Compact 9MM - Top 5

[predecessor]

Doing a little market research for a friend on what to offer customers at his store...

List your opinion regarding the top 5 compact 9x19 handguns for civilian concealed carry. (Please, no medium or large frame firearms and later threads on this topic will be created for .40 S&W and .45 ACP so no "Why not carry something in a bigger caliber?" suggestions ;))

Also, include a short reason for the listing: Price, value, reliability, finish, ergonomics, capacity, size, ease of takedown, etc. Thanks in advance for your input!

[dwatts47]

Glock 26 (actaully I have a 27, but its the same size as 9mm 26)

*disappears under even a t shirt
*utter reliability
*uses the same big gun mags, and ammo as model 17 + 19 (most of the time with no POI difference)
*uses most the same big gun holsters
*training familiarity
*uses same big gun sights
*IMHO best lil gun for the money.
*proven rep
*You can say "Thank you little baby G-lock" when it saves your @ss

[minsonngo]

+1 on the Glock 26.

Other great ones are the XD SC, M&P SC, PX4 SC, and the P2000SK.

[Bill DeShivs]

Keltec P11.

[kristop64089]

Glock G33.
-Unbelievable accuracy(especially for it's size)
-Incredible fire power(.357 sig)
-Conceals easy(a bit bulky)
-Simple no frills gun.

[Alnamvet]

1. Outstanding fit and finish.
2. Availability of parts
3. Easily concealable
4. Everything a 45 ACP is without the fat, bulk, and waste.;)

[armoredman]

Some might not call it a compact, but they are, the CZ PO1 and PCR, both outstanding firearms, worth more than they cost. Also, the subcompact CZ-2075 RAMI, another outstanding pistola.
All three seen here, CZ-PO1 with Crimson Trace Lasergrips, now a factory option, with CZ-UB logo. CZ-2075 RAMI is wearing Hakan Pek grips, not a factory option, unfortunately.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/yesterdaysnews.jpg

[kristop64089]

+1 aromored man

My gut was to go with my PCR D, but since it's comprable in size to the G19 i figured I'd go smaller.

and not to jack the thread But, how do you like that RAMI? is it steel?, I almost bought one but found it a little heavy for it's size.

[StuntManMike]

Glock 26, CZ 2075 Rami, XD9 Compact, Kahr PM9, P2000SK

[D-Bak]

my top 5 favorite compact 9 mm are

glock 26
XD9SC
M&P9c
EMP
Ultra Aegis II


I'd say my two favorite are the glock for every day carry and the Kimber for "dress up" or "fancy" carry

[armoredman]

kristop, that's my wife's sidearm, and she loves it. No burps, no bobble with factory ammo. Good little gun, and she uses the factory extended 14 round mag, too.:D

[RevolverLover]

Other great ones are the XD SC, M&P SC, PX4 SC, and the P2000SK.


Is the PX4SC even out yet?

[Thunderhawk88]

Glock 19. Easy to hold, and easy to carry.

[LUPUS]

The smallest and the most compact guns I would trust my life on them are SIG P225, HK P7M8, Glock 19, HK USPc / P2K, SIG P228.
Best.

[tdman]

Sig P225/P6
Sig P239
Glock 26
XD 9 Sub
Taurus PT111 Millenium Pro

[Quail Fat]

I highly recommend the H&K P2000sk as number 1.

Here is my top 5 compact 9mms

1. H&K P2000sk
2. Glock 26
3. CZ 75 compact
4. Springfield Armory XD9c
5. FNP-9M DAO

[GalilARM]

Oh come on now guys, the HK p7m8 takes the cake for this one:)

[Playboypenguin]

In no particular order...

Glock 26 - This is a compact gun that is reliable, durable, and will appeal to all the "black plastic gun" lovers that like their guns to be tac-ti-cool.

Springfield EMP - Another high quality firearm for the lovers of the 1911 format in a compact style.

Kahr MK9 - An extremely well made and compact firearm for people who want something a little different in an all stainless package.

