[grayhambone]

Fellas, I want a new pocket pistol. I also want a pocket pistol that isn't going to jam if the magazine is fully loaded and one is in the chamber. Being able to function properly even if it's a little dirty is something else to consider. I've handled and shot and had problems with kahr, kel-tec and rugers. I had a glock 26 (bc i'm a glock guy) and love it. If nothing else just stands out, i will get another one. Is the M&P shield pretty flawless?
I will be purchasing it in 9mm also.
Help!

[plouffedaddy]

I have a CM9 and BG380 with over 800 rounds through each---0 failures of any kind.

[Shadow 7D]

KT has worked fine for me, lint and all

[CDR_Glock]

The Shield is not exactly a pocket pistol.

The Sig P938 is, though.

The Diamondback DB9 is a pocket pistol. I wouldn't trust it, though, so I sold it.

[Dreamliner787]

Depends on how small you want to go and if mag capacity is important for you. G26 is the best in size and mag capacity IMO. Going smaller than that it's single stacks and 6-7 rnds mag capacity; which I would rather give up slight difference in size to mag capacity.

[marb4]

+2 for the CM9. Well over 1000 rounds with no issues and I often run it with a full mag and 1 in the chamber.

[kokapelli]

I have a P238, a TCP, a Micro Desert Eagle and all have been flawless. My P3AT was pretty near flawless for over 3000 rounds before it gave out. My P32 had rimlock twice, otherwise it was reliable. My Berretta Tomcat was never reliable.

I had an NAA in 32 cal that in addition to feeling like a brick in my pocket was unreliable and punishing to shoot.

[Shipwreck]

Love the Shield. Sold my Kahr PM9 the same week I got the first one.

After 2 months of searching, I found a 2nd one.

I have 1700 rounds thru the two combined. Love the gun(s)!

Better trigger and less felt recoil than the Kahr. Very accurate. Like shooting a much larger gun. This is the first subcompact I have owned and actually liked. I do not feel undergunned... And, its smaller than the subcompacts I previously owned...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/mistershipwreck/doubleshield.jpg

[kokapelli]

Love the Shield. Sold my Kahr PM9 the same week I got the first one.

After 2 months of searching, I found a 2nd one.

I have 1700 rounds thru the two combined. Love the gun(s)!

Better trigger and less felt recoil than the Kahr. Very accurate. Like shooting a much larger gun. This is the first subcompact I have owned and actually liked. I do not feel undergunned... And, its smaller than the subcompacts I previously owned...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/mistershipwreck/doubleshield.jpg
You said you owned a PM9 and then say the Shield is smaller than the subcompacts I previously owned!

The PM9 is smaller in every dimension and weighs less than the Shield as well, so makes me wonder if you actually did own a PM9.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/stmcelroy/Comparison%20Pics/IMG_0020.jpg

[Ben86]

I have a PM9 and use it as my pocket pistol. Anything bigger than that would be too big to be a pocket pistol IMO. I want a Diamondback DB9 because it's even thinner, but I hear such negative things about it so frequently I'm not sure if that's a good idea.

I used to have a Ruger LCP, it's size is ideal. But, it was a challenge to shoot and the price and lower power level of .380 make that caliber undesirable to me.

[bannockburn]

Shipwreck

I would also have to question you on your comments about the Shield being smaller than a comparable Kahr. When I looked at the Shield at my LGS when they first came out, I did compare it the Kahr PM9 and the Shield was noticebly larger in just about every aspect. Nice gun but definitely not smaller.

[marb4]

Love the Shield. Sold my Kahr PM9 the same week I got the first one.

After 2 months of searching, I found a 2nd one.

I have 1700 rounds thru the two combined. Love the gun(s)!

Better trigger and less felt recoil than the Kahr. Very accurate. Like shooting a much larger gun. This is the first subcompact I have owned and actually liked. I do not feel undergunned... And, its smaller than the subcompacts I previously owned...

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/mistershipwreck/doubleshield.jpg
I like the innertube grip sleeves. I use them on my CM9. They give a nice tacky feel and I think really improve the grip.

[rajb123]

S&W J-frame (revolver)...

