trigger with a nice short reset.  IMO, the only pistols on your list that have nice triggers are the PPS and Shield.  At least that's what I arrived at while shopping.
the other pistols have those long, stiff double action pulls that make them bad range guns.

You should put the Nano on your list too.


Thanks for that outside of youtube reviews of the Bersa, I am not familiar w/ them at all. It's very intriguing to say the least.  The Nano was a consideration as well, but was a bit thick for a single stack; I will toss it into the list since it does qualify as a option.  Thanks for the insight/experience w/ your Bersa.


If you check the "Other" section in Handgun forum, you will find a review of the BP9CC I posted and one other posted by another member as well.
Know how you get down to your last box of ammo and you push all of your other pistols out of the way without really thinking about it and reload the mag of the gun you really want to shoot?  For me 9 out of 10 times its the Little Bersa.

12/19/2012 9:26:35 AM EDT
[#10]
Quoted:
The Kahr options totally slipped my mind as well. Can someone give me the run-down on the differences between the CM/CW/PM9 variants?


The CW9 has a lower price point by having less detail work on the slide (external), plastic sights, and a less expensive barrel (normal rifling). It has the same trigger and internals as the $600 models.

Mine shoots very well, has had no issues with Federal 115 ball and Winchester 147 Ranger (about 350 rounds), and is not punishing to shoot.
I cannot comment on the 40.
The CW45 I met was crap. After over 100 rounds it had a jam at least once per mag (two shooters, 3 mags, 230 WWB ball ammo). I have seen many more complaints about any of their offerings in 45 than 9 or 40.
12/19/2012 9:57:52 AM EDT
[#11]
I think the PPS is the most fantastic single stack 9 there is and it's my daily carry piece.  I own 4 single stack 9's
12/19/2012 10:14:38 AM EDT
[#12]
Quoted:
Quoted:
The Kahr options totally slipped my mind as well. Can someone give me the run-down on the differences between the CM/CW/PM9 variants?


The CW9 has a lower price point by having less detail work on the slide (external), plastic sights, and a less expensive barrel (normal rifling). It has the same trigger and internals as the $600 models.

Mine shoots very well, has had no issues with Federal 115 ball and Winchester 147 Ranger (about 350 rounds), and is not punishing to shoot.
I cannot comment on the 40.
The CW45 I met was crap. After over 100 rounds it had a jam at least once per mag (two shooters, 3 mags, 230 WWB ball ammo). I have seen many more complaints about any of their offerings in 45 than 9 or 40.


Do the Kahrs have plastic or metal guide rods?
12/19/2012 10:16:15 AM EDT
[#13]
Quoted:
I think the PPS is the most fantastic single stack 9 there is and it's my daily carry piece.  I own 4 single stack 9's


I've really liked the PPS when held in shops I frequent, other than the trigger-guard style mag release I really liked what I've seen.
12/19/2012 11:26:30 AM EDT
[#14]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The Kahr options totally slipped my mind as well. Can someone give me the run-down on the differences between the CM/CW/PM9 variants?


The CW9 has a lower price point by having less detail work on the slide (external), plastic sights, and a less expensive barrel (normal rifling). It has the same trigger and internals as the $600 models.

Mine shoots very well, has had no issues with Federal 115 ball and Winchester 147 Ranger (about 350 rounds), and is not punishing to shoot.
I cannot comment on the 40.
The CW45 I met was crap. After over 100 rounds it had a jam at least once per mag (two shooters, 3 mags, 230 WWB ball ammo). I have seen many more complaints about any of their offerings in 45 than 9 or 40.


Do the Kahrs have plastic or metal guide rods?


My PM 9 has a stainless guide rod.

The CM 9 is the same size as the PM 9  But the CM 9 doesn't have the  polygonally rifled barrel and extra machining on the slide, also the CM 9 comes with only one magazine but costs less.
12/20/2012 4:05:20 AM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
Quoted:
*snip*

Do the Kahrs have plastic or metal guide rods?


