It's probably a bit large for pocket carry in most jeans, but I like my Springfield XD-9 Sub-compact.
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As a long-time Kahr fan. I have always liked the PM9. They now have a CM9 that is about $100 less, and I wouldn't be afraid to go with that.
Currently, I am relying on a Keltec PF9. It has been 100% reliable so far with several hundred rounds through it - but it isn't built for longevity (per the manufacturer's info). Got a chance to inspect and dry-fire the Ruger LC9, and if I were looking to replace the PF9 right now, that is what I would go with. Sized right, priced competitively, better trigger and sights than the PF9, and Ruger's CS is about as good as Keltec's - and both are a bit better than Kahr's.
Prices for the above range about from $250 to $430.
If you are looking at something a little less compact - or if money is no object, you get a lot more good choices.
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I decided to go to 9mm's for most Self Defense uses a little over a year ago.
I went for a PF-9 for pocket and some holster carry. It has worked out well. I find it easy to shoot and reasonably accurate to 25'. My only gripe is I would like night sights.
I might have went for the LC-9 had it been available but it wasn't.
For strong right side in a holster I went to a G-19. It has worked very well.
At one point I was carrying a P-32 or a Bodyguard [the old kind] for a weak side or jacket pocket gun. A G-27 was the main weapon and I quickly figured I wasn't willing to routinely carry it in a pocket so it spent is life in a variety of holsters, etc. G27's seem to be a little top heavy in a holster where the G-19's do much better.
I'll put a vote in for the Lady Smith & Wesson! It is an accurate pistol that goes BANG everytime you pull the trigger fast. You try that with a Kel-Tec PF-9 and it will JAM on you. We had 4 of those pistols but only 1 would shoot 2 inch groups at 21 ft, the others were in the 6 to 8 inch groups. My wife's Glock 26 model, 9mm Luger shot 2-inch groups all day long at 30 ft.
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I'll put a vote in for the Lady Smith & Wesson! It is an accurate pistol that goes BANG everytime you pull the trigger fast. You try that with a Kel-Tec PF-9 and it will JAM on you....
Would like some advice. Am going to pick up a small 9mm pistol for pocket carry. (or small holster carry) Have a G17 gen-3 now, am going to keep it, but would like a smaller gun for concealed carry.
Am thinking of staying with 9mm, because I would like to stay with one type of ammo, rather than have 9mm and .380 on the shelf.
I figure some of you have some practical experience with small 9mm's, and would like to hear your thoughts.
Thanks in advance.
Old Crab � I�ve owned several small 9mm�s that would fit into somewhat large pockets. A couple I have written about on my web site www.shootersJournal.net, and a few I have had, but just never wrote about. Two that are on the web site are:
So the Taurus is pretty new, and the one I had was a VERY good little gun. It�s about as light as any LW snub nosed revolver, yet carries a full 6 rounds of 9mm. Mine was accurate and reliable, and I very much liked the fact that it had an external safety on a pocket gun. The Astra is a little large, but believe it or not, I�ve managed to get it into the front pocket of either Levi�s or Wrangler jeans (both of which have generous pockets) just fine. At 25oz, it�s a touch on the heavy side, but it�s an all steel gun with an 8 round magazine capacity. The great thing about the Astra is the quality; this really is a first rate gun. And I very much appreciate a single action gun in a world full of DA�s and DAO�s. My only complaint is the safety comes off a little too easy for pocket carry (fine for holster carry), so when it�s in my pocket, it�s carried condition 2 or 3 (condition 2 really takes a good amount of practice before I recommend anyone trying). Another really great thing about the Astra is the price; when you can find one.
Glock 26 � Although a bit blocky, this is one of the best sub-compact 9mm�s out there. Kahr � CM9 � Now I�ve run into a couple of these that had some functioning issue; but then I�ve encountered others that worked perfectly. If you have one of the latter, you have a really great pistol. If by chance you end up with one that has issues, Kahr is good about making it right as a general rule. Rohrbaugh R9 � These are quite pricey, but man are they nice. They�re uber-small, uber-lightweight; but uber-expensive at over a grand each. I�ve shot two of them and both shot very well and carried even better. I�ve not hear of any issues with these, but I�ve never owned one or carried one for any extended period of time.
I�m still a huge fan of snub nosed revolvers for pocket carry. If you�re considering a snubbie, I did a roundup article on snubbies from .32 H&R on up to .357 mga here: http://shootersjournal.net/snub-nose-roundup-a-look-at-today%e2%80%99s-small-frame-snub-nosed-revolvers/
I'll put a vote in for the Lady Smith & Wesson! It is an accurate pistol that goes BANG everytime you pull the trigger fast. You try that with a Kel-Tec PF-9 and it will JAM on you....
Not.
And if by chance your Kel Tec does fail you, their customer service is some of the best in the industry.
I have a CW40 and it is a sweet little rig and so easy to carry. One in 9mm would be fine since you want to stay with that cartridge. If you want a little smaller, go with the CM9 or PM9.