[1KPerDay]

I haven't kept abreast of the most recent developments in handguns... last time I looked into it the Kel-Tec .32 was quite popular. (they make a .380 verson now, right?) Are there any .380 or 9mm autos that will ACTUALLY fit in a normal pocket/holster? And not look like I'm carrying a box of ammo around? I think for me pocket carry is the most realistic.

Ideas/suggestions? I don't think a J-frame will work for me... too thick through the cylinder.

[carpediem]

Rohrbaugh R9.

Edit - It's a 9mm auto pocket gun. Only thing not to like is the price... OAL ~ 5.2" H ~ 3.7" W ~ 0.9"

[strat81]

Depends on the pockets. The pockets on my Dockers allow pocket-carry of a Glock 26, as do the pockets on my cargo pants (BDUs). Some of my jeans have big enough pockets to allow it too. It's all relative - if you wear nut-hugger jeans form 1985, then no, it won't fit.

[James T.]

Have you consider a darringer. There are many available at reasonable prices. Small enough no one would ever notice it in your pocket. If you went that a away i would get the firearm in 38 spl. Has plenty of knock down. Which is needed since you only have two shots. I carry a pt111 millenium 9mm by taurus or a rossi 38 spl snubby both are a little big for the pocket but nothing a shirt cant cover while in a holster.

[arthurcw]

Depends on the pockets... Some pants I can pocket my MK9 just fine, others, not some much.

Rohrbaugh R9.

It’s small and spendy. Also it will not shoot +p ammo.

If you have the $$$ the Rohrbaugh R9 may be for you. If not, and you don't have cargo pants as a normal wear option (for Kahr MK/PM models) then you might be looking for a Kel-tec P-3at (.380). I have one and it's nice a small.

But don't give up on other forms of carry. I was ubber convinced that I was going to be pocket carrying all the time when I started carrying. I really carry IWB most of the time now. I just had to change my style of dress. I moved to un-tucked shirts or light cover shirts. I know it's not the nicest look, but I'm married so I'm not trying to impress anyone.

[Tequila jake]

How about a Kahr, either a PM9 or a CW9? I have the PM9 and it will fit comfortably in the pockets of Dockers or other similar pants--not in tight jeans, though, but neither will anything else. The Kahr is about .9" wide at the widest point. As to your point about the S&W j frame: I carry my 642 in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster in Dockers and it's not noticeable.

Tequila Jake

[1KPerDay]

if you wear nut-hugger jeans form 1985, then no, it won't fit
Damn.


:D

[DawgFvr]

Here you go...take off the X2 Tac light on the Taurus PT145...add a Mika pocket holster and you have one heck of a pocket pistol. 10 + 1 rounds of .45 ACP this is a very dependable pocket cannon.:D You will need roomy dockers of course. A bit lighter gun will be the S&W 642...which I also carry in a Mika pocket holster. Then there is the ol' Kel Tek P3AT which fits nicely in any pocket holster.

[1KPerDay]

Arthur, I usually wear un-tucked shirts as well. I have my doubts as to whether I can successfully hide the angular profile of a pistol butt anywhere around my, ahem, famine-resistant mid-section, though.:uhoh:

The Kel-Tec seems like the front-runner at this point... though the Rorbaugh looks tasty.

[innerpiece]

"BEST" is personal prefrence, imo..

I have a Taurus PT111 MilPro, and a Kahr CW9..

I would rather carry the CW9 in the pocket, if I chose pocket carry, its by far, thinner, and lighter.. Just as reliable..
If absolute concealment is not my intended goal, I carry the PT111MilPro, due to the higher capacity.. and Ive also put about 4k more rounds thru my Taurus..

Either are a great, powerfull choice, or I wouldnt carry them.

Kahr also makes the MK series of pistols, verry high quality pocket guns imo.. Im just not comfortable with such small guns, they lack alot.
I personally, would never go down to a 32 or .380 if I had my above listed choices..

good luck on yer decision!

ip.

[Alan Fud]

Colt Pocket Nine ...

http://fud-files.netfirms.com/image/private/guns/f162.jpg

... slightly bigger than the R9 but +P rated which the R9 isn't.

[arthurcw]

1K...

It is not a famine-resistant mid-section It's a Bug Out Belly! I have one... and have enough to spare that I could supply a few peeps here with some needed Kilocalories in a plane crash and still look like I need an Extreme Body Makeover.

So I know from whence you speak. A good holster and a GOOD gun belt (should probably get one of those even if you will pocket carry) and you will be ok. I IWB my MK9 all the time with a cover shirt. I can do it in the summer with an un-tucked shirt without much bulge showing. Dark colors, dark prints, short sleeve covers, and a willingness to look like you are just trying to p*ss Mr. Blackwell off will all help.

