looking for a quality pocket pistol

Status
Not open for further replies.
B

Billmanweh

Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2003
Messages
831
Location
D/FW TX
I'd like to get a small pistol that I can actually carry in the pocket of a pair of cargo pants, etc. Ideally a minimum of 9mm/.38. I know the S&W J Frames are really well thought of, and the Kahr PM9 looks like a nice alternative. Anyone have experience with either of those two, or maybe another suggestion?
 
I have both a p3at and a Kahr pm9 . Both of them have been fine guns . For me at least the kahr is at the outer limits of pocket carry ( regular old wrangler jeans front pockets ) but due to the extra " horsepower " it gets carried more than the p3at. The kahr has " real sights " that are the equil of any duty gun , while the p3at has nubbs that basicly make it a " phone booth gun " for me . tho i do know some officers who have qualified with the p3at for an off duty gun . Myself i consider the p3at a fine bug due to the horsepower /size ratio but would not carry it as a primairy . The kahr tho will do its part if you take the time to break it in and learn to shoot with the pinky flopping in the breeze it will rival a much larger gun for accuracy out to 30 yards or so ( i break clay pidgens on the backstop berm at 25 to 30 yards with mine ) . For me at least the Kahr amounts to a really flat , really shootable .357 j frame smith that holds more ammo lol .
 
I have a Kahr PM9 that is completely reliable. As already mentioned it shoots very accurately and handles well for such a small gun....for me anyway. I do have a pocket holster that I use occaisionally in the summer time. Also agree with above that the PM9 is on the large side for pocket carry but definately doable with the right pockets. I know there are mixed opinions on this gun but my experience has been excellent. My PM9 is on my side as I type this, IWB in a VM2. Lately I carry this more than my .357 because I shoot it MUCH better.

YMMV

My vote is for the PM9, but of course you gotta make sure it works for you.
 
Don't be put off by the post on Kahrs. I have one, several thousand rounds and not even a hiccup, ever. One of the most accurate guns I own and the trigger is as smooth as glass. Still the Kahr PM9 is just a bit too big for me to pocket carry.

I also have a J frame. Works great in loose dockers. With some pants the but is high enough in the pocket that it can be seen. Still, it's an outstanding classic. Enough said.

I also have the KelTec P3AT; has the 1s generation of that weapon and it was a nightmare. Can't believe it but I got that 1st one back after several trips back to keltec, and traded it in on a 2nd Generation and it's been GLORIOUS. Not a single issue with the new model and I've shot a few hundered rounds of all kinds of different ammos. With the mag extensions that gives me 15 rounds of .380 which isn't too bad. It's a good point and shoot gun, 7-10 yards max. I don't believe theres a more ideal pocket piece if you consider the balance of cost, weight, size, caliber, etc.

Then come the NAA Guardian .380's and the Roughbar R9 which is a true pocket pistol in 9mm but it's $1000.00 and not the easiest gun to get a hold of. I've never held one but its heavier than the ones i've mentioned. If money isn't an issue and you don't mind the weight I'd at leas seriously consider this one.

Beyond that you get into NAA .22 mini revolvers which I think are cute and fun for plinking but I think they're very lacking in the self defense role. Are they better than a sharp stick? Maybe not...

Good luck finding what you need.
God Bless
Gideon
 
I like the Kahr, but I prefer the j-frame. I just like the grip on the wheelgun better - but that's more subjective than anything else ;)
 
Actually, I'm with the thoughts of Larry Seecamp on the issue of sights on a
defensive pistol. Most attacks occur from between 0 and 7 yards (21 feet),
so you won't have time to use the sights; even if your handgun is equipped
with them~! A defensive handgun may have too be deployed from inside a
coat pocket, inside a purse, etc. and that won't allow the extra time needed
to raise the handgun and use the sights. If an attacker is armed with some
sort'a blade, and has closed within 21 feet of you; then chances are really
good that you are going to get stuck or cut somewhere~! Add to that, the
fact that a semi-auto may jam (what we call a stovepipe)- and if it does
precious seconds are ticking by while you practice the TAP, RACK, and
BANG drill; so I will have to vote for the S&W J-frame hammerless revolvers.
 
While not the smallest I might go SA ultra in the xd frame or Micro in the 1911 frame. Maybe just a tad big but I think they advertise both at 6'' overall length and maybe 4" in height. The Micro I think is 45 ACP short? And the ultra is available in bores 40 cal and down. Tough question. Quality, dependability and stopping power in your jean pocket. Tough call. I do like the xd frames method of letting you know if it is loaded simply by feel or visual. Good luck.
 
