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Started By
Message
re: Best pocket carry 9mm out there?
Posted on 5/26/21 at 9:11 pm to Douglas Quaid
Posted on 5/26/21 at 9:11 pm to Douglas Quaid
Ruger LC9
This post was edited on 5/26/21 at 9:11 pm
0
Posted on 5/26/21 at 9:15 pm to Douglas Quaid
I pocket carry a lot, mainly due to work constraints. When I pocket carry, it's a Kahr CW380. The only gun that can reliably cc in the usual sized pants/pockets is a micro 380 like the CW380. Similar guns that'll fit in nearly all pockets include the Kel Tac P3AT, Ruger LCP, Beretta Pica and others. I want my pocket carry gun to have as smooth a frame as possible, w/o an external safety lever, grip safety or beavertail. All those features make it more likely to snag during the draw. Although the Kimber Micro 9 is one of my favorite guns for cc, I've never tried to carry it in a pocket because. The same would hold for the 1911 type micro 380's.
OTOH, you said you prefer a 9mm. Admittedly I'm not a big guy (5' 9" 175#) but I wouldn't be able to pocket carry many of the guns mentioned so far, unless I was wearing cargo pants. Having said that, I do pocket a 9mm at times. I started out using a Kel Tec PF9 for pocket carry, but later moved to the Kahr CM9. The CM9/PM9 is the smallest mass produced 9 mm you'll find. Others of similar size include the aforementioned PF9, Ruger LC9 and Beretta Nano. The Shield and Glock M43 are a little to big for me for pocket carry. As small as it is, the CM9 is suitable for pocket carry in only CERTAIN pockets. The gun has to be small enough not only to fit in your pocket, there must be enough room in the pocket for you to get a good grip on the gun. If the many double stacked 9mm's that've been mentioned here work for their owners w/ pocket carry, that's great. But do yourself a favor and try putting one of these holstered double stack 9mm's in your front pocket before buying one (unless pocket carry for you means cargo pockets). Although the Kahr CM9 is a fine gun that suits me, it's trigger is different from the typical Glock/striker type trigger. The Kahr has a longer, but smooth, double action only type trigger. If you want a striker trigger, the Kahr's probably not for you.
Try to handle, and if possible, shoot the gun(s) you're interested in to see which ones handle the best for you. Don't forget to slip the guns you're looking at into put the pockets of the pants you'll wear. Remember to leave room for the holster, as well.
And please, always carry your gun, whether in a pocket, OWB, IWB, or whatever, using a quality holster that always protects/covers the trigger.
Kahr CM9, top. Kel Tec P3AT, bottom.
Kahr CW380
Glock M43 top, Kahr CM9 bottom
OTOH, you said you prefer a 9mm. Admittedly I'm not a big guy (5' 9" 175#) but I wouldn't be able to pocket carry many of the guns mentioned so far, unless I was wearing cargo pants. Having said that, I do pocket a 9mm at times. I started out using a Kel Tec PF9 for pocket carry, but later moved to the Kahr CM9. The CM9/PM9 is the smallest mass produced 9 mm you'll find. Others of similar size include the aforementioned PF9, Ruger LC9 and Beretta Nano. The Shield and Glock M43 are a little to big for me for pocket carry. As small as it is, the CM9 is suitable for pocket carry in only CERTAIN pockets. The gun has to be small enough not only to fit in your pocket, there must be enough room in the pocket for you to get a good grip on the gun. If the many double stacked 9mm's that've been mentioned here work for their owners w/ pocket carry, that's great. But do yourself a favor and try putting one of these holstered double stack 9mm's in your front pocket before buying one (unless pocket carry for you means cargo pockets). Although the Kahr CM9 is a fine gun that suits me, it's trigger is different from the typical Glock/striker type trigger. The Kahr has a longer, but smooth, double action only type trigger. If you want a striker trigger, the Kahr's probably not for you.
Try to handle, and if possible, shoot the gun(s) you're interested in to see which ones handle the best for you. Don't forget to slip the guns you're looking at into put the pockets of the pants you'll wear. Remember to leave room for the holster, as well.
And please, always carry your gun, whether in a pocket, OWB, IWB, or whatever, using a quality holster that always protects/covers the trigger.
Kahr CM9, top. Kel Tec P3AT, bottom.
Kahr CW380
Glock M43 top, Kahr CM9 bottom
Posted on 5/26/21 at 9:30 pm to TigerOnThe Hill
Sincerely appreciate all your feedback as well as the other posts.
I've got a lot of research to do now. Ultimately, I'm looking for a system (gun and holster) that is light, compact and comfortable so that I'll be inclined to carry more often.
I've got a lot of research to do now. Ultimately, I'm looking for a system (gun and holster) that is light, compact and comfortable so that I'll be inclined to carry more often.
Posted on 5/26/21 at 10:35 pm to Douglas Quaid
Another vote for Sig p365
Posted on 5/26/21 at 11:10 pm to Douglas Quaid
quote:
I've got a lot of research to do now.
The good news is that there are plenty of solid choices unless you’re really serious about pocket carry. If you can shoot all of them and find the one you like best, great, but if you can’t you could throw a dart at this thread and land on a reliable slim 9mm.
For the most part the days of semi-autos you can’t rely on are gone. Problems, when they exist, are fixed pretty quickly because the entire world finds out about them on social media. Glocks used to have an unsupported chamber, now they don’t. The 365 had problems early, they’re fixed. The Shield was always reliable but the trigger was criticized, so they’ve improved the trigger twice since its release. Stick with one of the major sellers and you’ll be fine.
Posted on 5/27/21 at 7:12 am to Douglas Quaid
True "Pocket Carry"?
