Best concealed carry 9mm?

E

EvilE

New member
I know it's personal preference and subjective, but what 9mm is widely considered as the best CCW and why?
I've never been a huge fan of 9mm, but considering one mainly because of how much more inexpensive the ammo is !! It's considerably more inexpensive!
 
I'm using a Ruger LC9. I like it because of it's small size and it hasn't had any problems. Some people don't like the trigger but after years of carrying a Kel-Tek P11 it is the bees knees for me.
 
the best is whatever you can conceal, the best you can afford, and the one you shoot accurately.

for some people this could be something as basic as an Arcus 98DAC or as extravagant as a limcat Razorat 2011.

personally, I carry a springfield XDM45 compact and like it a lot but lately have packed on the pounds and it's getting harder to conceal. I'll probably end up having to switch back to carrying my Ruger SR9 compact. there is nothing wrong with the Ruger, both handguns have been 100% reliable and more than accurate enough for your average self defense scenario, I just shoot the XDM a little better and I fell better with 9 rounds of 45ACP than 10 rounds of 9mm but that's purely academic and all personal choice.

if money is little option, I suggest an XDM9 compact at around $600 if yo shop around, 13 to 19 round capacity is hard to beat in today's market.

if you have a lower budget, Ruger SR9 compact or Beretta PX4 compact both run about $400 and either would be a great carry option.
 
the best is whatever you can conceal, the best you can afford, and the one you shoot accurately.
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<<^^That and something with high reliability and decent capacity if possible.

Looking at past threads including one I posted Accuracy stands out as well as capacity and reliability over everything else. YMMV and I hope you never have to find out...;)
 
you would think that concealability would still be at the top of the list since some states fine if you are found to be carrying.
 
I'm an LC9 carry...but with Hornady Critical Defense rounds. Fits nice in the pocket with 7+1 in the chamber, 3 safety features (unlike the LCP .380). As with all metal frame pistols, you will need a pocket sleeve to keep sweat off the blued frame...a little occasional cleaning and lite Barricade spray will keep rust from forming in a pocket sweat environment. Some say the long trigger draw is a problem, but it is one of the 3 safety features. At will take about 100-150 rounds for the trigger to smooth out. I carry mine everywhere it is legal to carry, and have had it on me for the last 2.5 years.

Please remember that a conceal carry is for "point and shoot" at between 7-10 feet. You might get the first 2-3 shots off in any altercation.
 
Kimber Solo, now that I got it running right. Just because it's almost as easy to carry as my LCP. Otherwise, Bersa BP9CC.
 
Walther PPS is accurate, reliable, well made and easy to conceal.

There isn't a widely agreed upon best 9mm but the Walther is towards the top of a lot of lists.
 
My personal pick is the HK P2000sk. There are so many that qualify as excellent choices. The one that has the most features you want or desire is the best IMHO, and that depends on many personal factors.
 
The best in my SUB 400 buck range was the M&P shield. I do realize it's not the smallest by any means...

For me it's thin, accurate, reliable.
 
I'm not going to choose my carry piece based on the cost of its ammo.

But . . . my most often carry piece is indeed a 9mm. Because it conceals well and is most comfortable. It's a Kahr CW9. It's nothing fancy. But it shoots well; I shoot it well; and it's extremely reliable.
 
Thanks for all he answers. Some great recommendations! As far as ammo price, I disagree. For practice/ plinking, cost certainly does come into play. I guess I just don't have an endless money supply like some of you. I can get a box of 50 9mm for $14 locally. Nothing is even close that price in other calibers! Even .380 is $23 a box! So for me, yes cost of ammo certainly comes into play.
 
I know it's personal preference and subjective, but what 9mm is widely considered as the best CCW and why?
I've never been a huge fan of 9mm, but considering one mainly because of how much more inexpensive the ammo is !! It's considerably more inexpensive!
Click to expand...

I think 9mm is so popular because it offers a nice balance between power, recoil, gun size, and gun weight. Especially with options like the PPS and Shield, 9mm seems to be the sweet spot for discreet defense. Having experience with both, I prefer the PPS 2:1. It fits me better, I prefer the trigger, I really like that style of magazine release, the fit and finish seem a tad nicer, and yes, it is prettier. :rolleyes:

You say that you've never been a fan of 9mm and some people aren't. The question is "why". While more powerful than ol' .38 special and smaller cartridges, some people just don't think it's enough. Some of these people prefer .40, which is available in a lot of the same platforms but at higher ammunition cost and more recoil or muzzle flip. You've got to ask yourself if you are personally comfortable relying on 9mm.

Like in so many other questions, use is what matters. Obviously, any gun you carry and trust with your life should be one you've practiced and know well. Will it be a primary range gun that you shoot for fun? I ask because it seems ammo cost is a primary driver in your reasoning. How often will you actually be shooting it? Also, will you be carrying it with premium defense loads? If so, how much practice will you be getting with those?
 
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