Recommendations for 9mm Pocket Pistol DA/SA
- Thread starter lwestatbus
- Start date
Seven High
New member
If you would be willing to drop the exposed hammer requirement, the Kahr CM9 or PM9 would fit your other requirements.It is a striker fired weapon but has a fairly long trigger pull. It is not da/sa.
Last edited:
Bartholomew Roberts
Moderator
The Kahrs are striker-fired pistols, which the OP has indicated is a deal breaker. Otherwise he could just buy an M&P Shield for well under $400 and have a PPK-sized pistol in 9mm that shoots much better than a PPK.
Believe me, I've researched the same thing as the OP. Folks can suggest what they want, but there is only one gun, the Detonics Pocket 9, which is:
DA/SA
9mm
Hammer Fired
Small/pocket-sized
Corrosion resistant
Durable
Mostly Reliable.....with the right ammo (blowback design)
BUT, heavy by today's standards.
No one makes or has made another gun that fits the OP's criteria - if they did, I would have purchased one!
DA/SA
9mm
Hammer Fired
Small/pocket-sized
Corrosion resistant
Durable
Mostly Reliable.....with the right ammo (blowback design)
BUT, heavy by today's standards.
No one makes or has made another gun that fits the OP's criteria - if they did, I would have purchased one!
Bartholomew Roberts
Moderator
A blowback pocket 9? I'd hope it was heavy. Probably heavily sprung too.
It is heavily sprung, and somewhat heavy for its small size. The first trigger pull is stout and heavy, however, follow-up shot in single action mode is not bad at all. Also, trying to get the thing apart is quite difficult! I've often wondered why someone doesn't just make a da/sa pocket 9mm using more of a browning action like the Ruger LC9 - that seems to be a very easy candidate for making it a da/sa pocket 9.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dgludwig
...the [S&W] Model CS9 ("Chief's Special") 9mm, traditional double-action pistol, has a seven shot capacity magazine, comes with a bobbed hammer that can be manually cocked...
Quote:
"...FWIW the hammers of standard-production Models 3913, 3914*, and CS9 are recessed to the point that they're very difficult to hand-cock without partially drawing back the trigger first, which kinda defeats the purpose..."
Which is why I deliberately used the word "can". I probably should have said "it's possible". I carried a Smith Model 6906, also having the bobbed hammer (as I'm sure you know; guru of all things second and third generation Smiths
) for many years before retiring from le and I did practice "starting" the hammer with the trigger and then cocking it. It's not hard to do with some practice and is a potentially useful mode of shooting and hitting a target that is further away than most self-defense distances typically are-time permitting; which, admittedly, usually isn't the case.
Originally Posted by dgludwig
...the [S&W] Model CS9 ("Chief's Special") 9mm, traditional double-action pistol, has a seven shot capacity magazine, comes with a bobbed hammer that can be manually cocked...
Quote:
"...FWIW the hammers of standard-production Models 3913, 3914*, and CS9 are recessed to the point that they're very difficult to hand-cock without partially drawing back the trigger first, which kinda defeats the purpose..."
Which is why I deliberately used the word "can". I probably should have said "it's possible". I carried a Smith Model 6906, also having the bobbed hammer (as I'm sure you know; guru of all things second and third generation Smiths
) for many years before retiring from le and I did practice "starting" the hammer with the trigger and then cocking it. It's not hard to do with some practice and is a potentially useful mode of shooting and hitting a target that is further away than most self-defense distances typically are-time permitting; which, admittedly, usually isn't the case.QUOTE: "...Believe me, I've researched the same thing as the OP. Folks can suggest what they want, but there is only one gun, the Detonics Pocket 9,..."
I don't know the dimensions/weight of the Detonics Pocket 9 pistol so I am curious to know how it compares with the aforementioned S&W Model CS9 (weighing 20 ounces and having an oal of just over 6 inches) in terms of the criteria as posed by the op. And not only does the Smith Model CS9 (aka Chiefs Special) conform to all of the op's desired features (excepting the mostly impossible pocketable configuration as posed by any pistol chambered for the 9mm cartridge), unlike the "mostly reliable" Detonics Pocket 9, the CS9, like all Third Generation Smiths, can be counted on to shoot just about all factory ammunition with unmatched reliability.
I don't know the dimensions/weight of the Detonics Pocket 9 pistol so I am curious to know how it compares with the aforementioned S&W Model CS9 (weighing 20 ounces and having an oal of just over 6 inches) in terms of the criteria as posed by the op. And not only does the Smith Model CS9 (aka Chiefs Special) conform to all of the op's desired features (excepting the mostly impossible pocketable configuration as posed by any pistol chambered for the 9mm cartridge), unlike the "mostly reliable" Detonics Pocket 9, the CS9, like all Third Generation Smiths, can be counted on to shoot just about all factory ammunition with unmatched reliability.
