pocket gun shopping

[stevo]

I already have two glocks (23 and 27) I want a smaller pocket gun to carry.

Anyone have any opinions on the Diamond Back DB9 or the S&W shield 9? im looking preferably for a 9mm pocket gun, any info would be greatly appreciated!

[jtran987]

the shield is a great gun! shoots great and feels great and it quite reliable. the diamond back not so much, i would definitely tell you that the shield has a better track record and feels better, just my opinion

[GunNewb]

I recently purchased a Ruger lc9... I took it to the range and it was love at first sight. At least take a look at it....

[The Annoyed Man]

I already have two glocks (23 and 27) I want a smaller pocket gun to carry.

Anyone have any opinions on the Diamond Back DB9 or the S&W shield 9? im looking preferably for a 9mm pocket gun, any info would be greatly appreciated!

Kahr CM9.

[Jumping Frog]

I've heard good things about the Diamond back.

However, S&W is a company with a many decades of establishing the reputation for standing behind their products with great customer service. I like that peace of mind with any product I purchase.

[RPB]

I really like the size of the PM9 but haven't fired one,
I have a DB380, pleased with the quality and reliability so I'd like a DB9
I do not like Keltec PF9, the squarish tail bites my thumb bone but the Keltec P11 doesn't bite me though it's heavier and more capacity, it's not that much smaller than a Glock 26
I carry a Glock 26 with a Stainless Taurus PT709 in the pocket and the PT709 is decent though heavier than a DB9

IF I weren't thinking of stocking up on AK47s, AR-15s and a bazzillion magazines ( ) A DB9 might be my next gun, or another Glock 26 or two, but I can get those later as they aren't targeted for "scared of ban price increases"

Seriously though I really like my Taurus PT709, I upgraded the sights to Advantage Tactical sights and added a finger extension on the magazine base plate ... the grip is rounder at the beavertail area so no squarish area knocks the thumb bone like a PF9 does.

I know nothing about the S&W shield 9 yet.

[The Annoyed Man]

I've heard good things about the Diamond back.

However, S&W is a company with a many decades of establishing the reputation for standing behind their products with great customer service. I like that peace of mind with any product I purchase.

If the choice is limited to those two guns, I would say go with the S&W. Didn't Diamond Back have a bunch of issues with their .380, or am I thinking of another manufacturer? The Shield is basically just a single stack M&P, and the M&P pistols are most excellent guns.

If you are open to considering other pistols, I would recommend taking a look at the Kahr line. I don't think they are better than the M&P pistols, but I do think they are very good, very reliable pistols that cost a couple of hundred bucks less than a S&W/Glock/XD(m)/etc. If you're sure you want a 9mm, then the CM9 and CW9 would fit the bill. If you want other calibers, the CW series are available in .40 and .45. To give you an idea of size, while I usually carry my CW45 in a holster, I have pocket carried it a number of times. But of all of those, the CM9 will be the most easily pocketable. I have the more expensive version, the PM9 which is the same size and weight as the CM9, and it flat disappears into a front pocket.

But again, if you're limiting your choice to either the Diamond Back or the S&W, going with the S&W is a no-brainer. The M&P series of pistols are very very good.

[The Annoyed Man]

I really like the size of the PM9 but haven't fired one

RPB, shooting the PM9 produces a recoil sensation very similar to shooting a 3" alloy framed 1911 in .45 ACP. I have shot both, side by side (my old Kimber which I sold to PBratton) and the PM9, while substantially smaller than the 3" 1911, was no more difficult to shoot.....even reasonably accurately.

[stevo]

thanks for the input!

yeah i've been reading horror stories on the DB9. Might have to stay away...

shield looks slimmer than the glock, makes it better for concealability.

[The Annoyed Man]

Carlson1 posted this video in another thread which you might find interesting:

[youtube][/youtube]

[carlson1]

I like the Ruger LC 9 for Sundays or my S&W 340PD.

[9mmfan]

I know that it is completely off topic for what has been mentioned, but my experience, limited though it may be, is that a S&W 642 is pretty much the ultimate pocket carry gun. Barring that, some different pockets might benefit you. I normally wear Carhartt painters shorts for work, and Columbia cargo shorts for hot weather off work good times, those times being good because I am either not at work, or not at work for very long. The pockets in the Columbia shorts are deep enough that just for grins around the house, I dropped my G19 into one of them, and dagnabbit if'n it didn't fit. Especially if paired with an untucked shirt that had any hint of length to it. This from a guy that used to carry the 642 in a lower ride IWB holster, and worried that the whole world would notice the slight point from the grip if I bent over even slightly. Keeping with your semi auto preference, I do have an EMP that seems like it could work, if SA makes it work with JHPs. My fantasy life then extends to Kimber actually doing a good job with the Solo, or finding a good deal on a Colt 1903 or 1908. I could totally live with .32 or .380 in that instance. Those irons are sexy. I really do like the looks of the Ruger SR9c, however, and woulda prolly bought one if I didn't find that concealing the Glock IWB with 50% more ammo more comforting. Be confident that you will find something that will work for you, and you will. Even if you have to buy a gun or two (Dang!) to get it right.