9mm Pocket Pistols

[PA1936MN]

My FIL wants to start carrying. He is looking into pocket pistols. Why? Because this is his preferred method of carry due to having two hip surgeries and not wanting to carry OWB or IWB. Even with a belt his pants, jeans do not fit right on him and it would be an awkward carry for him.

Besides Kel-TEC (PF9, P11) what else is out there in a 9mm pocket gun (semi auto)? Price range up to $500, but that is the max and would prefer below that.

Keep in mind he has decent sized hands and needs a pinky extension to make it feel comfortable.

He is going to a range on Monday to test some guns out.

YES HE DOES HAVE A LTCF in PA.

[SwampFoxZ71]

I really like the glock 43.

[Cyclops]

The Ruger LC9s is a good option. There is also an LC9s Pro that has no safeties, but that is not necessarily recommended for pocket carry unless one uses a very good pocket holster. I carry the LC9s Pro both IWB and OWB. The mags have the pinky extension. It is reliable and accurate pistol. The difference between the standard s model and the Pro model is that the standard model has safeties.

[gummy jones]

guess it depends on how big your pockets are

to my knowledge and comfort level, only the .380s are easily pocket carried in all circumstances

i gave it a go with my brother in laws pf9 and it was just a bit too bulky for me

ymmv

[bluetrane2028]

Glock 43, M&P Shield, LC9S.

All of them will do what he needs. To me the 43 fits in my pocket the best. None of them are likely to work well with an extension in your pocket, however (unless you use cargo pants), unless it's the Taran Tactical +1 on the 43 (which adds almost no additional length to the magazine).

Also, don't overlook small revolvers like the LCR, S&W J frame, etc.

[SwampFoxZ71]

Kahr cm9 may also work well too or a sig 928.

[Palerider]

I'll second the Kahr CM or PM 9's (the PM model would need to be used to get under 500). I will note, if you put the 7 round mag in with pinky extension they start getting long to pocket carry in pants. Jacket pocket carry would still be fine.

Just scrolled up, agree with Bluetrane and Swampfox above.

[Hawk]

Pocket size pistols in 9MM (or even .380) can be uncomfortable to practice with. The smaller and/or lighter one goes the snappier they are. If it hurts or is uncomfortable to shoot, one may not practice with it enough to be proficient in it's deployment.

Have him try a few out before he buys. He needs to put at least 50 rounds down the barrel of the one he thinks he likes before he decides to buy it.

[rckeystone]

The only ones I've comfortably picked carried are. 380's I've tried a few so called "pocket 9's" but find them all to big for a pocket. I mainly only wear jeans so I guess if you wear loser style pants they might be a better fit.

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[Zeke2A]

Glock 43, M&P Shield, LC9S.


Also, don't overlook small revolvers like the LCR, S&W J frame, etc.

Sage advice here ....I am 6'4" 265lbs and I struggle to fit the pocket 9's in my pocket w/ a holster ( and using a holster is highly recommended to prevent ND) my LCR fits much better , giving up 2 shots but it's much easier to manage on the draw.