Pistol weight in ounces: When does it get heavy?

[C0untZer0]

The Boberg shorty actually has a shorter OAL than the Rohrbaugh R9:

Rohrbaugh R9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 2.9 in
Length: 5.2 in
Height: 3.7 in
Slide Width: .82 in
Width at thickest part of pistol: .95 in
Weight: 13.5 oz, magazine 1.6 oz
Capacity: 6+1 Rounds

Boberg XR9-S (Shorty)
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.35 in
Length: 5.1 in
Height: 4.2 in
Width: .96 in
Weight: 17.5 oz
Capacity: 7+1 Rounds

But I've read so many XR9-S owners write that the Boberg is just a bit much for pocket carry. Some of it could be the height of the pistol, but I think it is the weight at 17.5 ounces that make people think it is not optimal for pocket carry.

I've heard the same said of the MK9:

Kahr MK9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.0 in
Length: 5.3 in
Height: 4.0 in
Slide Width: .90 in
Width at slide stop: 1.0 in
Weight: Pistol 22.1 oz, Magazine 1.9 oz
Capacity: 6+1

It is actually smaller than the PM9 but people generally think it is too heavy for daily pocket carry.

Seven 9mm cartridges weigh between 2.8 oz and 3.2 oz. so the MK9 ends up being 26.8 oz loaded, if you use 115gr bullets, over 27oz if you use heavier bullets.

I know not all pocket pistols are 9mm, but if anyone is interested a brass cased 115gr 9mm cartridge weighs about .39 oz

A brass cased 124gr 9mm cartridge weighs about .41 oz

A brass cased 147gr 9mm cartridge weighs about .46 oz

It might come in handy if, for instance you are looking at two pistols, just for example, like the CM9 and the SCCY pistols and think "there is only a 1 ounce difference between these two pistols"

In reality the CM9 is going to weigh between 18.7 oz and 19.1 oz fully loaded while the SCCY is going to weigh between 21.5 oz and 22.25 oz fully loaded.

That 22 1/4 oz weight puts the SCCY in the range of uncomfortable for pocket carry for me personally.

 

[Nom de Forum]

The Boberg shorty actually has a shorter OAL than the Rohrbaugh R9:

Rohrbaugh R9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 2.9 in
Length: 5.2 in
Height: 3.7 in
Slide Width: .82 in
Width at thickest part of pistol: .95 in
Weight: 13.5 oz, magazine 1.6 oz
Capacity: 6+1 Rounds

Boberg XR9-S (Shorty)
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.35 in
Length: 5.1 in
Height: 4.2 in
Width: .96 in
Weight: 17.5 oz
Capacity: 7+1 Rounds

But I've read so many XR9-S owners write that the Boberg is just a bit much for pocket carry. Some of it could be the height of the pistol, but I think it is the weight at 17.5 ounces that make people think it is not optimal for pocket carry.

I've heard the same said of the MK9:

Kahr MK9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.0 in
Length: 5.3 in
Height: 4.0 in
Slide Width: .90 in
Width at slide stop: 1.0 in
Weight: Pistol 22.1 oz, Magazine 1.9 oz
Capacity: 6+1

It is actually smaller than the PM9 but people generally think it is too heavy for daily pocket carry.

Seven 9mm cartridges weigh between 2.8 oz and 3.2 oz. so the MK9 ends up being 26.8 oz loaded, if you use 115gr bullets, over 27oz if you use heavier bullets.

I know not all pocket pistols are 9mm, but if anyone is interested a brass cased 115gr 9mm cartridge weighs about .39 oz

A brass cased 124gr 9mm cartridge weighs about .41 oz

A brass cased 147gr 9mm cartridge weighs about .46 oz

It might come in handy if, for instance you are looking at two pistols, just for example, like the CM9 and the SCCY pistols and think "there is only a 1 ounce difference between these two pistols"

In reality the CM9 is going to weigh between 18.7 oz and 19.1 oz fully loaded while the SCCY is going to weigh between 21.5 oz and 22.25 oz fully loaded.

That 22 1/4 oz weight puts the SCCY in the range of uncomfortable for pocket carry for me personally.

With the exception of the Rohrbaugh R9 the loaded weights of the pistols mentioned in C0untZer0's post are why I carry a Kel-Tec PF-9. Small size is not enough, it has to be light enough to be not be noticed by you or people seeing you. An obviously heavy lump in your pocket, regardless of size, is very noticeable to everyone. The R9 is just too expensive with no improvement in capability for me to buy. If you find a reliable PF-9 you are good to go. Granted you will find more unreliable PF-9s than R9s but it is not that hard to find a reliable PF-9 and it is cheaper to make one reliable than it is to buy a Rohrbaugh.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

When does it get heavy? About 3 o'clock in the afternoon....lol

 

[jrdolall]

I have a Diamondback DB9 that is reliable and I have a PF-9 that is reliable. The DB9 is somewhat smaller and lighter though I have never weighed them loaded. Both are still at the limit for ME to pocket carry comfortably. I have several .380s that I carry and can forget I have them in my pocket.

