Pocket Carry Of A P380 vs PM9

[iWander]

I own both and enjoy them both. I find myself carrying the 380 while walking around the house, gardening, at night point at the fire pit, etc. I've alternated carrying each of them at work as my BUG in a left front pocket holster.

I just got back from the range today practicing with both drawing from that same pocket holster with quick shots. Try as I may, I'm just not as comfortable with the 380 versus the 9 and I think the majority of it is the size of the gun itself. I found myself hesitating while lining up the shot whether I'm using the nightsites or the CT laser. I don't want to get rid of either one, but I really don't need both.
I've tried several drills and practiced, but I just can't warm up to the 380 to the same comfort level as the 9.

Any suggestions? Somebody want to relieve me of the conflict and buy my P380?[emoji6][emoji1787]

[dao]

My P380 is my no excuses gun. I don't wear speedos so there's really no excuse why it can't be carried when nothing else works. By the same token though I won't give up my PM9 before most everything else was gone.
Remember, if you had to draw either you'll likely be facing someone only steps away. In that case you're not going to have time to line up a shot anyway. And the sight of a gun in your hand, any gun at all, just might be enough to descalate the situation.

[berettabone]

I own both and enjoy them both. I find myself carrying the 380 while walking around the house, gardening, at night point at the fire pit, etc. I've alternated carrying each of them at work as my BUG in a left front pocket holster.

I just got back from the range today practicing with both drawing from that same pocket holster with quick shots. Try as I may, I'm just not as comfortable with the 380 versus the 9 and I think the majority of it is the size of the gun itself. I found myself hesitating while lining up the shot whether I'm using the nightsites or the CT laser. I don't want to get rid of either one, but I really don't need both.
I've tried several drills and practiced, but I just can't warm up to the 380 to the same comfort level as the 9.

Any suggestions? Somebody want to relieve me of the conflict and buy my P380?[emoji6][emoji1787] Even though my preference would be the 9, I probably wouldn't own either. Nothing wrong with them, just not my cup o tea right now. Saying that, unless you're destitute, don't sell either one. Don't do it. Ask anyone here, regret is a cruel woman. They both serve a different purpose for you and that's what most strive for. That's why you need different firearms for different jobs. Besides, they're like breasts. Once you've seen one.....well, you want to see the rest. :)

[iWander]

Even though my preference would be the 9, I probably wouldn't own either. Nothing wrong with them, just not my cup o tea right now. Saying that, unless you're destitute, don't sell either one. Don't do it. Ask anyone here, regret is a cruel woman. They both serve a different purpose for you and that's what most strive for. That's why you need different firearms for different jobs. Besides, they're like breasts. Once you've seen one.....well, you want to see the rest. :)Agreed! But unlike guns, I'm happy only seeing a single pair... however, I want to play with that pair all day, caress them...[emoji28]

[iWander]

My P380 is my no excuses gun. I don't wear speedos so there's really no excuse why it can't be carried when nothing else works. By the same token though I won't give up my PM9 before most everything else was gone.
Remember, if you had to draw either you'll likely be facing someone only steps away. In that case you're not going to have time to line up a shot anyway. And the sight of a gun in your hand, any gun at all, just might be enough to descalate the situation.Excellent point, however I have to use the sights and shoot quickly up to 50' away for qualification...

[tokuno]

Any suggestions? Somebody want to relieve me of the conflict and buy my P380?[emoji6][emoji1787]

I'd buy it in a heartbeat if it were on California's 'approved' roster. Our only option is this:



P380 (KP38233/KP38233N) / Polymer Frame; Stainless Steel Slide (https://www.oag.ca.gov/firearms/handgun/p380-kp38233kp38233n)

[dao]

Excellent point, however I have to use the sights and shoot quickly up to 50' away for qualification...

Just out of curiosity, what are you qualifying for? Is that for your State's CCW permit?

[iWander]

Just out of curiosity, what are you qualifying for? Is that for your State's CCW permit?PD qualification. We have to qualify with any guns carried on or off duty. The current course is only 25 rounds, from 3-50' with one-handed shooting and reloading. When I started in the mid-90's, it was 50rds from 3-75' and also included moving, barricades and multiple targets.

[yqtszhj]

Not sure if a hogue handall jr would fit on the 380 but it may help. I have one on my cm9 and it helps a lot.

[dao]

PD qualification. We have to qualify with any guns carried on or off duty. The current course is only 25 rounds, from 3-50' with one-handed shooting and reloading. When I started in the mid-90's, it was 50rds from 3-75' and also included moving, barricades and multiple targets.

Thanks. That's a pretty tough row to hoe with a pistol that has less than a 3" barrel. Seems that a backup gun would be expected to be used from close quarters, but I can see where it might have to reach out further. Good luck!

Oh, and thank you for trying to keep the world a bit safer. Your service is appreciated.

[getsome]

Like berettabone said, if you sell it you will regret it……I only carry my .380 Pico when I have to wear a suit and the dress pants pocket won’t fit the PM9…….The Pico will fit dress pants pockets with no problem so it’s nice to have that carry option…….

Speaking of PD qualifying this one makes me cringe…….Last week a new South Fulton County Ga Officer was shooting with his BUG which they didn’t say what gun it was but I’m thinking Glock 42 or 43 and when he attempted to return it to his ankle holster he said the gun just went off when something snagged the trigger (index finger maybe) but the shot shattered his ankle bones and exited through the bottom of his heel……That’s going to smart for a good while…….

[King Rat]

[QUOTE=iWander;437616]I own both and enjoy them both. I find myself carrying the 380 while walking around the house, gardening, at night point at the fire pit, etc. I've alternated carrying each of them at work as my BUG in a left front pocket holster.

