Never thought it would come to this, but need something Lighter for SmartCarry CCW

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Been 1,000% ecstatic with the Kahr MK9 in smartcarry for an always carry for several years, even for physical activities.

But started running / training for 5ks and other distance runs, and with the time change and it being dark now when I run, I want a handgun with me. But when I run about 3 miles or so with the Kahr, my low back starts to ache, I suppose from the weight in front having a "pulling" effect. I don't think I can successfully position the SmartCarry rig 180 degrees to the rear, because it would "flop" around too much when running.

Plus, I just want something lighter so I can be confident that my times I get are fairly accurate as to what I would do on race day, and so don't want too much weighing me down.

So I want the lightest gun going - is it the Ruger LCR or what? I *am* a fan of snubbie .38s, so.......

 

[YaNi]

If you are trying to stay at a .380 ACP round minimum the Kel-Tec P3AT is a couple ounces lighter than the LCR and LCP. It's about 11oz with a loaded mag.

 

[bigfatdave]

Kel-Tec p3at or p32 are light enough that you could go IWB in a Kydex holster and lose the smart-carry entirely for running.
For that matter, the KT p11 or p9 might do you as well, if you want a familliar shape and size.

 

[9mmepiphany]

this is one of the few occasions when a SOB carry position might be the answer.

they make a "belly band" holster which is designed to be worn under your clothing...usually on the anterior mid-line...and resembles a soft back support brace.

you could just rotate this to your dorsal mid-line and it would stay tight to your body without flopping about. since you would wear it while erect, printing shouldn't be a problem when using it.

or if you just want another gun...the polymer framed Kahrs are quite a bit lighter and all your muscle memory would stay the same

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I will agree with some of the above suggestions. The Kel-Tec P-32 weighs 6.6 oz empty, 9.4 oz fully loaded. The P-3AT weighs 8.3 oz, 11.1 oz fully loaded and good choices if you are willing to carry a .32 or .380 Auto. If a 9mm is your minimum then the Kel-Tec PF-9 would be my choice. It weighs only 12.7 oz empty and 15.5 oz loaded with 7+1 rounds of 9mm. IMO it's a much better pistol than the Kel-Tec P-11 which I would stay away from for several reasons.

If a revolver is more to your liking like me I would carry a S&W Aitlite .357 Magnum revolver. It weighs only 12 oz and even though it's a .357 Magnum I would carry .38 Special +P ammo. I carry a S&W Airweight .38 Special which weighs 15 oz. I'm only suggesting the Airlite for you because it's 20% lighter than the Airweight.

Since you really "love" your Kahr MK9 why not stay with Kahr. The MK9 weighs ~24 oz loaded. A Kahr PM9 weighs only 14 oz and just over 15 oz loaded. That weight is just slightly over that of the other suggestions I listed above. Also, the PM9 are the same size and caliber as the MK9. It may be the best choice for you.

 

[John Wayne]

I seriously doubt a 9mm Kahr is making your back hurt after a few miles. It is an insignificant amount of weight compared to your body, but I do acknowledge that a lighter gun won't bounce around as much when running.

Why not a Kahr PM9? Same platform, you can keep the MK9 for range practice. Kahr also makes a .380 in the same platform.

You could also go the Kel-Tec route with the PF9 or P3AT/Ruger LCP.

Smith Airweights are under a pound, and a Ruger LCR will put you in AirLite weight territory for less $$.

I personally have had bad experiences with Kel-Tec and Kahr, which is why I carry a S&W .38 Airweight.

But if you're training for a race, running after dark, and it's cold out, I'd probably carry something full-sized...or stick with your current Kahr. With good leather you won't notice it, and you can wear a baggy sweatshirt as a cover garment. You time shouldn't be affected, but if it is at least you can count on being faster on race day

 

[21bubba]

I believe that before i changed my gun i would try my running routine without any gun and see if i did or didn't get the pain.

 

[Claude Clay]

proper holster.
your activity makes demands on the method of carry.
relocate the gun in a holster that 'works' and you are good again.

good of course being relative to your overall capabilities.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

"I believe that before i changed my gun i would try my running routine without any gun and see if i did or didn't get the pain."

I did; no pain with no gun; it's the gun. Pain is when carrying kahr MK9 plus full extra mag in the smartcarry.

Forgot to mention, I have had a KelTec P32 and P3AT and did not like them for reasons I won't go into here, but thanks.

So, so far we have:

1. PM9 Kahr - yeah maybe
2. Same gun with belly band and SOB carry - I think that's probably the BEST answer because it will eliminate the pull and thus the pain; thanks. But I'd still like something lighter so I can evaluate my time more accurately. Believe it or not, I think that weight and the discomfort it causes adds 15 to 30 seconds or more over 3-4 miles.
3. What else? Anything wrong with the LCP?