[heeler]

I handled a Shield at the gun show yesterday and although nice it is not in anyway smaller and lighter than my PM9.

[Shipwreck]

You said you owned a PM9 and then say the Shield is smaller than the subcompacts I previously owned!

The PM9 is smaller in every dimension and weighs less than the Shield as well, so makes me wonder if you actually did own a PM9.

Yes, you are correct, I made one mistake. I have owned several subcompact doublestacks. That is what I was considering.

I never really liked the Kahr PM9, and it pretty much sat in my safe the 2.5 years I owned it. It just wasn't a fun gun for me to shoot at the range. And, I was no where as accurate with it as the Shield (I do a fair amount of shooting with my shield at 15 yards)

I had other subcompacts that I actually carried with regularity - 9mm doublestacks subcompacts. My point was that this smaller gun was actually more accurate and enjoyable for me to shoot than the doublestacks...

And yea, I have comparison pics of the Kahr and SHield - not that much difference... If I were wearing jeans, even the Kahr wouldn't be easily accessible out of a front pocket (I'd need a tiny 380). So for me, in actual real world use, the slight size difference bwteen the Shield and Kahr is a non issue. I pocket carry the SHield everywhere in my cargo pants.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/mistershipwreck/kahrshield1.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/mistershipwreck/kahrshield2.jpg

[Shipwreck]

I like the innertube grip sleeves. I use them on my CM9. They give a nice tacky feel and I think really improve the grip.

Yes. I have always hated the lack of rubber grips for polymer guns (why can't they come up with rubber side panels and rear backstrap for the HK P30). I've always tried the Hogue slip ons, but I hate the palm swells and finger grooves.

I've tried some others too - even ones without the finger grooves. But the rubber on those were still too thick. It was too obvious where the rubber grip stopped and started.

The innertubes are ugly as hell, but they work the best. Thinnest rubber grip, and cheap. I really wish some gun grip company would come out with something similar - but with a nice looking texture (instead of the ugly innertube style finish). I've been using innertube pieces on polymer guns for years...

so makes me wonder if you actually did own a PM9.

I addressed this in the post above... As I wrote my post, I was considering how the gun is smaller than all the other doublestack subcompacts I have previously owned, and strangely enough, I shoot the smaller Shield better and prefer the Shield over them... At that point, I forgot about the Pm9 I previously had - as I never liked the gun and it always sat in the safe...

I can assure you, I did actually own the PM9, and I have photos to prove it.

[Fishbed77]

Like shooting a much larger gun.

Probably because the M&P Sheild is a much larger gun than the PM9 or CM9. ;)

That said, I find the CM9 to be an incredibly soft-shooting pistol for its size and weight.

[WRGADog]

Kahr PM9, Nano, Solo, PPS.

[C0untZer0]

I think there is a concensus on what constitutes a pocket - but it's not carved in stone.

The front pocket of a common pair of jeans, or business slacks (Dockers) - is a pocket.

These threads always have someone who throws a Glock 26 or Nano (now it's also the Shield) in their cargo pockets and declare the pistol a "Pocket Pistol"

[ctaylor]

Lots of positive comments here on the pm9/cm9 Kahr's. I would advise a slow approach to those. I have a CM9 that had troubles and had to go back to the factory. It is running great now (500 rounds after it came back, no issues of any kind).

Lots of chatter indicative of many guns either going back to the factory or being sold because they don't run. There doesn't seem to be many who have tried them that have a middle of the road opinion...they either love the things, or they hate 'em.

If asked for a recommendation on the CM9, I'd would say it's up to the prospective buyer: if you don't mind taking a little time, going through a little expense and possibly some trouble sending it back, then carry on. It will probably be worth the trouble. If you get frustrated, if you're not willing to buy 300 or 400 rounds to break in and proof the gun, if you don't like recoil or double action triggers, the Kahr is probably not for you. I might even go one step further, and say that sub compact autos in general may not be for you. The little guns are all a little cranky, and the LCR and little J frames are excellent alternatives.

I will say, it works well for me in my front pocket, and it goes out more and more as I get more confident it will go bang each and every time I pull the trigger.

