Newsflash: Concealed Carrying is a PITA!

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Keep it civil, guys. I've had to clean up a few posts.

 

[IndianaBoy]

Fanny Pack? You might as well wear a range vest and an NRA hat as well. For most intelligent observers, FANNY PACK = GUN.

Not to be argumentative, but I completely disagree.

Most people walking around who don't own guns, don't even know that concealed carry is legal, or widely practiced. I NEVER considered a fanny pack or a photographer's vest to indicate GUN until I read about it online.

Most people simply aren't observant.

Women might notice what you are wearing with regard to 'fashion.' But people are simply not out there looking for guns.

 

[sohcgt2]

Not to be argumentative, but I completely disagree.

Most people walking around who don't own guns, don't even know that concealed carry is legal, or widely practiced. I NEVER considered a fanny pack or a photographer's vest to indicate GUN until I read about it online.

Most people simply aren't observant.

Women might notice what you are wearing with regard to 'fashion.' But people are simply not out there looking for guns.

I agree completely, I think to the public a fanny pack means the wearer has a poor sense of style. It only says GUN to someone who carries a gun. I would liken it to seeing someone in formal attire with a violin case, most people would think the case contains a violin not a Tommy Gun, perhaps some concern if the formal attire is a zoot suit.

 

[CDH]

The theme of this thread is obvious to anyone who has ever carried on a regular basis; carrying is simply inconvenient.

So I'll jump in with a "me too" post, but I did something about it.

I used to often carry a Commander and other pistols even quite a bit smaller than that.
But carrying didn't become "easy" until recently when I added both the Rohrbaugh R9s Stealth and an LCP to my carry collection.

These days, those are really the only two I carry anymore with the nod going to the R9s more often.
They are the same size as each other but the R9s is a smidgeon heavier than the LCP (by about 2oz.).

So both of them end up being carried the same way in an Uncle Mikes #1 holster that's tucked into my right front jeans pocket with the clip over the edge of the pocket.
I'll grab the LCP when I wear pants that are made with lighter cloth than jeans are so that the cloth edge of the pocket will easier support the slightly lighter LCP.

I no longer fell restricted of any movement, and I go everywhere with a pistol in my pocket.

So the answer now is that, no, it's not a PIA to carry. It's become second nature and I don't even think about it anymore. In fact, I have often gone into "forbidden" places with it in my pocket just because I don't think about the fact that I'm "carrying" anymore.

If I had to have just one of the two, it would be the Rohrbaugh hands down being that it's the same size as the LCP but is chambered for 9mm.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I didn't read all 3 pages of posts so I'm sorry if this is a repeat.

I carry a J frame revolver in my front pocket and don't find it to be a chore at all. I honestly forget it's there.

 

[MCgunner]

The .380s like the LCP and P3AT are the ultimate size and weight, but I do not find it a PITA to carry my P11. It sits in its pocket all day and I barely notice it except when I'm somewhere that I'm glad to have it. It rides there 24/7 and gets fired often. Neat little carry. I really think the little subcompact 9s like the Kel Tec, the Kahr polymers, and the Rohrbaugh are the ultimate carry package. Plenty of power, plenty of firepower, amazingly accurate. The .380s are minimal in effectiveness, but will do the job just fine if you do yours. They will also amaze you with their accuracy, but the nines just seem RIGHT to me. I'm wanting an LCP or P3AT and will get one when the current paranoia is satiated. However, I doubt I'll carry it much. Still prefer 9x19 +P as the cartridge of choice and the P11 has the firepower, too. I mean, I have the 10 round mags and there are 12 rounders available. What's not to like about carrying 11 rounds of +P producing 410 ft lbs a piece and able to shoot 3.5" groups at 25 yards in a 14 ounce gun that's smaller than a J frame? It works almost as good as a service sized gun in IDPA competition, I've tried it! But, the .380 will fit into my collection and give me another option that I sometimes need.

It's especially a PITA to carry anything IWB down here in the hot, humid gulf coast and the work I do involves a lot of rolling around under tractors and such, not conducive to IWB concealment. I prefer pocket carry. I rarely use my IWB rigs or bigger guns.

 

[MCgunner]

Pocket Carry: Yes, indeed, that would be one answer, and the MK9 is too big/heavy for that. I already *tried* the KelTec P3AT, and sold it. No, it wasn't a jammomatic, but during pocket carry, the mag release would get pushed and when I drew, the magazine would be disconnected. Not acceptable. Therefore, I'm very much anticipating the arrival of the Kahr .380 (better, 1911-style mag release button & spring).

I wish pocket guns would come with heal clip type mag releases. It is far better for pocket carry. I have an old Grendel P12 that is 100 percent, though I don't particularly like the gun for ergonomic reasons, but it has a very good heal clip design mag release. It can ride in a BACK pocket all day with my fat butt sitting on it and the mag won't release.