Mastrogiacomo
New member
I'm a small woman and I can carry nothing in my pocket...I prefer a Glock 26/19, Walther PPS, H&K P2000sk. I'm assuming the only thing that will work for the OP is a S&W .38 with a hammer....I'd love to see the size of a gun that could make any gun "disappear."
Laura
Laura
QUOTE: "... I like my two S&W revolvers but neither fits in slacks pockets and I would really like more than 5 shots before reloading..."
For years, I've carried a Colt Cobra revolver that weighs under 16 ounces and is virtually the same size as your J-frame Smiths but carries 20% more ammunition (six shots vs five). I am considering getting a Ruger LCR revolver, chambered in .327 Federal Magnum and having room for six cartridges for edc. I'm partial to J-frame sized, snub-nosed revolvers chambered in potent cartridges that have six round capacities for concealed carry when conditions dictate a smaller, lighter and (of course) an eminently reliable weapon.
For years, I've carried a Colt Cobra revolver that weighs under 16 ounces and is virtually the same size as your J-frame Smiths but carries 20% more ammunition (six shots vs five). I am considering getting a Ruger LCR revolver, chambered in .327 Federal Magnum and having room for six cartridges for edc. I'm partial to J-frame sized, snub-nosed revolvers chambered in potent cartridges that have six round capacities for concealed carry when conditions dictate a smaller, lighter and (of course) an eminently reliable weapon.
The Detonics Pocket 9 is 5.7" overall length. CS9 oal is 6.25". I believe the weight of the Pocket 9 is 28 ounces. The CS9 is only 20.8 ounces. From what I can tell, the Pocket 9 has a shorter grip than the CS9, but I would have to measure mine to know exactly by how much.
I didn't realize the CS9 was da/sa - I agree, it would be a good candidate! I might even think about getting one.
I didn't realize the CS9 was da/sa - I agree, it would be a good candidate! I might even think about getting one.
I'm going to take a different tack and suggest just keeping the PPKS since it meets all your wants save for caliber. PPKS pistols are usually very accurate and IMO provide enough power for short range personal defense, especially in a warm climate. Except for DA/SA and a hammer that can be manually cocked, the Sig P290rs, as was suggested, would fit your needs admirably. It is DAO with a bobbed hammer. You can buy one for around $400 or a little more with two mags and night sights.
I am a Floridian, too, and a professional. I think you are overestimating the public in their ability to detect a gun and their willingness to look at certain clothes as out of place.
My EDC is a Glock 26 carried IWB, and my pocket gun for when IWB is not feasible is a Sig P238. I know neither of those fit your criteria, but my point is that cover garments are available to cover whatever pistol you decide on. I routinely wear a light sport coat or a nice tail-out shirt to cover the IWB holster. I own my own practice, so I don't have to leave my pistol in my car at work, but I occasionally do at the post office or government offices. It only takes a couple of seconds to un-holster an IWB pistol and stick it in a lockbox. It doesn't need to be an attention-getting event. I know of no law in any jurisdiction that outlaws an empty holster, so I leave my holster in place. My pocket pistol is used primarily when I go to church, because I am a pianist and have to change from jacket to robe when there are people around.
Light jackets don't get me a second look regardless of time of year, and nice looking shirts made to be worn with the tail out are not hard to find, and look as appropriate here as tucked-in shirts without a jacket. Beall's is a good place to find the latter.
My EDC is a Glock 26 carried IWB, and my pocket gun for when IWB is not feasible is a Sig P238. I know neither of those fit your criteria, but my point is that cover garments are available to cover whatever pistol you decide on. I routinely wear a light sport coat or a nice tail-out shirt to cover the IWB holster. I own my own practice, so I don't have to leave my pistol in my car at work, but I occasionally do at the post office or government offices. It only takes a couple of seconds to un-holster an IWB pistol and stick it in a lockbox. It doesn't need to be an attention-getting event. I know of no law in any jurisdiction that outlaws an empty holster, so I leave my holster in place. My pocket pistol is used primarily when I go to church, because I am a pianist and have to change from jacket to robe when there are people around.
Light jackets don't get me a second look regardless of time of year, and nice looking shirts made to be worn with the tail out are not hard to find, and look as appropriate here as tucked-in shirts without a jacket. Beall's is a good place to find the latter.
I was on a quest for the exact same type of gun as the OP, and ended up with a S&W CS9 a few years ago (thanks to a recommendation here).
