Anything out there better for me than a Kahr K9?

[tek610]

I've been researching my next carry piece for what feels like months now, and I think I've arrived at a decision. But before I make my move, I figured I'd consult the fine folks here at Kahrtalk. I joined for just this reason..

I recently purchased a Walther PPS (after tons of research and shooting) for my wife to carry, and we both love it. But I want a different pistol, to keep our collection diverse.

I've arrived at the Kahr K9 because it seems to be as close to the perfect carry weapon (for me) that I can find. No pistol is absolutely perfect, and I think I'm fully aware of the downsides of the K9, but- well, we'll see after I get some more advice.

I want metal. Steel preferably, but I would consider alloy. I like the idea of a soft-shooter for more range fun, and quicker second-shot acquisition. I have a great gun belt, so the added weight compared to a similarly sized polymer won't bother me.

9mm. I currently carry a Glock 21, and .45 ammo is expensive. With the wife's PPS, we can buy 9mm in bulk and shoot more.

Slim, single-stack. My G21 can feel like a cinderblock on my waist sometimes. Summer carry is difficult at best.

DAO. Since I'm used to the Glock, I don't want to learn a new trigger style. I like shooting all types, but for carry and defense, I want simple and consistent.

No external safety. Again, simple and consistent. Just like the Glock and the PPS.

Small, but not TOO small. I like to get all three non-trigger fingers on the grip.

Now, I'm aware of some drawbacks:

Some don't like the trigger, but I understand it's smooth. Long, but smooth. I've shot a CW9, but I don't really remember exactly how it felt. I think I could get used to it. I own and frequently shoot a S&W revolver. Similar to the Kahr trigger, but even heavier.

I've heard that the mags tend to shed their contents when carried loose, but I don't intend to carry a spare mag, at least not for the foreseeable future. That could change, though. If I did, I wouldn't carry it loose in a pocket.

The price- yes it's a costly compared to other options, but if it's as well built as folks claim, I'm willing to pay the premium for a well-crafted machine. If I go ahead with it, I'd want the elite version.

Is there anything I'm missing? It seems to fit the bill more than anything else I've seen available.

I'm not a wealthy man, so I tend to look at purchases like this as an investment, and I like to have all of my bases covered before I make a 700-800 dollar mistake.


Heck, I'll research a pair of socks before I go shopping. It drives my wife nuts!

Thanks friends.

tek610

[Bawanna]

I was thinking MK9 until your sentence small but not too small. Let me right back to the K9.

If your used to a Smith revolver you should have no issue with any of the Kahrs. The mags dropping rounds is an easy fix and they should be carried in a proper pouch anyway.
I don't like the long trigger reset but that's an issue with any revolver and not a big issue anyhow. You deal with it.

I don't see any reason a K9 wouldn't suit your needs just fine.

[jocko]

indeed buy theK9, u won't find a better 9mm, seriously, it is not only all steel but super lines and the ergo's of the K9 are oustanding.

[muggsy]

You might check out the CW9. Except for the polymer frame it meets all of your wants at half the price and a lot less weight.

[downtownv]

It's my carry of choice!

[AJBert]

If you are settled on a 9mm, go for it. If you want a little more bang, go for the K40.

The only downside to the K40 is ammo costs a bit more than 9mm.

[7shot]

The only other gun out there (size wise) that is in the same ballpark as the K9 is the S&W Shield. It's not all steel but I would give this one series consideration, if you already haven't.

[JimBianchi]

Used K9 are out there for under $400.

I love mine.

[Steve in Sunny Fla]

TEK - I think you'ld be really happy with the K9. Steel, not to big / not to small, competition accurate, reliable, comfy to carry, comfy to shoot. 9mm is inexpensive, and the 147 HST's I shoot make the K9 feel like a strong 22. The DAO trigger on glock / m&p is IMO a misnomer; they're more like an SA with alot of pre-travel. the Kahr trigger is smooth and consistent. I've developed a part to make it smoother, shorter and lighter. Still long, but not too long, and a nice surprise break. I carry a cw9 or a k9, the only other one out there I'd even consider is a 9mm shield, but then it's off your list, it has a safety and it's plastic. If you're interested in a K9, look at Copes Distributing for one of the NYPD pistols. If you buy from them be SURE you specify you want the condition to be at least the grade you paid for, and that the nights sites work. The first one they sent me was a DOG, the second is like a new gun. HTH, Steve

[tek610]

My wife and I finally made to the range tonight to shoot her new PPS for the first time, and while there, I rented a Kahr P9 to get a feel for the size of the gun and the Kahr trigger (they did not have a K9 to rent- or to buy).

