TexasCHLforum.com

Hi all,
I have finally scheduled my CCW class and would like some advice on a good CCW handgun for the South Texas climate where cover garments most of the year will be pull-over shirts.

I currently have a Glock 19 but after testing several holsters, I don't think it's going to meet my needs so I have been looking at a few compact or sub-compact 9mm handguns. My criteria are:

1. Full grip, no short grips I can't get my pinky finger on.
2. Reliable
3. No DA/SA trigger
4. Decent sights / accuracy
5. Weight is not an issue
6. No revolvers
7. Not interested in baby Glocks

So far I have fired the SIG P938, Kahr CM9 and CW40. I would like the S&W M&P9c but I don't think it will be thin enough so I am leaning toward the Kahr CW9. I plan to carry IWB.

Does the handgun exist that can meet my likes?

Thanks for any help.

Redhat wrote:Hi all,
I have finally scheduled my CCW class and would like some advice on a good CCW handgun for the South Texas climate where cover garments most of the year will be pull-over shirts.

I currently have a Glock 19 but after testing several holsters, I don't think it's going to meet my needs so I have been looking at a few compact or sub-compact 9mm handguns. My criteria are:

1. Full grip, no short grips I can't get my pinky finger on.
2. Reliable
3. No DA/SA trigger
4. Decent sights / accuracy
5. Weight is not an issue
6. No revolvers
7. Not interested in baby Glocks

So far I have fired the SIG P938, Kahr CM9 and CW40. I would like the S&W M&P9c but I don't think it will be thin enough so I am leaning toward the Kahr CW9. I plan to carry IWB.

Does the handgun exist that can meet my likes?

Thanks for any help.

My wife has experience with the CW40 and my brother carries a CW9. Either would meet your needs.

Thanks,

I tried the CW40 and found it too snappy in recoil for my taste. I think for this task, 9mm will be the ticket.

Redhat wrote:Thanks,

I tried the CW40 and found it too snappy in recoil for my taste. I think for this task, 9mm will be the ticket.

Good choice. I picked up a barely used one on the forum not too long ago that my brother has now. $340 for the gun and everything that came with it new, a very nice holster (new runs $100), an extra mag, and 100 rounds of ammo. If you look around you can find some good deals.

Have you tried an Alien Gear holster? I have one for my G19 after a brief break in period it is very comfortable. They offer a 30 day trial if you don't like it send it back. I don't have any trouble concealing my G19, M&Ps (both full size and compact) the real secret is a good belt and a good holster.

MoJo wrote:Have you tried an Alien Gear holster? I have one for my G19 after a brief break in period it is very comfortable. They offer a 30 day trial if you don't like it send it back. I don't have any trouble concealing my G19, M&Ps (both full size and compact) the real secret is a good belt and a good holster.

I have tried a Bladetech Nano and leather holster similar to a VM2, neither of which worked. I am waiting on a Supertuck for my G19. Have high hopes but if it doesn't fit the bill, that is it for the G19.

Having been through Walther PPK, Browning Hi Power, 1911, Star PD, P-220, S&W SC-45, XD 45 and now settled on XDS, if you don't like the Baby Glocks try an XD platform. I like the Bladetech IWB UCH (Ultra concealment Holster) and have used one for each of my last several carry guns. I like their OWB too. Excellent retention. The combo leather / kydex holsters just don't have the firm lock into place that the bladetech's do.

Still trying to find a good (comfy) IWB tuckable mag carrier...

H&K P2000SK in 9mm with LEM trigger.

I wear size XL gloves. The P2KSK is just barely long enough for me to get a full & reliable grip with all 4 fingers. Nothing extra, just right.

I have the .40 V-3 (DA/SA), but if I was buying one today it would be 9mm LEM.
I actually like the long first (DA) pull. I carry AIWB and consider it extra insurance that I won't shoot out my femoral artery or man parts.
The LEM version does away with the heavy first shot.

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Reliable? Like a Swiss watch.

Prior carry gun was a kahr PM40. Snappy like an angry dog. Hated shooting it. YMMV.

Thanks,

I have no interest in Kahrs (or any other 40 S&W) for my needs. I think 9mm is the way to go.

I've found that 1911s are easier (for me) to conceal than Glocks since they're a bit thinner, but you're trading off capacity: 15rnds for G19 mag vs 8 (45acp) to 10 (some 9mm mags) for single stack 1911s.

Walther PPS?

JCole wrote:Walther PPS?

Took a look at one and aside from the grip being too thin, I can't get past that backwards magazine floor plate.

Redhat wrote:Hi all,
... I would like the S&W M&P9c but I don't think it will be thin enough so I am leaning toward the Kahr CW9. I plan to carry IWB.

Does the handgun exist that can meet my likes?

Thanks for any help.

You did not mention the M&P Shield. It is the single-stack brother of the M&P compact. It comes in 9 or 40. Depending on your hand size you may or may not be able to get your pinky on the standard magazine. My pinky lands about halfway on. They have a longer magazine with 8 rounds that my finger fits on just fine as well. The CW9 is also a good choice, but the trigger has a totally different feel compared to Glocks or M&Ps -- not in a bad way, just different. XDs would be a good choice also if you aren't bothered by the current recall.

As you carry more, you might not be bothered as much about larger/wider guns more than likely. But everybody's different.

You did not mention the M&P Shield. It is the single-stack brother of the M&P compact. It comes in 9 or 40. Depending on your hand size you may or may not be able to get your pinky on the standard magazine. My pinky lands about halfway on. They have a longer magazine with 8 rounds that my finger fits on just fine as well. The CW9 is also a good choice, but the trigger has a totally different feel compared to Glocks or M&Ps -- not in a bad way, just different. XDs would be a good choice also if you aren't bothered by the current recall...

I like the Shield fine...well except for the piece on the extended magazine that can slide up and down the magazine body....and the BIG problem that they aren't too easy to find around here at the moment.

Concerning Kahr triggers, no problem with it when I tried one out...just have to remember to let it ALL the way out for reset. I really prefer he M&P9c, but the size is what's holding me back.