Concealed carry gun choice advice

[ajl]

I've got a Sig P238 now. I really like it, but I bought it just before Sig came out with the 9mm version (P938). Just sold it with intentions of picking up a P938 today. Same dimensions except for being 1/2" longer which I don't see an issue.
But now I'm thinking about the Springfield XD 9mm subcompact: http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php?version=59
It is a bit bigger in height and length, probably in width too. But the mag holds 13, 16 w/the extended mag vs. the P938 which holds 6 or 7 with the extended mag.
Anything else close in size?
Anybody have either/both of these pistols?
Recommendations?

[SprintPoser]

While I don't own one, the Kahr Arms products have an excellent reputation for high accuracy in compact semi-automatics. One of my good motorcycling friends is a VP there at their Worcester MA plant.

http://www.kahr.com/Pistols/Pistols.asp

[ajl]

Thanks, looks like the PM9 or CW9 would be comparable. Anybody have these? Thoughts on Kahr? I know the gun shop is going to be slammed, don't know how much comparison I'll be able to do there.

[Falko]

The XD is nice, but blocky compared to the sig. If you are going to go with the XD, there are other sigs/glocks/etc you can look at which will give you the same carry ability. I wouldn't recommend one over the other, just get a good brand that fits you.

[HanktheTank]

The PM9 is a great gun, it gets some getting used to because of the small size but it's easy to conceal and accurate. If I were to do it all over again, I would look at the CW9 as it's virtually the same gun just a few things done differently to get the price down (the slide is not laser etched, the barrel is not hexagonal). I've had limited interaction with Kahr but a buddy of mine had a problem with a second-hand Kahr and they had him send it back and replaced the part free of charge, no problems.

Also, I would look at/test fire the S&W M&P Shield. I've never tried it but I've heard some good things about it, better things than I've heard about the bodyguard. Also, the Ruger LC9 is comparable in size to the PM9. When I was shopping around, it came down to the LC9 or the PM9 and I just shot the PM9 better.

[TTD]

I have the shield and like it a lot. Mags only hold 7 or 8 rounds but for cc i am not sure I want more weight. I usually carry with the 7 round mag to keep size and weight to the minimum.

[netra709]

that xd9 is doublestack, I don't know how you prefer to carry, but that would be too wide for me. I like to use my iwb holster, but some times I have to use my desantis pocket holster and I can't do that with a doublestack. I'm currently carrying a springfield xds(45 single stack). Now that it is colder I may start carrying the G23 that I'm picking up tomorrow in a iwb holster. I wanted the p938 when I got my xds, but it wasn't available yet.

[AVI8_636]

I don't own one, but I've been looking at a PPK for myself. My buddy has one and loves it. I really like it because of it's size and weight. I'm personally not concerned with carrying more than 8 or 9 rounds. I don't want to lug around all that weight.

[JohnnyV]

I don't own one, but I've been looking at a PPK for myself. My buddy has one and loves it. I really like it because of it's size and weight. I'm personally not concerned with carrying more than 8 or 9 rounds. I don't want to lug around all that weight.

I know it is often suggested that you try shooting a firearm before purchasing, and this isn't always a possibility but with the PPK DEFINITELY try to find someone who will let you put a few rounds through one before making the purchase. The gun is odd (in my opinion) in its shape. Some people it fits like a glove, others it just feels strange to shoot. My father loves his (PPK and a PPK/S) and is fairly accurate with them. I absolutely hate shooting the thing. It feels ok when just holding it but after a few rounds the narrow, sharp-edged backstrap just feels odd and uncomfortable.

[PhilB]

Just as with a bike, I very much recommend testing before buying. It's hard to make a good recommendation for either, because a lot of it has to do with how any given machine fits any given individual. And whether there are other priorities and considerations.

The most natural shooting pistol ever for me has been the Browning HP-35 9mm. Just comfortable as heck, and really easy to hit with. However, like the 1911 variants (same designer), they are complex, with several controls, and a bit of a PITA to clean and maintain. For actual defense, I go with the .40 Glocks. I like that round, the Glocks shoot adequately, and are extremely reliable and simple to operate -- the Toyota Camry of guns. I use a fullsize model for home defense, and a compact model for carry. My wife is a bit more traditional, and prefers the good old .45ACP; her favorite is a Kimber Ultra-Carry.

This is one of those things you really have to find out for yourself.

PhilB

[AVI8_636]

I know it is often suggested that you try shooting a firearm before purchasing, and this isn't always a possibility but with the PPK DEFINITELY try to find someone who will let you put a few rounds through one before making the purchase. The gun is odd (in my opinion) in its shape. Some people it fits like a glove, others it just feels strange to shoot. My father loves his (PPK and a PPK/S) and is fairly accurate with them. I absolutely hate shooting the thing. It feels ok when just holding it but after a few rounds the narrow, sharp-edged backstrap just feels odd and uncomfortable.

