P7M8 for CC

[blkexp98]

My dad is looking into a new CC pistol but wants something safe but doesnt want to carry a holster. His normal carry method is just in the pocket but he wants something safe enough where he can just pull the trigger and fire without worrying about it going off putting his kleys or whatever in his pocket.

I thought the P7 would be a good choice but havent heard that much about them. So can any of you give me some first hand experience with them? Also since they have the grip safety i would assume they are safe to carry with a round in the chamber. For simplicity sake he could get a 1911 subcompact 45 but i dont have any experience with the subcompacts.

Thanks for any help,

Major

[Creeper]

A P7M8 is a bit on the large side for pocket carry... and as it's an all steel gun, not the lightest choice either. Better to carry a P7M8 in a quality holster, on a quality belt.

If you could be more specific as to caliber, size/weight and price range... there are several possible brand and model choices that might suit his needs.

C

[blkexp98]

Thanks for the quick reply. I was thinking along the lines of 9mm mainly for size reasons. He doesnt really have a preferance. Price isnt really an issue for him as this could be potentially a lifesaver. Size wise smaller would be better to a degree but now he carries a beretta tomcat .32 that i hate. I havent been impressed with the keltecs either. Ive seen reliability issues first hand with both.

I tried to talk him into wearing a holster since it would be better all around but that was shot down pretty quick. A holster would solve most all his carry issues as long as he learned to use it. I think his biggest want is to be able to safely carry it hot while not having to worry about it going off in his pocket inadvertantly.

Ill still work on him for a IWB holster or something subtile but need to find some pistol candidates first.

Major

[timg953]

A Smith 642 or maybe a KHAR PM 9mm or .40 are about the biggest guns I can think of to use for pocket carry. Both are safe fully loaded. I've been carrying a gun for 23 years and you learn to dress around it if you are serious about staying alive. I carry either a P7 or a 1911 most days. Occasionally I use a Kel-Tec when I can't carry something bigger due to wardrobe issues
(tux etc.) I was attacked by two feral dogs week before last and I was damn glad I had a .45 with night sights and a surefire flashlight on me when it happened. Good leather can make the difference if you can talk your Dad into trying it.

[Creeper]

This is all IMO of course, but with the information you've provided, I'd be leaning towards a Seecamp 32ACP (A bit prejudice here as I own one) or 380, a Kahr Covert, a Rohrbaugh, Sig P230 (kinda big for the caliber... but fits nice in the hand) or perhaps even one of the subcompact Glocks.

For a pocket carry gun, he needs to handle all of them, drop all of them in his pocket and see how they "carry". It's a very good idea to consider a pocket holster, which because of the shape will "present" the weapon in a repeatable, reliable fashion. No fun reaching for your gun and it's upside down in you pocket.

Below is an Aker "Express", Seecamp pocket holster.



And a nice Milt Sparks for the Rohrbaugh.



C