They are a little bulky, and a little heavy but still weigh less than any 1911 and some other full size polymer guns. I have 4000 rounds through my C9 and it functions 100%. The only problem I have ever experienced with it is that it does not like steel case ammo. A straight brass diet and it will eat anything without issue FMJ and JHP both. They are very accurate and almost no felt recoil because of the weight. You won't impress anybody with it but if you want a good gun at a great price you can't do any better. And besides that they have the best warranty in the industry if you happen to have an issue they will make it right without question. The most common problem is actually the magazines and not the guns. Some of the magazines have feed issues because of the lips on the mag. If you get a bad magazine all you have to do is call them and they will replace it and throw in an extra one for your trouble. I purchased 2 ten round mags and when I loaded them I noticed that the bullets seemed to be setting in a nose down position. I called them and told them I wanted to exchange them for the 8 round mags. Not only did they replace them but they sent me 2 extra 8 round mags back for free in the deal and I received them in the mail 3 days from the time I called them. Can't beat that kind of customer service. FWIW most people that bad mouth them are people who have never even touched one let alone shot or owned one.
Edit: Also pretty much any holster that will fit a Glock 26 or 19 will fit the C9 also unless it is a molded specific holster like the Fobus paddle holster in which case they make one specifically for the C9.
Edit: Also pretty much any holster that will fit a Glock 26 or 19 will fit the C9 also unless it is a molded specific holster like the Fobus paddle holster in which case they make one specifically for the C9.