Looking for a good CC weapon

[Clovishound]

First post, thought about posting this in the CC section, but somehow seemed more appropriate here, if not, sorry.

A little background. I have owned a MarkI for many, many years. Bought it new in the 70s and have used it off and on as a target weapon. Qualified with a couple different pistolas in the military. Recently did the CWP class and am waiting for the card to come back in a couple months.

I've got some money coming in a couple weeks, and know I won't be satisfied until I get a carry appropriate weapon. Not sure how much I will actually carry, but know I will at least some.

I would like a weapon that I will at least enjoy shooting at the range. I also want something that I can shoot reasonably well. I don't particularly care for revolvers, so I am not looking at them.

I like Ruger, but am not married to them. I have recently fired a Glock 19, LC9 and an SR9c. Don't care much for the Glock. Trigger is stiff and has a noticeable increase in pressure before release. I didn't shoot that well with it, although I'm sure that would improve with practice. The LC9 shot well, and should conceal well. Trigger was long pull and stiff. Recoil made the weapon not that much fun to shoot. Sure I would get used to both trigger and recoil. The SR9c was the best of the bunch. Felt good in hand, low recoil, trigger had a long pull, but was smooth and a decent pull weight for me.

Obviously, my current plan is the SR9c. Biggest gripes about it seem to be FTF problems. Most I have read about were either failure to clean the 4 1/2 lbs of grease out of the new weapon, or were fixed by Ruger. The other gripe was a difficult slide pull. Since my wife won't be using it, shouldn't be a problem. I read about this problem after shooting the SR9c, but never noticed it at the range. Of course, I am used to racking my MarkI, which is very stiff. Basically, this should be a non issue for me, outside of the ability to chamber a round one handed. Not many train for this.

I would like a weapon that is a compromise between a decent range, and a decent carry weapon. I lean towards accuracy in a carry weapon, as opposed to raw fire power. I would also like to have something not too expensive to shoot. My rational is that if I enjoy shooting the weapon, and can afford to go to the range more, I will have more proficiency with the weapon.

FWIW, my very good buddy has a membership at a local range, and I can shoot any of their rentals for only the cost of ammo. He also has reloading equipment and has 9mm dies on order. Plan to try my hand at reloading, although from what I see it is not a significant saving for 9mm target loads.


Looking forward to seeing your thoughts and suggestions.

 

[Armybrat]

If not a Ruger, then think about a Kahr CW9 or P9. Nice single stack 9mms, and very concealable.

 

[dwd]

I would go with the P95 or, if you can find a good used one, a P95DC.
Reasonably priced, fun to shoot, durable, comparatively light weight.

 

[Clovishound]

I would go with the P95 or, if you can find a good used one, a P95DC.
Reasonably priced, fun to shoot, durable, comparatively light weight.

I thought about the P95. I like the idea of a DAO for a carry. If I were to carry the P95, I would either have to train to cock the hammer on draw (sounds like a recipe for disaster to me, I could be wrong), or I would have to learn to shoot a heavy first pull, and then a light subsequent pull. I like the idea of the same pull every time, and no cocking on draw. If I were not going to carry it, I would be looking really hard at the P95.

Of course, if I were not going to be carrying, I would probably just stick to my trusty MarkI. Cheap to shoot, dead reliable, extremely accurate, and cheap to shoot.

 

[mikep048]

My P95 is my primary carry weapon. Hardly noticable.

 

[Madisonman]

I love my sr9c, 500 rounds & no FTF or FTEs. Have read about all the problems others have had, I've had not a one. I have a Bersathunder 380 I carry ITW, and carry the sr9c OTW. Whatever the clothing dictates. Being a smaller guy the sr is a little large for ITW for me. The sr has no more recoil than the 380.

 

[mattsbox99]

The S&W M&P has a much better trigger. They are a little more money than the SR9c though. Still made in the USA and S&W has an excellent warranty if needed.

 

[Big Stu]

I have an SR9c, and I love it but I also carry a revolver. The two weapons share the duty. I used to think I didn't like revolvers very much but that changed the second I shot my GP100. Don't rule out revolvers so fast. There are some fantastic guns out there that conceal very easily.

 

[Scott]

I'll put a plug in for the full size SR9. I like the longer grip both for comfortable shooting at the range and for the 17 rd mag, which means less reloading when I'm running through a bunch of ammo. Yet you get the same thin frame as the "c" version. Ccw is pretty easy with the right forward cant in a crossbreed supertuck or similar IWB bolster. I have the early model- post recall but pre-square mag release button. It's been very reliable after the initial break-in.

