Author Topic: Compact 9 mm's (Read 20255 times)

SHOOTALL · « **on:** July 23, 2012, 07:10:54 AM »

There are several small 9mm's on the market . I have been looking and reading . I have read reviews which seem positive as have some post here and elae where. I have seen a few notes where it was suggested to use 124 to 147 gr bullets . I think the Solo has it mentioned in the owners manual. Seems some feel the lower weight bullets won't wotk the action as well. Over the weekend I tried some 115 in a Ruger and one of the people shooting had 3 FTF . Any thoughts ?

spruce · « **Reply #1 on:** July 23, 2012, 11:16:29 AM »

I would guess it depends on the gun.

I believe Kel-tec recommends the lighter weight bullets in their 2 compacts for reliable functioning.

One of the small nines is supposedly designed around one specific SD loading - it might be the Solo you mentioned??

As you're aware, the smaller they build these things the more "touchy" they become. If only one of the people shooting the Ruger (one out of how many?) had some FTF's then my first thought would be maybe it was that person's technique (limp wrist, not a firm grip) that was causing the problem and not the gun or ammo.

PAHUnter04 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2012, 03:27:13 PM »

Yep, I think the handgun will tell you what it likes. I am familiar with the Ruger LC9 and the Kahr PM9 both are accurate and dependable. The Kahr is my favorite mini 9 MM. It eats anything I feed it. I am partial to the lighter 115 grain JHP bullets. AKA more velocity, less recoil. favorites are Cor Bon 1350 FPS and Doubletap 1395 FPS both with 115 JHP's from a 4 in barrel. So knock about 100 FPS off that for a three in. barrel.

Regards PAH04

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2012, 11:36:52 PM »

I tried some Federal 135 low recoil HP's and they won't even feed to load the gun in a LC9 I was trying .

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #4 on:** July 24, 2012, 12:00:02 AM »

ive got glock 26, it runs like a top but id have to say is borderline if your calling it compact.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #5 on:** July 24, 2012, 01:14:02 AM »

I had 2 mod 27's and I needed the mag floor plate with finger rest to shoot it well. At that point the 23 was about the same to hide so I got a 23. I like the thiness of the single stack Ruger. Bet Glock comes out with a very compact made in the USA soon.

Mike in Virginia · « **Reply #6 on:** July 24, 2012, 01:15:52 AM »

Mine is an SR9c. I've had it about a year and a half. I've run all weight and point types through it without one FTF or FTE. It's not as small as the little LC9, which is a very appealing carry piece, although a friend who has one told me to manual warns against +P+ ammo. Although the SR9c eats +P+ Ranger 127grn. very well, I've settled on the new Hornady Critical Duty 135 grn. +P.
Regarding different brands and weights of ammo, I haven't had to change my sight setting on the SR9c. Even though adjustable, those sights have worked fine for all weights, except for the 115s, which print a little low. The white box Winchester hardball stuff feeds perfectly, but the groups size is greatly widened from the 1.5 inch @ 25 yards I get from the Rangers and the Critical Duty.
I was never a fan of 9mm until I picked up the SR9c and started researching the 9mm's ability as a defense weapon. I've had a few "shootouts" with my brothers at various penetration/expansion targets, and the 9 showed itself to be as viable a choice as 45 auto, .38Spl., .357 Sig, and short barrel .357M. It even surpasses my favorite gun, the flattop .44 Spl with factory loads.
A little off topic. Got carrried away. My real answer is no, I've never had a feeding incident with any 9mm round in the only 9mm I have. My last outing where a lot of ammo was expended quickly was during annual qualification, a 50 round course. I ran all of the 124 grn. hardballs through it with no problem, and then let my brother qualify during the next round of firing with the same gun, and he used a box of 115 hardballs, again with no problem.

Dixie Dude · « **Reply #7 on:** July 24, 2012, 01:20:11 AM »

I have been looking at getting a Ruger SR9 with the built in laser. The little extension on the grip/magazine helps with handling. Haven't tried a Kahr. They seem to be too pricey.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #8 on:** July 24, 2012, 01:22:19 AM »

I had a Kahr and it wasn't reliable and mine was steel and heavy. After finding out about the who owns them i believe I will support Ruger

drdougrx · « **Reply #9 on:** July 24, 2012, 02:24:36 AM »

Interesting topic. I'm also contemplating an LC9....as soon as I get a rather large taxidermy bill paid off. I have a SW3914 which is a very slim rendition of the 39 of old...about the same size but slimmer than the SR9c (I do have an SR9 full sized to compare). Typical SW feeds everything. I've settled on Win RangerT 124gr p which feed in my SR9, BHP and SW but not in my kel-tec S2k. I've generally decided that it's going to be the 124gr p in in my guns as long as they will digest it.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #10 on:** July 24, 2012, 02:58:23 AM »

