1st Time Carrying

[The Annoyed Man]

Congratz on getting your CHL.

Take a good look at the Ruger LC9. It's a reasonably priced 9mm that comes in a small, thin package with decent sights. I think that in the long run you'd be happier choosing a 9mm over a .380, but that's just my opinion.

I've been look at the LC9 myself for pocket carry. Nice gun, fits my hand well and the trigger, while long, feels decently smooth. Good price point, too.

Here you go...... http://www.gun-tests.com/issues/23_4/fe ... 868-1.html.

You have to be a subscriber to read the whole article (I am), but as their sub-headline reads:

We dug down into the innards of both guns to see what the similarities were. To us, Ruger’s LC9 looks mighty like a copy of Kel-Tec’s PF-9, but we didn’t think the Ruger was as good.

BTW, a subscription to Gun-Tests magazine is well worth the price. They accept no advertising from manufacturers, and they buy all the guns they test at norma retail outlets, so their tests and comparisons are real world and fair.

[SQLGeek]

Interesting, thanks. I knew that the LC9 was a take off of the PF9 but from everything I've read prior, the LC9 was said to be more refined. I've been leery of the Kel-Tech brand based upon hearsay but maybe I'll give the PF9 a closer look.

[RockingRook]

Congratz on getting your CHL.

Take a good look at the Ruger LC9. It's a reasonably priced 9mm that comes in a small, thin package with decent sights. I think that in the long run you'd be happier choosing a 9mm over a .380, but that's just my opinion.

I just recently bought a Ruger SR 9c. A really nice shooting gun. Pretty easily concealed and comfortable to carry. I also have a Glock 27 .40 cal. Again it is small, a little bulky but easy to carry and hide.

I have done some reading on the LC9 and +P ammo. Most seem to think that it should be used only sparingly. The higher pressures may be a bit much for the smaller models.

I agree with the poster above that the 9MM is the better choice over the .380. Many to choose from but if you will buy just one I would get the one that is able to shoot the
most modern ammo, like the +P ammo available on the market. I load the Winchester Supreme Elite PXD1 +P JHP in the 124 gr. A potent 9MM.

Chuck

[johnson0317]

Interesting, thanks. I knew that the LC9 was a take off of the PF9 but from everything I've read prior, the LC9 was said to be more refined. I've been leery of the Kel-Tech brand based upon hearsay but maybe I'll give the PF9 a closer look.

I have seen several reviews, all good. Nutnfancy considers the PF9 to be part of his EDC package. I will stick with my Kahr PM9...more pricey, but a great gun.

[PostShooter]

I've been torn between the PF-9 and the LC9. I like that the PF-9 can come Parkerized (which is GREAT for carry purposes) and not much of the safety stuff. On the other hand, I like that the Ruger seems to have a better quality to it and I'm used to using a manual safety because I've usually gone 1911 Colt. I think I'll be buying the Ruger. Their CS is second to none, in case there's a problem, and their finish and quality seems to be a bit better.

Either way, congrats on the CHL and hope you enjoy trying out numerous firearms on your way to the perfect carry piece.

[kevin]

i felt the same way about a smal gun at fist but now i carry a 4.25in 1911 no problem under a t shirt

[YellowTJ]

I just got a Sig P238 with a wallet holster. Rides like a dream come true in my rear pocket. Its a darn good shot too. I might suggest hitting up a range and renting some smaller guns. I tried the LCP and couldn't get a good control over it. Similar situation for me and some of the smaller 9mm too. The P238 is a good sum heavier than most 380s but it helped me land some good groups. So if your lucky you might find something small and shoots well for you.

[RockingRook]

Take a look at the Kahr PM9 or PM40. They are called micro pistols. I looked at one but was wondering if the .40 kicked like a mule.
They are small, easily concealed and pack a punch.

Chuck