LC9?

[RedRaider3]

I am thinking about a Ruger LC9 as a pocket pistol. I have also thought about a Kahr PM9. Anythoughts or experience with either?

 

[holdencm9]

Haven't shot either yet, but handled both a bunch and dry-fired them a lot. Based on reviews, both are good, but feel different in the hand. The PM9 is much more expensive. Have you thought about the CM9? It is the same thing except some components are plastic (I think) instead of metal, and the front sight isn't adjustable (or something like that), and the barrel has regular rifling instead of polygonal. For my money the CM9 is a way better option. That said have you actually fit either gun into your pocket? I can pocket carry my LCP but even that has a slight "bulge" and so depending on your size and attire it may be tough to pocket a LC9 or CM9/PM9.

A little while ago a guy posted a thread with pics of him pocket carrying the LC9 and for him it seemed to work, I would do a search for "LC9 pocket carry" and it should come up.

 

[Jitterbug]

I don't know much about the LC9 except to say from what I've read about it, it seems to be well liked, even if a bit larger then the PM9.

I do have two PM9's one I've EDC since 2003 and another 2011 model purchased for the wife, both run and do the job well.

I considered the CM9 but at the end of the day after adding night sights and paying for the extra mag the cost difference was nominal. I didn't want to risk the exceptional accuracy of the PM9 and figured I stick with what I new works.

Not to knock the CM9, many seem to love theirs.

 

[mavracer]

I'm a Ruger fan so I ran out and bought a LC9 as soon as they were avaliable. I liked it well enough very accurate and reliable. But I pocket carry most often on the left side and in the end just couldn't live with the redundant safetys. I sold it for a loss after buying a PM9. I absolutly love the PM9 just as accurate and reliable with a better trigger and point and click ease. I liked the little Kahr so much I bought a CW45 for myself and a CW9 for my daughter.

 

[momano]

I've been considering the LC9 and the Glock 26 for my next purchase. I rented both last week, and after 100 rds, I was actually a little more accurate with the Ruger at 7 yds. With Ruger's warranty and CS; it seems very attractive. Good luck on your decision!

 

[NinjaFeint]

I love my PM9, there was no LC9 or CM9 when I bought it, but I would recommend the CM9 to anyone looking for a 9mm of that size.

I can't pocket carry anything but a 380 though.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

A Kahr would make a better dedicated pocket gun than a LC, IMO. The "Elsie" is more of a compact belt gun.

 

[rodensouth]

I need pockets at least the size of 511 pants or big cargo pants to pocket my lc9.

I like the pistol very much. I put a hogue hand-all jr. on it and it improved the feel greatly.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I don't have a Kahr but I do have the LC9, two actually.

At present the first LC9 has something over 1,700 trouble free rounds through it.

It's at the limit in size for my pocket carry but I can get away with it with a long jacket this time of year.

 

[jimbo555]

I compared the lc9,kahr and keltec.I chose the lc9 and have been pleased.It can be pocket carried with the flat magazine base but i carry it in a simple slide holster owb.I leave the safety off all the time,the dao trigger is revolver like and the safety is unnecesary.It holds 1 more round than the kahr and the grip felt better to me.

 

[righteoushoot]

I don't have a Kahr but I do have the LC9, two actually.

At present the first LC9 has something over 1,700 trouble free rounds through it.

It's at the limit in size for my pocket carry but I can get away with it with a long jacket this time of year.

Every time I think I will hold off on the LC9, I read another one of your posts M2. Seeing as how we share an affection for the PM Mak, I have to believe your assessment has some merit.

But, I'm stuck in a 3rd Gen. S&W thing at the moment. You are making things difficult.

 

[crracer_712]

I have a LC9, love it, no issues at all, cept for the red dot on the safety falling out. A friend bought a keltec for price, took it to the range for the first time this week and shot it. Thought it was OK, but as he was leaving the range he spied a LC9 with 3 mags on consignment for 259.00. He snatched it up and loves it (he doesn't love the LCI or the mag disconnect though, his preference).

 

[Plan2Live]

Kahr is striker fired, LC9 is hammer fired. Do you have a preference of hammer verses striker?

 

[Dr_B]

I have never fired or held a Kahr. But I did have an LC9 once. The LC9 is tough, reliable, and easy to carry. But, it is covered with safeties like white on rice. An internal lock, a thumb safety, a magazine safety, and the long trigger pull. If you are OK with that, then go get one. If they'd made it without all the safeties (basically a 9mm LCP) then I would have kept it. Very easy to carry.

