I need a small 9mm single stack that is going to be reliable and lightweight. I also do not want a manual safety. What are my options?
Sidearms & Scatterguns Thin Carry Pistol
- Thread starter Nosler243Shooter
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Re: Thin Carry Pistol
Kahr. My wife carries a P9 when she can't carry her G19.
Kahr. My wife carries a P9 when she can't carry her G19.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
S&W "Shield" but that has a thumb safty
S&W "Shield" but that has a thumb safty
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
R9s it's not the lightest but it is the smallest and no safety and built like a tank it's my Edc for over 2 years
R9s it's not the lightest but it is the smallest and no safety and built like a tank it's my Edc for over 2 years
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
I don't think you can go wrong with either the Kahr or the Shield. They both are about the same thickness, although I think the trigger on the Shield is a bit better than on my PM*9
I don't think you can go wrong with either the Kahr or the Shield. They both are about the same thickness, although I think the trigger on the Shield is a bit better than on my PM*9
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DT1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">+1 on the Kahr. Very slim profile. Carries great in the pocket or IWB holster. Love my PM9. </div></div>
This sums it up nicely.
The shield is cool in its own right, but it is a significantly bigger pistol than the PM9.
Love, LOVE my PM9.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DT1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">+1 on the Kahr. Very slim profile. Carries great in the pocket or IWB holster. Love my PM9. </div></div>
This sums it up nicely.
The shield is cool in its own right, but it is a significantly bigger pistol than the PM9.
Love, LOVE my PM9.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
A Sig P938 is slightly shorter, and about .2 inches thicker than the Kahr. I found it surprisingly easy to hold and shoot for a small handgun, and bought a P238 (same thing in .380) for myself.
A Sig P938 is slightly shorter, and about .2 inches thicker than the Kahr. I found it surprisingly easy to hold and shoot for a small handgun, and bought a P238 (same thing in .380) for myself.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jhnmdahl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A Sig P938 is slightly shorter, and about .2 inches thicker than the Kahr. I found it surprisingly easy to hold and shoot for a small handgun, and bought a P238 (same thing in .380) for myself. </div></div>
The 938 and 238 are nice pieces, but certainly "different" than a PM9. .200" thickness is *substantial* in this niche. Not better, not worse - but different.
Another HUGE difference is their operation. The Sigs are SA pistols to be carried cocked/locked, where as the Kahrs are all striker-fired DAOs. Again, not better, not worse - DIFFERNT.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jhnmdahl</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A Sig P938 is slightly shorter, and about .2 inches thicker than the Kahr. I found it surprisingly easy to hold and shoot for a small handgun, and bought a P238 (same thing in .380) for myself. </div></div>
The 938 and 238 are nice pieces, but certainly "different" than a PM9. .200" thickness is *substantial* in this niche. Not better, not worse - but different.
Another HUGE difference is their operation. The Sigs are SA pistols to be carried cocked/locked, where as the Kahrs are all striker-fired DAOs. Again, not better, not worse - DIFFERNT.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
Kahr CW9. Great value and very reliable and accurate
Kahr CW9. Great value and very reliable and accurate
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
Man up and get the springfield XD slim in .45 acp. Under a inch thick, and mine feeds great with everything so far. Recoil is suprizingly manageable.
Man up and get the springfield XD slim in .45 acp. Under a inch thick, and mine feeds great with everything so far. Recoil is suprizingly manageable.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
Try the Diamondback 9mm its a cross between the Khar and a Glock.
Try the Diamondback 9mm its a cross between the Khar and a Glock.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SpenceDaddy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try the Diamondback 9mm its a cross between the Khar and a Glock. </div></div>
I respectfully have to disagree on any advocation of the DB9.
First let me say that it does in fact pack a 9mm into the smallest possible form factor, other than that Rohrbaugh R9 - but that pistol is in a completely different league, so it bears no comparison.
Not only does the DB9 ooze cheapness, it is a nastly little fucker to shoot.
I think the Ruger LC9 or Keltec PF9, while a tick larger than the DB9, are higher quality guns, and not a lot more money.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SpenceDaddy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Try the Diamondback 9mm its a cross between the Khar and a Glock. </div></div>
I respectfully have to disagree on any advocation of the DB9.