I just got back from the range today practicing with both drawing from that same pocket holster with quick shots. Try as I may, I'm just not as comfortable with the 380 versus the 9 and I think the majority of it is the size of the gun itself. I found myself hesitating while lining up the shot whether I'm using the nightsites or the CT laser. I don't want to get rid of either one, but I really don't need both.
I've tried several drills and practiced, but I just can't warm up to the 380 to the same comfort level as the 9.

Any suggestions? Somebody want to relieve me of the conflict and buy my P380?[emoji6][emoji1787][/QUOTE

Many years ago, when the LCP first came out, I could not shoot one worth a hoot. My first shot almost missed the entire target at 7 yds. I looked at it as a challenge. Started shooting the snot out of them. Continued this for years, thousands of rounds through pocket guns. And I am hooked. I love them. And I find them to have their own special defense specialties. Super concealment, fast. You can put one in the palm of your hand and walk to the car at night and no one would notice. And a gun in the hand is fast to the draw for just one example.
And with the consistent training/Practice, you can do wonders with them that you never thought possible . Just takes dedication and a lot of ammo.
You want to carry a larger gun? Fine, carry the 380 as well. Faster than loading a mag.
By the way, I have a size large hand with long fingers. I shoot them just fine. Kahr and Pico my favorites.

[berettabone]

Back when I wore suits (ahem), I carried an MK9 in a High Noon Centerfold IWB. Otherwise, I'm not much of an IWB fan. It allows you to tuck your shirt over the firearm with just a clip visible on your belt. This combo worked very well for me and kept my pockets free. I would/can imagine, considering the weight differences, carrying a PM or P would have been a breeze. I know, you have a shirt over your gun. I never saw much difference between moving your shirt or digging in your pocket or reaching for your ankle. :)

[sorcerer]

On a recent motorcycle trip I pocket carried for the first time ever my new to me PM9 in a Sticky holster in my pants pocket. Was very comfortable. The PM9 and my MK9 can share both the Sicky holster and my ISWB holster. My K9 and CW9 share the same ISWB holster. All 4 Kahr’s can use my Galco OSWB holster. My CW9 was my first Kahr and I shot it like dog poop at first. Practice practice practice. I passed on the 380 as I don’t want to add another caliber.

[King Rat]

“Great results, can be achieved with small forces.”
― Sun Tzu, The Art of War (https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3200649)

[dao]

This is how I carry when I'm on my bike. I had the maker mod it for me so that I don't have the shoulder strap on my bad side. It's a cool little rig because I can use different holsters on it by changing them out on the strap you see with the two dot snaps at the top. And for longer guns there's also another strap that goes in the slots where I have the mag pouch attached. I made the mag pouch myself, which is why it doesn't look as nice as the rest of the rig.
Sorry just realized this was a pocket carry thread... :(

[SlowBurn]

I own a P380 and 2 CW380s, equipped with CT lasers, and one of them is in my pocket everywhere I go. I virtually never carry a larger pistol. I've found several other brands of micro 380 just as comfortable to carry, but none of them shoot nearly as well as the Kahrs. I'm not a great shot by any means, but I find I can shoot the kahr micros as well or better than anything smaller than a rifle. I just think its a remarkable gun, and pocket carry means I can have the gun in my hand inside the pocket any time without losing concealment. When driving I put the gun and pocket holster in the door pocket, then retrieve them when I exit the car. No one has ever noticed. Its what works for me, and frankly I probably wouldn't carry consistently otherwise.

[iWander]

I own a P380 and 2 CW380s, equipped with CT lasers, and one of them is in my pocket everywhere I go. I virtually never carry a larger pistol. I've found several other brands of micro 380 just as comfortable to carry, but none of them shoot nearly as well as the Kahrs. I'm not a great shot by any means, but I find I can shoot the kahr micros as well or better than anything smaller than a rifle. I just think its a remarkable gun, and pocket carry means I can have the gun in my hand inside the pocket any time without losing concealment. When driving I put the gun and pocket holster in the door pocket, then retrieve them when I exit the car. No one has ever noticed. Its what works for me, and frankly I probably wouldn't carry consistently otherwise.All you've said is so true!
Ya'll talked me into keeping it. I shot it again last week and it fits a carry niche nothing else ever has.
Thanks gentlemen!

[Barth]

Not sure if a hogue handall jr would fit on the 380 but it may help. I have one on my cm9 and it helps a lot.

+1 on this :)
My only Kahr is a MK40 Elite.
But I like the Hogue Handall jr on that gun.
My 9mm/380 combo are Ruger LC9s Pro and LCP II.
Actually have a LCP and LCP II both with Hogue grip sleeves.
The Hogue grip makes a world of difference on the 380 guns for me.
https://i.imgur.com/ojUCQ3W.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7DHok5A.jpg?1

[BirdsThaWord]

Barth: The Hogue’s absolutely rock! I put some version of them on every hip gun I get. Love them more so when it’s the versions (like yours) where they extend up into the beaver. I wish I could get away with one on my current/main pocket gun. I tried, but in slack pockets, with that lil bit of added girth it shows too much.

[Barth]

Barth: The Hogue’s absolutely rock! I put some version of them on every hip gun I get. Love them more so when it’s the versions (like yours) where they extend up into the beaver. I wish I could get away with one on my current/main pocket gun. I tried, but in slack pockets, with that lil bit of added girth it shows too much.

They really make shooting these micro 380s pleasurable.
I can easily shoot 50-100 rounds making practice fun :D