Suggestions for a 9mm for concealed carry.

[Count Blackula]

Before I go and handle various pistols, I figured I'd ask INGO to help me narrow down my choices. I'm looking for a 9mm for CC, either in a pocket or iwb. Also, the lighter the trigger pull, the better.

The only 9mm I've ever handled and shot was an older Glock 17. The grip was too large for me, and since gen 4 Glocks are kinda above my price range (between $400 and $500), I have to rule Glocks out.

 

[joshualee49]

Ruger LC9 is a good choice IMHO. There is a thumb safety to have to manipulate - might be a deal breaker for some but I find that it engages and disengages easily enough. It's a matter of trianing as far as I am concerned...

It is pretty streamlined and presents well without snagging. Decent sights but it has quite a trigger pull on it (looooooong). If you really like the firearm (and I do) you can send the trigger bar and hammer in to galloway and they will to a trigger job on it which reduces the weight of the pull a bit and allows the trigger to break sooner. It's still a long enough pull that I wouldn't worry about pocket carry with respect to an AD. The slide locks back after the last round is fired as well. Single stack mag makes the profile pretty slim. Mine came with 1 mag but they included both the flat mag plate and the pinky extension.

The only thing I really don't like about it is the LCI. It doesn't obstruct LOS but is a bit gawdy in my opinion. They make an aftermarket spacer to replace it as well. You can physically see the brass of a loaded round when it is chambered, so the LCI is unneccessary.

Reasonably priced - especially used.

 

[iamaclone45]

Used Glock 26 9mm should fall into your price range. You may even be able to get a Gen 3 new for your price range.

Kel Tec PF9 would be in your price range. Some have had quality issues with this pistol.

S&W Shield would be in your price range and would be excellent for IWB.

M&P9c could also be within your price range if you shop around. It would be double stack and slightly larger then the Shield.

You could find Kahr CW9 and CM9 within your price range, especially if used.

I own and carry OWB a Glock 26 almost everyday. I have no problems concealing it.

My dad owns a S&W Shield. If I was in the market again for a carry gun I would probably go this route.

 

[Fordtough25]

Used Glock 26 9mm should fall into your price range. You may even be able to get a Gen 3 new for your price range.

Kel Tec PF9 would be in your price range. Some have had quality issues with this pistol.

S&W Shield would be in your price range and would be excellent for IWB.

M&P9c could also be within your price range if you shop around. It would be double stack and slightly larger then the Shield.

You could find Kahr CW9 and CM9 within your price range, especially if used.

I own and carry OWB a Glock 26 almost everyday. I have no problems concealing it.

My dad owns a S&W Shield. If I was in the market again for a carry gun I would probably go this route.

Same here!

 

[GI JOE]

M&P full size or compact. I try to stray away from glocks

 

[tgmorris99]

There's the LC9 as previously mentioned but it has a really lousy stock trigger and I find it to be very snappy. I picked up the M&P Shield in 9mm and like it much better than the LC9 I have even after putting a Galloway trigger kit in the LC9.

That said, the LC9 is probably closer to pocket carry size than the Shield is even though the Shield is only slightly larger. As far as IWB goes I'd definitely choose the Shield over the LC9. The real question on pocket carry is the style of pants being discussed and the size of the pocket.

I know there are other 9mm solutions out there but these are the only two that I have firsthand knowledge of.

 

[indyjoe]

I find the PF9 a little big for pocket carry and not much smaller than the P11, so have that. My pocket carry is P3AT. If I did it again, I would probably go with the LCP, as I like the idea of a slide stop.

From all I have heard, the Shield looks like a good pistol. But I would probably keep the P11 over that, because of the 12 round mag capacity.

I like the G19 if you are able to do a real IWB holster and conceal that way. Normally I can't do this.

 

[paddling_man]

Pocket? Beretta Nano, Kahr CM9, Sig P290. If you've got BIG pockets Ruger LC9, S&W Shield.

 

[Shay]

Get a used 3rd generation Glock 19.

 

[joshualee49]

There's the LC9 as previously mentioned but it has a really lousy stock trigger and I find it to be very snappy. I picked up the M&P Shield in 9mm and like it much better than the LC9 I have even after putting a Galloway trigger kit in the LC9.

That said, the LC9 is probably closer to pocket carry size than the Shield is even though the Shield is only slightly larger. As far as IWB goes I'd definitely choose the Shield over the LC9. The real question on pocket carry is the style of pants being discussed and the size of the pocket.

I know there are other 9mm solutions out there but these are the only two that I have firsthand knowledge of.

This. If you rock cargo shorts in the summer you could get away with a lot more pocket carry options. If you rock skinny jeans then you are probably pretty limited...

IWB opens your options up considerably.

I will agree that the LC9 is a little snappy. It's not bad once you have shot it for awhile - follow up shots get better with training. As a side note my wife's LC9 has probably 2,000 rounds through it. Mostly FMJ factory ammo but I have run 200 or so JHP's in just to check functinality. No problems whatsoever.

 

[CTS]

I don't know what the consensus is on these here, but I don't think you could go wrong with one of the 3 inch (or even a 4 inch depending on your carry strategy) Springfield XD's. They make some great "first guns" if you ask me, and the trigger sounds exactly like what you're looking for. Features like the chamber indicator, the grip/trigger safety, and the striker indicator, while they should never be relied on, can be handy for new gun owners. There may well be some better options out there, but it's easy to come by and is right in your price range.

 

[BoilerWes]

Kahr PM9, M&P Shield, and Beretta Nano would be my top picks.

 

[jeremy]

Sig P226...

 

[MACHINEGUN]

Go with a Glock 26, you can't go wrong!

M&P full size or compact. I try to stray away from glocks

I'd prefer a rust bucket M&P over a Glock any day too!

 

[lucky4034]

Big pocket or IWB for cheaper than a glock? Ruger SR9c or S&W Shield...

 

[WestSider]

After trying almost every compact 9mm on the face of the planet I ended up right back where I originally started: Glock 19

If you get one, do no overlook the Gen 4's I love mine and am very glad I got it instead of a Gen 3 because it's much better for me.

 

[Count Blackula]

Used Glock 26 9mm should fall into your price range. You may even be able to get a Gen 3 new for your price range.

A used gen 4 Glock 26 would go for under $500?

And for those wondering about pocket carry, I usually wear cargo shorts. My jeans are relatively spacious too.

For those suggesting the M&P Shield, how's the trigger pull?

 

[manwithnoname]

Browning HP... suprisingly easy to CC as is the 1911.

 

[LordTio3]

Quite recently I had a very positive experience with my buddy's Ruger SR9c. It shot right on the money right out of the box, and he got it new at the 1500 for $399.99 with three mags. Surely you could find a used one for just a bit cheaper. I was pretty surprised by how good it felt and how well it handled.

~LT

 

[dwickstrom]

Love my G19