Favorite Pocket 9mm?

[Wurming67]

I'm in the market for a pocket 9mm for carry and I was wondering what you guys recommend from your experience with a certain brand and model?Thanks!!

[NHBull]

Pocket is relative.

As soon as you truly go to pocket, distance and accuracy is sacrificed.

Additionally, even a pocket weapon should be holster education.

The Shield is my everyday carry as the single stack is flat enough to conceal and big enough to be accurate.

 

On a side note, you will find more.380's that a pocketable 

[CroakHunter]

I had a sig 938, 9mm it was one of the most accurate pistols I had shot until I bought my glock 17. The sig 238, .380 is the same gun just smaller and a smaller caliber. It's pricey for a subcompact, but worth it with the build quality of sigs

[jbsoonerfan]

Had a Ruger LC9 and now carry a Kimber Micro .380. Thinking of getting a Micro 9, but haven't decided if it is a lateral move or not.

[Wurming67]

10 hours ago, NHBull said:

Pocket is relative.

As soon as you truly go to pocket, distance and accuracy is sacrificed.

Additionally, even a pocket weapon should be holster education.

The Shield is my everyday carry as the single stack is flat enough to conceal and big enough to be accurate.

 

On a side note, you will find more.380's that a pocketable 

I've heard alot of good things about the shield!!

[NHBull]

@Wurming67.....why a pocket pistol?  I ask because all the pistols mentioned are EASILY concealed IWB and won't  print like a pocket might and is far faster access.

 

If you are thinking of a jacket carry, that is different.

[Wurming67]

I live in South Florida and basically wear cargo shorts 11 months of the year so really looking for something in the pocket

[NHBull]

LCP 9, but still should have a pocket holster

[Wurming67]

Definitely plan on getting a pocket holster thanks!

[XpressJeff]

Cargo shorts are  the ULTIMATE device for a  pocket holster and an XDS with a Veridian light/laser!

 

That way you can pocket carry a .45.

 

 

 

I know, some are saying that 9mm ammunition has improved to make a similar cavity to a .45, but...

 

    ...I have NEVER seen a .45 cavity shrink to that of a 9mm! Just saying...

 

 

Sorry was brought up with a .45 since I first qualified with one in 1972.

[NHBull]

2 hours ago, XpressJeff said:

Cargo shorts are  the ULTIMATE device for a  pocket holster and an XDS with a Veridian light/laser!

 

That way you can pocket carry a .45.

 

 

 

I know, some are saying that 9mm ammunition has improved to make a similar cavity to a .45, but...

 

    ...I have NEVER seen a .45 cavity shrink to that of a 9mm! Just saying...

 

 

Sorry was brought up with a .45 since I first qualified with one in 1972.

This man speaks the truth...... Some of his have a special affection for the.45, specifically the 1911

[rboat]

I too wear cargo shorts all the time. If this gun is just to protect your life and your belongings at a up close and personal range, a 380 will be fine. It is the same bullet as a 9mm in size, In fact years ago they were known as 9mm shorts,you just don't have the extended range. I carry a lcp in a pocket holster and hardly know it's there. It is loaded with defense rounds and I have an extra loaded mag in the other pocket. Again, something you will probably never use and pray you don't have to, but a comfort none the less. The small size and weight is awesome in the summer heat. With a 380 and the extra shots, I don't feel like I don't have enough fire power to help control a life threatening situation. With any gun, extra practice is mandatory, especially pocket guns, they are kind of snappy. Good luck with your choice.

[gim]

I'll second the M&P Shield series as a compact carry pistol.

[XpressJeff]

Most any gun will be adequate if you place the rounds where they need to be.

 

There are more people that die every year from properly placed .22 rounds than any other cartridge!

[NHBull]

.....side note on the.380

 

I have witnessed a.380 that failed to penitrate a leather jacket and vest, but

may be fine to but you a couple seconds to exit the scene

 

Regardless of the pistol purchased, lack of regular practice will render it useless.

 

The other thing to remember is how long it takes you to get the second shot back on target and through the barrel.  Light calibers require a double tap and it may have you rethink the choice.   That is why true pocket carries are best used for noise and pucker factor.  The Shield and the like are just as concealable IWB and very comfortable 

 

Please rethink pocket carry.....

 

Side note.....I can usually pick up when someone has one in the pocket., making them the first target!  Unnatural touches and unconscious touch to confirm it's position is a clear giveaway, especially in stressful situations.......sorry for the hijack 

[jbsoonerfan]

On 6/30/2017 at 7:04 AM, NHBull said:

.....side note on the.380

 

I have witnessed a.380 that failed to penitrate a leather jacket and vest, but

may be fine to but you a couple seconds to exit the scene

 

Regardless of the pistol purchased, lack of regular practice will render it useless.

 

The other thing to remember is how long it takes you to get the second shot back on target and through the barrel.  Light calibers require a double tap and it may have you rethink the choice.   That is why true pocket carries are best used for noise and pucker factor.  The Shield and the like are just as concealable IWB and very comfortable 

 

Please rethink pocket carry.....

 

Side note.....I can usually pick up when someone has one in the pocket., making them the first target!  Unnatural touches and unconscious touch to confirm it's position is a clear giveaway, especially in stressful situations.......sorry for the hijack 

 

 

I have witnessed a hole in one, doesn't mean that every time someone hits a golf ball it goes in the hole.

 

Would you let someone shoot you with a .380 in the chest if you were sporting a leather vest?

 

You .45 guys crack me up. 

[NHBull]

3 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

 

 

I have witnessed a hole in one, doesn't mean that every time someone hits a golf ball it goes in the hole.

