What's your fave mini 9mm?

Psychedelic Bang · August 11, 2013, 12:34 PM

It seems that the 9mm mini pistol is totally hot right now. Karh, Keltec, Springfield, S&W, and everybody is making these things.

Have you got a favorite? I don't own one of these little 9's, but I just read reviews on Keltec's PF-9, and Karh's CM9; and uh, "I'm not too thrilled."

Want to change my mind, or point me in a good direction?

What is your choice for most comfortable carry and shoot in the mini 9?

mrray13 · August 11, 2013, 01:00 PM

Only have one "mini" 9, a S&W Shield, and love it to death. Wife uses it has her off duty gun. I did own a Kel Tec P11, as well as a P3AT, both were less then useful. Sold both with full disclosure as I didn't think I should pay shipping to fix firearms that needed work out of the box.
Anyway, the Shield has proven to be 100% reliable out of the box with either fmj or hp rounds of various manufacture. It has even devoured Tula steel cased 115 fmj without a hiccup, and at 7yds, is extremely accurate.

Mystro · August 11, 2013, 01:04 PM

If money is no object then then the Sig P938 is the top of the line.

Even at 16oz it shoots like a full size gun.

Microgunner · August 11, 2013, 01:06 PM

I own two. A SA EMP and a Beretta Nano.
The EMP is my favorite but I carry the Beretta.
Used to own a Kahr PM9. Wished I still owned it. Going to replace it with a Kahr MK9 Elite soon.
I've also owned a couple Kel-Tec P11's, wouldn't buy another.

Oh, I forgot, I also own a Kahr P45. It's small but closer to a midsize.

TennJed · August 11, 2013, 01:14 PM

Very small would be the Sig P290
Sorta small would be the beretta px4 storm

redhologram · August 11, 2013, 01:24 PM

My SA EMP 9. Got rid of my p938 and picked up the EMP. Love it.

BOPLEO · August 11, 2013, 01:26 PM

Kahr

Departed402 · August 11, 2013, 01:35 PM

I'm not sure if the Glock 26 qualifies as a "mini" being over an inch wide, but I like it because this...

Nullcone · August 11, 2013, 01:45 PM

Kahr K9

Any smaller and they're hard to handle. Get much thicker, the same.

Go too light and they're hard to shoot, especially one-handed/off-handed (although it makes carrying easier).

Waspinator · August 11, 2013, 02:13 PM

Not sure what the requirements for mini" is. Also, I'm sure everyone's idea of what small is would differ. That said, I was in a shop 2 weeks ago and the had a couple of CZ 2075 BD's in stock. I handled it for a bit and was very tempted to buy it. Small, all metal, da/sa, decocker, night sights, holds 10 rounds and was just big enough for my pinky to fit almost all the way on the grip. Ended up buying a SP101 instead that day.

http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-2075-rami-bd/

I may have to go back to that when funds are available.

deputy tom · August 11, 2013, 04:27 PM

Kahr CM9 and CW9. YMMV. tom.

meanmachine1961 · August 11, 2013, 04:30 PM

I own a Shield & a Nano, both great guns. The Shield is my EDC.

blitztech · August 11, 2013, 04:51 PM

Own a Kahr PM9 and its been flawless so far.

laytonj1 · August 11, 2013, 04:58 PM

My Kahr PM9 is my carry gun. It has been 100% reliable with everything I've fired thru it. The double action trigger is surprisingly smooth and easy to shoot accurately with. I've shot groups as small as 2" at 20 yards off a sandbag rest with it.

Jim

Tomac · August 11, 2013, 05:12 PM

Another vote for either the SIG P290RS or the Kahr CM9. Kahr is a tad smaller/flatter/lighter but a bit more finicky right out of the box (although mine has been 100% after following the suggested pre-shoot prep/lube routine).
However, if push comes to shove I trust the SIG more than the Kahr (YMMV).
Tomac

RBid · August 11, 2013, 06:42 PM

If I carried single stack subs, I'd carry a Walther PPS.

foxytwo · August 11, 2013, 06:49 PM

I have a Keltec PF9 and it is light and reliable, just as good as one costing twice as much. The warranty is lifetime, what more could you ask for.

Cheapshooter · August 11, 2013, 07:01 PM

The only mini-9 I have is a KAHR CM9. A bit smaller than a LC9, striker fired DAO, and very concealable. Although not quite as so as the LCP. In some pockets it is as un noticed as the tiny Ruger. But in many cases I carry it in a Theis Hybrid IWB holster, and never know it's there so to speak. Mine has been flawless through several hundred rounds of various ammo. Shoots as accurately as I can for sure.
One small complaint is the factory bar & dot sight. I made a simple fix with some white sight paint filling in the little sideways "V" notches on each side of the bar on the rear sight. the front dot finds itself very naturally to the center of the rear sight now.

MLeake · August 11, 2013, 07:06 PM

I generally prefer compacts, such as the CZ P01.

