Single Stack 9mm carry gun

[Big Shrek]

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

Think I'll toss you in a completely different direction.
S&W CS9D, and that D is important...as it signifies DAO with no thumb safety.
Single Stack 9mm, definitely one of the highest quality builds & MFR,
Average price around $400, less in the South...
heck, its the only thing other than an S&W 3913 that fits your qualifications, but the 3913 has a thumb safety.

 

[Ernest T]

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?

I've got the Shield, and I shot both it and the Glock 43 before I bought. I think if you do this comparison you will go with the Shield.

The stock trigger on the Shield is not bad at all. I'd describe the stock trigger as having some "gritty" feeling uptake, but with a clean break. Definitely better than the Glock stock trigger. I could have lived with the stock trigger for the Shield, but since I shoot this gun a lot at the range, I upgraded to the Apex trigger. The Apex trigger is a definite improvement, but somewhat a PITA to install, since to do the complete kit you have to remove the rear sight. You will not be disappointed with the shield. I also bought from PSA, and they occasionally have them on sale for a good price. Got mine for $289.

 

[Elliottsdad]

Shield or Glock 43... truly a tossup in quality.

I don't recommend the Kahrs, however. On paper they seem sleek and sexy, but I don't like the trigger pulls at all, and mine had to go back for warranty repair due to a broken trigger reset. Once fixed, I sold it and never looked back.

 

[JimmyR]

LC9/LC9s????

Because I didn't like the grip of it, and it felt too thin in my hand, as I said in the OP:

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).

Colt 9mm Combat Commander

Think I'll toss you in a completely different direction.
S&W CS9D, and that D is important...as it signifies DAO with no thumb safety.
Single Stack 9mm, definitely one of the highest quality builds & MFR,
Average price around $400, less in the South...
heck, its the only thing other than an S&W 3913 that fits your qualifications, but the 3913 has a thumb safety.

Guys, while those are fantastic pistols, I am looking for more towards the subcompact range, where pocket carry might be an option. Both of those are the same size as my PCR, which I absoluetly love. I do appreciate the suggestions, as they might be ones for me to keep an eye out for in the future.

To all of you:

Thanks again for the the suggestions thus far. Unfortunately, I am going to have to have some work done on my car, so the $400 I had to spend on a gun just turned into the majority of my $500 deductible. Ah well, c'est la vie. I can't carry right now anyways, after my forgetful self let my LTCH expire (I'm in the process of reapplying now, and will be getting my Lifetime LTCH- lesson learned). Once my LTCH comes back, I still have my J frame 640 for pocket carry, so I don't have to rush this purchase.

Now, if CZ would just make a single stack Rami, then this discussion would be over, but alas....

Still appreciate the suggestions from everyone.

 

[9x19]

IMO, the best value in a crowded market (great trigger with short reset and reliable too):

Bersa BP9CC

 

[claydoctor]

For almost 50 years , I have been searching for the perfect carry piece . The S&W Shield is the closest I have found . As for the trigger , I have no problem with it except that it has very little take up . For that reason , I recommend the thumb safety model . Without it and with one in the chamber , it's liked carrying cocked and unlocked .

 

[smee78]

I would also vote Glock 43 or Shield and also throw a vote in for a S&W 3953 if your good with a revolver like trigger (its smooth all the way through). I am more of the buy once, cry once group when it comes to gun price (with in reason) and would not count the Glock out due to price. What good is saving $50 if I have a gun I really settled for? Good luck with your decision and the car repair.

 

[Moonglum]

I owned I Shield for a couple of years. I traded it for a C because I wasn't really comfortable with the capacity.

That said,

I found the Shield to be very concealable (I was able to carry it in my back pocket) and it was one of the most accurate pistols I ever owned. In fact I scored my highest qualification score ever (97%) with my Sheild and I never had any problem at all with trigger at all

 

[Dirty_Harry]

Glock 43 then shield. The shield is the best value out there. You would be hard pressed to find a 43 or PPS in that price range though.

