180lbs 5'10" man, looking at conceal carry options for under $600. I was considering the Ruger LCP in .380 ACP but if I can find a 9mm that will conceal pretty easily I would prefer the upgraded firepower. any thoughts on the plausibility of pocket carrying the LC9? If not, what is a good pocket carry 9mm? or would I be better of with a .380?
Ruger LC9 for conceal carry?
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SpaceFrank
Member
I think it's small enough to CC depending on your pockets. Wearing jeans, you should have no problem. It's bigger than the .380 by just less than an inch in both dimensions. Similarly sized single-stack 9mm pistols include the Kel-Tec PF9 and Taurus 709. I'm sure there are others.
Zundfolge
Member
I'd think the LC9 (and the KelTec PF9 it competes with) would probably be about the upper limit for pocket carry.
I guess it depends on what kind of pants you wear. With something like a Desantis Nemesis I'd expect the LC9 to carry just fine in the pocket of slacks, khakis or cargo pants. I think it would be a tight fit in jeans.
The LCP (and KelTec P3AT) pocket carries very easily (my wife has a P3AT).
Any reason you don't want to carry IWB?
Here's an excellent resource for comparison of small guns. http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf
And then there's this:
I guess it depends on what kind of pants you wear. With something like a Desantis Nemesis I'd expect the LC9 to carry just fine in the pocket of slacks, khakis or cargo pants. I think it would be a tight fit in jeans.
The LCP (and KelTec P3AT) pocket carries very easily (my wife has a P3AT).
Any reason you don't want to carry IWB?
Here's an excellent resource for comparison of small guns. http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf
And then there's this:
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M2 Carbine
member
I pocket carried the small .380 pistols, LCP, Kel Tec, Micro Desert Eagle, etc, up until a few weeks ago.
I just happened to be in the local gun store when he got two LC9 pistols.
I'm bad for impulse buying and I bought the LC9, $400 OTD.
First, what I don't like, just because of personal preference,
the magazine "safety"
the lawyer lock,
the loaded chamber indicator,
the thumb safety I can take or leave,
the long hard trigger pull.
Overall I like the gun so well that these "problems" aren't a deal breaker.
I have a home range and reload, so I quickly put over a thousand rounds of mixed ammo through the gun. There was not one gun caused malfunction.
The gun is very accurate. It will keep all shots in about one inch (but I hardly ever do it).
At 52 yards I shot 50 rounds, standing, at a 2x2 foot steel target. 49 bullets hit the steel, I missed once.
I wear Dickies short sleeve coveralls, with fairly shallow pockets and the LC9 is now my primary summer time pocket carry gun.
I just happened to be in the local gun store when he got two LC9 pistols.
I'm bad for impulse buying and I bought the LC9, $400 OTD.
First, what I don't like, just because of personal preference,
the magazine "safety"
the lawyer lock,
the loaded chamber indicator,
the thumb safety I can take or leave,
the long hard trigger pull.
Overall I like the gun so well that these "problems" aren't a deal breaker.
I have a home range and reload, so I quickly put over a thousand rounds of mixed ammo through the gun. There was not one gun caused malfunction.
The gun is very accurate. It will keep all shots in about one inch (but I hardly ever do it).
At 52 yards I shot 50 rounds, standing, at a 2x2 foot steel target. 49 bullets hit the steel, I missed once.
I wear Dickies short sleeve coveralls, with fairly shallow pockets and the LC9 is now my primary summer time pocket carry gun.
I don't know that I am utterly opposed to IWB carry, but I liked the versatility of being able to pocket carry as well. My dress varies from jeans to slacks to shorts, and a smaller gun would be capable of accommodating me more. I plan on buying an IWB holster and carry like that more often than not, but I want the option of dropping it in my front pocket. Neither the LCP or the LC9 is too pricy, I may be able to get both within a decent time span. Both seem to have their uses. I don't think I could conceal carry a double stack very easily though. My 1911 makes a bit of a bulge in jeans and a t-shirt, and thats still a single stack.
I certainly like the accuracy of the LC9. Any problems with a long trigger pull?
I certainly like the accuracy of the LC9. Any problems with a long trigger pull?
M2 Carbine
member
I don't like DAO and especially don't like the triggers on the guns like the Kel Tecs, LC9, etc, but it's not something that you can't get used to.
By 1,000 rounds the trigger didn't bother me anymore.
Caliper_Mi
Member
6'0", 160# here and a PF9 is great IWB, or front pocket on slacks or cargo pants (both seem to have larger pockets than jeans). Guns like the LC9 and PF9 were ade for CC, after all. The thinness and shorter grip are the key aspects I find to making a gun concealable.
