The single-stack 9mm pistol format is one of the most popular segments of the handgun market these days, but where is a person to start? Which one should you choose? Which is the best and for what purpose?
Obviously, concealed carry is mostly the purpose as the handgun market is heavily weighted towards handguns that make that easier. Thus, a wealth of compact, lightweight subcompact and micro pistols is available to the consumer, many of which are single-stack for their slim lines, easier concealment and carrying. However, there are so many excellent choices of carry gun out there, it’s hard to know where to start.
What single stack guns should a buyer look at?
The best single stack 9mm pistol, of course, is a 1911 in 9mm. My job is done here, and I think we can put this topic to bed.
What? The comments section is indignant?! Fine. Besides, I’m only kidding. There are plenty of other great choices of single-stack 9mm pistol. I just like joking about it because it drives some of you people nuts. Anyway, here are seven excellent choices of slim 9mm pistols for pleasant pistol packin’.
Arguably primus inter pares among the compact single stack pistol set is the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. First launched in 2012, the Shield 9mm (there’s also .40 and a larger version in .45 ACP) has been lauded for its slim dimensions, light carry weight and pleasant shooting characteristics (reliability and accuracy too). It was recently refreshed as the M2.0 edition (Smith still sells the original version).
The M2.0 has a slightly updated slide, slightly updated grip stippling and a much better trigger, arguably the worst feature on the original model.
The Shield carries 7+1 or 8+1 with an extended magazine, and sports a 3.1-inch barrel. The pistol weighs in at just under 20 oz and has rough dimensions of 6″x5″x1″.
In the base configuration it comes with three-dot white sights, but can be had with fiber optic or night sights for an upcharge. Integrated lasers can be had from the factory as well. A thumb safety is optional, and a plethora of Performance Center models are available too. MSRP is $469 for the base model, but you’ll have no difficulty finding one for $350.
The GLOCK 43 is another top choice in a self-defense concealed carry gun. The Baby Baby GLOCK carries 6+1 of 9mm, with a 3.3-inch barrel. While relatively late to the single stack party, it quickly became one of the CCW pistol go-to guns. While some might say the choice of a GLOCK lacks creativity at this point, the fact is they just work and darn well at that.
Roughly the same size as the M&P9 Shield, though a half-inch shorter, it’s arguably the other standard (along with the Shield) that all single-stack 9mm subcompacts are judged by. Wildly popular with law enforcement and the public alike, you won’t go wrong with a G43.
Springfield, of course, joined the single-stack subcompact party with the XD-S. The XD-S is broadly the same size and specs as the Shield save that the flush-fit magazine carries 7+1 and the extended magazine packs 9+1.
It has heavily knurled grips and something the others in this group lack; a grip safety. While some lament this feature, many appreciate it. A little redundancy in that department never hurts, of course.
The XD-S was given a recent refresh (the original version is still available), as Springfield Armory applied its Mod.2 grip and frame texturing to the XD-S line.
Both can be had with standard three-dot sights or with a fiber optic front sight. The Springfield XDS Mod.2 can also be had with a factory laser, and in tactical gray or a FDE frame. Black or stainless slides are options too.
Different can often be better, and that would certainly describe the Walther PPS M2. The PPS M2 is basically the same size and shape as the three pistols mentioned above, with a carrying capacity of 6-, 7- or 8+1 of 9mm with flush or extended magazines.
What sets it apart is Walther’s superior ergonomic design and excellent factory trigger, which is vastly better than most of the competition. If the above guns are Honda, Toyota and Nissan, this is a Volkswagen Jetta. More smartly designed, and has a feel of quality despite the price tag.
Kahr’s 9mm pistols are sleepers, in that they don’t get much fanfare, but are very solid guns. Kahr only makes single-stack guns in DAO (double action only), with an internal hammer and the requisite long trigger pull. It’s much like a revolver trigger and Kahr takes pains to ensure an impressively smooth trigger pull.