First let me say that it does in fact pack a 9mm into the smallest possible form factor, other than that Rohrbaugh R9 - but that pistol is in a completely different league, so it bears no comparison.
Not only does the DB9 ooze cheapness, it is a nastly little fucker to shoot.
I think the Ruger LC9 or Keltec PF9, while a tick larger than the DB9, are higher quality guns, and not a lot more money.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
The khar is okay, I never shot one and many people seem to enjoy them. I just do not like the feel of them. I have shot a p238, that being said I really like the way it feels overall! The glock 26, while double stacked, will most likely be my next purchase and gets rid of the safety you don't want. For a single stack i would recommend the sig even though it has a safety, it is just a really nice gun!
The khar is okay, I never shot one and many people seem to enjoy them. I just do not like the feel of them. I have shot a p238, that being said I really like the way it feels overall! The glock 26, while double stacked, will most likely be my next purchase and gets rid of the safety you don't want. For a single stack i would recommend the sig even though it has a safety, it is just a really nice gun!
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
We've seen nothing but problems with the Diamond Back line.
TTR
We've seen nothing but problems with the Diamond Back line.
TTR
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
Another vote for the Kahr line of small 9s. My P9 is a joy to shoot. Light recoil, no manual safety, accurate as hell at 25 yds.
My friend's PM9 is as nice but slightly less manageable, however easier to conceal.
The "C" series of these same arms is an affordable way to get the same basic weapon without a couple of the premium extras.
I personally recommend them.
On the negative side, for some, the Kahr trigger pull is very long and takes a bit of getting used to, but that is the safety aspect of it. Not a detriment IMO if you practice with it the way you should practice with any carry pistol.
Another vote for the Kahr line of small 9s. My P9 is a joy to shoot. Light recoil, no manual safety, accurate as hell at 25 yds.
My friend's PM9 is as nice but slightly less manageable, however easier to conceal.
The "C" series of these same arms is an affordable way to get the same basic weapon without a couple of the premium extras.
I personally recommend them.
On the negative side, for some, the Kahr trigger pull is very long and takes a bit of getting used to, but that is the safety aspect of it. Not a detriment IMO if you practice with it the way you should practice with any carry pistol.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
kahr cw9 is a good choice
kahr cw9 is a good choice
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
i ditched my XDs for a sig 938. so much better to carry.
i ditched my XDs for a sig 938. so much better to carry.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HighPoint</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Man up and get the springfield XD slim in .45 acp. Under a inch thick, and mine feeds great with everything so far. Recoil is suprizingly manageable. </div></div>
Every shop i looked at were sold out and couldnt get those in. So i went with an S&W shield. Not a bad little pistol.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HighPoint</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Man up and get the springfield XD slim in .45 acp. Under a inch thick, and mine feeds great with everything so far. Recoil is suprizingly manageable. </div></div>
Every shop i looked at were sold out and couldnt get those in. So i went with an S&W shield. Not a bad little pistol.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
I went through a lot of "thin" guns to find one that fit me well and I finally settled on the ruger lc9 and use the finger extension mag plate. I know you said you prefer no safety and truth be told neither did I, after trying one iwb however, I was sold. Another perk is they can be had for around 3-350 if you shop around.
I went through a lot of "thin" guns to find one that fit me well and I finally settled on the ruger lc9 and use the finger extension mag plate. I know you said you prefer no safety and truth be told neither did I, after trying one iwb however, I was sold. Another perk is they can be had for around 3-350 if you shop around.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
Thanks for the replies. The Kahr was the one I was looking at so I hope there are still some out there. Now is not the best time to find a specific gun. I traded a my Glock 26 in a few months ago I really wish I had not done that now. Every time I trade something off I always regret it later. It wasn't that I didn't like the Glock it was just that it was a little thick. Now I have to carry a 1911 until I get something else.
Thanks for the replies. The Kahr was the one I was looking at so I hope there are still some out there. Now is not the best time to find a specific gun. I traded a my Glock 26 in a few months ago I really wish I had not done that now. Every time I trade something off I always regret it later. It wasn't that I didn't like the Glock it was just that it was a little thick. Now I have to carry a 1911 until I get something else.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
Glock 36 with extended mag
Glock 36 with extended mag
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
I know you said 9mm, but the various flavors of the Tokarev TT-33 in .30 Tokarev are slim and pack a close to .357 magnum punch. Come to think of it, Norinco made them in 9mm.
