Suggestions: 9mm pocket carry?

[gbelleh]

I did have a problem with my shorts pockets starting to wear out while pocket carrying the PM9 or the Taurus 85UL. I had to reinforce my pockets a little (all I did was use safety pins and some old fabric)

Sam,
You're right, the difference is very small. Just making sure people realize there is a slight difference (unlike the G26 and G27 for example).

 

[22luvr]

having been a 100% pocket carrier for 10 years...

I think I can speak with some authority on that subject.
I've owned a Kel-Tec P11 and could not practically carry it in any pocket of any trousers I owned. I found it too snug a fit to draw quickly and it DOES print, even with a proper holster.

The only two (or 3) 9 mm's that can be carried full-time in practically any pocket are:
1) Rohrbaugh (mucho $$)
2) Kahr PM9 (a little less $$)
3) Colt Pocket Nine (awesome gun but discontinued and rare)

That's about it if you must have a 9mm. As others have suggested, consider a Smith J-frame revolver or a Taurus mod 85 for pocket carry. With the right holster, they can be carried in virtually any pocket. And, talking about ammo availalbility, the .38 spcl comes in an endless variety of ammo types.

I presently carry a Kel-Tec P-3AT and do not currently carry a spare mag, probably crazy, but that's me. However, for the P-3AT, a variety of holster manufacturers make a pocket holster that incorporates a spare mag holder.

I hope this helps. If I had the spare $$$, I would opt for the Rohrbaugh myself, but until my ship comes in, it's the P-3AT.

 

[incursion]

Even though the PM9 is a little bigger than the Rohrbaugh, it is much easier to shoot. However, the Rohrbaugh is much better made.

 

[misANTHrope]

After reading all the responses and renting a few guns at the range today, I think I'm going to go with a XD SC for my first carry piece, carried IWB (may give SmartCarry a try as well) and perhaps later get a snubby if I really want to do pocket carry. Pocket carry seemed like a good cure-all until I really got to thinking about the details, with help from everyone here.

Thanks again.

 

[SHOOT1SAM]

halvey:

Rohrbaughs are only rated from the factory for standard pressure ammunition. I can't remember if it is because of the materials (some kind of carbon fiber stuff & not necessarily polymer like Glocks & Kel-Tecs?) or because of the slide velocity being too fast with the +p ammo. Regardless, they come from Rohrbaugh as to only be used with standard pressure ammunition.

Sam

 

[P95Carry]

Why is the R9 standard pressure only? It's never really been explained clearly.

Nothing to do with carbon fiber SHOOT1SAM! Tho the grips are of that material.

Quite simply, the R9 is designed in a ''minimalist'' fashion ... getting as small as you can go. The high quality stainless barrel and aircraft grade Aluminum frame are very strong but - all is reduced to max to keep size and weight down. Even now - to handle the 9mm round (std pressure - which is anyways a high pressure round) the barrel is given a full 0.250" freebore - to enable pressures to reduce from peak prior to engraving of bullet in rifling.

To allow for +P in the spec' I would guess about everything would have to be scaled up just a bit. Slide velocity is of course a factor in the whole equation but way I see it - the real deciding factor is chamber strength - and this gun is designed only for std pressure, tho I have such faith in it I am sure use of +P would ''beat it up'' over time, and not blow it up! ... it has an inbuilt factor of safety as all guns should have.

 

[Master Blaster]

I mostly pocket carry, because it works for me and I think it gives you a certain advantage of surprise, in a robbery scenario, reaching in the pocket for the wallet and viola a firing gun appears, as opposed to sweeping back a covering garment and reaching behind your hip, which takes longer and is less innocuous. In addition you can simply put your hand in your pocket and have a grip on the gun without giving away your ace in the hole in a potentailly threatening situation.

My three choices for pocket carry are: the S&W 642, (used to carry a model 36) loaded with speer 135 +p, I just switched from the 110 gr federal pd.

The Glock 26 loaded with 125gr hydrashok, or winchester ranger 147 gr. On rare occaisions when the only other option is to carry nothing I carry a keltec p-32 loaded with corbon 60gr.

Those are my choices they work for me and are all very reliable. All three choices are pocket carried due to a need for deep concealment.

Successful pocket carry requires a careful test drive of every pair of pants I buy for pocket size and shape, and drawability. That means you bring your largest pocket gun with you when you buy pants. I have been able to find nice pants of every style, Dress, Cordoroy, dockers, jeans, carpenter pants, shorts, that work with the G-26. I pocket carry every day, and I have had no issues with the pockets on quality pants wearing out. IF they did I would take the pants to the local dry cleaner where I have alterations done and ask the owner to sew in new pockets suitible for carry (big).

I have found that the Desantis nemesis works the best for the Glock g-26, a kramer j froame pocket holster works for my 642, and I made my own pocket holster from scrap suede for my Keltec p-32.

One poster here mention that the 26 was too big because he could not carry other stuff in the Pocket with the gun.

DO NOT CARRY ANYTHING ELSE IN THE POCKET YOU CARRY YOUR GUN IN NO MATTER WHAT GUN IT IS OR HOW SMALL!!!!!! At best other stuff will impede your draw, or damage your gun, at WORST it will result in a ND and injury to your sensitive areas.

Sucessful comfortable, conforting concealment methods are as important as the choice of gun.

When I am able I carry a 1911.

All of your choices are good ones, the key is that they work for you, and that you practice drawing and shooting at the range regularly.

The Glock 26 is very accurate for me and has been 100% reliable for over 4,000 rounds since I bought it in 1999.