Single stack compact 9mm for carry, suggestions?

[drifter2be]

Looking to step up, sold or gave to family all of my .380 pistols and have decided that I am not carrying anything smaller/less powerful than a 9mm. I have been looking around and would like input and a few suggestions on the guns I am considering. I would like to be able to still carry in a pocket holster on occasion (cargo pocket on pants or shorts) but not being able to is not going to be a dealbreaker on a gun. I am trying to keep to a budget and have already discounted the idea of picking up the Sig P938. I am trying to keep price to around $400 before tax. At the top of my list right now are the Kahr CW9 and CM9 (prefer the size of the CM9), the Taurus 709slim, and the S&W Shield9 although I am having a heck of a time finding a dealer with one in stock around here.

I am also considering the above guns in their .40S&W counterparts, although my G23 and G27 are both snappy enough for me, I don't think I would be happy with a super-lightweight pistol in .40

Guns I don't want opinions on (have owned, hated and sold them) KelTec PF9, Ruger LC9.

Any other lightweight single stack 9's in my price range that I should consider trying out?

[SA227driver]

Kel Tec PF9
Springfield XDs
M&P Shield

Since you have .40cal Glocks, have you thought about the G26, if 9mm is the caliber you've decided you want to carry?

[JNunez23]

Kahrs buddy!

[skosh69]

Good luck finding a Shield....

[drifter2be]

Kel Tec PF9
Springfield XDs
M&P Shield

Quite obviously did not read thread...probably read the title and fancied himself an expert, especially considering the XDs is a .45

[drifter2be]

Kahrs buddy!

That's what I am leaning toward. Shot a CW9 a few months ago and I really liked the trigger on it, reminded me of a S&W J-frame DAO trigger pull, only slightly lighter and smoother, much better than some of the other 9mm DAO triggers I have tried, like the PF9 and LC9 which were just unpleasant to pull the trigger on. I read the carry 9mm article in the latest issue of Guns and Ammo and the writer seemed to make the Taurus 709 appear to be a great option, but at the end of the article mentioned it was their carry gun and that makes me think the opinions would be a bit biased.

[bambam8d1]

I really like my Sig 225

[skosh69]

Quite obviously did not read thread...probably read the title and fancied himself an expert, especially considering the XDs is a .45

Come on maaaan....you know how threads and opinions sorta just take off! hahaha

[barbasol]

Sr9c? Not single stack but still slim

[vintagearms]

I like my Kahr CW9. Great shooter and fits my hand better than the CM9.

[Rover]

Sig 938, love mine.

[DRAB_81]

If you like triggers like the M&P or Glock, the Shield is a no-brainer. Other than my Shield, all my other handguns are Glocks, and I'm still impressed with it. I have about 600rds through it now, and it shoots very soft for such a slim/compact gun. Another thing I was really happy about, is that the Shield appears to be built better & more durable than the polymer Kahr's.

If you like DAO triggers, the buttery smooth trigger of the Kahr should be the answer. I had a PM9 or a while, and it did have a very nice trigger. I just couldnt get used to the DAO pull, and I didn't want to put in the time & ammo to get there.

[drifter2be]

Sig 938, love mine.

Damn, why the **** do I even bother writing anything in the OP since the majority of the people that reply don't even bother reading it?

[Trapper]

I have a Kahr PM9 on my ccw. It is very comfortable to carry, reliable and surprisingly accurate. During the 200rd break in period it wouldn't lock open after the last shot but never had a failure. I use a Crossbreed mini tuck holster and can easily conceal it with shorts and a t shirt. The CW9 or a used PM9 should come close to your $400 limit.

[Tiberius]

S&W 3914 or 3913. Compact, metal, DA/SA. You can find them used for $350-$450, depending. They tend to be very reliable and are popular with a certain retro-set. They're big for pocket carry, though, and heavier than plastic guns. But they're very good guns.

THe Kimber Solo is also nice but expensive and very hard to find. If you hadn't ruled it out I'd vote Sig P938. The Shield is another great choice - check out SSE options.