 

Would you let someone shoot you with a .380 in the chest if you were sporting a leather vest?

 

You .45 guys crack me up. 

There are times that I carry a.380 but bullestic test don't lie

22..better than nothing 

.380.. Better than 22

9 mm..far better..380

40. Snappyness out weights benifits over the 9

45. Best if you have it and know how to use it.  Military guys have a love for the 1911 that can not be described 

[huffman1988]

I had a ruger lc9 and really liked it. Also had a lc9s and didn't like it as much. It's the same gun but no safety. 

[jbsoonerfan]

This thread reminds me of the hunting forums I visit when someone asks for recommendations for a .243 and the 300 Win Mag guys come out and make the OP feel stupid.

 

To the OP, a compact 9mm will be a sufficient pocket gun, don't let the Dirty Harry's get to you.

[RockvilleMDAngler]

I love everything about the .45ACP but with modern self defense ammo the difference in terminal ballistics between a 9mm and a .45ACP is very small. Small enough to tip the scales towards 9mm when you take into account increased magazine capacity. 

[Al Wolbach]

On 7/5/2017 at 3:37 PM, RockvilleMDAngler said:

I love everything about the .45ACP but with modern self defense ammo the difference in terminal ballistics between a 9mm and a .45ACP is very small. Small enough to tip the scales towards 9mm when you take into account increased magazine capacity. 

Would you care to post the numbers so we can compare. Even the numbers are subjective. You can argue anyway you want. The numbers do not offer a clear cut winner for either caliber. It comes down to personal preference. Just to many variables to make a clear cut winner.

 

[RockvilleMDAngler]

It's hard to argue with the FBI: http://soldiersystems.net/2014/09/25/fbi-9mm-justification-fbi-training-division/

 

Between 9mm and .45ACP neither is going to stop a threat like a rifle round. The slightly lower terminal ballistics of the 9mm compared to the .45ACP are made up for with higher mag capacity and lower recoil which allows for more accurate shots and faster follow up shots. 

[Al Wolbach]

3 hours ago, RockvilleMDAngler said:

It's hard to argue with the FBI: http://soldiersystems.net/2014/09/25/fbi-9mm-justification-fbi-training-division/

 

Between 9mm and .45ACP neither is going to stop a threat like a rifle round. The slightly lower terminal ballistics of the 9mm compared to the .45ACP are made up for with higher mag capacity and lower recoil which allows for more accurate shots and faster follow up shots. 

Can we purchase "premium line law enforcement projectiles"? As quoted in the conclusion. I am asking because I don't know, not a loaded question. I also suspect an encounter we are likely to face are not the same as law enforcement. We are likely to get one shot and I still prefer to take mine with a .45. I do not believe we are nearly as likely to be in a shootout as law enforcement. Really comparing apples to oranges.

 

OP sorry for robbing the thread.......

 

one thing I have learned about experts, they don't agree either. On any topic..

 

BTW. I have a .380, 9mm and .45 that I carry depending on dress and feelings at the time. But I still love the 1911 .45 over all others. Old school I guess.

 

[RockvilleMDAngler]

16 hours ago, Al Wolbach said:

Can we purchase "premium line law enforcement projectiles"? As quoted in the conclusion. I am asking because I don't know, not a loaded question. I also suspect an encounter we are likely to face are not the same as law enforcement. We are likely to get one shot and I still prefer to take mine with a .45. I do not believe we are nearly as likely to be in a shootout as law enforcement. Really comparing apples to oranges.

 

OP sorry for robbing the thread.......

 

one thing I have learned about experts, they don't agree either. On any topic..

 

BTW. I have a .380, 9mm and .45 that I carry depending on dress and feelings at the time. But I still love the 1911 .45 over all others. Old school I guess.

 

 

"Premium Law Enforcement Projectiles" are the same as modern defensive hollowpoint ammo that we can get anywhere except New Jersey. 

 

Regarding a concealed carrier only getting one shot, I think that is very optimistic. In a situation where you have to pull your concealed weapon adrenaline is high in everyone involved so a single shot to center mass is far from a guarantee to stop the threat. If the person you are targeting is high on uppers then the likelihood of multiple shots being needed is even higher. A single shot of .45ACP can kill but rarely is it instant, if you hit the threat in the chest and he does not stop then you have to shoot until the threat is eliminated. This woman shot an intruder 5 times at point blank range with a .38 revolver, including shots to the face and neck, he still was able to leave the house and drive off before passing out, he survived and is in prison: http://abcnews.go.com/US/georgia-mom-hiding-kids-shoots-intruder/story?id=18164812

[HeavyDluxe]

20 hours ago, RockvilleMDAngler said:

Between 9mm and .45ACP neither is going to stop a threat like a rifle round. The slightly lower terminal ballistics of the 9mm compared to the .45ACP are made up for with higher mag capacity and lower recoil which allows for more accurate shots and faster follow up shots. 

 

This... 

 

A local, well-known-nationally self-defense shooting expert often says, "My handgun is what I use to fight my way to my rifle."  If the argument is about what's best (9mm, 40SW, 45), the answer is 223 or 308.

 

So, having a handgun as your primary weapon is always going to be an exercise in compromise.  The idea behind the adoption of the 9mm is that:

• Modern bullets (and powders) are REALLY good and perform really well on target.  So, the losses of using a smaller caliber bullets are somewhat offset by the bullet construction and hot loads (+P).
• Mag capacity is important, especially if you should ever be confronted by multiple assailants. Have more bangs is, in many cases, better than having fewer, more powerful bangs.

YMMV, obviously... But I think that no one carrying a 9mm with decent capacity should be feeling like they are under-armed compared to someone with a small-form 1911.