Searching for a New Carry Gun

[CompVest]

Check out the S&W M&P if you haven't already.

[5thGenTexan]

Not sure about the K-series but I do know from experiance with the CW &PM you have to watch that slide lock spring like a hawk when reassembling. Their only drawback I have found is that tiny little spring. For a short light gun they shoot very nice. I just have to call and get a replacement spring for my CW40 the manual doesn't quite do the job of laying out the problem after I noticed it was bent I tweaked it with a pair of needlenose but it weakened the tip and it wasn't quite dead on to spec so the slide doesn't lock open on last round. Thank goodness it wasn't the wifes PM9, she couldn't get to the range that weekend, and I found the Video on Kahr website before doing here 200 round break in. She has small hands and did not like the way the Taurus PT111, XD's or M&P's fit. The Kahr she said was perfection on the fit.

Good luck on picking something that fits like it was made for you.

[dicion]

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

I will be sure to do so! Will you be at/around the Cypress Firearms table?

I'll be spending all weekend at the GRB in one way or another, I'm an exhibitor for my second job (small business) over at The Guy Expo this weekend.

[CompVest]

We are helping a friend at the Cypress FireArm's table so we will be there.

[randomoutburst]

Heath - I didn't know that. Might be up for consideration at a later date when I have more to spend but not now unfortunately. I really do like the Kimbers. :)
5thGen - Yeah, the guy at the shop where I found one told me that and showed me how to disassemble one. Said it was difficult the first handful of times but just as with any gun, you become accustomed to it. I picked the K9 over the other models because it has a steel frame (I'm not a fan of polymer frames) and it fits my hand. I'm planning on trying one out Thursday and if it doesn't tickle my fancy anymore I'll see what the Taurus feels like. If neither one continue to interest me after that...well, I guess I'll have to take another look at some other guns mentioned here.
I did see recommendations for guns that I don't feel would work for me - the M&P likely won't fit my hand as no double-stacks have yet and 1911s don't work unless chambered in 9mm because I want to keep my guns in certain calibers and 40 & 45 aren't included on that list at this time. Then the issue of can I reach the trigger arises. ;)
Knowing those needs/wants that I don't believe I mentioned before, do ya'll have any more suggestions for guns to try should my two prospects turn out to be flops?

[edmart001]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest you try to handle a CZ 2075 RAMI to see if it would fit your hand. It is a double stack, but for only .4" extra width you get almost twice (15 vs. 8) the round count from the K9 in 9mm. CZ has an excellent reputation for being rugged, reliable and accurate and is considerably less expensive than the Kahr to boot. I carry a slightly larger compact model (the CZ 75D PCR) that has never had a single reliability problem (in approximately 3,000 rounds) and is more accurate than I am. In general I think CZ is a lot of gun for the money.

http://cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-2075-rami/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[mr.72]

5thGen - Yeah, the guy at the shop where I found one told me that and showed me how to disassemble one. Said it was difficult the first handful of times but just as with any gun, you become accustomed to it. I picked the K9 over the other models because it has a steel frame (I'm not a fan of polymer frames) and it fits my hand. I'm planning on trying one out Thursday and if it doesn't tickle my fancy anymore I'll see what the Taurus feels like.

I have never noticed any issue assembling my CW9. In fact I like how easy the gun is to break down. The only thing that's tricky is getting it aligned just right to get the slide stop inserted. And, the big thing is you have to pull the trigger to get the slide OFF.

Anyway, if you don't like poly pistols, why look at the Taurus? Or on the other hand, if you are considering a poly Taurus, maybe you should also consider a poly Kahr?

[Oldgringo]

I don't have one but there are several folk on this forum who speak highly of the RIA 1911 Compact which incidentally can be bought for <$500.

[randomoutburst]

mr.72 - I was only looking at the Taurus as an option because I saw it first and felt kind of bad about considering the Kahr (that was so expensive) so wanted to keep it on the table. ;) Plus, it might actually be a nice little gun. My hubby said he's considering getting a 709 Slim for him. We'll see.

edsmart and oldgringo - I'll definitely try to hold a CZ 2075 to see how it feels, and perhaps the RIA 1911 too, but remember that I wanted to stick with 9mm so a .45 probably isn't going to be a serious consideration. Capacity for the CZ looks nice. :)

[edmart001]

IRRC, the RAMI is available in cast aluminum alloy or poly frame and in 9mm or .40. And, in 9mm alloy frame, you can get it with either a manual safety or a decocker. The slide is SS in all cases and of course the round count is different between the two calibers. G&A did a fairly recent video review on the RAMI in .40 that you should be able to find on the interweb if interested. As with all subcompacts, it has a reputation for a relatively sharp recoil, especially with the poly frame in .40, but if you go with the alloy frame in 9mm I'd be surprised if you'd find much objection - especially if you've been shooting a KT-PF9.

You mentioned that cost is a factor. I fully understand. In fact, if I hadn't been having at least one kid in college since 2001, I'd have a RAMI to go along with my PCR. But, after reading post after post on this forum and others about expensive handguns that have FTF, FTE, this breaks, that breaks, this needs adjusting, that needs replacing - the thing I really like is the fact that my <$500 CZ has never had so much as a hiccup since coming out of the box. Other than routine cleaning, I've not done anything to the pistol other than the installation of wood grips and that was only because I think the wood looks nice. I bought my pistol at a gun show, NIB, for considerably less than MSRP.