But I never planned to pocket carry it. I carry it in a custom hybrid holster that fits like a glove and holds it tight and close. But after a few months, it was just too darn big. It's a really nice gun, and I still carry it occasionally, but carry a S&W BG380 mostly now.
I, too, wanted a DA/SA 9mm, but finally compromised and became proficient with the BG. Now the CS9 feels like a brick when I carry it. I can't imagine carrying it in a pocket. I know a lot of you guys are very comfortable carrying larger guns. I just found that I was carrying it less and less because of its size and "printing".
David
But I never planned to pocket carry it. I carry it in a custom hybrid holster that fits like a glove and holds it tight and close. But after a few months, it was just too darn big. It's a really nice gun, and I still carry it occasionally, but carry a S&W BG380 mostly now.
I, too, wanted a DA/SA 9mm, but finally compromised and became proficient with the BG. Now the CS9 feels like a brick when I carry it. I can't imagine carrying it in a pocket. I know a lot of you guys are very comfortable carrying larger guns. I just found that I was carrying it less and less because of its size and "printing".
David
lwestatbus
New member
Thanks Again
Thanks again for the insights and recommendations. I wanted to do a final recap on my thinking after the recommendations.
1. I am intrigued by the S&W 3913. It is no longer in production so I'm going to have to go on a hunt for a used one. I definitely want to handle one and check for size before springing to buy it. This definitely violates my exposed hammer criteria but I can live with that.
2. Laz's suggestion to just stick with the PPKS .380 is a leading contender given the results of my quest. It IS a dream to shoot and "fits" me. It is definitely the easiest handgun I have to dress around and 8 + 7 rounds ready to go is comforting.
3. The Deltonics suggestion is interesting but this seemed to have only been made for one year and long term maintainability is important to me in any purchase of this sort. I'm suspicious of the ability to find parts and someone to service it should the need arise.
4. I am going to look once again at striker fired options and see if I can change my mind. The recent American Rifleman write up on the Walther PPS M2 suggested some interesting trigger pull characteristics and if I can get my head wrapped around the whole idea of striker actions it opens up multiple offerings from mainstream manufacturers.
One final observation was the number of people interested in a similar platform. It suggests a market niche that may be lucrative if someone was willing to fill it.
Many thanks again for the thoughtful and informative responses.
Thanks again for the insights and recommendations. I wanted to do a final recap on my thinking after the recommendations.
1. I am intrigued by the S&W 3913. It is no longer in production so I'm going to have to go on a hunt for a used one. I definitely want to handle one and check for size before springing to buy it. This definitely violates my exposed hammer criteria but I can live with that.
2. Laz's suggestion to just stick with the PPKS .380 is a leading contender given the results of my quest. It IS a dream to shoot and "fits" me. It is definitely the easiest handgun I have to dress around and 8 + 7 rounds ready to go is comforting.
3. The Deltonics suggestion is interesting but this seemed to have only been made for one year and long term maintainability is important to me in any purchase of this sort. I'm suspicious of the ability to find parts and someone to service it should the need arise.
4. I am going to look once again at striker fired options and see if I can change my mind. The recent American Rifleman write up on the Walther PPS M2 suggested some interesting trigger pull characteristics and if I can get my head wrapped around the whole idea of striker actions it opens up multiple offerings from mainstream manufacturers.
One final observation was the number of people interested in a similar platform. It suggests a market niche that may be lucrative if someone was willing to fill it.
Many thanks again for the thoughtful and informative responses.
An interesting feature of the PPS M2 is the cocking indicator which protrudes out the back as the trigger pull cocks the striker. That allows you to reholster with your thumb over that indicator. Anything which might snag the trigger and begin to depress it would give you an immediate tactile response, much like a person placing his thumb on a hammer while reholstering. The PPS M2 might be very similar to the PPKS in size, on paper, but it seems larger to me. Especially through the slide, being locked breech with the recoil spring under the barrel instead of around it and with the 7 and 8 round mags. I find myself also attracted to the PPS M2 quite a bit.
Cosmodragoon
New member
This is on my wish list too. I'd love to see something like the PPS in hammer-fired DA/SA. With it's novel DA/SA striker mechanism, a compact, single-stack version of the P99 would be something. I'm just not holding my breath. (They are finally coming out with a rifle in .327 Federal so I suppose anything is possible.)
The closest thing I could find in real life was the Sig P239. I'm not sure how good it would be for pocket carry but I'd bet it rides very nicely IWB. If you've got a problem with too much spare cash lying around, you could always get the Cadillac of concealed carry: https://www.sigsauer.com/store/p239-sas-gen2-compact.html