Pocket Gun? LCP vs vs P3AT vs PF9 vs P11?

[Guest CK1]

after feeling pretty sure i was going to spend around 600 or so on an PPS as a summer carry, knowing it's price is a*little high for a gun i won't shoot too much but felt i'd need the little extra room on the grip over most of the "pocketguns", ...i almost impulse bought an LCP yesterday, but decided to think it over first, 'cause i know there are a few choices out there...

realized the finger extension mag floor-plate is a must for me if i get a gun this size and want to hit anything, and with one, a gun this size will work for me.

wondering what people think is the best choice between the LCP, or P3AT in .380, or maybe P11, or PF9 in 9mm?

think i'm leaning towards the PF9 'cause of my familierty with 9mm, as well as it's availability and lower cost...

but that LCP sure is nice, and Ruger's customer support has been good to me.... hmmm?

[mousegunner]

I've not yet owned the Ruger LCP, but I have quite a bit of experience with the PF9, the P11 and the P3AT.

First, the finger extension is not of value EXCEPT ON THE RANGE. If you carry a gun in your pocket, leave off the extension. And I recommend practicing on the range WITHOUT the extension, if that is how you will need to use the gun in an emergency.

Second: The P11 has a tough trigger pull. The P3AT trigger is mild. The PF9 trigger is a bit stronger and longer than the P3AT. But for up-close self-defense purposes, the trigger pull is not really an issue. Personally, I prefer the P11 trigger, even though it is tougher.

Some reviews that may be helpful to you:

http://www.mouseguns.com/ideal.htm

http://www.mouseguns.com/ideal2.htm

http://www.mouseguns.com/pf9rev/pf9rev.htm

The p3at is the true "go anywhere" gun. You can put it in your front pocket, and have no worries about being made.

BUT: with a proper holster you can also carry a P11 in your front pocket, with much greater firepower.

Of the three, I prefer the P11. But my choice these days for front pocket carry is a GLOCK 27. With the proper holster, and some persistence, it is quite doable.

http://www.mouseguns.com/pocksize.htm

Edited January 18, 2009 by mousegunner
correct url

[mousegunner]

I've not yet owned the Ruger LCP, but I have quite a bit of experience with the PF9, the P11 and the P3AT.

First, the finger extension is not of value EXCEPT ON THE RANGE. If you carry a gun in your pocket, leave off the extension. And I recommend practicing on the range WITHOUT the extension, if that is how you will need to use the gun in an emergency.

Second: The P11 has a tough trigger pull. The P3AT trigger is mild. The PF9 trigger is a bit stronger and longer than the P3AT. But for up-close self-defense purposes, the trigger pull is not really an issue. Personally, I prefer the P11 trigger, even though it is tougher.

Some reviews that may be helpful to you:

http://www.mouseguns.com/ideal.htm

http://www.mouseguns.com/ideal2.htm

http://www.mouseguns.com/pf9rev/pf9rev.htm

The p3at is the true "go anywhere" gun. You can put it in your front pocket, and have no worries about being made.

BUT: with a proper holster you can also carry a P11 in your front pocket, with much greater firepower.

Of the three, I prefer the P11. But my choice these days for front pocket carry is a GLOCK 27. With the proper holster, and some persistence, it is quite doable.

http://www.mouseguns.com/pocksize.htm

[Guest CK1]

Of the three, I prefer the P11. But my choice these days for front pocket carry is a GLOCK 27. With the proper holster, and some persistence, it is quite doable.

http://www.mouseguns.com/pocksize.htm

thanks for the info and links, appreciate it. i'll consider the finger extension recommendation, but thus far i respectfully disagree, for my hands, the extra purchase on the grip is well worth what i'll give up in concealability (i'll most likely carry in a High Noon Split Decision, rarly if ever in a pocket...)

also, i have a G26 that i rarely carry or even shoot anymore, and do to it's thickness it carries poorer for me than my SR9... think it's going bye bye to fund a new rifle or optics...

[Guest eyebedam]

Where did you find a LCP in stock? If you dont mind just pm me the info.

[Guest CK1]

Where did you find a LCP in stock? If you dont mind just pm me the info.

exactly, they're hard to find... still mulling it over so PM sent.

[Guest CK1]

on a side note or as an option, does anyone have any experience with one of these?

http://www.sccyindustries.com/gun_cpx-1b.html

[Guest 423aaron]

I have 2 p3at's. One first gen. and one second.

MAKE SURE YOU GET A SECOND GEN.

Easy way to tell a second gen. The extractor has a Allen head screw holding it on.

Never had any trouble from the 2nd gen.

My 1st gen. is now only a display mod. for my classes.

Having no direct or indirect experience with the pistol mentioned in the post above...

It reminds me of the Cobra Patriot. Which I have not heard glowing reports about.

Also I think Tri-cities Gun Depo in Elizabethon may have a LCP.

Aaron

[Guest JCM]

I've not yet owned the Ruger LCP, but I have quite a bit of experience with the PF9, the P11 and the P3AT.

First, the finger extension is not of value EXCEPT ON THE RANGE. If you carry a gun in your pocket, leave off the extension. And I recommend practicing on the range WITHOUT the extension, if that is how you will need to use the gun in an emergency.

Second: The P11 has a tough trigger pull. The P3AT trigger is mild. The PF9 trigger is a bit stronger and longer than the P3AT. But for up-close self-defense purposes, the trigger pull is not really an issue. Personally, I prefer the P11 trigger, even though it is tougher.

