Looking to upgrade my CCW. What are the thoughts of those who carry some version of one of the Pocket 9's vs. the XDS-45?

Which Pocket 9 do you prefer & why?

Is the XDS truly pocketable in a pair of blue jeans or cargo shorts without a belt?

Thank you
~JM~

Generally in my pocket. The 9 mm version holds one more round but I figured six rounds of 45 were better than 7 of 9mm. The XDS will also take 7 round magazines which I carry for reload. You have to watch which shorts and jeans will conceal it though. If I hadn't already had a Smith M&P Compact in 9 mm Ii would have probably bought the Shield in 9 mm for pocket carry but decided I needed a 45. Go play touchy feely with both. I do like it that the XDS has a grip safety and ambi mag release but I am a lefty.

Thank you for the reply. I've been interested in the XDS 45 ever since I first saw one. Just concerned about the size & weight. I'm not the largest of sizes & don't like to wear a belt for extended periods. Do you ever notice the XDS tending to drag your cargo shorts down a bit?

~JM~

Aren't light in addition to the gun itself. In your case then, I would seriously look at the Shield or LC9.

I recently decided I wanted something a bit more than a 380 for summer carry.

After a lot of looking and handling various pocket 9's, I settled on the Kahr CM9.

In regards to weight of the actual handgun you are thinking about, look at the spec's on the manufactures sites.

Hope this is of some help.

Murphy

I carry a few different variations but they are all SA due to my uneasy relationship with most DA semi-autos (it's all me and I wouldn't suggest you or anyone follow along).

That said, the relatively recent advances in 9mm projectiles and ammo, coupled with a DA semi I can work with, leads me to carry a Ruger LC9s an awful lot these days.

File it under 'For What It's Worth'. There's a lot of good shootin' irons out there. We are truly blessed.

Nm

an old LC for the light work and a Jenny Craiged G30 for the heavy.

a 642 or Colt Agent (the revolver, old school).

--
Sincerely,

Hobie

I don't consider it a pocket gun. I use apx carry with it, otherwise, an XD9C on the belt. 45 is just too heavy for me (Star PD)for extended carry.

..it's usually a vintage J-frame, even a 2" M10 sometimes.

Friends don't allow friends to "pocket" carry...

There really are much better alternatives.

Byron

I can easily pocket carry my Kahr CM9 in a pocket holster. Empty it weighs in at 14 ounces. 6 rounds in the flush fitting Mags and 7 rounds in the slightly extended extras I carry in my back pocket. It has a very smooth double action only trigger and is surprisingly easy shooting for something so light. It has been utterly reliable without a single hiccup so far. Light enough that it doesn't try to pull my pants down and fits easily in my front pocket of my Cabelas blue jeans.

Despite some peoples comments, there are times when pocket carry is all that is available, so it is either pocket carry or don't carry. Also, with wrap around bucket seats in my truck, belt holsters just don't work well if I'm driving, and shoulder holsters only work if I can keep a jacket or vest on at all times. I find that from my normal relaxed position of my thumbs hooked into my jeans pockets, I can easily and quickly grasp and draw the CM9 from its' pocket holster almost as fast as I can draw from a belt holster. Sure, I'd rather be carrying my M1A and 8 extra 20 round mags, but I don't feel too badly armed with the CM9 and 2 spare mags for a total of 21 rounds of +P 9mm comfort......

In one of Mr. Rob's pocket holsters. The combo works nicely for me. I've shot the XDs (after I had bought the LC9) and have to say I really liked the little pistol. Holding them side-by-side the size difference was pretty minimal. I'd suggest holding both and see what you like.
As for beltless carry, all I'll say is that some of better at having their pants stay up than others. I don't wear much of anything in public without a belt, for which all should be grateful.

The Kahr is one of the models that I'm considering.

I dress casually most of the time. Cargo shorts with an elastic waist as often as I can get away with it. I try not to wear belts due to scar tissue from an old injury. I won't be jogging any time soon, but I need something that won't pull my drawers down while walking.

Thanks
~JM~

With no belt too.

....in my experience, I can barely carry a wallet, phone, and keys without losing my shorts. Add in a pistol and spare reloads and I would be holding up my shorts with one hand all day, and constantly hitching 'em up.

I'm afraid you may need to consider a belt, and given what you've mentioned (scar tissue) I would consider a riggers belt with Velcro adjustment. The infinite and precise fit that results with a Velcro belt makes it easy to get a comfortable adjustment that isn't too loose or too tight, but rather "just right".

As for the popper itself, ain't none of the bottom feeders mentioned lighter than an airweight J-frame except for the little .380s which can only be regarded as backups to your real guns. I play with all kinds of guns daily in the shop, and am convinced the Kahr is the best of the plastic fantastics, but it is an apple and oranges sort of thing, ymmv.

Otony

Looks like a great little gun and I hear the triggers are exceptional on the striker versions. It's on my short list.

Unfortunately my wallet isn't very big.

I refuse to carry a phone. Nobody that I want to talk to that bad.

~JM~

I have a couple of extra riggers belts here. One is yours for the asking.

Otony

Carried it wearing a pair of gym shorts so it's a bit lighter than the 45. Another note is I'm tiny so if I can conceal it then anyone can. Personally it comes down to favored caliber, with all the defense rounds I feel the 9mm is a great caliber whereas I'm afraid of the 45 possibly over penetrating.

I've bought 5.11 Trainer belts (a type of rigger belt, and my current favorite belt...) on ebay for very reasonable prices. I don't think that I paid more than $20 for any of them. They're high quality and like you said, infinitely adjustable within their range....

Thanks for the info & offers on belts. Based upon experience, belts are no longer an option. It's a shame because I have some nice ones.

~JM~

Don't laugh, I strap on a 1911 and I add 'spenders.

Takes the load off!

Otony

Basically a cross between a shoulder holster and a belly band.

Check on Duluth Trading Company's web site. they have a set of suspenders that attaches to your pants on the side rather than front and back. I have not tried them 'cause I don't do suspenders much, but it looks like they would be good for supporting a handgun.

What I do like is vests, and I have several. There are a number of vests specifically made to carry handguns, and they go quite well with casual dress such as over a t-shirt.

I have occasional lower back trouble, and find that a common back brace with the Velcro support panels on each side is MUCH better than a belly band. Back when I was working at a job where carry was frowned upon, I frequently carried a steel-framed M36 with a Barami grip stuck in the left Velcro panel under a dress shirt and tie, with a shirt button undone and concealed by my tie. It was quite comforting when meeting with some of our less friendly "clients".

........but if he has trouble with belts, a belly band may not be his friend either.

I use one at times and am well pleased. It is about 6" wide (tall?) and not only makes me look a bit slimmer, it helps with my posture. I have no trouble whatsoever concealing a J-frame with it.

Otony