Kel Tec P11 - A function and light weight pistol for the budget conscious.

Rohrbaugh R9s - The ultimate compact 9mm pistol for the high end customer. Small, light weight, and precision made from quality materials.

[MPanova]

The Taurus PT111 would be a must have IMO it is a great small 9mm for CCW and it cost half of what some of the others do. They are great sellers aswell ;)

[Redneckrepairs]

Your friend really should stock a Kahr CW9 ( quite a bit more affordable than the p9 ) and see how fast it leaves the shelves , IMHO this likely will make a believer out of him .

[cryption]

another vote for an XD-9 compact or sub compat

[darko]

1. M&P(sc). Awesome gun!
2. Kahr K9 or P9, also excellent guns and extremely compact.

[MyXD40]

XD9 Sub-Compact. Big enough t hold, small enough to conceal

[Shamalama]

You can't beat the price of a Kel-Tec PF-9.

[Hornett]

Just two votes for the PT111 Mil Pro?
I am shocked:eek:

My top 5 would be

PT111 mil pro. This is my current carry in the truck gun. It's as small as a P-11 and holds 12 9mm in the mag. The trigger is great (mine is 3rd generation SA/DA) and it is inexpensive.

CZ 2075 Rami. It's a CZ. :)

Glock 26. If you are talking about the top GLock just begs to be on the list. Whether you agree with the safety features or not, the fan base is huge.

Kahr CW-9 Better trigger than a Kel Tec but still not up to the Mil Pro IMHO

PF-9 (or the P-11) from Kel Tec. I have a P-11 but I quit carrying it in favor of the PT111 because the Kel tecs trigger is very long and hard (around 8 lbs)

Thats my opinion... for what it's worth

[greenparrot]

Glock 26 or H&K P2000SK

[ShipWreck]

1. Walther P99 A/S compact (be aware that there are 3 different triggers on the P99s - you want the A/S)

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/mistershipwreck/Walther502.jpg

2. Glock 26
3. HK USPc
4. Walther PPS
5. HK P2000 SK

[Magnum Wheel Man]

interesting thread... I have a buddy looking for a compact 9 right now... are any of these single stacks & reasonably priced ???

[IMTHDUKE]

Rohrbaugh R9s - The ultimate compact 9mm pistol for the high end customer. Small, light weight, and precision made from quality materials
I resemble that statement.
http://www.treasureislandbedandbreakfast.com/images/GUNS/R9.jpg

[BigJimP]

SIG 229 and 239 ( but I would also recommend he carry the 226 model as well ). Give the customers some options

[Magnum Wheel Man]

DUKE... love the looks of that R-9... all except the "pop rivet look" fasteners on the grip panels... I assume those are not pop rivets :confused:

[Officer's Match]

26
Kahr
Mil Pro
EMP
M&Pc

[Charles S]

Well...the top five and the top five to make money on are really two totally different issues.

If I owned a gunshop:

Glock 26 and or Glock 19
Kahr K9 or P9
S&W CS9 or 3913
CZ compact
Sig P239 or 229

Of course I would cater to the more discriminating taste and probably go out of business.

One could argue that the H&K P7 and Rohrbaugh R9s should be included. I would not, but would happily order one of those really nice guns for anyone who asked.

[FirstFreedom]

You're getting a mixed reply of subcompacts and compacts both - which do you want: "Compacts" as a broad category, including subcompacts? Or "compacts", as a narrower category, by definition excluding subcompacts?

[2cooltoolz]

http://2cooltoolz.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/kahr.mk9.jpg

My humble opinion:
I love 9's, but if you want a 9mm get one for the pocket...otherwise get a
.45....???
Oops, reread the post:
No bigger is better ( I am actually a pocket pistol fan, anyway!!)
I love my Kahr MK9. Not tiny at 22(unloaded) ounces but very pocketable, absolutely reliable(in my experience).
The Kahr PM9 is lighter at 14 oz but I understand they have had issues.
I bought a new Keltec PF-9. I took it back unfired (loose, flimsy, Saturday Night Special) It would more than likely do the deed, but I have guns.....no need to back step. My dealer allowed a full value trade to a S&W 442 (love it, wrong forum).
I would love to find one of the rare American Derringer DA38's in 9mm, but they are going for twice original cost.

