RAMI (or other small 9) or j-frame?

[BAE984]

Looking at picking up a subcompact for a more comfortable carry piece and am debating a subcompact auto or j-frame. Opinions? I like the reliability and 'solid' construction of the wheelgun, but it's hard to pass up the amount of firepower the new little auto's have.

I'm kinda leaning towards j-frame, just because I like the simplicity. Thing is, I'd be hip carrying (my pockets are full already) and I wonder if it's a waste to carry a j-frame instead of a 9mm (leaning towards the CZ RAMI P)?

 

[snubfan]

My edc 99.9% of the time is a 642 in a Nemesis pocket holster,but if you're going to carry on the belt or iwb,go with the subcompact.

 

[Treo]

I carry a RAMI (.40S&W) as a secondary carry. it conceals well, it's uber- reliable ( given that its a CZ I guess that's a little redundant) I get the option of 8 or 10 rounds ( in 9 I THINK it's 10 or 14) and for a subcompact gun it's fairly accurate.

Another point to consider is that CZ stands behind their product no questions asked.

 

[BAE984]

My only concern is the RAMI is pretty wide. I sometimes carry a full size 1911, and the width isn't the problem, but overall dimensions and weight are just too big to deal with all the time...particularly when my usual jaunts are not risky at all. The RAMI is a bit thicker than a 1911, though, so I guess that's my only concern.

Edit: I carry IWB...

 

[Treo]

I carry mine IWB and it disappers even under scrubs. it's fairly light I generally don't notice it after 5 minutes

 

[Elvishead]

I have a Rami Alloy, and a J-Frame 638 Airweight. I carry my J-frame 99% of the time.

I call my Rami my Getto gun. If I ever have to go through the Getto, firepower rules, TBS, I don't go through the Getto.

 

[Weedmonk]

I like CZ pistols (especially the 75B SA) but prefer the Glock G26 over the Rami for concealed carry. IMO, the light weight pocket carry advantage of airweight/airlite J-frames is lost with IWB/OWB carry. I also find the little revolvers to be much harder to shoot accurately.

 

[pistobro206]

I've been thinking the same as the OP and I'm leaning towards getting both to try out.

I most likely will carry IWB, as that is what is closest to how I've practiced with drawing a gun. I'm not sure how fast I'd be drawing a J-frame from a pocket holster out of a pocket.

-Albert

 

[Weedmonk]

In loose-fitting trousers, a pocket carried snubbie can be presented quite quickly. The "hand in pocket" is a typical position for men and doesn't telegraph the weapon presentation motion like the movement that's required by IWB/OWB holsters. Personally, I find carry in an IWB appendix positon to be fairly quick and accessible in both standing and seated positions.

 

[Eightball]

A lot of the new subcompact 9's seem "clunky" to me, and my vote would go for the J-frame.

Doesn't mean I don't want a type of both (though, in my case, not the RAMI for the small 9), but methinks the J-frame will come first in my case. YMMV.

 

[thirdeagle]

I carried an alloy RAMI 9mm IWB (High Noon, FIST, or K&D) for several years. It's a fantastic option for folks who want a small, reliable firearm with good capacity. The short mags fit my hand perfectly and the "wide" grip as some would call it felt natural. It's heavy enough in the holster to let you know it's there but light enough to be non-obtrusive for someone with an active lifestyle. The only thing I wish I had when I was carrying the RAMI was a good crossdraw holster for long rides in the car.

 

[BAE984]

After lots of thought, I think I may get a J-frame first, just because it gives a lot of options for carry style. I've been not carrying for a year or so, just because the .45 became a hassle...an airweight .38 wouldn't be a hassle, it's reliable, and powerful enough for me. If I go on a roadtrip/camping/bad part of town, I can still always pack the .45.

Besides, I don't have any revolvers yet. ; )

 

[armoredman]

The RAMI looks chunky, but really isn't. My wife carries hers either IWB in an HBE Specialty Leatherworks COMIII rig, or a Blackhawk fanny pack.

 

[everallm]

With the RAMI if you want a thinner feel, get the Polymer version, also a little bit lighter and just as reliable

 

[Guns and more]

I have the Rami decocker as well as a Kahr PM-9. The Kahr is much smaller. The Rami is a better shooter. Mine came with 2-10 round mags, and although it's a little wide I liked the alloy over the polymer. There is only 1 oz. difference and I have some grips on the way from Hakken Pek. It will be a beauty, and 100% reliable.

 

[jon_in_wv]

I believe most people will shoot better, more accurately, and faster with a compact nine than with a snub nose revolver. You may have to forgo pocket carry with the auto but getting hits on target for me trumps whatever advantages the snubbie may offer. The auto will generally have better sights, better pointability, and much quicker and easier reloads under stress in my opinion. I carry a M&P 9C and it is in reality not much larger than a snub nose revolver yet it carrier more ammo and is dead on accurate. I sold my snub nose revolvers after I started carrying my M&P. If I can carry a snub nose I think its just as easy to carry a more serious weapon. If my M&P is too big, I feel the snubby would be too, than I carry a Ruger LCP in my front pocket for those occasions.

 

[BAE984]

Good point. I'm used to autos, so they are more natural to me. The Bersa 9mm intrigues me...all metal, cheaper than a RAMI, and possibly narrower since the slide is OUTSIDE of the frame rails. Hard to try one on in person, though...

Decisions, decisions.

 

[SsevenN]

I have a CZ 2075 RAMI in 9mm.

I don't carry it often anymore.

No matter how much I love it, I'm a tad to thin to hide it under close inspection(IWB).

I now carry a Kahr CW9 with a 4" ported barrel. I lost a few rounds in terms of capacity. But the WIN is in the slimmed profile, and "in the pipe" friendly, smooth DAO trigger. (JMHO)

EDIT: an old thread showing the size difference. (minus my 4' ported barrel)

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=351453&highlight=Compare+contrast

 

[Deanimator]

My edc 99.9% of the time is a 642 in a Nemesis pocket holster,but if you're going to carry on the belt or iwb,go with the subcompact.

I sometimes carry a 36 in the same holster. Works very well, especially if I KNOW I'm going to have to disarm, like at the Post Office or at a restaurant with a liquor license. It's easy to just pull holster and all out and put them in the glove box.

 

[ARTiger]

Since it's going to be on a belt, you could also carry a bigger revolver. Something like a 3" K frame or Taurus 617 which is a 28 oz. 7 shot .357 with a 2" barrel.

 

[jon_in_wv]

OFF TOPIC: I had a Bersa 9mm. It was a good enough weapon but accessories, magazines, etc... are impossible to come by. It was a good shooter but it was FULL of sharp edges. After a good dehorning it wasn't bad but it was a bit ammo sensitive and I ended up trading for something a little more conventional. If I was to get a Bersa I would choose the 380.