Spinoff thread. What is the best value 9mm or larger, for CC?

XDs gives you 5+1 capacity.

But it's also a .45



I vote XDs

Kahr.

S & W Shield if you can find one, costs around $450. Single stack, 7 and 8 round capable, less than 1" width, very comfortable and weighs 19 oz.

Numerous holsters available.

Beretta Nano

BP, Whereas it was once rather small, the market for single stack, very small 9mm's designed for concealed carry is now quite large. The main players would be, in no particular order:
Beterra Nano
Kimber Solo
M&P Shield
Springfield XDS 9 (or whatever will be it's actually name when it comes out...)
Kahr CW9/CM9/PM9
Ruger LC9
Sig: I think it's the 250 that has a DAO trigger; the 938 has a SAO trigger
Walther PPS

Other models that seem to have a more spotty record of reliability, at least from reading on the 'net:
Bersa BP9 cc
Kel-Tec PF9
Diamond Back DB 9
Taurus 709 Slim

There's a lot to choose from, depeding on what particular features on your gun. I have a KT PF9 that's been very reliable, but not everyone's comfortable w/ KT's. Based on my experience w/ the Kahr CW45, I'd strongly consider the CW9 if I were looking for another single stack 9mm. The CW9 is relatively inexpensive, light, smooth shooting, accurate and reliable. Yes, the trigger is a DAO trigger so that it's long, but not heavy. If you want a short, Glock type trigger, don't look at the Kahr. The Kahr also doesn't have an external safety lever, but that's one of the reasons I bought.

Although I'm a fan of the 1911's, I think there are better guns in this category than the traditional 1911. Personally, I don't like Glocks (or other double stack guns) for inside waistband or pocket carry, but that's just my preference. Some of the smaller 9's can be carried in the pockets of cargo pants.

Does anyone in the BR area know of CC renewal classes that don't have a 4 month waiting list?

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With the extended magazine you get 7+1 for a .45 single stack

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I have one of those as well, but it pretty much stays in the console of my truck.

I don't know why but I just don't like shooting with the extended 7 round mag.

I do love the pierce extensions for the 5 round mags though. Makes a huge difference

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I do love the pierce extensions for the 5 round mags though. Makes a huge difference

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You're right about this. Huge difference going from standard 5+1 grip to the 5+1 Pearce grip extension. When shooting at 20 yds, I went from a 10" grouping with the standard 5+1 grip to a 4" grouping using the Pearce 5+1 grip extender.

Anyone who goes with this gun, I highly recommend getting the 5+1 Pearce grip extension for the standard mags. It makes a big difference, especially if you have huge gorilla paws like me.

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Kahr CM9

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This is the best value 9mm single stack period. They can be had for around 400 and are some of the smallest useful subcompact 9mms around. I know the Diamondback DB9 may be a bit smaller, but the quality of the Kahr is in another league. The Kahr CM40 also fits this bill.

For other 9mms and 40s with a bit more size, the M&P Shield is a good contender. Oh, and I heard the XDs 9mm just started showing up on shelves.

The XDs 45 is one hell of a shooter as well. I'm just not a fan of fewer rounds and that's the reason I don't carry a 45.

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Does anyone in the BR area know of CC renewal classes that don't have a 4 month waiting list?

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I may be doing classes for the OB soon once I get settled in at my new job. I'll keep everyone posted.