There are several choices of size, ranging from the micro (CM9) to the full-size S, ST and CT series. Every frame size has a budget, mid-shelf and premium model, with stainless steel or polymer frames, so it would take all day to list them here.
The CM9 appears to be the most popular, with a barrel length of 3.1 inches and capacity of 6+1 or 7+1 with an extended magazine. Features are few (they are well-made, but simple) but with some upgrades available such as night sights and a few slide finish options.
Another option that isnt’ the same-old same-old is the SIG SAUER P938. It’s a clone of the Colt Mustang design that’s been scaled up for 9mm. It carries 6+1 or 7+1 with an extended magazine, and has a 3-inch barrel. It comes in a number of finish options and is a little different.
Since the P938 is a micro 1911-pattern pistol, it’s hammer-fired and single-action, unlike the rest of these striker-fired pistols, though it lacks the grip safety. That means you either have to carry Condition One with the thumb safety engaged (cocked and locked) or cock it on the draw by racking the slide. Which one you prefer is up to you.
The budget-minded crowd will also appreciate the Ruger LC9s. The LC9s is part of the LC series (which began life as the LCP in .380). The LC9s, of course, has been scaled-up for the 9mm round.
Broadly the same dimensions as the Shield, Glock 43 and XD-S, the Ruger LC9s features a striker operating system (instead of the LCP’s dismal DAO system) and drift-adjustable sights. Options of frame and slide color abound.
While it’s not feature-packed, and it is something of a budget gun (regularly less than $400; less than $300 on a good day) it’s everything you need, nuthin’ you don’t.
This might be a rerun but it’s a good article lol. I am willing to bet that most CCW carry one of the above or their 380 little brothers.
Concur. All really good choices. I have my favorite, but anyone who has spent a lot of time at the Range knows all of these are fine choices in 9mm or their .380 little Bros.
Pick the one you are comfortable with (shoot before buying). F=MA or how quickly the gun jumps in your hand is the inverse of mass.
Consider the P365, CCP, or G26 too.
Being from SC, .380 is my favorite hot weather carry. When it finally cools off enough for a jacket, it’s back to the XDS 9mm at least for the 3 or 4 weeks of “winter” we have to endure….
Guessing this Must have been written before the SIG P365 was available.
Not a single stack.
What Marc said. While the P365 is virtually the same size as most of these, it’s not a single stack.
If it looks like a duck……
Seriously, just call them skinny 9s. Nobody will mistake the 365 for a brick-like G26.
And no HignPoint C9…..that’s racist.
Yeah, where’s the Hi Point? It’s a single stack, it’s not skinny, but I thought we were past fat shaming. It’s also heavy enough to use as a bludgeon when you run out of pew, bust out a window if you’re trapped in a car, or for that occasion when you need a wheel chock and there’s no big rock handy.
The article title says Great. That alone disqualified hi point. Probably should have knocked out springfield and khar as well.
Personally I’d have put Glock on the list at least twice.
what is your personal experience with the Kahr? It very well might be the oldest pistol on that list, and i prefer DAO for everyday carry over any other action i have tried. I believe it might also be the smallest and lightest (aka most pocketable pistol on that list as well.)
Full disclosure, i don’t own and have never shot one. I can only look at the specs. I have shot the shield, and the lc9s. (and lots of other guns that are not on this list). But it’s longevity and size/weight make me want to take a second look at it.
If Glock wasn’t available, the Shield would be my choice, hands down, followed by Kahr, then Ruger. My single stack 9 is a cargo pocket carry. I need something small enough to fit in there, and the G43 does just fine. Work doesn’t allow carry, and rather than risk my shirt moving, or my pants riding up from an ankle rig, the cargo pocket is the best option for me, with a cheaper DeSantis rubber lined pocket holster. (Disclaimer: I’m a Glock Whore.)
I’ve owned and carried the Kahr. However, being an individual and different than everyone else in the world, the particular angled lines on the grip where it comes to the slide at the rear, ate my hand up during firing. Not the guns fault, just my particularly individual hands. The gun is fantastic.
