Posted: 6/5/2010 5:25:52 AM EDT
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I'm looking for a subcompact pistol for the following in decending importance: - Fun to plink at the range and in the backyard - Pocket carry in workout gear while trail running in the NH woods (not much out here honestly. Coyotes usually leave you alone) - Very infrequent IWB carry I'm thinking about the following 3 pistols: - Kahr PM9: +: I have tons of 9mm ammo, good size, good weight -: cant seem to find one locally, price -Ruger LCP: +: cool little gun, cheap, fits in a pocket very easy -: barely fits my big hands, 380 is expensive and I'd have to buy some brass, bullets and dies Springfield XD 9 SC: +: I have an XD45 and XDM9 so training would be minimal, I love the safety features of the XD, hi capacity -: Much bigger, thicker and heavier Not interested in the Glock 26, Kel-tecs or a revolver. Honestly if the LCP came a little bigger and in 9mm, I'd be sold. Any advice to help make this decision? Any aspects I might be missing? |
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Come on. You guys aren't making it easier :-). I'll have a look at the walther and the m&p now also. But I'm seriously leaning toward the Kahr if I can find one.
I guess I didn't realize or had forgotten that the pps is a cocked single action which I think I'd prefer to something like the long double action on something like The kahr or ruger Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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I know you don't want a KelTec ... but look at KelTec P11. Current production batch seems to be much better in quality. In the past, it takes around 300 rounds just to get the P11 broken in properly. Users expected to get FTF during the break-in period. However, recent P11 owners reported something very different ... their P11 just shoot and shoot even during the supposedly breaking-in period. I bought a used P11 that had been properly broken in. It has not failed me yet. Not once. The P11 is what I carry when I want something lighter than my G19. I use DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster and carry the P11 in my front pocket. I also have a KelTec P32 and carry it mostly as BUG in addition to either the P11 or whatever main carry piece I have with me at the time.
The P11 comes with 10-rd standard magazine. But KelTec also sells 12-rd mag that still fits flush with the grip. I have both mags, and both work reliably so far. Can't beat having a 12+1 9x19 JHP in such a small package. The P11 is smaller, lighter and slimmer than the G26. Yet it packs more ammo. |
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I love pocket carry, so much easier than IWB CCW, but it really limits your options in 9mm, with weight as well as dimensions making pocket carry awkward once you get above S&W J frame size.
I've tried pocket carry with G26/HK P2000SK sized guns, but it's truly awkward. |
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Do you want sub-compact or sub-sub-compact.
A S.A. XDsc or a Glock 26 are to big for pocket carry. They are O.K. for cargo but not front or rear pocket. Same for a 3" 1911 If pocket carry is one of your gaols, the only real affordable option in 9mm is the Kahr PM9. But even with the Kahr you will need pants with big pockets and loose fitting for it too work well And use a pocket holster, any gun loose in a pocket is a liability. |
| The reason it is hard for us to advise a weapon is because you want a weapon that can be easily concealed in a pocket yet you want one that is fun to shoot at the range. Anything that is small and light will for the most part be hard on the hands at the range, the LCP is a great pocket gun, but even with a 380 it will hurt you hand, you won't want to shoot it at the range, I have one it is my go to summer gun when I am limited in the way of concealing, but it's not something I like to take to the range more than a few magazines of practice once in a while. The XDs are good guns, but they seem larger than what you are looking for, but they will be a great range gun something you can take out and shoot and have fun. The Kahr while I have never shot one have a great name and reliability. But being that I have not shot one I am not sure how it will be to shoot at the range, the closest thing I have shot PF-9, which is not a good comparison, the PF9 is nicer to shoot then my LCP is though. |