Good advice! I've shot a few rounds through his recently. I did like it, nothing really felt odd about holding it (and I have really big hands so small guns are usually tough). I haven't fired the Sig 238/938 or the Springfield though, so I'd really like to do that before making a decision.

[Dip Dungles]

Couldn't agree more with Phil's post. At first I wanted to be different and be anti-glock with my ruger. Now after snagging a 30sf I will probably never look back.
Best part with glock's is that they have a flavor for every shooter man or woman.

Granted glocks are harder to find in MA but if you look hard enough they can be found.

[patricia929]

I just got a P938 and although I've only put about 100 rounds through it, I'm happy with it. Very accurate and not fussy about ammo. I was looking for something similar to my P226 X-5 - SAO w/ ambi-safety so this one fit the bill.

[mell0]

I don't have experience with those particular pistols, but I have generated a general rule of thumb for choosing guns to conceal carry. Single stack is MUCH more comfortable than double stack. I know everyone raves about glocks, xds and the like, but in the end of the day whatever you're carrying needs to be as comfortable as can be. I think having a single stack full size pistol is much more comfortable than having a double stack sub compact pistol.

EDIT: I also feel much more confident/accurate shooting with something that has a full size grip. Definitely not a fan of the small grips where your pinky finger hangs off.

[netra709]

Good advice! I've shot a few rounds through his recently. I did like it, nothing really felt odd about holding it (and I have really big hands so small guns are usually tough). I haven't fired the Sig 238/938 or the Springfield though, so I'd really like to do that before making a decision.

If your near Newton NH you can come by and try the xds at the gun range. Tim

[Kitt]

To avoid the double stack, I went with a S&W M&P 9C... great piece, 12+1 with extended grip. great little size, but still not working with an in-the-pants holster. My dad has the S&W body guard which is excellent, but capacity won't compete with the bigger brothers.

[Falko]

I do get a little curious as to how many rounds one feels is necessary for a self defense concealed pistol. I'm not ripping on anyone, just curious as to the thoughts on this. I always figured a 5 round revolver would be sufficient, 6 round auto would be more than adequate.

[Cerberus]

my first choice was a glock model 30, subcompact, double stacked mag, 10+1 capacity in .45

but after having tried out a friend's (forgot the model) kimber .40 s/w, that would be my choice now/next

reason, the .45 barks and bucks a lot harder than you might expect whereas the .40 stayed very nicely on target between rounds

oh yeah, and i agree with Phil too. try out a variety of firearms until you find the one you like best for your considerations.

[Doc]

I know they are not all that popular but they are cheap and I have yet to have a problem with mine. I carry a Keltec PF9. Looking to pick up the SW MP9c soon though (good deal on those with the military discount program) http://www.quanticotactical.com/brands/sw/sw.asp

[Yev]

I went from the S&W Bodyguard .380 to the Walther PPS 9mm.

I am very happy with it.

[ajl]

Thanks for all the advice. I went to D&L in Warwick, RI last night. The place was crazy. 2 1/2 hour wait in line for pick ups. No ARs left, but you could put your name down to pay at least double of what they were a few weeks ago.
I got a chance to handle just about everything you guys mentioned here. I ended up with the Sig P938 XTM which comes with an extended mag. Felt the most comfortable in my hand, probably because I had the P238 before it, and the extended mag fits all my digits on the grip. The Sig and the Kahr were the only two that were similar in size. The Springfield, Walther, Glock, and S&W Shield 9mm were quite a bit larger all the way around. I've got a Glock if I want more capacity.
Time to hit the range and get some rounds through it.

[Chrisb319]

I picked up a M&P 9c recently I think it's great for me, if you want a smaller profile for next time your shopping I would strongly consider the M&P shield. Its just like it's big brother but slimmer for in the waist band carry.

[zxme]

I know it's only a 380 but i love to carry my P232. I got the last one made in Germany ,now made in Exeter NH.

[zxme]

how did you like the BG? im thinking about that 1 or the LCP. also if anyone can grab a few boxes of winchester fmj white box if they are heading out i would love some as i couldnt find any around here.

[netra709]

I do get a little curious as to how many rounds one feels is necessary for a self defense concealed pistol. I'm not ripping on anyone, just curious as to the thoughts on this. I always figured a 5 round revolver would be sufficient, 6 round auto would be more than adequate.

My xds is 5+1, and I have to admit I carried a spare 7 round mag for awhile. I stopped carrying the extra mag awhile back.