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A little help here please...

ToddT
I'm in the market for a concealed carry gun for my wife. I've read a couple of threads concerning the smallest lightest semi-auto 9x19's. The only catch is that the answers given when researching them is that they were all DAO like the Rohrbaugh. Can someone help me find some choices of very compact 9mm's that don't require that harder pull on #2 through what ever.

Thank you for your help,
Todd
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10 comments

Date Votes
  • ruger41
    If she is competent enough with an autoloader or is willing to get some training have her check out the Springfield EMP or the Para Ordnance LDA--both are 1911 micro compact 9mm's.
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  • ToddT
    Yes, she has quite competent. She does very well with the glock 23 and excellent with the 357 on the night stand.

    T
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  • ToddT
    Oops, I meant she is quite competent. sorry, and thank you..

    T
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  • beantownshootah
    quote:Originally posted by ToddT
    I'm in the market for a concealed carry gun for my wife. I've read a couple of threads concerning the smallest lightest semi-auto 9x19's. The only catch is that the answers given when researching them is that they were all DAO like the Rohrbaugh. Can someone help me find some choices of very compact 9mm's that don't require that harder pull on #2 through what ever.

    Thank you for your help,
    Todd

    I think if you were to actually try the trigger on the Rohrbaugh, you'd be pleasantly surprised by it. (Maybe not so pleased with the RECOIL, though).

    I haven't had the chance to shoot one of these super-expensive pistols (yet), but I have tried the other two super-compact DAO 9mm luger pistols, the Kahr and the Kel-Tec PF1, and each of them have relatively light double action triggers, noticeably lighter than that found on most snubnose revolvers. The Kahr trigger in particular is quite smooth too. Trigger on the Kel-Tec P11 is noticeably harder than the thinner PF1.

    If you're looking for a super-light super-compact 9mm luger pistol, I'd suggest at least trying (ie dry-firing) one of these before you dismiss them for trigger reasons. Actually, your WIFE should be the one trying, if she's going to be carrying the thing.

    Note (as above) that recoil with ALL of these is fairly brisk. Not uncontrollable, but not for novices. If you're firing a relatively powerful cartridge like a 9mm luger from a small light gun, you can't really get around this.

    The problem is that all the single-action or SA/DA type 9mms that I am aware of are all larger in size (and heavier) than the models listed above, and in some cases considerably so. That's mostly true of the various subcompact striker-fired Glock-like guns as well.

    If your wife likes a Glock, she could take a look at the Glock 26, which is fairly light, though not particularly thin. There are similar "chopped" versions of the Springfield XD, Walther P99/Smith 99, and Smith M&P that may also merit consideration, depending on ergonomics and which action system she likes.

    In terms of simple "small" 9mms, there are still many relatively good choices out there. CZ RAMI, and Smith 3913 (which used to be issued as a "Ladysmith" version) are probably worth looking at.

    As mentioned, now there are a couple of small 1911-type guns in 9mm luger, including models by Para-Ordnance, Springfield, etc, though none of these are quite as teensy as the DAO guns.

    Edit:

    Also, nothing wrong with a snubnose revolver. The revolvers in .38+P aren't quite as powerful as the guns in 9mm luger, nor do they offer the same capacity, but they make up for that in terms of pure simplicity and absolute reliability. In my opinion, snubnoses in .357 magnum are a viable option if the guns are all steel (which makes them significantly heavier). The lighter alloy-frame (or Scandium/titanium) guns in .357 are nice to carry, but IMO recoil with them in .357 is unpleasant and borderline uncontrollable, and these are really not advisable for carry for most individuals.

    Ultimately, if your wife is going to be the one carrying this thing, it ought to be up to HER to decide what she likes. Its not just what she likes to shoot (though that is important too), but which gun she's actually going to physically be able to carry. Because of clothes/fashion and anatomy, women usually have a MUCH harder time carrying concealed firearms than men. Lots of women like to carry in a purse, but considering that a purse can be lost/dropped/snatched, this is a less than optimal way to go.
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  • Hawk Carse
    Agree with bean.
    A subcompact Glock would carry over all she knows about the G23.
    I would get the 9mm G26 to keep recoil in proportion.
    Otherwise, the DAO on a Kahr P9 is very manageable, better than a typical .38 revolver.
    The SA EMP is a nice little gun but I want a single action auto in a belt holster.

    A friend of mine's husband considerately but without consultation equipped her with an Airweight .38 that is NO fun to shoot with even standard Specials, much less the +P most of us want for defense. I have got some rubber bullets and midrange wadcutters loaded so she can practice without bruising her hand.

    bean is also right in conclusion, SHE should pick. Do you have any other guns? Do you have friends with other guns she can actually shoot? The only rental range around here does not have much selection.
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  • tsr1965
    If you want to get her a controllable nice carry gun, that is a traditional DA/SA, and very apealling to the eye, try a S&W 3913 Lady Smith...if you want to go smaller, try the S&W CS9. Better hurry though...they don't make them no more, and supplies are drying up.

    Best
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  • dcs shooters
    Take a look at the Kahr P-9 or PM-9. I carry the P-9 and it has a very good trigger pull right from the factory. It is DAO but light.
    My 3913 has a heavy DA first pull and good SA second like most S&W'S
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  • quickmajik
    well as TSR says, a da/sa would be something to look into.

    I like a double stack da/sa .380acps better then cut down 9mm service pistols.

    There are a few pistols that are designed to be small. The kahr family of pistols & keltec PF9 and PF-11 are a few examples.
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  • glabray
    The Kahr M9 has a decent soft trigger pull. You will want to consider how she is going to carry whatever you pick. An easy trigger with no safety, like the Kahr, is just asking for trouble if carried loose in a purse.
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  • wildeman.7.62nato
    Check out the Sig Sauer P239. It's a great gun, shoots SA/DA, and has a decocker.
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