Pocket Rocket Poll

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Wicked Sharp

Joined
Jun 20, 2007
Messages
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I am trying to settle on a mini-45 to pocket carry (my only option) at work. I have narrowed the choices down to two: Kahr PM45 or Springfield XDs. BTW, I don't have much faith in Internet reviews by people I've never heard of (the Gunblast folks are an exception to this), and, in fairness, I should disclose that I have extensive firearms experience AND have owned numerous Springfields and Kahrs but neither of the models being considered. I respect both brands but for different reasons. I also own several J-frames and other "minis" that I currently carry in rotation. I just NEED a new one. Money is NOT an issue that I will consider and neither is availability. I DO KNOW that Busse folks are WISE, AFFLUENT, and have EXCELLENT TASTE in the FINER THINGS.:D. Personal experience and/or opinions are welcome. Which and why???
 
Can't go wrong with a Kahr, and I'm a HK fanboy, with current ballistic advancements is there a reason u want to carry a mini 45 instead of a 380? Not to cause a debate
 
The only one I've actually shot of those is the XDs, and it's decent. But for pocket carry I go with my Sig P238. A .380, I know, but I'm happy with it. Maybe you have bigger pockets than me.
 
You better have BIG pockets if you want to carry a .45 in them, unless it is a derringer! I have several .45's ranging from glock 30sf, Springfield xds, all the way to full size 1911's and I wouldn't/couldn't carry any of them in a pocket. Better bet would be a MURSE (man purse:)).
 
I love my kahr p9. The XD line was my second. The reason I went with the kahr was single stack mag and no external safety. Can't go wrong either way.
 
I've seen both have reliability issues, of course the Kahr was a 9mm, they were both full size, as things go the smaller you scale a design down the less room for error there is. I hate glocks I'd bet my life it go boom when I need it...
 
I should have clarified the "pocket" issue. I generally wear jeans to work except when I have Court or public hearings, and I can comfortably carry any sub-compact and most mid-size autos without noticeable printing. Thanks for the comments, thus far.
 
Also..., before anyone suggests it:), I WILL OWN a Glock 30S first chance I get!!! For now..., Kahr or Springfield???
 
SA 1911 Micro or Colt New Agent are ones that I have fondled that may fit your description.
 
I have a Kahr PM9 and have been CCWing it for 6 or more years where I shoot a minimum of 100 rounds out of it every year. I have never had a problem with it after the initial 150-200 round break in and I can't recall that I had a problem with it then either. My local gun shop is rather large and says that they never have problems with Kahr. Not sure about a pocket .45 but I trust my Kahr.
 
I carry a Kahr PM9 daily in a remora IWB holster, the weather down here in Miami and my dress style dont allow for anything larger without serious printing. I do carry in the pocket from time to time but for MY dress style I feel the Karhr PM9 is very bulky in the pocket. If I had to pocket carry every day I would probably purchase an LCP or the 380 Kahr.

This is an EDC pic I took not long ago, the only thing that changes is the knife. I also dont carry the 2 digit knuckles anymore.

IMG_1064_zpsdead7556.jpg
 
I carry my Glock 30SF everyday and I love it! I am 6ft and 240lb. and I conceal it really well in a brigade hardcore IWB holster.
 
My pocket rocket is a G27 with a 357 Sig barrel, but I appendix carry it in a Alabama Holster Co. 360. I carry a J frame in less permissive environments.:D
 
I have the XDs in Bi-tone (Stainless). I've put about 400 rounds through it now without a single hiccup. Primarily WWB, but some Federal and American Eagle FMJ too. I've also run about 40 rounds of Federal 230gr. HST +p through with no issue. I've shot two different 5 round mags and have one of the extended 7 round mags.

I can't make it mis-fire, even limp wristing as much as I dare. For the money savings of the Springfield over the Kahr, I don't see how there is even a question of which to buy (and I'm talking about the SS model here; the Melonite one seems a no-brainer to me), and it isn't like the Springfield gives up anything in terms of quality imo. The challenge is going to be getting your hands on one.

I got my XD-s toward the end of last Summer. I now CCW mine IWB in a Milt Sparks VM2 I just finally received (5-month wait). Prior to that, I used a Nate Squared original tuckable holster that impressed me overall, especially for the money.

The XD-s is a suprisingly soft shooter for what it is. It is also more accurate than most pistol shooters are. I'd put my vote in for the XD-s! :thumbup:

IMG_9502.jpg


ETA: Previous to this I did the 9mm thing in the same size. I bought a PF-9 over the Kahr strictly for the money difference, and did a full "fluff and buff" to make sure mine was reliable. The XD-s is barely any bigger than either of these 9's, and I feel much more comfortable carrying it. I would MUCH rather shoot the XD-s over either of the 9's, as it is a FAR more comfortable shooter!!!

ETA2: I also CCW a XD sub-compact in .40, and also in a Sparks VM2 (it was my first CCW rig). It is amazing how much more comfortable these newer, slimmer auto pistols are to carry (though a bit less capacity). That is one of the things a 1911 also has over most poly autos imo.
 
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Wicked Sharp said:
Also..., before anyone suggests it:), I WILL OWN a Glock 30S first chance I get!!! For now..., Kahr or Springfield???
Click to expand...

Take note that the 30s is 1.28" wide at the slide (frame is even wider), as compared to the MAX width of the XD-s of 1" including protrusions (0.9" slide).
 
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