 

[bedbugbilly]

+1 9mm Shield

Personally, I got the model with the safety. If you don't want to use it, then don't. Reliable right out of the box. I have no issues at all with the trigger, etc. Mine eats anything I feed it and while I've always been a "revolver guy" (I'm 63) and my usual CCW is a Smith 36 snub . . . the one thing that impresses me most about my Shield is that it's accurate at SD ranges and quickly comes back to my sight picture after firing for a quick second shot.

 

[ka9fax]

Shield, no problem's with the trigger. For what the gun is to be used for the trigger is fine.

 

[thug23]

Dan Wesson Eco
Kahr PM9

 

[sixgunluv]

You don't like the S&W M&P 9c.....?

 

[hbhobby]

+1 for LC9S. I absolutely love mine. Zero failures and close to 1 k rounds down range

 

[JimmyR]

You don't like the S&W M&P 9c.....?

Because if I want to carry a double stack, I'll carry my CZ 75 PCR

+1 9mm Shield

Personally, I got the model with the safety. If you don't want to use it, then don't. Reliable right out of the box. I have no issues at all with the trigger, etc. Mine eats anything I feed it and while I've always been a "revolver guy" (I'm 63) and my usual CCW is a Smith 36 snub . . . the one thing that impresses me most about my Shield is that it's accurate at SD ranges and quickly comes back to my sight picture after firing for a quick second shot.

As far as getting a safety model and "not using it" goes, I think that is more dangerous than anything else I can do with a firearm. If I have a safety, I want to use it, and practice disengaging the safety every time I draw, on the off chance that the safety inadvertantly engages during the course of my day. NONE of my other carry weapons have a safety, so there is no point in buying a pocket gun that does when they make a model that doesn't have it. It's asking for trouble, and I get enough trouble with a nearly 9 month old daughter who is crawling around and really working on walking...

 

[Cosmodragoon]

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?

There are three baseplate sizes. Only the large and medium ones are included. Both act as grip extensions with the larger one giving you the option of a full grip. That's obviously good for plinking or at the range, and it still isn't huge for concealed carry. I'm probably not alone in thinking that the medium one is "just right" for concealed carry and no, it isn't cumbersome to carry as a spare.

The small one is a separate purchase. As you can see from the pic someone posted earlier in the thread, it's slick. It can make all the difference in tight concealment conditions. One way to go is loading the small magazine and packing the medium or large for reload.

As for the trigger, the PPS is sweet right out of the box with no need of upgrades.

 

[4040peters]

I chose other because I'm stuck in the past with my third generation S&W 3913NL as my primary ccw. It doesn't meet three of your criteria, thumb safety (left side only), no longer factory supported, and minimal aftermarket coverage. But on the plus side I find second and third generation S&Ws to be ultra-reliable with any ammo I use and they are accurate. The 3913 is thin enough to comfortably carry even if larger then some of todays compacts.

 

[Jack19]

While it doesn't fall into your price range, at least not "new," the Glock 43 is your choice.

I owned a Shield for about 6 months and could not get used to the oval shape of the grip. With hot loads the grip shifted in my hands. That said, it was my ONLY complaint about the little Smith.

I bought a Glock 43 a couple of weeks ago and added Pearce +1 grip extensions to the mags. To me anyway, it's more comfortable in the hand and shoots better for me; even with 124/147+P rounds.

Of the weapons on your list the Shield is your choice, IF you can shoot it well and, unlike me, can grip the grip.

Some people think capacity is an issue; it is not for me. Back in the day, I rolled out of the house with a Glock 19, three spare G-17 mags, an AR in the trunk and 290 rounds in loaded mags. I don't do that job any more. 7+1 and two spare mags, today, is absolutely fine.

Some people think the trigger pull on the 43 is too hard. 1. Remember this is supposed to be a "pocket" pistol, whether it is or not is open to debate; I think Glock's intent is to keep you from putting a round through your leg as you draw. As with any weapon, practice; and then practice some more. 2. If you're seeing the elephant, I guarantee you, absolutely 100%, you will never notice the trigger pull.

 

[FITASC]

From your list.....XDs
From your criteria, not on the list.....Glee ck 43
What I have, but you didn't like.... Kahr CM9

Same for me. I put a "condom" on my grip (and on my Glocks as well) so the grip is secure and no aggressive checkering to rasp your palm under recoil