Need Help Deciding

W

WildCotton

New member
In my line of work, I tend to carry medium sums of cash (vending and gaming machines) around, often late at night. I have a conceal permit, but my two current pistols (Glock 23 and a Kimber CDP Pro) are not the easiest to conceal. Now with warmer weather approaching, I want something slim and small enough to wear IWB.

After a mild hair-raising experience a couple weeks back, I've decided its time to start carrying a CCW, full-time.

Originally, I was looking at a small "pocket" pistol such as the Ruger LCP, S&W BG380, and the KelTec's .380's. However, after a couple visits to local gun stores, as well as online research, I've decided that I'd rather have the extra power of the 9mm. I am settled on the 9mm.

Which leads me to my main question: I am torn between several different models and could use some help, making my decision. Here is what I am looking at are the below (listed in order of how I am leaning):

- Sig Sauer P290
- Kahr PM9
- Beretta Nano
- Walther PPS

I was just about sold on the Sig, as I love the design, but I'm not crazy about the 9lb trigger. Now that the "Double Strike" capability has been added, did they ease up the trigger? Is the trigger adjustable? Are there any/many after market accessories available for this model? I am also confused as to the 6-round magazine design. Pictures on the web (as shown with the "Diamond Plate" edition) show two different magazine designs. I'd prefer the design with the pinky rest.

I am not very familiar with Kahr and my only experience with Walther is the P22 and Beretta, the 92. Both are fine weapons.

What are your thoughts / critiques / suggestions? I am keeping an open mind and could really use some input.

Thanks in advance!

Re,
~WC~
 
Last edited:
I was carrying a g27 but like you I wanted something smaller for summertime so I went and bought a Ruger LCR in .38+p. I don't know if you have thought about a little revolver. I love mine. I can put it in my pocket or carry iwb like nothing is there.
 
The Nano is a great weapon. You should also take a look at the Ruger SR9c. Great CC weapon with 15 rounds. I choose the SR40c .40 cal for more prominent stopping power.
 
Not exactly what you asked but i carry a glock 23 everywere iwb. Do you have a good holster like a crossbreed supertuck or simulare. This may help alot i find my 23 very easy to carry iwb in all weather with even shorts and a polo or tshirt.
 
g27gen4 said:
I was carrying a g27 but like you I wanted something smaller for summertime so I went and bought a Ruger LCR in .38+p. I don't know if you have thought about a little revolver. I love mine. I can put it in my pocket or carry iwb like nothing is there.
Click to expand...

How small can you actually want? A G27 is already a subcompact gun!
 
@deserteagle. Have you held a LCR? They are much smaller and lighter than a g27. I am a small guy 155lbs 5'9" so I had a problem concealing the g27 while at work during the summer.
 
WildCotton said:
In my line of work, I tend to carry medium sums of cash (vending and gaming machines) around, often late at night. I have a conceal permit, but my two current pistols (Glock 23 and a Kimber CDP Pro) are not the easiest to conceal. Now with warmer weather approaching, I want something slim and small enough to wear IWB.

After a mild hair-raising experience a couple weeks back, I've decided its time to start carrying a CCW, full-time.

Originally, I was looking at a small "pocket" pistol such as the Ruger LCP, S&W BG380, and the KelTec's .380's. However, after a couple visits to local gun stores, as well as online research, I've decided that I'd rather have the extra power of the 9mm. I am settled on the 9mm.

Which leads me to my main question: I am torn between several different models and could use some help, making my decision. Here is what I am looking at are the below (listed in order of how I am leaning):

- Sig Sauer P290
- Kahr PM9
- Beretta Nano
- Walther PPS

I was just about sold on the Sig, as I love the design, but I'm not crazy about the 9lb trigger. Now that the "Double Strike" capability has been added, did they ease up the trigger? Is the trigger adjustable? Are there any/many after market accessories available for this model? I am also confused as to the 6-round magazine design. Pictures on the web (as shown with the "Diamond Plate" edition) show two different magazine designs. I'd prefer the design with the pinky rest.

I am not very familiar with Kahr and my only experience with Walther is the P22 and Beretta, the 92. Both are fine weapons.

What are your thoughts / critiques / suggestions? I am keeping an open mind and could really use some input.

Thanks in advance!

Re,
~WC~
Click to expand...

What's your 'Line Of Work'??
People who carry money machines around 'Late At Night' and have 'Hair Raising Experiences' while 'Working Late At Night' along with the fact that you only have 'one post' on this entire forum tends to make me a bit wary about freely giving out any advice to any potential criminals elements that may be lurking out there.
~Just Saying~
 
I carry two. A Glock 27 and a Para Warthog....One IWB holster and one ankle holster.

Granted it is not the most comfortable carrying both but my mind-set is I'd rather live a few more days even if a little uncomfortable.
 
The Outlaw:
I understand and appreciate your concern. Not that it should matter, but I own vending machines, jukeboxes, video games, etc, that take cash to operate. From time to time, those machines have to be emptied. When dealing with the pool tables, jukeboxes, and video games, I keep a bi-weekly schedule with the business owners to settle up the profits generated, generally during traditional working hours. The vending machines and ATM machines, I maintain those randomly, but usually late hours. That said, I tend to have cash on hand. Perhaps I shouldn't have even mentioned my line of work, but rather simply asked for opinions on the firearm models. I suppose my supplying too much information was uncomfortable to you. And I apologize that it was my first post, but everyone has got to have a first time! And by the way... "You're being very unDude!"