Would depend on the type of pants you wear frankly if you're concerned about it printing? I tried out a bunch, and guess the best option I found would be the Ruger Ec9s. Or, buy the older version used Used LC9 example.
I know this will start a caliber discussion, but people that I know that truly "pocket carry" tend to like S&W M&P Bodyguard.. It's a .380.
I ended up with a Kel-Tec P32.. 6.6 oz. Can't tell it's in the pocket. Like a cell phone. Use the DTOM Holster usually. 7+1 rounds. With 73 grain ammo, it'll go through just about anything. My view is the gun you have is better than the one in your safe and that no one wants to get shot.
Would depend on the type of pants you wear frankly if you're concerned about it printing? I tried out a bunch, and guess the best option I found would be the Ruger Ec9s. Or, buy the older version used Used LC9 example.
I know this will start a caliber discussion, but people that I know that truly "pocket carry" tend to like S&W M&P Bodyguard.. It's a .380.
I ended up with a Kel-Tec P32.. 6.6 oz. Can't tell it's in the pocket. Like a cell phone. Use the DTOM Holster usually. 7+1 rounds. With 73 grain ammo, it'll go through just about anything. My view is the gun you have is better than the one in your safe and that no one wants to get shot.
Posted on 5/29/21 at 3:07 pm to Flats
I've narrowed it down to three:
Sig p365 X-series
Shield 9 Plus
H&K VP9SK
I'm wrestling with decision to go for smallest size and carry comfort (p365 or Shield) or slightly larger size but more shootable pistol (H&K).
Trying to resist the urge to impulse buy one to just be done with it and reading more or even trying to get my hand one each before buying.
Sig p365 X-series
Shield 9 Plus
H&K VP9SK
I'm wrestling with decision to go for smallest size and carry comfort (p365 or Shield) or slightly larger size but more shootable pistol (H&K).
Trying to resist the urge to impulse buy one to just be done with it and reading more or even trying to get my hand one each before buying.
This post was edited on 5/29/21 at 3:13 pm
Posted on 5/29/21 at 3:53 pm to Douglas Quaid
The Sig carries great, although I opted for the Sig P365 standard version rather than the XL. I also have the HK VP9 SK and it's a more intuitive aim for me, and of course the trigger rivals the Walther PPQ, which I really like. For comfortable carry though, I prefer the Sig. The HK is just a little too big for pocket carry. Buy both.
Posted on 5/29/21 at 4:22 pm to Douglas Quaid
Earlier today I went grab onto the 365xl and hellcat, since my local shop got a few in stock. Personally, not a fan of either. Think I’m ordering the shield plus. If it’s anything like my original, it’ll be fine.
Posted on 5/29/21 at 4:29 pm to Douglas Quaid
quote:
Sig p365 X-series
Shield 9 Plus
H&K VP9SK
After trying the Hellcat and the Sig I was down to the Sig and the Plus (didn't get to shoot a Plus beforehand), but not the longer barrel Sig. I've not shot the H&K but any of those are good choices. And there wasn't anything wrong with the Hellcat, I just preferred the Sig a bit to it.
As long as it's a reliable gun, and I'm pretty sure all the ones mentioned in this thread are, practice is a lot more important than which model you end up with. You can probably find a comparison where any of those three you're considering come out on top.
Posted on 5/29/21 at 4:29 pm to Douglas Quaid
quote:The P365 is a great shooting 9mm. Surprisingly docile for a little 9mm. I haven't shot the shield plus or the VP9SK but the original Shield is way more snappy than the P365 and I can't imagine the VP9SK is any less snappy than the P365. I've shot the VP9 and the P365 seems close recoil wise.
more shootable pistol (H&K).
Posted on 5/29/21 at 4:38 pm to Douglas Quaid
quote:
H&K VP9SK
I'm wrestling with decision to go for smallest size and carry comfort (p365 or Shield) or slightly larger size but more shootable pistol (H&K).
What I carry (appendix). May be too big for pocket carry though. Also have a P365, I just prefer the H&K VP9SK. Very shootable, but so is the P365. You can't go wrong with either one.
Posted on 5/29/21 at 6:41 pm to Douglas Quaid
I carry a Glock 43 in a Yeti soft koozie. It's light, comfy and built for the wild.
Posted on 5/29/21 at 7:33 pm to Douglas Quaid
Cheap and good Taurus G2C
LINK
LINK
Posted on 5/29/21 at 8:20 pm to Douglas Quaid
The Sig is the logical choice. The current Ruger LC9 I would imagine. I had the original it was okay, heavy trigger, but the current LCP .380 is basically the same and a great little pocket gun.
ETA: the .380 lcp (the current one) is loud af and snappy, I don't remember the original LC9 being as snappy, granted two different calibers (to a degree).
ETA: the .380 lcp (the current one) is loud af and snappy, I don't remember the original LC9 being as snappy, granted two different calibers (to a degree).
This post was edited on 5/29/21 at 8:22 pm
Posted on 5/29/21 at 9:49 pm to TigerOnThe Hill
Looks like your holsters cost more than your pistol.
Posted on 5/29/21 at 10:24 pm to SouthernInsanity
Marine buddy of mine swears by the CZ P01. I'm gonna try to rent one. Anyone here have experience with it for carry?
Posted on 5/30/21 at 12:19 am to SouthernInsanity
quote:
Looks like your holsters cost more than your pistol.
HaHa!
Actually I didn't spend much over $100 for the holster and pocket magazine holder. The shark trim added to the price, but I think it was worth it. Both were made by Rob Keeton. He does good work and is surprisingly inexpensive. 
Posted on 5/30/21 at 10:02 am to boxersdrule
No experience carrying it but it will have one of the smoothest triggers you'll find. CZ P10 is a little lighter due to being polymer but I'd think the P01 would be worth the extra weight.
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