The Federal round has a very wide open HP and they jam into the feed ramp every time . If you grap the magazine by the floor plate and move it just a bit it then feeds and goes into battry. Tried 4 different mags. Other rounds tried Win 147 gr hp and 115 rem ball fed well with the exception of one shooter.

azmark · « **Reply #11 on:** August 01, 2012, 06:42:06 PM »

I don't want to jack the thread, but I'm looking for pretty much the same thing as the OP, but my focus is on use as a field pistol while hiking. I want a compact size for ease of carry rather than subcompact (don't care about concealed carry) except I really like the subcompact XD. I've decided on 9mm and I swear I've looked at every good pistol out there. I need reliability. Before you even say it, I know the Glock 17 seems to be the favorite of the majority. I really need to keep the cost as close as I can to $400 rather than $500.

I've checked CZs, XDs, Sig 2022, Rugers and of course the G19. What would you guys trust the most out on the trail? I do want accuracy, too, because practice and plinking is fun.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #12 on:** August 01, 2012, 11:09:15 PM »

got to agree. Ive got 3 glocks a 26,23 and a 20 and the 23 is hands down my favorite.

Quote from: SHOOTALL on July 24, 2012, 01:14:02 AM

I had 2 mod 27's and I needed the mag floor plate with finger rest to shoot it well. At that point the 23 was about the same to hide so I got a 23. I like the thiness of the single stack Ruger. Bet Glock comes out with a very compact made in the USA soon.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #13 on:** August 01, 2012, 11:55:16 PM »

Quote from: azmark on August 01, 2012, 06:42:06 PM

I don't want to jack the thread, but I'm looking for pretty much the same thing as the OP, but my focus is on use as a field pistol while hiking. I want a compact size for ease of carry rather than subcompact (don't care about concealed carry) except I really like the subcompact XD. I've decided on 9mm and I swear I've looked at every good pistol out there. I need reliability. Before you even say it, I know the Glock 17 seems to be the favorite of the majority. I really need to keep the cost as close as I can to $400 rather than $500.

I've checked CZs, XDs, Sig 2022, Rugers and of course the G19. What would you guys trust the most out on the trail? I do want accuracy, too, because practice and plinking is fun.

I have been impressed with the Ruger LC-9 so far . It is accurate and at 17 ozs not a load.

garbhead · « **Reply #14 on:** August 02, 2012, 12:02:14 AM »

Have had 3 different KelTec PF-9's...no problems with any of them..picked up last one NIB at gunshow for $200...

azmark · « **Reply #15 on:** August 02, 2012, 02:53:57 PM »

The biggest problem we have right now where I want to hike is mountain lions. Lots of recent sightings according to a Ranger I spoke to. The lions are not acting normally, in my opinion, if they're close enough to people to be seen. We had big wildfires last year, so I'm guessing these big kitties are hungry because their prey has moved. I don't intend to be lion lunch.

I've shot an LC9, but not a Kel-Tec. Would you guys really trust your life to these guns? I don't know anything about their reliability. I suppose a lion would run away if it were shot, but the gun has to go bang, know what I mean?

Graybeard · « **Reply #16 on:** August 02, 2012, 04:50:10 PM »

Yes I trust my Kel-Tec guns completely. I've run them with FMJ and JHP ammo and so far none of the three have ever had a failure to feed or to fire.

Spirithawk · « **Reply #17 on:** August 02, 2012, 05:58:16 PM »

I use Hornady Custom 124 gr JHP/XTP's in my PF-9. Have for the 3 years I've owned it and have yet to have a single stove pipe, nor any type of missfeed yet. One of the PF-9s quallities is it will handle about anything you feed it. My son and grandson also have PF-9's and nary a problem at all. Would I trust my life to my PF-9? I do every single day. It's my primary carry and I never leave home without it.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #18 on:** August 02, 2012, 11:59:39 PM »

I've shot an LC9, but not a Kel-Tec. Would you guys really trust your life to these guns? I don't know anything about their reliability. I suppose a lion would run away if it were shot, but the gun has to go bang, know what I mean?

I would trust either if the gun I was going to use had proved itself reliable ( It would be the same for a $3000.00 gun from you pick a builder ) because each gun is a assy. of parts and until tested you don't know the intergity of each part. I feel OK about the LC-9 I have it has been fired a couple hundred times . It works smoother now than when new. The trigger is getting better. The only FTF was when a lady shot the gun it would eject the spent round but not PU the new one which I contend is limp wrist . And only twice in the first 3 mags to go thru. the gun.
The KelTec , Shot a friends 9 when they came out it worked fine . I wish I could give a long term report but he passed away several years back. He had some money issues and sold off most of his guns. It was about then he got a job that took him into some rough places in the city so he scraped up enough for the KelTec and it seemed to work well for him. He may have shot some IDPA later when money was better. I can say I was around when he shot it most of the time and never saw it Fail.
I think what is hard to realize is there are those who make guns who deep in their brain feel their name on a gun is worth about a 1/3 of the price. And they must have alot of buyers who agree. That is not a cut as I buy some name brand guns. But then there are those who build guns and place an honest profit on them and go to market. Glock is an example They have always kept the cost below guns as reliable , KelTec must be another . The LC-9 is less that a couple of the compitition and the reason I got it and it was a used gun another cost cuter

Get the gun and load you want then test it and enjoy it.

