Firearm: Kahr Arms PM9 Covert (MSRP: $762)
Kahr Arms’ PM9 is one of the original “pocket-9s” – launched in 2004 as the popularity of concealed-carry continued to spread throughout the country. Choices for concealable handguns weren’t as plentiful as we have today, and pocket-size guns in general were more or less limited to J-Frames and (at the time), lesser-known handguns like the Rohrbaugh 9 and the upstart KelTec P3AT. The PM9 brought a tested design in a lightweight, easy-to-carry option to serve the concealed-carry community.
Basically, Kahr took its P9 pistol, derived from the popular-but-somewhat-heavy K9, and shaved it down even further to create the tiny PM9. It’s still one of the smallest 9 mm pistols out there, with an overall length less than 5 ½ inches and under an inch wide, with an unloaded weight of 14 ounces. While, yes, recent additions to the concealed-carry world are approximately the same size with greater capacity, the difference is only three or four rounds.
The Covert model that we’re featuring today offers a matte-black stainless steel slide and night sights. The sights are of note: while they’re pretty standard tritium-vials front and rear, the front sight is outlined in a large white circle, giving an easy point-of-reference to help get the pistol on target fast. Controls are minimal – only a slide stop release and magazine release are present. There’s little to catch or hang up on the draw, and it’s simple to operate. There’s even a rudimentary accessory rail at the front, although care will obviously need to be taken in choosing accessories, as they will most certainly need to be designed for small pistols.
In the end, the Kahr PM9 is yet another choice for the concealed carrier to consider. Options are always good; having more pistols suitable for concealed carry from which to choose will never be a bad thing. If you’re looking for a small, easy-to-carry pistol, the PM9 is definitely worth a look.
Holster: Safariland Inside-the-Pocket holster (MSRP: $35)
When it comes to pocket holsters, there’s two things that are absolutely critical. First and foremost, the holster absolutely has to cover the trigger guard to prevent anything from getting anywhere near the trigger. Obviously, if you’ve chosen to pocket carry, it’s imperative to only have the pistol and holster in that pocket and nothing else, no question. If something should happen to find its way into that pocket, the holster is the first line of defense. Second, it needs to actually stay in the pocket on the draw. Retrieving your self-defense firearm from the pocket only to discover the holster has come along for the ride can be embarrassing indeed; if it’s an emergency situation it’s far more dire.
Safariland’s Inside-The-Pocket holster accomplishes the first part in an innovative fashion for a pocket holster – it’s actually molded to the pistol. A thin Kydex shell is wrapped in a synthetic-suede finish, allowing the holster to stay open inside the pocket for reholstering. It’s light, thin and keeps the trigger covered while anchoring the holster in the pocket – everything you need and want it to do.
Less-Lethal: POM Pepper Spray (MSRP: $12.95)
We’ve featured the POM Pepper Spray before, but wanted to take another look. Having less-lethal options as part of your EDC kit is a great idea. Having something like pepper spray in your self-defense toolbox allows a greater range of responses. POM’s spray is 10 percent O.C. and can be sprayed for approximately 10 seconds continuously. One interesting note on the POM units is these can be ordered with a pocket clip or a keychain attachment, and in a variety of colors.
Recently introduced are inert canisters for practice purposes, which is definitely something we recommend. It takes a little bit of practice to get the hang of using the spray, both in activating it to begin with but also in figuring out how to aim. Better to practice ahead of time and have the procedure correct than to try to use it on the go. The inert units are under $7; it would be a good idea to buy a couple units, practice on one until you’re comfortable, and keep the second to use as a periodic refresher. Of course, if you can fit in a class that centers on the use of pepper spray, even better.
