Pocket Pistols (LCP, LC9, DB9, 709 Slim and similar.)

[Tom K]

Today I was also recommended a Diamondback DB9 and a Taurus 709 slim. I am still thinking about size mostly here. The DB9 sure seems like a nice small size. Anyone shoot those?

I bought a Diamondback DB9 about a year ago and like it enough that I bought a second one a few months ago. (If a gun is good enough to have, it's usually good enough to have more than one of!) I love its flatness for carrying, and the grip construction allows you to get a very high hold on it compared to most pocket pistols. The web of your hand winds up just under the slide - it might not work well for someone with a beefy hand. Regardless, the low bore axis reduces muzzle flip which is always good.

Unfortunately there's no slide lock, but I think that was a tradeoff they made to get it so thin.

I also like the Kel-Tec PF-9, and the Kel-Tec P-32 is my anytime gun.

 

[Chaosrob]

Need to say something lest someone get the wrong idea.



This is just incorrect, with all due respect. Consult any mechanical engineer: With good springs, it's cycling that wears them out, not compression over time. Don't just believe me - anyone who doesn't know about this should really consider reading up on the subject. Google is your friend; call the local university and talk to an engineer.

Many of our members here can probably tell you of leaving magazines loaded for decades, and having them work flawlessly nevertheless. This is not a valid reason to scare someone away from semiautos.

I'd like this post twice if I could.

I bought a ww2 p-38 that was still loaded with the 9mm ammo it had in it when it was brought back and the mag/gun functioned flawlessly.

The lcp is a great take everywhere piece. Even when I carry a larger firearm I often still carry it as a bug.

 

[BearBio]

A couple of additions:
1) Nobody says you can't rotate mags if you want I might be hesitant about keeping cheapo mags under constant tension. So, if it worries you: buy good mags or rotate them. Your call.
2) During WWII, many OSS operatives chose the 32 over the 380 due to reliability and accuracy. Now, that was then and ammo was more limited but.....just saying.

 

[chaim]

I'm not sure any of the small 9mm's are truly pocket pistols, though many are indeed pocketable. I think the .380s are in the sweet spot for pocket pistols with some power behind them.

I have a SIG P290, Kel Tec PF-9, and a .380 Ruger LCP. My best friend used to have a Kahr PM9 for many years. I didn't believe him when he said it wasn't really a pocket gun until I bought my pocketable 9mm's. I truly believe, even when a little bigger, the J-frames are better for pocket carry. My aluminum 442 conceals well in a pocket. Yes you see lumps in the pocket. However, the several rounded humps just look like a bundle of stuff in your pocket. The small 9mm's fit nicely in my pockets, but the lumps you see through the pocket are squared off like a gun and to me they just scream gun (even with a decent pocket holster, though a good holster does make a difference). On the other hand, my little LCP completely disappears in my pocket (even with a cheap Uncle Mike's pocket holster), and conceals every bit as well as the smaller .32ACP NAA Guardian I used to own or the little .25ACP Beretta a friend used to own.