Best concealed carry 9mm?

EvilE · June 21, 2014, 02:51 PM

I know it's personal preference and subjective, but what 9mm is widely considered as the best CCW and why?
I've never been a huge fan of 9mm, but considering one mainly because of how much more inexpensive the ammo is !! It's considerably more inexpensive!

kym · June 21, 2014, 02:58 PM

I'm using a Ruger LC9. I like it because of it's small size and it hasn't had any problems. Some people don't like the trigger but after years of carrying a Kel-Tek P11 it is the bees knees for me.

tahunua001 · June 21, 2014, 03:11 PM

the best is whatever you can conceal, the best you can afford, and the one you shoot accurately.

for some people this could be something as basic as an Arcus 98DAC or as extravagant as a limcat Razorat 2011.

personally, I carry a springfield XDM45 compact and like it a lot but lately have packed on the pounds and it's getting harder to conceal. I'll probably end up having to switch back to carrying my Ruger SR9 compact. there is nothing wrong with the Ruger, both handguns have been 100% reliable and more than accurate enough for your average self defense scenario, I just shoot the XDM a little better and I fell better with 9 rounds of 45ACP than 10 rounds of 9mm but that's purely academic and all personal choice.

if money is little option, I suggest an XDM9 compact at around $600 if yo shop around, 13 to 19 round capacity is hard to beat in today's market.

if you have a lower budget, Ruger SR9 compact or Beretta PX4 compact both run about $400 and either would be a great carry option.

Grumpy_Bottom · June 21, 2014, 03:26 PM

I've been super happy with my sig938 thus far...tiny, easy to conceal, and a great (if heavy) trigger

Wreck-n-Crew · June 21, 2014, 03:34 PM

Quote:

the best is whatever you can conceal, the best you can afford, and the one you shoot accurately.

<<^^That and something with high reliability and decent capacity if possible.

Looking at past threads including one I posted Accuracy stands out as well as capacity and reliability over everything else. YMMV and I hope you never have to find out...

tahunua001 · June 21, 2014, 03:40 PM

you would think that concealability would still be at the top of the list since some states fine if you are found to be carrying.

Boncrayon · June 21, 2014, 05:23 PM

I'm an LC9 carry...but with Hornady Critical Defense rounds. Fits nice in the pocket with 7+1 in the chamber, 3 safety features (unlike the LCP .380). As with all metal frame pistols, you will need a pocket sleeve to keep sweat off the blued frame...a little occasional cleaning and lite Barricade spray will keep rust from forming in a pocket sweat environment. Some say the long trigger draw is a problem, but it is one of the 3 safety features. At will take about 100-150 rounds for the trigger to smooth out. I carry mine everywhere it is legal to carry, and have had it on me for the last 2.5 years.

Please remember that a conceal carry is for "point and shoot" at between 7-10 feet. You might get the first 2-3 shots off in any altercation.

leadcounsel · June 21, 2014, 05:24 PM

This again...?!?!

The one you have with you. Software prevails over hardware 9 out of 10 times.

To quote Deniro on Ronin -

Quote:

Well, you know. lt's a toolbox. You put the tools in for the job.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8Oe9SteE3M

Auto5 · June 21, 2014, 06:12 PM

Kimber Solo, now that I got it running right. Just because it's almost as easy to carry as my LCP. Otherwise, Bersa BP9CC.

Kreyzhorse · June 21, 2014, 06:45 PM

Walther PPS is accurate, reliable, well made and easy to conceal.

There isn't a widely agreed upon best 9mm but the Walther is towards the top of a lot of lists.

oneloudvous · June 21, 2014, 07:09 PM

S&W Shield

JERRYS. · June 21, 2014, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Walther PPS is accurate, reliable, well made and easy to conceal.

There isn't a widely agreed upon best 9mm but the Walther is towards the top of a lot of lists.

this.

PSP · June 21, 2014, 07:35 PM

My personal pick is the HK P2000sk. There are so many that qualify as excellent choices. The one that has the most features you want or desire is the best IMHO, and that depends on many personal factors.

ritepath · June 21, 2014, 07:40 PM

The best in my SUB 400 buck range was the M&P shield. I do realize it's not the smallest by any means...

For me it's thin, accurate, reliable.

Nick_C_S · June 21, 2014, 07:43 PM

I'm not going to choose my carry piece based on the cost of its ammo.