Cheers,
Richard
I know you said 9mm, but the various flavors of the Tokarev TT-33 in .30 Tokarev are slim and pack a close to .357 magnum punch. Come to think of it, Norinco made them in 9mm.
Cheers,
Richard
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
Kahr CW9 or P9. My wife has one. I just bought one. Very slim, fits the hand ok for a small, slim gun, and shoots good. Trigger pull is nice for a less expensive DAO.
My son in law just bought the Walther PPS and that thing just feels weird. Really blocky feeling compared to the Kahr.
Kahr CW9 or P9. My wife has one. I just bought one. Very slim, fits the hand ok for a small, slim gun, and shoots good. Trigger pull is nice for a less expensive DAO.
My son in law just bought the Walther PPS and that thing just feels weird. Really blocky feeling compared to the Kahr.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HighPoint</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Man up and get the springfield XD slim in .45 acp. Under a inch thick, and mine feeds great with everything so far. Recoil is suprizingly manageable. </div></div>
I bought an XDs and love it. I am going to get some night sights for it. Trigger is pretty damn nice. It's no pocket pistol for me but I carry it IWB in a Remora. I have a Bodyguard 380 for when I need to conceal in my pocket. I hardly notice it. Both run great. Bodyguard trigger is horrible but it is pretty accurate.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: HighPoint</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Man up and get the springfield XD slim in .45 acp. Under a inch thick, and mine feeds great with everything so far. Recoil is suprizingly manageable. </div></div>
I bought an XDs and love it. I am going to get some night sights for it. Trigger is pretty damn nice. It's no pocket pistol for me but I carry it IWB in a Remora. I have a Bodyguard 380 for when I need to conceal in my pocket. I hardly notice it. Both run great. Bodyguard trigger is horrible but it is pretty accurate.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DT1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">+1 on the Kahr. Very slim profile. Carries great in the pocket or IWB holster. Love my PM9. </div></div>
This sums it up nicely.
The shield is cool in its own right, but it is a significantly bigger pistol than the PM9.
Love, LOVE my PM9. </div></div>
+1 on the PM9. I've been carrying MK9s & PM9s ever since Kahr first
came out with the small guns. No problems, they have always worked.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DT1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">+1 on the Kahr. Very slim profile. Carries great in the pocket or IWB holster. Love my PM9. </div></div>
This sums it up nicely.
The shield is cool in its own right, but it is a significantly bigger pistol than the PM9.
Love, LOVE my PM9. </div></div>
+1 on the PM9. I've been carrying MK9s & PM9s ever since Kahr first
came out with the small guns. No problems, they have always worked.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
My first thought is a Kel tec.I think the model number is pf9.
My first thought is a Kel tec.I think the model number is pf9.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
Most Kahr pistols I've had the opportunity to own and shoot were very dependable and shot accurately. The down side for me was the trigger. I just cannot get happy with their trigger and how it pivots and feels almost like shooting a revolver. Nothing wrong with revolvers as I have shot many thousands of rounds thru them over the years (old guy) but I just don't prefer that trigger in a pistol.
I carried the PPS for four years and it served well. Always worked and shot accurately. Then along came Shield. Thru several hundred rounds all three of my 9MM Shields have worked to perfection and beat everything mentioned above in accuracy. I have had one young man knock three bowling pins off a table at 45 yards with it. He has the eyesight and skill to do that and I no longer can on a regular basis. I carry my Shield on a Genotac IWB kydex and it is very comfortable. I recommend the Shield and the holster highly.
Most Kahr pistols I've had the opportunity to own and shoot were very dependable and shot accurately. The down side for me was the trigger. I just cannot get happy with their trigger and how it pivots and feels almost like shooting a revolver. Nothing wrong with revolvers as I have shot many thousands of rounds thru them over the years (old guy) but I just don't prefer that trigger in a pistol.
I carried the PPS for four years and it served well. Always worked and shot accurately. Then along came Shield. Thru several hundred rounds all three of my 9MM Shields have worked to perfection and beat everything mentioned above in accuracy. I have had one young man knock three bowling pins off a table at 45 yards with it. He has the eyesight and skill to do that and I no longer can on a regular basis. I carry my Shield on a Genotac IWB kydex and it is very comfortable. I recommend the Shield and the holster highly.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
Walther PPS. For its size it's simply amazing.
