PM9 pocket holster question

[Sam L]

I just got my permit, and today carried a little for the first time, after yesterday purchasing a Kahr PM9, and a Kramer pocket holster.

I've never had a holster besides cheapos before, and was hoping people could provide some information.

It seems like a tight fit to me. There's significant friction,
complicating what I thought was a modest goal for my first ever conceal carry "test draw" of keeping the holster in the pocket.

It looks like the slide release is causing a lot of the friction.

What somewhat works is to kind of push "back" while drawing it, causing the part of the holster which is in the area of the trigger, to catch on the edge of my pocket.

I've tried working the pistol in and out of the holster, which has loosened it up a bit. I suppose I could just do that hundreds or thousands of times while watching TV, but does it help? (and could it damage the black stainless finish?)

The other thing I'm wondering about is the outline of the gun. I think a grade school kid could figure out that I'm probably armed, or am I just paranoid?

I had imagined it would look a little more like a big wallet, maybe. Of course the holster helps break up the shape, but it seems like the bottom of the grip gives away a lot.

Thanks for any help.

 

[SapperLeader]

With all new holsters, theres usually a bit of tightness. I would unload your pistol while at home, and work the pistol in and out of the holster, and then practice drawing from your pocket. I have some bad news for you, its your carry gun, not a safe queen. There is a good chance that the finish could end up scratched. As for worrying about the big brick in your pocket, Id look at how your pocket looks in the mirror, if you look down at yourself, theres going to be a huge bulge, but if you look in a mirror, the same way everyone walking around sees your pocket, it usually doesnt print as bad.

 

[NJ3]

You could also put your unloaded gun in a zip lock type bag, holster it and leave it overnight. Repeat until the draw feels right, don't over strech it though.

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

"SapperLeader"---That name scares me to death!!

Anyway, the holster will just loosen up on it's owm with a short amount of carry. However Sam, you could just go over to the RJ Hedley website and look at his pocket holsters. I've got three of his and, for some reason there's no "break-in". There's some good pictres of a PM9 in a Hedley pocket holster. Oh, they're a bargain too.

KR

 

[DDGator]

Sam,

I would love to sell you one of my PM9 holsters, but sounds like you have a good holster. I agree that wrapping the gun in plastic wrap and leaving it in the holster overnight will help loosen it up. In extreme cases, you can wet the holster and repeat this process with the wrapped gun -- but that probably is not necessary.

The good news is that you probably can't make the holster too loose. Pocket holsters just don't require a lot of retention.

Much of what you are worried about with the printing is probably unjustified -- but a PM9 is not as easy to carry in a pocket as a Kel-Tec P-3AT for example. Much of it has to do with your pants. Jeans are very forgiving -- thin dress slacks are not. In most pants you will be able to tell there is something in the pocket, but usually the outline is not as apparent as you think.

We sell a 2-in-1 Convertible front/back pocket holster with a removable anti-print panel. This gives you the option of having an anti-print panel attached when you need it (usually for rear pocket carry, and for some pants front pockets). With the anti-print panel, the shape is completely disguised and it does look like square lump -- wallet, PDA, etc.

Welcome to the world of pocket carry -- I love it.

Duane
[email protected]
www.KDHolsters.com

 

[SapperLeader]

Kentucky Rifle, whys the name scare you? Have you been through the course before Its a little interesting.

 

[PCRCCW]

Most good pocket holsters require little to NO breakin.

The dont retain the gun by a large degree and are there to keep the gun upright and free from debris.

They should have enough retention to keep the gun from moving around in the pocket but should allow a very clean draw.

Any good holster will have a way of "hooking" itself inside the pocket so it DOES NOT come out when the gun is drawn. The harder it is to get it in your pocket the better the holster is IMO. The opposite holds true and a gun/holster in your hand is a bad thing if you need it..................

Shoot well.

 

[Sam L]

Thanks for all the informative replies, I appreciate it.

 

[mini14jac]

I read somewhere that most men just don't look at other men below the waist.
I think most of what we worry about is just in our head.
(Like when your wife says she can't get her hair to lay right, and looks just like it always does to you. )

I carry the PM9 in a $10 Uncle Mike's pocket holster.
(#2 I think.)
In most pants/jeans, it looks like maybe a handkerchief stuffed in there.

 

[DDGator]

Also, the plain fact is that no matter how much a gun prints, no one is ever going to be sure. It is pretty hard to get made with pocket carry.

One caveat though -- you can be placed in an awkward position around co-workers or people that feel very comfortable with you. People like that may ask -- "What the heck to you have in your pocket?" Strangers obviously won't. I suggest you be prepared with a creative, believeable and un-interesting lie.