The verdict?

I LOVED it. It fit my hand nicely, and the trigger is AWESOME.

Before shooting it, I was thinking- no matter how much I like the trigger (unless I absolutely HATED it) it's something I could get used to. Well, I was hitting the 9 and 10 ring consistently all evening at my usual 7 and 10 yard ranges, and believe me, I'm no pro. It just felt great. No question in my mind at this point I'm going with the Kahr. Most likely the K, but I'm not dead set on it after shooting the P. I'll have to "weigh" (pun intended) the pros and cons of Polymer vs Steel over the next couple days before I commit and make my purchase.

Thanks for the input folks. Looks like I might just be a regular here before long. And it looks like this will be the first of many Kahrs for me. I'm an addict now, and I need my fix! :D

tek

[jocko]

If u love steel, u just gotta love the K9. If weight is a factor but still feel and size means sumpin the P9 is the way to go...

welcome to the fourm, before u buy anything do read the new member section by Wyn and the kahr tech section with two good stickys that will giv eu some insight . Kahr lube chart and propper prepping of ur kahr.

[kahrsport]

k9 is just a class of its' own... nothing compares... between the k9 and my full size cz75, there's nothing much more i wanna shoot...

[les strat]

My wife and I finally made to the range tonight to shoot her new PPS for the first time, and while there, I rented a Kahr P9 to get a feel for the size of the gun and the Kahr trigger (they did not have a K9 to rent- or to buy).

The verdict?

I LOVED it. It fit my hand nicely, and the trigger is AWESOME.

Before shooting it, I was thinking- no matter how much I like the trigger (unless I absolutely HATED it) it's something I could get used to. Well, I was hitting the 9 and 10 ring consistently all evening at my usual 7 and 10 yard ranges, and believe me, I'm no pro. It just felt great. No question in my mind at this point I'm going with the Kahr. Most likely the K, but I'm not dead set on it after shooting the P. I'll have to "weigh" (pun intended) the pros and cons of Polymer vs Steel over the next couple days before I commit and make my purchase.

Thanks for the input folks. Looks like I might just be a regular here before long. And it looks like this will be the first of many Kahrs for me. I'm an addict now, and I need my fix! :D

tek

Just letting you know there is a recall on the PPS's right now. A girl I work with got a call last week about her's she just bought. Just giving you a heads up.

[Short Bus]

I would say a CW9 and use the savings for a ported barrel, ammo and maybe a stainless guide rod

http://www.kahr.com/Guide-Rods-and-Barrels/Guide-Rods-and-Barrels.asp

[voodoo54]

Yes...the K40!:p

[tek610]

Just letting you know there is a recall on the PPS's right now. A girl I work with got a call last week about her's she just bought. Just giving you a heads up.

I see on Walther's website an announcement concerning a PK380 recall, but nothing of the PPS.

If you could find out more info and let us know, that would be much appreciated. We have the latest "BC" (2012) date code.

[gm412]

Ok stop talking about this before you have me out buying one of these. I need a shot gun not another pistol.

[tek610]

Just clicked "Place Order" and joined the Kahr family! My brand new K9 Elite should be at my FFL in a couple of days. Total price including shipping was just under $700.

I am STOKED! :biggrin1:

[JFootin]

I am envious! The Elites are the cream of the crop! Cogratulations!

[wyntrout]

Dang! I have the K9, PM9 and now the P9, and was going to say if you want lighter by 8 ounces, the P9 is the same size and all, but you did make a good choice! Congratulations! I know you'll like the Elite, too!

Wynn:)

[JERRY]

i happen to think the S&W 3953 is the best all around 9mm made, the Kahr K9 is the closest thing to that.

id have no problem carrying a K9 again.

