CCW, IWB & Pocket Carry

[Looking for Knowledge]

I had my first license to carry around 15 years ago, then I moved to a state that did not have a "shall license" clause.

I'm back, and licensed again, but things have changed. I have a number of handguns, including a High Power and a Walther PPK/S that I once used for concealed carry & second gun purposes. I'm older now, and want to get something a little smaller...that hides better.

Two guns that I am looking at are the Kahr PM-9 and the Kel-Tec P-3AT. I have not shot either, but have held both.

I like the idea of dropping that little P-3AT into my front pocket. I also like the thought of that PM-9 riding IWB.

My questions are....if I got both, would that be a waste of money, considering what I already have?

Would either work as a pocket gun, or is the PM-9 a little big for front pocket carry?

Anyone have both, and wish they would have saved their money and only purchased one? It's the Holidays, and I have kids to feed.

Thanks for your time...I feel like a n00b all over again.

 

[usp9]

[QUOTETwo guns that I am looking at are the Kahr PM-9 and the Kel-Tec P-AT.][/QUOTE]


Those two are at the large end of the scale, but either will fill the bill. Just be sure to get a good holster that will keep the gun from shifting. I prefer a smaller gun for pocket carry, but would consider those if I didn't already have mine. Especially the Kahr. KTs seem to have too much bad comment on the forums IMHO.

 

[Looking for Knowledge]

That P-3AT is on the large side?

I must have missed the whole "mico" section at my local gun shop. That P-3AT is as small as I'd go. I don't even know if my big hands can hold onto it as it is.

Thank you for the reply!

 

[brett30030]

Those two are at the large end of the scale, ... I prefer a smaller gun for pocket carry, but would consider those if I didn't already have mine. KTs seem to have too much bad comment on the forums IMHO.

Huh? A little incoherent. What is "mine".


To answer the question, both are very popular. I carry the P3 everyday, and really love it. Good luck with your search.

 

[ShelbyV8]

I have carried a P3AT in my right front pocket in a Neimsis holster everyday for 3 years, except for 1 month I spent in europe. I have 16 handguns but my P3AT is my always gun.

 

[Lou22]

I have both guns, and they're my concealed carry 90% of the time. They are among the smallest in their respective calibers, and I trust my safety with either. I've tried snub-nose revolvers and sub-compact .45s. Only other gun I carry is a Taurus PT145 during the summer, because it will fit in my loose shorts pockets.

Lou

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I frequently carry a Kahr PM9 in a front pocket holster (currently a High Noon Pocket Grabber). It had reliability problems at first, but the factory corrected them and now it runs like a champ. I find it to be a good size for pocket carry (actually thinner than a snubnose revolver) while still firing a potent cartridge. The slight bulge in my pocket is of no concern to me, as it is not recognizable as a gun. You also need to select trousers with relatively deep and loose pockets; not only must they accommodate the gun, but you have to leave room to bunch your fist around the grip. The Kel-Tec P3AT is thinner, but at the expense of a drop in cartridge power. It should make a good backup or very deep concealment gun, however.

 

[hmp32]

Tonight, I bought a P3AT, took it to the range and shot it before brining it home
I own several fireams, including a Bersa Thunder 380 which is similar in size to the Walther guns.

I used Speer Gold Dot 90gr (quick test for carry) and and Blazer Brass for general functional testing of the gun.

I couldn't shoot tight groups beyond about 15ft. It was easy to limp wrist and I had one FTE as a result. And you do feel the .380s. Part of it because I cannot get both Middle finger and the one next to it on the grips.

Note, I am not complaining about the gun. What I learned is that you need a tighter grip that you might think, recoil is tolerable, but noticible. And practice is a must. It is really easy for this gun to shift in your hand if you do not have a firm grip on it. Its thinness contributes to this as well. Also, I actually shot better 1-handed out to 15ft than two-handed.

Anyway, for the purpose I bought the gun -- a very discete pocket/"deep cover" gun -- I am pleased and it meets my expectations. The only real surprise is that I will need to practice with the gun to get use to difference of a mouse gun verses a larger gun such as the Bersa or full sized 1911s.

Now, the one compliant I do have: The trigger reset is werid. You have to wait for two 'clicks'. If you pull on the first click you feel, then disengage the trigger and have to rack the slide on the gun in order to get the trigger to fully reset. So, it is two 'clicks' for the trigger to properly reset.

I have also ordered a holster from www.pocketholster.com so I can carry the gun in my back as well as front pocket. There is also a clip available from Kel-Tec as well.

Another thought for a 9mm, I am waiting for the PF-9 from Kel-Tec. It looks like it might also be a nice deep concealment type gun in 9mm.

 

[Looking for Knowledge]

I appreciate the input and suggestions.

I will definitely get the P3AT. I might still get the Kahr too....as I had my gun shop guy order one from his supplier, and hate to back out after the order has been placed.

Thanks for the help.

 

[aguyindallas]

Lets not leave out our beloved S&W 642. Its a wheel gun, but a great pockey buddy none the less.

 

[Rotorflyr]

Actually I would leave out the 642, as the question was asked about two specific guns

Not a knock against wheel guns as I have a few (including a Taurus 651 which I've carried).

Of the two choices I'd have to say the P3AT would pocket carry better then then PM9, though it may depend on the size of your pockets!