Is there an accurate, reliable, relatively high quality "pocket 9" available?

customfret

New member
The P-32 that's always in my pocket (except when it's being shipped back to Kel-Tec for repair) usually goes "bang" when I pull the trigger, but needs to go back to the factory...again...because the latest recoil spring selection keeps wadding up into a twisted mass after firing 100 rounds or so, causing the slide to "slam" back & make bruises on my trigger finger where the guard bangs into it. Yes, they sent me new springs...twice. Also, since the last trip back to the factory, what were 2" groups at 25' are now 4' groups. I now don't really think I want a P-ll after my experience with the P-32.....

The Kimber Custom Compact has spoiled me. It has always fed & fired everything I've put through it. Not only is it reliable, but it puts a hole where I aim every time. I just sort of point it & pull the trigger & a hole appears where I wanted it to be. AMAZING! It's my constant companion IWB when it's cool enough to wear a "t" shirt with an unbuttoned & untucked flannel shirt, but that looks a little strange in Tennessee in August....mid 90's most days with 90% relative humidity... Whew!

My "bicycle gun", a relatively cheap Heritage Stealth 40 S&W is actually just a little thicker than the Kimber and although it's 10+1 available rounds and stainless/plastic construction is perfect for my handlebar holster and makes me feel quite secure from both 2 & 4 legged animal attacks when biking the local back-roads, worn IWB it really isn't any easier to conceal than the Kimber. It also requires a lot more effort & concentration to shoot 1/2 as well.

What I would like to be able to find is something in 9mm that I can first of all depend on & HIT with & also also easily conceal...ideally carry in a front pocket holster like the P-32 & just point at something & pull the trigger, like with the Kimber & put a hole in it...every time...where I want the hole. With the P-32 & Heritage, I'm beginning to realize that like with most things, you get what you pay for. Both are kinda "loose" & "vague" feeling compaired with the Kimber, but of course were less than 1/2 the cost, so that should probably just be expected.

Anybody have any suggestions of something I ought to look at? I realize that getting a reliable small 9mm that will hide like the P-32 is probably just dreaming, but there is a lot of experience on this board, & some of you are bound to have been on the same search & "found it". I'd sure appreciate knowing what "it" is! Thanks to you who are willing to share!
 
It's a bit bigger and a lot heavier but the Kahr MK9 is a great little 9mm. Depending on how big you are, it may very well be the ideal pocket gun for you. There are people that carry it daily in their pocket.

Another option is the Colt Pocket Nine. They're a bit hard to find these days but would also suite your needs.
 
Taurus pt111 I've heard good things about. My wife is very recoil sensitive right now and I'm waiting for the millinium to come out in .32. I think it would be perfect for her. If I like it I'll pick up a PT111. plunker
 
I like the Kahr MK9 for this purpose. A bit heavy but slim. In docker type pants it is pretty concealable in the pocket with an Uncle Mike's #3.

Sometimes you do have to put your hand in your pocket to stabilize the little guy. It weighs a chunk for it's size. Almost as much as a Glock G19.

Because it is so heavy it really shoots good though and handles +P with no problem. I really like mine. Flawless with most ammo. Don't plan on using the brass for re-loading because it does pretty much destroy spent cartridges due to the pistols tight tolerances.

Good Pistol!
 
I own a PT111 and mine has been flawless. Yes, it has a heavy trigger pull. Guess what? I don't want a light trigger pull on a pocket pistol. My friend, Stephen A. Camp, uses a Glock 26 for a pocket pistol. I prefer holsters for this size pistol but Mr. Camp assures me this combo works well with his Dockers. Regards, Richard
 
The Steyr S9 is supposed to be quite nice.

IMHO Pocket pistols are a waste, especialy for women. Sub compacts like the Steyr or the Kahr and the smallest Glocks are more useful, easier to shoot and shoot loads that pack more punch.

Believe me, an S9 or Glock 26 are gonna kick less then a .32 mousegun and have a much better trigger (which increases the likelyhood of hitting your target when you want to) but hit a heck of a lot harder.
 
The MK9 seems like a very nice gun, but IMO it's too heavy. I went with the P11, but I can't say it's a very high quality gun. It has, however, gone 'bang' everytime I squeezed the trigger. I couldn't find a better combination of size, weight, and cartridge capacity than the P11, but I understand your reluctance. I found one that works, and I'm keeping it :).

If Glock would make the 26 more like the P11 except with the rust resistant finish and nice trigger, I would buy it in a second.

You might consider a Smith 642 or similar for a pocket gun. 5 round of .38 special in a light weight gun with a nice trigger and comfy grips.
 
Sounds like you're interested in the Kahr. I personally love the lightweight polymer, but wish they made it as small as the smallest steel model.

I carry the P-11 for the same application.
 
You can buy a better 9mm pistol than a Kel-Tec P11, but you can have it "tweaked" by Jack Fusellier http://www.detnet.com/fuselier/ (nickel plating slide and selected internals, hand tuning for reliability ans smoothness) to make it a perfectly reliable, small and light 11rd pocket 9mm. You will end up with a better gun than you can buy for less money.
BRET
 
I you have longer pockets the Kahr Covert P9 might just be the ticket. It's basically the P9 with a shortened grip section much like the MK9.

http://www.kahr.com/new_kps9093.html

With the Polymer Covert you are at 15 ounces w/o mag vs 22.1 w/o mag for the MK9.

A bit of weight savings, but the Polymer Covert is 6.0 in vs 5.3 inches for the MK9...so you have to deal with a slightly longer weapon.

Good Shooting
RED
 
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