I'm interested in carrying a "pocket pistol" and would like to hear your opinions about the Micro 9 and its competition, namely, the Sig P938, S&W Shield, and Glock 43. Other comparable models are also welcome, but these are my top contenders. I'll have a separate thread for pocket 380s. Thank you!
Micro 9 v Competition
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I have the P938 AG which I picked up when I traded my Solo for it. I have no complaints whatsoever; never has had any kind of malfunction. It fits in the pocket well. I use a Desantis Nemesis holster for pocket carry or a Talon leather AIWB.
I also have the Shield 9 with the safety. A bit too large for pocket carry but it can be done if you're not in a hurry getting it out. I carry AIWB in a Black Hawk holster. I like it and carry it most often because of the 7,8 rnd magazine capacity and it's very slim profile and lightweight. The only modification I have done is to put XS big dot sights on it.
I had a G 43 until earlier this month when I gave it to my grandson for 18TH his birthday; it was only very slightly used (25 rounds). It was a tossup whether to give him my Shield or the G 43. Well, I got selfish and like the Shield better so he got the Glop. The 43 was pretty nice but compared to the Shield, it's magazine capacity and it's ergonomics I voted for the Shield; still made my grandson very happy.
If I had to pick only one of these 3 strictly based on functionality - I would pick the Shield. ( not to mention the Shield comes in three different calibers 9,40, 45 ACP also can be found with or without a thumb safety)
All three have excellent reputations for out-of-the-box reliability.
I have nothing to report on the Kimber Micro 9 except that I want the CDP LG in the near future.
I also have the Shield 9 with the safety. A bit too large for pocket carry but it can be done if you're not in a hurry getting it out. I carry AIWB in a Black Hawk holster. I like it and carry it most often because of the 7,8 rnd magazine capacity and it's very slim profile and lightweight. The only modification I have done is to put XS big dot sights on it.
I had a G 43 until earlier this month when I gave it to my grandson for 18TH his birthday; it was only very slightly used (25 rounds). It was a tossup whether to give him my Shield or the G 43. Well, I got selfish and like the Shield better so he got the Glop. The 43 was pretty nice but compared to the Shield, it's magazine capacity and it's ergonomics I voted for the Shield; still made my grandson very happy.
If I had to pick only one of these 3 strictly based on functionality - I would pick the Shield. ( not to mention the Shield comes in three different calibers 9,40, 45 ACP also can be found with or without a thumb safety)
All three have excellent reputations for out-of-the-box reliability.
I have nothing to report on the Kimber Micro 9 except that I want the CDP LG in the near future.
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36 Posts
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.
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After reading your introduction the only logical choice would be a G43.
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I have owned a G43, Kahr PM9 and now Micro 9.
If fast and accurate is a criteria, I shoot the Micro 9 (after only 250 rounds), better than either the G43 or the PM9. The G43 and the PM9 both have thousands of rounds each on them.
If you have a lot of experience with 1911 manual of arms, then the cocked and locked nature won't be a problem. If you are coming from an experience of Glock only say, you will need some time for the safety to become second nature.
I have about 250 more rounds before my Micro 9 becomes my EDC, but short of something really wrong happening in the reliability area, it will be my EDC.
If fast and accurate is a criteria, I shoot the Micro 9 (after only 250 rounds), better than either the G43 or the PM9. The G43 and the PM9 both have thousands of rounds each on them.
If you have a lot of experience with 1911 manual of arms, then the cocked and locked nature won't be a problem. If you are coming from an experience of Glock only say, you will need some time for the safety to become second nature.
I have about 250 more rounds before my Micro 9 becomes my EDC, but short of something really wrong happening in the reliability area, it will be my EDC.
My wife and I both have the P938 and we Both have the Micro 9. Out of the box the Sigs shot without a problem on any ammo that we put through it. Our Micro 9s we had a few hiccups but the more we shot them the better they got. They are coming around to be a really great gun. But right now if my life is on the line I will have my Sig. I still love my Micro 9.
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48 Posts
I also have a Kahr CM-9 for EDC carry and have no misgivings about recommending one whatsoever. In fact I carried it on the trail 2 weeks ago and got it (and me) absolutely drenched. I ran 3 mags thru it yesterday without even lubing it and it worked perfectly. My wife's Glock 42 is being a pain in a$$ right now, locking open in mid magazine and random light primer strikes. It's the only Glock I've ever had issues with however.
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65 Posts
I've got a Micro 9 and a Shield and if I had to pick only one, I would go with the Shield. I love my M9 and definitely find it to be more comfortable for EDC but the Shield is not THAT much bigger and with my Magguts spring and follower, I can fit 8 rounds in the standard mag and 9 in the extended. That is a pretty big difference from 6 & 7 in the M9 respectively. Also, with the rebates that S&W has been offering, you can order 2 Shields for the price of the M9.
