[koolguynet]

I am sure that this has been a question that has been asked quite a bit. I am considering going to get my cetification and start carrying. I don't think my current gun (Ruger P95DC 9mm) will work for what I want to do. It is a little too big. I am a big guy 6'5", but would like to carry out of my front pocket. I have been looking at the Kel-Tec P11 or waiting for the PF-9. Are there any other guns I should consider? What do peope think of the P11 and the specs for the PF-9?

Note: I am not married to the 9mm caliber choice, but do like it.

 

[dimmak]

I'd go Smith airweight snubby in any of thier current offerings...

 

[P95Carry]

The choices are many - we have always got some threads going on this subject and I reckon if you do some searches on guns by model - you'll find a whole load of discussion and info.

Give that a go first - and that plus other input should help you choosing. P-11 is IIRC under discussion in a very recent thread.

Ahh - here ya go - http://www.combatcarry.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=10418

 

['75scout]

Here are some small autos that would work for pocket carry: Kahr PM9 or PM40. Kel-Tec P11, PF9, P3AT(380), P32(32acp). GLOCK 26 (9mm), 27 (40), they also make sub-compacts in 357 SIG, 45acp, 45gap, and 10mm. Springfield Armory's XDs in subcompact either 9mm or 40.

Of course there are also the Smith and Wesson J frames, Taurus compact frames, and the Ruger SP101. The last one I don't how people pocket carry but there are more than a few on this forum that do pocket carry an SP101.

 

[koolguynet]

Do the 380's have much stopping power? (I know the debate about placement being the key, but I don't want to have something that won't stop well, if placed right)

Great suggestions so far! I appreciate them all!

 

[pogo2]

S&W 642 snubby in .38 +P

I think the best bet for pocket carry is the Smith & Wesson model 642 internal hammer snubby in 38+P caliber. It holds 5 shots, has an aluminum frame, and weighs 15 ounces empty. I have one and use the new Speer Gold Dot .38+P 135 grain ammo, which gives a muzzle velocity of about 860 fps in a 2 inch barrel.

I think the small revolvers are more reliable than small semiautos, and the round contours of the model 642 conceal wll without printing, in a good pocket holster.

 

['75scout]

After seeing what a .22lr will do to a jack rabbits head I'd have no problem carrying a .22. But, like others, I always go by the theory that bigger is better. I will not hesitate to carry anything from 380 and up. I will say that the 380 in the Kel-Tec isn't fun to shoot. But that is because of the thin grip and light weight.

 

[Bud White]

Good Holster and Belt and dress the part you can carry anything i have carried a Ruger p-90 and carry a 1911 5" everyday ..

 

[koolguynet]

Here is a follow-up question. All of these are great suggestions, but I don't know of anywhere I can test fire these guns here in Albuquerque. How do you all test a gun before you buy it? I know I feel it for grip and weight distriburtion, maybe even do a dry fire, but that doesn't tell me very much compared to running a magazine through it.

 

[Woody357]

koolguynet.you need to try and find a gun store where they rent guns, so that you can try them out.I am going this week to a place that has 6 different snubbys for me to try be for my next purchase.
BTW I am looking for a 357 snubby that I can pocket carry if I want.One nice thing about the hammerless revolvers, you can shoot from the pocket if you need to.You can only do that once with an auto.:smile:

 

[koolguynet]

Thanks Woody. I will look for a shop that let's me do that. Off the top of my head, I only know of one in the area and they don't have the P11 to try out. In fact, finding a Kel-tec is tough in this town. I'll try to take a look at the snubbies. Thanks!

 

[DOTL]

Hey Koolguynet, you should definitely try the snubbies, for the reason that the grips may be way too small for your hands. I'm only 5'9" and my wifes S&W Chief has grips that are almost too small for my hands. Makes it difficult to get a secure feeling purchase on the weapon. One reason you may be finding your Glock too large to carry concealed comfortably (?) is that it is a double stack. I carry a 4" 1911 with a standard 7 round grip (although I have the Wilson 8 round mag in it)and while heavy (it is all steel), the size isn't a problem as the 1911 is a thin weapon. You do lose some rounds, but I also carry an extra mag or 2 depending. Another idea might be to send your frame to Robar and have the grip re-formed to a thinner profile, although I am by no means a Glock guy, so I don't know if they can thinnen' it or how much it would cost. Try to figure out exactly what part of your pistol is making it non-carry viable (barrel too long, grip too long, grip too fat) and find a pistol that fixes that one issue but has all of the other things you like about your current piece. You might also think about using a different carry option, such as a shoulder rig. Good luck!

 

[DOTL]

Dummy me. Don't know why I thought you said Glock, but same rules apply.

 

[M1911]

I find that I'm much more accurate with my Kahr MK9 than my S&W 642.

 

[Squawker]

I'm not going to repeat my rant on the P11, so here's a link to a thread on the subject of the P11. Many glowing reports, and my well, not so glowing account. http://www.combatcarry.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=11369

There are several good suggestions here. I' 6'3", and wanted a pocket pistol for carry during the Vegas summers, when cover garments are just too hot. I originally bought a Glock 26, then decided that I wanted something thinner. I bought the P11 after reading reports on other groups, similar to several in the above thread. I found it to be unreliable. I would have been better served to spend more money on the Kahr. However, I decided to get a Nemesis pocket holster, and tried the Glock. To my surprise, the Glock works just fine as a pocket pistol. But, since I can't find my favorite cargo pants anymore, front pocket carry is becoming inconvenient. So, I bought a fanny pack holster, and now I carry my XD 45. I've heard on several boards that the fanny pack (like the photographer's vest and others), scream concealed carry. I disagree, as only those who either carry or are familiar with concealed carry would think so. If it did, then we have a lot of tourists on the strip armed. I'll use the Fanny Pack until it cools enough to wear a vest or other cover garment.

 

[Falsemap]

The pocket pistols that have worked best for me are the NAA.32 and the Kahr MK9. I don't like to go any smaller than the NAA .32 and the MK9 is the largest I can comfortably carry. It is slim, a decent caliber and for me its easy to hit with. I liked the heavier feel of the stainless steel.

 

[AnimalKracker]

Check out the pistols in 9x18 Makarov more than .380 - less than 9mm Para.

 

[hsuCowboy98]

I personally like the snubby revolvers for pocket carry, but also like the Kel-tec pocket pistols on sheer size and weight reasons. But you need to try these things out before you settle on one.

I feel for you not being able to test fire before buying. If youre ever going towards Lubbock, TX try Patriot Arms indoor range...they have test models available for every pistol they sell.

 

[stickman483]

Have you considered Taurus Millemium Pro? They have a 10+1 round .45acp that is smaller than the XD subcompact I prefer. At 6'5", I think you would have enough room to fit one in a pocket.