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Handguns, Rifles & Shotguns => Handguns => Topic started by: Dave1215 on December 28, 2014, 07:55:50 PM

Title: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: Dave1215 on December 28, 2014, 07:55:50 PM
Looking for opinions (and why) on pocket carry

Want 9mm as the choices.

Not SW MP Shield ( have it, love it and will be the primary EDC choice, but don't like it in the pocket), ....something slightly smaller. 

Not LC9 (have shot it and don't care for it.

Not Glock.

Ok - opinions and why?
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: abbafandr on December 28, 2014, 08:22:56 PM
Looking for opinions (and why) on pocket carry

Want 9mm as the choices.

Not SW MP Shield ( have it, love it and will be the primary EDC choice, but don't like it in the pocket), ....something slightly smaller. 

Not LC9 (have shot it and don't care for it.

Not Glock.

Ok - opinions and why?
Keltec PF9.  Have been carrying one for years.  Fits in my jean pockets easily (using a pocket holster).  Not hard to present from pocket carry and the little fella is pretty accurate at 10 yards.  I like the fact you can have 8 or 9 rounds ready to go depending which magazine you choose.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: SemperFiGuy on December 28, 2014, 09:31:07 PM
Kahr PM9 works for me.   
Small.  Thin.  High quality.  Rugged.
Summer carry gun.  Handles +P ammo without a blink.
Kahr now makes the CW9.  Considerably less expensive but very close to same quality and features as the PM9.

Winter carry gun is a 9mm Super Magnum.
AKA .357Sig in Glock 33.

Feel quite comfortable and confident with either.
And....Crimson Trace lasers on Everything.

sfg
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: FarmerRick on December 28, 2014, 10:27:28 PM
Looking for opinions (and why) on pocket carry

Want 9mm as the choices.

Not SW MP Shield ( have it, love it and will be the primary EDC choice, but don't like it in the pocket), ....something slightly smaller. 

Not LC9 (have shot it and don't care for it.

Not Glock.

Ok - opinions and why?

If you haven't tried the new LC9s, you should. It's a whole different(better) trigger.
I sold my regular LC9 and bought an LC9s, very happy with the decision.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: Dave1215 on December 29, 2014, 07:46:17 PM
Thanks for the opinions...adding them to the candidate pool....

Also thanks for sharing about LC9 changing the trigger - was not aware of that - may reconsider.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: bbauman on December 30, 2014, 10:10:33 PM
FYI, CM9 is the PM9 sized less expensive version. The CW9 is a little larger.

Smaller than an M&P Shield? Below is how things compare.
                            W  H    L
S&W     Shield  0.95 4.6   6.1   19oz
Kahr   PM9,6rnd   0.9   4.0   5.3   14oz
Kel-Tec   PF9   0.88   4.3   5.85   12.7oz
Ruger   LC9   0.9   4.5   6   17.1
Smith-Wesson   360 M&P   1.36   4.25   6.31   13.3  (I'll pocket before trying to pocket a 9mm)

Maybe I just have small pockets but anything over the little 380's either isn't easy to draw and/or prints.  Also seems like if it is light enough clothing to where you don't use a belt then it can't hide anything as heavy as a 9mm.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: Mudinyeri on December 31, 2014, 06:32:32 AM
I bought myself a Kahr PM9 thinking, "This will be a fine little pocket carry pistol." (Having never pocket carried before.)  After a few different pockets and some practice, I decided that I wouldn't want to rely on digging a pistol out of my pocket if I ever needed to defend my life with a firearm.  It's just too easy to carry IWB ... and so much easier to draw.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: Dave1215 on December 31, 2014, 07:01:13 AM
FYI, CM9 is the PM9 sized less expensive version. The CW9 is a little larger.

Smaller than an M&P Shield? Below is how things compare.
Maybe I just have small pockets but anything over the little 380's either isn't easy to draw and/or prints.  Also seems like if it is light enough clothing to where you don't use a belt then it can't hide anything as heavy as a 9mm.
I bought myself a Kahr PM9 thinking, "This will be a fine little pocket carry pistol." (Having never pocket carried before.)  After a few different pockets and some practice, I decided that I wouldn't want to rely on digging a pistol out of my pocket if I ever needed to defend my life with a firearm.  It's just too easy to carry IWB ... and so much easier to draw.

Gentlemen: Thank you both for that feedback... I may end up at that same spot but no assuming so at this point.  Body type and clothing style has big impact - so starting the research with the desire for 9mm... but, if can't find one may end up with 380.