 

[Clovishound]

I'll put a plug in for the full size SR9. I like the longer grip both for comfortable shooting at the range and for the 17 rd mag, which means less reloading when I'm running through a bunch of ammo. Yet you get the same thin frame as the "c" version. Ccw is pretty easy with the right forward cant in a crossbreed supertuck or similar IWB bolster. I have the early model- post recall but pre-square mag release button. It's been very reliable after the initial break-in.

The c comes with both a 10 round mag and a 17 round mag with a grip extension. Makes the c into a full sized 9mm with a slightly shorter barrel. The c also has a lighter trigger pull than the sr.

I like the idea of being able to choose between a smaller profile for carry, and a larger profile for the range. Although I need to be careful not to get used to the large profile and then need to shoot the smaller profile accurately.

 

[Cheesewhiz]

The S&W M&P has a much better trigger. They are a little more money than the SR9c though. Still made in the USA and S&W has an excellent warranty if needed.

I disagree, the newer SR's that I have shot actually have a far better trigger than any stock M&P including the 'Pro', at least for me.

 

[Buckeye!]

I'm no fan of striker fired firearms.....the great P95 is hard to beat...

 

[Buckeye!]

Also check out the SIG PRO I have one in 40 S&W....

 

[Al James]

I would go with the P95 or, if you can find a good used one, a P95DC.
Reasonably priced, fun to shoot, durable, comparatively light weight.

I thought about the P95. I like the idea of a DAO for a carry. If I were to carry the P95, I would either have to train to cock the hammer on draw (sounds like a recipe for disaster to me, I could be wrong), or I would have to learn to shoot a heavy first pull, and then a light subsequent pull. I like the idea of the same pull every time, and no cocking on draw. If I were not going to carry it, I would be looking really hard at the P95.

Of course, if I were not going to be carrying, I would probably just stick to my trusty MarkI. Cheap to shoot, dead reliable, extremely accurate, and cheap to shoot.

Or find a DAO P95! While not my first choice for carry, if you like the P95 and you prefer a DAO system....they are out there.

 

[Clovishound]

Well, I made the mistake of going with my buddy to another shop this morning. The guy there showed me a Beretta Px4. Wow, this one really feels good in the hand. Very nice trigger. Two problems. External trigger DA/SA. I think I can live with that, just need to train a little more with it. The other problem is that it is $100 more than the SR9c. I can swing it, but it will mean I won't be able to take the advanced defensive course I was planning on. I'll have enough for the weapon, a holster and some ammo to get used to the weapon with.

Decisions, decisions. I'll need to do some research on the web, and maybe go to the rental range next week.

 

[FergusonTO35]

Isn't the PX4 rather thick? I think it looks similar in size to the P95.

 

[freedomcosts]

I gotta add my +1 for the 9c. I did have a coupla small prolems ut Ruger fixed them, as you mentioned. One of the things I also like is the different magazines. I have two extra 17-rd mags, and I can go to the range, shoot 45 times- plus the 10-rd mag- without reloading. If the grip is too small when using the 10-rd mag for carry, and the 17-rd extra length doesn;t bother you then all the better. Carry a 17-rd pistol. There are other guns, of course, but I chose the 9c and would do it again.

 

[Clovishound]

Isn't the PX4 rather thick? I think it looks similar in size to the P95.

Yep, similar size and weight. The PX4 is a little thicker. Like I said, really, really feels good in the hand. I will probably shoot them both next week. Maybe do the SR9c again while I am there.

The P95 is the cheapest of the 3 and has a good reputation for reliability. Wasn't really considering it, until I picked up that dang Beretta.

 

[freedomcosts]

I liked the grip on the 9c out of the box, but I have old fingers. So I put a Pachmayr grip-glove on it, makes it a tad thicker, and for $10- it absorbs 10 bucks worth of recoil.

 

[alfonse]

You might like this version of the Beretta Px4

http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/the-beretta-px4-storm-type-c-gunfight-safety-at-its-best/

 

[Rabon]

First post, thought about posting this in the CC section, but somehow seemed more appropriate here, if not, sorry.

A little background. I have owned a MarkI for many, many years. Bought it new in the 70s and have used it off and on as a target weapon. Qualified with a couple different pistolas in the military. Recently did the CWP class and am waiting for the card to come back in a couple months.

I've got some money coming in a couple weeks, and know I won't be satisfied until I get a carry appropriate weapon. Not sure how much I will actually carry, but know I will at least some.

I would like a weapon that I will at least enjoy shooting at the range. I also want something that I can shoot reasonably well. I don't particularly care for revolvers, so I am not looking at them.

I like Ruger, but am not married to them. I have recently fired a Glock 19, LC9 and an SR9c. Don't care much for the Glock. Trigger is stiff and has a noticeable increase in pressure before release. I didn't shoot that well with it, although I'm sure that would improve with practice. The LC9 shot well, and should conceal well. Trigger was long pull and stiff. Recoil made the weapon not that much fun to shoot. Sure I would get used to both trigger and recoil. The SR9c was the best of the bunch. Felt good in hand, low recoil, trigger had a long pull, but was smooth and a decent pull weight for me.

