Pocket 9mm suggestions for guns without issues

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stogiegila

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Ok I really wanted to get the Nano but after reading all the bad reviews, I was still tempted based on its size and comments regarding its accuracy and low recoil. However, the icing on the cake for me was when I finally saw with my own eyes a copy of an email from Beretta indicating the recommend ammo be 124 gr. Sorry but its too hard to find and I already have plenty of 115 gr so the Nano is out

I'm interested in the Shield but have read a ton of stuff regarding out of battery issues and FTF and FTE. I know of the trigger recall, and that doesn't bother me. But with all the negative posts i'm seeing now I'm wondering is there a sufficient pocket 9mm out there

I know there are some others but for the record:
- Walther PPS is too big for what I consider a pocket 9mm
- Kahrs - I do not like them at all, (poor trigger, and I don't like their stiffness and feel)
- Sig P938 - I don't want a thumb safety (the Shield safety doesn't need to be used but a 1911 style it does)
- Keltec Had one and hated it, immediately sold it


What's left. I really didn't care for the Looks of the Ruger LC9 and read that it really kicks a lot. For comparison I feel my G26 is a soft shooter.

Is there anything else that would fall into this category .....any info on the Sig P290? I really would have preferred a striker fired gun but I may have to sacrifice. At least the hammer doesn't seem to protrude too much.

Or I can stick to the pocket pistols I currently have Walther PPK and a Ruger LCR .38sp

I really would have liked to step up to a 9mm though.

Any advice?

Thanks
 
After owning a bunch, my only pocket pistol (and my only 9mm) is my Kahr PM9. I'm not sure about your reservations vis a vis the Kahr trigger--it is long, but incredibly smooth. Like a DA revolver wishes it were, and so much better than a Glock, XD etc...there is no comparison. If you think your PPK and LCR have good triggers, and the Kahr has a poor trigger, I guess there isn't much more to discuss. :rolleyes:

I'd like to try a Kimber Solo, but they seem to require extra-strength ammo.
 
The springfield xds is coming back from its recall,you could try one of them in 9mm. I have the 45 model and it fits in my wrangler jeans front pocket just fine. Totally reliable in my experience.
 
As a normally 1911 guy, for a "pocket nine" (or at least a "small nine") I started with a Taurus PT709 Slim. I wanted something a bit smaller, so I wound up with a Kahr CM9. I totally agree with orionengnr's take on the Kahr triggers. I thought they would suck, but I handled a few of the Kahr offerings and I HAVE gotten used to it. I handled a Sig P938 and didn't like it - a bit too heavy for its size, and it seriously needed de-horning. I was able to very briefly handle a Solo, but it wasn't the style I wanted, and it didn't grab me right off the bat - safety seemed kind of small. Ruger LC9 felt OK to me, though I would get the trigger parts to shorten that long pull and reset. I have not shot any of these (aside from my 709 and CM9); no rentals available, and I didn't know anyone with one. I really wish I could have, though.

So, I'm OK with the CM9 for now. It's not a range gun, though - I can shoot a box through it, but then I'm done. In fact, half a box is a gracious plenty - not due to recoil, but it beats up my trigger finger. For a pocket nine, no big deal - it's almost expected.
 
orionengnr:

My one experience with a Kahr was a while go. I thought the trigger weight was way too high for accurate shooting. The gun also was so stiff that neither I or the store clerk could easily rake the slide or move the slide stop. That was sufficient for me to say no more. I was just totally turned off by the gun. Perhaps I should handle one again. I have read that they can be ammo finiky, which goes right back to the Nano issue.

I am not too fond of the PPK DA trigger and wouldn't like it to be the only choice, but the SA trigger is very light and smooth. I have no issues at all with the LCR trigger pull. I find it smooth and much lighter than any other revolver I have ever handled including ones that have had trigger jobs. Overall though I'm not a revolver guy

Jimbo:

Owned and XD-9 and totally hated it. Sold it and won't go back. I also can't stand the grip safety.

For the record I have no issues at all with the Glock trigger. Light, easy and no problem with the reset.
 
5subcompacts_zps61e2d53f.gif


I have two NANOS. Shot one some today (home range).
Good gun. No problems........
except, a DA pocket gun like this needs a long trigger pull but Beretta went overboard. Trigger pull is way too long.
But I still pocket carry the gun.
I don't know or care anything about using 124 gr ammo. I use mostly 115 gr factory and reloads in all my 9mm pistols.


I have two Shields. 9mm and 40 S&W. Two female friends have two more, 9mm, and are good shots with them.
Excellent guns.
Too big for pocket carry.
No malfunctions of any kind.