I’ll say it… the first step is admitting you have a problem. I’m fat and short. My Wife’s G19 is just out of reach for me to IWB… it shows up BIG TIME! But my MK9 is just fine. The P11 from Kel-tec would work too, but I hate the trigger. For IWB you need SLIM not small (for pocket carry too).

After almost a year of CCW I’ve come to learn what I THINK is obvious is SO NOT obvious to most people. The other night I had to go to a store that I did not want to go to. Bad area of town. I had my MK9, extra mag, Streamlight, CRKT, and cell phone (Not to mention my keys, SAK, and Zippo). Now I’m a wide load. I walk into the store and there’s a cop. He never even looked twice at me. Now it could have been that he wrote me off a Non-threat Ubber Tacticool Compu-Ninja. But I doubt it. I was in jeans, T-shirt, and a cover shirt. Nothing could be seen.

So I’m pretty sure that if I (a seriously fat bast*rd) can get away with IWB, most people can. The caveat is you will not be on the cover of GQ.

BUT: you will need a Pocket gun either way. some times it's unavoidable. For me, the best is the P-3at. Would I like something bigger... OH YEAH. But $$$ and physics prevent me from achieving that.

[innerpiece]

arthur...lol.. yer awesome! :)

alan, Im shure Im mistaken.. but isnt the PocketNine a SA trigger?
if so, not something Id put in my pocket..jmo..

[RNB65]

My Kahr P9 in a kydex pocket holster will completely disappear into a pocket. An observant eye could tell there something in the pocket if I'm wearing tight jeans, but the kydex holster prevents it from printing and looking like a gun.

[Excalibur]

I carry (at times) a Kahr CW9 in my front pocket. The PM9 is a little smaller and better suited for that purpose. Personally I prefer the SmartCarry holster for total concealment rather than pocket carry. With a little practice I can have it out and a shot off just as fast if not faster than pocket carry.

[Hofstet]

I like my Glock 27 (.40 S&W). Great carry gun and very accurate.

[1KPerDay]

It's a Bug Out Belly!
LOL!

Thanks for your post... very informative and relevant to my situation. :cool:

[C-grunt]

My best friend carries a G27 OWB every day and nobody ever notices. Hes 6 foot and 260 and has no problem. Its all about how you dress.

[JoeG52]

S&W340

[redneckrepairs]

Kahr pm 9 works for me wearing wrangler cowboy cut jeans with a 34" waist size . Kel-tec p3at is certinly smaller and lighter , but i just like the full house 9 better for carry . The pm 40 is the same size of the pm9 if .40 is your thing ( it isnt mine lol )

[carpediem]

That Colt Pocket 9 looks pretty nice. Anyone know the basic dimensions [LxHxW] or ballpark price?

[sm]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=91948&highlight=pocket+carry

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=1036508&postcount=21

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=500109&postcount=2

[The Amigo]

Used to have a Taurus mod 85 ultralight really decent gun but found too heavy for pocket carry in some instances. Tried the kel tec in .380 and i find it just perfect for those occasions where i need something smaller than my taurus pt 145.

[LightningJoe]

A snub-nose .357 will fit in the front pocket of a pair of blue jeans just fine and will be concealable. For .357, you'll probably want an all-steel gun, which may be a bit heavy, but it will "fit" just as well as an alloy-frame gun. This is undoubtedly the most powerful, usable pocket gun. Most powerful, of course, may not be best, but that's going to be hard either to prove or to disprove.

[Kar-el]

Do a search on a gun called "Semmerling"?

It was (is)? made in limited numbers and was a .45 caliber that was a multiple shot but you had to manually cyle the slide.

Very cool, but I believe around $1495!

[joesolo]

hands down the Rohrbaugh. I have a Glock 26, 27 and Kahr MK9 and the R9 is smaller and lighter. It is the only one I can comfortably carry and feel good about not printing in my pocket. As mentioned, it is very expensive.

[Harold Mayo]

I think Semmerlings are worth way more than that now.

...and, yes, they ARE going for far more...or people are pricing them that high, anyway...

http://www.gunsamerica.com/classifieds/none/_976807018.aspx

[benelli12]

This thing:cool: :cool: :cool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLALsfK7uNo

[Sistema1927]

Kahr PM9 in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster. Spare mag in a leather slip case in the offside pocket. No problems in jeans, dockers, dress slacks, shorts, etc.

[Ric in Richmond]

kahr pm40.

power? plenty...You will know you have been shooting a light weight .40 the next day.

size? you forget you have it with you. Pocket carry, IWB, Never an issue!