[JimBianchi]

i happen to think the S&W 3953 is the best all around 9mm made, the Kahr K9 is the closest thing to that.

id have no problem carrying a K9 again.

That Smith is on my short list. (T9, 3953, bargain price G29 are the prominent ones)

If I found one (impossible around here, it seems) I'd buy it.

But I need another gun like I need another hole in my head!!
(But at least this hobby is cheaper than racing! My ex was an off-road racer, BROKE!!)

[tek610]

I would pick one up too, if I find the right condition at the right price. I looked into it quite a bit, but buying one sight unseen, and without shooting one first, seemed at bit disconcerting.

My only current option for carry was a less than practical Glock 21. I wanted a brand new pistol for every day carry and so that ruled out the Smith for me. Now that the K9 is on the way, the risk of also getting a used 3953 is less of a factor.

It's definitely on my short list too. Perhaps a 3913.. or a 4516..

Or- ALL THREE ;)

tek610

[7shot]

Just clicked "Place Order" and joined the Kahr family! My brand new K9 Elite should be at my FFL in a couple of days. Total price including shipping was just under $700.

I am STOKED! :biggrin1:

sweet, would love one of these also...congrats

[tek610]

I picked it up today. A brand new, K9 Elite 03. Can't wait to get to the range!

thanks again for all the advice!

:w00t:

tek610

[kahrsport]

now a k9 elite under $700 is a deal... man wish i would've waited... now i am stuck with a cs k9... poo poo...

[rjt123]

I picked it up today. A brand new, K9 Elite 03. Can't wait to get to the range!

thanks again for all the advice!

:w00t:

tek610

Man, I'm jealous! Enjoy it and give us a range report. Pictures!!

[Bongo Boy]

--your post just showed up after I seconded the K9 recommendation. I was too late! Congrats--I don't believe you'll have any regrets whatsoever. I have the K40 and not the K9, but it continues to amaze me--it can print some impressive groups (for me at least). I feel learning the trigger is sort of a continuous process though, but I'm working up some more modest loads for the gun for more sustainable practice at draw-and-fire.

Congrats again! Everyone likes photos, too, you know. :)

[wyntrout]

I love my all-steel K9, but I just added a P9 and it's the same pistol with 8 less ounces... a big deal to me. I also have a P40 and carry it, too. I just couldn't handle the extra 8 ounces of the K, and I do have excellent belts... Looper Kydex-Reinforced gun belts and Cross Breed Mini Tuck holsters.

I wear shorts most of the year and long, loose Tees or Polos most of the year down here in northern Florida.

Wynn:)

[dkmatthews]

The K9 is a great small size carry piece. Galco makes a great ankle holster for it, too.

[tek610]

First- I know it's tradition to post pics, but I have a crappy cell phone and I'd like to wait to post better pics than what I can get with it.

I FINALLY got to the range tonight-

200 round break-in is complete, and nary a hiccup! It shoots like a dream.

I found myself more accurate with it right out of the gate than I am with my Glock 21.

I absolutely love it, and I'm 100% assured that my research led me to the right pistol. I have a DM Bullard belt slide holster on the way (should be here tomorrow) and now that the K9 is broken in, it's ready for EDC.

Thanks again, friends, and I promise- pics soon! But I might just wait until I get some wood on that frame :cool:

And man, my wife is gettin' to be pretty damn deadly with her Walther...

tek610

[7shot]

Another satisfied customer! :biggrin1:

[Bongo Boy]

Congratulations! I doubt there was anyone here who didn't predict this happy outcome!

I was able to fire my K40 at the range today, having picked up the new slide with new Trijicons installed. While I would say I'm still not completely one with the trigger, I would also say I'm still blown away by how these little solid steel guns feel.

My understanding is that the Kahr wooden grips are a bit fatter than the stock rubber ones...so for anyone with average sized hands this would probably be a bit of a blessing. Handsome choice in holsters to, btw.

Where are the photos? ;)

[tek610]

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag63/tek610/2012-11-01_19-32-03_651.jpg

Here it is!

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag63/tek610/2012-11-17_22-17-16_997.jpg

Dressed in fine Texas leather courtesy of DM Bullard.

