[nastytrigger]

For two years, mostly, I've carried my Glock 19. Majority of that time I pocket carried it (a little big, but it works for me and what I wear). I carry it on my hip too, just depends what I'm doing.

Now, I've also carried my Glock 21, Springfield 1911 Loaded, and Beretta 92FS also, from time-to-time, but the G19 is my main carry.

Last year, a friend needed to get rid of his Taurus 851 snub .38Spc for the sum of $150, so I snatched it up quick. I've been carrying it lately, and I like the weight of it.

Here's my problem now. I'm not a huge Taurus fan, nor .38Spc fan, but I'd like something in the size range. I've narrowed it down to three (well four, actually):

-S&W 642: Basically replaces the Taurus I have with something, to me, I trust more. However, it is a 5-shot .38, and I'm more of a 9mm and bigger fan.

-Beretta Nano: Before Glock's, I was a die hard Beretta fan. Still sort of am with my 92FS. I like this gun cause it's a 9mm, which I shoot the most (reload for too). Still pocket friendly. I must add that I've been looking at the Kahr CM9 too.

-Glock 39: My first Glock was the G37, but I traded it for my G21. I'd like a sub-compact .45, and the GAP is the smallest Glock package with a .45 bullet. Yes, the G39 would be thick, but still pocket carry-able. As far as what the 'future' is of the GAP, I don't care. My local gun shop has carried GAP ammo since it's release, and I don't see it going away soon. (I thought about a G26, but I have a G19 and figure with the same caliber, the size difference is minimal.)

What is everyones thoughts? Price is a deciding factor too. S&W 642 is a little less than $400. Beretta Nano and Kahr are $400-$415 (Demand is high on the Nano still). G39 is $441 with GSSF pricing.

[camaro_dave]

what about the new SW shield?

[nastytrigger]

Originally Posted by camaro_dave

what about the new SW shield?

I've been a Glock purist since 2005. I've had two G19's, G21, and G34. I'm down to one G19 (other was stolen), and the G21, and traded the rest for other projects.

I've felt the M&P, which it felt good, but I didn't care for the trigger. I'm interested in S&W's J-Frames, but not their semi-autos.

The only single-stack pocket 9's I'm interested in are the Nano, CW9, and maybe a Kel-Tec PF9.

[ithaca_deerslayer]

All depends on what you want.

I've got (among others)
Taurus 1911ALR
Beretta 92FS
Beretta 92FS compact
Glock 17
Glock 26
Springfield EMP 9mm
Kahr PM9
S&W 637 .38
S&W 642 .38
Ruger LCP .380

Hard to pick one out of that mix for carry. But given your concerns, and what you already have, I'll say the Kahr CM9 or CW9 makes the most sense for you

[GLOCK17DB9]

I like the G39 choice!

[Shinesintx]

Originally Posted by ithaca_deerslayer

All depends on what you want.

I've got (among others)
Taurus 1911ALR
Beretta 92FS
Beretta 92FS compact
Glock 17
Glock 26
Springfield EMP 9mm
Kahr PM9
S&W 637 .38
S&W 642 .38
Ruger LCP .380

Hard to pick one out of that mix for carry. But given your concerns, and what you already have, I'll say the Kahr CM9 makes the most sense

I cannot disagree with you. I bought a CW 9 and 40...and hated them. They were tight and were not like a Glock. After I racked each of them 500 times...they shot and carried great. Granted, I mainly carry a P238...but the CW series carries really well at 12:30 in an IWB. Since the CM series is smaller (maybe?), it will/should be hard to beat.

[steve581581]

The G33 is the same size as a 642 and packs a lot more punch.

[Bruce M]

Especially if it would a gun would carry when you wouldn't carry I would opt for the 642. I believe most everyone can put a j frame to use.

[nastytrigger]

Originally Posted by ithaca_deerslayer

But given your concerns, and what you already have, I'll say the Kahr CM9 or CW9 makes the most sense for you

I'm embarrassed... Should have my gun knowledge card revoked. I meant to say CM9 in my first post. Not the CW9. I'm not accustomed to all of Kahr's model numbers (you should see the list I made for S&W revolvers so I knew what models everyone was referring to).