However, on those occasions where a subcompact is the better option, I carry a Walther PPS 9mm.

It shoots like a full-size, and an accurate full-size at that.

TailGator · August 11, 2013, 09:02 PM

My EDC is a Glock 26, but if I was in the market for something smaller I would look hard at the Sig P938. My wife has a P238 and it is a gem.

SD Handgunner · August 11, 2013, 10:08 PM

The only small 9's I have carried as follows:

S&W Sigma SubCompact
KelTec P-11
Glock 26
Beretta Nano

I currently do not have any of the above. There were pros and cons to each of the above. I shot the Glock 26 the best of the 4 listed above but I would not consider it a Mini 9 as it is quite a bit larger than the others. I think for a lot of shooters the Glock 26 is about the limit in size as to what they can shoot good with.

When looking at the width, length and height of the Glock 26 it is about the same size as a 2" J Frame Chief's Special so it should be able to be carried in the same locations as people have been carrying the 2" J Frame Chief's Special for years.

Larry

Toney · August 11, 2013, 10:43 PM

Cm9........

BigD_in_FL · August 12, 2013, 11:34 AM

Kahr, Rohrbaugh are both good
Haven't seen the new Boberg in person but it looks like a good choice as well

**Mike Irwin** · August 12, 2013, 11:36 AM

Smith & Wesson 940.

stm74 · August 12, 2013, 12:53 PM

I don't personally own one but my brother loves his XDS 45. I would assume the XDS 9 would be about the same.

August 11, 2013, 12:34 PM	#1
Psychedelic Bang Senior Member Join Date: July 3, 2009 Location: FL USA Posts: 332	What's your fave mini 9mm? It seems that the 9mm mini pistol is totally hot right now. Karh, Keltec, Springfield, S&W, and everybody is making these things. Have you got a favorite? I don't own one of these little 9's, but I just read reviews on Keltec's PF-9, and Karh's CM9; and uh, "I'm not too thrilled." Want to change my mind, or point me in a good direction? What is your choice for most comfortable carry and shoot in the mini 9? __________________ "Was always kinda partial to Roy Rogers actually. I really like those sequined shirts..."

August 11, 2013, 01:04 PM	#3
Mystro Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2004 Location: Central Pa. Posts: 1,528	If money is no object then then the Sig P938 is the top of the line. Even at 16oz it shoots like a full size gun. __________________ "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"

August 11, 2013, 01:06 PM	#4
Microgunner Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Location: Central Florida Posts: 3,324	I own two. A SA EMP and a Beretta Nano. The EMP is my favorite but I carry the Beretta. Used to own a Kahr PM9. Wished I still owned it. Going to replace it with a Kahr MK9 Elite soon. I've also owned a couple Kel-Tec P11's, wouldn't buy another. Oh, I forgot, I also own a Kahr P45. It's small but closer to a midsize. __________________ *Proud NRA Benefactor Member* Last edited by Microgunner; August 11, 2013 at 01:50 PM.

August 11, 2013, 01:14 PM	#5
TennJed Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 2010 Posts: 1,536	What's your fave mini 9mm? Very small would be the Sig P290 Sorta small would be the beretta px4 storm Last edited by TennJed; August 11, 2013 at 02:31 PM.

August 11, 2013, 04:27 PM	#11
deputy tom Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2002 Location: Pennsyltucky Posts: 753	Kahr CM9 and CW9. YMMV. tom. __________________ N.R.A.LIFE MEMBER Thank Goodness we're back on line. An end will come on the world, but love and music will endure. Thig crioch air an t-saoghail, ach mairidh gaol 's ceol. Old Scottish Gaelic proverb

August 11, 2013, 01:00 PM	#2
mrray13 Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 911	Only have one "mini" 9, a S&W Shield, and love it to death. Wife uses it has her off duty gun. I did own a Kel Tec P11, as well as a P3AT, both were less then useful. Sold both with full disclosure as I didn't think I should pay shipping to fix firearms that needed work out of the box. Anyway, the Shield has proven to be 100% reliable out of the box with either fmj or hp rounds of various manufacture. It has even devoured Tula steel cased 115 fmj without a hiccup, and at 7yds, is extremely accurate.

August 11, 2013, 01:24 PM	#6
redhologram Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2013 Posts: 352	My SA EMP 9. Got rid of my p938 and picked up the EMP. Love it.

August 11, 2013, 01:26 PM	#7
BOPLEO Member Join Date: March 25, 2005 Posts: 41	Kahr

August 11, 2013, 01:45 PM	#9
Nullcone Member Join Date: September 8, 2011 Posts: 34	Kahr K9 Any smaller and they're hard to handle. Get much thicker, the same. Go too light and they're hard to shoot, especially one-handed/off-handed (although it makes carrying easier).