“work doesn’t allow carry, and rather then risk,. ,,,, ,,” I’m reading you disregard work policy and carry anyway? Good for you, I don’t know you but that makes me proud
I frequently carry at work policy allowing or not. Concealed means concealed in that case. Micro 380 for that job.
I know it might be a private company but even they shouldn’t infringe on your right. Good for you, fight the power.
Yes, absolutely. I can get another job worst case. I can’t necessarily get another life. (I’ve toyed with the idea of reincarnation, but the jury is still out on it) The company allows open and caoncealed carry for customers/patrons, but the employees somehow can’t be trusted.
I live on the left coast in an area where you cannot get a permit. So an airweight j frame in a pocket holster in loose fitting pants is my answer. If the local .gov is in violation of the laws of the nation and routinely violates my human and civil rights why should I behave?
The Sig P365 isn’t a single stack.
You’re right. Article seems to only mention the P938 as a Sig Sauer option, though. 🙂
Oops, I can see now you were replying to someone above. 😛
3915! Okay, not as light, but… I dig mine! Usually I carry my Shield.
Oops… fat fingered my Samsung. 3913!
Great gun…the 3915….not so much….lol
Woo hoo, I’m not the only one that loves the old 3913. 🙂
Me too! The 3913 is just right.
I would like to say that I love the recent uptick in gun review and hardware related articles on TTAG – reruns or not. Regarding this article, I would love to buy an XDS Mod 2 (after shooting one at the range). However, that would involve giving money to Springfield Armory. I am currently prowling gunbroker for a used one….
Check out Kimber’s new EVO SP….https://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/evo-sp
It’s not very “new”. They just renamed Solo in order to get away from its baggage.
Would’ve liked to see the old-school stalwart of the 9mm single stack field; the venerable Sig P239. Alloy frame, hammer fired, optional wood grip panels…..metal and wood in a pistol? The 239 oozes quality.
Great pistol….a P6/225 on the Atkins diet.
Bersa BP9CC. 8 shot, single column 9mm Lugar, fantastic trigger of about 3 1/2 pounds with short recoil system. Thin, light at 21.5 OZ. and just a damn fine gun. Totally underrated.
If the Bersa BP9CC is anything like the Bersa Thunder (chambered in .380 ACP), I totally agree.
They are at least as good. I only have two problems with the BP9CC. One, the slide finish doesn’t hold up against surface rust as well as a Glock’s slide finish does and two, magazines for it are too expensive at $45-50 apiece and they frequently aren’t available. It seems the factory at Ramos Mejia Argentina only produces them a few times a year and you might have to wait a couple of months to get them after you order. I have two. One, I bought for myself and after trying it my 89 year old mother used mine and wanted one just like it. She loves the light trigger pull at her age.
The Star BM and BK were good single stacks
I would argue that the BM is better than any 9f the pistols on this list.
Same problem as my makarov. Great, solid gun. But too solid. Carries like a boat anchor.
I agree. Just check your gun’s firing pin because some did have an inertia firing pin. In other words in the hammer down position the firing pin was resting on top of the primer. This can be fixed though.
I personally would not carry any of the guns in the article. The Ruger with its double action only pull is safer to carry than the rest put very difficult to hit anything with because of its double action only pull. The rest of the junk plastic guns have no manual safety and in the “real world” its way to easy to accidentally shoot oneself with a pistol that is basically a single action that is cocked with no manual safety to prevent a snagged trigger from accidentally firing off the gun and believe me this happens every day to many people who carry them. I once saw a video of an off duty cop in an elevator that transferred his striker fired small handgun from onecoat pocket to the other and he snagged the trigger and it went off right in the elevator. It did not surprise me at all rather it was one of the major dangers of carrying such an unsafely designed pistol. It happens all the time.
I personally like the older made high quality guns made of solid steel not junk plastic and stamped sheet metal. Yes they are heavier but they do not use junk MIM cast parts or junk plastic or stamped sheet metal parts or cast iron slides either.