Reliability? Well some have issues. Mine seems to be fine, but it is ammo and cleanliness sensitive. After 150 rds it needs a quick hosing down to run great.

I figure the first 6 and a reload are all I REALLY need to worry about!

Ric

[orionengnr]

Another vote for the Kahr PM9 in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster. I have a 32" waist (no "concealment belly") and can carry it in any pair of pants/jeans/shorts I own.

[flip180]

Can the PM9 shoot +p rounds. Not being able to shoot +P rounds is the biggest thing that's keeping me from considering the Rohrbaugh. After seeing some velocities posted here for the Rohrbaugh, I have been skeptical about it's ballistic performance. I had a Kahr P9 covert and the PM9 isn't too far from that in overall size. The thing is, the P9 covert I had was less than stellar in reliability so, I'm kinda gun shy when it comes to polymer framed kahr's. Has anyone had any problems with reliability with their PM9's.

Flip.

[Ric in Richmond]

No idea about the PM9 and +p....just go PM40 and that will be the least of your worries.

Snappy is a good word for it!!!

[mmissile]

Rohrbaugh.

http://i12.tinypic.com/4ierbba.jpg

[glove]

+1 Kel-Tec P3AT:)
Dave Z

[Alan Fud]

That Colt Pocket 9 looks pretty nice. Anyone know the basic dimensions [LxHxW] or ballpark price? About the same size as a Walther PPK ...

http://fud-files.netfirms.com/image/private/guns/f155.jpg

[1KPerDay]

Can the PM9 shoot +p rounds. Not being able to shoot +P rounds is the biggest thing that's keeping me from considering the Rohrbaugh. After seeing some velocities posted here for the Rohrbaugh, I have been skeptical about it's ballistic performance. I had a Kahr P9 covert and the PM9 isn't too far from that in overall size. The thing is, the P9 covert I had was less than stellar in reliability so, I'm kinda gun shy when it comes to polymer framed kahr's. Has anyone had any problems with reliability with their PM9's.

There are several reviews and good info on the PM9 on kahr's site, FYI. Click on the "product reviews" links to the right.
http://www.kahr.com/pistols_PM9093.html

Can anyone post a pic with a Rorhbaugh and a PM9? Anyone own both?

[Tequila jake]

arthurcw,

I also suffer from the SFG (short fat guy) syndrome and have had to work hard to come up with a good CC method. One of the problems most people don't seem to mention very often is weight of the weapon. Most often I carry a S&W 642 and it weighs 15 oz unloaded. Load it up and it's about as much weight as I'd care to put in a pants pocket. Look at this way: How many of us would want to put a 1 lb+ can of soup in our pants pocket (ignoring, for the moment, how thick it would be)? Although it doesn't print using a DeSantis Nemesis holster, my 642 sure seems to make my Dockers sag and although others may not notice it, I sure feel it. And I just can't carry it in jeans--not because it prints, but because the fit is so tight I have trouble drawing it. So, when I wear jeans I wind up carrying it in a fanny pack.

I would like to go to IWB carry, but in addition to having a sizeable spare tire, my shoulders aren't that wide (I'm kind of a misfit, physically...) and shirts don't "drape" well over my midsection. I hope to lose some weight soon and maybe I can go to IWB then. Used to use IWB exclusively, but that was about 25 lbs ago.

However, I have come up with the ultimate solution: two big bodyguards with UZIs :D ...

Tequila jake

[Tequila jake]

flip180,

Yes, the Kahr PM9 can shoot +P rounds. I own one and sent Kahr an e-mail asking that question and they replied in the affirmative.

Tequila Jake

[thales]

*


I usually carry a KelTec P-11 in my front pants pocket in a pocket holster. It is about the maximum size workable for a pocket pistol, but it does not print in comfortable pleat-front khakis. Recoil is not at all painful, but recovery time is a bit long. KelTec also made a P-40 in 40 S&W for a while but the recoil was over the top so they quit making it. I also sometimes carry a S&W 360, alloy J-frame snubbie in .357. Carries very well in a pocket and is plenty powerful but the recoil is decidedly nasty. Get the best grips you can (not the factory grips), carry it a lot, shoot full power loads only a little, practice with mild .38 loads.


*

[CAnnoneer]

Make yourself a bigger pocket...:evil:

NAA offers a very small .380

[CAnnoneer]

double post. pls remove

[flip180]

How has your's been reliability wise?

Flip.

[SNEAKS]

I have a Glock 33 it works good with an IWB holster.

