Pocket Carry, What's a Good Choice?

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My Kahr CW-9 (same size as the P9) has been riding in my front pocket non-stop for the 3 weeks or so that I've owned it. Looks like the PM9 is even smaller, but for me this CW-9 is just the right balance of concealability and controllability. Frankly, I was pretty amazed at how well it performed at the range too. Shoots and functions just as flawlessly as my XD so far.

Couldn't be happier.
 
Other things end up in pockets, and can get into the holster as you move around. Coins, especially, can get into it and get wedged into the trigger guard.

Do NOT carry anything in your pocket, but gun and holster! Keep all other junk in other pockets. You don't want anything getting in the barrel, tying up the cylinder, whatever, and when you need the gun, you don't want your keys in the way. :banghead: My gun pocket is dedicated to the gun, nothing else. But, I agree about the Glock "safe action", not too safe. It ain't pocket sized anyway, unless you're Paul Bunyon. My P11 has a LONG DA and I like it that way for safety's sake. It ain't hard to shoot if you get used to it. I've shot it monthly for nearly 11 years, though this past year I've been in more revolver moods at the range.

There is no 9mm smaller or lighter than the Kel Tec PF9 that is +P rated. The P11 is only about a tenth of an inch thicker and 2 ounces heavier, but is high cap. Other than the Rohrbaugh, there is no smaller 9mm period and no lighter including the Rohrbaugh which isn't +P rated and costs and arm and a leg. The little PF9 is appealing at .88" thick and 12 ounces dry. the Kahr is a good gun, pocketable, but it's not as dainty as the PF9. The PF9 has a nine round capacity, too. The P11, with the new post ban mags, can hold 13 rounds, though I have the older 10 round mags.

I've heard a LOT of negative about the AMT Backup. I owned a Hardballer and that kept me from ever considering a Backup, frankly. Now days, there's the Kahr, the Kel Tec, the Taurus Millennium, so many better choices in autos. Of course, the revolver will never have an FTF, but my P11 hasn't either. If you keep coins and such in your gun pocket, you probably don't wanna carry a revolver, either. You could find the works tied up right when you need it. But, like I say, DON'T put anything, but your gun and pocket holster in your gun pocket. A piece of lint up the barrel could be enough to cause a kaboom.
 
My "run up to the store for a gallon of milk" pocket carry?

A pre-lock S&W 442 loaded with 135-grain +P Gold Dot HP carried in a Milt Sparks PCH pocket holster.

On left:
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Eagle103,
Your AMT probably just needs new springs. Your new Kahr or KelTec will need those changed on a regular basis as well. That is the one drawback to carrying an auto for me. I have had a couple of guns stop because a spring failed. I have just about decided that I will replace the springs on my carry guns once per year. That is the only way I know to keep them from going bad at the wrong time.

Roll Tide
 
My go to work, ride my bike, get milk in the corner, Mow the lawn gun. And always gun is Keltec p3 in 380. Smaler than a snubby and 8 round capacity cant beat that. My Glock 19 has been retired as my "Why are u in my house eating my oreo cookies gun":)
 

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My pocket carry pieces.


5 for sure....J frame Smith.

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KelTec P3AT....functions great after 1 trip back to factory....so flat it disappears

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.....and if Im going down to the hood I take my pimp gun - Cobra Derringer

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I will not disagree with any of the listed choices. People know what is best for them.

BUT, am I to understand that some folks carry a Glock or Kahr in their pocket, with a round chambered, without a holster?:what: :eek: :uhoh:

Is this correct?
 
I carry a Kahr CW9 in a cheap Uncle Mike's pocket holster. It was worth the $12. Nothing else goes in that pocket.

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If you're looking for concealability, (Kel-Tec, Man, did I say that?), or Kahr.
Both are small and flat. I have carried the Kahr, CW9. Very light and yet powerful 9mm. They probably won't handle much +P ammo.

Now, to reliability.
1st. Ruger SP101 357 mag (heavy) :evil:
2nd. S&W model 36, 37, 640, etc,
3rd. Colt Detective Special


Any J-frame revolver is great. I posted these in order of my personal preference. :D
 
My pocket choices are P32 and P11! P32 is any pocket and P11 in a coat pocket.

I am looking for a snub nose K-frame for coat pocket bug! :)
 
You must have some pretty big pockets to carry (unnoticed) a 9mm....

I check pocket size when I'm shopping for pants. You'd be surprised. Even some Jeans have big front pockets. Carpenter's jeans have about the biggest. I have a couple pair of carpenter's jeans you could probably put a Commander in. It swallows the little P11.:D I don't have to wear suits, since I don't have that sort of job. Actually, I don't have a job. Been there, done that...:D 30 years was enough. I saved enough to quit, had to skimp and not buy Kahrs and Rohrbaughs, but I did it! I don't know what suit pants have for pockets. I haven't bought a suit since I was married 25 years ago. LOL!
 
I am looking for a snub nose K-frame for coat pocket bug!

Here's a 9 mm K (sorry the pic isn't up to the gun) S&W 547. Too nice for a pocket. Maybe a stainless K.

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The J's still rule, for me.
 
either one of these

PM9 or 340PD
 

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BUT, am I to understand that some folks carry a Glock or Kahr in their pocket, with a round chambered, without a holster?

My G26 rides in a Desantis pocket holster.
 
everyone has an opinon on pocket carry - for me its a Kel-tec 9mm - or a smith 442 - both are small and pack a decent punch - the kel-tec see's more use due to the extra rounds - of course both will probably be put away as soon as I can afford a Glock 27 again - biggest mistake I made as far as guns is selling the glock - I love the 27 based on its size and big cal - You should really check it out - if thats not an option check out the kel-tec and 442 - both are small and light and I have had absolutly no problems with either after putting many rounds downrange.
 
PP/PPK/PPKs/CZ-70. The CZ's big compared with more modern pocket .32s, but all it does in a pocket is show that something's inside that pocket - by looks, probably a wallet.
 
Tough to beat a S&W 642 or 442

I use a medium frame Smith 9mm semi-auto for regular CC, but there are times that I've wished that I still had my 642 just to drop it in my pocket when I walk my neighborhood or take out the trash in the dark.

I'll have a S&W 642 again. Super pocket carry.
 
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