I like the FN 1910/1955, the “ORIGINAL GERMAN MADE” Walther PPK, PPK/S OR PP model auto’s in both .32 and .380. The Star .380 Starlight was not bad and the Star pocket rocket 9mm Firestar M43 was heavy but reliable and did have a cast slide and frame.
The Astra M300 was a neat small .380 pistol and if you can find one treasure it always.
If you must have a Glock get a manual safety put on it. They are light in weight if this is your concern.
The H&K P30SK S which is a micro version of the P30S is a 10 shot double column magazine gun which has a manual safety and is a double/single action gun and very safe to handle and carry and is light in weight. Its smaller than the Glock 19 and way safer to handle and carry and strip down for cleaning.
I’ll stick with Glock.
Same everything as my 17, 19, 26, etc….
I’m not necessarily a fanboy, but they just work. My 17 has earned me close to $10,000 in prize money from matches over the years.
Sorry. Not Sam’s photo of the 9mm cartridges. I took it for an article I wrote a couple years ago here. NBD.
I’ve always considered the G43/42 variants to be the “infant Glock”, seeing as how the baby Glock moniker was already taken…
Fetal Glocks?
I really like single stack 9s.
Shield is basic and dependable. Good value. A little tall in grip and the hinged trigger is weird to me.
Ruger is inexpensive, light and smoothed over. Metal finish is delicate…not great for ccw.
Kahr is small, light, reliable and trigger is good for me, but not for everyone.
PPS M2 is a good deal. Good trigger. Great fit and finish, a little chunky and heavy.
Glock is probably most expensive street price, decent trigger, reliable, etc.
XDS mod2. Kind of an American PPS M2. I probably would have bought it over the Walther if it was out sooner.
I don’t think any of them are poor choices.
I really like my PPS but sometimes I opt for my Sig P290RS that came with a factory laser.
Hi point?
Egg-zactly. Need a bargain basement option in here.
Them are not pretty, but the ones I have shot go bang with regularity.
I paid $350 for an LC9s on guntrader that came with three mags, and a decent holster. It was not a pro model, but had the disconnect already removed. (easily done. I would have removed it if it was still there.) I don’t mind the safety much. It stays off if you set it off, and stays on if you leave it on. also easy to swipe off.
I know that we say this all of the time, but it is a great time to be a concealed carrier. The options have really blossomed during the past 10 years since I’ve been paying attention.
100% agree. Since the sheild came out, the options improved dramatically. Only the Kahrs and P938 pre-sheild interest me. The LC9s changed much.
LcP II, sheild EZ, p238, G42, Nano if you want the short 9mm (380).
I hate the term “ccw pistol.” It’s in the same class of BS terms as assault weapon. You mean that you are not allowed to open carry one of these single stacks or concealing a G-19 is verbotten?
Be that as it may, I am swapping some of my double stacks for singles as a hedge against an outright ban on the possession of pistols that can take more than 10 rounds. I am looking at the Beretta Nano which should have been on this list. A 380 sized pocket gun. In 9mm. I used to own one and I even open carried it a few times.
Another Walther to consider is the CCP.
Agree. CCP has great ergonomics, like most Walters do and is fun to shoot.
(response to Michael Lawhon and Doc) The CCP? I wish I’d have waited for the CCP 2. I never use my CCP. Never cleaned it. Don’t want to take it apart.
Yup, I bought the CCP M2 as my first compact pistol and my first 9mm, haven’t regretted it one bit.
Yes I have shot a CCP, they are alittle bigger but the ergonomics on it(and all Walthers) are superior. The CCP and the newer model is a viable option. I love my PPS M2, and it is a daily carry gun. Better trigger, more egonomic in the hand. I have shot most of the guns on this list, except the Sig. They are all good choices, but for me the Walther PPS M2 is the best. My son carries the old Walther PPS, it was the first of the single stack 9mm on the market.
I am just fine with my Ruger LC9. One very accurate gun and I have NO issue what so ever with the DAO trigger. Only thing I have done to it is a set of William Fire Sites.