[aaronrkelly]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v67/aaronrkelly/All%20Guns/keltec.jpg

[LaP]

Bye

[murph50]

Because of the nature of my work I am often limited on what I can carry. Climbing on roofs or into attics is tough while trying to conceal. For summer months when concealment can be a challenge I rely on my KT P3at in a Mikes #3 pocket holster in front jeans pocket. Looks like a thin wallet. I love this gun for what it's designed to do--up close defense. When it's difficult or impossible to carry anything bigger the p3at works.
Best $250 I ever spent

[Car Knocker]

Kimber Ultra Carry .45ACP works well for me.

[bhk]

My PM40 works great. About the same size and weight as the PM9, but with more punch!

[Shadan7]

There are more powerful pcoket pistols...
...but the R9 from Rohrbaugh is the best trade-off between size and 'punch' that I've found. I carry mine with 115 grain Gold Dots *all the time*, either as a primary when nothing else will fit, or as a powerful backup. I never feel undergunned (unless I have access to a long arm...) :evil:

7

[tegemu]

I routinely carry a Kimber Ultra Carry II, a 3" .45 ACP.

[3sixbits]

S&W 340PD stuffed with 145 grain SILVERTIPS .357 mags in a Galco pocket holster. Front or back pocket works well for me. I've never felt safe wearing an autoloader in the battery position next to my skin. DA only with no hammer to catch makes me have no worries. I can leave it loaded forever and not worry about the magazine spring going soft. I've never had a revolver fail to feed or jam. I know this sounds like I'm not an autoloader fan and that is just not the case. For this situation I just feel more comfortable with the wheel gun.

[Alan Fud]

The 340 with .38 +P's is a handful. I can't even imagine what it would be like with .357's.

[Super Trucker]

The J-Frames, do not have the squared (end of the slide) to leave a print on your clothes. I wear Levi 505 jeans and can conceal a 340 better than a Kel-Tec. both were carried in a uncle mikes $10.00 pocket holster the right size for each gun, and the S&W was not as noticeable even though the Kel-Tec is smaller.

[coach22]

340 PD loaded with Corbon DPX 357.
NOTHING carries better.

coach22

[mtncat]

Well, the most "powerful" I have ever carried was a cobray 45 LC/410 shotgun derringer. This is probably not what your looking for but it fit the pocket just fine. Only reason I carried it was I had to have a back up that in no way looked like something an LEO would carry for working undercover
http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=7864704

[Alan Fud]

The J-Frames, do not have the squared (end of the slide) to leave a print on your clothes. I wear Levi 505 jeans and can conceal a 340 better than a Kel-Tec. both were carried in a uncle mikes $10.00 pocket holster the right size for each gun, and the S&W was not as noticeable even though the Kel-Tec is smaller. ... yes, Yes, YES! Thank you.

I've been saying this ("the S&W was not as noticeable even though the Kel-Tec is smaller") for a while and nobody believes me -- because of their shape, J-frame conceal better than autoloaders of equal or even smaller size.

[jad0110]

I've been saying this ("the S&W was not as noticeable even though the Kel-Tec is smaller") for a while and nobody believes me -- because of their shape, J-frame conceal better than autoloaders of equal or even smaller size.

+2

Not many people believe it. I think we've been hearing from gun mags for years that an auto is always easier to conceal than a wheelie.

I've always contended that given a semi auto and a revolver of equal L X W X H (and weight, I suppose), the revolver will be easier to conceal. I believe most people find that the width of the gun is the most important factor in determining it's ease of concealment. A revolver is thickest at just the cylinder, everywhere else it is pretty thin and as you said, rounded with no sharp edges.

A baby Glock and a J Frame 637/638/642/442 have nearly the same exterior deminsions (L X W X H), I find J Frame is a heck of a lot easier to conceal than the blocky Glock, IWB and especially in the pocket.

I'm not bashing said semi auto, it is an excellent gun and one should always carry what they are most confident in. Ease of concealment is like felt recoil; it is a highly subjective thing.

For me, the best combo of reliability (factor #1) and power that will fit in my pocket is my S&W 642 (your results may vary ;) ):


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q139/jad0110/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Model%20642%2038%20Special/Large/SW642withammo.jpg

[JoJo_SC]

My KelTec 3AT has turned into my normal CCW in my front right pocket, using the Pocket Defender from K&D Holsters (http://www.kdholsters.com). Loaded with Corbon PowerBall, I feel fairly well armed.

That said, I am looking for new compact to carry IWB when my clothing allows.

http://tiger955.smugmug.com/photos/130674977-L.jpg

http://tiger955.smugmug.com/photos/130675036-L.jpg

[1KPerDay]

I routinely carry a Kimber Ultra Carry II, a 3" .45 ACP.

