[21Carrier]

Well, my G29 has been my carry gun since April, and I've loved it. However, I needed something a little smaller for carrying at work. I am allowed to carry at work (well, not prohibited), but I worry that most of my coworkers would **** a brick if they happened to see my gun. That has prompted me to carry my G29 in "deep cover" while at work. That means in my boot (in the holster). I got used to it, and it's really not bad. However, the draw would be a nightmare, and it meant that I HAD to wear my boots every day. So, I bought this:






I just got it two days ago, and I still haven't shot it (I will Saturday). Anyway, if it shoots worth a damn, I'll REALLY like it. This thing is the PERFECT size for carrying. It is JUST small enough to be a viable pocket carry gun, but really shines IWB. I carried it one day at work just to see how it was. I carried it half the day in my pocket, then the other half IWB in front (appendix). It absolutely disappears when carried IWB in front. The G29 is too big to do that. Anyway, so far I'm very happy. I can't wait to shoot it. I'll let you guys know how it shoots.

By the way, don't worry. It will never replace the G29. Even if it passes the carry reliability test, it will only see duty while at work. The G29 goes back on as soon as I leave work. But for situations where something smaller is necessary, it's great. Here are some more pics comparing it to the G29. It doesn't LOOK much smaller, but trust me, the difference is HUGE:

Ruger LC9 on top of G29:

[arushus]

That gun is awesome! Ive been afraid to admit it but Ive been looking real seriously at one. Not sure if you knew this or not, but th LC9 is the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Handgun of the Year, not sure what that means, but it must be pretty good to beat out all the other selections out there!

[nickE10mm]

Thanks for the report, 21.... Let us know where you're gonna post the review so we can tune in. I'm trying to decide on a Ruger LC9 or a Kahr CM9. Both would be fine but the Ruger is cheaper, which greatly appeals to me.

Good lookin pistol!

[attrapereves]

Yes, there is a HUGE difference between my Glock 19 and 29/30. Heck, there is even a difference between my Kahr CW9 and Glock 19.

The only guns I can comfortably carry concealed are my 9mms. Now that it's winter, I can carry everything in a Serpa with a jacket covering it.

[Beanie-Bean]

Congrats on the new LC9. Good to hear an objective review of your 9X19. I've been breaking-in a Kimber Solo here recently, and there's been a lot of bashing on the other sites.

Let us know how you like it after carrying for a while.

[Crosseyed Shooter]

I recently purchased a Sig 290 for my "small carry" gun. The size is great and it shoots awesome. It came with night sights, a laser, and 2 mags for $499 new at my LGS. I keep the Sig in my pocket and my G29 is always close by.

[10-acious]

I bought one of those for my father to replace his usual carry, a S&W 36. We took it to the range and put 300 rounds thru it without a hiccup. Amazing little piece. Congratulations on yours, you will love it.

[Jitterbug]

Congratulations 21.

Now I know you'll be doing some ammo testing with that so I'll be looking forward to it. The Speer 147 grain Gold Dot's I carry have gotten to pricey for my wallet and I need to work on some reloads for pocket nines.

A small gun is better then no gun, so I don't think you've "strayed". The side by side illustration makes the point, concealed hip carry isn't always an option due to dress or whatever. And as you've found out carrying in your boot has some serious limitations...however still better then no gun.

I've carried a Kahr PM9 in my right front pocket in a DeSantis Nemesis since 2003, it goes everywhere. And though this type of carry has limitations, the draw isn't too bad with some practice and the right pants. Tight pockets don't work well...

I also have an OWB holster for it and again it works great too and the wife borrows that one occasionally for her EDC PM9.

I have the small 9mm issue settled and haven't bothered to replace the PM9's they work and do the job very well. The only upgrades are night sights and Crimson Trace lasers, loaded up with 147 grain Gold Dot's they should do the job more effectively then a .38 Special in a Smith 442/642. Another nice pocket pistol choice, but with a steep learning curve, heavy recoil and lack of capacity and quick reload capability...but still not a bad choice if one has the motivation to master the little beast. Loaded with 135 grain +P Gold Dot's it should work. I consider this to be the least effective and smallest CCW I'd consider carrying. Although I do have a NAA .22 derringer that I've had for many years and refuse to part with...talk about tiny gun.

