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

[bubbiesdad]

I owned a Taurus 709 Slim, I sold it though. Not because there were any quality issues, it worked fine, it just wasn't for me. Size wise it was good, concealed nicely with a tuckable holster. I carried a spare mag in a small cellphone pouch.

 

[venomballistics]

The one thats really getting my attention of late ...
Springfield XDs in 45.
worth taking a look at .. its about the same size as a Kahr PM9

 

[mc5aw]

No revolvers, they are bulkier than a semi auto.

I'll put any one of my Airweight J-frames up against the multitude of pocket semi-autos. Weight-wise, reliability-wise, performance-wise, there's a reason J-frames have been the preferred pocket protector by LEOs and civilians for decades. With a slim profile grip, a lightweight J is not bulkier than a pocket semi-auto.

 

[cellllman]

I have the LCP and a J-frame 38. Have concealed carried both but favor the lcp in either a leg or pocket holster. I was pleasantly surprised with the accuracy of the lcp out to about 7 yards with fast fire. With the proper ammo and practice it will do the job.
I would rather be firing my 38 but it simply does not conceal carry as easily as the lcp and you come back to the simple thought that a gun left behind is less effective than the one you have.

 

[Rule3]

I'll put any one of my Airweight J-frames up against the multitude of pocket semi-autos. Weight-wise, reliability-wise, performance-wise, there's a reason J-frames have been the preferred pocket protector by LEOs and civilians for decades. With a slim profile grip, a lightweight J is not bulkier than a pocket semi-auto.

BAH
Numbers dimensions don't lie. Not saying J frames are not popular or reliable but the LCP conceals way better than a J frame.

http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf

 

[Kanewpadle]

BAH
Numbers dimensions don't lie. Not saying J frames are not popular or reliable but the LCP conceals way better than a J frame.

http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf

If you can't conceal a j frame, then your not doing something right.

 

[Ransom]

My EDC is a Shield 9. For pocket carry I borrowed a friend's J-frame for 4 months and decided in the end to buy a BG 380. It's thinner and lighter and shoots great. I prefer the slightly larger grip and better sights of the BG over the LCP.

 

[Arik]

First of what are you carrying the mp40 in? What is your setup? I ask because im not far from your size/weight and i carry a G17. (6ft 165lbs) i had the same problem with comfort until i bought a real holster (crossbreed) and a real, thick, gun belt. After that the discomfort went away and i sold all my sub compacts.

But if you still want a small gun take a look at Kahr CW9. Very good guns for under $400. I'd stay away from Taurus polymer guns. They dont have a rep for longevity and durability.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[Erich]

For the record, we are blessed with some pretty small pistols these days:

I am not sure it's helpful to suggest that any one gun is right for all people. For true deep cover, an LCP is significantly easier to conceal than a J-frame (and with the Buffalo Bore ammo throwing 95-gr projectiles at just south of 1100 fps, not a weak sister, either) - whether in pocket (even with tight jeans) or IWB in a holster or even without a cover garment using an attached clip or a Pistol Wear Trump Card or SmartCarry belt/holster. While the experience of shooting the things will vary between individuals due to hand size and other variables, I actually find the LCP groups better for me than does a J-frame (and I've been shooting and carrying those since the mid-'80s).

Anyway, they're all small. What works for a given individual is going to depend on that individual's physique, preferences - and circumstances.

 

[BearBio]

I'm sure I'll get banned for this but:

The wife started out with j-frames, like a 642. A DAO didn't work because of hand weakness and, let's face it, j-frames are hard to hit with and are not a"beginner's" gun (beginner to ccw). Went to a Chief's, still hard for repeated shots and hard to hit with. She had an inherent fear of autos ("too complicated"). After going through several, she ended up with a 438. Same problems, compounded by the snub hammer.

I convinced her to try my Walther PP in 32. Liked it, although a bit heavy. Being a WWII German-made, I worried about her losing it. Also 32 ammo isn't cheap. I got her a Bersa in 22, so as to have something similar to practice with. Loved it! So, last Christmas, I got her a Bersa 380. She loves it. Carries in a CCW purse, 24/7.

The Bersas are well made, function fantastic, have a low "felt-recoil quotient" (did I just make something up?), fit most hands. When we picked it up, the clerks were all asking to handle it and all commented on how well made it was. My SIL has had one for over 25 years with no problems. Besides, for the cost of one Ruger or j-frame, you can get a 380 AND a 22!

Now I carry a Colt Commander or a 649 but I would have no qualms abouyt recommending or carrying a Bersa.

 

[M3Stuart]

I apologize if this has already been said;

Regarding any Semi-Auto CCW gun; if/when you leave the magazines loaded for an extended period of time, the mag springs will wear out, lose their 'pushiness', and you MAY have a misfeed of some type.

For those unfamiliar with this situation, they may buy a CCW, load the mag that comes with it. Leave it loaded for several months. Then they could then have their gun not work for that reason.

I would not want anybody comparing CCW revolvers and SA's to think they are apples-to-apples. The revolver can be left loaded for years at a time, while the SA would need to have the mags 'rotated' fairly often. Plus those SA mags are NOT cheap! So it might just even out over time if the revolver costs more up front but the SA 'eats' mags.

...just sayin.

 

[palmetto99]

After almost three years of pocket carry with a bobbed hammer model 60, I switched to a LCP for pocket carry. I dont' find that it any harder to shoot well than any of my j-frames (it's go the long trigger pull too). It carries well in all formats (pocket, IWB, OWB).

 

[Erich]

Need to say something lest someone get the wrong idea.

Regarding any Semi-Auto CCW gun; if/when you leave the magazines loaded for an extended period of time, the mag springs will wear out, lose their 'pushiness', and you MAY have a misfeed of some type.

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.

 

[eric-holmes]

For those with the LC9, have you ever tried the trigger kit from Galloway?

 

[walkin jack]

I suggest you read up on the .32 autos. From my experience and what I have seen and read it is a vastly under appreciated caliber. It is not for getting into a gunfight with someone across the street for inside 12 or 15 feet it will keep the punks off you just fine. Mine is small and flat and carries 7+1.

I have a KelTec P-32 that I carry in a De Santis Nemisis pocket holster and I also have a leather IWB holster for beachwear.

 

[walkin jack]

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.

Absolutely!! In the very early days of magazine fed Semi autos the springs were made of cheap steel. The tendency of this steel to loose it's springy quality is known as "creep". All the Modern pistol magazines that I have any knowledge of all use steel that won't creep over time.

You can load up all your mags with confidence and when you go for them they will be ready to go. There is absolutely NO NEED to unload modern magazines because they have been loaded for a while.

 

[gregintenn]

I dislike the idea of polymer frame guns, and much prefer shooting a fine Smith and Wesson revolver to just about any semi auto. That being said, 95% of the time, the gun that goes with me is the lowly Ruger LCP. In my front pocket, it feels half the size of a J frame. It is reliable, accurate, lightweight, and thin.

 

[mod34]

No revolvers, they are bulkier than a semi auto.

Disagree on the blanket statement above. I'll trade a little bulk (not weight as some revolvers now are very, very light) for the confidence that a revolver won't jam, stove pipe, etc.

 

[eric-holmes]

You disagree with the statement although you state you will trade bulkiness (revolver) for confidence and reliability.

 

[mod34]

You disagree with the statement although you state you will trade bulkiness (revolver) for confidence and reliability.

My reference to bulkiness was in keeping with the poster's vernacular. I don't find a SW Chief or Bodyguard to be bulky at all.