Help! Decision time for buying a pocket 9mm

[bryce26]

Hi Folks,

I'm in CT, where concealed carry is a must.  My "winter" gun is a Glock 26 which fits great in my Sig-Tac jacket.   My "summer" gun (most of the year) has been the Kel-Tec P3AT, which is very small and nice and reliable.  However, I would like to carry a 9mm year 'round.  Smaller the better, since I am in jeans most of the time, and I prefer front pocket carry.  IWB is not comfortable for me.

My first thought was the new Keltec PF9, but there seems to be issues/problems with it (according to various forums' comments).

My next thougth was the Kahr PM9.  Again, visiting various forums, there seems to be issues/problems with this one as well.

I heard about Rohrbauch, and have been reading here quite a bit.  However, there are some negative comments here as well.

I'd LIKE a nice quality & reliable item that doesn't require several trips to the factory or a gunsmith, etc, to perform well.  I'm not afraid to spend $ on any of these, but if there is really no difference between these three guns, of course, I'd rather spend $300 than $600 or $1000.

I'd love to hear your opinion on which of these similarly-sized guns YOU'D choose and why.  I'm not needing +P, so any of these are possibilities for me.

Thank you!

[Hk-Itch]

Because this is a Rohrbaugh forum you'd have to know the answer to that one!  It's like the difference between picking a Ford Escort or a Chevy Corvette.  Both will do the job, it's just so much more fun in the Vette

[Newt]

Welcome! While no one here can guarantee that if you buy a new R9 you could not have a problem ,the problems have been few compared with the # of problem free guns out there and I know of no one that had a problem that the factory did'nt make right. I can guarantee that if you get the R9 your quest for ultimate comfortable 9mm everyday carry will end and you won't regret it. I have two and can say that they are the best 9mm pocket carry out there.

[75scout]

Well I have been in your boat for a while now.  I don't have the Rohrbaugh yet.  I'll never buy a Kel-Tec.  I have shot a P3At and handled a few and I was less than impressed.  Initially I went the Kahr route with a PM40 and then A K40 Covert.  The PM40 was a jam-o-matic even after an extended trip to the factory.  Also the frame had excessive wear on the polymer frame rails.  I would frequently find shavings.

So I've decided to go with the Rohrbaugh.  No more polymer frames for me.  Rohrbaugh, Sigs, and Ruger MK IIs are all I need.

[joesolo]

i'd go with the R9s. Any issues can be easily solved by reading the forum. Find the bullets it likes, replace the springs if necessary and shoot it like any other gun. I have a high end sports car and if you read that particular forum, you'd think it is plagued with problems. My opinion is that people who care and spend a few bucks on a car or gun or whatever are more likely to vent, discuss, etc online. Sometimes it makes it appear like there are more problems than there actually are. BTW, never owned a Kel Tec but have a Kahr PM9. The R9s is by far a better pistol.

[bryce26]

Thanks everyone!

[45ACP2GO]

I went through the same thing in a small pocket pistol.  Several years ago I wanted a small 9mm pocket pistol and the R9S had just came out.  I wanted to actually see and hold a R9S but they had to be ordered. I decided on a Kahr PM9 and was fortunate enough to get a great one right off. Still have a P3AT which I feel under gunned when I pack it.  Picked up a Kahr PM40 and it had to go back to the factory before I broke it in. They made it right.

I am glad I waited on the R9S because I got the Stealth which was not out when I started to order one originally. My R9S went back to the factory for a misfire and lockup problem. Got it back in 10 days and has been great.

[Richard S]

Bryce:

I've been on vacation for a couple of weeks and just saw your post.

I own one of the earliest R9s produced, having taken delivery of it early in 2004. It has been absolutely reliable in the three years I've been shooting and carrying it. Mine seems to prefer a diet of Gold Dots or Golden Sabers, asking only to be kept clean and well lubricated and to have its recoil springs changed out periodically.    

I personally consider the R9 to be a masterpiece of design and function.