Left out the P239. In 9×19 holds 8+1 or 10+1 with the extended mag, and a proper DA/SA action with decocker. Has real sights too.
Also the P225/P6 isn’t a bad single stack 9 either.
My lowly Taurus 709 is great. Stupidly discontinued(what else is new?) I may get a Ruger EC9s as they are selling for Taurus $. But I’ve been seeing problems with cheaper guns on FB(this & the Security 9). There are a helluva lot of small 9’s! Any news on the new Mossberg?
I looked at the Taurus, but the warranty was for only 1 year. I bought the S&W instead. Are you happy with your Taurus?
I have the Taurus 709 as well. Like FWW said, it’s been discontinued, but if you can still find one, they come with a lifetime warranty. Only the newer Taurii have the one year warranty.
Not much to add. I repeat the 709 is great with a lifetime warranty. Top finisher in the Guns&Ammo single stack shootout. Unlike the similarly sized PF9 I CAN shoot it without pain(yeah I had one). I use a Handall Jr. trimmed down…
Didn’t know Taurus went to a 1 year warranty, makes sense as they were probably going broke paying to fix all the broken guns.
Personally, this article is well written but really misses the boat on a lot of the things that might make for a sub-c EDC. I’m sure there’ll be a lot of hate thrown on this comment, but the PF9 is an excellent single stack sub-c gun that easily fits into a pocket holster and holds 7+1 of 9mm, is reliable, accurate and inexpensive. The only real problem is that it’s not fun to shoot so most people won;t practice enough with it to be accurate. My wife and I call ours ‘The Mule’ because it kicks like one. But I can easily shoot very tight groups at 10 yards and it is very reliable. It’s my go-to for deep cover concealed carry situations since it easily fits into a pocket holster with no printing.
No hate, PF9 was my first semi auto. Always reliable, easy to CCW and affordable. Not inherently inaccurate but it hurt to shoot more then one mag through it. I did end up with a G43 but the PF9 is a great budget gun.
I have a love/hate relationship with my PF9. On one hand it was cheap, I can shoot it accurately, and it’s been reliable outside of extremely dusty conditions. On the other hand 2 of my friends have them as well (both purchased after mine) and both have broken and required a trip to Florida. One of them bulged and damn near blew up a barrel and locked up tight. This does not inspire confidence even though mine has been good.
My second CC gun was a PF9. IT was the gun that made me realized how important it is to test new guns before carrying them. I carried it for two weeks before i shot it and it wouldn’t eat 3-4 rounds without jamming. I traded away a perfectly good 5 shot 38 special to get a “better carry gun” and it was anything but…
To be fair, after the “fluff and buff” treatment, it worked fine, but i sold it as soon as i could afford to buy and THEN TEST a replacement.
AND it wasn’t fun to shoot. My LC9s is the same size and maybe 3oz heavier, and there is a night and day difference between the two guns. both fit/finish and shootablility.
This may be a silly question, but why does the 1911 have such a loyal following? Is it like the Glock and their followers? Is it tradition? Is it what dad/grandpa had?
Any iconic firearm has a following/fan boy group. If someone were making modern Lugers it would probably be around the same level. The difference though with the 1911 crowd is they are right. The 1911 is the superior choice.
Ok, thanks. I’m here to learn. (Wish I’d have been here before I bought the Walther CCP)
The 1911 was an american mainstay from world war 1 right up to the early ’80s. That counts for a lot. It also happens to be a damned fine pistol. They fit and point very naturally, and they’re heavy enough to be relatively gentle even in .45 ACP. A full-size 1911 in 9mm is a joke to shoot, and the combination of a stable platform with a good sight radius and tame recoil lends itself well to accurate shooting.
The CCP M2 is a damn fine pistol, I got mine after going to ranges and testing lots of other compact/carry sized firearms. And CZ nailed it on the head, I got a 1911 in 9 a few weeks ago (Merry Christmas to me lol) and I’m loving it.
