Pocketability of tiny 9mm?

Hans · February 6, 2013, 04:24 PM

I am curious about anyone's experience with how easy it is to pocket carry a very small 9mm, such as the Beretta Nano, Kahr CM9, Sig P290, etc.

I would be carrying in a pocket holster in a front jeans pocket, and am curious if it would be too heavy. If it is, I will likely go with something like an LCP.

Thanks for your help.

jibberjabber · February 6, 2013, 05:41 PM

For the Beretta Nano:

Weight is fine if using a good belt. No belt and the weight will annoy you.

Use a kydex "skeleton" holster* in order to cover the trigger and to eliminate the bulk of a standard pocket holster. There's no safety on the Nano so I wouldn't recommend carrying it without a holster of some kind if there's one in the chamber.

For a one-handed draw and fire, the kydex holster can be tethered to a lanyard. The other end of the lanyard loops around your belt. When pulling the gun from the pocket (with the trigger finger placed on the frame above the trigger guard for safety) the lanyard's slack is taken-up and the holster is pulled free of the gun.

*Pocket Rocket pocket holster from Statureman:

http://www.statureman.com/search/lab...rder%20Here%29

The holster covers the trigger and is held firmly in place by wrapping around the slide as well. Great price and service—highly recommended.

redhologram · February 6, 2013, 06:45 PM

I will stick my Diamondback DB9 in my pocket holster and slide it into my Victoria Secret sweatpants or shorts. Anything that my IWB holster just doesn't work quite right with, I'll use my pocket holster.
Matter of fact, I'll even put it in the pocket of my bathrobe... lol

Erich · February 6, 2013, 07:05 PM

I've found that the Kahr P9 Covert and CM9 worked decently well in the front pocket, the Rohrbaugh is great, the RAMI is marginal, and the Walther PPS and Glock 26 don't work (too large).

I value a quality pocket holster for breaking up the gun's outline as well as foot safety reasons.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

Nasty · February 6, 2013, 07:32 PM

DB9 in my sweatpants pocket right now...unnoticeable.

glove · February 6, 2013, 07:40 PM

Kel Tec PF-9 and easy to pocket carry. Its about 7/8 inch wide.

X_shooter · February 6, 2013, 08:07 PM

+1 on the PF-9. Invisible unless you are wearing emo jeans or stretchy pants and why in Gods name would anyone do that!

KyJim · February 6, 2013, 08:10 PM

I sometimes carry my Kahr CM9 in my front pants pocket. Fits fine in most and it's not too heavy in regular pants. It does tend to drag down shorts with an elastic waistband.

dean1818 · February 6, 2013, 09:04 PM

I had a CM9 for pocket carry, but quickly reverted to IWB carry with a Sheild.

Much faster draw

Aristides · February 6, 2013, 10:52 PM

I routinely carry my Sig P938 in the pocket of any pants or slacks that I want to. It just looks like I have something in my pocket, but nobody cares what it is. I have keys and stuff in my other pocket, too.

weldonjr2001 · February 7, 2013, 02:08 AM

I have the Nano and P290RS, and have had the PM9. All fne little 9mm pistols, but none of them fit in the front pocket of my Dockers, are as light, and are as easy to pull as my LCP.

Now, somedays I do want a little more oomph in my pocket, and carry either the Nano or the P290RS. Of the two, the P290RS is shorter from top of sights to bottom of magazine, and comes out of the pocket a little easier. I also like the fact that the trigger pull of the P290RS is a little heavier, thus safer for me in pulling it from the pocket in a hurry. The fact that it comes with night sights doesn't hurt. They are available for the Nano, but close to another hundred bucks.

The Nano is nice, but prints a little more in my pocket because they didn't finish the corners of the slide as well as they could, and are a little "sharp".

One area where the Nano does shine for me is that it seems to come up right on point very naturally. Some call it a high bore axis, but it just seems to come up for me right in line with my intended target better than any other small auto I've tried.