Majority of the time I am IWB with Shield9mm...  very comfortable with that and can draw easily (including from a seated position in a car firing from inside through the windshield). 

There are several times each week where pocket gun is a bit more desirable (practical?) based on what I'm wearing and where I'll be for the day... thus looking for the backup option and initial desire is to not drop down to 380.

Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: Mali on December 31, 2014, 09:34:09 AM
I bought myself a Kahr PM9 thinking, "This will be a fine little pocket carry pistol." (Having never pocket carried before.)  After a few different pockets and some practice, I decided that I wouldn't want to rely on digging a pistol out of my pocket if I ever needed to defend my life with a firearm.  It's just too easy to carry IWB ... and so much easier to draw.
I have been carrying IWB since I got my CCW earlier this year.  However, I find that access to my gun (Taurus PT709) under the jackets becomes an issue now that the temps have dropped so low so I too was considering a pocket holster for this time of year.  How are you handling that issue if you are staying with IWB?
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: whatsit on December 31, 2014, 01:28:21 PM
I have been carrying IWB since I got my CCW earlier this year.  However, I find that access to my gun (Taurus PT709) under the jackets becomes an issue now that the temps have dropped so low so I too was considering a pocket holster for this time of year.  How are you handling that issue if you are staying with IWB?


Here's a video you might be interested in:
http://www.dryfiretips.com/tips/concealedcarryandcoldweather (http://www.dryfiretips.com/tips/concealedcarryandcoldweather)

I have pocket carried a Kahr CM9, but have since stopped. I just couldn't get a smooth draw. Even with very loose pockets (cargo shorts) the gun would get snagged on the pocket. That slowed me down. Add to that, plunging your hand into your pocket at the same time as trying to get a good grip on the gun and it was just awkward.

Even with winter clothing on, I have a mostly consistent draw from an IWB holster.

It's personal preference, but you should practice A LOT from whatever method of carry you choose.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: Mudinyeri on January 01, 2015, 07:13:34 AM
I have been carrying IWB since I got my CCW earlier this year.  However, I find that access to my gun (Taurus PT709) under the jackets becomes an issue now that the temps have dropped so low so I too was considering a pocket holster for this time of year.  How are you handling that issue if you are staying with IWB?


1. I rarely wear a truly heavy coat.
2. I rarely zip or button that coat closed.
3. I can pull up my heavy coat and draw from inside my waistband more quickly than I can get a pistol out of a pocket.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: Ronvandyn on January 01, 2015, 06:09:04 PM
I dont see the Baretta Nano represented, so here is a shout out for it.  Small, light, 6+1, but it has a pretty long trigger pull (not rough or anything, just LONG).  If I have to pocket carry thats my choice.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: Mali on January 02, 2015, 10:48:56 AM
1. I rarely wear a truly heavy coat.
2. I rarely zip or button that coat closed.
3. I can pull up my heavy coat and draw from inside my waistband more quickly than I can get a pistol out of a pocket.
Interesting.  Thank you for the info, it will help me with regard to my approach since I usually have 2 jackets on and usually only zip the inside jacket if at all.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: Mudinyeri on January 02, 2015, 04:42:04 PM
Interesting.  Thank you for the info, it will help me with regard to my approach since I usually have 2 jackets on and usually only zip the inside jacket if at all.

Hope I helped.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: Dave1215 on January 02, 2015, 08:09:35 PM
If you haven't tried the new LC9s, you should. It's a whole different(better) trigger.
I sold my regular LC9 and bought an LC9s, very happy with the decision.

Well narrowed things down between Kahr and another look at the Ruger.

After a visit to Moellers I ended up with the new Ruger LC9S-PRO.   

The change they made with the S version was a huge improvement.

As always...if in the Omaha metro be sure to buy from Rod...much better to deal with than larger stores!
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: FarmerRick on January 02, 2015, 08:11:31 PM
What is included in the PRO?
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: Dave1215 on January 02, 2015, 09:07:20 PM
What is included in the PRO?

They removed the Magazine Disconnect and the Thumb Safety.

Here is the change overview:
http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2014/12/16/ruger-lc9s-pro/ (http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2014/12/16/ruger-lc9s-pro/)
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: FarmerRick on January 02, 2015, 09:11:35 PM
Figures... :/
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: jFader on January 02, 2015, 11:39:18 PM
Well narrowed things down between Kahr and another look at the Ruger.

After a visit to Moellers I ended up with the new Ruger LC9S-PRO.   

The change they made with the S version was a huge improvement.