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag63/tek610/2012-11-01_19-26-24_2821.jpg

Sorry for the glare- SHINY STAINLESS STEEL! :cool:

[cw45fan]

Looks REAL good!

[Longitude Zero]

Nice...

[7shot]

Very nice!

[dkmatthews]

Sorry for the glare- SHINY STAINLESS STEEL! :cool:

That's a handsome piece and some gorgeous leather!

Fat-fingered from my Samsung Galaxy TAB2...

[OlympicFox]

The K9 was my first Kahr. While not perfect, it’s very, very close. For me, perfect would have a DA/SA trigger for faster follow-up shots. None the less, I liked well enough to buy a few more Kahrs:


· PM40 – smaller, lighter & more powerful.

Perhaps too powerful
Requires grip tape to prevent the gun from slipping during recoil – grip tape sucks against a bare backside
Two-finger grip
Pearce grip mag extensions solve the 2-finger issue however the mag jumps during recoil and the little finger gets pinched between the grip extension and the frame

CM9 – for the wife. Smaller, lighter and not so pricey

Good value
Ditto on Pearce grip pinching

PM9 – an attempt to replace the PM40 with less recoil

Less recoil, but snappier. Doesn't feel any better, though
Manageable without grip tape, but not easily
Ditto on Pearce grip pinching

P40 – an attempt to replace the PM40 with a full-size grip to better manage the recoil

Doesn’t slip in the hands as much as the PM9 & PM40, but the felt recoil is no better than the PM40. In fact, I prefer shooting the PM40

P380 – to replace my Sig P238 after the wife confiscated it

My favorite pocket rocket/BUG (we've had an LCP & Diamondback)
Mild shooting for a 380


While I carry the PM40 more often because it’s lighter, I prefer the K9 overall.



Details are all important for maximum carry comfort:


· Weight. Duh. The lighter the better for carry comfort. I wouldn’t be too quick to dismiss the weight of the K9. Once you’ve acclimated to the K9, it will no longer feel so light. My solution is to switch periodically between the K9, PM40 and 1911.
Size – length. Shorter is NOT always better, especially for OWB, less so for IWB. In fact, I find the sweet spot is in the 3.5-4.25” barrel length. Why? With OWB, the weight of the gun is hanging on the outside of the belt, so the gun tries to tip muzzle in towards the body. A long-barreled gun has a long barrel (leverage) to support that weight against the fleshy part of the butt vs. the bony part at the beltline. In other words, my 4.25” 35oz 1911 can be just as comfortable to carry “butt-wise” as my 30 oz K9 or my 22 oz PM40 (all weights are fully loaded ‘cause empty weights don’t count).
Thin slides & frames are critical to IWB comfort. If you’re going to fit the gun inside the waistband, thin is always better.
Thin grips are more comfortable, especially when the butt of the gun is well behind the hip which is where it should be for concealed carry. The polymer Kahr win here, while the K9’s grip is much thicker.
Grip material:

o The OEM rubber grips feel good, but clothing hangs on it which results in printing as well as more chances to fumble the draw.
o Smooth wood grips are my favorite – nothing hangs on them, and they’re comfortable against bare skin
o Checkered wood grips are OK, but less comfortable against the backside
o Crimson Trace grips are hard rubber and slick enough to prevent clothing hang-ups, but a tad thicker than the other grips. My K9 is wearing CT grips as we speak.



I’m planning on sanding my smooth wood grips down to make them thinner just like my 1911 wears thin grips.

Rounded everything. A melted 1911 with an Ed Brown bobtail & thin grips is a classic example of how a gun can be improved for CCW.

Diversity? Diversity is good, but . . . even small differences in handling could be a problem. For example, the Kahr K9 comes with the NYPD trigger which is very smooth and VERY long. That’s great for preventing unintentional discharges with the Kahr, but not so great if you switch from the Kahr to something with a shorter trigger pull, like the Glock Safe-Action and others. FYI, you can opt for the Elite version which has a shorter trigger pull, or have Kahr convert the NYPD trigger to the Elite trigger. After having said all of that, I’ll note that the only two CCW guns we have that have similar triggers are the matched pair of Dan Wesson Guardians. I guess that makes it one of those do as I say, not what I do sort of things.