 

[kefefs]

I think for pocket carry that's dead on. My LCP is 12oz loaded and that feels fine. I could probably deal with a few extra ounces, but I imagine at 20 it would be uncomfortable.

On a belt the heaviest thing I've carried was a CZ 75 B with 20 rounds in it, weighing about 51oz. That actually wasn't bad since the belt and holster were both excellent quality. I've carried much lighter guns with lower-quality equipment that felt heavier than that CZ.

That same CZ carried IWB is really pushing it, but maybe that's because the holster I use isn't the best. I'd say for IWB something closer to 45oz loaded (like a 1911 Commander) would be more acceptable.

 

[gym]

Under 20 ozs for pocket carry including unloaded mag. Under 32 ozs for a carry gun, and under 39 ozs for a 1911.

 

[Nom de Forum]

Under 20 ozs for pocket carry including unloaded mag. Under 32 ozs for a carry gun, and under 39 ozs for a 1911.

Gym, this is very interesting: "Under 32 ozs for a carry gun". I am a little confused. I am only guessing, but when you have your 1911 is it towed behind you in a little red wagon? Perhaps you intended to write "Under 32 ozs for a concealed carry gun?

 

[45_auto]

I've found that for belt carry (IWB or OWB) the weight is irrelevent as long as you use a high-quality belt and holster. The difference between a cheap belt and a stiff belt is unbelievable.

I've been using the Kramer horsehide belts and holsters for about 20 years now. They're relatively expensive, but I'm wearing my original belt and 1911 Commander IWB2 holster right now. For OWB I still use my original Belt Scabbard.

For IWB I typically carry either a Glock 19 (30 oz) or 1911 Commander (36 oz). OWB is usually a 1911 (44 oz) or Glock 21 (40 oz).

For pocket carry, size for me is MUCH more critical than weight. I'm a pretty scrawny guy, and my wardrobe doesn't include much with huge pockets. A Kel-tec P32 in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster is the only thing I regularly carry in a pants pocket.

I found that compared to a typical duty belt, a gun and a spare mag on a belt with good support is pretty much unnoticeable. My duty belt had a G22, 2 spare mags, a radio, a baton, a Taser, 2 sets of cuffs and a glove carrier hanging on it. Thing probably weighed 20 pounds.

 

[MCgunner]

Different individuals have different tolerance for weight. Me, I can pocket carry my fully loaded 17 ounce empty Taurus M85 stainless ultralite all day, do most days, not a problem. Ditto my 14 ounce Kel Tec P11. BUT, my 22 ounce or so Radom P64 is a tad heavy.

On the belt, I can carry either my 33 ounce empty weight Ruger KP90DC in .45ACP or my Taurus 3" M66 medium frame .357 magnum, about the same weight, all day without problems. I carry them OWB as I don't really like IWB. However, I have a 20 ounce Taurus M605 poly on order, 20 ounce gun, to be carried on the belt if it works out. I'll keep the ol' 66, still like it, but the 605 will be easier on the belt if I decide i like it. That all depends on how it shoots. The 66 is an amazing revolver and is hard to beat as a shooter. But, carrying 20 ounces on the belt is such that you don't even notice the weight all day. The 605's round butt profile should hide better, too.

 

[MCgunner]

An obviously heavy lump in your pocket, regardless of size, is very noticeable to everyone.

Depends on clothing, build, all sorts of things. In my Wrangler cargos, my revolver or my P11 are un-noticeable in the front pocket as they ride down behind the cargo pocket. Anyway, in Texas, printing is no longer a problem, as with accidental flashing. Texas used to be strict on such, but passed legislation to relax the rules a bit. Can't intentionally carry where a gun shows, but if your shirt accidentally rides up over the barrel carried on the belt or your Glock 26 bulges in you pocket, no biggy any more. I've taken to carrying OWB on occasion now knowing I have a lot less to worry about. I still keep it hidden, but I'm no longer paranoid of the bulge the Hogue square butt grip might show or the shirt riding up over the barrel in my Don Hume JIT Slide if the wind should catch the shirt tail.

I never did worry about printing, but do like the fact that the little .38 doesn't give a blocky, recognizable profile in the pocket that shouts 'gun'!

 

[Nom de Forum]

I've found that for belt carry (IWB or OWB) the weight is irrelevent as long as you use a high-quality belt and holster. The difference between a cheap belt and a stiff belt is unbelievable.

I've been using the Kramer horsehide belts and holsters for about 20 years now. They're relatively expensive, but I'm wearing my original belt and 1911 Commander IWB2 holster right now. For OWB I still use my original Belt Scabbard.

