Pocket 9 replacement?

[tinman931]

I am looking for a replacement for my LC9. I was just getting to the point where I could shoot it decently, but took it out the other day and had a number of problems. Unfortunately, I seem to be developing arthritis in my hands around the thumbs. Now, I have a great deal of difficulty working the slide, mag release, etc. and can hardly hit paper. I have an LCR that I like and can still manage, but would still like a small pocket 9 for the extra rounds and other advantages of an auto. Budget is an issue for me right now (transitioning employment for the next few months), so I am looking to keep it as reasonable as possible.

My candidates for replacement are:
LC9s Pro – assuming that the upgrades are enough to make it easier to handle.
S&W Shield – I fired one that belongs to a friend about a year ago, but not enough to form an opinion.
SR9c – I have heard good things and like the way it fits in my hand, but think it might be a little too large to drop in my pocket, which would defeat the purpose of a smaller 9.
Springfield XD-S – I have never fired one, but I really like my XDsc. It is just a little too large to drop in my pocket.

I would really appreciate any hands on feedback on any / all of these guns, or other options I may not have listed.

TIA for your help!

 

[Philadelphia Patriot]

XDS and SR9C are too big for pocket carry. Check out the Glock 43, you could probably pocket carry that. Honestly, I'd just stick to a revolver because of your medical problems.

Except for a shorter pull length and striker fired system, I don't think the LC9S Pro is too different from the LC9.

If you're still set on a semi-auto, check out the LC380. The LC380 uses a lighter recoil spring weight than the LC9/LC9S. This will make the slide easier to rack. Also look at the Glock 42.

 

[CaptRon956]

Another good pistol out there under $300 is the Bersa Thunder .380 which I think is an excellent pistol for conceal carry. It is DA/SA, features a decocker, the slide is easy to rack, light felt recoil accurate & very reliable... I on occasion carry mine in a Alien gear cloak tuck 2.0 holster.

 

[tinman931]

I had a .380 before and found it just a little too small to shoot well. I also like the added power of the 9.

 

[dcsamps]

Since you are already familiar with the LC9, then I would look at the LC9s. It is fairly light weight and I think the mags you have for your LC9 will also fit the LC9s. If this is indeed for pocket carry then you might want to go with the LC9s with the thumb safety (the LC9s Pro doesn't have a thumb safety).
The only other option I can think of for true pocket carry would be the Kahr PM9, or CM9 (budget friendly version). They weigh in at 16 ozs. with unloaded mag. You would just have to break it in and get used to the long, but smooth trigger pull (a safe feature for pocket carry).
The S&W Shield is a great little pistol, but probably too big for pocket carry.
Even though I like Springfields a lot, I would stay away from the XDs. It is too big, and too heavy for pocket carry, and I can tell you from first hand experience that Springfield has not worked out all the bugs in their XDs pistols. Mine experienced light primer strikes and several failure to return to battery right out of the box (and yes, I inspected it and lubed it properly before shooting it at the range).
I currently have a Kahr PM9 and replaced the XDs with a M&P 9mm Shield.
Good luck with your search.

 

[RobzGuns]

I'm guessing when you say Pocket Carry, you mean Pocket Carry in a holster. With a Pocket Holster, you don't really need an external safety (nothing's going to snag the trigger through a holster, right?) and can go either LC9Pro, or NTS Shield (or G43). With 'Relaxed Fit' pants, I can Front Pocket carry my Shield, with a Galco PRO286 Pocket holster.

If you can pocket carry the original LC9, you can definitely Pocket carry the Shield. They are literally millimeters apart in size. The XD-S is the same size as the LC9 and Shield, but it weighs about 7oz heavier than the other two. A bit heavy for many pockets.

Before buying, to tr to find a way to shoot each of the main contenders, to see what works for your condition. You may end up needing to go with a revolver (if your hands can handle a DAO trigger okay)

 

[Pisgah]

My pocket carry is the Beretta Nano. No idea whether it would meet your needs or not, but it's worth a look.

 

[austinjeane]

Guns and Ammo magazine has an excellent article this month testing concealable single stack 9mms. It will answer your questions.

 

[Arik]

Kahr CM9. Definitely a pocket gun

 

[tinman931]

All good suggestions. Looks like I need to find somewhere that rents the contenders and give them a try before I make the jump.

 

[M29since14]

Kahr CM9. Definitely a pocket gun

Nice gun, very compact, like all the mini-9s a bit heavy. They have no safety - some like that, some don't. The mag release is a bit of a pain but not nearly as bad as the release on the Kimber Solo 9s I have handled. Really tough to operate the slide, IMO - so on that fact alone, probably not for you. Maybe best to stick with your revolver.

 

[nissan]

LC9S Pro

i do not care for Rugers,but the new lC9s pro seems to be the best choice because of light trigger,easier slide,no safety and ergonomics.

 

[rlongclu]

I am looking for a replacement for my LC9. I was just getting to the point where I could shoot it decently, but took it out the other day and had a number of problems. Unfortunately, I seem to be developing arthritis in my hands around the thumbs. Now, I have a great deal of difficulty working the slide, mag release, etc. and can hardly hit paper. I have an LCR that I like and can still manage, but would still like a small pocket 9 for the extra rounds and other advantages of an auto. Budget is an issue for me right now (transitioning employment for the next few months), so I am looking to keep it as reasonable as possible.

My candidates for replacement are:
LC9s Pro – assuming that the upgrades are enough to make it easier to handle.
S&W Shield – I fired one that belongs to a friend about a year ago, but not enough to form an opinion.
SR9c – I have heard good things and like the way it fits in my hand, but think it might be a little too large to drop in my pocket, which would defeat the purpose of a smaller 9.
Springfield XD-S – I have never fired one, but I really like my XDsc. It is just a little too large to drop in my pocket.

I would really appreciate any hands on feedback on any / all of these guns, or other options I may not have listed.

TIA for your help!

I just picked up a Sig P938. Great shooter and can easily be carried in a pocket holster.

 

[Adk.IBO]

My vote would go for a Colt Mustang XSP. Never fired one but reviews are good. I have handled them 3 times and really do like them.

Stay safe, John

 

[max]

As stated, check out the G&A article.

 

[rock_castle]

Hearng good things about the LC9s. I have a Shield and it's a great little gun, but too big for pocket carry. Even though you seem to be a semi-auto guy, but nothing beats a snubby for pocket carry. Lightweight, dependable, and capable is a winning combination.

 

[tinman931]

The G&A article/video was very good. I was surprised about the Taurus. I had poor luck with my .380 and got rid of it. Not sure that I would want another.
The Glock is an interesting choice. Being new, I wonder how hard they are to find.
I have liked every Walther I have held or fired. However, the magazine release, cost of extra mags, and reliability of their P22 (a relative has one), gives me pause.

 

[fomcco]

If you're still set on a semi-auto, check out the LC380. The LC380 uses a lighter recoil spring weight than the LC9/LC9S.

Another vote for the LC380. It's bigger than the tiny pocket .380s like the Ruger LCP and Kahr CW380, so it's easy to shoot accurately. And the slide is much easier to work than 9mm pistols the same size. Also a nicely made little gun.

 

[Philadelphia Patriot]

There's also the Walther CCP

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19ajx2X1RqA"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19ajx2X1RqA[/ame]

 

[tlmetesh]

I switch back and forth between an S&W snubby j-frame and a SCCY 9mm semi auto.