Help Me Choose My Next Pistol (redux)

[Neener Neener]

Had a brain cramp and posted this question in the wrong section the first time! So, here it is again: I am looking for something for a CCW. I am about 5'9" and 190 pounds. I have 2 full size 1911s and an XD45 Compact. I am wanting something in 9mm so my wife can handle it. She is a little intimidated by a .45 ACP, and I want something smaller to conceal. And yes, it is the perfect excuse for me to get a new toy! Anyway, I am looking at a Kahr CW9, an M&P9sc, and an XD9sc. The Glocks are too big for her hand, so the 26 is out. I really like the size of the Kahr. That thing is skinny! However, I like the round capacity of the other 2, although they are a little large. Now, round capacity may not be much of an issue for me, because I shoot quite a bit. My wife, on the other hand, doesn't shoot very much at all, so the extra few rounds may do her good if the SHTF. Let me know what you think and why.

[Wild Rice]

I own a Kahr CW9 and I like it for its simplicity and small size. The grip is too small for normal sized male hands and feels better with a Hogue Hand-All slip on grip (size for small autos). The capacity is limited to a single stack 7 round mag. The trigger is nice and the dimensions make it very easy to conceal with comfort. However, if I top off the mag with 7 rounds, insert the mag, and rack the slide, the top round will sometimes nosedive jam on the feed ramp. The Kahr manual says that to load their guns, the slide should be locked back, the mag inserted, and the slide stop should be pushed down. They basically admit to nosedive when racking. I think single stack 9mm mags tend to nosedive rounds more than double stacked mags in general. If I get a nosedive, I can force feed the round by sling shotting the slide again. I have not had any jams when actually firing the CW9, but since I carry empty chamber, I do not have 100% confidence with it. Like my other autos I carry one down from full magazine capacity, so 6 rounds of 9mm is not very much. The ultra light weight and narrow grip increase felt recoil, but I can shoot 200 rounds of 9mm in one session with no discomfort. There is no loaded chamber indicator or striker indicator, so if you carry with a loaded chamber, you must be very careful.

I do not like how the grips feel on any M&P I have tried so I don't own one.

I own the XD-9 SC in stainless and it is very reliable, surprisingly accurate, low recoil, and a hoot to shoot. I did not expect it to be such a fun and accurate range gun, but it is. However, it has the same bulky slide width as an XD 45 and the grip may be too thick for smaller hands. For a 9mm, it is overly thick for an ideal IWB carry piece.

If I were you I would buy a Taurus Millennium Pro PT111 9mm. Get one with 12 round mags and dovetailed Heinie "straight 8" sights. The 10 rounders are for restricted markets. Cheaper sights were used on earlier versions. The slide and grip are slimmer than the XD-9 SC and would probably fit your wife's hand better. It is more comfortable to carry IWB than my XD-9 SC. The recoil spring is a captive dual spring device that reduces recoil yet makes racking the slide very easy. Racking the slide is a common complaint with women shooting auto pistols, but this one is very easy to rack. The controls are ergonomic and light action. Women do not have great hand strength, so I think this pistol would be easy for her to operate. I even saw this pistol on discount at Gander Mountain with a stainless slide and pink polymer frame. She might think that since it is pink, you will not confiscate it and she can call it her own. The trigger is very nice and has an innovative SA/DA feature that allows multi striking a dud primer. There is a visual and palpable loaded chamber indicator. There is no striker indicator as this gun is SA/DA. There is a manual thumb safety that is very ergonomic, but is not really designed to be carried cocked and locked. The safety must only be activated when the trigger is fully forward, for it to work correctly. I have used the thumb safety at the range during an interruption (such as adjusting my shooting glasses), but do not use it in self defense situations. My PT111 is very accurate, smooth operating, and very reliable. Tremendous value.

[nikon777]

M&P.

[Pinedawg]

I have a Kahr P9 and prefer it over the CW......for not much more money you get night sights and a gun with a little better overall finish. If you like the Kahr, step up to the P9.

I also have the XDSC9 which I bought after my Kahr. I have only put about 50rds, thru it so far, but I really like it. It's a great combination with the two mags/grip possibilities. Since I have a XD40 service, the XDSC was an easy choice for me and I know I'll grow even more fond of it as I shoot it more. I did swap out the sights for XS big dots on the XDSC.

I have held and shot the M&P and it's a fine gun as well. The grip inserts are a great feature, as is the guns finish.

If you can rent them all, or shoot someone else's give them all a try and buy what works best for her.

[magnumize]

XD

[Warning Shot]

I have a CW9 and have had the nosedive issue also. I do like it to carry in the summer because it is so slim. It fits good under a t-shirt with an IWB holster. My wife shoots this because it fits her hand well.

[NC Dave]

All are fine guns - each with their own pluses and minuses.

If it is something your wife is going to use, you should get the one that she is most comfortable operating and shooting.

Take her to a range, rent all three, and see which one fits her the best and which she can most easily operate. (Can she easily rack the slide, etc.)

No one can answer the "what should I buy" question but you and your wife.

[Neener Neener]

Who'da guessed I would get a majority for the XD9sc on an XD forum?

[Super Trucker]

I am not a fan of the "cheaper" Kahr model cw9, The XD or M&P would be my choice. Get the one that fits your hand better.

[R Dub]

Moved to The Polling Place.