Searching for a New Carry Gun

[randomoutburst]

I currently have a S&W Model 60 and a Kel-Tec PF9 but the Kel-Tec is not at all reliable and would be my last weapon of choice out of every firearm in our home. That's pretty bad when we have almost a dozen.
So now I'm looking for a new "carry" gun that I could depend on should I have to.
I'm slightly limited by my hand size/finger length because finding a gun that fits my hand has continued to present itself as a challenge. I'm not worried about the size of the gun as far as concealing it, but about the size of it compared to my hand.

Yesterday I looked at both a Taurus 709 Slim and a Kahr K9. They both fit my hand well, are of an appropriate weight, and both hold 7 + 1. I'm already leaning towards one, but since I haven't had a chance to shoot either on the range I can't really make a decision. Until I get the opportunity to try them out, what can you guys tell me about either of these pistols? Anyone own one?

[mr surveyor]

personally, I would take the Kahr.

We seem to have common problems with our hands. I tend to stick to single stack handguns myself, due to short fingers (and recently a tiny bit of arthritis developing).

I have in the carry rotation a Kimber Compact, Sig P239, S&W 637, and recently added a Kahr CW9. In my daily routine, I tend to carry the J-frame most often, but when not "in the field", I prefer IWB carry. Although I love the Kimber and Sig, the CW9 has become my favorite IWB handgun due to the similar feel of the DA trigger, compared to the S&W J-frame. The Kahr just seems to be made for my hand. I also have owned a PF9 (as well as quite a few other KT pistols), and loved the way it felt and carried. Out of "need" for another gun at a time the funds were limited, I traded the PF9. Then, after a few months of squeezing the old Sig IWB, I decided the need was to find something that would easily compare to the size of the PF9. I really wanted the Kahr MK9 (trying to get back to traditional steel pistols), but funds again were limited, and finding another plastic pistol I could part with, plus a couple hundred bucks, I brought home the CW9. Very little difference in size, compared to the PF9 and it easily fits the same holsters I had been using....actually fits the same general holster styles as the compact 1911.

The main thing, it fits my hand extremely well, has been flawless through it's first 504 rounds, and POA/POI have been excellent. The Kahr triggers are amazingly smooth as well.

surv

p.s. I think it's time that those of us with "short fingers" start our own seperate threads. Sometimes I wonder if we could apply for A.D.A. funding since our short fingers are a disability most often overlooked by firearms manufacturers

[mr.72]

+1 the Kahr.

See the other thread about Taurus drop-safe issue with Millennium pistols, although not specifically about a 709, maybe still worth a concern.

You might check out a CW9 if the K9's price is a factor. A CW9 at $425 is a much better value IMHO than a Taurus 709 at $375.

[randomoutburst]

While I prefer not to pay an arm and a leg for a gun, if it's worth it I'm prepared to spend a little extra cash.
I can't say money isn't an issue, but if buying the gun I want/need means skipping lunch for a couple months then so be it. ;)

I was leaning towards the Kahr because I like that it has the steel frame and was told Kahr has been making those sorts of pistols for quite a long time.

[CompVest]

Another choice would be the small 1911 styles. STI makes some excellent carry guns in 9, 40, and 45 in a variety of sizes. If you can make the Conroe Gun Show this weekend there will be some there for you to handle at Cypress FireArms - a master dealer for them. Cypress FireArms will be at George R Brown next weekend.

Yet another choice may be S&W M&P series. I have very small hands and short fingers and I have found them to be a good fit for small hands. They have the shortest reach from backstrap to trigger of everything except 1911s with a short trigger. They are quite concealable as well.

[mr.72]

Another choice would be the small 1911 styles. STI makes some excellent carry guns in 9, 40, and 45 in a variety of sizes.

The one STI that I shot (Rogue) was far and away the most finicky and unreliable pistol I have seen. My friend, who has quite the collection of guns including this STI, had to bring it back to STI about five times to try and get it to function and I think he finally relegated it to a range queen and gave up on making it actually work.

So YMMV. I agree on the M&P but that's a double-stack gun that feels quite different in the hand than a Kahr or Taurus Slim, not to mention being substantially larger and heavier. But I do like those guns. M&P compact is on my list.

[LongHairedRedneck]

+ 1 for Kahr, very nice pistols.

[webb3201]

Glock 26

[dicion]

I agree with the small frame 1911 suggestion. Try a few Kimbers, see if they feel good to you.

[CompVest]

I agree with the small frame 1911 suggestion. Try a few Kimbers, see if they feel good to you.

Go for an STI! After all would you rather have a gun made in Texas or New York!

[sar]

quick plug for SA XD subcompacts....

[dicion]

I agree with the small frame 1911 suggestion. Try a few Kimbers, see if they feel good to you.

Go for an STI! After all would you rather have a gun made in Texas or New York!

True, I have not had the fortune of being able to handle any STI's as of yet. They never seem to be at the gun shows I've gone to. Either that, or they're sold out by the time I get there

However, I have heard that there will be a STI Vendor at the GRB Show this weekend. I will definitely have to check them out.
I would not mind owning one at all.

[CompVest]

Cypress FireArms is the STI dealer that will be at GRB. Be sure to introduce yourself. SRVA and I will be there.

[randomoutburst]

I wish I could attend those gun shows but I go to school during the week and my only opportunity to work is on weekends. So that's a no-go. :(
Also, Kimbers feel amazing and I love the look of the STIs (and they don't feel too bad either), but I really can't push my budget up to $1000 right now. Below $800 looks best to me. Also, none of those fit my hand when it comes to my finger reaching the trigger.
Now, the Kahr K9 trigger falls at the perfect spot for me. So does the Taurus 709 Slim. I'm sure there are others out there that will too but I can tell you definitively that the Kimbers and especially the STIs just don't fit my hand well enough for me to consider buying one. :(

Keep the suggestions coming though, please! It's helping me know what to look for to try. :)

[G.A. Heath]

Kimber does offer a "Small hands" package that includes thinner grips, a shorter trigger, and a different grip safety.