Decent .40 pocket pistol?

NdIndy

NdIndy

New member
I'm looking for a GOOD subcompact 40. So far I'm 0 for 2, so looking for suggestions. I started with a keltec which flat out amazed me at how many interesting ways it could fail. Back to keltec and returned just as badly performing to 10 rounds, until it broke itself. Back again, returned intact but still an amazing malfunction machine, traded to the gs on a .444 Marlin.

#2, kahr pm40. Reliability is about 20%. Shoots fine, likes to randomly lock its slide. No limp wrists and best of all, no contact with the slide lock. I've given it more

I like the 40 but imstarting to wonder if its too much pressure in a sub and if I need to look at smaller variants like 9mm.
 
I just got a Springfield EMP in 40 S&W. It's been out to the range twice and I must say it's a handful. Not uncontrollable, just a handful. The EMP, although small, doesn't qualify as a pocket pistol in my mind. Loaded it weighs 38.3 oz. It shoots great and I really like it. However, I would not want anything much lighter as I don't think I could control it.

For summer carry I switched to the Ruger LC9 in 9mm and it has moved to the top of my every day carry list. I previously carried a 4" 1911 all the time.

Good luck.
 
I just got a Taurus P740 that is small and shoots great no problems 150 round no clean and no malfunctions. Reasonably priced. $350.00 after delivery to my FFL
 
Originally Posted By: NdIndyI'm looking for a GOOD subcompact 40. So far I'm 0 for 2, so looking for suggestions. I started with a keltec which flat out amazed me at how many interesting ways it could fail. Back to keltec and returned just as badly performing to 10 rounds, until it broke itself. Back again, returned intact but still an amazing malfunction machine, traded to the gs on a .444 Marlin.

#2, kahr pm40. Reliability is about 20%. Shoots fine, likes to randomly lock its slide. No limp wrists and best of all, no contact with the slide lock. I've given it more

I like the 40 but imstarting to wonder if its too much pressure in a sub and if I need to look at smaller variants like 9mm.



Got a friend that is having the same problem with his PM40. Pistol has been back to Kahr 2 times but is still locking the slide back. I was going to get one myself until I saw all the problems he has had. We have tried different magazines, shooters and ammo with the same results.

I know it is a little big but this is the reason I like the Glock 27. A good holster and belt and it is easily concealed.
 
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Sorry to here about your kahr, I have a TP9 and it runs flawless. Just remember most gun manufactors want you to run 200 rounds through for break in before you start testing for reliability.

Have you concidered a small frame revo?
 
I bought a Ruger LC9 today. If its as good as all I've read, I will be satisfied. Only 9MM, but should be enough to at least get me a running start to somewhere safe.
 
Originally Posted By: getemduckSorry to here about your kahr, I have a TP9 and it runs flawless. Just remember most gun manufactors want you to run 200 rounds through for break in before you start testing for reliability.

Have you concidered a small frame revo?

This pistol has every bit of 200 rounds through it. I have gotten used to the Glock 27. It is carried as my back up when on duty and my carry pistol when off duty.
 
Originally Posted By: pyscodogI bought a Ruger LC9 today. If its as good as all I've read, I will be satisfied. Only 9MM, but should be enough to at least get me a running start to somewhere safe.

I sure do not want to be on the business end of a 9mm, regardless of what you read on some internet message boards.

How does the Ruger LC9 compare to the Glock subcompacts? Looks like it would be a little lighter and not quite as thick.
 
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Got 200 rounds through my LC9 no problems. Shoots great and fits nicely in cargo shorts. Might try the Kahr CW series . may be a little big but nice weapons
 
Originally Posted By: bhkGuess I got lucky. My Kahr PM40 is flawless.

I don't think you got lucky, I think you got the normal Kahr. I think my friend got one of those few "lemons".


I did not expect him to have the problems he has had with the Kahr. It is to the point that he does not trust it now....and I would not either. I think he is going to try and see if the factory will replace it.
 
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I started with the keltec intended as a backup for duty, carried a g23 at the time, then a g35. Never carried the kel for obvious reasons. Then never carried the kahr for obvious reasons. I carried a good knife in my vest instead, no failures there. The kahr has had several hundred through it. Reading up, unfortunately common problem not seen on other models.

LGS showed me acouple in 380, but they're not much smaller than my g23, at that size ill carry it. I trust it. Or bigger and ill carry the fun guns
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I rock a desk now in biz attire but don't often wear a jacket so iwb usually wont fly with clients. So looking for something that fits in my pocket.

I've got a baby glock, just too thick.
 
My dad has one in 380, I have the Kel-tec. They look like they were made off the same blueprints. Mine has a much better trigger.

Early Kel-tec's had some problems, but they have fixed their problems.

The polimar is much stronger than you think, Ruger has a video where they drop a weight on the trigger guard of two 10-22's, the alumunum one snaps, the plastic one shakes it off without a scratch.
 
Originally Posted By: NdIndyAny review on ruger lcp? Held one today, thought I'd brreak it just looking at it. Liiiiiiiight little thing.

I bought one last thursday. On sale and very good deal. Small, light, holds 6+1 of 380 and is a nice little gun with good fit and finish.

Shot it out back and has a very little kick, is easily manageable and very enjoyable with the mag extension on. Got a blackhawk inside pocket holster and it disappears in front pants pocket on shorts, jeans, carpenters, dress slacks and khakis. Looks like a wallet to anyone else

I think it will do its job as a last defense close quarter killing gun.

The 380 gets alot of crap but, I would not want to get shot in the head face or chest by someone in close with killing intent wielding this little gun.

I like mine alot so far and have no doubt it could accomplish its task.
 
Hmmmm. I've got no 380 experience very little 9mm. Looking at the numbers it seems like it should be fine for its intended purpose (close quarters). But otoh I tend to think .40 and above for SD and don't have a lot of use for 9mm which is stouter. Otooh, I don't exactly clear buildings anymore and 5 yards of knockdown is better than 0 yards for a pistol I can't carry. I'd hate to lose a client because they saw the butt sticking out of my waistband. The pistols, not mine. That's a whole other type of client.

I have 0 issues with polymer pistols. I have more rounds through any 1 of my 'plastic' duty pistols than most people will put through every firearm shot in their entire life. Plastic makes me happy
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But I did actually laugh out loud when the GS girl put that thing in my hands. 1 helium balloon and it's off to never never land.
 
I know keltec discontinued the .40 I had because of issues like mine. I would have a hard time overcoming the bias created by it.
 
Keltec's design was copied by Ruger on the LCP so...it has perhaps better fit and finish but it's basically the same design.

I'd say a LCP/LC9 wouldn't be a bad option. I have a G26 that's a good carry gun, but it isn't nearly as thin or light as either of those options.
 


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