As always...if in the Omaha metro be sure to buy from Rod...much better to deal with than larger stores!

Very nice!...and a good way to keep money in the local economy!  (Until Rod spends the profit on new pajamas on Amazon)
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: David Hineline on January 03, 2015, 02:30:50 AM
Sig P938 but I would put it in a holster rather than a pocket.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: Bucket on January 03, 2015, 04:14:44 PM
I'll join the chorus for Kahr.  I have a CM9 for my EDC and have no complaints.  That said, I've tried it in a pocket and it seems pretty awkward no matter what type of slacks I'm wearing.  It's a bit too large for a front pocket on a pair of jeans, making any draw subject to snags.  Deep pocket dress slacks work okay, but then they tend to sag on one side.

I find the Kahr to go very well with a comfortable IWB holster.  I pocket holster in an jacket works well too, but obviously that has it's drawbacks too.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: abbafandr on January 03, 2015, 06:47:45 PM
They removed the Magazine Disconnect and the Thumb Safety.

Here is the change overview:
http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2014/12/16/ruger-lc9s-pro/ (http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2014/12/16/ruger-lc9s-pro/)


Now it matches  PF9 specs. :o
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: ILoveCats on January 03, 2015, 08:19:51 PM
They removed the Magazine Disconnect and the Thumb Safety.

Here is the change overview:
http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2014/12/16/ruger-lc9s-pro/ (http://www.gunsholstersandgear.com/2014/12/16/ruger-lc9s-pro/)


Sweet!  A .9" wide, striker-fired, single stack 9mm with no thumb safety and no mag disconnect.  It's "the gun that Kilo Lima should have made."
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: wcr on January 03, 2015, 09:59:35 PM
Ref:  Luger LC9s. 
If you have/plan to get a Ruger LC9s.  Check the spring.  This video explains the problem.  They are a good company and according to the video have replacement spring will fix it and will send it upon request.
video link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VabiLfPXIVo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VabiLfPXIVo)
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: farmerbob on January 04, 2015, 12:25:56 AM
I have a LC9, it's not the "S" model. I started to have problem with the slide occasionally not moving all the way forward, I was able to push it forward easily, but still it's a problem. I contacted Ruger, I was told that the double recoil springs can catch if they line up just right, spin one spring 1/4 turn on guide rod and try again, it fixed the problem but the gun at the time had less than 200 rds. fired.

LC9s pro, sounds like I'm going to trade up.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: Dave1215 on January 10, 2015, 09:29:40 AM
Figured I should close out the thread.

In the original post I said LC9 was not a consideration for several reasons - one of which I didn't like thei trigger; however, one of the posts encouraged me to rethink that as the trigger had changed on the 'S' version.

I was going between a Kahr and wanting to check out the L cC9S.

Went to see Rod at Moeller Arms in LaVista.  He had the new LC9S-Pro.

I ended up purchasing the LC9S-Pro from Rod and then got a DeSantis pocket holster.

Been using that combination for the full week and it works very well in my dress slacks... very comfortable and is what I was looking for.

Thanks to the Forum for the discussion.  If you are looking for a pocket 9 reconsider the LC9 in the S-Pro version.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: jFader on January 10, 2015, 06:53:29 PM
Thanks for the update Dave....did you have a chance to fire it yet? Is the trigger improved?
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: Dave1215 on January 13, 2015, 07:16:33 PM
Thanks for the update Dave....did you have a chance to fire it yet? Is the trigger improved?

Put 50 rounds through it today.  Like it a lot.  Very complimentary to my Shield 9mm. 

I had shot the original LC9 and did NOT like it.
Shot this new LC9S-Pro and DO like it.

Been very comfortable to carry, too.

Was what I was looking for and would recommend it.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: SauerPower on January 14, 2015, 02:16:02 PM
Sig P938 but I would put it in a holster rather than a pocket.

x2. I have a Sig P938 that I love. Shoots like a much bigger gun, but is smaller than all the others mentioned. Absolutely 100% reliable through about 200 rounds of factory ammo, reloads, and +p. I carry mine IWB, though.
Title: Re: Opinions on 9mm Pocket Carry
Post by: Dave1215 on January 14, 2015, 06:56:38 PM
Ref:  Luger LC9s. 
If you have/plan to get a Ruger LC9s.  Check the spring.  This video explains the problem.  They are a good company and according to the video have replacement spring will fix it and will send it upon request.
video link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VabiLfPXIVo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VabiLfPXIVo)

The one I bought from Moeller Arms had the correct spring....thanks for sharing this warning.