[AZ PAUL]

I havent read all of the posts, but if the Sig P938 is anything like a P238 I would go with it. I currently have a P238 and am looking to switch over to the P938.

[WinThePennant]

Right now, my pocket pistol is the S&W BG380.

Very solid little number. It's my "shorts and flip-flops" carry piece. Otherwise, I'd use a G26.

[340PD]

If reliability is your major concern get a S&W lightweight snubbie revolver. Otherwise I will join the crowd with a Kahr PM9. IMHO the Shield is a little too big for pocket carry.
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/gnystrom_photos/340pd.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t320/gnystrom_photos/KahrShield-1.jpg

[boricua9mm]

I think there is a concensus on what constitutes a pocket - but it's not carved in stone.

The front pocket of a common pair of jeans, or business slacks (Dockers) - is a pocket.

These threads always have someone who throws a Glock 26 or Nano (now it's also the Shield) in their cargo pockets and declare the pistol a "Pocket Pistol"

Seems to be more of a Regional or Stereotypical thing than anything else. Personally, I haven't worn a pair of blue jeans in over a decade. Where I live, they are too hot, making them flat out uncomfortable, and they give you absolutely no storage options for the many things that a modern man carries; like a wallet, cell phone, keys, pocket knife, and a reload. Most men in my area are dressed in some sort of Cargo shorts/pants or other outdoor style clothing because they are comfortable and much more accommodating to how we live. It doesn't matter the age, they are a standard dress staple for the masses down here, which is something that I'll gladly embrace.

Cargo pants, shorts work well to hide a larger gun in pocket carry b/c the side pocket interferes with the lines of the gun and helps to break it up. Wear a good gun belt to support the weight (as you should when carrying anything lighter than a pea-shooter) and stick your hands into the pockets of any pants/shorts you intend to buy.

Personally, I've been carrying a G26 in my front pocket for 8 years now. Never been made, no one looks at me strange for wearing cargo shorts/pants, and given the pistol's firing traits (trigger, grip, dual recoil spring/ recoil management, and accuracy out to 25 yards), it is much more worthy of being a primary sidearm than many of the tiny wonderguns that have become popular as of late.

When I absolutely have to wear dress slacks, I bust out the Seecamp. For everything else, the G26 is it.

To the OP, if the Glock 26 works for you, then I think you will be hard pressed to find a 9mm pistol that displaces it. The Baby Glock gives you a lot of versatility (sights, mags, holsters, aftermarket support) that you likely won't find in any other small sized 9mm. When it comes to pocket carry, most companies are missing one major point; it's the overall height of the pistol that makes or breaks it as a pocket carry option. That's yet another reason why the G26 remains as the sub-compact 9mm to beat. Frankly, I've just about given up on expecting a better option to hit the market.

[JN01]

Out of curiosity, does the weight of a loaded G26 wear out your pockets quickly? Do you re-enforce them?

[franco45]

I addressed this in the post above... As I wrote my post, I was considering how the gun is smaller than all the other doublestack subcompacts I have previously owned, and strangely enough, I shoot the smaller Shield better and prefer the Shield over them... At that point, I forgot about the Pm9 I previously had - as I never liked the gun and it always sat in the safe...
I hope it's smaller than "äll the other doublestack compacts I have previously owned" since it is a single stack weapon. My Kahr CM9 and CW9 have both been 100% and have amazingly light recoil for their size.

[Shipwreck]

I find the recoil for the Shield to be noticably lower than those tiny Kahrs

[checkmyswag]

I like the 9mm small Kahr with the safety. BG380 is good too.

However I don't like pocket carry. I've tried it. But youre at a disadvantage while sitting and then you have a pistol pointed at whoever is across from you at a restaurant and not aimed at the ground like God intended.

Nemesis is a great holster for pocket carry. Now that im out of the pocket carry game im not saying its wrong for everyone all the time.

Guess a pocketed pistol is hard for a BG to grab but may be hard for you to grab too.

I don't consider the Shield a pocket pistol.

Watch your lane.

