Free Republic Gun Club – Tuesday – Pocket Pistols!!!!!!

09/02/08 | Pistolshot

[mbynack]

SELL IT! Do NOT ever carry a weapon that makes you feel uncomfortable because of it’s reliability to operate. A rock is a better choice.

I don't carry it. I've been carrying a Ruger SP101. I would rather have 5 rounds of 357 magnum in a handgun that's 100% reliable than 15 rounds in something I can't trust.

I also couldn't sell it to anyone knowing that it's a lemon. Right now it's only fit for use as a paperweight.

I sent an e-mail to Kahr asking for a return authorization. I know of several people who ended up exchanging the PM40s for the steelframe versions. They don't seem to have nearly as many problems. I've also known a few who got a refund.

I really like the way the PM40 fits my hand. It has a very natural aimpoint for me and it conceals easily. I spent about $200 on accessories for the PM40, so I'm not ready to give up on it yet. I would consider an exchange for a steel framed version.

[AlaskaErik]

I have a PM40 and I’ve been very disappointed by its performance. I’ve never been able to go more than one or mags without a failure to feed. I don’t carry it because I simply have no confidence in its ability to protect me and my loved ones. I need something reliable and the PM40 ain’t it.

[mbynack]

I don’t own a pocket gun, mostly because I've always wondered if lint and other pocket debris would make it misfire or worse. Anyone have any first hand knowledge?

I carry my P3AT in an IWB holster, but I keep it between the belt and waistband. It's easy to cover it using just a t-shirt or Hawaiian shirt. I don't even notice it.

I agree with XeniaSt about a pocket holster. I was carrying my P3AT in my jeans once and went to pull it out and my keys had lodged in trigger guard. One good tug and it could have discharged.

The pocket holster covers the trigger, protects the weapon from lint and dirt, and keeps it position so it's easier to draw.

[ExSoldier]

You looking for something to repel 2 or 4 footed critters? For human vermin, I'd take a Glock M27 in 40 all day long and never look back. You can get an ultra hi-cap mag from a M23 or even a M22 and have enough ammo to hold off the Hell's Angels. In fact this might do for the fuzzy forest creatures like Cougar or Black Bear. Anything bigger and I'd go with a Ruger SP101 357 magnum or maybe a Smith & Wesson titanium or scandium framed 44 magnum. It'll sound like the Crack of Doom and kick like Tennessee White Lightnin' but it'll do the job.

[Pistolshot]

I have the PM9. It had a battery problem for the first 200 rounds or so. What I did was relieve the corners where the slide rides in the dust cover and make sure the insert at the rear of the slide was not binding.

Took care of the fail to return to battery.

Yours is one of the most common problems I have heard of with the 40. Not sure if it's the performance of the cartridge or the gun itself. I do know a lot of the PD's are going to S&W or anything but the Glock becasue of performance problems.

If you have talked to the Customer Service dept at Kahr, you might want to send it back to them for a once over.

[ExSoldier]

I don’t own a pocket gun, mostly because I’ve always wondered if lint and other pocket debris would make it misfire or worse. Anyone have any first hand knowledge?

In my 20 years experience as an NRA certified Instructor, unless your pocket is full of brush like you've been low crawling through the woods, it's not much of an issue with a modern firearm. A lot of hammerless revolvers address this directly. I happen to own one: Model 642 S&W and I've never had any such issue. But I also keep it in a Mika pocket holster so that it stays oriented in my front pocket for a smooth presentation should it become necessary.

[ExSoldier]

I don’t own a pocket gun, mostly because I’ve always wondered if lint and other pocket debris would make it misfire or worse. Anyone have any first hand knowledge?

In my 20 years experience as an NRA certified Instructor, unless your pocket is full of brush like you've been low crawling through the woods, it's not much of an issue with a modern firearm. A lot of hammerless revolvers address this directly. I happen to own one: Model 642 S&W and I've never had any such issue. But I also keep it in a Mika pocket holster so that it stays oriented in my front pocket for a smooth presentation should it become necessary.

[ExSoldier]

Oops. Sorry for the double post. Slow computer server at work today, I guess.