But . . . my most often carry piece is indeed a 9mm. Because it conceals well and is most comfortable. It's a Kahr CW9. It's nothing fancy. But it shoots well; I shoot it well; and it's extremely reliable.

EvilE · June 21, 2014, 07:50 PM

Thanks for all he answers. Some great recommendations! As far as ammo price, I disagree. For practice/ plinking, cost certainly does come into play. I guess I just don't have an endless money supply like some of you. I can get a box of 50 9mm for $14 locally. Nothing is even close that price in other calibers! Even .380 is $23 a box! So for me, yes cost of ammo certainly comes into play.

Mystro · June 21, 2014, 08:47 PM

Pocket carry and money no object ='s Sig P938. Waistband and large pocket carry on occasion ='s S&W Shield.

farmboy · June 21, 2014, 09:33 PM

I've got smaller hands, so a S&W Shield currently graces my belt.

Cosmodragoon · June 22, 2014, 12:20 PM

Quote:

I know it's personal preference and subjective, but what 9mm is widely considered as the best CCW and why?
I've never been a huge fan of 9mm, but considering one mainly because of how much more inexpensive the ammo is !! It's considerably more inexpensive!

I think 9mm is so popular because it offers a nice balance between power, recoil, gun size, and gun weight. Especially with options like the PPS and Shield, 9mm seems to be the sweet spot for discreet defense. Having experience with both, I prefer the PPS 2:1. It fits me better, I prefer the trigger, I really like that style of magazine release, the fit and finish seem a tad nicer, and yes, it is prettier.

You say that you've never been a fan of 9mm and some people aren't. The question is "why". While more powerful than ol' .38 special and smaller cartridges, some people just don't think it's enough. Some of these people prefer .40, which is available in a lot of the same platforms but at higher ammunition cost and more recoil or muzzle flip. You've got to ask yourself if you are personally comfortable relying on 9mm.

Like in so many other questions, use is what matters. Obviously, any gun you carry and trust with your life should be one you've practiced and know well. Will it be a primary range gun that you shoot for fun? I ask because it seems ammo cost is a primary driver in your reasoning. How often will you actually be shooting it? Also, will you be carrying it with premium defense loads? If so, how much practice will you be getting with those?

Corrections Cop · June 22, 2014, 03:11 PM

I like my Glock 26, the size and weight are great. I can carry it all day and it is very comfortable.

bedbugbilly · June 22, 2014, 03:19 PM

EvilE . . . cost of ammo . . . that's why a lot of us reload. I agree with you on the cost of ammo being high and it certainly factors in. You never know what is going to be on the shelf at the LGS nor what the price will be. And, if you start to reload . . . there certainly is a initial investment in the equipment and supplies.

If I CCW a semi - it's my SR9 but I carry on the belt with a jacket or shirt over it. But, that model is on the larger side and could print easily if you aren't careful. Normally, I'm carrying a Smith Model 36 snobby 38 spl.

I've been looking for a more compact single stack semi for CCW in 9mm that I can switch on and off with my Model 36 depending on what I'm doing and where I am. There are lots of good ones out there but I think I've pretty much settled on a S & W 9mm Shield.

I really don't think there is a "best". It's what fits your hand, your needs and your situation and you budget. Good luck in your search and let us know what you end up with.

Fishbed77 · June 22, 2014, 05:43 PM

There are so many good options today (and I own several), but I really like my little Kahr CM9 and it has become my primary carry pistol of late. It has been 100% reliable, is small, light, and easy to conceal, and is surprisingly easy to shoot accurately for such a small 9mm pistol.

campbed · June 22, 2014, 05:51 PM

The one you actually carry.

My current is a Nano, but I'm new to striker triggers, and I'm pondering a move to P2000SK or PPS also striker pistols, but also pondering a move back to DA/SA trigger with a SIG P239.

We'll see.

tomrkba · June 22, 2014, 05:56 PM

Small: Kahr PM9
Compact: S&W M&P Shield
Medium: Springfield EMP 9mm
Large: SIG P220 in 9mm

UncleEd · June 22, 2014, 05:57 PM

Consider the Walthers, the Beretta Storms, the HKs, the Smith M&Ps, and if you find you like it the Glock 26.

I'm not sure anyone is really comfortable with the "pocket" nines, not because they don't work and many do work, but in manipulating them under speed and stress is problematic.

You might if thinking "pocket" just be better off with a Ruger LCR .38 or a Smith 442 .38.

