Kahr PM9 vs Kel-tec P11 in the Pocket

[the scot]

This is not meant to be a Kahr vs Kel-tec debate except as how each carried in the front pocket.

I already have the P11. I've carried it in the front pocket the last few days instead of the P-32. I can tolerate the weight of the P-11. But I also know that I'll still be carrying the P-32 most of the time.

I'm going to be selling a few guns soon and will eventually be buying a Kahr. If the PM9 is substantially easier to carry (in the pocket) then that's what I'll get. If not, I'll buy a larger model instead. There's only a couple of ounces between them. Will I even notice the difference?

So-- PM9 vs P11 in the pocket?

scot

 

[orangeninja]

I can tell you right now without looking that the Kahr PM is going to be bigger than the P11. I decided to go with a P11 for that reason after compairing the two in a shop.

Edit: Or is it the other way around? On second thought, now that I think about it, I'm not quite sure. Does anyone know for sure? I think the P11 is slightly longer but thinner in the slide.

 

[gbelleh]

The PM9 is a little smaller than the P-11 in every way. IMO, the PM9 is substantially easier to carry in a front pocket than the P-11, but you may not find the difference as noticable.

 

[orangeninja]

wouldn't a firearm + lighter trigger + location next to nuts = nervousness?

 

[the scot]

It would be carried in a pocket holster with the trigger covered. Nothing else is ever carried in that pocket.

scot

 

[alamo]

Here's some front pocket holsters if that's where you carry it:


http://www.hedleyholsters.com/misc.html

http://www.hedleyholsters.com/keltec.html

 

[Night Guy]

I find my PM9 to be just a hair too big for an easy draw from my front pocket. I wear fairly loose jeans and still have trouble drawing from the pocket. As a result I IWB my PM9. It's quicker for me to get to and I don't have to alter my draw technique much between any of my other carry pistols.

I suppose khakis/dress slacks would be MUCH easier to draw from, since they usually have a deep, loose pockets.

 

[JackDRipper]

I pocket carry my PM9 in jeans and slacks in a FIST kydex closed bottom holster and it works great for me. The PM9 is smaller and lighter than my P-11 I previously carried mostly in my front pocket in jeans or with beltclip. Really like the PM9, shot it today, Nice! The holster is cheaper at gunners alley than from fist directly.

JR

http://www.fist-inc.com
http://gunnersalley.zoovy.com

 

[PCRCCW]

The KelTec P11 carries great in the front pocket with the right holster, but the Kahr still carries better. The PM is about as nice as youll find for under 900$ for a Deep Concealment style gun.....................

Shoot well.

 

[cratz2]

I know this isn't supposed to be a Kahr vs KelTec thread but In my opinion, the Kahr is just such a nicer gun than the P11, if you can afford the difference and you don't mind the fewer rounds, I'd go with the Kahr.

The KelTec is a bit thicker... actually, I think the KelTec is larger in every dimension... not sure about the weight though with both fully loaded, I think the KelTec is heavier there as well.

Personally, I don't like anything heavier than a P32/P3AT for pocket carry. I never wear jeans and with casual slacks, there's just too much movement with a PM9. I will admit that I've never actually carried a P11 in my pocket though so I wouldn't even listen to me.

 

[the scot]

There's no debate. I'm definitely getting a Kahr. The only debate for me is-- WHICH Kahr. If the PM9 is significantly easier to carry than the P-11, I would buy a PM9. If it feels just as heavy as the P-11, I may as well get a P9, or even a T40, and reserve it for belt carry or house gun.

I only wonder if the slightly smaller size of the PM9 makes it feel significantly lighter than the P11 even though there's only a few onces of difference between them.

Scot

 

[Texas Bob]

It's not just the weight, size also comes into play. I pocket carry my P9 when I wear Royal Robins pants and it conceals well for me. When I switch to Dockers a PM9 goes into the pocket and no one knows. One or the other is in my pocket over a daily period of about 12-14hrs, I find it "comforting" as well as comfortable.

 

[Preacherman]

I'd suggest you also look at the Kahr P9 Covert. It's got the frame of the PM9 and the slide of the P9, so that you have about ½" extra barrel length, but the same easily-concealed grip. I love mine, and find it just as easy to conceal in a pocket as a S&W Centennial model J-frame. Gives a slightly longer sight radius, which can be helpful, and a bit more muzzle velocity, which can also be useful...

 

[orangeninja]

"I know this isn't supposed to be a Kahr vs KelTec thread but In my opinion, the Kahr is just such a nicer gun than the P11, if you can afford the difference and you don't mind the fewer rounds, I'd go with the Kahr."

Actually I own a P9 and have rented and shot a P11. I am selling the P9 and plan on getting the Kel Tec. I like the feel much much better and the trigger on the Kel Tec reminds me of my old .38 special snubby, but without all the added bulk of a revolver. For those used to carrying revolvers, the P11 is very nice.

 

[azrael]

I carry my p-11 with me in my pocket and love it...

Click my link to see my "oblivion" pocket holster for the P-11

 

[mini14jac]

Most gunshops will let you drop a gun in your pocket and try it.
I've owned P11s, but they were always too large and thick for me to pocket carry. (Looked like I had a gun in my pocket! )

I think the empty PM9 weighs a few more ounces than an empty P11, but loaded, they are close.
My experience, the PM9 is much easier to pocket carry.

Now, if you are wondering about carrying a bigger Kahr, I wouldn't consider carrying a P9 or P40 in a pocket, as they are too big for most folks. Those guns are better suited for IWB carry, or carry in a jacket pocket.