Pocket Pistols in 9mm - Good Idea, or Bad?

[Divided Attention]

...I'd tell you where to put 'em where the kids would never look...but the kids might be reading this...it can be done...

Hide a box of cookies or candy there and see just how long it takes them to find it. No place is sacred to youngsters. Cookies/candy won't hurt them too bad, but I sure would rather be safe than sorry, and not have them unsecured when off my person. JMPHO.

[Excaliber]

The Beretta Nano, Sig P290, Kimber Solo, Ruger SR9, Kahr PM9 and CW9, and others in the same vein are an emerging new category of mouse guns that roar. A serious defensive pistol in a truly subcompact package is now readily available in more configurations than ever before.

IMHO, these remove the last vestiges of validity from trying to explain why it's a good idea to walk around with a pocketful of wishful thinking instead of a useful defensive weapon.

I've never purchased a .380 because I didn't want to fall prey to the human trap of rationalizing to myself that I could afford to not carry my EDC for "just this once" because I was letting laziness or complacency compromise my vigilance. Don't get me wrong, I've shot friend's LCP's and stood in stores to dry fire Sig P238's and other models. I've been tempted, but I didn't want to leave myself a path to rationalization

However, a pocket 9 is far more attractive to me and harder to argue that it is rationalizing.

It's important to know yourself, and I had to chuckle at the account above.

I have gone through exactly the same exercises, including handling and dry firing the microguns, and haven't bought one for exactly the reason you cited - if I bought one I'd get lazy and carry it, and would most certainly regret it if that's all I had to use when the reason I carry a gun at all came to pass.

Now when I get lazy the farthest I can fall is to a .38 snubbie with a couple of speed strips. It's not a 1911, but I could make do with it in a pinch.

[doc540]

Just bought a Ruger LC9

Love it enough to sell my trusty Colt D frame revolver (after carrying one for years).

The LC9 is small enough to carry in a large pants pocket. (Sorry, matador pants won't work.)

It shoots accurately.

Carries 8 rounds of CorBon DPX Barnes 9mm bullets.

And it has an external safety.

I'm a believer now.



First time to shoot...first 7 rounds

[mrvmax]

I say the small .380's have their place. It is impossible for me to carry my normal carry gun - an STI Trojan - to Church. My dress at church will not hide my 1911 so I carry an LCP in an ankle holster. Not the ideal carry gun but at least I have something. I go to see Handel's Messiah every year at Christmas and once again it's hard to hide my 1911. I end up carrying the LCP with me. Normally I leave the 1911 in the vehicle so I have something more substantial on the drive. I would like to hear how people are able to carry no matter the dress. I have several handguns for different scenarios. 95% of the time I wear the STI, but I can opt for the LCP (like when jogging or wearing work out clothes) or step up to the Sig P250SC if need be. I still cannot see a way to carry a larger gun in running shorts, but maybe you guys can tell me how you do it. There are some days when there is no way to carry a 1911 with me (it would look awful funny trying to hide the 1911 under running shorts).
I used to have a Kahr MK40, but being stainless it was too heavy, it tended to "hang" due to the weight. I will admit it was unpleasant to shoot and would never be a target gun. The main problem is the slide release would rub my thumb and many times would leave a blister. Unlike many others I never have problems with recoil. I have yet to have a handgun hurt my hand from shooting. I'm not sure the reason, whether it's my large hands or what but it never bothers me. I also practice with the LCP, even at distances I would probably never have to use it at (like 25 yards). At least I know I can hit center of mass if I need to.
I'm looking forward to getting a Nano when they come out, I may have to get rid of the LCP and replace it with the Nano. Say what you like but I need a small handgun.

[speedsix]

...I'd tell you where to put 'em where the kids would never look...but the kids might be reading this...it can be done...

Hide a box of cookies or candy there and see just how long it takes them to find it. No place is sacred to youngsters. Cookies/candy won't hurt them too bad, but I sure would rather be safe than sorry, and not have them unsecured when off my person. JMPHO.

...raised my three just fine with them knowing I had some till they were old enough to shoot and know where they were...8 years old is when they started...my youngest's had his own .38 since 12...now he's 18...youngest youngun 'round here's 3, and ain't no way in Texas that one's gonna get to the stashed guns...half of it's in the training your children, half is in how you hide them...kids don't get so excited about them when there's no mystery...mine handled them since about 5 to know the difference in the feel between real ones and toys...my boys were safer growing up knowing where they were and how/when to use them than had I had them locked away...
...bottom line is, whichever way you choose, be serious about it and do it like it matters...it does!!!