The PM9 is about 3 ounces lighter than the Nano and P290RS, and was also a fine pistol. I got rid of it for reasons other than quality. It did have a wonderfully smooth trigger, like most Kahrs I've tried.

Bottom line is that the little nines are just that, but they are nowhere near as small and light as the little .380s. (I've also had the BG380 and P380.)

It's ultimately up to you to determine how much power you can live with.

I'll just say that for me a pocket pistol is always a second gun, backup to something else. On the rare occasion when I can only carry a pocket pistol, it's a Ruger LCR in .357 magnum. If they ever do actually come out with the Nano in .40, like they've been saying for a long time, I will defnitely get one, and it will be added to the LCR as a "pocket primary".

Good luck in your quest.

JimmyR · February 7, 2013, 02:17 AM

I will pocket carry my CM9 in jeans or occasionally in my khakis in a Desantis pocket holster. It does a nice job of disguising the outline and making the gun easy to draw, leaving the holster behind. I generally don't pocket carry that often, for ease of draw, but will carry that way if I am out and about during my break from work (in a GFZ) and want to go into a gas station/mcdonalds/etc.

Gazpacho · February 7, 2013, 02:58 AM

If you are going to pocket carry a micro 9mm, I highly recommend a Stellar Rigs kydex pocket holster and Duluth Trading Company Ballroom Jeans. The kydex holster minimizes added bulk, and the jeans have heavy duty big front pockets.

I find the micro 380s to be far easier for pocket carry. It doesn't look like it, but they are noticeably smaller in comparison to a micro 9mm when pocket carrying.

orionengnr · February 7, 2013, 05:47 PM

Kahr PM9 is my favorite for pocket carry--jeans, dockers, shorts, no problem.
And I am not a large boy.

CSHammond · February 7, 2013, 06:35 PM

I have never worn a pair of jeans that I could pocket carry anything but a knife. Unless you wear cargo style pants. shorts or dress pants with bigger pockets, (not denim), I wouldn't recommend it.

vaeevictiss · February 7, 2013, 06:43 PM

I must be the only one that doesn't think carrying a gun in your pocket is a good idea.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Cheapshooter · February 7, 2013, 06:45 PM

My KAHR CM9 conceals well in a DeSantis Nemisis, but it's a bit tight for a reliable draw from jeans pocket. Cargo pants pockets being a bit looser work fine.
When wearing jeans I carry my CM9 in a Theis hybrid IWB holster similar to a Crossbreed. About the only thing I feel allows for a smooth draw from jeans pockets is my Elsie Pea, again in a Nemisis pocket holster.

Cheapshooter · February 7, 2013, 06:50 PM

[QUOTE][ I must be the only one that doesn't think carrying a gun in your pocket is a good idea. /QUOTE]

Not really a problem in a properly designed pocket hoster in good condition.

lee n. field · February 7, 2013, 06:51 PM

Quote:

I would be carrying in a pocket holster in a front jeans pocket, and am curious if it would be too heavy. If it is, I will likely go with something like an LCP.

How tight are your jeans?

KT PF9 is pocketable, given a loose enough and large enough pocket. I'd skip the extended magazine base.

kahrguy · February 7, 2013, 06:56 PM

Whay you pocket carry depends more or your panys and how the pants and pocket are cut. My mine pocket pistol is a cm9 but have pocked a taurus 85 for close to 20 years. Also a pf-9. If your pants are to darn tight to slide your handing somely then its probably to tight for any gun. No fancey belt is needed for 20pz handguns carried anywhere. carpenter jeans and bibs for work. Dockers and columbia pants for better wear.

915A · February 8, 2013, 03:13 AM

I have not truly carried our 290rs yet. But I primarily wear loose fitting pants and have done a few quick pocket checks. And from the limited testing the 290 fit with no issues.

bamiller · February 8, 2013, 06:16 AM

Pocket carry my Sig P938 almost daily with no issues.

breakingcontact · February 8, 2013, 11:08 AM

I found pocket carry to be a mess.