Obviously, my current plan is the SR9c. Biggest gripes about it seem to be FTF problems. Most I have read about were either failure to clean the 4 1/2 lbs of grease out of the new weapon, or were fixed by Ruger. The other gripe was a difficult slide pull. Since my wife won't be using it, shouldn't be a problem. I read about this problem after shooting the SR9c, but never noticed it at the range. Of course, I am used to racking my MarkI, which is very stiff. Basically, this should be a non issue for me, outside of the ability to chamber a round one handed. Not many train for this.

I would like a weapon that is a compromise between a decent range, and a decent carry weapon. I lean towards accuracy in a carry weapon, as opposed to raw fire power. I would also like to have something not too expensive to shoot. My rational is that if I enjoy shooting the weapon, and can afford to go to the range more, I will have more proficiency with the weapon.

FWIW, my very good buddy has a membership at a local range, and I can shoot any of their rentals for only the cost of ammo. He also has reloading equipment and has 9mm dies on order. Plan to try my hand at reloading, although from what I see it is not a significant saving for 9mm target loads.


Looking forward to seeing your thoughts and suggestions.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_5_4/103044__The_2_000_Round_Challenge_.html

 

[5Wire]

I was looking into that very question an dummied up this comparison. There are more choices but this is as far as I got. Major interval on the "rulers" is 1/2 inch. As close to scale as I could come with manufacturers' pix an specs.

It's s big jpg file but downloadable to view full size.

 

[SgtMackey]

Put around 700 rounds thru a new Ruger LC9 in the last three weeks without a single malfunction. Accuracy is better than I am, recoil not bad, and concealability is great. CT Laser really helps my tired old eyes beyond point shooting distance.

 

[22/45 Fan]

I have an SR9c and I can't confirm any of the reported problems since mine has had none in about 400 rounds of factory and reloads. None, zero, nada.

I've owned a Glock 19 and a full size SR9 and didn't like the "feel" of the Glock or the size of the SR9 so the SR9c, like the three bears, is "just right". It's small enough (with the 10-round mag) to conceal but has plenty of capacity and grip length (with the 17-round mag and adapter) for range use.

I also have a full size M&P9 and the stock trigger pull was very similar to both the SR9 and Glock. Mine now has an Apex kit in it and that made a world of difference. BTW, the M&P has the best grip ergonomics of any handgun I've ever used. Only a 1911 comes close.

 

[RMFC]

The other gripe was a difficult slide pull. Since my wife won't be using it, shouldn't be a problem.

I had this problem with the SR9 and SR9c. I found that if you rack the slide overhand style it makes it nice and easy. Also, everyone that has shot my SR9c, including the anti-Ruger crowd, have remarked about its accuracy and low recoil. I comment on the reliability, because through 1,160 rounds I have had 0 problems. 8)

 

[cruzerlou]

Everyone's given good advice on what guns are out there that will fit the bill ,but here's one no ones mentioned and thats the walther PPS .It's a striker fired single stack on 9MM and .40 S&W .I have 2 of the first edtition models of which only 999 were made One is my backup gun and the other is my wife's primary carry gun .There small ,easy to conseal uber relaible and accurate to boot .They have the same type of safe actoin trigger as the glock but quite a bit better in both smoothness and weight .They also come with a large and small backstrap as to fit the gun to your hand .Here's afew pics on one .There worth a look.
Lou
here it is with the 7 round mag in it

here's how thin it is

Both sides w/ 8 round mag in gun

And the 6 round mag is flush fit and can easly be pocket carried .
Again this is my back up gun both on and off duty so you know that I trust it .I think I had one stove pipe in the first mag and after that no ftf at all with well over 2000 rounds downrange .If you don't like the "marbleing "on the frame ,not to worry that was just the First Edtiton guns .Now there all black .
Lou

 

[Clovishound]

Update. Thought I was going to get my extra money this week. Turns out it will be another couple weeks. :evil:

Went to the range with my good buddy and fired the Beretta Px4 compact. Took it to the range bench and loaded up 5 rounds. Very stiff magazine spring. Not a big deal. On first shot, I pulled the trigger the required 18 to 24 inches til it fired. This shot was several inches off center at 7 o clock. The next round failed to feed. The next 15 rounds consistently failed to feed. My buddy took it back to the counter and they cleaned it. This brought it to only a 50% failure to feed rate.

It shot fairly well. Sights were decent, and trigger was OK in SA.