I also find the Shield has less felt recoil than the M9 and I, personally, shoot better with the Shield and have not had any problems with it. I have had several problems with my Kimber (although I still love it, oddly enough).
Just my 2 cents.
I also find the Shield has less felt recoil than the M9 and I, personally, shoot better with the Shield and have not had any problems with it. I have had several problems with my Kimber (although I still love it, oddly enough).
Just my 2 cents.
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121 Posts
A bit more information please?
Welcome to the forums from the Blue Ridge Mountains of VA.
Some questions may seem obvious, but they can help us get you closer to the best answer for you.
What is your practical price range?
Is there a type you must use, such as pistol, revolver, derringer, etc?
Do you have a caliber you must use?
What is the required minimum capacity?
Striker or hammer fired?
SAO, DAO, SA/DA?
What is the maximum practical range of use?
Does it matter where it originates?
All metal or polymer?
Holster type?
...and in what size pocket will it be kept? Sounds mundane, but it really does make a difference.
There are a lot of good people with a variety of backgrounds on this forum. We will get you close to your destination and what to look for and avoid, but nothing replaces going to your LGS and checking them out personally.
Welcome to the forums from the Blue Ridge Mountains of VA.
Some questions may seem obvious, but they can help us get you closer to the best answer for you.
What is your practical price range?
Is there a type you must use, such as pistol, revolver, derringer, etc?
Do you have a caliber you must use?
What is the required minimum capacity?
Striker or hammer fired?
SAO, DAO, SA/DA?
What is the maximum practical range of use?
Does it matter where it originates?
All metal or polymer?
Holster type?
...and in what size pocket will it be kept? Sounds mundane, but it really does make a difference.
There are a lot of good people with a variety of backgrounds on this forum. We will get you close to your destination and what to look for and avoid, but nothing replaces going to your LGS and checking them out personally.
1. Price range = under $1,000
2. Type = semi-auto
3. Caliber = minimum .380 ACP (no preference)
4. Minimum capacity = 6
5. Striker/hammer = no preference
6. DAO or SAO (no DA/SA)
7. Maximum practical range = 21 feet
8. Origin = no preference
9. Metal/polymer = no preference
10. Holster = no preference on material
11. Carried in front pocket of blue-jean-style pants (not slacks)
A first-pass through my LGS yielded interest in the .380 and 9mm versions of the pocket guns offered by Kimber, Sig, Glock, and S&W. A second pass and range day will follow when I am closer to deciding.
The objective is to carry something that is first reliable and then small-smaller than the Glock 26.
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48 Posts
I've owned at least 2 G26's and wanted "something" different, hence the Micro. In the $400 range I couldn't pass on my CM9, despite some not so stellar forum traffic. The Ruger LC9 has too much lawyer junk on it IMO, and I'm not feeling the love towards Taurus either. Ditto Kel-Tec. I polished the CM9 ramp and racked the crap out of it, had maybe 2 FTF's in the first 100 rounds, flawless since then. It also comes available in .40 SW but I think shot recover time would be excessive for close in work. YMMV.
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121 Posts
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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121 Posts
PS: I almost forgot to mention the SCCY. Wonderful ergonomics and just a smidgen bigger than the Micros. Internal hammer, polymer, DAO. If not for the DAO I would be all over it.
CPX-1 9mm - SCCY Firearms
CPX-1 9mm - SCCY Firearms
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6 Posts
When I was looking for a hot weather concealable EDC I was able to test the Sig 938 three different times at the range rental. Two issues I had were 1) FTF and FTE, which I blame on poor maintenance. The other was consistent slide bite. I got to hold (but not shoot) a Kimber Micro 380 and I could see the beavertail was a little bigger on the Kimber. I ordered a Micro 9 and have not regretted it once. I certainly have several hundred rounds through it and if I had any issues early on, I have forgotten about them. I use 115gr RN at the range though I periodically run Hornady critical defense to help assure me it will not jam. Not a whole lot of that though yet but no problems. Based on shootingthebull410's reviews I've just added some Remington HST and Winchester Train and Defend (my EDC ammo now) and I've run Golden Saber through it. No problems. I have a Kimber Ultra Carry 45(along with a Kimber 22lr conversion) which I really wonder if I need now that I have this. I also have an Springfield XDs 9 which I also love but I find I am most consistent with the Micro 9. I highly recommend it. I only have the 6 rd mag right now and am not sure the 7 rd will show since I carry all the time, even in dress clothes for work. Time will tell.
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48 Posts
There's an excellent 9mm ammo testing report (and other calibers) on Lucky Gunner's website. It's all jello testing but gives you an idea of ammunition capabilities, which is useful to know. I was surprised to see many loads that were/are delivering minimum expansion out of short barreled guns, some which could be considered "premium".
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...One other to look at would be the Ruger LC9s, I've had mine for about a year and really like it. There are two versions, one has no safety one does. Inexpensive, reliable and accurate. Not as pretty as a Kimber but she doesn't need to win any beauty contests
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