Yes it's easier and if that's what you need to do to carry, then go for it.

I just found way too many disadvantages for it.

As far as 9mm in the front pocket. If you're willing to "dress" for it, I suppose so, but it would have to be baggy to some extent or you'll have a noticeable odd rectangle in your front pocket. This bothers some people, others assume, it will be thought to be a big cell phone or something.

Lots of variables depending on you.

Can on speak on my experience and I found pocket carry to have more drawbacks than benefits.

Dashunde · February 8, 2013, 11:45 AM

My LCP gets pocket carried in the summer heat in the side cargo pocket of my shorts using a Bearcreek holster with a leather panel attached to keep it upright.
It does flop/swing a little, but not too bad.

I've tried the same with my PM9, but it was too heavy and flopped a lot.
Its much better iwb at 3-4 oclock. Its a far faster and more secure draw from iwb and it actually feels lighter when carried there.
For me iwb is win-win for the little 9's.

Skans · February 8, 2013, 12:10 PM

I pocket carry a Ruger LC9. So, that means the Keltec pt9 and Diamondback DB9 are good to go for pocket carry. Can't say about others.

February 6, 2013, 04:24 PM	#1
Hans Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Location: Montana Posts: 421	Pocketability of tiny 9mm? I am curious about anyone's experience with how easy it is to pocket carry a very small 9mm, such as the Beretta Nano, Kahr CM9, Sig P290, etc. I would be carrying in a pocket holster in a front jeans pocket, and am curious if it would be too heavy. If it is, I will likely go with something like an LCP. Thanks for your help. __________________ G26, Ruger LCP Ruger 10/22, Wyndham AR-15 5.56x45 Savage 111 LWH .270 Win. Without the 2nd Amendment, none of the others would exist.

February 6, 2013, 05:41 PM	#2
jibberjabber Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2011 Posts: 178	yes, no problem For the Beretta Nano: Weight is fine if using a good belt. No belt and the weight will annoy you. Use a kydex "skeleton" holster* in order to cover the trigger and to eliminate the bulk of a standard pocket holster. There's no safety on the Nano so I wouldn't recommend carrying it without a holster of some kind if there's one in the chamber. For a one-handed draw and fire, the kydex holster can be tethered to a lanyard. The other end of the lanyard loops around your belt. When pulling the gun from the pocket (with the trigger finger placed on the frame above the trigger guard for safety) the lanyard's slack is taken-up and the holster is pulled free of the gun. *Pocket Rocket pocket holster from Statureman: http://www.statureman.com/search/lab...rder%20Here%29 The holster covers the trigger and is held firmly in place by wrapping around the slide as well. Great price and service—highly recommended.

February 6, 2013, 07:32 PM	#5
Nasty Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2008 Posts: 323	DB9 in my sweatpants pocket right now...unnoticeable. __________________ Above is based on the opinion of a 20 year Small Arms Marksmanship and Training Unit USAF instructor with more than 30 years in competitive shooting sports. Your mileage may vary.

February 6, 2013, 07:40 PM	#6
glove Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2006 Location: Richfield Ohio Posts: 141	Kel Tec PF-9 and easy to pocket carry. Its about 7/8 inch wide. __________________ NRA Life Member Tonkin Gulf Yacht Club Member 72-75 Don't take life too seriously, No one makes it out alive anyway.

