Best Pocket Carry in 9MM ?

[Gun Master]

Since the R51 debacle, I have been on a quest for a small pocket carry 9MM.
I'm leaning toward a SCCY CPX-2. Can't beat the price, and it has been getting fairly good reviews, generally. I don't like the DAO, and would like to be able to choose when to have DA or SA. Also, like a safety/decocker, but not necessary. Glad the CPX-2 doesn't have a safety, since it caused problems in their earlier model. I have arthritis in my hands, but might be able to handle DAO.

Maybe some of you guys can supply some helpful info for making my choice the right one.

 

[RustyShackelford]

My pick(s).....

If you want a small frame 9x19mm pistol, you have a few good choices.
My first suggestion is the new format M&P Shield 9x19mm with no thumb safety . I've heard & read a few - reviews about how a Shield pistol safety can flick on or off, either while in a pocket or purse or after bending over, run, lean down, etc. it's better to get a M&P Shield without it.
BTW; if you shop or ask a gun shop clerk, say; the Shield without the thumb safety. They may perk up at a new commission & be unaware that S&W started selling new versions of the pocket size Shield models.
One Youtube gun channel host explained that it happened to his good friend who went to a local gun shop, ordered a Shield then didn't see the error until he opened the blue case.

Other good sub compact 9mm models include the Kahr CM9, the Nano 9x19mm, the Glock 26 gen 04 or the SIG Sauer P290RS. Some like the S-A XDs 9mm, but Id buy the larger 4.0" barrel version. That may not be a sub-compact or pocket size to you. Unless you wear cargo pants or BDUs a lot.

As for 9x19mm carry or defense loads, Id suggest these brands; the Hornady Critical Duty +P, the Speer Gold Dot +P JHP short barrel, the Corbon DPX or PowRball, the Winchester Ranger T/T series: 127gr +P+ JHP or 124gr +P JHP, the Federal/ATK 124gr HST +P, the PDX1 124gr 9mm.

Rusty

 

[beeenbag]

I have pocket carried...

Glock 26, Beretta Nano, Kahr CM9, S&W Shield and a ruger lcp (i know its not a 9mm)

Of those, I have the Kahr in my pocket right now. The nano felt like the bore axis was way too high. The Shield was a bit too long in the grip for comfortable pocket carry, it is great IWB, but too much for pocket imho. The G26, was too fat for pocket but is great also for IWB when you want a few more rounds. The lcp was a great fit in the pocket, but imho, was way too small to shoot fast and accurately. I put a set of night sights on my Kahr and haven't looked back. It is easy to shoot, easy to carry, and has been 100% reliable.

 

[ku4hx]

Ruger LC9 and LC9s. We have both and can't decide which we like the better.

 

[Olympus]

After going from a P238 to a 9mm Shield, I finally found my winner in the Kimber Solo. Great little pocket 9mm and it's not too bad to fun-shoot as well. Mine eats my lead reloads like candy. Never had a malfunction with mine.

 

[Gun Master]

9MM Pocket Carry

Thanks, guys. I noticed no one mentioned the SCCY CX-2. What do you think about choosing this little booger ? (See Nick Leghorn review)

My current two carries are : KelTec P-32 (with 10 rd. extra mag), and S&W 638. The .32 loaded weighs 10 oz., and the .38 is 17 oz. (loaded).

 

[RustyShackelford]

Top brands.....

Not to be a smuggy buggy, but for defense or carry, Id opt for a well made, high quality brand like Beretta, Ruger, SIG Sauer, Glock, S&W, Walther, S-A, Kahr/Auto-Ordinance.
These brands are in use by armed forces and LE agencies across the world.

The LDA format(a smooth DA only) Para-USA 9x19mm would be good too but to my limited knowledge, the sub compacts aren't out yet.

As my armed security class instructor(a ex-cop & combat veteran/USMC) said; "only carry a well known, well made brand that police agencies use; don't buy low end crap no one ever heard of or a jury doesn't know".

Rusty

 

[JWH321]

P938. Works for me.

 

[Bush Pilot]

Ruger LC9 and LC9s. We have both and can't decide which we like the better.

I have both and the original LC9 is making a fine paperweight these days. I can't believe how much I like the new LC9s, it's a totally different gun.

 

[Okcafe86]

I don't think the keltec pf9 has been mentioned yet. I've been carrying it for a few months and it does the job.

 

[JRWhit]

I know what I like and am anxious for the striker fired LC9s, though I'm not too sure about what looks like a super long reset. But I'm not sure what your fancy is.
My suggestion is to find a gunshop that isn't shy about letting you dry fire and fondle all of the above. See what suits you.

 

[LeftyTSGC]

Not to be a smuggy buggy, but for defense or carry, Id opt for a well made, high quality brand like Beretta, Ruger, SIG Sauer, Glock, S&W, Walther, S-A, Kahr/Auto-Ordinance.
These brands are in use by armed forces and LE agencies across the world.

The LDA format(a smooth DA only) Para-USA 9x19mm would be good too but to my limited knowledge, the sub compacts aren't out yet.

As my armed security class instructor(a ex-cop & combat veteran/USMC) said; "only carry a well known, well made brand that police agencies use; don't buy low end crap no one ever heard of or a jury doesn't know".