The 1911 has a longer track record of being deployed in war and at home than any other semi-automatic pistol in the world. After WWI, it became one of the most popular semi-automatic pistols in the civilian market in the US. It is, for all intents and purposes, “The American Pistol.” It has been made longer, in greater numbers, by more companies, than any other pistol or revolver I can think of, worldwide.
In the Brownells catalog, the pages are allocated and ordered according to the popularity of a gun. In the Brownells catalog, the AR-15 appears first in the catalog, followed by the 1911.
For many Americans, the 1911 was the first center-fire pistol they ever handled or shot. My first experience with the 1911 came at the age of 12, under the tutelage of a couple of Marine veterans of the Pacific Theatre, with one of the 1911’s they brought back from the Pacific.
In the US it’s the military connection. Whatever weapon our military adopts becomes popular with the citizens of this country. .45-70. .30-06. 5.56. .45acp. Whichever firearm and caliber the military uses becomes a big hit amongst the folks.
Even the weapons that were not a resounding success for the soldiers gained a following amongst the citizens. The Krag was hastily withdrawn and replaced after just a short time of service. But when it was surplussed out it was an instant hit with hunters.
And the Krags, as all firearms in that time, were sold thru the mail. No background checks. No questions.
Someone forgot to tell the beretta m9.
Today, you’re hard pressed to find a Krag outside of older collections. There are a few high-end custom rifles made on the Krag action, but only a very few.
One of the reasons why our military arms find such favor in the civilian world is that we have a citizen-soldier military. Our people serve in the military, and when they come out, they want “their” gun back in their hands again, especially if “their” gun worked well for them. Such was the 1911…
Nah. You had it right with the 1911 statement. You could’ve stopped there and saved the bits.
Where is this “internal hammer” on the Kahr?
I was thinking the same thing. Striker fired, no hammer.
HK P7, Kahr PM9, shield, Rohrbaugh, P938, Boberg XR9-S, Boberg XR9-L, P365 was my progression of subcompact carry guns. Well, ok add a second P938 cuz I needed a spare mag and in 2013/14 the second magazine cost $700 and came with a free pistol. They all work great…. but unless you’re in love with the features of a specific one, (or limited by price) the P365 just made everything else obsolete with 4 extra rounds in essentially the same size package.
People used to say the single stack 9s made the pocket 380s obsolete because it was 9mm in “essentially the same size”. I haven’t held a 365 yet, but i bet the single stack 9s aren’t obsolete just yet…..
Glock 43, Sig P938, Shield, Walther, Kahr love them all
I just bought a SCCY single stack 9 for under $200. You can’t beat that.
Not trying to be a gun snob but I have only seen 3 guns blow up in my shooting career. And the SCCY was the worst. Pieces of the gun in imbedded in the owners hand, he had just bought it. Could have had mitigating circumstances but I would never shoot one. A PF9 isn’t much more and is higher quality
yes, not to sound like an ass but the SCCY and the kel Tec are the two I stay away from. I always ask new shooters “What is your life worth” save up a couple more months, etc and get a higher tiered gun. Glock, Walther, S&W, Ruger, Beretta, Springfield Armory, kahr etc. make some great options and overall are in my opinion higher quality guns. I have seen multiple Kel Tecs fail on the range…all PF9 pistols. Everyone knows what the worse sound is…”when you expect to hear bang but instead hear click” the second worse sound is “boom when you expected to hear click”
There aren’t and never were single stacks in SCCY catalog. All their 9mm are basically clones of Kel-Tec P-11 with fatter grips.
and the Kel-Tec PF-9? It was here before many of these, is reliable as a brick and accurate. Do I detect snobbery?
Sig 365 is the latest hot small frame. Comfortable, accurate and 10rds. I’ve seen the new Glock 43X and it is also 10 rds, but we can’t sell it until after the Shot Show.
Personally, I think the 1911 Commander in .38 Super would be my choice of a single-stack 9mm.
The .38 Super has it all over the 9×19, and if I have to give up rounds to make size, then I’d like those rounds to be “more” than a 9×19.