For IWB I typically carry either a Glock 19 (30 oz) or 1911 Commander (36 oz). OWB is usually a 1911 (44 oz) or Glock 21 (40 oz).

For pocket carry, size for me is MUCH more critical than weight. I'm a pretty scrawny guy, and my wardrobe doesn't include much with huge pockets. A Kel-tec P32 in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster is the only thing I regularly carry in a pants pocket.

I found that compared to a typical duty belt, a gun and a spare mag on a belt with good support is pretty much unnoticeable. My duty belt had a G22, 2 spare mags, a radio, a baton, a Taser, 2 sets of cuffs and a glove carrier hanging on it. Thing probably weighed 20 pounds.

Wow! 45_auto, judging from our shared preferences we could be fraternal twin brothers* separated at birth. We both occasionally pack big Glocks outside the waistband. Mine’s a G20 with a 6” KKM. Inside the waist band I pack a G22. In the pocket of jeans and casual wear a PF-9, and in a suit pants pocket or other attire tailored in light cloth a P-32. We certainly agree on the need for a high quality stiff belt for OWB/IWB like my old G. Davis belts, but I have found a non-gun belt that is stiff enough for IWB but not does not look unusually heavy like a gun belt. I got it from a Clark shoe store, unfortunately they don’t appear to carry them anymore. I guess I should not be surprise at our similarities because chums like us often have those.


*from different mothers

 

[gym]

Yes norm but I did write 39 ozs for a 1911. That's just the gun.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I don't pocket carry, although occasionally I'll slip a Colt Detective Special in my jacket pocket when going out the door.

I carry a full-size M1911 for every day carry, and when in the woods (I live on 185 wooded acres) I will often carry a Ruger Blackhawk with a 5 1/2" barrel or a Colt New Service with a 7 1/2" barrel.

 

[Hangingrock]

It's to heavy when you can't swim with it. On the other hand I walk daily 4-6 miles of late with a S&W MP9c with an additional magazine. I believe your physical condition determines what is to heavy.

 

[Corpral_Agarn]

I figure anything above the 30-35oz range is getting heavy.

I have carried my 42 oz (unloaded) P226 around (IWB) for a few weeks, though. While it was uncomfortable, it was also doable.

 

[Nom de Forum]

It's to heavy when you can't swim with it. On the other hand I walk daily 4-6 miles of late with a S&W MP9c with an additional magazine. I believe your physical condition determines what is to heavy.

I think it is a little more complex than what is the physical condition of the user. If the pistol is so heavy that it requires a bulky holster and belt that can make it too heavy for discrete carry in urban and suburban situations.

 

[gulogulo1970]

I only pocket carry so anything over about 16 ounces is too heavy.

I've have used a belly band in the past and anything over 25 ounces was too heavy.

 

[CraigC]

I'm 100% comfortable with +40oz on my hip all day. Even a massive 4.2lb Dragoon isn't quite the big deal some would make it out to be. Not with a sturdy belt and holster.

 

[Hangingrock]

I think it is a little more complex than what is the physical condition of the user. If the pistol is so heavy that it requires a bulky holster and belt that can make it too heavy for discrete carry in urban and suburban situations.

If one is example overweight and out of shape that impacts the decision process as to the weapon choice for concealed carry. The choice is not that complex so let us simply agree to disagree on this subject.

 

[CraigC]

Nonsense, fat guys are used to carrying extra weight around.

 

[earlthegoat2]

I pocket carry a steel model 60 and an alum model 38 Airweight all the time and cannot tell the difference. The Model 60 is about 20 oz loaded. I don't think I would carry anything heavier if I could help it but for me the 20oz does not seem like much and the difference between it and the Airweight is negligible. So I tend to think the range of 15-20oz is about right.

 

[Nom de Forum]

Nonsense, fat guys are used to carrying extra weight around.

Yup and they sure seem to be able to soak-up the recoil from heavy recoiling rifles better than skinny guys.

 

[back40]

i've carried a fullsize 1911 comfortably all day in the past. i'd say it has more to do with the carry system, and thickness of the firearm that it does the actual weight.

what's with this "bulky gun belt" stuff? i wear a double thickness "gun belt" everyday with or without holster. i've never considered it bulky.

i've never pocket carried for more than a short stint, so can't comment much there.

 

[Nom de Forum]

what's with this "bulky gun belt" stuff? i wear a double thickness "gun belt" everyday with or without holster. i've never considered it bulky.

It is inappropriate for some business and casual attire if for no other reason than it is conspicuous.

 

[back40]

for some business and casual attire

i suppose you're right. however, a belt is yet another piece that must play a utilitarian role for me. it's not just a 'spot of fashion' or something that 'ties the room together'. i meet clients everyday wearing mine and it fits right in, but then i don't wear a suit to work either.