Need Input on Pocket Carry Guns

[Braden]

I want to get a good pocket carry gun and I've pretty much narrowed it down to one of the following. I'm looking for input regarding the pros and cons of each. Those of you who own or have owned one of these models please chime in with your input.

Kahr PM9 - I've heard nothing bad about these guns when it comes to pocket carry except that Kahr has been having QC problems lately. Also, in my opinion they're a bit pricey for what you're getting.

Kel-Tec PF-9 - Looks like a good gun but it's unproven and not exactly on the market yet. I'm sure it will be difficult to find for some time and I need to get something fairly soon. Don't know about price.

Kel-Tec P-11 - Is this too big for pocket carry? Seems to be a proven gun with a good reputation and reasonably priced. Probably my first choice if it will easily conceal in a pocket.

Kel-Tec P-3AT - This is my last choice because I don't really want to go less than 9mm but also my first choice due to its size. Seems to be very popular as a pocket gun or BUG and is reasonably priced.

For those of you who will suggest some sort of revolver, I appreciate your input but I'd prefer to stick with one of the above. :)

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[spud]

Love my P3AT. If you get one, order a Bersa .380 mag fuinger extension. Alout of people complain of problems. I have not had one yet.

[j1132s]

I have 2 Kahr PM9 separated by almost a year between their purchases, and both have been completely reliable. I pocket carry mine, and it just disappears in almost any of my pants/shorts.

[MoJo]

My current pocket carry gun is the P3AT in a DeSantis Nemisis holster. It looks like a wallet in my pocket. I carry it weak side front pants pocket. I also have a P11 that has ridden in a pocket from time to time. It's OK if you are wearing looser fitting pants like Dockers, etc. Not to be carried in tight fitting Wranglers.

[rodc13]

My young bride and I both carry P3ATs. Mine is first generation and hers second. Neither have ever had a problem and they're sufficiently accurate under 10 yards. I carry mine as a BUG (to my Ultra CDP primary) in a pocket holster that looks like a wallet. Loaded with Gold Dots, currently.

I wouldn't go smaller than .380, and I agree, a larger caliber would be preferable. But for size and concealability, with acceptable performance, I don't think you can do much better, although I would like to have a S & W 340PD!

[Braden]

Thanks for the input so far and thanks for voting in the poll. Right now it looks like the majority of you favor the P-3AT.

Keep the comments coming!!

[HighVelocity]

I voted for the Kahr. Yes, they cost more but the triggers on Keltecs that I've tried were just plain horrible.

[kw5kw]

I voted for the Kahr. Yes, they cost more but the triggers on Keltecs that I've tried were just plain horrible.

+1

I had a P-11 that I never fired a round thru. I dry-fired it three times and decided that DAO 11lb trigger just wasn't for my finger. There would be no way that I could have fired one full magazine with that stout trigger pull. I traded it off less than a week later.

I had one of their little P-32's for 5 years, and finally got tired of the rim-lock of the .32ACP cartridge, and traded it for a P-11 (see above). If I was going to buy another K-T it'd be the little .380, what ever model number it is as it's right at the same size as the P-32 but has a much more reliable cartridge (9x17).

Russ

[Braden]

That's the P-3AT (get it...three eighty??).

I wonder if the P-11 trigger has changed? Their website says it is a 9 lb trigger pull.

[Jfreeman]

what about the Kahr CW 9?

[Texasdoc]

Hey Braden, I have had the P-3AT and it is a hell of a carry gun its easy to conceal. .I would go for the P-3AT.

300 shooter

[ElGato]

If you want to stay with a 9mm I have to vote Kahr.

[jbirds1210]

I voted for the Kahr. Yes, they cost more but the triggers on Keltecs that I've tried were just plain horrible.

I have to agree with that....The first (and only) time I shot a Keltec, I really thought that I had forgotten to chamber a round. It seemed five miles long with a big surprise...the recoil was brutal! I have no idea what model it was.
Jason

[bauerdj]

Trigger pull I didn't find too bad, at least it did not seem to seriously affect my accuarcy. In fact I find the accuracy outstanding for such a little handgun. The recoil is definately snappish, but then so is my S & W 638. Light + high power (relatively) = recoil.

This is not a gun you take to the range for the pleasure of it, but then thats not what it was designed for.

I will hold my vote until I get my P3AT back from Kel Tec and see if they have solved the reliability issue.

Dave B.