[boricua9mm]

No, I have not worn out any pants pockets with the G26. It goes in a DeSantis Nemesis . At this point I'll say I recommend a pocket holster for any pistol that will be carried in this manner.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

L.W. Seecamp
PERIOD

[Steel Talon]

Pocket pistol! Reliabilty is my first choice!!

Then a snubnose revolver with a bobbed thumbing spur is your choice then.

[hardluk1]

Not sure why so many people compare the sheild to a cm/pm9 kahr. Those 2 kahrs are simply lighter and smaller. They do make better pocket pistols than most other small 9mm. I also have a cw 9 that is the same weight as the sheild and as close to it in size as any. Recoil on it is rather mind. Not much difference in it than my glock. But like the shield the cw is not a likely pocket pistol and better iwb. I have 2150 rounds fired thru my 2 kahrs with zero problems.

All so picked up a new series taurus 738 tcp that also seems be proveing be a great mini sized pistol. Seems to shoot everthing I have feed it. Only 150 rounds down so far. But I also have to say in 43 years of shooting I have not owned a bad pistol. I had to send a new p-11 in for some tlc and it came back just a fine dependable pistol too.

[kokapelli]

I notice that some of the Shield owners are stuck on the Shields softer recoil. If that is to imply that the PM/CM 9's are punishing to shoot, that is simply not the case.

The Kahrs for their size are a pleasure to shoot and are surprisingly soft shooters.

[Ben86]

The Kahrs for their size are a pleasure to shoot and are surprisingly soft shooters.

I second that. I don't shoot my PM9 often, but when I do I am surprised every time at the soft recoil from that little gun. I don't think a finer 9mm has been made at that same size.

The Diamondback DB9 looks awfully attractive, but I hear so many negative things I'm scared to blow $400 on one.

[vba]

Like other posters I've had nothing but good things to say about my CM9. The recoil is suprisingly modest but I would not call it my favorite range gun.

My Glock 19, Sig P228, Ruger MKII and 1911's are my favorite range guns.

[grayhambone]

Guys, I'm a little overwhelmed by the positive remarks in regards to the, pm/cm line of kahrs. I owned a CW and it was the biggest hunk of junk IMO. No metal tabs for the slide to ride on, and the take down is crap too.
Anyone have these problems with the other kahrs.

[rWt]

Seecamp

Rohrbaugh

[Roadking Rider]

I've got a P3at that has seen more pocket lint than a chinese garmant worker. It's been wet from diving in a pool oops,sweat on,during long motorcycle road trips and thrown across and bounced on a garage floor three or four times when it flipped out of my MC jacket pocket when I tried to put it on. I have to admit I treat this pistol like,cough (not very well). I'm amazed that his little gun still goes bang everytime I ask it do. People can say what they want about the little P3at. They have there opinion and I definately have mine, and mine is from personal experience. Not what there uncle joe heard on the net.

[kokapelli]

I've got a P3at that has seen more pocket lint than a chinese garmant worker. It's been wet from diving in a pool oops,sweat on,during long motorcycle road trips and thrown across and bounced on a garage floor three or four times when it flipped out of my MC jacket pocket when I tried to put it on. I have to admit I treat this pistol like,cough (not very well). I'm amazed that his little gun still goes bang everytime I ask it do. People can say what they want about the little P3at. They have there opinion and I definately have mine, and mine is from personal experience. Not what there uncle joe heard on the net.
If I read the original post correctly I think he wants a 9mm pocket pistol.

[hardluk1]

Well there ain't many 9mm "pocket" pistols out there pf-9, liter than the cm/pm series and is a bit snappier because of the 12oz weight. Or the small 9mm kahrs. Diamondback but they are still more undependible than any other. Also a few 2 shooters. Thats about it unless pants have jumbo pockets.

[Roadking Rider]

Yes your right. My bad. It just that every time I hear pocket pistol I think .380 as I've always felt that even my PM9 is not a true pocket pistol. I wear mine on my hip. The only pistol I've ever really felt good about carrying in my pocket comfortably and move about the way I'd like is the P3at.

[Ben86]

I owned a CW and it was the biggest hunk of junk IMO. No metal tabs for the slide to ride on, and the take down is crap too.
Anyone have these problems with the other kahrs.