 

[Stasher1]

I spent a good bit of time comparing the LC9 and CM9 yesterday morning, and walked out with the CM9. The combination of the LC9's superfluous safety features, difficulty of obtaining extra mags locally, limited holster options, and the break point of the trigger being so far to the rear made the decision much easier. I liked the price ($400 w/laser, $350 w/o), higher capacity, and the way it felt in the hand but the cons just outweighed the pros for me.

 

[lordhamster]

I've had all three. PM9, CM9 and LC9. I currently still have the LC9, but will say the PM9/CM9 carry easier (smaller), have a better trigger and have softer felt recoil than the PM9. That being said, the Kahrs did have some things that annoyed me.

Kahr Magazines are hit or miss and require some touch ups to be reliable. From the factory, the feel lips (esp on the 7 round mags) are loose and will allow the top round to fall out of the mag at the slightest touch. The followers also have a tendency to be a bit "sticky" from the factory leading to nose-dive malfunctions. Also, I wasn't a fan of the concept of the "breakin period."

All that being said, my PM9 was flawless (except for the 7 round mag) and was a joy to shoot. The lc9 has also been flawless but just is no fun to shoot (IMO). The combination of the super long terrible trigger and the more stout recoil just made me feel like I was shooting a 38 snubbie.

Safety:
I have no use for the Loaded chamber indicator on the lc9 , but it doesn't bother me.
I have no use for the magazine disconnect on the lc9, but I'm not going to alter a carry gun.
I like the thumb safety on a carry gun. Here in Ohio one constantly has to remove the weapon due to all of the criminal protection zones, as a result there is lots of administrative gun-handling required. In and out of the holster, into lockbox etc. I like the extra level of failsafe should something snag the trigger during one of the frequent re-holsterings. The fact it works just like a 1911 safety is a bonus.

 

[FMF Doc]

Ruger

I have a LC9 and I love it. I had the chance to shoot both extensively before buying and the LC9 was and eashy choice. It was more comfortable in my had, pointed more natural, was softer shooting, and more accurate with my prefered carry ammo (Rem 124gr Golden Sabre). On top of that, it was much cheaper. I also found the trigger to be smoother, though heavier than the PM9. If you can, shoot both, but I can not justify all that money for a gun, when there is one that does the same job, just as relieable and just as well for 1/2 or less.

 

[RedRaider3]

I am also considering the reintroduced Colt Mustang Pocketlite. A local dealer has a "used" one that looks brand new for $500. I was pretty well sold on the LC9 but then saw Sig's new 290 and 938. Now I may wait. I like the thumb safety on the LC9 but wish it was DA/SA. I see now that you can buy an LC9 with lasermax laser and 2 mags in the box for about $430-$450. Really thinking about an LC9 AND Colt Mustang. Any opinions on the Mustang? I like it but cannot bring myself to trust a .380 to save my hide. As for being able to pocket carry an LC9, I am 250 and 5'10, tried one in a pocket blackhawk holster and had no problem carrying around the store and drawing. Any thoughts?

 

[doc540]

We own two now.

Both are very accurate for micro's

first 7 rounds down the pipe (never fired one before)


50 yds


It's a fer piece for a little pistol


LC9 #2 had to go back to Ruger for light strikes

They fixed it and had it back to me in about 3 weeks.

Test fired it today. Fixed and VERY accurate.

 

[BamAlmighty]

Well worth spending the extra on a CM9 or even a PM9.

the Kahr's trigger is VASTLY superior to the Ruger's and you don't have a bunch of useless safeties you don't need.

 

[RedRaider3]

I like the safeties, but thank you for the input. I have trained trained and trained to the point that flipping a safety lever off in the draw is second nature to me.

 

[doc540]

I like the safeties, but thank you for the input. I have trained trained and trained to the point that flipping a safety lever off in the draw is second nature to me.

Same here.

I carry and shoot a 1911, so the LC9 safety is a natural action.

Of course, my 1911's have more than the LC9's one safety, so I guess you could say it has a "bunch".

 

[Mike1234567]

I bought the LC9 largely for the thumb safety. I don't like the mag safety but that can be deactivated. I have only a couple hundred rounds through mine but, so far, no malfunctions and it handles well. The pinkie extension definitely helps. I've never shot the Kahr.

 

[tomwalshco]

Well worth spending the extra on a CM9 or even a PM9.

the Kahr's trigger is VASTLY superior to the Ruger's and you don't have a bunch of useless safeties you don't need.

Agree with this 1000%.

Love them or not, a safety is just another point of potential failure when you least need any failures...

 

[Entelzha]

The safeties don't bother me in the slightest, but I have the same problem with the LC9 that I have with the PF-9.

I will not own any firearm that requires a tool (even if that is only an empty shell casing)

If I can not field strip with my bare hands, it stays on the dealer's shelf