Went ahead and tried the SR9c again after shooting the Beretta. No failures. Felt nearly as good in the hand. Very accurate, put 3 of the 5 rounds in the silver dollar sized sticker in the middle of the target at 25 ft. The other two weren't too far outside the center circle. Trigger felt very good. Not as long a travel as I remember from last time I shot it.

I realize the Beretta I shot was a range weapon, but I was very disappointed in it's performance. I'm sure that if this were my weapon, I could get it straightened out to perform reliably, but it still did not inspire confidence. Another problem is that I get the impression from my reading that Beretta CS leaves a great deal to be desired. If the gun had really impressed me, despite the feed problems, I might have still considered it. As soon as I had put a couple rounds through the Ruger, I thought, I like this much better. I have been a little spoiled by my Mark I, but this is pretty good.

The Ruger is $100 cheaper. It has the option of a shorter mag for reduced grip size for carry. Ruger CS has an excellent reputation. The striker trigger has a consistent trigger pull, from first, through subsequent rounds. Don't particularly like the blade in the center of the trigger, but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

Looks like it's the Ruger for me. Just have to wait another 2 weeks.

 

[GKC]

I realize the Beretta I shot was a range weapon, but I was very disappointed in it's performance. I'm sure that if this were my weapon, I could get it straightened out to perform reliably, but it still did not inspire confidence. Another problem is that I get the impression from my reading that Beretta CS leaves a great deal to be desired.

I was considering a PX4 a while back, because I too like a DA/SA action. I like the P95 but it is a little bulky for my hand. I also like the SIG SP2022, and will be looking at it some more...but it may be a little large as well. It is inexpensive...they are $399 at Academy Sports right now, and may be cheaper at other places. Back to the PX4...I haven't been on there recently, but it seems that a number of people on the Beretta Forum were having problems...and there are also complaints about Beretta's CS. In addition, Beretta only has a one year warranty (which can be extended to 3, if you register your gun with Beretta.) I prefer to buy guns from makers like Ruger, S&W, SIG, etc who have good CS and lifetime warranties.

If you haven't already made a final decision, take a look at the M&P series from S&W. I have had several, and still have two: a M&P45c and a M&P9c. They are great pistols, very reliable, and S&W does have great customer service. The M&P9c is comparable in size to the SR9c, and has 2 12-round magazines in the box (unless in a state having limits, then they are 10-rounders.) You can use the FS M&P9 mags in it, which hold 17 rounds, but they do not come with the pistol.

Either way, SR9c or M&P9c, you will have a great pistol from a great company.

 

[revhigh]

I would like a weapon that is a compromise between a decent range, and a decent carry weapon.

Then you don't want ANY compact ..... did no one read the above statement from the OP ? Truth is ... there's practically NO gun that's a compromise 'between a decent range, and a decent carry weapon'.

Look into a CZ75 if you value the way a gun feels in your hand ... they're not that big, and are spectacularly accurate. Mine goes to the range with me almost every time I go, and I have a LOT of guns to choose from. With the proper holster ... almost ANY gun can be carried reasonably comfortably, and with a larger gun (think longer barrel and longer sight radius), your range time will be far more enjoyable ... meaning that you'll be able to hit what you aim at, and thereby improve your marksmanship.

Trust me ... an LC9 or SR9C isn't meant for range duty. The real bottom line is .... you're gonna need 2 guns. Once you come to accept that ... you can buy 2 guns that are right for each purpose and not end up with ONE gun that's a compromise for BOTH duties.

If it were me ... I'd buy a full size gun FIRST (like a CZ75, SR9, or P95), become familiar with it, shoot it a lot, carry it when necessary (it's not that bad), and save up for a REAL carry piece like the LC9, LCP, or KT P3AT (the KT can be had for under $200, they work great, weigh about 14 ounces, and can easily be carried in a pocket holster). THEN ... and only THEN .... will you have the absolute best of BOTH worlds.

You're gonna end up there eventually anyway ... I guarantee it .... save yourself some money and do it right the first time.

By the way ... if you're considering the Beretta PX4 ... you can EASILY carry a CZ75. Those Berettas are really bulky ...

REV

 

[Clovishound]

I did look at both the CZ, and the S&W M&P a little while back. Not sure at this point why I did not look any further at these two, perhaps the price. I do remember that I liked the feel of the trigger on the CZ.

As to range vs carry, I want something that won't be a chore to go to the range with. I shot the LC9, and it would be a chore to shoot for me. Too small, lots of recoil, and a really really long trigger pull. I want to enjoy shooting so that I will take to the range from time to time, and be proficient with it.

I enjoyed shooting the SR9c. Nice trigger, and felt good in the hand with the larger magazine with the grip extension. I shot fairly well with it for an unfamiliar weapon.

I already have a great range weapon. A Mark I that I have owned for over 30 years. Great balance, great trigger, extremely accurate, and cheap to shoot.