Looking for a pocket-carry gun

[LANShark42]

I'm looking for something small to pocket carry. I have a Ruger SR9c and a Lucznik P-64. Both are too big and heavy for what I want. I like the size and weight of the Ruger LCP. That's probably what I'll end up buying. But I'm just looking for other options. I'd really like to find something that size and weight chambered in 9mm. I'm aware of the Ruger LC9. I'd like to find something smaller than that.

Any (helpful) suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Hornett]

I have a Kel Tec P3AT which is what the Ruger is copied after.
It is an awesome pocket carry gun and you won't be disappointed.
I have a pocket holster and it is like carrying a second wallet.

 

[geronimojoe85]

Beretta nano is serving me well.
I did a few modifications to it, like stippling.

 

[Indy 1911]

I like my LCP well

 

[lucky4034]

In 9mm its going to be difficult to find something smaller than the LC9...

Berretta Nano... Khar PM9...Sig P290...Sig P938... XDs 9mm... all of those are pretty close in size.

If you get a chance... I'd recommend trying out the trigger on the LC9... if its anything like the LCP, you might not like it! I can't speak on the triggers for the other guns... although the trigger on both of those Sigs were nice to dry fire.

 

[ArmedProgrammer]

Kahr CM9 should be on your list to check out.

 

[looney2ns]

In 9mm its going to be difficult to find something smaller than the LC9...

Berretta Nano... Khar PM9...Sig P290...Sig P938... XDs 9mm... all of those are pretty close in size.

If you get a chance... I'd recommend trying out the trigger on the LC9... if its anything like the LCP, you might not like it! I can't speak on the triggers for the other guns... although the trigger on both of those Sigs were nice to dry fire.

Just like anything new, you need to practice, practice and practice some more. After a couple of weeks of dry firing practice with my LCP, it's a piece of cake. One thing is, the trigger and the racking the slide will improve with use. Keep in mind, it is NOT designed to be a fun range gun.
The trigger on the LCP is the safety.
Think you will really care about the trigger pull if you have to use it in a SD situation?

The LC9 trigger is nothing like the LCP to start with.

 

[45fan]

Its doubtful that you will find a 9mm that carries as well as an LCP, or similar sized .380.
My carry options include a Beretta 950, an LCP, S&W 442, Kahr MK9, and a few others that are a bit too large for this discussion. Of these, my 442 is my favorite pocket carry gun, followed by the LCP. It really comes down to what I am wearing, and where I am going as to which one will accompany my that day. The Kahr is a steel frame, and certainly a bit heavier than a polymer of the same size would be (my wife carries a Kel-Tec PF-9), the size of it makes it a bit too much for most pocket carry situations.

 

[CAT 1000B]

Kel Tec p3at or Ruger lcp are good options although you may be able to get away with a Smith 642.

 

[robbran144]

cant believe noone gives the diamondback 9 or 380 any love

 

[jwh20]

Look at the Beretta Nano, it's not the smallest 9mm semi-automatic, but it's very comfortable to shoot. As with all Beretta's it's very well made and functions perfectly. I picked one up at the Indy 1500 in January for $400 from Indiana Gun Club and have fired about 250 rounds through it. I like it at LOT!

I also have a DiamondBack DB380 which is quite a bit smaller and, in spite of some online reviews I've seen, a well made and well functioning firearm. I often carry it concealed. But it's not comfortable to shoot at the range. After 50 rounds it really starts hurting my trigger finger. Not from squeezing the the trigger but from my finger hitting the trigger guard when the gun recoils. It's dead-on accurate but just no fun to shoot.

But I suppose that's the price you pay for the ultra-small size.

 

[whackmaster66]

I carry a Keltec PF-9. It fits perfectly in my back pocket and its 9mm..

 

[LANShark42]

First, I REALLY appreciate all of the suggestions!

And just to clarify - I'm not looking for the best carry gun. Just the best to carry in a pocket. I'd like to go 9mm because I already buy that calibre and it would save me the trouble of scrounging for yet another type of ammo. I'm a big guy and I don't really want to put any more stress on my over-stressed belt. This is not going to be a range gun, so I'm not concerned with how comfortably it shoots. I'll go consistency over comfort on this one. And I'm moderately concerned with stopping power, since this will likely be my EDC, especially in the summer, when I'm always in shorts and sandals. That's why I'm thinking light, smallish 9mm.

 

[LANShark42]

Made a little chart. Everything over 20 oz I'm considering too heavy. Anything under .380/.38 Spec I'm considering underpowered. Anything over $600 I'm thinking too expensive.

Ruger SR9c 23.4 529 9x19 (own) too heavy
Lucznik P-64 21.6 250 9x18 (own) too heavy
Diamondback DB9 12.7 9x19
Diamondback DB380 10.1 .380ACP
Kel Tec P3AT 8.3 .380ACP
Kel Tec PF9 12.7 9x19
Kel Tec P11 14 9x19
Beretta nano 20 9x19
Beretta 950 9.9 .25ACP
Ruger LCP 9.4 379 .380ACP
Ruger LC9 17.1 449 9x19
Ruger LCR 17.1 599 .357Mag
Khar PM9 15.9 786 9x19
Khar CM9 17.7 485 9x19
Khar * MK9 24 855 9x19
Sig P290 20.5 9x19
Sig P938 17.5 9x19
SA XDs 21.5 .45ACP
S&W 442 15 459 .38Spec+p
S&W 642 15 459 .38Spec+p
S&W 640 23 729 .357Mag

 

[gloxrok]

diamondback db9 and keltec pf9 would be my top two choices. both are light, thin, and 9mm. pf9 can take +p with limited use, i don't think the db9 can, which is a big deal for me personally. my 9mm carry ammo must be +p.

 

[gloxrok]

just checked diamondback's website. no 9mm over 124 grain and no+p. the use of +p voids the warranty.
Diamondback Firearms

 

[SmokinSigs357]

I think a Kimber Solo or a Sig P938 would drop in your pocket just fine.

 

[sig-man]

I carry my p938 in a pocket holster just fine. I had a Beretta Nano, and it just seemed much bigger and heavier than the the few ounces it was. I also own a DB9 and I must say it is definitely a small and light gun! Very easy to carry, I just prefer my Sig most times.

 

[monitor51]

My Ruger LCR .357 hides really well in a pocket. And it is light, 17oz according to Ruger. I haven't weighed it loaded. I do plan on investing in a pocket type holster or finding something that will help break up the form. I wear it every where with never an issue.

 

[Sublime49er247]

I own a Ruger LCP. I have large hands, but the gun just has a good feel to me. I bought it based on friends and coworkers experience with them.