This!!! ^^^^^
Enjoyed the article. Can’t go wrong with any of the firearms mentioned. As someone noted, we are blessed to have so many choices in guns. My first gun: Walther PPS M2.
Fits like a glove. Handles just right. And, in my area, for $319.99! Wow. Second gun: Taurus G2C for $174.99 on “black Friday.” Yep, a budget “double stack” with 12 rounds.
Once you get use to the trigger, honestly it’s a fun gun to shoot. This marks my first year as a firearm owner. What a ride! And, what an education. I still have a lot to learn, but having so much fun doing so. It is literally a lifestyle now. Such a joy to be part of the gun community. I am proud of the love of our Country, the Constitution, compassion for our families and communities that the VAST majority of gun owners have. It is been a wonderful experience to see the importance of gun safety given and to be responsible citizens. It is so sad to witness the hatred so many have toward the gun community. They have no “common sense,” tolerance, nor do they really want to have a discussion about firearms issues. They just want to attack, attack and attack. What a shame. It misses such a fantastic opportunity to have teachable moments for all of us. Thank the
Lord for those who stand up for our God-given rights. May we all continue to enjoy and exercise our rights as American citizens. As a fairly new member of the gun family, I so
look forward to read and/or watch the debates, disagreements, and discussions among the members of our family. What a blast. We can disagree and yet remain civil. Amen!
By our example, we are teaching the next generation of firearm owners. Let us fight the good fight of the faith. Even with all the enemies of our God-given rights, I am extremely hopeful for the next generation of gun owners. Honored to be part of the family and the community. God Bless.
Kahr cm9 with the trijicon night sights please. In my opinion the best all around on the list….simplicity, probably the fewest moving parts or number of parts period and one of the longest manufacturing records I think.
Obviously, concealed carry is mostly the purpose as the handgun market is heavily weighted towards handguns that make that easier. Thus, a wealth of compact, lightweight subcompact and micro pistols is available to the consumer…”
Which is probably also why the bulk of new people at the range can’t hit the broad side of a barn from the inside.
At least they are at the range. Like the fat guy at the gym, he might not be doing HIIT training or running sub 7 min miles but as long as he trying to improve and isn’t hurting himself it’s a good thing.
One Sub-Compact, Single Stack 9mm not mentioned here and often overlooked is the Beretta Nano BU9. My very first sub-compact single stack was a Nano, which I purchased in 2012. I still have it, and use it frequently as my EDC (I also have a Shield 2.0 in 40S&W). It’s a great little gun, and has always been very reliable.
No P7 or EMP contour carry?
Owned a LCS9 something about it I really did not like. Got a shield instead
WE went the opposite direction and ended up with two LC9s’. I prefer the trigger on the ruger. but i did put some grip tape on mine. My wife’s is a little too slick by comparison.
While I don’t use single stack 9’s for anything except for loaners for students, I’m surprised the Sig P225/ P6 or P225A1 isn’t on this list. I know it’s joked about at the beginning, but there is nothing wrong with a 9mm 1911 (like the Springfield EMP) either. Not everyone is drawn to subcompacts and pocket pistols for concealed carry.
I think that’s because if you are going to carry something as heavy as a 1911 or a 225, why limit yourself to single stack capacity? They are GREAT guns. That doesn’t mean they are great carry guns.
There are a FEW excellent 1911 carry guns available in 9mm. (not including the 938 types, since it’s not really a 1911 so much as a single action pistol designed to look like one…)
Smaller sized, aluminum framed, and usually expensive. They are the rolex of carry guns in America today. There may be sigs that fit that description as well, but being a timex guy, i wouldn’t know! 🙂
Because of what one stands to gain from a gun of that size and weight. Personally, I don’t find many guns heavy (even an all steel 1911 take 8-10 hours before I start to notice). For me if I’m carrying a single stack I’m carrying .45 (the P220 is my go to gun to include EDC CCW, sometimes the P245 gets carried when I truly need a smaller footprint). If I switch to 9mm, then I am carrying a double stack (P228), I really don’t have a use for single stack 9’s at this time.