I'm not that familiar with the Ruger, but have heard/read good things about it, I think it's just slightly larger then the Kahr PM9/CM9.

Looks like a good choice, I guess we'll have to review and discuss loads in another forum?

[MinervaDoe]

I think you'll like your LC9. I've had mine for a couple of months and I think it is a very well put together firearm. Here is a seven yard group from my second trip to the range. The gun handles amazingly well for such a little pistol.

Be sure that you read the section of the manual that states that +P+ rounds are forbidden and +P rounds will accelerate the wear of the gun.

[THE PUNISHER]

not me, I went to the smaller ruger the LCP .380.....nice pistol, front pocket, rear pocket, neck holster....

[rcd567]

Dang I'm old. My past, present, and future "Get Off Me" gun is a 3" barreled S&W model 66. For you fledglings...it's a revolver. Only carries 6 rounds in this rotating cylinder. It's all steel, and has wood grips.

I know, I know...I'm a dinosaur.

[21Carrier]

Originally Posted by Crosseyed Shooter

I recently purchased a Sig 290 for my "small carry" gun. The size is great and it shoots awesome. It came with night sights, a laser, and 2 mags for $499 new at my LGS. I keep the Sig in my pocket and my G29 is always close by.

Dang, you got a STEAL on that P290! That was my favorite of the single stack 9s, but it was usually around $700. I went with the Ruger because it was half that price, and I think it's a little slimmer.

Originally Posted by Jitterbug

Congratulations 21.

Now I know you'll be doing some ammo testing with that so I'll be looking forward to it. The Speer 147 grain Gold Dot's I carry have gotten to pricey for my wallet and I need to work on some reloads for pocket nines.

Looks like a good choice, I guess we'll have to review and discuss loads in another forum?

I'm definitely going to test some 9mm loads in my wax tubes. I am really anxious to see how 10mm compares to 9mm. It's got some 124gr +P Gold Dots in it now, so that will be the first thing I test.

Originally Posted by MinervaDoe

I think you'll like your LC9. I've had mine for a couple of months and I think it is a very well put together firearm. Here is a seven yard group from my second trip to the range. The gun handles amazingly well for such a little pistol.

Be sure that you read the section of the manual that states that +P+ rounds are forbidden and +P rounds will accelerate the wear of the gun.

Yeah, I always read the manual before I shoot a gun. I had already read that about it anyway, but thanks for the heads up. I plan to carry +P, and I'll only shoot enough through it to ensure it's reliable with them.

About your target, doesn't that just kill you when you about cut out the 10, but never hit it? I do that all the time. It drives me crazy.

Originally Posted by THE PUNISHER

not me, I went to the smaller ruger the LCP .380.....nice pistol, front pocket, rear pocket, neck holster....

The LCP is definitely tiny. You're not kidding, you could carry that gun anywhere. I just wouldn't feel comfortable relying on .380ACP.

[MinervaDoe]

Originally Posted by rcd567

I know, I know...I'm a dinosaur.

I keep a Tom-A-Saurus placard over my bench in the garage to remind that I'm no spring chicken.

We're not dinosaurs.

1. We're seasoned.
2. We know hot to utilize a gun requiring a double action pull.

My original "get off me gun" was a brand new S&W 6906. Then, later, I got my wife a tiny concealable J-Frame revolver, which became the standard against which all future concealable guns were compared.

Originally Posted by 21Carrier

About your target, doesn't that just kill you when you about cut out the 10, but never hit it? I do that all the time. It drives me crazy.

I'm perfectly happy surrounding the bullseye with a highly concealable, self defense type gun.

My Glocks tend to like to pick a side of the bullseye and nibble at it.
G26


G20

[_The_Shadow]

9 minimeter...Oh man! The 10 maximeter world is crumbling!