[johnbt]

"R-9... all except the "pop rivet look" fasteners on the grip panels... I assume those are not pop rivets"

http://www.rohrbaughfirearms.com/store/images2/gripscrews.jpg

[predecessor]

which do you want: "Compacts" as a broad category, including subcompacts?

Both Compacts and Subs

Thanks everyone for the replies so far.

[Breakdaddy]

XD9SC or Kahr PM9, both excellent choices IMHO. Both are lightweight and reliable. The Kahr is a little pricier but well worth it due to its exceptional pocketability.

[maximuss]

+1 for Kahr PM9

[Fabius]

Try a Kahr CW9. Moderately priced, single stack, very slim and easy to conceal. I like it because the grip is long enough for me to get all three fingers on it, but it is more compact and concealable than other high quality compacts. Trigger pull is slightly longer than a Glock's, but much smoother and crisper. I'm more accurate with my CW9 than with my larger Glock 23 and the CW9 is much more concealable. I've shot +P+ through the CW9 and the recoil was very manageable.

[Homerboy]

S&W 3913. Sold my Glock 26 for it and made money on the deal. Glock was too fat and stubby for me, plus I like a safety and TDA on my semi autos.

[slickab]

Kahr PM 40. 100% concealable in jeans and light t-shirt. Surprisingly accurate for its size. Pretty major firepower with the right ammo.

[kkramer673]

I like carrying a Kimber Ultra Aegis II. Very accurate and very reliable, even with a 3" barrel.

[Geoff Timm]

Magnum Wheel Man inquired, "interesting thread... I have a buddy looking for a compact 9 right now... are any of these single stacks & reasonably priced"

The PF-9 is, but it isn't built for heavy use. http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/pf9.html

The Taurus Millenium Pro is double stack, but very compact and relatively inexpensive
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?id=18&category=Pistol

The Kahr CW-9 is a discounted version of a more expensive pistol, but not that discounted.
http://www.kahr.com/PA-1_9mm_cw.html

Geoff
Who has a single stack KP9094N and a double stack S&W M&P 9c

[GroovedG19]

Sig Sauer P225
Sig Sauer P239
HK P2000SK
Glock 26
Walther P99 Compact

[gmanpma]

Kahr PM9 is my daily carry. Carried in the front pocket in a De Santis Superfly holster. The weapon has performed perfectly since day 1.

[jehu]

P7M8 H&K or Rohrbaugh R9!:rolleyes:

[markboss]

Kel Tec PF9....
Really compact and lightweight....great buy!!

[Laserlips]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_6832.jpg


Walther P99c/AS..

(Shown with it's buddy the LWS32)


J. Pomeroy

[glockorama]

Taurus PT111 Mil Pro
Glock 26
Kahr P9
CZ compact
Sig P239

[varoadking]

List your opinion regarding the top 5 compact 9x19 handguns for civilian concealed carry.

Five of these:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/varoadking/DSC03065.jpg

[orionengnr]

1. Kahr PM9
2. Kahr CW9
3. Springfield EMP

4. Kel-Tec P-11...never fired one, but would like to

5. Rohrbaugh R-9... I don't have $1000 discretionary income at the moment, and I'm not convinced that it is superior to my PM9...

As for the P7, I've owned six over the last twenty-five years. Just sold the last one a month ago. Beautiful design, but not a CCW IME. Too big, too heavy, too valuable.

[Thunderhawk88]

Opinions on here are great, but may not make you any money. You need to find out what sells....especially in the area of where you'll be.

[RJM]

My vote is for the XD sub-compact 9mm. Great shooter with either the 10 round mag or the extended 16 rounder.