[JDoutrider]

I’ve carried my “Casulls Improvement” Freedom Firearms Belt gun in 22 LR in my front pocket for backup to my Colt Model 80 45acp for decades now... it has never failed me.

[Pistolshot]

The belt buckle concept was one of the best things to happen to Freedom Arms. I have a friend who collects them, over 15 variations so far.

My NAA rides in the pocket holster available from NAA, it's pretty slick and just the thing for when I am wearing really lightweight shorts.

[Ladysmith]

I picked this up a few years ago because it similar to one my dad had bought for my mom. The original box was with it with a price tag of $36.50. I paid over $300 for it. LOL!

[Pistolshot]

Yep, the Colt Cub is hard to find in the condition yours is in. The Astra copy is easier to a degree, but niether meet the GCA '68 size requirement for imports. So whatever is here, is all there is.

Only drawback I have on the 25's is the price of the ammo.

[mbynack]

Probably Brower is right on it being a lemon, but ammo and mag could make a difference.

I haven't been able to find after-market magazines for the Kahr. I know one of them is messed up because it hangs up in the pistol and I have to mess with it to get it out. I've tried three different types of ammo and all of them have the same problem.

I'm going to send it back to the factory and hope they can do something with it. If they get it working I'm considering selling it and buying a Sig or a compact Glock in 40 S&W. I spent the same amount for the Kahr as I did my Sig P239 and the Sig is a great weapon.

Don't let my wife know that I'm thinking about getting another firearm. She thinks I have enough already.

[Ladysmith]

Mom’s is a 25, in great condition and now with my brother. This one is a 22 so the ammo is relatively cheap. :o)

[MarkL]

Star Firestar in .40S&W

Note the size of the knife and flashlight...

Tiny, but VERY heavy: About the size of a Colt Mustang .380, but all steel. Kicks like a mule, but will shoot anything I've put through it with 100% reliability.

Mark

[javachip]

All I've got is a catalog pic of this one. The Taurus PT145 needs a pretty big pocket to make it as a 'pocket gun,' but you'll be hard pressed to find 10+1 of .45 acp in a more compact package.



I haven't had this very long, but it's been 100% reliable for the 150 or so rounds down range so far. Accuracy is good (better than my aging eyes anyway). The trigger won't win many fans, but it does have a second strike capability in case of a misfire.

All in all, seems like a pretty decent self defense weapon for a little over $300.

[yarddog]

I have always had a fondness for pocket pistols. My first one was a Beretta Minx in .22 short. That little thing was really, really accurate. Mostly a toy but better than nothing.

My favorite pocket pistols are the Walther PPK size in .380 and .22LR plus their copies and clones from other quality makers.

The gun I usually carry in my pocket when walking around my yard which is around 7 acres and is surrounded by woodlands and pastureland, is an old French Unique model L. It is a bit smaller than the PPK but has a slightly longer barrel. It is single action and has never jammed, ever. I couldn't count the number of rattlers, moccasins, rats, armadillos etc. it has accounted for. It is not a powerhouse but a .22LR is powerful enough for these pests. It is also powerful enough to deter a human in a pinch. I also am fond of the Hungarian copies which I have in both .22lR and .380. They have both been totally reliable and just as accurate as the Walthers.

I had a Walther TPH which was extraordinarily accurate and would have been the perfect "stick it in your pocket as you walk out the door", gun except it jammed regularly. It was an American made one and I always wondered if the German ones were better.

BTW, John Browning's favorite gun was the little .32 pocket pistol which he often put in his pocket and plinked around the hills of Ogden Utah. I guess he had enough money that the extra cost of .32 over .22 didn't bother him.

[Ethrane]

Morning. Today’s FRGC article is about those misunderstood, mouse guns. The smallish pocket 22’s, 25’s, 32’s, 380’s. I will limit the discussion around these calibers and to the revolver/autos available, simply because once you get outside this range you get into larger, holster-necessary type of firearms. I am also not dismissing the derringer type of weapons, but that is another category entirely.

Really??

This is mine:

.45 cal, 3" barrel