Congrats 21! It should be a neat conceal package pistol!

[aarolar]

Only girly men and women shoot 9 minimeters...


Just kidding I have considered getting one myself but my CW40 does everything I need it to.

[DeLo]

I've thought about the Ruger a bit but can't get down with it yet. I love the sights on your 29, are they straight eights??

[JimIsland]

Congrats,Nice choice! Looking forward to a range report.

[Taterhead]

Originally Posted by MinervaDoe

I keep a Tom-A-Saurus placard over my bench in the garage to remind that I'm no spring chicken.

We're not dinosaurs.

1. We're seasoned.
2. We know hot to utilize a gun requiring a double action pull.

My original "get off me gun" was a brand new S&W 6906. Then, later, I got my wife a tiny concealable J-Frame revolver, which became the standard against which all future concealable guns were compared.


I'm perfectly happy surrounding the bullseye with a highly concealable, self defense type gun.

My Glocks tend to like to pick a side of the bullseye and nibble at it.
G26


G20

Good shooting there MinervaDoe!

Congrats carrier on the new pistol. I have heard good things. Ran two boxes through the little brother (LCP) with no trouble. After getting used to the trigger, groups tightened up. 100% function with two types of ammo. I was more impressed than I expected to be. If the larger Ruger functions as well, that will be a good deep concealment rig.

[flyandscuba]

I chose a DB9 as my always (right front pocket) pistol - much smaller than the LC9, with full 9mm power.

Here's the first mag full - standing, slow fire at 5 yards.



The remaining 100 rounds out of a WWB - standing, slow fire at 5 yards produced this:



A target change was made and an additional 100 rounds of WWB - standing, rapid fire at 5 yards looked like this:



All this was done straight out of the box, no cleaning, no lube - nothing...

I ran a box of Pow'Rball ammo through it to assure proper function, and that is my carry load for this "always" pistol.

[21Carrier]

Originally Posted by DeLo

I've thought about the Ruger a bit but can't get down with it yet. I love the sights on your 29, are they straight eights??

Yep, Heinie Straight Eights. I love them.

Originally Posted by flyandscuba

I chose a DB9 as my always (right front pocket) pistol - much smaller than the LC9, with full 9mm power.

Here's the first mag full - standing, slow fire at 5 yards.



The remaining 100 rounds out of a WWB - standing, slow fire at 5 yards produced this:



A target change was made and an additional 100 rounds of WWB - standing, rapid fire at 5 yards looked like this:



All this was done straight out of the box, no cleaning, no lube - nothing...

I ran a box of Pow'Rball ammo through it to assure proper function, and that is my carry load for this "always" pistol.

I looked at the DB9. I like that it's essentially a little Glock, but them being a new manufacturer really worried me. It's good to hear yours works well. I've heard a few bad stories, but just as many (if not more) good ones. If I end up really liking this LC9, I might try a DB9 in the future. I could see myself owning a few of these little pocket nines. They are generally really cheap (compared to other guns), and a pleasure to carry.

[bac1023]

Congrats!

9mm is actually my favorite caliber.

[Crosseyed Shooter]

[QUOTE=21Carrier;18392969]Dang, you got a STEAL on that P290! That was my favorite of the single stack 9s, but it was usually around $700. I went with the Ruger because it was half that price, and I think it's a little slimmer.

They had a Christmas sale and had great prices on different guns and safes. They said they had twelve of the 290s come in and didn't want to sit on them. I almost bought two! The LC9 is slimmer and lighter while the Sig is shorter in the grip. No regrets with mine. I do like the Ruger also.

[ntree]

Congrats!!

I have the Ruger LCP, and am very pleased with it. It's great for summer carry, and is with me all the time.

Nick

[blastfact]

You will like it 21!

I carry a PF-9 and don't see a reason to change.

[Ethereal Killer]

good on ya 21!! the 9 is much easier to carry and dont give up much for wounding.

I thing you'll be pleasantly suprised by what a 147gr will do. they penetrate pretty well actually at subsonic velocities.