My PM 9 has a stainless guide rod.

The CM 9 is the same size as the PM 9  But the CM 9 doesn't have the  polygonally rifled barrel and extra machining on the slide, also the CM 9 comes with only one magazine but costs less.


What are your thoughts on the Kahr's trigger?  Fondled a CW9 at a LGS last night and was not overly impressed; would the trigger differ from model to model?  Will be out hunting for a place that may have more than just one Kahr for me to dry fire this weekend.
12/20/2012 7:59:59 AM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
*snip*

Do the Kahrs have plastic or metal guide rods?


My PM 9 has a stainless guide rod.

The CM 9 is the same size as the PM 9  But the CM 9 doesn't have the  polygonally rifled barrel and extra machining on the slide, also the CM 9 comes with only one magazine but costs less.


What are your thoughts on the Kahr's trigger?  Fondled a CW9 at a LGS last night and was not overly impressed; would the trigger differ from model to model?  Will be out hunting for a place that may have more than just one Kahr for me to dry fire this weekend.


The only CW9 I have shot is mine. The trigger is like a smooth revolver (long but even & smooth).
The CW9 has a plastic guide rod. The higher dollar versions have a steel rod.
The other Kahrs I have shot had a mostly identical trigger.

12/20/2012 8:05:03 AM EDT
[#17]
I think the Kahr to still be the best 9mm single stack offered. Owned two. Great guns for what they are.
12/20/2012 8:27:34 AM EDT
[#18]
This may be a bit outside your price range, but don't overlook the HK P7 series.  I've seen several of them for $600 used and you could probably do better than that with some shopping around.
12/20/2012 8:56:49 AM EDT
[#19]
I've carried my Shield since about 3 days after it's release, and really enjoy it. When I let friends shoot it, I keep getting told they were expecting to feel more recoil than they do. From your list, I've only shot an LC9 other than that, so I can't really provide a comparison.
12/20/2012 9:32:31 AM EDT
[#20]
SIG P239 is a single-stack, might be able to get a used one for your price range.
12/20/2012 11:36:01 AM EDT
[#21]
Op, out of your list,I see more that you should stay away from, rather than choose.
12/20/2012 12:40:20 PM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:
Op, out of your list,I see more that you should stay away from, rather than choose.


Thanks for your contribution to the thread.
12/20/2012 12:45:14 PM EDT
[#23]
Smith and Wesson CS9
HK P7 PSP
RIA compact 9mm 1911
12/20/2012 1:25:20 PM EDT
[#24]
The PPS has been around for many years now and its accuracy and reliability are well documented.  

I've had one for almost four years and it is accurate, easy to shoot and uber reliable with any fmj/jhp ammo.

You might also look at an HK P2000 SK.  Great pistol.
12/20/2012 1:52:48 PM EDT
[#25]
From your list I have or have shot the PPS, the Shield, the LC9 and most of the Kahr variants. The Shield would be my top pick, followed closely by the PPS. Its almost a toss up between the two, except I don't like the mag release on the PPS. Works fine, and may have some advantages but I'm used to the mag release being in a more standard location.

LC9 has a very long trigger pull, but so far has been reliable. Don't care for the mag disconnect or loaded chamber flag.  

The Kahrs have been a mixed batch for me. Reliability has been a problem, but usually only during a long session at the range. I would get through 50-100 rounds and then FTEs or FTFs crop up. But I suppose they're not really meant for extended shooting sessions.
12/20/2012 2:12:38 PM EDT
[#26]
Quoted:
I think the PPS is the most fantastic single stack 9 there is and it's my daily carry piece.  I own 4 single stack 9's


Which ones do you own, if you don't mind me asking.



Kimber makes a 4" 1911 in 9mm.  