Walther PPS. For its size it's simply amazing.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
I have to agree on either the PPS or the XDs. Both are great little guns. I carry the XDs and will be getting a PPS for my wife if they don't come out with a XDs in 9mm shortly. If you are a Glock fan then definitely look at the PPS, very similar setup.
I have to agree on either the PPS or the XDs. Both are great little guns. I carry the XDs and will be getting a PPS for my wife if they don't come out with a XDs in 9mm shortly. If you are a Glock fan then definitely look at the PPS, very similar setup.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
I love my XDs, can't say enough good things about it. If you are not in a hurry I would hold out to see what Springfield Armory brings to the SHOT show later this month. There seems to be a fair amount of chatter that they may be releasing a similar pistol chambered in 9 or 40.
I love my XDs, can't say enough good things about it. If you are not in a hurry I would hold out to see what Springfield Armory brings to the SHOT show later this month. There seems to be a fair amount of chatter that they may be releasing a similar pistol chambered in 9 or 40.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
You may wish to consider a Glock 36.
6+1 .45ACP in a very slim package coupled with Glock's legendary reliability.
Mine had the grip reduced and "stippled/melted" by Robar.
Add night sights and you are GTG.
You may wish to consider a Glock 36.
6+1 .45ACP in a very slim package coupled with Glock's legendary reliability.
Mine had the grip reduced and "stippled/melted" by Robar.
Add night sights and you are GTG.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackstone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You may wish to consider a Glock 36.
6+1 .45ACP in a very slim package coupled with Glock's legendary reliability.
Mine had the grip reduced and "stippled/melted" by Robar.
Add night sights and you are GTG.</div></div>
+1 on the Glock 36. The G36 in a RCS Phantom is one of my favs for carry. Though I also have a Kramer #3 that works very well for IWB.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackstone</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You may wish to consider a Glock 36.
6+1 .45ACP in a very slim package coupled with Glock's legendary reliability.
Mine had the grip reduced and "stippled/melted" by Robar.
Add night sights and you are GTG.</div></div>
+1 on the Glock 36. The G36 in a RCS Phantom is one of my favs for carry. Though I also have a Kramer #3 that works very well for IWB.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
My Kimber .45 and Sig P226 got cumbersome. I shot almost all 9mm subcompacts. Eventhough I am not a Beretta fan, I chose the Beretta Nano.
I have 600 rnds through it. Awesome pistol. It ate everything I've fed it.
Nano on top
Ruger LCp in middle
Walther PPS on bottom
More comparison pics.:
http://www.romeotangobravo.net/2011/11/beretta-nano-vs-ruger-lc9-vs-walther.html
My Kimber .45 and Sig P226 got cumbersome. I shot almost all 9mm subcompacts. Eventhough I am not a Beretta fan, I chose the Beretta Nano.
I have 600 rnds through it. Awesome pistol. It ate everything I've fed it.
Nano on top
Ruger LCp in middle
Walther PPS on bottom
More comparison pics.:
http://www.romeotangobravo.net/2011/11/beretta-nano-vs-ruger-lc9-vs-walther.html
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
Agree with Brian above............If you're 'used' to a Glock type of trigger, or those similar to the length of pull, go with the Walther, or give a strong look.
The Kahr CW series that I demo shoots extremely well and highly accurate, BUT the length of pull is very long which doesn't serve well to those with larger hands or those accustomed to shorter pulls.
Grip wise - yah the CW feels a bit better, but not overly so IMO.
Final Note on the CW - handled .40 models that had poor mag release dynamics. My example has been great, but I had to figure out the 'fix' for Kahr and the mag issues after trading way too many mags that would release and then stick 1'' from fully seated........not sure why they didn't caliper the feed lips OD, but.... a little press action and GTG. They were very good to deal with, just got very tired of the Mag swap game.
Walther mags put a guy in the hurt locker as well. Ivanhoe Arms has had the best prices on Kahr mags too. around $25.......Walthers your gonna hit 40-55 easy.
The Ruger is a thought, but many get sliced by the slide, (could'a been the LCP, been a while since I was around the ruger)
Agree with Brian above............If you're 'used' to a Glock type of trigger, or those similar to the length of pull, go with the Walther, or give a strong look.