February 6, 2013, 08:07 PM	#7
X_shooter Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 274	+1 on the PF-9. Invisible unless you are wearing emo jeans or stretchy pants and why in Gods name would anyone do that! __________________ X_shooter

February 6, 2013, 06:45 PM	#3
redhologram Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2013 Posts: 352	I will stick my Diamondback DB9 in my pocket holster and slide it into my Victoria Secret sweatpants or shorts. Anything that my IWB holster just doesn't work quite right with, I'll use my pocket holster. Matter of fact, I'll even put it in the pocket of my bathrobe... lol

February 6, 2013, 07:05 PM	#4
Erich Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 1999 Location: Albuquerque, NM, USA Posts: 2,543	I've found that the Kahr P9 Covert and CM9 worked decently well in the front pocket, the Rohrbaugh is great, the RAMI is marginal, and the Walther PPS and Glock 26 don't work (too large). I value a quality pocket holster for breaking up the gun's outline as well as foot safety reasons. Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

February 6, 2013, 08:10 PM	#8
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	I sometimes carry my Kahr CM9 in my front pants pocket. Fits fine in most and it's not too heavy in regular pants. It does tend to drag down shorts with an elastic waistband.

February 6, 2013, 09:04 PM	#9
dean1818 Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Location: Frisco Texas Posts: 844	I had a CM9 for pocket carry, but quickly reverted to IWB carry with a Sheild. Much faster draw __________________ An imperfect servant of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Buying American made, wherever I still can

February 6, 2013, 10:52 PM	#10
Aristides Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2008 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 352	I routinely carry my Sig P938 in the pocket of any pants or slacks that I want to. It just looks like I have something in my pocket, but nobody cares what it is. I have keys and stuff in my other pocket, too. __________________ If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back...Regina Brett ------ The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else...Dr. Adrian Rogers

February 7, 2013, 02:08 AM	#11
weldonjr2001 Senior Member Join Date: January 14, 2001 Location: San Antonio, Tx. Posts: 462	I have the Nano and P290RS, and have had the PM9. All fne little 9mm pistols, but none of them fit in the front pocket of my Dockers, are as light, and are as easy to pull as my LCP. Now, somedays I do want a little more oomph in my pocket, and carry either the Nano or the P290RS. Of the two, the P290RS is shorter from top of sights to bottom of magazine, and comes out of the pocket a little easier. I also like the fact that the trigger pull of the P290RS is a little heavier, thus safer for me in pulling it from the pocket in a hurry. The fact that it comes with night sights doesn't hurt. They are available for the Nano, but close to another hundred bucks. The Nano is nice, but prints a little more in my pocket because they didn't finish the corners of the slide as well as they could, and are a little "sharp". One area where the Nano does shine for me is that it seems to come up right on point very naturally. Some call it a high bore axis, but it just seems to come up for me right in line with my intended target better than any other small auto I've tried. The PM9 is about 3 ounces lighter than the Nano and P290RS, and was also a fine pistol. I got rid of it for reasons other than quality. It did have a wonderfully smooth trigger, like most Kahrs I've tried. Bottom line is that the little nines are just that, but they are nowhere near as small and light as the little .380s. (I've also had the BG380 and P380.) It's ultimately up to you to determine how much power you can live with. I'll just say that for me a pocket pistol is always a second gun, backup to something else. On the rare occasion when I can only carry a pocket pistol, it's a Ruger LCR in .357 magnum. If they ever do actually come out with the Nano in .40, like they've been saying for a long time, I will defnitely get one, and it will be added to the LCR as a "pocket primary". Good luck in your quest.

February 7, 2013, 02:17 AM	#12
JimmyR Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2012 Posts: 1,273	CM9 I will pocket carry my CM9 in jeans or occasionally in my khakis in a Desantis pocket holster. It does a nice job of disguising the outline and making the gun easy to draw, leaving the holster behind. I generally don't pocket carry that often, for ease of draw, but will carry that way if I am out and about during my break from work (in a GFZ) and want to go into a gas station/mcdonalds/etc.