P2280046.jpg

PM9 and S&W 642 for CC. Don't let anyone scare you off the PM9. If you don't like the 9 try the 40, or the 45 will be out soon. You have to realize that these guns are one step up from a belly gun. They are 3 lbs of stuff in a 2 lb. can and can be a bit fussy. They are a state of the art 6+1 with a 3 inch barrel. What the heck do you expect? Nice trigger action.

My Kahr likes to be kept clean, lubed and eat round nose JHP like the COR BON. Realize once you break these in, get some range time in to become proficient they become a self defense carry piece. I have never had a FTF or FTE under 50 rounds. Once it starts getting dirty or shooting crap ammo all bets are off.
It's not like every time you go to the range you are going to grab the concealed carry guns for fun, since all the action with these are under 7 yards. When I want to have range fun I grab the 686 S&W with some 158 gr.
 
I used to own a 642 and found it was just a bit too large for back pocket carry (for me). The top of the grip peeked out just a bit, and I'd needed to wear a coat or untucked shirt to cover it. A Kel-Tec P3AT in a Pale Horse holster completely disappears into my pocket - looks like I'm carrying a wallet.
 
I have the Kahr PM9 and a S&W 60 snub nose. Neither one is small enough for
pocket carry in dockers or levi's. Sure you can put them in a pocket, but try getting them out smoothly. Of the two, my preference is the Kahr, it is much easier to shoot accurately than the S&W and it is flat and thinner than a revolver. For in the waist carry, I have a fist ultra thin plastic holster that conceals very well. For out of waist carry I have a Bullman ultra high carry horsehide that works very well also. For quick runs to pick up the newspaper,
I just put in my jacket pocket or tuck into my pants waist, (mexican carry).
 
Pack a 642 in your pocket...hang the P3AT around your neck. If it's jacket weather, I have a PT145 pocket canon in a Mika holster. Pocket size and weather makes a difference.:D
 
A picture is worth .........

pocket.gif
Rohrbaugh R9s - Kahr PM9 - S&W 638 - Kel-Tec P3AT
 
Yeah, they're pricey...

...but if you want a really small 9mm, the Rohrbaugh is the way to go. I have an early one, and it is my constant companion. It's *always* in my pocket, whether or not I am lugging around a larger piece. Mine has been as dependable as the day is long, though it prefers good quality ammo (GDHPs are my carry round). And I can punch tin cans with it up to 10 yards, dependably.

Someone said they're heavy upthread. Nope. 12.8 ounces, unloaded. Like 17 ounces with 6+1. You won't even notice that it's in the tightest pocket. I have mine in sweats for walking or around the house, and it doesn't even pull them down.

It's a class item. Check out the Rohrbaugh Forum for more info. Nice bunch of guys there.

7
 
I've had no problems with my Kahr PM9. It is a pocket carry gun in pleated dockers, cargo pants, bermuda shorts, jeans, etc. It is quite concealable. I definitely recommend it. It is also a dream in IWB holsters. Like you don't even have a gun on your belt.

Scott
 
I checked out the Rohrbaugh at the Shot Show and they looked really nice. What would I actually expect to pay for one?
 
My pocket gun is a Kel-Tec P-32, loaded with WWB FMJ. Small & light enough that a few times I've completly forgot that I was packing & was suprised when I cleared out my pockets that evening. Heck, loaded the thing weighs less than a loaded mag for my 1911. I've had zero reliability issues with it. If you're dead set on a 9mm, though, their PF-9 looks good, and the older P-11 could be an option as well.
 
My trusty 642 is with me just about all the time. When its not, my Glock 23 takes over.

Bill....you know I wear a shirt/tie, no jacket 6 days a week. I pocket carry my 642 ALL of those days. It works out great. Nice and light, hella reliable.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

U
  • Locked
PM9 vs J-frame for pocket carry ? Why ?
2
Replies
31
Views
5K
1911.45
1
M
  • Locked
Sewing in special handgun pockets.
Replies
20
Views
4K
Deleted member 66305
D
B
  • Locked
Pocket carry - Snub vs. 9mm auto
2 3
Replies
52
Views
4K
bigmike45
bigmike45
F
  • Locked
pocket pistols
2 3
Replies
67
Views
6K
Prose
P
D
  • Locked
Dickies and pocket carry LCR
Replies
15
Views
1K
Mad Magyar
M
Back
Top