Looking for advice on a good pocket gun.
- Thread starter JoeyNickels
- Start date
orionengnr
New member
When I carried a pocket pistol, I went through a number of j-frames and Krap-Tecs. When I discovered the Kahr PM9, and got to put a couple hundred rounds through it, I happily sold all the j-frames and K-Ts. Smaller than any j-frame, seven rounds of 127+p+ or 147 +p (vice five rounds of .38 or .38+P) in a controllable, reliable package.
I carried that PM9 every day and shot it at least once a month for a year and a half.
At that point I started carrying something larger...but I have never considered selling the PM9. If I ever go back to pocket carry, I will start with the PM9, and when someone invents something better, I'm on it.
I also own an LCP, and while it is perfectly reliable/functional, I do not really trust the .380 cartridge...so it sits in the safe. (I'd really like a Kahr P380, but wouldn't carry it buit once or twice a year, so I cannot justify the purchase...)
These days, I take the PM9 and the LCP to the range maybe two-three times per year, just to make sure I still know how to shoot them. I may carry one or the other two or three days per year, usually if I am in the garage under a car.
If you want a really small pocket pistol, the LCP is hard to beat. If you are willing to go just a hair bigger (and in exchange get a "real" SD round) the PM9 is a great chice...although these days, Kahr makes the CM9, which is a no-frills version of the PM9.
Happy shopping.
I carried that PM9 every day and shot it at least once a month for a year and a half.
At that point I started carrying something larger...but I have never considered selling the PM9. If I ever go back to pocket carry, I will start with the PM9, and when someone invents something better, I'm on it.
I also own an LCP, and while it is perfectly reliable/functional, I do not really trust the .380 cartridge...so it sits in the safe. (I'd really like a Kahr P380, but wouldn't carry it buit once or twice a year, so I cannot justify the purchase...)
These days, I take the PM9 and the LCP to the range maybe two-three times per year, just to make sure I still know how to shoot them. I may carry one or the other two or three days per year, usually if I am in the garage under a car.
If you want a really small pocket pistol, the LCP is hard to beat. If you are willing to go just a hair bigger (and in exchange get a "real" SD round) the PM9 is a great chice...although these days, Kahr makes the CM9, which is a no-frills version of the PM9.
Happy shopping.
The PM9 / CM9 is no longer 5.3" unless you get the older model.
The new ones are 5.42"
The MK9 is 5.3" - the charts were made before Kahr lengthened their PM9 / CM9
Kahr PM9
Caliber:9mm
Barrel:3.0in
Length:5.42in
Height: 4.0in
Weight:14oz
Capacity:6 Rounds
Boberg XR9-S (Shorty)
Caliber:9mm
Barrel:3.35in
Length:5.1in
Height:3.7in
Weight:17.5oz
Capacity:7+1 Rounds
Rohrbaugh R9
Caliber:9mm
Barrel:2.9in
Length:5.2in
Height:3.7in
Weight:13.5oz
Capacity:6+1 Rounds
The new ones are 5.42"
The MK9 is 5.3" - the charts were made before Kahr lengthened their PM9 / CM9
Kahr PM9
Caliber:9mm
Barrel:3.0in
Length:5.42in
Height: 4.0in
Weight:14oz
Capacity:6 Rounds
Boberg XR9-S (Shorty)
Caliber:9mm
Barrel:3.35in
Length:5.1in
Height:3.7in
Weight:17.5oz
Capacity:7+1 Rounds
Rohrbaugh R9
Caliber:9mm
Barrel:2.9in
Length:5.2in
Height:3.7in
Weight:13.5oz
Capacity:6+1 Rounds
Attachments
Last edited:
Diamondback DB9
Caliber:9mm
Barrel:3.0in
Length:5.60in
Height: 4.0in
Weight:11oz
Capacity:6+1 Rounds
The DB9 is the lightest of the micromatics or pocket-nines.