Beretta used to make a compact model "M".  That was a single stack, but they are rare.
12/20/2012 11:19:02 PM EDT
[#27]
My M&P Shield has been flawless and it is the perfect carry option for deep concealment IMO. The only thing wrong with a Shield is it doesn't say Glock on the side, but S&W did an awesome job on this gun. Proud it says Made in USA on the side.

Shield
12/22/2012 1:18:23 PM EDT
[#28]
I'd like to try the Shield but I hate the manual safety.
12/22/2012 2:05:00 PM EDT
[#29]
I watched some S&W videos on the shield and it does look good.  I think it's neat that they went to aftermarket producers of holsters before it came out and talked to them to help that way.

Plus, I really like how they ship it with two different mags.  One longer and one shorter.  And it seems everyone is saying it's a very shootable platform for how small it is.  That's impressive.
12/22/2012 5:06:16 PM EDT
[#30]




Quoted:

I think the PPS is the most fantastic single stack 9 there is and it's my daily carry piece. I own 4 single stack 9's




I like mine too.



Also Star Model B....
12/22/2012 5:40:41 PM EDT
[#31]
Anyone recommend a place for sub-$40 Kahr CW9 mags? =]  Got it for $390 out the door.

12/24/2012 9:37:43 AM EDT
[#32]
I have a PPS, very flat, low recoil, great trigger, accurate. Easiest gun to conceal and the 6/7/8 round mags are great, the 8 rounders feel like a full frame pistol. Also have a Kahr PM45, it's give me no trouble and surprisingly accurate for a short barreled DOA trigger. But I've seen a lot of issues posted on Kahr forums so it's hard to recommend one for CCW unless you have the patience to work thru any issues. If you get a reliable Kahr you'll keep it for life. I haven't tried the BP9CC but I've got a Bersa Thunder full frame Hi Cap and it's a very easy gun to shoot accurately, my marksman skills are mediocre with hand guns but my Bersa is one of my most accurate guns. Also have a RIA GI 1911 in 9mm, a great range gun and 100% reliable. Replacement mags for almost every pistol I own are over $40 but I think I got Checkmate mags for my RIA 1911 for $12 or $15 each.
12/24/2012 1:51:03 PM EDT
[#33]
Quoted:
I think the PPS is the most fantastic single stack 9 there is...


I don't know about fantastic, but the PPS is really accurate and highly dependable.  A variety of back straps and magazines mean it can be custom-sized to the owner's preferences.  It is a hell of a nice, flat, single-stack and should be tried out by the serious single-stack buyer.



12/25/2012 7:19:23 AM EDT
[#34]
Quoted:
I'd like to try the Shield but I hate the manual safety.


then dont use it...
12/25/2012 8:29:12 AM EDT
[#35]
I have fired the PPS and it is a fine weapon.  I would buy one.  I am currently considering the lightweight Colt 1911 platform for a 9mm.
12/25/2012 9:19:12 AM EDT
[#36]
I've been facing the same issue.  I'm down to the G26 and the PPS.  I think that the edge will go to the PPS for being just a little thinner.  We'll see...


12/25/2012 9:26:32 AM EDT
[#37]
HK P7 PSP.  Squeeze cocker ftw.

12/25/2012 9:31:09 AM EDT
[#38]
Quoted:
Sig P6 which is the police version of their venerable P225.


I have a p6 and a 225.  Terrific pistols.  Both very accurate.
12/25/2012 1:15:08 PM EDT
[#39]
Shield and PPS are the answer you seek
12/25/2012 10:39:22 PM EDT
[#40]
I have the Sig P290 as my daily carry.  It's a nice pistol.  It fits my hand nicely and that helps with the recoil.  I have shot a few of the small single stack pistols and they just didn't fit my hand as well without the extended magazine.  The pistol is accurate and utterly reliable.  The only complaint I have with the Sig is the fact that less than 6 months after I bought it the 938 was revealed.  The Khar pistols were my choice before the P290 came out.  They seem to be very reliable and my buddy that has the PM9 loves it.  He has had it for several years and has never had a single problem with it.
12/28/2012 6:13:50 PM EDT
[#41]
After looking a while for a small carry 9mm I chose the BP9CC and I love it.  It is light with an increadible triger very concelable and safe.  I like the magazine lock feature that will block the triger if the magazine is not inserted.  The weight is just right and the accuracy is simply perfect.
12/28/2012 8:32:00 PM EDT
[#42]
Agreed<what he said>
I have a CM9. nice CCW pistol, light, accurate, but it did take a 750 rd breakin period. Some misfeeds during that period but now 100% reliable after a polished feed ramp and slide lock file back. I depend on it


Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The Kahr options totally slipped my mind as well. Can someone give me the run-down on the differences between the CM/CW/PM9 variants?


The CW9 has a lower price point by having less detail work on the slide (external), plastic sights, and a less expensive barrel (normal rifling). It has the same trigger and internals as the $600 models.

Mine shoots very well, has had no issues with Federal 115 ball and Winchester 147 Ranger (about 350 rounds), and is not punishing to shoot.
I cannot comment on the 40.
The CW45 I met was crap. After over 100 rounds it had a jam at least once per mag (two shooters, 3 mags, 230 WWB ball ammo). I have seen many more complaints about any of their offerings in 45 than 9 or 40.


Do the Kahrs have plastic or metal guide rods?


My PM 9 has a stainless guide rod.

The CM 9 is the same size as the PM 9  But the CM 9 doesn't have the  polygonally rifled barrel and extra machining on the slide, also the CM 9 comes with only one magazine but costs less.


12/28/2012 9:15:53 PM EDT
[#43]
I have a custom stippled black pm9 with ct that ive had since '08 and out of all my nice rifles and custom handguns it is my favorite, I think its the cheapest too! Also though, after almost five years I know the trigger, I dont prefer it, but im glad its there because its safe and pointed at my nuts everyday, and ive gotten to be as good with it as any other trigger I own. I can stage it right before it breaks just like a glock.
  So I guess just decide what you like best, I can totally see someone prefer a shield or pps, I prefer the kahr though.
12/30/2012 4:27:08 PM EDT
[#44]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Sig P6 which is the police version of their venerable P225.


I have a p6 and a 225.  Terrific pistols.  Both very accurate.


Don't overlook these.  Accurate and as reliable as it gets.  Michael Bane has a P225 which he holds in high regard.  There are some with a heel mounted mag release, and some with a standard port side button release.  Just know that if you look at them.  

Also, add another +1 for the Kahr PM9.  The Kahr trigger is excellent, and even with a 3" barrel accuracy is good with premium ammo.  No complaints here.  My brother has good things to say about the CM9 as well.
12/30/2012 4:52:02 PM EDT
[#45]
Quoted:
Anyone recommend a place for sub-$40 Kahr CW9 mags? =]  Got it for $390 out the door.

http://i.imgur.com/LRO06.jpg


Midwayusa

http://www.ivanhoeoutlet.com/
12/31/2012 9:11:16 AM EDT
[#46]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Anyone recommend a place for sub-$40 Kahr CW9 mags? =]  Got it for $390 out the door.

http://i.imgur.com/LRO06.jpg


Midwayusa

http://www.ivanhoeoutlet.com/


Wrong, Midway doesn't stock Kahr magazines. However, Buds does, usually.

Buds guns

12/31/2012 10:50:28 AM EDT
[#47]
Ive owned the Walther PPS. I now own the Kel Tec PF9 and the Shield. The quality of the Shield and PPS is so superior to that of the PF-9. Shield is much better than the PPS in my opinion but cant go wrong with either. My other handguns are M&Ps so I prefer all to be the same manual of arms. Id prefer no safety but you can leave it off and I dont see it getting turned on accidentally.
12/31/2012 4:22:48 PM EDT
[#48]
Of those for primary the Sig P-6 or the Sig 225 version of it.  CDNN often has them.  They are VERY durable and quite accurate.