Ruger LC9.
I have three of them.
Excellent gun.
Some females don't like the apparent recoil from the narrow grip.
In the first eight days I had the gun seven different shooters, including two women, put over a thousand trouble free rounds, of seven different kinds of ammo, through my first LC9. I stopped counting at 1,700 rounds. I estimate the gun has about 2,000 trouble free rounds now.
Today the LC9 had the first malfunction, a failure to extract/eject. It's possible it was a ammo problem.

Even out to 52 yards (standing, two hands) the LC9 does pretty good.
RugerLC952imissyardtarget.gif


I really would have liked to step up to a 9mm though.
Click to expand...
The Ruger SR9c and SR40C are good guns. I have three.
They are a little larger, being compact guns.

SR9Claser.gif



I also have a Springfield XDS that was just returned from the recall. Mine is 45ACP instead of 9mm.
Another good gun.
The 45 has a little recoil.

XDS452_zps2dddf552.gif
 
I don't think it's possible to find a gun that no one has had issues with. Doesn't matter the size, make, or price point; you will find "negative posts" about them if you look.


...of the Ruger LC9 and read that it really kicks a lot. For comparison I feel my G26 is a soft shooter.
Click to expand...

Have you actually handled an LC9? I'm not sure I'd compare something I have experience with to something I've only read of. But, it won't be much fun to pound rounds through for an extended session.

Pistols in that size category just aren't meant to be "fun" or "pleasant" to shoot. My EDC is a Kel-Tec, and it isn't at all enjoyable to shoot. I don't have much fun playing with fire extinguishers, either, but I will do my part to make it work should the need arise. That holds true with my PF9.

I agree that the Kahr line is indeed more refined, and likely less harsh on the range. You might be doing well in revisiting it for a second look.

Is the Rohrbaugh out of your price range? It is of mine. :D
 
Kahrs - I do not like them at all, (poor trigger
Click to expand...

Then run from a Ruger LC9, as they have (IMO) the worst trigger I have ever pulled - and that includes a Kel-Tec P11. I suggest trying the Kahr PM/CM9 again......maybe you had a bad sample. Love my PM9 trigger......
 
One word GLOCK yea it's a little bit bigger and a tad heavier but it goes BANG every time. Maybe it's not a pocket gun but the 11rds makes up for it. When I carry a pocket gun I carry my Smith Wesson 340pd. One mans opinion.
 
At one time I owned a LC9, a 9mm Shield, and a G26, and had access to a LCP. The only one gone is the LC9. Easy to carry, poor to shoot. Accurate enough, but very slow...especially on second shots. By comparison, the G26 and the Shield have better accuracy and are much quicker on followups. Even the LCP was quicker on followup shots.

Is the LC9 un-usable? NO. If that's all I had, I'd carry it, but the others are far superior in my hands.
 
Well I will definitely go and handle the Kahr again, provided I find one. All of these models mentioned seem to be as hard to find as bigfoot.

Wow6599, I guess you just eliminated the Ruger for me..lol

Medwheeler, I guess you are right, nothing will be perfect. I have even read stories about bad Glocks, although they are in much less supply than the ones I've seen for the Nano and Shield.

I really would like something small and pocket size. I can handle my PPK with no problems. I have very small hands with chubby fingers but also have a lot or arthritis which is why I have trouble with long heavy trigger pulls.

My G26 is fine, but not a pocket gun. In AZ some days it's just too hot to go IWB so I'd prefer the comfort of a pocket pistol.

My biggest worry since I can't seem to locate any locally is that i will end up ordering one and then hate it, and used versions of these guns with the bad publicity they have gotten would be very difficult to sell.

M2, I always liked the CZ Rammi, but it also is way too big and heavy for pocket carry. I'm a little guy.

what really scared me about the Nano was a youtube video I saw of a guy that had issues with his and he posted the email from Beretta stating that the gun was designed for the 124 gr cartridge.
 
I have a Rohrbaugh and I am happy with it.

Here is my review:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=692288

I think the Kahrs are great little guns too - IMO the least ammo sensitive pocket pistol.

I know Diamondback added a third pin to the DB9 to increase reliability, but since I like 147gr Winchester Ranger "T" Series and the DB9 isn't designed to fire bullets exceeding 124gr I am not really interested in it.

I handled and dry fired the Sig P290 and thought it was kind of big and a little on the heavy side for a pocket pistol. it also didn't seem to balance well in my hand.

Most Boberg owners will tell you that the XR9-S (Shorty) is a little heavy to carry in the pocket, but its a great gun. Of course there are rounds that you can't fire in the pistol because it will pull a bullet's pants down.
 
glocking26 said:
One word GLOCK yea it's a little bit bigger and a tad heavier but it goes BANG every time. Maybe it's not a pocket gun but the 11rds makes up for it. When I carry a pocket gun I carry my Smith Wesson 340pd. One mans opinion.
Click to expand...
While I agree, the OP has a G26. For whatever reason, he wants to gain all the disadvantages of a pocket pistol...:evil:
 
Not sure what "size" pistol is a pocket pistol for most folks...in 9mm I have been using the Glock 26 for a frame of reference. We own one and really like it. Tonight I brought home a Beretta Px4 Storm subcompact after shooting it and lusting for one for some time.

