Single Stack 9mm carry gun

Which single stack 9 pistol?

  • S&W Shield NTS

    Votes: 37 28.2%

  • Springfield XDs

    Votes: 8 6.1%

  • Walther PPS

    Votes: 16 12.2%

  • Beretta BU9 Nano

    Votes: 5 3.8%

  • Bersa Bp9cc

    Votes: 4 3.1%

  • Sccy CPX 2

    Votes: 2 1.5%

  • Sig 290RS

    Votes: 4 3.1%

  • Kahr K9/MK9

    Votes: 12 9.2%

  • Other, listed in the comments

    Votes: 43 32.8%
  • Total voters
    131
  • Poll closed .
J

JimmyR

New member
Ok folks, I am looking for something that may or may not exist, and I know of no other place where there are as many knowledgeable folks regarding firearms, so here goes.

I like having a small, subcompact/compact 9mm pistol as either a backup/deep conceal pistol. I have tried the Kahr CM9 (didn't like the aggressive checkering on the backstrap), Kahr CW9 (I liked it, and might not be opposed to getting another, but my front sight broke off, I replaced it, and after I traded it, it happened again, so I'd like to back off the CW series at least for now), and the Ruger LC9s (excellent trigger, very concealable, but uncomfortable for my hand- grip was too thin for my hand while being too long from front to back for a comfortable grip, mag release was in a horrible place for me, and takedown was a pain).

With that feedback, I would like to try another option in a very diverse market. My preferences are, in order of importance:

1) 9mm Luger Single Stack
2) No thumb safety
3) Quality build and manufacturer
4) $400 or less (new or used)
5) Easy takedown with no or minimal need for tools
6) Easy customer service with warranty that follows the gun
7) Aftermarket support
8) Reliable with almost any ammo

With these in mind, I think it limits me to looking at the following pistols that fit the bill, in no particular order:

1) S&W Shield NTS
2) Springfield XDs
3) Walther PPS
4) Beretta BU9 Nano
5) Bersa Bp9cc
6) Sccy CPX 2
7) Sig 290RS
8) Kahr K9/MK9

Am I missing any? What experiences have you guys had, especially if you had experience with more than one (for comparasin's sake). My other carry guns are either CZ 75 BD/PCR or S&W Models 65/640, so I don't mind a heavier trigger.
 
For you guys who voted for the Shield, I have heard people complain about the trigger, without the extra Apex trigger kit. How would you describe it? Do you think the Apex is more or less essential?

For you guys who voted for the PPS, it looks like the baseplate for the mags are awfully big. Are they as cumbersome as they look for carrying extra mags, or is it just me?
 
I like the trigger fine in my Shield. Feels as good as the trigger on my full size M&P 9 after I did the Burwell trigger work on it (has original type trigger, not the updated version that1st came out on the Shield). No problem being accurate with it. After I got mine, couple of shooting buddies liked it so much they got Shields too. And those triggers feel as good as mine.
 
I voted for Kahr because that's the only one of those listed that I have fired but I don't remember which model it was. It was all-steel, though. I like the double-action only feature. But for what it's worth, I don't own a pistol that meets the criteria. So I guess that says something.
 
You won't get the G43 for under $400, but it is the best option and worth the extra.

In 2nd place the Ruger LC9-S might be under $400. But it only comes with 1 magazine. Buy a 2nd magazine and you're getting closer to Glock prices.
 
For you guys who voted for the PPS, it looks like the baseplate for the mags are awfully big. Are they as cumbersome as they look for carrying extra mags, or is it just me?
Click to expand...

177122.jpg


You can get the Walther PPS with 6,7, or 8 round magazines. This 6 round magazine has a flat baseplate
 
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Shield or Glock 43. I would try both and see which you like better. They each have their advantages. Since you are trying to stay under $400 the shield is like $350 whereas the glock is $100 more. So go shield. I wouldn't mess with the others in that price range. The shield seems like the best single stack imo - optional 8 round mag comes with it, safety if you want it (you dont so get without), great reliability record, good price, good aftermarket support, tons of great reviews everywhere, etc. For the money and features you won't get a better single stack...assuming the gun fits you correctly. The advantage of the glock is that its somewhat smaller.
 
BP9cc, for me. We can talk about triggers and such all day long (I really like the trigger on this gun, by the way), but the truth is that it's all about a good grip, for me. I like the way it fits my big paws, but is still extremely concealable. I will be picking one up in a couple of months, once I have the funds together.

Having said that, it may well not fit your hand as well as it does mine. Find the one that does, and you have your new gun.
 
Also voted Shield..it's what the wife carries off duty. It's an awesome little piece.

Trigger on the Shield is fine, btw, and only smoothes out with use. No Apex needed IMO.
 
I voted other. Of the 9mms listed I'd choose the Shield but I have the Shield, CM9 and LC9s Pro and much prefer the latter. The grip is small but grip tape can work wonders. As far as takedown, I don't see that as a big issue, after some use the takedown pin no longer needs a paper clip or tooth pick to remove. Mag release is a big deal if it doesn't work for you, however it's not a problem for me.

This poll with the Ruger and Glock 43 would be very interesting.
 
1) 9mm Luger Single Stack
2) No thumb safety
3) Quality build and manufacturer
4) $400 or less (new or used)
5) Easy takedown with no or minimal need for tools
6) Easy customer service with warranty that follows the gun
7) Aftermarket support
8) Reliable with almost any ammo
Click to expand...

I find the XDS to be a very handy belt gun, with the extended magazine.

6) Sccy CPX 2
Click to expand...

AFAIK, all the Sccy guns are double stack, clones/developments of the Kel Tec P11.
 
I don't have much experience with any of these guns. Mostly firing rentals or a mag out of someone else's gun. The Glock 43 seemed much better than all the others when I tried it. Good enough I have going to it over a double stack Glock floating around in my head all the time now. Probably felt the best of any gun in my hand and the recoil was really nice for such a small single stack.
The Sig 938is the only one close to feeling as good in my hand and it is 50%+ above your budget.
 
I'm a big fan of the Shield - same size as a PPK; but easier to shoot and bigger caliber. I'd describe all of the S&W M&P pistol triggers as feeling very revolvery - good, easy to shoot triggers but a bit different to get used to if you are used to single-action or safe-action triggers.

Having said that, I shot single/safe-actions almost exclusively and have always had a difficulty with DA triggers and I transitioned to stock M&P trigger with equal or better results in about 20 rounds.
 
For you guys who voted for the PPS, it looks like the baseplate for the mags are awfully big. Are they as cumbersome as they look for carrying extra mags, or is it just me?
Click to expand...

They are if you get the extended magazines, but it is similar to using an X-Grip adapter to use a full size magazine in a compact pistol. I had a PPS and it didn't fit my hands well either (like your LC9s), but everyone is different. I also thought it had more recoil than its' single stack 9mm brethren.

The Kahr CM9 is probably one of my favorite subcompact 9mms, and I'd also suggest Talon Grips (or a bike inner tube) if you hated the cheese grater grip. I had a CW45 and it didn't bother me, but my wife was not a fan at all.

I've bought/tried a few of the smaller guns but I keep going back to something similar in size to a G26.
 
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