Hmm, you would think the new G43X might be mentioned. Guess it doesn’t have a good track record yet.
And the very inexpensive Ruger EC9S. ($219).
Didn’t even mention the Kimber Micro 9? Uh, what?
The market is flush with great ccw options. So many god choices.
Remington R51?
Sort of a single stack.
Except it doesn’t work or works as a rock that you throw at the perp.
I hear that a lot; however, I haven’t had any troubles with mine.
I like my CM9, but I had to add the Lakeline mag base plate, the standard one is too small for my meat hooks. I like that it has a kind of long and slightly heavy trigger, but pretty smooth.
I also like the Bersa BP9CC, but it definitely has a light trigger, makes it a great range gun. When I do carry it, I’m really careful with manipulation, my trigger measures at 2.9 to 3.2 lbs, and is really crisp.
I have a Kahr CW9 and a Walther PPS M2
I love the Kahr’s trigger, but I had jamming problems. I sent it back to Kahr – they replaced the barrel and a bunch of other parts. Its much more reliable now.
When I was sick of the Kahr’s jams I bought a Walther PPS. I love the way it feels and fires. Then it was recalled. Walther fixed it and got it back to me in a week. I haven’t shot it since, been busy.
Its been cold- so I’ve been carrying my Glock 30S in a pocket holster in my coat. It doesn’t carry well it hot weather so I need to evaluate the single stacks.
I need to get some rounds thu both them and decide which one to keep.
Good grief- the PPS M1 for the overall win, not the hideous PPS M2.
Also re: SIG P238… instead of cocked and locked or no round in the chamber, why the hell not keep the hammer at half cock? Does the P238 not have a half cock notch?
This author is so full of misinformation and brain farts I don’t know where to begin.
Correction- SIG P938
Who is the brain surgeon who decided to axe the edit button?
The Kahr is a gem. Love the trigger on them.
Sig p225 is a good choice
Since the P938 is a micro 1911-pattern pistol, it’s hammer-fired and single-action, unlike the rest of these striker-fired pistols, though it lacks the grip safety. That means you either have to carry Condition One with the thumb safety engaged (cocked and locked) or cock it on the draw by racking the slide. Which one you prefer is up to you.
No half cock? If there is a half cock notch the author is making a factually incorrect statement as to how the P938 might be carried.
Anyone?
https://sigtalk.com/p238-p938-pistol/18100-sig-p938-hammer-half-cock-position.html
Okay folks, the author is straight up incorrect. Now, convince me how awful and foolhardy carrying chambered at half cock is, whether in the P938, 1911, or variants. I for one much prefer to cock a hammer rather than swipe a safety.
I will stop talking to myself after this one.
Apparenty SIG changed/updated the P938 in 2014 to include a deeper intercept aka 1/2 cock notch over safety concerns. Apparently the old P938 is not the same as a 1911 in that the firing pin block disengages at “half-cock” AND the hammer will fall from half cock if the safety is ON and the trigger is PULLED.
Apparently the post 2014 P938s have a robust half cock position- absolutely no trigger movement or hammers falling.
The author mentions the lack of grip safety being the reason for having to carry the P938 in condition 1 or 3, but doesn’t explain why and makes no mention of condition 2. From my understanding, you are 100% safe with a 1911 in condition 2 and the hammer in the half cock notch. However, the P938 firing pin block apparently disengages at half-cock, unlike the 1911.
The reason I harping on this is not because half-cock/condition 2 is the safest or most sensible way to carry a 1911 or P938 (apparently not if the firing pin block is disengages).
The reason I’m harping is because the author said “Since the P938 is a micro 1911-pattern pistol, it’s hammer-fired and single-action, unlike the rest of these striker-fired pistols, though it lacks the grip safety. That means you either have to carry Condition One with the thumb safety engaged (cocked and locked) or cock it on the draw by racking the slide. Which one you prefer is up to you.”
This seems to be just flat out wrong, especially given SIG’s redesign of the half-cock mechanism.
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