Single stack 9mm?

M

mlk18

New member
I am looking for a slim single stack 9mm for concealed carry. Of course by 9mm I mean 9x17, 9x18 or 9x19. But I would prefer to stick the with 9x19. I have looked at the Taurus PT908, S&W 3914, Star Ultra-Star, Makarov (9x18), CZ83 double stack, etc. I need some thoughts and recommendations, as well as personal experiences, with slim 9mm pistols. I am locked into a budget of approx. $250-300 so I plan on buying used. I am most curios about the PT908. Thanks.

mlk18
 
I have makarov, if you don't mind about .380 or 9x18 ammo, it's great, CZ 83 is great too,
also there's star model B or super model B from spain(spain and south africa's military was using it until 80's), looks much like 1911, single stack mag of course, very good and accurate, at least mine,
or get a springfield 9mm 1911,
 
I like Tauruses (have a PT99AF and a PT58S, both nickle) but I did not entirely like the particular PT908 I had purchased a few years ago. I was a very early model, when they first came out, and didn't feel that it was up to the regular Taurus quality level as the previous ones I have and had owned. The problems encountered were a loose front (dovetailed) sight, hammer bite, and soft metal used for the slide. The disconnect hump of the action bar had worn the disconnect notch in the slide enough to create a burr which rubbed into the frame's slide rail. This had caused the slide to slow down and FTE/FTF a few rounds before the slide locked up. Filed the burr down flush and hadn't had any problems thereafter but did sell it off not long after. This was odd as the other T guns I've had had not shown much wear in the same area.

Back then, the safety/decocking lever did not spring back to the fire position.

I'm not sure how well the PT908 or its descendents are built nowadays. They could very well be good guns, but the one I had did not do very well. It was one of only 2 guns I have ever sold off (plus 2 traded).

This experience wouldn't deter me from buying Taurus again. It could be that the sample I had was just a very early model without all of the bugs ironed out.

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Editted for yet another episode of poor typing on my part.
 
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Forgot to mention. If weight is not and issue, try to find an Astra A-75. Extremely compact and no functioning problems (from the ones I have bought). Unfortuunately, most of the A-75s out there are all steel=heavy for a small gun. There are alloy framed ones though.

Also, Bersa/FireStorm .380s, and the MiniFireStorm 9mm. Only problem with the Mini is the occassional hammerbite. Double stacked.
 
The Sig 225 and 239 are fine weapons. The 239 is for those with less than XL paws, though.

The S&W 3916 has a bit of a cult following.

The Beretta Type M pistols are my favorite single stack 9mm pistols. I have two of them in the INOX mode and they have been two of the sweetest nines to grace my hip. They are accurate, reliable, and rugged.
 
I'm going to go with others here and suggest (in order):

1. Astra A 75 LW (if you can find it)
2. Makarov
3. CZ 83
4. Bersa

...or save up your money and find a used Kahr.
 
mlk18 ....

you might try the real version of the Taurus PT908 - the S&W 908. In keeping with the current boycott of S&W, I'm not advocating you purchase a new one, but I see a number of used ones around the various "gun sales" web sites, at prices within the range you indicated.

I have a "pre-boycott" copy of the S&W 908 and it's a great 9x19, single stack, CCW gun. It shoots very nicely. It's just a nifty, unassuming, compact, good-looking 9mm, with a slim profile. ;)
 
I've got a Kahr K9.

It is FABULOUS! I love it!

Accurate, easy to shoot well, reliable, fits my hand like a glove.

The only drawback is that it is a bit on the heavy side.
 
I was going to suggest the Walther P5, which is an excellent single stack 9mm, but it is way out of your price range, even used!!!! :eek: I would suggest saving your money, and getting something good!!! The Sig P6 is also a good one!!!
 

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I am sure the Kakr K9 or P9 would be good choices, I like my Kahr MK9, but I like the SIG P225. I like it so much I bought a second one and, yes, the P239 grip is too small for my hand, but it is my son's choice for concealed carry.
 
I would go with the Taurus. The are reliable, accurate, and have a lifetime warranty! I own a Taurus PT-911 9mm and love it as much as my H&K USP .40 compact ! Whatever you get , make sure it's what YOU want or you will be unhappy with your pistol. Be safe, have fun, and involve the family in your new hobby.
 

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I also would highly recommend the Kahr P9. It was my daily carry until I also picked up a P40 Covert. I have the P9 when I ship the P40 off to C&S for their carry package:) Then I MIGHT have a used P9 for sale but we are talking months away. I probably will keep both though. If you really love the Kahr (or any other pistol) its a lifetime purchase so just make it happen. Yeah, its easier said than done. My 2 cents.

--Mike
 
i had to change my recommendation from the sig p6/225 to the mak...most of the rest would appear to be out of you price range or way to big.

the mak is extremely affordable, reliable and accurate...possibly the best buy in a self-defense handgun on the market
 
Off-duty, I carry a S&W 3913 in an IWB with one extra mag. It's so light and thin that I sometimes I forget it's there. It easily dissapears under a t-shirt. It's got an awesome single action reset and shoots like a dream! Yup, it's definitely a keeper... only paid $350 for it too! :D
 
Single stack 9mms for CCW:

HK P7M8 if you have lots of dough. :D
Khar K9
SigSauer P225 and P239

Shot them all and they are all excellent, the P225 is a bit on the bigger side and the P7M8 is a bit on the heavy side. I thought the K9 was fine weight-wise as long as you wouldn't try to pocket the thing. The P239 is excellent quality but has a funny feel to it. The P7M8 was the nicest to shoot, followed VERY closely by the K9... unusually accurate and NICE DA trigger.

Haven't played with the S&W autos so I can't comment on them. If I was going to buy one myself I'd get the P7M8 or K9 depending on budget.
 
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