Best concealed carry 9mm?

EvilE . . . cost of ammo . . . that's why a lot of us reload. I agree with you on the cost of ammo being high and it certainly factors in. You never know what is going to be on the shelf at the LGS nor what the price will be. And, if you start to reload . . . there certainly is a initial investment in the equipment and supplies.

If I CCW a semi - it's my SR9 but I carry on the belt with a jacket or shirt over it. But, that model is on the larger side and could print easily if you aren't careful. Normally, I'm carrying a Smith Model 36 snobby 38 spl.

I've been looking for a more compact single stack semi for CCW in 9mm that I can switch on and off with my Model 36 depending on what I'm doing and where I am. There are lots of good ones out there but I think I've pretty much settled on a S & W 9mm Shield.

I really don't think there is a "best". It's what fits your hand, your needs and your situation and you budget. Good luck in your search and let us know what you end up with. :)
 
There are so many good options today (and I own several), but I really like my little Kahr CM9 and it has become my primary carry pistol of late. It has been 100% reliable, is small, light, and easy to conceal, and is surprisingly easy to shoot accurately for such a small 9mm pistol.
 
The one you actually carry.

My current is a Nano, but I'm new to striker triggers, and I'm pondering a move to P2000SK or PPS also striker pistols, but also pondering a move back to DA/SA trigger with a SIG P239.

We'll see.
 
Consider the Walthers, the Beretta Storms, the HKs, the Smith M&Ps, and if you find you like it the Glock 26.

I'm not sure anyone is really comfortable with the "pocket" nines, not because they don't work and many do work, but in manipulating them under speed and stress is problematic.

You might if thinking "pocket" just be better off with a Ruger LCR .38 or a Smith 442 .38.
 
My "best" 9MM CCW is a KAHR CM9. Accurate, comfortable hold, and natural feel. 100% reliable. More affordable than the "upscale" PM model without giving up any really important features. Finally, conceals very well under most clothing, being a bit smaller than the Ruger LC9, and is comfortable to carry.
But your best may be something different. In searching for your best the criteria should be.
1. Reliability, 100% reliability. Small size, comfort, even accuracy are all secondary to reliability.
2. Accuracy, not gun reviews, and storybook accuracy, but your accuracy with a given choice of gun. Something that fits your grip, and shooting style naturally.
3. Concealability, and comfort. A gun that you hesitate to carry because it is too heavy, too bulky, uncomfortable, or you are concerned about it printing will most likely stay in the safe rather than on your side. No matter what reviews of others, what excellent reputation, or price. If it just doesn't fit you, it's not the "best"
 
A Kahr MK9 is my favorite CCW 9mm. You need a good holster and belt though. But a good holster and a good gun belt is required for every type of carry ( except maybe pocket carry).
 
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Kahr PM/CM-9. I have both, carry both at times, no issues!
Keltec PF-9. I carried awhile back and occasionally still do. Good price, good to carry, mine always works so far!
 
Kahr CW9 is what I carry. "Best" is too subjective for me to even give an opinion on.

I agree... "best" is way too subjective. However, I will say that the CW9 is an excellent value. It's been reliable for about 2500 rounds now, it's inexpensive (really affordable these days, I hate I had to pay 450 for mine back in the days), it's small and super easy to conceal, but it's just big enough to shoot comfortably and accurately. At least that's my take on it. Never held or shot a shield. I've held the new Sig P290... I like my CW9 better but I'm being forced to carry the P290 these days (it's issued). I did like the LCP for pocket carry but it's a "get off me gun." I had a really hard time shooting it beyond 15 yards. Since I can conceal the CW9 IWB about as easy as the LCP in the pocket, and I can shoot it way better, I prefer the profile of the Kahr.

Yeah, I'm a Kahr fan-boy. Sorry, but they have worked well for me.
 
"Best" is what is best for me, not you or any other person. I personally conceal carry a Glock model 29 or a model 19. It really depends on what I am wearing clothes wise and the season. I will add this, I would not hesitate to carry any of the Kahr models once I trained with them for a class or two. The few samples I shot ate and spit everything from trash to treasure ammo wise and were well within CQC/self defense accuracy needs.
 
Concealed carry 9mm

I carry a Kahr CW9. It fits nicely in a "fanny pack", a pocket, on a belt, etc. I'm a single action fan, so the trigger isn't my favorite. I was taught to carry and shoot the largest round with which you're accurate. I shoot a 9mm almost as good as a .22, almost. I have a H&K p30s I'd love to carry, but it's a bit big.
 
I've become a fan of Sig's redesigned P290, the P290RS. Somewhat irrationally, I just prefer hammer-fired pistols over striker-fired and the 290RS is certainly among the best of the breed considering all it's features, IMO.
 
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