Blue Duck · « **Reply #19 on:** August 04, 2012, 12:46:45 AM »

I have put over 500 rounds thur my LC9 now and not a single issue. Several brands of ammo all fed and shot well. Whats not to trust?

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #20 on:** August 04, 2012, 12:55:49 AM »

great to hear that.

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #21 on:** August 04, 2012, 04:09:37 AM »

Quote from: azmark on August 01, 2012, 06:42:06 PM

I don't want to jack the thread, but I'm looking for pretty much the same thing as the OP, but my focus is on use as a field pistol while hiking. I want a compact size for ease of carry rather than subcompact (don't care about concealed carry) except I really like the subcompact XD. I've decided on 9mm and I swear I've looked at every good pistol out there. I need reliability. Before you even say it, I know the Glock 17 seems to be the favorite of the majority. I really need to keep the cost as close as I can to $400 rather than $500.

I've checked CZs, XDs, Sig 2022, Rugers and of course the G19. What would you guys trust the most out on the trail? I do want accuracy, too, because practice and plinking is fun.

I have owned a SIG Pro 2340 for 8 years in roughly 3500 rounds never a failure. To compare it to a Sub Compact would be unfair as it has a 4" barrel (+-). The wife owns an XD sc in 9MM. The extended mag makes for a nicer range experience, the shorty makes it easy to carry. The barrel however stays short, as does sight radius, blah blah blah.

My thoughts run to SIG, Glock and the Springfield in that order and they are nearly equally matched. The SIG has a superb trigger, Glock has ... well Glockishness going for it, and the Springer can sometimes be had at quite a bargain price. Holster options would bring the Glock to the fore possibly.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #22 on:** August 06, 2012, 12:14:09 AM »

Well my LC-9 ran thru a few more rounds and no problem.

Mike in Virginia · « **Reply #23 on:** August 06, 2012, 02:03:37 AM »

This thread cost me $399. I bought one Saturday night. Haven't shot it yet. Sure feels good, though, and tucks away nicely. I ordered one of those Versacarry "no bulk" holsters.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #24 on:** August 06, 2012, 02:12:26 AM »

Yours got the laszer ?

RevJim · « **Reply #25 on:** August 06, 2012, 04:32:25 AM »

I've used 115gr +P Corbon DPX in every 9mm full size or compact I've ever had. It is an awesome round, and not as snappy as some +P ammo. On two PF9s I've owned, I had a "Buff & Puff" job on them before I shot them. Only jams I ever had was my fault ( limp wrist) and that was only a couple. My Security guy carries a kahr PM9 and it works swell, but I find the PF9 points right and has excellent sights. I also find it to be the most "shootable/easy to hit with" compact 9mm for me so far, really. In fact, it is so much easier to hit with I consider it a viable 'fighting pistol" as opposed to just a "belly gun/Onion Field gun", if you know what I mean. I carried a 1911 for decades, so I am very picky as to what I would fight with (primary carry) My favorite now is my G29, just because I love the power/flat shooting 10mm, but I am getting another Kel-Tec PF9 very soon for more discreet carry. ( I sold it to help fund my rebarrel job on my '06) The Ruger LC9 doesn't point right for me, but they have a good rep so far.Good luck to you, and hopefully you will never have to use your pistol for anything but "fun". ha

drdougrx · « **Reply #26 on:** August 06, 2012, 07:00:31 AM »

"and hopefully you will never have to use your pistol for anything but "fun"."

Amen Rev.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #27 on:** August 06, 2012, 07:06:21 AM »

Consumer reports had a evaluation on the G-29 years ago saying it was one of the worst guns aval. Last time I read what they had to say

Brett · « **Reply #28 on:** August 06, 2012, 08:15:46 AM »

Don't knock the Kel-tecs just because they are affordable. My daily carry is a P-11. I've never had so much as a hick-up from it. Feeds, fires, extracts as well or better than guns costing twice as much and is just as accurate too.

Mike in Virginia · « **Reply #29 on:** August 06, 2012, 09:31:37 AM »

No sir, I didn't ge the laser grips. The possums that come to eat my dog food on the porch at night have got more money than me.