August 11, 2013, 02:13 PM	#10
Waspinator Senior Member Join Date: February 10, 2013 Location: Connecticut Posts: 517	Not sure what the requirements for mini" is. Also, I'm sure everyone's idea of what small is would differ. That said, I was in a shop 2 weeks ago and the had a couple of CZ 2075 BD's in stock. I handled it for a bit and was very tempted to buy it. Small, all metal, da/sa, decocker, night sights, holds 10 rounds and was just big enough for my pinky to fit almost all the way on the grip. Ended up buying a SP101 instead that day. http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-2075-rami-bd/ I may have to go back to that when funds are available.

August 11, 2013, 04:30 PM	#12
meanmachine1961 Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2009 Location: Muscle Shoals, Alabama Posts: 276	I own a Shield & a Nano, both great guns. The Shield is my EDC. __________________ "Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws." Plato

August 11, 2013, 04:51 PM	#13
blitztech Junior Member Join Date: July 19, 2013 Posts: 10	Re: What's your fave mini 9mm? Own a Kahr PM9 and its been flawless so far.

August 11, 2013, 04:58 PM	#14
laytonj1 Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2005 Posts: 4,443	My Kahr PM9 is my carry gun. It has been 100% reliable with everything I've fired thru it. The double action trigger is surprisingly smooth and easy to shoot accurately with. I've shot groups as small as 2" at 20 yards off a sandbag rest with it. Jim

August 11, 2013, 05:12 PM	#15
Tomac Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2001 Location: Caldwell, Idaho Posts: 511	Another vote for either the SIG P290RS or the Kahr CM9. Kahr is a tad smaller/flatter/lighter but a bit more finicky right out of the box (although mine has been 100% after following the suggested pre-shoot prep/lube routine). However, if push comes to shove I trust the SIG more than the Kahr (YMMV). Tomac __________________ "His Universe, His rules." - Tomac

August 11, 2013, 06:42 PM	#16
RBid Senior Member Join Date: March 10, 2012 Posts: 1,059	What's your fave mini 9mm? If I carried single stack subs, I'd carry a Walther PPS.

August 11, 2013, 06:49 PM	#17
foxytwo Senior Member Join Date: June 24, 2010 Posts: 234	I have a Keltec PF9 and it is light and reliable, just as good as one costing twice as much. The warranty is lifetime, what more could you ask for.

August 11, 2013, 07:01 PM	#18
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	The only mini-9 I have is a KAHR CM9. A bit smaller than a LC9, striker fired DAO, and very concealable. Although not quite as so as the LCP. In some pockets it is as un noticed as the tiny Ruger. But in many cases I carry it in a Theis Hybrid IWB holster, and never know it's there so to speak. Mine has been flawless through several hundred rounds of various ammo. Shoots as accurately as I can for sure. One small complaint is the factory bar & dot sight. I made a simple fix with some white sight paint filling in the little sideways "V" notches on each side of the bar on the rear sight. the front dot finds itself very naturally to the center of the rear sight now. __________________ Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!

August 11, 2013, 07:06 PM	#19
MLeake Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2007 Location: Outside KC, MO Posts: 10,128	I generally prefer compacts, such as the CZ P01. However, on those occasions where a subcompact is the better option, I carry a Walther PPS 9mm. It shoots like a full-size, and an accurate full-size at that.

August 11, 2013, 09:02 PM	#20
TailGator Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,787	My EDC is a Glock 26, but if I was in the market for something smaller I would look hard at the Sig P938. My wife has a P238 and it is a gem.

August 11, 2013, 10:08 PM	#21
SD Handgunner Junior Member Join Date: April 26, 2007 Location: South Dakota USA Posts: 9	The only small 9's I have carried as follows: S&W Sigma SubCompact KelTec P-11 Glock 26 Beretta Nano I currently do not have any of the above. There were pros and cons to each of the above. I shot the Glock 26 the best of the 4 listed above but I would not consider it a Mini 9 as it is quite a bit larger than the others. I think for a lot of shooters the Glock 26 is about the limit in size as to what they can shoot good with. When looking at the width, length and height of the Glock 26 it is about the same size as a 2" J Frame Chief's Special so it should be able to be carried in the same locations as people have been carrying the 2" J Frame Chief's Special for years. Larry

August 11, 2013, 10:43 PM	#22
Toney Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2005 Location: Stillwater Oklahoma Posts: 790	Cm9........

August 12, 2013, 11:34 AM	#23
BigD_in_FL Junior member Join Date: December 20, 2012 Location: The "Gunshine State" Posts: 1,981	Kahr, Rohrbaugh are both good Haven't seen the new Boberg in person but it looks like a good choice as well

August 12, 2013, 11:36 AM	#24
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,389	Smith & Wesson 940. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

August 12, 2013, 12:53 PM	#25
stm74 Junior Member Join Date: June 22, 2012 Posts: 4	I don't personally own one but my brother loves his XDS 45. I would assume the XDS 9 would be about the same. __________________ Walther PPQ Saiga 12 Beretta M9A1