FWIW, I find my PF9 more pleasant to shoot than a P3ATI rented (LCP is a P3 clone) - more grip more than made up for the higher energy in a 9mm. Don't believe those who say these small 9's "kick like a mule". While they are certainly not for beginners, but I enjoy shooting the PF9 at the range.
FWIW, I find my PF9 more pleasant to shoot than a P3ATI rented (LCP is a P3 clone) - more grip more than made up for the higher energy in a 9mm. Don't believe those who say these small 9's "kick like a mule". While they are certainly not for beginners, but I enjoy shooting the PF9 at the range.
5 foot 6 inches 200 pounds
I carry mine in my 511 front pants pocket with no problem. I can not do that in my jeans at all. I love this gun. just shot mine again at 7 yards rapid fire.
I can easily keep all the shots in the size of a tennis ball. recoil is not bad at all. about half that of the P11.
steve
I carry mine in my 511 front pants pocket with no problem. I can not do that in my jeans at all. I love this gun. just shot mine again at 7 yards rapid fire.
I can easily keep all the shots in the size of a tennis ball. recoil is not bad at all. about half that of the P11.
steve
M2 Carbine
member
I had a neighbor lady shoot my LC9 to get a woman's prospective.
She said it isn't bad but not something she would want to run a couple hundred rounds through, like a Beretta PX4 or AT C92 that she has been shooting.
I have a deal going on an LC9 so I've been comparing as much as possible with my K9.
The pistols are the same size dimensionally....In "normal" jeans or pants pockets they are too big to conceal. In coat or cargo pocket a pistol of this size fits in well for a quick run out.
The pistols are the same size dimensionally....In "normal" jeans or pants pockets they are too big to conceal. In coat or cargo pocket a pistol of this size fits in well for a quick run out.
The LC9 is a bit big for pocket carry, I'd go with the Kahr CM9, it's small enough for pocket carry and is pretty close in price to the LC9.
millertyme
Member
It's about the same size as my P11 and that's too big for anything but cargo pockets on the thigh. Maybe if I wore pants that were entirely too big for me and wore them 6" below my waist I could get away with pocket carry, but if I dressed like that I think people would expect me to be carrying something. Probably expect me to be carrying a Bryco or something like that.
The Lone Haranguer
Member
I fondled one at a gun show recently. While thin - bordering on too thin in the grip - IMO it is a little large to be a practical, continuous carry pocket gun. This is different from occasionally sticking it in your pocket for short distances and durations. The Kahr PM9 makes a better true pocket gun, and even then you still need large pockets such as those of cargo pants. The little .380s like the LCP conceal better in pockets, but the tradeoff is that you sacrifice some shooting qualities and cartridge power. I think the LC9 is best as a compact belt gun.
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M2 Carbine
member
I've been pocket carrying my LC9. My pocket size varies so at times I have to go back to the LCP.
So, I suppose it depends on what you are wearing and what activities you are engaged in.
I do feel better armed with the 9mm instead of the .380.
So, I suppose it depends on what you are wearing and what activities you are engaged in.
I do feel better armed with the 9mm instead of the .380.
451 Detonics
Member
The PF-9 is smaller than the LC9 in every dimension and weighs less less to boot (17.1 ounces versus 12.7). It also isn't burdened with unneeded magazine and manual safeties. I carry mine both on belt in a Don Hume J.I.T. but also in a Tuff Products pocket holster. Works in everything but tight jeans (which I don't wear anyway). In dress slacks I belt carry the extra mag.
KimberUltra
Member
I prefer to holster carry, as I already have enough crap in my pockets all at time. It is possible to pocket carry the lc9. The safeties on it make me feel better about pocket carrying.
flightsimmer
Member
I always carry my LCP .380 in my right front pocket 24/7/365 and often carry my PF-9 OWB at the same time depending on where I will be going but the PF-9 doesn't feel right in the pockets of the clothes that I usually wear but it works in most of my jackets and coats. I would buy the LC9 if I didn't already have the PF-9 with a Crimson Trace Laser site on it.
10mm, when you care enough to send the very best.
10mm, when you care enough to send the very best.
0341/0331
Member
I carry my LCP everyday all day. I prefer a 38 snubby but they got it right. The light weight 380s from any of the quality minded companies will work. For me anything bigger and I'd carry bigger if that makes sense. I wear carhartts to a mechanics uniform an can conceal very easily. If you choose to carry a pp then practice practice pratice! tactics make the difference. Know your weapon an prep yourself. I WILL WIN. Otherwise your playing craps with your life.
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