Why can't "they" make a 9mm the size of the Ruger LCP?

[ExactlyMyPoint]

I know very little about the designing of guns. But I would like to see a 9mm semi-auto the size of the Ruger LCP as a BUG. Obviously, if it were practical or feasible, it would have already been done. So I am wondering, what is the reason a small pocket gun cannot be in 9mm?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[cvhoss]

I'm no engineer either, but my best guess would have to do with the 380 operating at a max of 21,500psi while the 9mm operates at a max of 35,000psi.

While it may not be possible to make an LCP sized gun in 9mm, the Kahr PM-9 comes pretty close though it weighs twice as much (there's that pressure thing again).

Hoss

[ccw9mm]

Check out the Rohrbaugh R9 / R9S. Expensive, but it's about the only thing in 9mm that approaches the actual size of the P3AT or LCP. Besides that, the Kahr PM9 has already been mentioned.

[UpOn2Wheels]

Check out the Rohrbaugh R9 / R9S. Expensive, but it's about the only thing in 9mm that approaches the actual size of the P3AT or LCP. Besides that, the Kahr PM9 has already been mentioned.

Beat me to it on the R9S.

Not a gun for everyone, but owners tend to be rabid about them. Of my 3 carry guns, the R9 is the one I grab 80% of the time.

[Rob72]

So I am wondering, what is the reason a small pocket gun cannot be in 9mm?

Pressure and timing. You have to be able to control the slide to 1) prevent it opening prematurely, 2) not cycling so fast that it fails to feed, and 3) can be chambered by hand (without a come-along or jack). Rohrbaugh is pretty much it. Theoretically, I suppose, you could use a pneumatic/hydraulic buffer system, ala the HK P7k3,but I would say Rohrbaugh has the most economically feasible system.

[imthduke]

Just a little larger....but much more power....the little lion that roars....

[JD]

There's always the Colt Pocket 9 if you can find one and it runs well...

Not my gun or picture, just an example.

[luvmyglock]

I too wish that they would make something along those lines. I shoot a ton of 9mm, and have conversion barrels for my weapons so that I may afford to shoot! My wife's new LCP is the only thing that won't shoot 9mm (besides the long guns..)

[brianko]

I know very little about the designing of guns. But I would like to see a 9mm semi-auto the size of the Ruger LCP as a BUG. Obviously, if it were practical or feasible, it would have already been done. So I am wondering, what is the reason a small pocket gun cannot be in 9mm?

The Kahr CW-9 comes close...it's 1/2" longer, 1" taller, and 0.08" thicker.

I'm not sure I'd want to have to shoot a 9-oz 9mm...

[mmargotta]

What about the Kel-Tec PF9?
Heard some good things about it.......

[cwblanco]

The .380 frames are blowback operated. The barrel stays fixed and the slide comes back.

Everything that I have read about the LCP says that it is not a blowback. Your comment is the first that I have read to suggest otherwise.

[JD]

There are some physical issues with a tiny 9mm.

The .380 frames are blowback operated. The barrel stays fixed and the slide comes back.

LOL, tell that to my Colt Mustangs...

[Chooie]

KT P3AT is not blowback...

[chuck brick]

What about the Kel-Tec PF9?
Heard some good things about it.......

I like mine well enough. Dependable, fairly light, handles +P (though not recommended as a "steady diet"), under an inch thick (barely). Carry it in a pocket sometimes (not all pants pockets are large enough though), AIWB sometimes, IWB mostly. I rarely carry a BUG, but if I do it's likely this one.

LOL, tell that to my Colt Mustangs...

And the P3AT and P32 KelTecs.

Stay safe,

Chuck Brick.

[imthduke]

No blow back here....