Now, with that out of the way...

To everyone who offered advice and recommendations, thanks for the fast responses and useful information!

As I stated in my original post, I started my search by looking at the small .380's. Pretty quickly, I decided that if indeed I was going to CCW fulltime, I wanted the extra power provided by the 9mm. To me, its worth loosing the tiny dimensions of the .380 for a little extra girth of the 9mm.

Several of you suggested the Glock 26 and 27. As proven of firearms that the Glock 26/27 are, I'm afraid that its just too wide for my body size and shape. I am a squatty 5'8", 165 lbs. Most of that weight is around my midsection! Therefor unfortunately, the Glock 26, 27, and 36 are just not going to work for me and the manner in which I intend to carry (IWB).

As some of you have suggested, I went and looked at the M&P Shield today. Overall, I like the form-factor, size, and shape. Over the years I've had several S&W "wheeled" guns but never a semi-automatic design. I'm just not a big fan.

That said, after a few discussions and additional research, I have eliminated the Walther from my list. Much to my chagrin, none of the gun ranges in my area have the Sig or Beretta available to test-fire or rent. So it looks like I'm going to have to make this decision by recommendation only.

Since the Kahr has been out longer than the P290 and Nano, I am leaning toward its favor. The Nano scares me b/c of how new it is on the market. Where as Sig has a great reputation, but the magazine issue and the 9 lb trigger are causing me alarm. But as of this moment, I am still undecided... Help!

Any specific thoughts regarding the PM9, P290, and Nano?

Thanks again!
~WC~
 
You do realize that you are subject to being robbed and killed for a pair of gym shoes in today's society, right? The criminal element really isn't that picky anymore.

As far as having a forum recommend a carry weapon for you, that's akin to asking a forum to pick your wife. Go to a range, and rent a variety of guns. The one you can handle the easiest, shoot the best, and, most importantly, ALWAYS carry with you is the perfect gun for you. Get some training, and practice, practice, practice.
 
TacticalPirate,
- With my luck in women, you may be on to something...
- None of the ranges near me have the Sig P290 or Beretta Nano. I've shot the Kahr and like the feel, but have never owned a Kahr. Conversely, I've owned products from both Sig and Beretta and have been satisfied in the past. Hence my conundrum...

Note:
Years ago, when I was looking to purchase my first AR-15, I went online to AR-15 forums to research and gather information/opinions. Then later, after selecting the perfect brand and model for me, I went back to those same forums to get additional advice on sights, upgrades, barrel and trigger modifications, etc. If I had any problems with my AR (now AR's!), back to the web I went. (Special thanks to all the guys at AR15.com as well whoever recommended LaRue Tactical. They make spectacular equipment!)

Similarly, when I was in the market for a 1911, I visited numerous websites and forums dedicated to the 1911, to help guide me in that quest.

Just the same, when I was wanting to get a new "wide screen" TV, the wonderful world-wide web was waiting for me! Just a few key strokes and clicks, and I was provided with a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience.

I am not new to firearms or the world around me. It was my assumption that a website dedicated to "concealed carry" would be the ideal place to seek out information, experience and ask questions to get feedback from people with the experience of knowledge in which I hope to gain.

Once I decide on which CCW pistol I want to depend on, there's no doubt that I'll be back, surfing these pages for more information, guidance, and help.

Thanks to all of you who have posted with positive feedback!

Re,
~WC~
 
the ruger LC9 is a good option like stated before because it is similar to the lcp but in 9mm. just something to look into if you really liked the lcp
 
Ryan.Moran,
I really haven't looked into the LC9. Comparing the LC9 to the LCP is akin to comparing apples to oranges, but I have shot the LCP (and LCR) and handled it swimmingly well. But as I stated in my original post, as soon as I decided that the 9mm was what I wanted to carry all day, every day, the BG380, LCP, and P3AT went out the window. The range does have the LC9 available to rent. Perhaps I should check it out. This particular range / gun shop has the entire line of Diamondback available for rent. The sales staff has really been pushing the DB's. Not sure if that is good or bad, but I do know that I am not interested.

Thanks again for the suggestion of the LC9. I'll try it out, but unless I am really WOW'D by it, I think I'll stick with choosing between:
- SIG Sauer P290
- Kahr PM9
- Beretta Nano

One thing I'll add, I am NOT interested in the Kahr CM9, as they are only available with a stainless steel slide and I want my CCW to be solid black.

Re,
~WC~
 
Not to complicate things, but have you looked at the Kimber Solo as well? Great gun. Although I am a fan of the S&W Shield too.
 
Trematthew,
Sadly, I had a very unpleasant experience with a Kimber CDP Pro. Kimber Customer Service handled the issue(s) well and with diligent speed, but it left a bad taste, none the less. I briefly contemplated giving Kimber a second chance with a the CDP Ultra, but ultimately I disregarded the idea. I love the look, feel, etc of the short .45, but I can't bring myself to buy another $1,000+ paperweight. I just had too many problems with my specific Kimber.

Re,
~WC~
 
I haven't shot one yet, but I have my eye on a the Sig p938. It is the 9mm version of the p238 and only a hair larger. I'm going to try and find one to shoot and then find a way to buy one without telling the wife. It is new to Sig's line up and probably worth considering.
 
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