Yes, the mags shed their contents if carried loose. That includes carry in a flat-bottomed mag carrier. OTOH, I’ve had excellent success with a Comp-Tac mag carrier because it’s sloped to match that top round. I’ve used my K9 in IDPA a few times. It was a disaster when I carried the mags in a conventional rectangular carrier, but successful with the Comp-Tac. There are a few custom holster makers that make angled mag carriers.


Soft shooting guns do make for faster sight acquisition, but faster triggers with shorter resets also help. I can shoot my 40S&W Sig P226 with its DA/SA (7.4#/3.2#) trigger MUCH faster than I can my Kahr K9 with its 5.4# DAO trigger (average of 20 pulls on a Lyman trigger gauge). And I can shoot either of my 9mm S&W M&P 9 Pro (3.1#) or Nighthawk 1911 (3.3#) much faster yet.



But, I’ve yet to find a compact gun that does everything as well as the K9.

[AC7880]

I have been wondering how a P9 stacks up against the K9. Almost the same dimensions, less weight.

I own a K9 now, but would indeed like a bit less weight - if functionality / firing comfort / control/ accuracy is "almost" the same.

Dan



The K9 was my first Kahr. While not perfect, it’s very, very close. For me, perfect would have a DA/SA trigger for faster follow-up shots. None the less, I liked well enough to buy a few more Kahrs:


· PM40 – smaller, lighter & more powerful.

Perhaps too powerful
Requires grip tape to prevent the gun from slipping during recoil – grip tape sucks against a bare backside
Two-finger grip
Pearce grip mag extensions solve the 2-finger issue however the mag jumps during recoil and the little finger gets pinched between the grip extension and the frame

CM9 – for the wife. Smaller, lighter and not so pricey

Good value
Ditto on Pearce grip pinching

PM9 – an attempt to replace the PM40 with less recoil

Less recoil, but snappier. Doesn't feel any better, though
Manageable without grip tape, but not easily
Ditto on Pearce grip pinching

P40 – an attempt to replace the PM40 with a full-size grip to better manage the recoil

Doesn’t slip in the hands as much as the PM9 & PM40, but the felt recoil is no better than the PM40. In fact, I prefer shooting the PM40

P380 – to replace my Sig P238 after the wife confiscated it

My favorite pocket rocket/BUG (we've had an LCP & Diamondback)
Mild shooting for a 380

While I carry the PM40 more often because it’s lighter, I prefer the K9 overall.



Details are all important for maximum carry comfort:


· Weight. Duh. The lighter the better for carry comfort. I wouldn’t be too quick to dismiss the weight of the K9. Once you’ve acclimated to the K9, it will no longer feel so light. My solution is to switch periodically between the K9, PM40 and 1911.
Size – length. Shorter is NOT always better, especially for OWB, less so for IWB. In fact, I find the sweet spot is in the 3.5-4.25” barrel length. Why? With OWB, the weight of the gun is hanging on the outside of the belt, so the gun tries to tip muzzle in towards the body. A long-barreled gun has a long barrel (leverage) to support that weight against the fleshy part of the butt vs. the bony part at the beltline. In other words, my 4.25” 35oz 1911 can be just as comfortable to carry “butt-wise” as my 30 oz K9 or my 22 oz PM40 (all weights are fully loaded ‘cause empty weights don’t count).
Thin slides & frames are critical to IWB comfort. If you’re going to fit the gun inside the waistband, thin is always better.
Thin grips are more comfortable, especially when the butt of the gun is well behind the hip which is where it should be for concealed carry. The polymer Kahr win here, while the K9’s grip is much thicker.
Grip material:
o The OEM rubber grips feel good, but clothing hangs on it which results in printing as well as more chances to fumble the draw.
o Smooth wood grips are my favorite – nothing hangs on them, and they’re comfortable against bare skin
o Checkered wood grips are OK, but less comfortable against the backside
o Crimson Trace grips are hard rubber and slick enough to prevent clothing hang-ups, but a tad thicker than the other grips. My K9 is wearing CT grips as we speak.