Some reviews that may be helpful to you:

http://www.mouseguns.com/ideal.htm

http://www.mouseguns.com/ideal2.htm

http://www.mouseguns.com/pf9rev/pf9rev.htm

The p3at is the true "go anywhere" gun. You can put it in your front pocket, and have no worries about being made.

BUT: with a proper holster you can also carry a P11 in your front pocket, with much greater firepower.

Of the three, I prefer the P11. But my choice these days for front pocket carry is a GLOCK 27. With the proper holster, and some persistence, it is quite doable.

http://www.mouseguns.com/pocksize.htm

__________________

Dr. M. St. John

www.waysidechurch.org

Last edited by mousegunner; Today at 01:34 PM.. Reason: correct url

Hey Mousegunner, What type of holster do you use to pocket your Glock 27? I'm getting ready to buy a Glock 27 for cc and I'm a little concerned about the size.

[Smith]

on a side note or as an option, does anyone have any experience with one of these?

http://www.sccyindustries.com/gun_cpx-1b.html

It is a inferior copy of the P-11 made by a disgruntled ex-Kel-Tec employee. He was flamed for posting reviews as if he were customers on forums. I think it is telling that they have already changed their name in the short time the have been in business. Less than 2 yrs I think?

I'd go with the PF9. I just don't care for .380 and I liked both Pf9's i had.

[Guest bkelm18]

Yeah, apparently we are easily fooled into thinking that SCCY isn't the same company as SKYY...

[mousegunner]

I have found that the p3at first generation "gun rug" that came with the gun is a great holster for the GLOCK 27. I think I have a photo...

http://www.mouseguns.com/g27inrug.jpg

Edited January 19, 2009 by mousegunner
fix link

[Guest samueld308]

I know everything you listed is an auto but...

Don't forget about a J-Frame for concealed carry.

I own and use the P3AT and two J-Frame revolvers(Model 642 & 38) for concealed carry. I use the P3AT quite often but.. When I go to work I use a J-Frame as a second option pistol.

That being said I prefer the P3AT over the others listed.

[Guest jackdog]

P3At has worked well for me over the last 2.5 years. Reliable, very concealable. To me Ruger ripped off the kel tec design with the lcp so I would never buy one. But hey that's just me.

[Guest CK1]

thanks for everyones input...think i'm going to go with a PF9... while the overall size is larger than the others, i think it'll be small enough (and thin enough) for what i'm looking for.

and since i mainly shoot 9mm, i'll be able to practice with it with my other carry guns without having to track down the more expensive and more elusive .380.

(...think i'll end up getting an LCP at some point as well, that is, if i ever can find another one...)

thanks.

[Guest slim]

on a side note or as an option, does anyone have any experience with one of these?

http://www.sccyindustries.com/gun_cpx-1b.html[/quote]

From all i heard, they are pure Junk, the company was started by a ex keltec employee and is a copy as close as legally possible of a keltec!

I would not buy one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BryanP]

I'm hoping Ruger will put out a PF9-ish 9mm. Which they probably will about 10 minutes after I give in and buy a PF9.

[Guest slim]

I'm hoping Ruger will put out a PF9-ish 9mm. Which they probably will about 10 minutes after I give in and buy a PF9.

If so, the Ruger will recall those (upgrade as they call it) within a few weeks, like on their last 2 pistols!

If you get a PF-9 make sure you get the latest model, all the new ones now come in a plastic case!

[RoDan]

mouse guns are cool. I like my 26, it is a big fat rat gun.

I was looking at a p3at, but decided against it as a possible carry candidate because i dont want to keep buying .380 to practice with it. I'd use it more as a "gut gun" anyway probably. Oh well. Good choice with the PF9, still a very small gun!

Edited January 23, 2009 by RoDan

[Guest fastshotivy]

I got my wife a p 32 and I just got a Pt 145 for me and I going today and get a PF-9 also just to add to my Gun safes....... I real like shooting the P32.. A lot fun....

[Guest jackdog]

thanks for everyones input...think i'm going to go with a PF9... while the overall size is larger than the others, i think it'll be small enough (and thin enough) for what i'm looking for.

and since i mainly shoot 9mm, i'll be able to practice with it with my other carry guns without having to track down the more expensive and more elusive .380.

(...think i'll end up getting an LCP at some point as well, that is, if i ever can find another one...)

thanks.

A very fine choice. My wife carries hers all the time.

[ftncityfatboy]

PF-9...great little carry gun. put about 200 rounds thru mine, 1 FTE, flawless b sides that. PF-9 is just the right size

[Guest MCRAIG]

I wouldn't trade my p11 for the world. I have put over 5,000 rounds through it and carry it as a back up. I had about a 250 round break in period and the trigger was a bit hard to get use to but now I can manage decent groups at about 15 yards.

[nolo]

How much different is the trigger on the PF9 and the P11? I had the P11 and hated it, but I like the size of the gun.

[Smith]

How much different is the trigger on the PF9 and the P11? I had the P11 and hated it, but I like the size of the gun.

I too had the P11 and hated the trigger as well. Since I've had two PF9's and really liked them. The trigger is significantly improved. It is much smoother and lighter than the P11. It is still long, but that is just part of it. The PF9 is more like a decent revolver than the P11 ever was IMO.