[Divided Attention]

I grew up, as did my kids knowing to respect and NEVER touch a firearm without an adult. However, there are a lot of kids out there that have no clue, and think life is like television... even if you are shot, you will be back on next weeks show. It is the "other" kids I worry about, and would rather be safe than sorry.

[hpcatx]

However, there are a lot of kids out there that have no clue, and think life is like television... even if you are shot, you will be back on next weeks show.

What are your views on small children playing with toy guns? Does this entrench the wrong approach or are children capable of making the distinction between pointing toys at each other and later correct handling of real firearms? Of course there are no substitutes to properly securing a weapon and eduction (when the time comes), but I ask because Mrs. Hpcatx and I would like to start a family of our own soon and this has been a topic of discussion.

[The Annoyed Man]

However, there are a lot of kids out there that have no clue, and think life is like television... even if you are shot, you will be back on next weeks show.

What are your views on small children playing with toy guns? Does this entrench the wrong approach or are children capable of making the distinction between pointing toys at each other and later correct handling of real firearms? Of course there are no substitutes to properly securing a weapon and eduction (when the time comes), but I ask because Mrs. Hpcatx and I would like to start a family of our own soon and this has been a topic of discussion.

I started my son off shooting at 6 years old, with a single shot boy-sized .22 rifle. I never had any problem getting him to understand the difference between a toy and the real thing.....

....but of course, now his toys are all the real thing. In that light, he is an NRA certified Basic Pistol Instructor, and a blossoming gunsmith.

[gregthehand]

I have a Kel-Tec PF9 that I pocket carry all the time. The shorts I get at Bass Pro are big enough to carry the pistol. In fact sometimes the pistol will turn sideways in my pocket they are so baggy. Now if I'm wearing some jeans that are tighter fitting I'll throw it in a IWB holster that just clips on my belt. I gave my Kel-Tec P3AT to the wife and she carries it now. I would like to get another P3AT for myself so I can pocket carry when I'm wearing the aformentioned tighter fitting clothing. But when I have big enough pockets I always pocket carry my PF9.

[Jumping Frog]

It is impossible for me to carry my normal carry gun - an STI Trojan - to Church. My dress at church will not hide my 1911 so I carry an LCP in an ankle holster.

Not sure why it is impossible for you.

I go to church every Sunday wearing my Govt model 1911 in a Comp-Tac Minotaur.

[speedsix]

...I thought, years ago, of only carrying a Jsnub to church...convenience...but when I thought of why I'm carrying it and how important accuracy would be in a more crowded setting...full-sized is my choice...I've carried the P90 and P97 and a backup...plenty of ammo...without a problem...concealment starts between the ears...even a Bible case can hide a full-sized weapon...just don't put it down...

[mrvmax]

It is impossible for me to carry my normal carry gun - an STI Trojan - to Church. My dress at church will not hide my 1911 so I carry an LCP in an ankle holster.

Not sure why it is impossible for you.

I go to church every Sunday wearing my Govt model 1911 in a Comp-Tac Minotaur.

Although my english structure was not stellar, I explained it in the post. With what I wear to church I cannot conceal a 5"1911. Maybe you wear multiple layers, or a three piece suit, or a robe of some kind. I do not and like I stated, I cannot conceal with what I wear.

[Jumping Frog]

Although my english structure was not stellar, I explained it in the post. With what I wear to church I cannot conceal a 5"1911. Maybe you wear multiple layers, or a three piece suit, or a robe of some kind. I do not and like I stated, I cannot conceal with what I wear.

I usually wear khakis and a tucked in golf shirt or a dress shirt -- plus a quality gunbelt and a Comp-Tac Minotaur. Oh, and I have two spare magazines in a tuckable IWB mag pouch on my weak side.

What are you wearing that creates such a problem?

[chuckybrown]

I guess I've evolved myself.

I've got 'em all, from .22 on up.

After getting my CHL long ago, I used to only carry a .Para 45 because I "couldn't find a .46". Then, I changed to a full size XDm .40. Now, my Taurus PT709 is my EDC. 8 rounds of +P, plus a spare clip weak side. Conceals nicely IWB or OWB.

If only I could get myself to part with those that I no longer shoot or carry, but I cannot bring myself to do it....

[Matt78665]

I do own a Ruger a Ruger LCP with a Hunter Pocket Holster. I however carry it very rarely. I find that if I plan my garments correctly I can carry my full size in almost every situation. I have a sub compact Glock that I use with fanny pack for hikes and bike rides. In fact I will probably sell or trade my LCP when I buy my next gun. The 380 hursts more to shoot, is not as accutate and just does not fit my carry style. I understand it is a matter of preference, and I guess I have stated mine.