I’m planning on sanding my smooth wood grips down to make them thinner just like my 1911 wears thin grips.


Rounded everything. A melted 1911 with an Ed Brown bobtail & thin grips is a classic example of how a gun can be improved for CCW.
Diversity? Diversity is good, but . . . even small differences in handling could be a problem. For example, the Kahr K9 comes with the NYPD trigger which is very smooth and VERY long. That’s great for preventing unintentional discharges with the Kahr, but not so great if you switch from the Kahr to something with a shorter trigger pull, like the Glock Safe-Action and others. FYI, you can opt for the Elite version which has a shorter trigger pull, or have Kahr convert the NYPD trigger to the Elite trigger. After having said all of that, I’ll note that the only two CCW guns we have that have similar triggers are the matched pair of Dan Wesson Guardians. I guess that makes it one of those do as I say, not what I do sort of things.



Yes, the mags shed their contents if carried loose. That includes carry in a flat-bottomed mag carrier. OTOH, I’ve had excellent success with a Comp-Tac mag carrier because it’s sloped to match that top round. I’ve used my K9 in IDPA a few times. It was a disaster when I carried the mags in a conventional rectangular carrier, but successful with the Comp-Tac. There are a few custom holster makers that make angled mag carriers.


Soft shooting guns do make for faster sight acquisition, but faster triggers with shorter resets also help. I can shoot my 40S&W Sig P226 with its DA/SA (7.4#/3.2#) trigger MUCH faster than I can my Kahr K9 with its 5.4# DAO trigger (average of 20 pulls on a Lyman trigger gauge). And I can shoot either of my 9mm S&W M&P 9 Pro (3.1#) or Nighthawk 1911 (3.3#) much faster yet.



But, I’ve yet to find a compact gun that does everything as well as the K9.

[tv_racin_fan]

IF you should decide you don't like that K9 we can make a deal.

I have two carbon versions and am looking to buy more. ALl of my daughters are in need of a nice handgun and they like the K9 very much. Course they seem to like the wifes CW9 also.

[OlympicFox]

Functionality? I guess that depends on how you define it. IMHO, functionality is the sum of factors that make it an effective defensive gun.

Firing comfort? Good for the light weight just isn't the same thing as good without qualifications.

Control? Good, but again, it's just not possible to have the same degree of control in a lighter gun of the same design.

Accuracy? Identical for the first shot. Follow-up shots will depend on your skill level and grip.

I chose the PM40 as the alternative to the K9 because it's significantly lighter for carry. My thinking was that the larger caliber gave it an advantage on the effectiveness of the first shot to make up for the slower follow-up shot. After shooting a PM9, I believe that my split times for the PM40 are only marginally slower than with the PM9. I guess I'll have to try it on the timer and see what the difference really is.


I have been wondering how a P9 stacks up against the K9. Almost the same dimensions, less weight.

I own a K9 now, but would indeed like a bit less weight - if functionality / firing comfort / control/ accuracy is "almost" the same.

Dan

[Bongo Boy]

Dressed in fine Texas leather courtesy of DM Bullard.

http://i1299.photobucket.com/albums/ag63/tek610/2012-11-17_22-17-16_997.jpg


Oh my goodness...I thought that would be a nice combination when I looked at the holster when you first mentioned it, but this is just beautiful. While I'm not a huge fan of leather holsters, that doesn't mean I don't fully appreciate their beauty.

This makes me wonder if maybe I don't need a second K-gun like, in case the one I have doesn't work or something. :)

I really am beginning to feel the K9/K40 is the 'just about perfect' carry. I find it OWB concealable with nearly everything I wear in almost any weather, it is very manageable in terms of shootability, very accurate, and I find I don't even know I have it on most times. I find the weight to be just perfect and wouldn't want any less, personally. With my max-load 40s, things feel suitably cushy on recoil to make shooting a pleasure, not a pain. I like that.

Good choice, and an absolutely beautiful rig you got going there.

[jocko]

super looking rig. Leather just seems to go with steel guns to.

[Bongo Boy]

Honestly, from all the photos I've looked at, I just can't tell--how is the frame finished on the Elite?