My Wife, who stole the G26 right out of my hands, absolutely loves the Px4sc. It shoots softer than the G26, it's a little bigger, and holds 14 with one in the pipe. Has this cool little snap down pinky extension on the bottom of the mag that is really, really cool.

It's my choice hands down now but I'll keep the Glock as it's very nice.....I see us as a two Beretta Px4sc family in a few weeks. As far as small 9mm go, I can highly recommend the littlest Storm.

If teeny tiny toy pistol style pocket pistols are what yer after I think the Ruger LCP or the Sig 938 are gonna be at the top of yer list. We tested an LCP at the range and we absolutely hated it. We shot the Sig 938 and I liked it, she hated it. Lots of kick with teeny tiny 9mm's. Neither of these appeals as much as the G26 or the Px4sc.....the bigger pistols have disadvantages but in live fire at the range they make the tiny pocket carry guns look like a last ditch effort to have a gun at any cost. That roll belongs to .380 ACP or .32 ACP for us.

YMMV

VooDoo
 
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I'm in Bakersfield, CA - we get a bit toasty in the summer, too. I wear my G26 under a Tee shirt, in a CrossBreed SuperTuck. The Shield works even better.

I'm a former LEO, and have carried since 1980. I just won't pocket carry. It doesn't work well for me, and IWB is far superior for me - both in getting on target faster and carrying more gun. Of course, your situation may be different.
 
Rohrbaugh R9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 2.9 in
Length: 5.2 in
Height: 3.7 in
Weight: 13.5 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

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

Kahr PM9 / CM9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.1 in
Length: 5.42 in
Height: 4.0 in
Slide Width: .90 in
Weight: Pistol 14 oz, Magazine 1.9 oz
Capacity: 6+1

Kimber Solo
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 2.7 in
Length: 5.5 in
Height: 3.9 in
Width: 1.2 in
Weight: 17 oz
Capacity: 6+1 Rounds

SIG SAUER P290
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 2.9 in
Length: 5.5 in
Height: 3.9 in
Width: 0.9 in - 1.1" w/slide catch (roughly the same width as MK9, Kahr lists the width of the slide only)
Weight: 20.5 oz w/magazine
Capacity: 6+1

Diamondback DB9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.0 in
Length: 5.60 in
Height: 4.0 in
Width: 0.80 in
Weight: 11 oz
Capacity: 6+1 Rounds

Beretta Nano
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.07 in
Length: 5.63 in
Height: 4.17 in
Width: .90 in
Weight: 17.67 oz
Capacity: 6+1

Ruger LC9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.12 in
Length: 6.0 in
Height: 4.5 in
Slide Width: .90in
Weight: 17.10 oz
Capacity: 7+1

Glock 26
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 3.46 in
Length: 6.29 in
Height: 4.17 in
Weight: 19.75 oz w/o magazine
Capacity: 10+1 Rounds
 
Pacmayer makes a grip sleeve specificly for the LC9. It makes a heck of a difference in the feel of the gun and slips on very easily. It costs less than 10 bucks.
 
CountZero

Very interesting figures. Its amazing how the slightest difference in numbers makes a big difference in feel.

To add a bit to my quest, I love my G26 and it is usually my EDC, but I'm just coming off my 2nd rotator cuff surgery on my dominant shoulder, so that is why i'm looking for smaller and lighter.

I currently carry in pocket off hand as IWB on my dominant side is now very difficult. also in mid summer all day carry IWB with G26 gets to feel like a brick.

So smaller and lighter is what i'm looking for. I'm proficient shooting one handed left hand but a lighter pocket gun for my right hand would also be nice as believe it or not the G26 currently feels very heavy..lol

this is why the PPK currently resides in my left pocket

I'll hit my LGS this weekend to see if any of them are in stock so I can at least handle them.
 
I bought a Bersa BP9cc just for the heck of it, not really expecting too much.
Middle left in the above picture.
It's turned out to be a pretty good gun.
It's in the $400 price range.

Because it has a full size grip it's a little big for pocket carry.
 
but I'm just coming off my 2nd rotator cuff surgery on my dominant shoulder, so that is why i'm looking for smaller and lighter.
Click to expand...
I understand. I had both shoulders operated on and still can't hold out a pistol left handed.

Even shooting these small pistols pains my right shoulder after a few magazines.
 
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