So what was the problem?

The metal "tabs" are the internal rails toward the front of the frame. Done right the kahr take down is exceedingly easy.

[JustinJ]

I found the Shield to be slightly too large for front pocket carry. While i'm not a fan of the trigger i think the Ruger LC9 is the most reliable pocket 9 based on consensus and experience. There are countless accounts of Khar and Kelteks being very unreliable.

[gator1gear]

I carry a CM9 in my pocket, and I have found that if you wear jeans, and don't have any "vanity issues":D The Faded Glory Wal-Mart carpenter jeans have the biggest, most gun hiding pockets of any pants I've had on. I have carried my CW9 in these pockets too.

[Micha2u]

I carry a CM9 in a Nemesis Superfly for pocket carry.

I just came back from the range after firing another 50 rounds of self defense hollow point ammo with no FTF or FTE issues. The CM9 is what I am looking for in a reliable concealed carry firearm.

[IkenI]

I've owned the PM9 and found it to be very reliable and accurate. Having said that there was nothing about it that caused me to want to keep it. I don't care for pocket carry but do so fairly frequently. The PM9 was a little large for that but so is my choice. I do carry in a Kangaroo Carry holster frequently and it will handle a medium sized handgun effectively. It's also faster to retrieve the handgun than a pocket pistol. I guess the main reason I didn't keep my PM9 was because it was a little too big for the pocket and if I wanted to carry on the waist (IWB or OWB) I could just as easily carry my German HK P2000sk 9mm. It is my preferred 9mm carry. As a backup throw in the pocket gun, with reliability my determining factor, this is my choice.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t201/IkenI_photo/008.jpg

[burk]

If I was to go pocket gun I would look hard at the Sig P238. But you said you carry a Glock 26, that is to me more an IWB gun. I currently carry the Ruger LC8 when I feel a smaller gun is adequate (I'm beginning to wonder more and more after Aurora).

As far as the Shield, I haven't yet seen it, but everyone I've talked claims it's a tad bigger than the LC9. My only question with the Shield is I don't like the M & P trigger, especially with no safety. In a "pocket gun" you either want a safety or a pretty long DA trigger. We had an incident with an M & P last week in Detroit with an accidental Police incidental discharge. I can't imagine a no safety with that trigger in a pocket.

I'm always impressed by Kahrs in the shop but my customers either love them or hate them. They are tight guns, I suspect they require more break in than many owners are use too.

[hardluk1]

burke I allways felt some owners need more brake-in not the pistols. I bought a cw9 from a guys that said it would not shoot a mag full with out problems, just junk. Its been great for me. Now it was "used" . Bought a cm9 new and from round one it was also great. Any how glad some have problems and think there not good and that allows other to pick up good deals on pistols that we can enjoy shooting. haha

[DocRx]

Yesterday, I shot another 100 rds.through my Kahr CM9, (wouldn't carry ANY gun without shooting 200-300 rds. through it to test-break in- for reliability,error free.). No problems, and hand is just fine today, recoil is snappy, but very tolerable. However, if "reliability" is your major concern, go with some of the S&W's revolvers mentioned before, or the best IMHO, the Ruger KLCR .357mag. Covers everything you want, and more reliable than most, if not all, autos. Take care and be safe.

[cpt-t]

My Wife and I both have CW9 KAHR, and neither of us have any type of problem with them. I carry mine every day usually pocket carry. I put Crimson Trace Lazer`s on them and we like the CW9`s even more. I really like the trigger`s on ours. And we find them pleasent to shoot, and we shoot them alot. GOOD LUCK TO YOU: ken

[jimbo555]

I'm happy with my ruger lc9,it can fit in most pockets but I prefer a simple slide holster owb. I carry a walther tph always in a pocket.

[OrangePwrx9]

Reliability is the issue, alright grey. But think total system reliability. What if you're partially disabled with a broken arm or wrist; or maybe picked up a bullet that's disabled a flipper?

I'd love to try a CM9 or a G26 because I own and like their larger brethern. OTOH, getting older has taught me that strength and ability isn't always a given. That's what sent me to the revolver camp.