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x150/Bongo_Boy/K9EliteFinish.jpg

[OlympicFox]

From the other photos of the K9 Elite, the flats on the grip portion of the frame as well as the beavertail are polished. The dust cover is bead blasted.


Honestly, from all the photos I've looked at, I just can't tell--how is the frame finished on the Elite?

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x150/Bongo_Boy/K9EliteFinish.jpg

[Bongo Boy]

ALl of my daughters are in need of a nice handgun and they like the K9 very much.

My youngest daughter handled my K40 today for the first time since I put the wooden grips and on it, and I had to get fairly stern with her about giving it back to me. I think I could easily sell her on the idea of a K9.

But, I know nothing about what carry options are practical for women--at least those in my family. These are rather stylish dressers--they don't wear T-shirts and certainly don't wear baggy clothing or gym clothes in public. I've been looking at what they wear lately with the specific question of whether they could carry on their persons at all, and I'm not seeing it. The alternative of carrying in the purse is utterly ridiculous--I've spent a good part of my life looking for sunglasses and keys in my spouse's myriad of purses, and it's no place for anything you need anytime soon. Plus, while the K-gun's DAO is a great safety feature, I believe all handguns should be holstered and all triggers protected (covered), regardless of how they're carried.

I really can't see concealed carry as much of a routine option for her, with any gun I'd consider a 'real' weapon.

[OlympicFox]

The gals ability to carry concealed is definitely hampered by society's ideas on stylish dress for women that flatters their shape, but leaves little if any room for a piece of steel.

What your daughter is able to carry concealed will depend mostly on her willingness to tweak her style a bit. A little looseness can go a long way, whereas tight/clingy clothing makes it all but impossible. One of the ideas my wife talks about is how a well dressed woman wears clothes that flatter her figure, but the most flattering are also slightly loose.

The choice of guns is an obvious factor, and unfortunately the K9 isn't the easiest pistol to conceal, largely because the gun isn't really that small or thin, especially at the grips.

Fortunately my wife isn't into that kind of dress, but then it's been many years since the girlish figure begged for it. :hippie: None the less, we've spent some quality time working on carry alternatives to suit a variety of guns from a small 380 to a 4.25" 1911.



FlashBang holster. The little P380 is a dynamite little 380 and the FlashBang holster is something that seems to work very well for most women, even with very stylish dress.
Thigh holster. Good for when wearing a dress or skirt. Great for 380's and small nines like the PM9 or S&W Shield.
Appendix Carry. My wife's second favorite, either IWB or OWB.
Pocket holster. Her other second favorite. However, this requires wearing men's jeans because women's pants have useless puny pockets.
An pancake with an extreme cant (30 degrees) worn well aft of the hip. My personal favorite for the 1911.
Small of the back.
Purse holster. Yes, a woman's purse can be a disaster, but a genuine purse holster has a dedicated section in the middle with easy/rapid access and a holster inside for the gun.
A guy on her arm with a big gun. My wife's #1 favorite. Yeah, she's not real fond of shooting 45's, but she just loves that 1911 on my hip. :D


As for caliber. OK, I prefer a rifle over a handgun, and a 45 over a 40, a 40 over a 9mm. But, sometimes it's hard to carry a big gun even for me, so we have two 380s in the safe for those days. Even the lowly 22 gets the job done a whole lot better than anything left in the safe.




My youngest daughter handled my K40 today for the first time since I put the wooden grips and on it, and I had to get fairly stern with her about giving it back to me. I think I could easily sell her on the idea of a K9.

But, I know nothing about what carry options are practical for women--at least those in my family. These are rather stylish dressers--they don't wear T-shirts and certainly don't wear baggy clothing or gym clothes in public. I've been looking at what they wear lately with the specific question of whether they could carry on their persons at all, and I'm not seeing it. The alternative of carrying in the purse is utterly ridiculous--I've spent a good part of my life looking for sunglasses and keys in my spouse's myriad of purses, and it's no place for anything you need anytime soon. Plus, while the K-gun's DAO is a great safety feature, I believe all handguns should be holstered and all triggers protected (covered), regardless of how they're carried.

I really can't see concealed carry as much of a routine option for her, with any gun I'd consider a 'real' weapon.