I don't have a problem with the P11, though. I made a wallet style holster for it and it wears a Hogue Hand All which helps protect the mag release from being actuated. I never have the loose mag problem with it. Also, the holster I made has a flap I can flip over the gun when pulling it out of the pocket at a government building and I can lock it under the seat of my motorcycle in full view of the public without 'em seeing a gun. Try that with an IWB. Not possible.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I used to often carry a Commander and other pistols even quite a bit smaller than that.
But carrying didn't become "easy" until recently when I added both the Rohrbaugh R9s Stealth and an LCP to my carry collection.

These days, those are really the only two I carry anymore with the nod going to the R9s more often.
They are the same size as each other but the R9s is a smidgeon heavier than the LCP (by about 2oz.).

So both of them end up being carried the same way in an Uncle Mikes #1 holster that's tucked into my right front jeans pocket with the clip over the edge of the pocket.
I'll grab the LCP when I wear pants that are made with lighter cloth than jeans are so that the cloth edge of the pocket will easier support the slightly lighter LCP.

I no longer fell restricted of any movement, and I go everywhere with a pistol in my pocket.

So the answer now is that, no, it's not a PIA to carry. It's become second nature and I don't even think about it anymore. In fact, I have often gone into "forbidden" places with it in my pocket just because I don't think about the fact that I'm "carrying" anymore.

If I had to have just one of the two, it would be the Rohrbaugh hands down being that it's the same size as the LCP but is chambered for 9mm.

Thank you; informative. Pocket carry would indeed be several times simpler than even Smart Carry. I don't do Ruger and I explained my problem with Kel-Tec. So if I want to follow in your footsteps, the only question that would remain is:

1. Rohrbaugh R9 NOW

or

2. Kahr .380 when it comes out

??? Or perhaps NAA Guardian .380?

Which of those those 3, do you think? What's the difference in cost, dimensions, features, etc.? Obviously, the Rohrbaugh has the advantage of better caliber, but how MUCH bigger is it than the Kahr .380 (vaporware currently) and the NAA? I think I'm gonna take a new look at the Rohrbaugh, since I really don't want to add another caliber to the stable, particularly one that is less effective than my beloved 9x19, and also one that I successfully eliminated from the stable before. One thing about the Rohrbaugh which kept me away before was its finicky-ness - it only feeds with certain ammo - has this problem been fixed or still the same?

Also, MCGunner, thank you - good info.

 

[WC145]

Personally, for pocket carry, I'd go with a Kahr PM9 over the guns you've listed. As you said the Rorbaugh is high maintenance (comparitively) and the PM9 is only .1" longer, .3" taller, and 2oz heavier. I have a Kel-tec .380 that I trust as far as reliability but I'm not a fan of the round so it only gets carried when nothing else will fit the occasion. The majority of the time, like right now, I carry a S&W scandium framed snubby (13oz, 9mm) when I need something small, light, and easy to hide. I'm at work in the hospital right now wearing scrubs and have it in an ankle holster. When I'm working as a LEO it is my BUG.

 

[chuckusaret]

I like the NAA .380 but it is on the heavy side, tad bit smaller and about twice the weight of the Kel Tec.

 

[transalpian]

Dr Tad

I strongly recommend the R9. I carry my R9s Stealth in a "Hidden Holsters" front pocket holster. It really does disappear in all the pants I wear. Suit pants, khakis, and Levis all allow truly concealed carry. It is 5.2" long, 3.7" high, 12.8oz empty.

Here is mine, 'cause I like pictures:

The only issue I ever had was in 5.11 style pants with those giant front pockets. For me, the gun would rotate and point in a direction I didn't like. If I wore these pants more often, I would get a larger pocket holster.

I've carried everything from a 4" N frame to a Commander length 1911 to this R9. The R9 is the only one I will carry now. It is just an automatic motion of slipping it into the front pocket.

BUT the R9 is a unique thing. The earlier models wouldn't feed every brand of ammo. The ones made in the last few years (like mine) have a more polished feed ramp and are quite good from what I can tell. Mine feeds 147gr Gold-Dots all day long with no issues at all. I've also tried silver tips with no problems either. Service and warantee support is supposed to be superb, but I've never needed it. The recoil spring should be replaced every 300 rounds or so. It is a $2 part, so I don't worry about it too much. No +P ammo. Strip and re-assembly is a learned skill. It is an expensive gun, no doubt. But it is very well made and I love mine.

FWIW, I really like the finger extension on the mags. The R9 also has the heel-style mag release MCgunner was looking for.

No safety, other than the one between the ears. Heavy trigger, but smooth. Very predictable break. Get the R9s model with the sights. Not a target gun by any means, but the diminutive sights are meaningful.

Check out the Rohrbaugh website for more info. There you will see they now make a 380 model. But for me, the 380 is a product with limited market. I like 9mm. I feel good with 6+1 rounds of 9mm always in my pocket.

In the end, that is why the R9 is my carry gun. I carry it. Everywhere (legal) and always.

My $0.02.

'alp