I thought about the Kel-Tec PF9, but I like the Kahr PM9 and Nano better (Nano looks bigger, yes?):

[Bill Keith]

If you like the 9mm, go and check out the Ruger LC9. It doesn't take long to get used to the long trigger pull IMHO, and the gun is accurate, lightweight and pretty inexpensive. Ruger stands by what they sell. I like mine so much, I bought a 2nd one
PS, it's a 7+1 gun.

[Gregg702]

J-Frame's are the gold standard for small concealment guns.

[nastytrigger]

Originally Posted by Bruce M

Especially if it would a gun would carry when you wouldn't carry I would opt for the 642. I believe most everyone can put a j frame to use.

The Taurus 851 I bought for $150 (a steal!) was my first 'throw' into the revolver world. Only other revolver I had shot was a friends Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum full power loads (I think my hand still hurts).

I'm a lefty with big hands, so me using a small-framed revolver meant for right handers was a little hard, at first, to master.

As far as concealability, I love throwing my revolver in my pocket to go somewhere. I hardly know I'm carrying it.

However, I'd really like a slim 9mm better. Same size (thinner actually, if you measure the cylinders width) and I get more rounds (6-7rds vs 5) and can reload quicker with a magazine (I have speedstrips for my Taurus that I carry).

[DaBurna]

Go handle a S&W Shield... it's NOT the same trigger mechanism from its bigger brothers...It's sweet...I dry fired one today! Short distinct reset to boot....


Outdoor Hub mobile, the outdoor information engine

[timbo813]

Originally Posted by Bill Keith

If you like the 9mm, go and check out the Ruger LC9. It doesn't take long to get used to the long trigger pull IMHO, and the gun is accurate, lightweight and pretty inexpensive. Ruger stands by what they sell. I like mine so much, I bought a 2nd on e
PS, it's a 7+1 gun.

I looked at those before I bought my CM9. IMO they feel bigger with a higher bore axis and a worse trigger. I recommend the CM9. It is much easier to carry than any of the glocks. But it is much more accurate (better sights and trigger) than the super small guns like the LCP.

[nastytrigger]

Originally Posted by DaBurna

Go handle a S&W Shield... it's NOT the same trigger mechanism from its bigger brothers...It's sweet...I dry fired one today! Short distinct reset to boot....


Outdoor Hub mobile, the outdoor information engine

I'll give it a try. I was going to my LGS tomorrow with a friend, whom is going to buy a Glock 36. Not sure if they have the Shield in yet (or any left), but I'll see.

[nastytrigger]

Originally Posted by timbo813

I looked at those before I bought my CM9. IMO they feel bigger with a higher bore axis and a worse trigger. I recommend the CM9. It is much easier to carry than any of the glocks. But it is much more accurate (better sights and trigger) than the super small guns like the LCP.

I've tried a CM9 and liked it. My gun shops been out of Nano's, so I want to try one of them before I make a decision between these two.

S&W 642 and Glock 39 are still on the list too...

[ithaca_deerslayer]

Originally Posted by steve581581

The G33 is the same size as a 642 and packs a lot more punch.

642 is a lot smaller and lighter, but the G33 is more powerful, yes

[TN.Frank]

I love my 642, it's my EDC/CCW and with a set of DeSantis Clip Grips it slips IWB without the need for a holster and just disappears. Size isn't so much of a factor as weight distribution and with a revolver the weight is below the belt line in an IWB carry, with a semi it's above the belt line because of the rounds in the mag which makes it feel a lot more heavy IMHO.
Get the J-Frame and don't look back.

[gocubs6]

You could look at SA's new XDS as well.

[bac1023]

The Walther PPS is a nice option.

[Nakanokalronin]

My post dosn't help you but I'm curious what kind of clothing and pocket holster allowed comfortable pocket carry of a G19.

[zackwatt]

442 for pocket.

[PlasticGuy]

A lot of people think I carry a 1911 because I like old guns. Not so. I hate carrying fat guns. Welcome to the club.

[Creatism]

I recently got a 642 air weight, I love my pf9 for picket carry. But the 642 rides SOOOO much better in a pocket. It's a bit heavier but rides way better!!
So I'd go with the 642!!!


Typed from my iPhone.

[Metal Angel]

640? Basically the same size at the 642 (albeit much heavier) but it shoots .357 magnums.