I'm confident I can keep a revolver running, reloads and all, with one hand. Without some very specific training and regular practice, I'm not sure I could do the same with a semi-auto pistol.

So, for now the pocket pistol is a J-frame. There may be a CM9 in the future, but there may also may be an LCR or another J-frame.

[CountryUgly]

S&W J-frame (revolver)...
If reliabilty is the main concern then What tihs guy said ^^^^ ...Sure I carry a 1911 but I don't leave home without the 442 in the pocket.

[Soldiernurse]

The M&P Shield .40 fits well in cargo pockets w/ DeSantis Superfly holster.

[Soldiernurse]

Guys, I'm a little overwhelmed by the positive remarks in regards to the, pm/cm line of kahrs. I owned a CW and it was the biggest hunk of junk IMO. No metal tabs for the slide to ride on, and the take down is crap too.
Anyone have these problems with the other kahrs.
Hated the heavy pull on the PM9 & traded it. I'd highly recommend the KelTec PF-9 for a pocket carry. Thin, light weight, and only 5lb trigger pull. Plus, the recoil is very doable.

[kokapelli]

Hated the heavy pull on the PM9 & traded it. I'd highly recommend the KelTec PF-9 for a pocket carry. Thin, light weight, and only 5lb trigger pull. Plus, the recoil is very doable.
I owned both and after I got a PM9 I couldn't wait to get rid of the PF9.

I found the felt recoil from the PF9 was much more punishing than the recoil from the PM9 and I am way more accurate with the PM9 as well.

[easyg]

If reliability is the most important factor then the revolver has a slight edge over an autoloader.


I really like the Ruger LCR....

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n165/allenXdog/photobucket-1946-1331253546956.jpg

I've owned several S&W snubbies but the Ruger has a better trigger pull by far.

[flyskater]

love my itty bitty cm9. 380 pistol size with 9mm power. 1000+ rounds without a hitch.

[TennJed]

I'm happy with my ruger lc9,it can fit in most pockets but I prefer a simple slide holster owb. I carry a walther tph always in a pocket.
Do you happen to have a side by side or comparision photo of the Ruger and Walther THP?

I am very interested in that little Walther

[Dr_B]

I pocket carried my Shield .40 most of last week while visiting family in another state. It works fine for pocket carry depending on the person.

[DAdams]

http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf

In my view and experience it's not as much about size as weight. Put a pound in your pocket and walk around with it for a day. Try it in the different slacks, jeans, and shorts you commonly wear.

I haven't found a nine then that will pocket carry. Let alone the reliability or lack there of of a semiauto.

Next consider shape and size in the same pants above including weight.

The quest continues......good luck.

Consider also a revolver for pocket carry.

[One_Jackal]

The OP appears to be dead set on a 9mm. He would have to go to a 38 spcl to own a proven revolver. All I can say is good luck!

[jimbo555]

169128 Sorry,not very good at pics yet! Ruger lc9 and Walther tph.

[Ricky T]

It is unfair to compare the size of the Walther TPH vs. the Ruger LC9. One is a tiny .22 that belongs in the pocket and the other is a 9mm large enough for holster wear.

[jimbo555]

TennJed,post #59 asked for the comparison.It does show that there are big differences in the sizes of pocket pistols!

[stroked383z]

I bought my wife a .380 BodyGuard, and I have a Ruger LC9. Both are nice guns. Didn't take very many rounds to get used to the long trigger on the LC9. Both of these guns are little firecrackers in your hands. They really do kick pretty decent. I also have a .38 Special Derringer (wouldn't ever wanna carry it in my pocket though)

[jolly roger]

Reliability...S&W J Frame REVOLVER no question.

[TennJed]

It is unfair to compare the size of the Walther TPH vs. the Ruger LC9. One is a tiny .22 that belongs in the pocket and the other is a 9mm large enough for holster wear.
Yeah blame that on me. I have shot the LC9 so I know what it feels like in my hand. Just wanted to see what they looked like side by side to get a feel for the true size of the TPH since I have never seen one in person. I am really interested in them though