Buying a smaller ccw.

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bangbangshootshoot

New member
I'm looking into buying a smaller pistol than my typical carry (M+P 9C). The 9C is not a bad carry in the cooler seasons, but somewhat more difficult to conceal in summer months. I'm not keen on iwb holsters at all.
I'd like to stay under $600 and want to stay with either 9mm or .38sp.
Been looking at the Ruger LCR & some of the light weight S&W's.
I'll look forward to hearing from those who wear an owb or pocket type holster and what they prefer to carry in the smaller models.
 
After going through a variety of j-frames, and four Kel-Tecs, etc, I bought a Kahr PM9 (and sold all of the above). For me, that is the perfect pocket carry. Not quite as small/light as the LCP I still own, but holds a more potent round and points/shoots far better. Also (and again, this is my opinion) anything that is double-stack is not a pocket pistol.

Just my .02. The search was fun, but all that buying/selling became quite expensive. The more different pistols you can handle/shoot/pocket before buying, the less money you will spend on your search.
 
Well, with you criteria, you are a little limited. The Kahr is a good choice, I have never owned one, but they have a good following.

If you want to wait until this one comes out, it might be worth a look.
http://www.tactical-life.com/online/products/microtech-archangel/
Here is the company's website:
http://www.msarinc.com/home.html#

No one really seems to know when this one is coming out, but there it is.

This is going to be my super small carry gun very soon:
http://www.sigsauer.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=67&productid=265

In know it doesn't fit your caliber choice, but that is what I have chosen going through the same search you are.

Enjoy!!
 
If I were comfortable carrying a revolver I would look at the Taurus 905. It has different configurations/finishes but you can buy one with a very short handle that could be carried in a pocket. It also takes 9mm rounds so ammo would be more available, effective and inexpensive than a 38/357. Its a revolver that uses moon clips so you may want to purchase extra, but also since its a revolver you will be far less likely to have reliability problems. Just dont dry fire it though, I've broken a firing pin on my Taurus. Not to mention they sell for about $400 on gunbroker's websight.
 
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My choice was a Keltec PF9. It is small and light. Mine has been very reliable after swapping the OEM mag springs with Wolff springs and a fluff and buff.
 
OWB or pocket for summer, and smaller than a compact 9mm S&W M&P.

All I have that fits that criteria is the ever popular S&W 642 .38 snubby. I carry it in an inexpensive Uncle Mike's pocket holster. I do feel a bit undergunned when I carry it though. The idea of a mere 5 shots and a speed-strip reload of 5 more is not confidence-inspiring for anything except the laziest of single aggressor muggings. Still beats no gun at all though.

I think you should look at the Kahr PM or MK series, or the Kel Tec PF9.
 
i know what you mean when you say you feel undergunned...

when carrying a .38 special, my normal carry is a fullsize 1911


i was REALLY impressed with the sig P238...after holding and sighting that weapon the keltec is really not an option...BUT it is a way more pricey than a keltec/lcp, but feels so much nicer. im a big fan of the fact its single action too.
 
I have the same problems as the OP, my main carry is a S&W M&P 9c, IWB, it's great when I can even wear a simple light jacket over it, but in the summer when I just want to wear shorts and a t-shirt it can be a pain to conceal. I've done it in shorts and a t-shirt but it leaves a decent buldge that I'm surprised nobody noticed. it does however conceal pretty well under a polo, or a button up, but I don't always want to throw on a nice shirt like that just to run to the store. I just bought a Kimber Pro Carry II, but obviously this doesn't solve the main problem in the summer. One thing I will say is I have shot a friends Kahr pm9, and it was great, I am definitely contemplating picking one up next spring for those warmer days when I just want to wear a t-shirt.
 
With careful shopping you can find either a Walther PPS 9mm or a Kahr PM9 both of which are perfect small 9's
Also in the $400 range in the CW9 which is still a small concealable weapon,its just not pocketable.

IMO stay away from the small Keltec's and LCP's as even with the .380 load has alot of recoil and is no fun to shoot.
If i did have to go .380 the Sig P238 is the only gun id get,i did and love it also.But i use it as a bug,not a main carry gun.

I also use my PPS as a Bug also,it barely fits in my back pocket but it does.

I know little about revolvers,but a nice .38spl would serve you well if you like those.
 
I have the same problems as the OP, my main carry is a S&W M&P 9c, IWB, it's great when I can even wear a simple light jacket over it, but in the summer when I just want to wear shorts and a t-shirt it can be a pain to conceal. I've done it in shorts and a t-shirt but it leaves a decent buldge that I'm surprised nobody noticed. it does however conceal pretty well under a polo, or a button up, but I don't always want to throw on a nice shirt like that just to run to the store. I just bought a Kimber Pro Carry II, but obviously this doesn't solve the main problem in the summer. One thing I will say is I have shot a friends Kahr pm9, and it was great, I am definitely contemplating picking one up next spring for those warmer days when I just want to wear a t-shirt.
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The PPS would be another good option.I can carry a full sized 1911 IWB with jeans and a tshirt,but being 6'4" and 260lbs my size helps a lot.
But its not the most comfortable carry either.
For some days i just don't feel like dealing with holsters and shorts and heat id take my P238.A .380 is a lot more powerful than many people make it sound.I dont much ever want to carry it as a main gun,but i would when no other gun i have isnt a pain that day.
 
Top, Kahr PM9, smallest, easiest to conceal, next the Airweight, pretty easy to conceal, bottom, Glock G26, not as small, but 10+1.

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The PPS would be another good option.I can carry a full sized 1911 IWB with jeans and a tshirt,but being 6'4" and 260lbs my size helps a lot.
But its not the most comfortable carry either.
For some days i just don't feel like dealing with holsters and shorts and heat id take my P238.A .380 is a lot more powerful than many people make it sound.I dont much ever want to carry it as a main gun,but i would when no other gun i have isnt a pain that day.
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You know what? until you mentioned it I actually had forgot about the PPS, I shot one about 6 months ago when my buddy first bought one and loved it, now you got me re-thinking my options, the PPS would probably be a lighter weight option than the PM9, but still it is going to be a tough decision.
 
Here's a neat chart to compare many of the popular guns being discussed.
http://mouseguns.com/CompactCompare.pdf

The Kahr P9 carries like it isn't even there, and I found it's ergonomics better than the PPS. Both guns can use longer, higher capacity mags...a plus, however last I looked, the PPS only came with one mag.
 
If I were comfortable carrying a revolver I would look at the Taurus 905. ... since its a revolver you will be far less likely to have reliability problems. Just dont dry fire it though, I've broken a firing pin on my Taurus.
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What kind of a recommendation is that? Taurus seems to have a loyal following, and I'm sure they turn out some good guns (i.e. those not built on Monday or Friday), but from the number of issues I see here I wouldn't go near one.
 
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