Sub Compact Confusion

I have a PF9 and love it; though I don't really consider it small enough for pocket carry. I also have a P3AT and love it as well, it is my choice for pocket carry. I know a lot of folks with P3AT's and they have all run great from day one. Keltec's customer service is very good from what I've heard...never had to use it myself. Just make sure and test the gun with your carry ammo and you should be fine.

I think that the difficulties of making a firearm function 100% in the size available for a small subcompact means that you can find instances where any and all of the ones on the market don't function properly right out of the box. If you're looking for a firearm that has never had a lemon get out of the factory you'll be looking for a long time. Your best bet is to select from manufacturers whose products best meet your needs and who have a reputation for standing behind their product. Internet chatter notwithstanding, the odds are that you'll get a fully functional gun from a reputable manufacturer and if you do have a problem they'll make it good.

The RUGER LC9 is getting ready to ship, 9mm, single-stack, lightweight, I was on the waiting list for one but bought an XDm COMPACT last week instead of the LC9.

If you want something you can always pocket carry get a .380. With a 9, even these new small ones they might be able to pocket depending on what pants you are wearing and might not be. You might also find you can but its not something you want to do. I think if you buy one of them you are going to end up needing a .380 as well for the rest of the time.

The 9mm micro market is about to explode in the next few months with pocket 9mm's.
But one issue is none have a proven track record.
One that does have a proven record and is on the market now is the Kahr PM9 and CW9 with the latter not so much pocket friendly as its a bit larger than the very small PM9.
CW9= $370-$425
PM9 = $600-$700

You could get an LCP now and see how the new 9mm's hit the market and then sell the LCP when your ready to buy. You shouldn't loose too much money considering it buys you time to see what new guns are working and which are flops and bug ridden.

Honestly tho, The PF9 is a better gun than any bad info you read online as most people come here to complain and not praise a gun so they can warn others.
But Keltec has a good warranty and stands behind their work.
And no i never owned a PF9 or a Keltec for that matter, I just know how trends work in gun forums.
But i will say you wont get very good resale value on the PF9 like you would with a Ruger LCP as the Ruger name get you better money.

I bought an all steel version of the Kahr PM9 which is the MK9 and can be too heavy for front pocket carry, But i carry back pocket and the extra weight is unnoticeable.
But look what you get:


Sorry if it seems i post this pic everywhere, But i just love this gun. Its almost a work of art instead of a gun.

My Ruger LCP is my 'always' gun in front pocket with a pocket holster. It's there whether I have a 'big brother' or not with it.

I also have a Kahr MK9. Love the gun. It is just barely pocket-able but will work in most pants. It is a bit heavy. I have no experience with the polymer versions but understand they are a bit lighter and MAY be a bit less reliable.

Reliability is paramount and my LCP and MK9 are absolutely 100% and have been from day #1.

I think the new Ruger itty bitty 9 MAY be an option. It should be quite light weight, but it may be just a bit longer and taller than the MK9 but perhaps thinner. I'll have to wait on that one.

Good luck in your search. PA is a good carry state. Interesting and a pretty place too. I visit there often and have a PA permit even though my state has reciprocity.

randytrapper

I had a PF9 but sold it because for me it really was a little too big for pocket carry. I ended up buying a P3AT and it has been great as a truly sub-compact CCW. The new Ruger LC9 is pretty much like the PF9, and I think I would give it some time for them to get the bugs out of it before I would consider getting one.

For the time being I would say get yourself a P3AT or a LCP for pocket carry, and wait to see how the new models fare once they've been on the market for awhile.

+1 on the CM9.

I've got both an LCP and PF9, and would recommend either highly. The PF9 had a magazine issue where it wouldn't lock open on the last round, the other magazines were fine. I had a failure to feed one time in the first box of ammo. For the last 500+ rounds, 100% reliable with FMJ and JHP ammo. The LCP was 100% reliable out of the box with pretty much the same ammo and number of rounds.

The LCP is very concealable in my front pocket even with tight jeans. I have found I literally forget its there after carrying it for an hour or so. Its so damn easy, convenient, and comfortable to carry, it almost always negates my usual reasons to forego carrying. I carry much more often now because of it.

I also have a tuckable Crossbreed inner waist band holster for the LCP and it's very comfortable for wearing all day. I also sometimes forget it there when sitting, driving, etc, but do notice it at other times. Nothing at all unpleasant or worth concern. However when I am going to wear an IWB, I would rather take the PF9 instead for the extra power and rounds.

The PF9 worn IWB is slightly less concealable compared to the LCP, but as far as comfort goes, they are similar when worn IWB. So I'd rather have 9mm and a couple extra rounds when carrying IWB.

I also carry a M&P 9C IWB, but its much more noticeable and a bit more uncomfortable than the PF9. While I like the 9C has more rounds and is fitted with a laser sight, the PF9 is more convenient, comfortable, and easier to conceal. I'll probably end up selling the M&P 9C.

My recommendation to you would be to figure out how you want to carry, and use that as a deciding factor. The LCP is truly a pocket pistol, while the PF9 is a great IWB firearm. The LCP in a pocket will be harder to draw with snug jeans, but easy with something like cargo pants. Carrying IWB, wearing a concealment garment will probably be necessary (loose fitting t-shirts, jacket, vest, etc). With the LCP, just a pair of pants with a pocket.

In the colder months, when outside I usually wear a fleece vest or jacket, so concealment isn't a problem. But when I spend time indoors I have to either keep the garment on which can be uncomfortable. The LCP can live in my pocket all day long in perfect concealment, such that I never worry about what I'm wearing or if the firearm is concealed properly. So I do tend to carry the LCP far more often.

You may find its not a decision on one or the other, but which one to buy first! You'll get great use out of both if you start carrying in hot and cold seasons, casual vs formal dress, etc.

Well after 2 more weeks of reading/watching reviews and reading internet posts as-well as about 4 trips to various gun stores I've made a decision!

Today I ordered a Kahr CW9 from Bud's. I couldn't touch their price of $369 anywhere local. My local shop is already on file with them so the ordering went real smooth. I saved about $80 total, out the door by using Bud's.

I'm real excited to receive it, to say the least. Thanks aging for the feedback and suggestions.

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You will be one happy camper, if my experience is any guide.

The CW9 is not only the best weapon purchase (with an eye on CCW) I've made recently, it's one of the best purchases I've ever made.

I could not be more satisfied. Easy take down for cleaning, boring reliability, easy shooting, fantastic trigger and utterly concealable with great, great IWB and OWB holster choices.

Congrats!

Nice, let us know how it works with you when you get it.

Love my LCP. It's my always gun. My EMP is my sometimes gun.