Rusty

RustyShackelford, I do not agree with your "armed security class instructor (a ex-cop & combat veteran/USMC)" comments, shows his possible lack of information. Yes i own a SCCY CPX 2, works great, had it for over a year and not one problem. (I am also a 22 year Army veteran). It is hard for some to leave personal preferences out of some decisions.

OP, SCCY has been around now for 11 years, yes still young but not a no name brand by any means. Comes with a lifetime warranty.

The DA takes time to get used to if you do not have experience with DA handguns. There are two models a CPX-1 (with safety) and the CPX-2 without safety. Check out their website.
Customer service is great. I recommend that you go to a range and test fire any handgun prior to purchasse if possible.

I tried, or at least held and manipulated many handguns before I selected my choice. My choice was based on how the handgun felt and fitted my hand. Many of the other handguns listed in the above posts felt too thin, or too top heavy, or too out of balance. Basically it is not as simple to just select one site unseen. Depending on the type of ammo you choose, the recoil will also effect the performance and how it feels in your hands.

 

[HexHead]

Charter Arms 9mm revolver. Doesn't need to use moon clips.

 

[p95]

S&W Shield 9 is in my jeans pocket as I type.

 

[wild cat mccane]

Someone, somewhere in this world, must also find it funny to hear SCCY (was SKYY previously) and Ruger LCP/LC9's being talked about with little attention to Kel Tec.

Kel Tec employees founded SKYY/SCCY and Ruger knocked off the LCP/LC9 100%

 

[angel1216]

you better have some deep pockets is you're planning to pocket carry a single stack 9mm. i think of all the 9's mentioned above, the kahr pm9 is the only one that you can carry without looking like you have a "brick" in your pocket. i have the beretta nano and it disappears at 4'o'clock in a galco IWB holster.

 

[USAF_Vet]

I pocket carry my Taurus 709 slim. Striker fired with a second (third, fourth, fifth...) strike feature.

Glock-ish trigger isn't horrible, set at roughly 6# from the factory. DA pull was about 11# if memory serves and my Tractor Supply gauge is even close to proper calibration.

I, as a lefty, dislike the external thumb safety. I wish, like the later models of the S&W Shield, it was removed. I've given thought to removing it, or pinning it "off" or otherwise disabling it, but have thus far opted not to in regard to whatever legal ramifications there may be in doing so.

Anyway, just tossing it out there as an option.

Also, with cargos or the like, it prints lightly. Jeans or khakis, I carry iwb. It prints a bit worse with the addition of Pearce mag grip extensions. Factory base plates on the mags help eliminate printing.

 

[RustyShackelford]

Post #10.....

I would not pack a Kel-Tec PF9 9x19mm. That's the same firearm used by George Zimmerman in the Travon Martin incident(Florida, 2012).
I've heard Kel-Tecs are not that hot either.

I'd add the Bersa Concealed Carry 9mm too but I've heard mixed reviews. I like the olive green frame. It looks cool but I wouldn't call it a pocket pistol size.
You could pop it in a Sticky Holster, www.stickyholsters.com .

 

[HexHead]

I would not pack a Kel-Tec PF9 9x19mm. That's the same firearm used by George Zimmerman in the Travon Martin incident(Florida,

So? It's obviously a proven weapon.

Son of Sam used a Charter Bulldog. Doesn't stop me from carrying one as my EDC.

 

[Ed Ames]

What does a PF9 being used by someone in Florida have to do with anything? I mean, ignoring the fact that the case you mentioned was by definition a lawful use of force (tried in the courts even), how many armed robberies have been committed with a Remington 870? Yet they are widely considered to be one of the top 3-4 choices for home defense.

FWIW I think thinness (the key benefit of the pf9) is not really important for pocket carry. You want a short grip, and short barrel, but an extra quarter inch of thickness doesn't matter in my pockets. Thinness is for IWB.


I have a P11 that works fine for pocket carry.

 

[C0untZer0]

I think the Rohrbaugh R9 is the best, but they're soon going to be made by Remington, so I'm a little leery of how the quality will be.

If Remington is paying the Rohrbaugh brothers to oversee quality assurance and check the QC, then I think the pistols will be good, but we have yet to see what the guns are going to be like.

 

[C0untZer0]

Have you tired to stuff a SCCY CX-2 into your front jeans pocket? Like with normal Levis/ Wrangler jeans?

And then have you tried to get the gun out?

 

[FireInCairo]

Thanks, guys. I noticed no one mentioned the SCCY CX-2. What do you think about choosing this little booger ? (See Nick Leghorn review)

My current two carries are : KelTec P-32 (with 10 rd. extra mag), and S&W 638. The .32 loaded weighs 10 oz., and the .38 is 17 oz. (loaded).

I picked up a SCCY 9mm in a shop the other day. The trigger was very heavy, which really made for a good amount of muzzle movement when I dry fired it. I didn't like that.

 

[Cycletroll]

I frequently pocket carry a Kahr cm9. Wonderful pistol. Accuracy and quality are far greater than its modest price would suggest. I think it's the best of the breed.

 

[CNobbe]

For pocket carry and pocket carry only, I love my Kahr PM9. It's slim, it's reliable, and its easy to shoot with a good trigger suited for self defense.