[Impreza]

1: Glock 26
2: M&P Compact
3: Walther p99
4: PT111
5:Kahr PM9

[ooreach]

love how some cant resist throwing in .45 and .40 cal choices :). Taurus pt111 pro. I've had it for over 1 year. Use it in smart carry. I'd like to get an xd and a glock in 9mm, just to have them...mabey i'll win the lottery. But kel tec has impressed me, but i've not shot them in 9mm, yet

[Pilot]

Mine are:

CZ-75D PCR
HK P7M8 or PSP
Walther P5
Sig P225 (P6)
G19

[18DAI]

S&W 3913. The 3913 is so perfect a CCW 9mm, for me, that I never needed to buy another. Light weight, easily concealed, accurate and reliable.

If it ever appeared on the cover of a gunrag, it would go for three times the current asking price. A very well kept secret among compact CCW 9mm's. YMMV. Regards 18DAI.

[Ozzieman]

In order.
HK P7
Glock 26
PPK/s (ok maybe not 9mm but it is 9mm Kurtz)
From there all the sub's are ether 45 ACP or 44 SP

[tplumeri]

hi, only gave opinions on the three i own.
1. emp
2. pm9
3. glock 26
first off, for all you glock guys; i think the glock is great and ultra reliable, but it just doesnt feel right in my hand. cant shoot it accurately past 15 feet. (yeah, i know thats plenty for self defense!)
bought the pm9 to smart carry. great gun but took over 500 rounds to break in. still have my doubts about reliabilty because of that, but has perfomed perfectly after 500+ rounds.
emp. just fired it for the first time. 100 rounds without a glitch.
no pinky overhang. solid feel. (i think the emp is a much better choice for in close hand to hand, can be use as a blunt trauma weapon after (or before) you empty the mag)
from the top of the slide the emp is about 3/4 inch longer to bottom of grip.( vs pm9, no mags in either) with a 7 round mag in the kahr they are virtually identical. from back of the slide the emp is around 3/8 inch longer to end of barrell.
fwd trigger guard line up niceley but trigger travel is less with emp. feels like forever to fire the da on the kahr.
ive seen the pm9 advertised at 14 oz empty and the emp at 23 . cant verify either. but the emp feels better balanced.
i have medium hands and the emp feels more comfortable to me. my wife has small hands and likes the pm9 better. she cant shoot the glock accurately either!
ill take some comparo pics if anyone wants, just need to figure out the camera!
let me know,
one last thing; the mag release on the kahr is right under the pad of my the thumb. ive ejected the magazine unintentionally during rapid fire drills. no problem with the other two.
tom

[Retiredatforty]

Just got one. 18.5 ozs, 12 rounds, easy to conceal, cheap to buy ($328ish) and accurate as hell. Has a manual safety, too, which is important to me. Highly recommended and they'll fly off the shelves. I'd also suggest--for $50 more--the 24/7 PROc, which is essentially the Mil-Pro with a rail and rubber grip.

[ThatGunGuy]

PT-111
Walther PPS
H&K P2000SK
Springfield EMP
Sig P229

[MrAnteater]

P11
G26

[hpg]

Glock 26, SA XD,S&W M&P, Taurus PT-111 and maybe Taurus 24/7 compact when they get it into production...hpg

[DennisE]

SIG 239 SAS
Kimber Ultra or Pro Aegis II
H&K P7M8
Springfield EMP
S&W M&P Compact

Dennis

[FirstFreedom]

Both Compacts and Subs

Hmm, that makes it a bit tougher.... I'd have to say:

1. CZ P-01 (or CZ 75 Compact PCR)
2. Rohrbaugh R9
3. Kahr MK9
4. Springfield EMP
5. HK P7

[Honorable mentions to Walther 99 compact & Sig P-series compacts, particularly P225...wait a sec - anyone make a compact Hi-Power clone?]