June 21, 2014, 02:51 PM	#1
EvilE Member Join Date: June 13, 2014 Location: Sonoran desert Posts: 93	Best concealed carry 9mm? I know it's personal preference and subjective, but what 9mm is widely considered as the best CCW and why? I've never been a huge fan of 9mm, but considering one mainly because of how much more inexpensive the ammo is !! It's considerably more inexpensive! __________________ CRIMINALS PREFER UNARMED VICTIMS!

June 21, 2014, 03:11 PM	#3
tahunua001 Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 7,839	the best is whatever you can conceal, the best you can afford, and the one you shoot accurately. for some people this could be something as basic as an Arcus 98DAC or as extravagant as a limcat Razorat 2011. personally, I carry a springfield XDM45 compact and like it a lot but lately have packed on the pounds and it's getting harder to conceal. I'll probably end up having to switch back to carrying my Ruger SR9 compact. there is nothing wrong with the Ruger, both handguns have been 100% reliable and more than accurate enough for your average self defense scenario, I just shoot the XDM a little better and I fell better with 9 rounds of 45ACP than 10 rounds of 9mm but that's purely academic and all personal choice. if money is little option, I suggest an XDM9 compact at around $600 if yo shop around, 13 to 19 round capacity is hard to beat in today's market. if you have a lower budget, Ruger SR9 compact or Beretta PX4 compact both run about $400 and either would be a great carry option. __________________ ignore my complete lack of capitalization. I still have no problem correcting your grammar. I never said half the stuff people said I did-Albert Einstein You can't believe everything you read on the internet-Benjamin Franklin

June 21, 2014, 03:40 PM	#6
tahunua001 Senior Member Join Date: July 21, 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 7,839	you would think that concealability would still be at the top of the list since some states fine if you are found to be carrying. __________________ ignore my complete lack of capitalization. I still have no problem correcting your grammar. I never said half the stuff people said I did-Albert Einstein You can't believe everything you read on the internet-Benjamin Franklin

June 21, 2014, 05:23 PM	#7
Boncrayon Senior Member Join Date: March 24, 2008 Posts: 920	Best concealed carry 9mm? I'm an LC9 carry...but with Hornady Critical Defense rounds. Fits nice in the pocket with 7+1 in the chamber, 3 safety features (unlike the LCP .380). As with all metal frame pistols, you will need a pocket sleeve to keep sweat off the blued frame...a little occasional cleaning and lite Barricade spray will keep rust from forming in a pocket sweat environment. Some say the long trigger draw is a problem, but it is one of the 3 safety features. At will take about 100-150 rounds for the trigger to smooth out. I carry mine everywhere it is legal to carry, and have had it on me for the last 2.5 years. Please remember that a conceal carry is for "point and shoot" at between 7-10 feet. You might get the first 2-3 shots off in any altercation.

June 21, 2014, 06:12 PM	#9
Auto5 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 662	Kimber Solo, now that I got it running right. Just because it's almost as easy to carry as my LCP. Otherwise, Bersa BP9CC. __________________ At the young age of five, a bear told me that I was the only person who could prevent forest fires. Why I was chosen, I'll never know.

June 21, 2014, 02:58 PM	#2
kym Member Join Date: October 12, 2005 Posts: 47	I'm using a Ruger LC9. I like it because of it's small size and it hasn't had any problems. Some people don't like the trigger but after years of carrying a Kel-Tek P11 it is the bees knees for me.

June 21, 2014, 03:26 PM	#4
Grumpy_Bottom Member Join Date: January 30, 2014 Posts: 75	I've been super happy with my sig938 thus far...tiny, easy to conceal, and a great (if heavy) trigger

June 21, 2014, 06:45 PM	#10
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	Walther PPS is accurate, reliable, well made and easy to conceal. There isn't a widely agreed upon best 9mm but the Walther is towards the top of a lot of lists. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

June 21, 2014, 07:09 PM	#11
oneloudvous Senior Member Join Date: May 25, 2009 Location: Daytona Beach, FL Posts: 233	S&W Shield

June 21, 2014, 07:35 PM	#13
PSP Senior Member Join Date: June 2, 2006 Location: Bowling Green Virginia Posts: 4,487	My personal pick is the HK P2000sk. There are so many that qualify as excellent choices. The one that has the most features you want or desire is the best IMHO, and that depends on many personal factors.

June 21, 2014, 07:40 PM	#14
ritepath Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,419	The best in my SUB 400 buck range was the M&P shield. I do realize it's not the smallest by any means... For me it's thin, accurate, reliable. __________________ There's only one...

