Another "Which one?" Thread!

[clockworkjon]

I live in WI and we are finally getting closer to actually having a CC law. As such, I'm trying to do some homework so that once it is legal, and I have the necessary skills, training, and mindset, I would like to excercise this right. For now I have a short list of 3 very different guns. I see some pros and cons for each, but I'm looking for more "expert" opinions on the selection. Any info or suggestions are helpful and appreciated, thanks!

S&W M&P 9 Compact:
Pros: I have a full-size M&P 9 I really enjoy shooting, I can use the same ammo with both, it is simple, light, reliable, and affordable.
Cons: It is a double stack, so maybe a little wide, may or may not come with a manual safety but I don't have a preference at this time.

Kahr CW9 :
Pros: Single stack so its nice and slim, seems very concealable, also is 9mm so I wouldn't have to learn/finance a new caliber of ammo, simple design, and also pretty affordable.
Cons: May be a little too slim for my big hands, heard it has a long and heavy trigger, not big on the two-tone look, and mags seem a little harder to find.

Kimber Ultra Carry II:
Pros: Its a Kimber.
Cons: Heavier metal frame, larger caliber means more expensive ammo, obviously the most expensive of the 3, harder to find and impossible to try before buying since no shops in the area have them.

[samurai]

Out of your pick- M&P9c. You are familiar with the 9fs, can use the same mags and holsters, some caliber to help the cost of ammo. I have the 9 full size and 9 compact and carry the 9c a lot. It is available with the thumb safety - mine don't have it- your call on that feature.

[cooper623]

as samurai suggested, since you are already using and enjoy the M&P 9 full size, i would suggest the M&P 9 compact. Training for a self defense scenario is all about muscle memory and conditioned responses so that you react properly under pressure and adrenaline. Having the same gun (or essentially the same gun) speeds this up a lot since you are already used to the feel, controls, and operation. Also keep in mind that theres nothing wrong with using your full size M&P 9 depending on how big you are, you might be able to conceal a full size gun. Good luck with the legislation, hopefully you guys will get it passed up there.

[clockworkjon]

as samurai suggested, since you are already using and enjoy the M&P 9 full size, i would suggest the M&P 9 compact. Training for a self defense scenario is all about muscle memory and conditioned responses so that you react properly under pressure and adrenaline. Having the same gun (or essentially the same gun) speeds this up a lot since you are already used to the feel, controls, and operation. Also keep in mind that theres nothing wrong with using your full size M&P 9 depending on how big you are, you might be able to conceal a full size gun. Good luck with the legislation, hopefully you guys will get it passed up there.

Need something smaller than mine, something that will blend in with my spare tire! And I don't want to walk around in a flowered mumu or tac-vest all day. I want something that can go under a tee or polo. That's why I was considering something single-stacked.

[Steve M1911A1]

I have a lot more than a "spare tire," and I easily conceal a single-stack M1911 or Officers' Model .45 ACP.

Nevertheless, I suggest that a double-stack 9mm should not be all that difficult to conceal, especially if it has a short grip area (since that's the hard part to cover).
Easiest to hide might be something with an aluminum frame, rather than plastic, since metal can be formed thinner while providing equal strength (and steel is heavy).

I am also of the mind that "lots of shooting practice effectively increases your ammunition supply" (an original thought by Mike Harries). Thus, if you practice well and frequently, you would require fewer shots to accomplish effective, fight-stopping hits.
In that case, a more-easily-concealed, single-stack pistol may well fill your needs.

[ozzy]

I just have to pass this on. When I went for my CCW class the instructor walked in the room with long pants and a t-shirt and proceeded to pull out 9 pistols. One was a Taurus judge, 3 mid sized 9mm, 2 more small framed revolvers and various other pistols. You could not even tell he had one pistol on him when he walked in the room. That being said I'm sure you could conceal your M&P full size no problem. I'm not a big guy 5'8" 180 and can conceal my Taurus PT 140 at 6 o'clock with summer wear no problem, it's just how you decide to carry.

[clockworkjon]

Ok, so I came across a Walther PPS at a local store. Looked good, felt good, priced ok, but then I went to look for the mag release. Lo and behold, Walther puts them on the trigger guard! What the hell is the concept or benefit behind that? I was considering adding that one to my list but I couldn't figure out if I should use my thumb, trigger finger, support hand, or what! Either way I was changing grip and I didn't like that. Anyone have one of these who could comment? What am I missing? Thanks!

[Steve M1911A1]

Ok, so I came across a Walther PPS at a local store. Looked good, felt good, priced ok, but then I went to look for the mag release. Lo and behold, Walther puts them on the trigger guard! What the hell is the concept or benefit behind that? I was considering adding that one to my list but I couldn't figure out if I should use my thumb, trigger finger, support hand, or what! Either way I was changing grip and I didn't like that. Anyone have one of these who could comment? What am I missing? Thanks!

The Walther magazine release is a pretty good design: it's ambidextrous, and it works well.
Which finger should you use? That's up to you. Try all of the variations you can think of, and find the ones that suit your hand.
I shoot the M1911 mostly, and I have to rotate the pistol in my hand, in order to get my thumb on its magazine release. Instead, were I shooting the Walther, I would use my trigger finger, and I would not have to shift my grip.
Some people can even do the Walther deed with the thumb.

I guess I just don't understand your complaint.

[clockworkjon]

Not a complaint, more curiosity as to why they went with that design instead of a traditional button release on the side. Just not sure what the benefit of their design is.

[Steve M1911A1]

The main advantage is that it's both ambidextrous and uncomplicated.