[Jkwas]

PT 111 ( I own one)
S&W 908
S&W M&P 9mm compact
Glock G26
Sig 239

[Rinaldo]

1. Sig 228/229
2. Walther p5
3. CZ Rami
4. Sig 239
5. PPK (it's a 9mm Kurtz !)

[Surefire_U2]

1. Sig P228 (compact) ... outstanding range shooter, average carrier
2. Sig P239 (compact) ... excelent range shooter, very good carrier
3. Glock 19 (compact).... Very good range shooter, good carrier
4. Glock 26 (subcompact) Above average range shooter, very good carrier
5. CZ 75 Compact (compact)... Great range shooter, above average carrier

If the Beretta Cheetah was offered in 9mm (its only a .380 in the current configuration), it would earn the #3 spot on the list.

For my money, the Sig P239 and Glock 19 offer the most versatility of the 5 in my list. Great range shooters, plus carry very well. The P239 in my hands wins in accuracy, but the Glock 19 can be shot quicker.

[Shane Tuttle]

Doing a little market research for a friend on what to offer customers at his store...

Most of the opinons here provide solid choices to choose for oneself. However, I must provide this quote stated earlier...

Well...the top five and the top five to make money on are really two totally different issues.

Charles brought up IMO the most important consideration of this entire thread. You can line up all the high end guns you want, but if the general pop doesn't want or have the $$ you can go under in a hurry with the overhead...

I also don't have quite the apparent experience in the compact and subcompact market. However, I just test fired the Springer EMP along with an AR24(c?). Both guns provide two totally different tastes in style. Both were no disappointments at all.

My choices would be:

1. Glocks- read others' posts.
2. AR24 or the CZ line-reliable as any. The weight might be a hindrance.
3. XD9mm- I have experience in the service models of the 45 and 40, but not the 9mmsc. My reason is that it has a proven record and would be like selling Fords and Chevys on the same lot.
4. EMP- This would be my #1 choice by a mile. Again, MY choice. The downside that others may encounter is the ambi safety may snag upon draw and the price is WAY up there. It doesn't break down quite as fast and easy as a Glock, XD, etc. But, it felt GREAT in my hand and shot on paper like it was a finely tuned 5in government model..

[blgoode]

Glock 19
Glock 26
SIG 225
SIG 239
Springfield 9mm compact

[NWCP]

The Kahr PM9 and Kel-Tec PF9 for subcompacts. The HK P7M8 (or PSP) and P2000SK are also very concealable and very reliable. While not available in a larger caliber the Colt 1903, or 1908 hammerless in .32, or .380 can't be beat for carry guns. They are the original 'melted' pistols and mine have been extremely reliable. Just not easy to find in reasonable condition. The Colt Mustang .380 is also another mouse gun that kicks butt as a CCW, just not in 9mm.

[michigun]

Kel-Tec P11 and Beretta PX4 Subcompact

[miniuzi]

http://miniuzi.com/images/glock26s.jpg
#1 Glock 26

I have yet to like another subcompact enough to consider #2-5

I have a S&W 3913TSW (tactical rail) for sale if anyone is interested.

[Rasputin]

Not In Order

GLOCK 26
Springfield EMP
Sig P239
Walther PPS
H&k P2000sk
Springfield XD-9 Sub-Compact
S&W 642 (I Realize This Isn't 9mm.. But This Is The Selection I'd Say If He Went Revolver).

[LaSalle]

+1 Glock 26. But you have to have the grip extender on the mag or its a bit too small.

[curmudgeon1]

For my purposes, nothing can top my Kahr P9.
16oz., 7+1 cap., very smooth trigger, s.s. slide, accurate, fits my hand. Couldn't ask for anything more in a concealed-carry gun.

[genemike]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the S&W Model 908??

[kristop64089]

This here will be my new alternate carry:
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t161/kristop64089/Gun%20Pix/000_0100.jpg

Awesome feel in the hand.
VERY EASY to conceal
Low recoil
All steel
Virtually snag free
Great Factory sights
Accurate
Good CS
and Lastly...it's mine

[NicksDad1970]

Glock 26
Kahr 9
Then somewhere down the list would be a KelTek

I can't think of too many quality compact 9's.