Thought I was set on a M&P Shield, but...

[Hylas]

You guys are listing guns that arent always readily available to a non LEO member, I agree the PPS is very comparable to the shield size wise but its 20% better in every aspect, but the PPS isnt often sold vs the shield. If its hip carry ur gonna do go Shield, if its pocket carry go 238 HD. One thing id like to say about the shield is if you do get one get one that is off roster, im a firm believer that a mag disconnect can get you killed if you bumped the mag release sometime throughout the day you'll draw a brick out of the holster vs a single shot handgun. The off roster shield can be obtained at a reasonable price vs the pps or some others mentioned

[Steponmytoes]

^^^^ yep. Off roster (no magazine disconnect) for shield is pretty important if you want to keep a round ready in the chamber when you are reloading in a firefight...

[Don Nguyen]

What's the primary reason for not doing IWB carry for pocket carry hand guns?

[1CavScout]

What's the primary reason for not doing IWB carry for pocket carry hand guns?

I rarely pocket carry anything, but some prefer it. My single stack IWB guns are an LCP, P238, P938, XDs9 & .45. I have shot the Shield and think it would be a fine CCW gun. I just happen to prefer my XDs9 and P938 for a single stack 9mm.

[Don Nguyen]

Sorry, what I meant was why do some prefer not carrying a pocket style carry gun as IWB carry.

[StuckInTheP.R.O.Ca]

Be a Rebel. Get a PPS. You wont regret it.

[Don Nguyen]

Actually watching a review of one right now. Going through the various hand guns that were listed in this thread.

[BoJackUSMC]

I also dont like to pocket carry either. I usually use crossbreed holster on my glock 42. I only pocket carry during winter time.

[StuckInTheP.R.O.Ca]

Sorry, what I meant was why do some prefer not carrying a pocket style carry gun as IWB carry.

The reason I don't IWB my PM 9(my pocket gun) is because my PPS conceals dam near as well in IWB mode as my PM9 but offers superior ergonomics and controllability.

[StuckInTheP.R.O.Ca]

I also dont like to pocket carry either. I usually use crossbreed holster on my glock 42. I only pocket carry during winter time.

Its not my favorite carry mode either (draw is slower) but just do it at times when IWB isn't practical. As for season. I'm the the opposite. I only pocket carry in the summer in cargo type shorts.

[Josh3239]

But the P238 is certainly one of the best carry guns available to us in this state.

I strongly agree. The P238 has become my main carry and has almost completely ended much of my interest in another CCW handgun.

That being said, I hated the Shield and sold it. I thought the grip was uncomfortable, the safety hard to use, the trigger was bad, and recoil was stiff for a 9mm. Also it is a tad bit too large for pocket carry. Not a surprise they can be had for so cheap. For single stacks I actually enjoyed the Kahr line much more, for double stacks the XD isn't that much more and is a great option. Even in the 380 line you don't have bad choice; Bersa Firestorm, P238, P380, P232 or the LC380 (then get the 9mm conversion kit for a 2 in 1).

If it matters I also carry a 3'' 1911 but haven't done that in a while since picked up the P238.

[BarrettM99]

My shield is quickly becoming my favorite EDC pistol. It's small profile and light weight makes it a pleasure to carry. I appendix carry mine and it is very comfortable in that orientation.

My primary EDC is the G19. It's the perfect sized fighting handgun. But I find myself reaching for my shield more and more in quick grab and go situations.

The shield is also a very smooth shooter and extremely reliable. I haven't engaged the safety except to try it out once or twice. I carry condition 1 ready to rock and roll. One thing I dislike is that silly mag disconnect. Need to remove it...soon.

Another firearm I carry when I'm working out or have to keep a very low profile is my Kahr PM9. It's DAO but is one of the smoothest trigger squeezes I've ever felt on a DA pistol. Pearce grip extension on the mags make it easier to handle and shoot. Recoil isn't bad at all. My only detractions are that the takedown procedure for field-stripping should have been way easier and the pistol has a pretty stiff recoil spring so the slide is harder to rack for smaller or disabled shooters. But overall it's a great pistol.

[SLO1911Fan]

Sorry, what I meant was why do some prefer not carrying a pocket style carry gun as IWB carry.

I usually do use a Milt Sparks VMII for my P238. I'm not a huge fan of pocket carry. I don't like the slow draw, and I'm not a big fan of having things in my jeans pockets. But I like having the option to do it. And there are times when an IWB would be inappropriate.


If you want to try some different guns out I have the Shield and P238. I can also grab a 938 and some others for you to compare.

[ruddogg]

The reason I don't IWB my PM 9(my pocket gun) is because my PPS conceals dam near as well in IWB mode as my PM9 but offers superior ergonomics and controllability.

Yup my PPS in a Crossbreed SuperTuck on the weekends in shorts/tshirt and sandals, I forget it's there half the time.

[aphrozeus]

Couple things.

People don't like IWB carry for a pocket sized gun because they could just carry a bigger gun if they are going to carry IWB.

That said, I have a Sig P238 that I love, that I pocket carry and IWB carry on occasion.

And a 9mm alternative to the Shield that I've only seen mentioned maybe once in this thread is the Kahr CW9. Lighter, slimmer, has functioned perfect for me at about 800 rounds or so. Got it used for 320 with 3 mags. It's the value line of Kahr, but if it's going to be a carry gun threw isn't a huge difference for me in a "prettier" gun.