In a pocket?


Thanks for the pic, JoJo. Is that a left-handed holster? When you carry in your right pocket, is the full-length leather "cover" against the outside of the pocket? Seems that would break the outline well, but how do you draw with the leather in the way of the grip?

[JoJo_SC]

The hostler shown is a right hand model IIRC. I use it in the right front pocket or the back right pocket. The leather anti-print panel breaks up the outline of the gun, and prints like a wallet. When drawing, your hand slips between the grip and the panel, which flexes away from the grip. With a little practice it will draw very easily. That particular hoslter is designed to use the panel in the rear pocket only, but I find it works well in the front, depending on the type of pants.

On a side note, I have been really impressed with the quality of this holster. Even though the wait time may be a little long, it is worth it IMHO. I plan on getting another K&D Hoslter for my IWB.

[Tezcatlipoca]

I can stick my P239 in the pockets of my Dickies pants.


It's a 357SIG

[W Turner]

In some BDU's I have bene able to get away with carrying a Glock 30 with the 9 round mag and at other times a Glock 19. These days I go much smaller because I wear jeans about 90% of the time.

Right now I carry a SW642. I have gone back and forth over the years between this and a Kel Tec of one flavor or another, but like someone else here said, the revolver carries much better than smaller semi-autos due to the overall shape.

That being said, I am keeping my eyes peeled for a Kel-Tec PF9. That single stack 9mm might be just what I am looking for.



W

[1KPerDay]

What's a good price for a 642?

[jad0110]

What's a good price for a 642?

For NIB without the CT lasergrips, I'd say you'd be doing fine if you keep it under $400.

I paid $355 for mine in May 06. The same gunshop is now selling them for $379. Used prices are pretty close to NIB because little J Frames are in such tremendous demand right now. Most gunshops have a hard time keeping them in stock. The lowest price I heard of was several gents that paid $309 for them over on The 642 Club http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=138658. The average price seems to hover around $375 these days.

Bud's Gun Shop is selling them for $324.60, but you have to add in shipping + FFL fees. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/31/products_id/26498

I would have preferred to buy used, but I have never actually seen a used 642 before. People seem to buy and keep 'em forever.

[1KPerDay]

Thanks.

[115grfmj]

it'd be my p64..

[longeyes]

J-Frame Airweight, definitely.

But best combination of power + accuracy + shootability, for me, Glock 26 (if you have a fat pocket).

[XavierBreath]

What's the most powerful/reliable CCW pistol that will realistically fit in a pocket?

Smith & Wesson Model 60-9.
Unmatched .357 magnum power.
Unmatched revolver reliability.

There's you answer.

http://www.bayourovers.com/M60-9.jpg

If your biggest consideration is to carry an cool and popular auto loader rather than "the most powerful/reliable CCW pistol that will realistically fit in a pocket", then there are plenty of semi-autos to try. But if you want "the most powerful/reliable CCW pistol that will realistically fit in a pocket", you have to get past the shell shucker thing.

[tegemu]

1kperday, every day I carry the Ultra Carry II in my right front pocket in a Sam Andrews www.andrewsleather.com pocket holster. It prints like a wallet, is easy to draw and reholster. The UCII is about the same size as a Snub Nose (I compared it with my Charter Undercover .38) and several other of the handguns listed in this post, so there is no reason why it won't easily fit in the same pocket that they will. You can't wear tight trousers is all, but you can't wear them with the other mentioned guns either.

[denfoote]

Albeit, not very often. Not because I cannot, but because I really don't like pocket carry!! Nonetheless, it does get carried in this manner infrequently.

http://usera.imagecave.com/denfoote/G36rig1.jpg



http://usera.imagecave.com/denfoote/G36rig2.jpg

Glock 36 in a Galco PH-286 pocket holster!!! :eek:

[KISS]

I agree with those that pocket-carry the KAHR CW9. It is the best available, in my opinion. Just make sure you buy jeans/slacks with deep, loose pockets.

[dhoomonyou]

GLOCK 26, 27 or 33.

In a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster.

[nycmedic]

https://shop.cylinder-slide.com/ccp51/cgi-bin/cp-app.pl?usr=51F8766174&rnd=9303588&rrc=N&affl=&cip=68.175.53.103&act=&aff=&pg=prod&ref=adv354&cat=8&catstr=HOME:8
How about a Cylinder and Slide Adventurer. It’s a chopped 1911 with a 3 inch barrel and a 5 round mag.
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f105/AriSuss/DSC01349.jpg

[1KPerDay]

oooooo.... :cool:

[mjb]

Kahr K40 .40