Kahr PM9? ...a little pricey but nice. That's about as small as 9's go... Otherwise you're into the 380's which are really having a resurgence now (I hope I'm not sounding like a broken record on this site)... especially with the Ruger LCP and the new S&W Bodyguard 380.

Genitron.com: Details for Kahr Arms PM9 9mm Luger Pistol

Genitron.com: Details for Ruger LCP .380 Automatic Pistol

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

There are many .380's in the size/weight class similar to Kahr PM9 if those smaller (mousegun) .380's are too snappy for ya'... But LOTS of women like them!

The Kahrs are the easiest to conceal. They have more recoil than a full sized pistol like the Ruger, but it's not excessive. You would get used to it just fine, with enough practice.

If you are able to conceal it, a Glock 26 is great, or an XD9 subcompact. They are double-stack pistols that hold a few more rounds than the Kahrs and are therefore heavier. But the recoil is negligible, and they are accurate and very reliable pistols.

S&W makes many small revolvers that would be perfect for you. They are easy to shoot and reliable. I carry a S&W 442.

I would suggest "test driving" a bunch of different ones to see what feels most comfortable to you and your hands. Everybody is different and so this is purely subjective. Something less bulky like a Springfield XD9SC may fit your criteria but unless and until you put your hands on one at a shop or get an opportunity to shoot one belonging to a friend or a rental, you will not really know first hand.

A number of manufacturers are offering subcompacts for the increasing womens market as well as for those seeking a smaller option than a full sized model for ther individual needs. Caliber options are all over the place but keep in mind that when you are looking for something smaller, the caliber generally follows suit.

The XD9SC, smaller models of Glocks and Kahr offer 9mm options that would save your household having to have different caliber ammunition on hand. That is a consideration for some but not all. Just throwing it out there for you if it might be.

Good Luck to you.

Thank you for your suggestions, my husband is checking them out now. I kinda figured I would have to go to a smaller caliber or get a bigger purse. I just really like that 9mm we have.

I would love to go to our local indoor range....but they had someone test fireing a gun about a month ago and they killed themself. So they are a changeing there rules about test fireing. I will have to go in there and see what there new rules are.

Kahr PM9? ...a little pricey but nice. That's about as small as 9's go... Otherwise you're into the 380's which are really having a resurgence now (I hope I'm not sounding like a broken record on this site)... especially with the Ruger LCP and the new S&W Bodyguard 380.

We have the lcp 380, and I do not like the long trigger pull. I know I'm being picky but I need to be comfortable with what I'm gonna carry.

Originally Posted by Kharuger

Kahr PM9? ...a little pricey but nice. That's about as small as 9's go... Otherwise you're into the 380's which are really having a resurgence now (I hope I'm not sounding like a broken record on this site)... especially with the Ruger LCP and the new S&W Bodyguard 380.

Genitron.com: Details for Kahr Arms PM9 9mm Luger Pistol

Genitron.com: Details for Ruger LCP .380 Automatic Pistol

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

There are many .380's in the size/weight class similar to Kahr PM9 if those smaller (mousegun) .380's are too snappy for ya'... But LOTS of women like them!

I have a PM9. I seriously doubt she will care for the recoil. I don't really like the recoil myself. It's got a lot fo punch.

I think something like an Hk P2000 would be a good bet. It's a compact, but not a subcompact. It's a good toss up between size and recoil.

A coworker of mine has an XD9SC and can place his shots at 25 yards. Regardless of the platform or caliber, it's a matter of familiarity and training that leads to performance. Whatever you get, just know that maksmanship is a perishable skill. Muscle memory develops over time and repetition.

SiG's can be had as CPO's (Certified Pre=Owned) for 30-40% less than brand new FWIW. I have 2 myself and on is my primary carry. There are many options available. You just need to get hands on as many different ones as you can to help narrow your likes and dislikes.

Again, good luck on finding what suits you best.

Originally Posted by deanne316

I would love to go to our local indoor range....but they had someone test fireing a gun about a month ago and they killed themself. So they are a changeing there rules about test fireing. I will have to go in there and see what there new rules are.

Don't overlook the Kahr MK9. It's the same gun as the PM9 only steel, not polymer. It makes hug difference in lowering the felt recoil and is not too heavy to carry, especially in a purse. The Kahr trigger is smooth and it's an exceptionally accurate gun for it's size. Kahrs have gotten pricey IMHO, but they are ageless I picked up a used MK9 for a reasonable price on Gunbroker. Good luck.

The Kahr CW9 would be my first suggestion....It is a great gun easy to conceal and accurate. You will like that gun I promise, and it comes in pretty reasonably priced. If you love shooting your husbands Ruger the CW9 will surely make you smile BIG!
next choice...... CZ Rami 9mm 2075, wow thats a gun right there.
after that the Glock or XDm or S&W M&P compact are also very nice weapons.

I had an LCP and couldn’t stand to shoot it. I found that it was very hard to control. This may be due to my rather large hands but none the less, it was a handful to shoot. I decided that if I had to work that hard at shooting something, I shouldn’t trust my life to it and ended up selling it.

I have also been looking at the kahr 9mms. I carry a G26 daily and was thinking that the kahr may be a better choice for carrying concealed because it is a single stack thus reducing the bulk.

Here is a pic that I found comparing the two: http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z..._kahr_pm-9.jpg

The 26 shares the same width as the G19 and the G17.

At the end of the day, I will still probably be stuck with the G26 because it fills my hand so well. (pinky attachment installed on the mag)

I recently aquired a KelTec PF9 9mm and love it. It is small enough to go just about anywhere. In fact it is in my waist band as I'm typing this. Recoil is not a problem for me even though it is considered a small lightweight pistol it was very controlable and would fit smaller hands than mine easily.
http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1282620253

How are you planning to carry this? In your purse? Then the size and weight should not be an issue. Go with what you know you can shoot well (the Ruger).

If you are going to strap the little baby to your thigh, then priorities change; you need a very light and very small weapon (and lots of pratice).

Most women carry in a purse and a mid-size or standard sized weapon should fit fine.