[CompVest]

Heath - I didn't know that. Might be up for consideration at a later date when I have more to spend but not now unfortunately. I really do like the Kimbers. :)
5thGen - Yeah, the guy at the shop where I found one told me that and showed me how to disassemble one. Said it was difficult the first handful of times but just as with any gun, you become accustomed to it. I picked the K9 over the other models because it has a steel frame (I'm not a fan of polymer frames) and it fits my hand. I'm planning on trying one out Thursday and if it doesn't tickle my fancy anymore I'll see what the Taurus feels like. If neither one continue to interest me after that...well, I guess I'll have to take another look at some other guns mentioned here.
I did see recommendations for guns that I don't feel would work for me - the M&P likely won't fit my hand as no double-stacks have yet and 1911s don't work unless chambered in 9mm because I want to keep my guns in certain calibers and 40 & 45 aren't included on that list at this time. Then the issue of can I reach the trigger arises. ;)
Knowing those needs/wants that I don't believe I mentioned before, do ya'll have any more suggestions for guns to try should my two prospects turn out to be flops?

It is best to give each gun a try before deciding if it will fit or not. As I have mentioned I have very small hands. There are three guns in 9 mm or larger that I can reach the trigger. Two of them are 1911s with a short trigger and the M&P with the small grip interchangeable grip. The third is the Steyr.

Your best bet would be to go to a gun show and pick up every gun there to find out what fits the best. We can offer suggestions but it will still come down to your trying them for fit.

[randomoutburst]

As I said earlier, I unfortunately can't attend gun shows because I go to school during the week and must work over the weekend to pay for things like gas, ammo, food, ammo, and ammo. ;)
I just went to examine some of the suggestions. M&P is too big as I suspected. The CZ 2075 RAMI was also too big. Picked up a Kimber Aegis Ultra II and I think I may be reconsidering the cost factor. Holding that gun was the closest thing to pure pleasure besides...well...
Anyway, I think I'll still try out the Kahr K9 when I go to the range this Thursday just to say I have and see how it feels...but now I am seriously considering saving up a little bit longer and springing for the Kimber.
We are also going to have hubby shoot my Kel-Tec this Thursday to see if it's just me or the gun. If it's the gun we'll have someone polish the feed ramp and see if that fixes the problem. If it does it'll be my BUG for when I carry multiple guns or when I carry at work.

I'm excited now. I forgot just how good Kimbers feel...and that Aegis fits my hand PERFECTLY. And it's chambered in 9mm, exactly what I wanted!

[mr surveyor]

having the "short finiger affliction" myself, I can completely sympathize with your dilema. I tend to stick to single stack handguns myself, and a Kimber Compact (45) is one of them, as well as a Kahr CW9. I really don't find much difference in the overall "fit" of the Kimber vs Kahr CW9, and trigger reach is perfect (for me) on both. You do have to keep in mind though that you are considering two different platforms in the Single Action "cocked and locked" Kimber, and the striker fired safe action Double Action Kahr. As much as I love my Kimber, I have found in the last 4-5 years that I personally prefer to carry a DA pistol. Which would I rather shoot?????.... the Kimber, hands down. Which is easier to conceal and carry???? .... the Kahr.

I like both of your current choices equally, although for different reasons.

Get 'em both!


surv

[randomoutburst]

Darn it darn it DARN IT!!
I have a new contender for my next carry gun, so my three considerations are the Kimber Ultra Aegis II, the Kahr K9 and now...the Springfield EMP.
Between the Springfield and the Kimber what do you think? They're similar in price so we'll leave that out of it for now...what about quality, reputation, reliability, how it handles wear and tear...anything! :)
I have heard good things about both Springfield and Kimber, but more often hear encounter negative comments when it comes to Kimber. One guy commented that Kimber has begun using inferior materials while keeping the purchase price the same or higher, so you're getting less for more money. Comments from you guys?

[G.A. Heath]

Monday I picked up a Kimber Custom TLE II. I tore it completely down early Tuesday morning, cleaned it, put it back together and then fed it 100 rounds. I cleaned it last night when I got home from work and then fed it another 50 rounds just now. My impressions so far are:

Its a production gun, probably the best production gun I have ever owned in regards to tolerances, comfort, and out of the box reliability. The only area it has not surpassed my RIA compact Tactical 1911 is in the out of the box reliability and they are both batting a thousand. Components appear to be top notch, and the fit and finish are top notch. Its components look to be in spec with industry standards. The official warranty period is 1 year, however Kimber appears to be servicing their products with an un-official lifetime warranty in regards to materials and workmanship. Additionally you can send the gun in for the small hands package at a later date if you choose to.

As for the Springfield EMP. Its a quality weapon, I'm not 100% sure but I think it uses many proprietary components. In fact I believe that SA calls it a "Short Action" 1911. The only example I have ever held was fitted a bit looser than my Kimber but it was tighter than average. Both guns are more accurate than I am, while one or the other may have had a slight edge. The EMP has a smaller grip. Springfield's warranty is officially a lifetime deal.