People sometimes forget about the Sig P290
Sig Sauer P290
Caliber:9mm
Barrel:2.9in
Length:5.5in
Height: 4.0in
Weight:20.5oz
Capacity:6+1 Rounds
Caliber:9mm
Barrel:3.0in
Length:5.60in
Height: 4.0in
Weight:11oz
Capacity:6+1 Rounds
The DB9 is the lightest of the micromatics or pocket-nines.
People sometimes forget about the Sig P290
Sig Sauer P290
Caliber:9mm
Barrel:2.9in
Length:5.5in
Height: 4.0in
Weight:20.5oz
Capacity:6+1 Rounds
Attachments
johnwilliamson062
Moderator
Surprised no one said anything about the taurus 380 revolver, not even a disparaging remark. It interests me, but I am shying away b/c of brand.
Diamondback does seem unable to get their problems ironed out. If I start to hear good things I would like to buy one.
Diamondback does seem unable to get their problems ironed out. If I start to hear good things I would like to buy one.
When I worked in corporate America slacks were the order of the day and as much as I like the S&W 342 J-frame it was just too bulky. The Rohrbaugh wasn't out then, so I carried the Seecamp. Finding a gun on my person would have meant losing my job so small was the way to go.
"I'll second the Sig P238." [Stealth01]
Me too.
Was shooting it on the 50 yard line, couldn't get closer cuz a gent had got there first and was sighting in his AR-15. The Sig P238 hit the black, dead center. Was right there with the rifle, despite the fact the long gun had optics.
Have tried'em all: Kahr, Rorhbaugh, Seecamp, etc. but the tiny Sig P238 (licensed copy of the Colt Mustang) is in a class all its own.
Great last chance hideout gun.
Me too.
Was shooting it on the 50 yard line, couldn't get closer cuz a gent had got there first and was sighting in his AR-15. The Sig P238 hit the black, dead center. Was right there with the rifle, despite the fact the long gun had optics.
Have tried'em all: Kahr, Rorhbaugh, Seecamp, etc. but the tiny Sig P238 (licensed copy of the Colt Mustang) is in a class all its own.
Great last chance hideout gun.
Been pocket carrying a Kahr PM9 for about 7 years ... it's perfect for cargo shorts pockets (not the cargo pocket, the slash pocket) which is about all I wear most of the year ... when I'm wearing slacks or jeans, as today, I belt carry it with a kydex paddle holster ... as someone metioned, it's a little large for a jeans pocket ... mine's been perfect since new; IMHO the perfect combination of size, reliability and caliber.
I don't see why anyone would have to limit themselves to a 380 or 32 mouse gun. I've pocket carried for years, and the only thing that has limited me has been the size of the pocket. I've carried anything from a NAA 22 short to a Glock 27. Right now I'm carrying an AMT Backup 45. Main reason I'm going with that is I brought it here on a plane- I would rather they lose a $200 gun than a $400 S&W or Glock. And it's heavy, but it's small.
I don't think you can beat a J-frame for pocket carry. I saw the comment that it's bulky. Sure, but bulk does not necessarily mean you have a gun. In a pair of slacks it looks like a wad of car keys or a cell phone. If anyone has noticed me carrying, they've never said anything.
I don't think you can beat a J-frame for pocket carry. I saw the comment that it's bulky. Sure, but bulk does not necessarily mean you have a gun. In a pair of slacks it looks like a wad of car keys or a cell phone. If anyone has noticed me carrying, they've never said anything.
Onward Allusion
New member
Exact same boat (i.e. office environment). Went from NAA Mini to P32 loaded with Buffalo Bore in the pipe and Foccohi 73gr FMJ in the mag. The P32 is probably the lightest you can have. I pick the P32 over the LCP 380 because of less recoil (P32), one add'l round (P32), and weight (P32 @3oz less). Ballistical difference between the 32 & 380 is nominal. In a pocket holster, it prints no different than a wallet.