Small 9mm carry gun to round out my "collection"

B

BigBL87

New member
Hi all. Recently purchased a CZ P-07 to go with my CZ-75b. I absolutely love both of my CZ's, and bought the P-07 as a carry option. While I certainly can and will carry it once I get my CCL, I feel like the P-07 might be a little too bulky for some situations. As a result, I'm looking at getting a smaller, slim (probably single stack) 9mm. I currently have a Taurus PT111 G2, but after getting used to the CZ's I just hate the trigger. I'm going to sell it to my father-in-law soon as part of the funding for my new handgun.

What I want and my budget unfortunately makes it kind of a limited market. My budget is a little flexible, but nothing crazy. So, here's what I want:

-$400 budget (a little flexible but that is the target)
-9mm (have a small stash built up)
-Slim (1 inch or thinner preferably)
-Able to get a full grip (I've held a Shield with the 8 round mag and it's close to perfect)
-Manual safety (Please don't lecture me on how I don't need a safety. I don't need it, I prefer having one because it is what I am used to and it is the manual of arms I prefer)
-Relatively inexpensive mags preferably (the mag prices for the P-07 kill me)
-Trigger as similar to a CZ (in single action mode) as I can get.

So far, I've looked at a Ruger LC9s and a S&W Shield. I'm really leaning towards the Shield because it hits pretty much all my needs, but I see the trigger maligned alot online. I don't have a range nearby that rents either so I have held them but have not shot or felt the trigger on either of them. One of my coworkers father happens to have a Shield and we are hoping to go shooting sometime but haven't gotten the opportunity yet.

Any thoughts on the LC9s or Shield, or any other options I might have missed?
 
I would add a Kahr CM9, I really enjoy mine. Also a Springfield XDs and Glock 43 might be ones to look at as well.
 
Small 9mm

My son and I have had Ruger LC9S's since release,500-700 rds.ea.,zero issues.It appears to meet your guidelines and is backed by great CS.Oh,and a great trigger too!!:):D Best Luck,Skeets
 
I have the Shield. I have shot the LC-9, which is a good pistol, but I ended up with the Shield as I felt the reset was shorter. To date, I've put about 700 rounds through my Shield (about 100-150 rounds at a time), without a single malfunction of any kind. So far it's eaten 5 different brands of ammo, most of it 115 grains (about 200 rounds of 124 grain and 100 of 147).

Note: if the trigger on the Shield isn't to your liking, you can always get an Apex Tactical trigger (Amazon, Midwayusa, etc.) for about $55. It doesn't actually change the weight, but it does reduce take up, and at least to me, it feels like a slightly lighter trigger.

Or you can get the Apex trigger kit, which actually does change the pull weight as well as some other things, for about $160, I think.
 
My situation is sort of the reverse of yours but does relate. My first 9mm was the LC9s and its a great gun in all ways for CC. Then I got a CZ P09 and it was a truly sweet shooter. But I was having problems switching back and forth from striker fired to SA DA. So I traded off the CZ on a Model 28 and then purchased an M&P 9 for similar striker fire feeling. But for me I just couldn't shoot the M&P as accurately as I expect to shoot. But finally after putting in the full Apex trigger setup and more range time am very happy with both the M&P and the LC9s. So I guess my point is at least my problem switching back and forth between the dissimilar triggers and what solution worked for me might be something to take into consideration in your situation as well.
 
Hickock45 did a good video on the LC9s and the LC9s Pro;

http://youtu.be/p2bBSHxk-Oc

My biggest issue with the LC9s is the thumb safety and the mag disconnect; I don't want either. The Pro does away with both, but that trigger is actually too light for my liking on a carry gun.

If I were the OP I'd save my money for a new CZ P-01 Omega you could initially carry it with the safety, then if you decide (like most people) that the decocker works better in a carry gun, you can swap out the safety for the decocker in seconds. These are hard to find right now, everybody wants one, and I'm included!
 
I couldn't be happier with my Walther PPS. I would definitely get it over the Shield, with the only drawback being no manual safety. If you can go without that feature... The trigger is superb.
 
The problem is finding a small single-action (or da/sa) 9mm with a safety. This rules out all Glocks and Glock-alikes. It rules out Ruger's LC9 and all other double-action-only guns. And, obviously, it rules out .380's. So, there are only three that I can think of:

Sig P938 (SAO w safety)
STI LS9 (SAO w safety)
Detonics Pocket 9 (not made anymore, but can be found) (DA/SA w/decocker/safety)
 
1.cz p-01 a little bit more than you want to spend aND A BIT THICKER BUT WORTH IT!

2.WAlther ccp

3. SA xds

4.shield

these are my top 4 for you in order of preference

good luck
 
http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-2075-rami-9mm-black-alloy-14-rd-mags/

A little thicker then you want but same manual of arms you are used to big enough to hold, small enough to easily carry, safety for either single action or double action carry.

Honestly width and price are where you are let down here but if I was happy with and all CZ I would stick with it.

That being said the Shield is a great little gun and probably just about the only one that checks off your asks but will feel significantly different shooting vs your others. But then again I am a diversity kind of guy myself so take it with a grain of salt.
 
I have Sig P938's and Shields. For everyday carry I prefer my 938's but if you shop around you can pick up a Performance Center Shield in the 425-450 range. It has a thumb safety, fiber optic sights and a sweet trigger. I pocket carry a good bit and the 938 is fine. The PC Shield is a little large for that or it would be my choice.:)
 
I've thought about a RAMI, but I feel like if I'm going to get a compact I should probably go thinner. Really, the thickness is my main qualm with the P-07 for carry, the other dimensions aren't that bad.
 
Check out a 9mm Zastava "CZ 88." It's compact, based on the Tokarev, and can be had for well below $400.00. Of course it doesn't have the "snob appeal" like some of the others, but it always works.
 
I owned a Pocket 9, it's relatively heavy for it's size being it has a stainless frame. So do the Firestars, another possibility, also out of production.

For most of the criteria the SIG P938 is about it, tho. I enjoy it but found it wasn't a "pocket" gun for me. It also has the stiffest mag springs I've ever handled, so add a mag loader as part of the requirement to shoot it.

On the other hand I bought a Kahr .380 for a pocket gun and can shoot a box of 50 at the range hand loading one magazine - as easy as an AR. No mag thumb and a smooth shooter, too. Unlike the LCP's and others.

Your best bet if possible is to go out and rent a few, shoot them on the range, and find out what you like. You may discover that our highly informed and expert recommendations don't gel - I did and after the dust was settled bought a Kahr .380 for it's handling and features. Even tho I prefer a safety, too. It's about the whole gun - but we all have to compromise on something.
 
FWIW, not necessarily looking for a pocket gun, especially with my desire for a full grip. I figure more of a slimmer/more compact holster gun is more of what I'm looking for.
 
SAR B6P. Thin double stack. Won't shoot +P so if that's something you want disregard it. Other than that it's a very nice easy to carry 9mil.
 
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