Thanks!

 

[orionengnr]

I would try the LCP and the SmartCarry.

 

[psyopspec]

If you like your snubs made of metal, check out the S&W 340. I run with mine in a fanny pack - usually 2-3 miles. I wear the fanny pack turned so the pouch is at the 6 o'clock, and I've had no problems.

Also, check out the thread on running in the Holsters/Accessories section of this forum.

 

[AStone]

As for light weight carry, I support the idea of an airweight revolver. I like SW x42 or MP 340.

But given that you're a runner, and focused on running, may I suggest that your back pain may be less of result of what you're carrying and more from neglecting your core? By core, I mean abs, back and pelvis muscles. It's more than crunches. You need a whole regimen of exercises.

I follow Ross Enamait's programs. He notes that serious athletes often neglect core.

Here's a few core exercises.

 

[John Wayne]

It would help a lot if you told us why you didn't like the two Kel-Tecs you owned.

 

[bigfatdave]

3. What else? Anything wrong with the LCP?

If you don't like the p3at, why would you think the LCP is any better?

 

[9mmepiphany]

If you don't like the p3at, why would you think the LCP is any better?

my exact thought

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Guys, I mis-spoke:

When I said above:

"3. What else? Anything wrong with the LCP? "

What I MEANT was:

3. What else? Anything wrong with the LCR?

I'm not really interested in the LCP.

What I did not like about the Kel-Tec Ps was that the mag release would get pushed accidentally eventually under normal carry conditions, and then the mag is out when you draw. IOW, too-senstive of a mag release button. The Kahr does not suffer this malady. I have no idea if the LCP does, but am just not interested in it, since my guess is that it *would* be same/similar.

What about the Kahr .380 with plastic frame? Is it lighter or heavier than an LCR or S&W airweight?


So, bottom line, regardless of what I get, I'll be running (literally) with a belly band with SOB positioning. Good call.

But as for gun choice, what are the loaded weights, and the construction materials, of each of these:

1. LCR
2. SW MP 340**
3. SW x42 **
4. Kahr PM9
5. Kahr PM380
6. what else - Taurus airweights/airlights?

** I do NOT do "lock" SWs, so how hard are these to find pre-lock?

Nematocyst; duly noted; I'll look into that.

P.S. I'd like to limit cartridge choices to .380 acp or .38 special, but *possibly* 9x19mm (such as the PM9).

Thanks!

 

[Wilson2]

If you give up some firepower, you might consider something from North American Arms. Here is their web site: http://www.naaminis.com/ and here is a direct link to one of their mini revolvers: http://www.naaminis.com/lrifle.html

There is no question that some of the NAA products are indeed mouse guns. But it may come down to an extremely light gun or none at all.

One of their mini revolvers loaded would weigh as little as 5 oz.

I carry one as backup sometimes, never as my primary. But I would rather have one of their minis than nothing.

On a side note, I can relate to your back pain. My back is rather sensitive to a little extra weight. I have had serious back issues at times from carrying a gun on my hip even with a proper belt. One of the replies mentioned some core exercises. It might be worth trying some sit-ups or other core exercises in order to take a bit of strain off of your back.

Good luck finding a solution!

 

[SwampWolf]

Colt Cobra/Agent: six shots with a revolver weighing no more than a Smith Airweight and no lock.

 

[David E]

PM-9 in the 5.11 Holster Shirt.

As for the mag release issue, some holsters are designed to cover the mag button, such as those found at www.kytac.com

 

[makarovnik]

Try running three or four miles with no weapon and see if your back still hurts before changing carry guns. You might just be getting old.

 

[Kar-el]

Kel Tec Fix

Dr W,

My Kel Tec also had a sensitive mag release. The fix is to file and sand it down so it is much shorter (more flush with the frame) I only advise this if you are comfortable about marring the beautiful finish.

It took me about 10 minutes with a file and 2 finer grades of sandpaper. Just shorten it and round it until you have it to your desired resistance. I can jog with mine in a belly band with great comfort.


Kar-el

 

[JWJacobVT]

Gee I jog with my 1066 in a fanny pack. The pack is slipped around to the rear while running and back to front during cool down walk. Of course I am used to jogging with full battle rattle, so maybe this does not count. Try a light weight handgun in a fanny pack and see if that works. I may grow old , but I will never grow up.

 

[John Wayne]

A quick Google search or a consultation of factory websites will answer your questions as to weight and materials. I understand you are seeking information, but that much you can find on your own, eliminate the models that don't fit your needs, and get much better reccomendations based on what you end up with.