June 21, 2014, 07:43 PM	#15
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,521	I'm not going to choose my carry piece based on the cost of its ammo. But . . . my most often carry piece is indeed a 9mm. Because it conceals well and is most comfortable. It's a Kahr CW9. It's nothing fancy. But it shoots well; I shoot it well; and it's extremely reliable. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

June 21, 2014, 07:50 PM	#16
EvilE Member Join Date: June 13, 2014 Location: Sonoran desert Posts: 93	Thanks for all he answers. Some great recommendations! As far as ammo price, I disagree. For practice/ plinking, cost certainly does come into play. I guess I just don't have an endless money supply like some of you. I can get a box of 50 9mm for $14 locally. Nothing is even close that price in other calibers! Even .380 is $23 a box! So for me, yes cost of ammo certainly comes into play. __________________ CRIMINALS PREFER UNARMED VICTIMS!

June 21, 2014, 08:47 PM	#17
Mystro Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2004 Location: Central Pa. Posts: 1,528	Pocket carry and money no object ='s Sig P938. Waistband and large pocket carry on occasion ='s S&W Shield. __________________ "I'm a good guy with a gun" What do I care if I give up some freedom or rights?....The Goverment will take care of me. This kind of thinking is now in the majority and it should concern you. "Ask not what you can do for your country, but what free entitlements you can bleed from your country"

June 21, 2014, 09:33 PM	#18
farmboy Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2001 Location: Iowa Posts: 261	I've got smaller hands, so a S&W Shield currently graces my belt.

June 22, 2014, 03:11 PM	#20
Corrections Cop Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2012 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 390	I like my Glock 26, the size and weight are great. I can carry it all day and it is very comfortable.

June 22, 2014, 03:19 PM	#21
bedbugbilly Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2009 Posts: 3,287	EvilE . . . cost of ammo . . . that's why a lot of us reload. I agree with you on the cost of ammo being high and it certainly factors in. You never know what is going to be on the shelf at the LGS nor what the price will be. And, if you start to reload . . . there certainly is a initial investment in the equipment and supplies. If I CCW a semi - it's my SR9 but I carry on the belt with a jacket or shirt over it. But, that model is on the larger side and could print easily if you aren't careful. Normally, I'm carrying a Smith Model 36 snobby 38 spl. I've been looking for a more compact single stack semi for CCW in 9mm that I can switch on and off with my Model 36 depending on what I'm doing and where I am. There are lots of good ones out there but I think I've pretty much settled on a S & W 9mm Shield. I really don't think there is a "best". It's what fits your hand, your needs and your situation and you budget. Good luck in your search and let us know what you end up with. __________________ If a pair of '51 Navies were good enough for Billy Hickok, then a single Navy on my right hip is good enough for me . . . besides . . . I'm probably only half as good as he was anyways. Hiram's Rangers Badge #63

June 22, 2014, 05:43 PM	#22
Fishbed77 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 4,862	There are so many good options today (and I own several), but I really like my little Kahr CM9 and it has become my primary carry pistol of late. It has been 100% reliable, is small, light, and easy to conceal, and is surprisingly easy to shoot accurately for such a small 9mm pistol.

June 22, 2014, 05:51 PM	#23
campbed Member Join Date: March 8, 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 75	The one you actually carry. My current is a Nano, but I'm new to striker triggers, and I'm pondering a move to P2000SK or PPS also striker pistols, but also pondering a move back to DA/SA trigger with a SIG P239. We'll see. __________________ If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you. - Louis D. Brandeis SIG P226 MK25 9mm \| SIG 239 9mm \| Beretta Nano SIG M400 Enhanced Black \| Ruger PC9 \| Winchester 9422

June 22, 2014, 05:56 PM	#24
tomrkba Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2011 Posts: 751	Small: Kahr PM9 Compact: S&W M&P Shield Medium: Springfield EMP 9mm Large: SIG P220 in 9mm

June 22, 2014, 05:57 PM	#25
UncleEd Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Location: N. Georgia Posts: 1,150	Consider the Walthers, the Beretta Storms, the HKs, the Smith M&Ps, and if you find you like it the Glock 26. I'm not sure anyone is really comfortable with the "pocket" nines, not because they don't work and many do work, but in manipulating them under speed and stress is problematic. You might if thinking "pocket" just be better off with a Ruger LCR .38 or a Smith 442 .38.

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