The Kahr CW series that I demo shoots extremely well and highly accurate, BUT the length of pull is very long which doesn't serve well to those with larger hands or those accustomed to shorter pulls.
Grip wise - yah the CW feels a bit better, but not overly so IMO.
Final Note on the CW - handled .40 models that had poor mag release dynamics. My example has been great, but I had to figure out the 'fix' for Kahr and the mag issues after trading way too many mags that would release and then stick 1'' from fully seated........not sure why they didn't caliper the feed lips OD, but.... a little press action and GTG. They were very good to deal with, just got very tired of the Mag swap game.
Walther mags put a guy in the hurt locker as well. Ivanhoe Arms has had the best prices on Kahr mags too. around $25.......Walthers your gonna hit 40-55 easy.
The Ruger is a thought, but many get sliced by the slide, (could'a been the LCP, been a while since I was around the ruger)
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
I was surprised at how big the shields are. I went to purchase one at my local gun shop and ended up bringing an Springfield XDS home. I also got to handle a Kimber Solo that felt very nice. Really small and lightweight, but out of my price range at the time. I dont have any trigger time on the Shield or the Solo, but Id go for the sole based on quality and feel.
I was surprised at how big the shields are. I went to purchase one at my local gun shop and ended up bringing an Springfield XDS home. I also got to handle a Kimber Solo that felt very nice. Really small and lightweight, but out of my price range at the time. I dont have any trigger time on the Shield or the Solo, but Id go for the sole based on quality and feel.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
The trigger on the Shield is absolutely awesome. I carry the Shield almost every day. I have two other full size M&Ps and the Shield blows their trigger's out of the water (though slightly heavier, which I prefer on my carry weapon). The break is clean and crisp compared to the usual squishy full size trigger.
I haven't fired an XDS, but I would say they would be hard pressed to one-up the Shield's trigger. 317millhand...how is the trigger on the XDS?
I do have to say...the safety on the Shield is garbage.
The trigger on the Shield is absolutely awesome. I carry the Shield almost every day. I have two other full size M&Ps and the Shield blows their trigger's out of the water (though slightly heavier, which I prefer on my carry weapon). The break is clean and crisp compared to the usual squishy full size trigger.
I haven't fired an XDS, but I would say they would be hard pressed to one-up the Shield's trigger. 317millhand...how is the trigger on the XDS?
I do have to say...the safety on the Shield is garbage.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
I shot my buddy's XDS .45 next to his XDM 9mm and their triggers felt the same to me. Overall I would say I liked the trigger on the XDS. I also didn't think the recoil was too bad being such a compact .45, but it is still a .45 and does have some recoil. I didn't any feed problems with soft points either. Overall I would say the XDS is a great carry gun.
I shot my buddy's XDS .45 next to his XDM 9mm and their triggers felt the same to me. Overall I would say I liked the trigger on the XDS. I also didn't think the recoil was too bad being such a compact .45, but it is still a .45 and does have some recoil. I didn't any feed problems with soft points either. Overall I would say the XDS is a great carry gun.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
I think a lot of it comes down to hand size. I have bigger hands with long fingers, so the DA pull guns are hard for me to shoot b/c the trigger breaks so far back on a small grip gun. For someone with smaller hands/shorter fingers they would be great. Same thing with operating the mag release and slide releases on some of them.
Sometimes finding a better carry system/wardrobe is easier then finding smaller gun that can put you at a disadvantage.
I think a lot of it comes down to hand size. I have bigger hands with long fingers, so the DA pull guns are hard for me to shoot b/c the trigger breaks so far back on a small grip gun. For someone with smaller hands/shorter fingers they would be great. Same thing with operating the mag release and slide releases on some of them.
Sometimes finding a better carry system/wardrobe is easier then finding smaller gun that can put you at a disadvantage.
Re: Thin Carry Pistol
I carry the walther pps 40 and my wife has the pps 9mm great supper easy to shoot guns and they are crazy thin and dont print at all and in a crossbreed holster i wear mine in under armor shorts
I carry the walther pps 40 and my wife has the pps 9mm great supper easy to shoot guns and they are crazy thin and dont print at all and in a crossbreed holster i wear mine in under armor shorts
