I have the P938, and consider it and the Micro 9 in the same class. The Kimber looks better, though. The Shield and G43 are nice guns, too, but it's a matter of single-action vs striker-fired.
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I have a micro 9 and a shield. I carried the Shield for a few years and a couple months ago decided to try the micro 9. First the shield...great gun, carried IWB, only problem was the takedown lever snapping. That gun has over 1000 rounds through it and the takedown lever sheared off the last time out. I cant ever remember any kind of failure with it other than the takedown lever.
The micro 9 is my preffered carry gun. It is a little bit lighter, a touch smaller and for some reason is just more comfortable to carry and shoot. It has a better trigger, and if you hold on tight it will do its part. That being said, I did have had 4 failures (i think) with it between frtb, fte etc. in the first 250 rounds, nothing since than, and nothing with defensive ammo. I even tried critical defense lite for the heck of it. Also, I have finish issues with my 2-tone, but because I like the gun, I am not going to give Kimber the chance to screw it up again. It will be getting Cerakoted in a couple months. The finish on the frame is worn through to aluminum and the slide is torn up. No such issues with the shield after 3 years, but the micro 9 is doing it after 3 months.
I dont think I would pocket carry the shield, but the kimber you definitely could.
The micro 9 is my preffered carry gun. It is a little bit lighter, a touch smaller and for some reason is just more comfortable to carry and shoot. It has a better trigger, and if you hold on tight it will do its part. That being said, I did have had 4 failures (i think) with it between frtb, fte etc. in the first 250 rounds, nothing since than, and nothing with defensive ammo. I even tried critical defense lite for the heck of it. Also, I have finish issues with my 2-tone, but because I like the gun, I am not going to give Kimber the chance to screw it up again. It will be getting Cerakoted in a couple months. The finish on the frame is worn through to aluminum and the slide is torn up. No such issues with the shield after 3 years, but the micro 9 is doing it after 3 months.
I dont think I would pocket carry the shield, but the kimber you definitely could.
Attachments
I have learned many things from carrying my Micro 9 in a Sticky holster inside my front jeans pocket. I chose the 9mm for the availability of cheap as well as hard hitting +P ammo. I want penetration through a leather jacket worn over a hoodie, sweatshirt, denim jacket, etc at a range equal to the distance between rear bumpers of two vehicles park nose to nose. In other words, parking lot defense at 15 yards.
First, and by far most important, is a real safety. Not a "it's between the ears" safety, but a real safety such as thumb safety. Rules out the Glock and others like it. Size and weight will affect the happiness of your decision. My friend permitted me carry his S&W Shield; too thick and heavy for a pocket gun. And size will definitely matter, especially when you add in the thickness of a holster. When you handle a perspective purchase, you must not forget about gripping it with sweating, oily, dirty, etc hands. Not just while shooting, but equally if not more importantly, when reaching to "pull your pistol" (always wanted to say that
). This is where the Kimber falls short. The checkering on the backstrap's main spring housing is really good, but there is none on the front. I don't like fumbling for purchase and coming is the day when I do something about that.
From what I know, that leaves 3 hammer fired choices. If you want 9mm, there is just the Sig Sauer 938. The remaining two choices are obviously in .380 caliber. If you are fine with a plain ramp front sight there is the Colt Mustang Lite. If better sights are wanted, then it's the Sig Sauer 238.
A few notes concerning fit, finish, etc. Look for things that may snag in your holster or pocket such as sharp edges on the hammer, sights, or the little finger sapping front corners of the mag well. A regular safety will prove itself better than an ambidextrous one. Many owners with cerakoted slides report the finish coming off around the ejection port. The Sig has a plastic trigger, but there is a $40 performance aluminum upgrade available from Galloway Precision that also adjusts over travel. And let's not forget the idiot scratch waiting to afflict every 1911 style take down lever.
A further thought about the .380. It is a sweet round that's easy to shoot with a quick recovery. The smaller size and lesser weight is noticeably more comfortable. But if I had to do it again:
https://www.sigsauer.com/store/p938-nitron-micro-compact.html
Whatever you decide, and coming from someone who carries a Micro 9 in the front pocket of his jeans...
GET A REAL SAFETY!
First, and by far most important, is a real safety. Not a "it's between the ears" safety, but a real safety such as thumb safety. Rules out the Glock and others like it. Size and weight will affect the happiness of your decision. My friend permitted me carry his S&W Shield; too thick and heavy for a pocket gun. And size will definitely matter, especially when you add in the thickness of a holster. When you handle a perspective purchase, you must not forget about gripping it with sweating, oily, dirty, etc hands. Not just while shooting, but equally if not more importantly, when reaching to "pull your pistol" (always wanted to say that
). This is where the Kimber falls short. The checkering on the backstrap's main spring housing is really good, but there is none on the front. I don't like fumbling for purchase and coming is the day when I do something about that.From what I know, that leaves 3 hammer fired choices. If you want 9mm, there is just the Sig Sauer 938. The remaining two choices are obviously in .380 caliber. If you are fine with a plain ramp front sight there is the Colt Mustang Lite. If better sights are wanted, then it's the Sig Sauer 238.
A few notes concerning fit, finish, etc. Look for things that may snag in your holster or pocket such as sharp edges on the hammer, sights, or the little finger sapping front corners of the mag well. A regular safety will prove itself better than an ambidextrous one. Many owners with cerakoted slides report the finish coming off around the ejection port. The Sig has a plastic trigger, but there is a $40 performance aluminum upgrade available from Galloway Precision that also adjusts over travel. And let's not forget the idiot scratch waiting to afflict every 1911 style take down lever.
A further thought about the .380. It is a sweet round that's easy to shoot with a quick recovery. The smaller size and lesser weight is noticeably more comfortable. But if I had to do it again:
https://www.sigsauer.com/store/p938-nitron-micro-compact.html
Whatever you decide, and coming from someone who carries a Micro 9 in the front pocket of his jeans...
GET A REAL SAFETY!
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