February 7, 2013, 02:58 AM	#13
Gazpacho Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2004 Posts: 592	If you are going to pocket carry a micro 9mm, I highly recommend a Stellar Rigs kydex pocket holster and Duluth Trading Company Ballroom Jeans. The kydex holster minimizes added bulk, and the jeans have heavy duty big front pockets. I find the micro 380s to be far easier for pocket carry. It doesn't look like it, but they are noticeably smaller in comparison to a micro 9mm when pocket carrying.

February 7, 2013, 05:47 PM	#14
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,173	Kahr PM9 is my favorite for pocket carry--jeans, dockers, shorts, no problem. And I am not a large boy.

February 7, 2013, 06:35 PM	#15
CSHammond Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: Iowa Posts: 54	I have never worn a pair of jeans that I could pocket carry anything but a knife. Unless you wear cargo style pants. shorts or dress pants with bigger pockets, (not denim), I wouldn't recommend it.

February 7, 2013, 06:43 PM	#16
vaeevictiss Member Join Date: April 29, 2011 Posts: 32	I must be the only one that doesn't think carrying a gun in your pocket is a good idea. Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

February 7, 2013, 06:45 PM	#17
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	My KAHR CM9 conceals well in a DeSantis Nemisis, but it's a bit tight for a reliable draw from jeans pocket. Cargo pants pockets being a bit looser work fine. When wearing jeans I carry my CM9 in a Theis hybrid IWB holster similar to a Crossbreed. About the only thing I feel allows for a smooth draw from jeans pockets is my Elsie Pea, again in a Nemisis pocket holster. __________________ Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!

February 7, 2013, 06:50 PM	#18
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	[QUOTE][ I must be the only one that doesn't think carrying a gun in your pocket is a good idea. /QUOTE] Not really a problem *in a properly designed pocket hoster in good condition.* __________________ Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!

February 7, 2013, 06:56 PM	#20
kahrguy Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 2012 Posts: 561	Whay you pocket carry depends more or your panys and how the pants and pocket are cut. My mine pocket pistol is a cm9 but have pocked a taurus 85 for close to 20 years. Also a pf-9. If your pants are to darn tight to slide your handing somely then its probably to tight for any gun. No fancey belt is needed for 20pz handguns carried anywhere. carpenter jeans and bibs for work. Dockers and columbia pants for better wear.

February 8, 2013, 03:13 AM	#21
915A Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2012 Location: Colorado Posts: 464	I have not truly carried our 290rs yet. But I primarily wear loose fitting pants and have done a few quick pocket checks. And from the limited testing the 290 fit with no issues. __________________ "I have a very strict gun control policy: if there's a gun around, I want to be in control of it." Clint Eastwood

February 8, 2013, 06:16 AM	#22
bamiller Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2010 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 455	Pocket carry my Sig P938 almost daily with no issues.

February 8, 2013, 11:08 AM	#23
breakingcontact Junior member Join Date: October 25, 2012 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 736	I found pocket carry to be a mess. Yes it's easier and if that's what you need to do to carry, then go for it. I just found way too many disadvantages for it. As far as 9mm in the front pocket. If you're willing to "dress" for it, I suppose so, but it would have to be baggy to some extent or you'll have a noticeable odd rectangle in your front pocket. This bothers some people, others assume, it will be thought to be a big cell phone or something. Lots of variables depending on you. Can on speak on my experience and I found pocket carry to have more drawbacks than benefits.

February 8, 2013, 11:45 AM	#24
Dashunde Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2004 Posts: 2,018	My LCP gets pocket carried in the summer heat in the side cargo pocket of my shorts using a Bearcreek holster with a leather panel attached to keep it upright. It does flop/swing a little, but not too bad. I've tried the same with my PM9, but it was too heavy and flopped a lot. Its much better iwb at 3-4 oclock. Its a far faster and more secure draw from iwb and it actually feels lighter when carried there. For me iwb is win-win for the little 9's.

February 8, 2013, 12:10 PM	#25
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	I pocket carry a Ruger LC9. So, that means the Keltec pt9 and Diamondback DB9 are good to go for pocket carry. Can't say about others.