Pocket Gun

[LUCKYDAWG13]

If you were looking for a good pocket Gun what would you get now I'm not looking to replace my
EDC sig p938 summer / 1911 winter but I would like to add a pocket gun now anyway just looking for suggestions
Thanks

[Finster101]

Kel-Tec P-32.

[JBinMN]

I use snubnose revolvers(38Spec & 357M) for " pocket" guns.

You may have to be a bit more specific for most folks to help you decide.

Are you looking for another semi auto, or a revolver to fit in your pocket?

Does the amount of rounds a concern?

Are you looking for something in a snubnose 41 - 44M size, or is that too large?

Or , are you looking for smaller calibers like 327M on down?

More info helps.
;)

[Walks]

S&W 638 with pocket holster. Pants with BIG pockets.

[Mytmousemalibu]

An Airweight J-frame of the flavor you like.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I use snubnose revolvers(38Spec & 357M) for " pocket" guns.

You may have to be a bit more specific for most folks to help you decide.

Are you looking for another semi auto, or a revolver to fit in your pocket?

Does the amount of rounds a concern?

Are you looking for something in a snubnose 41 - 44M size, or is that too large?

Or , are you looking for smaller calibers like 327M on down?

More info helps.
;)
Not quite sure if I'm looking for a revolver or auto that's why I'm looking for Suggestions I do own a ruger SP101 3 inch Just find that too big for pocket carry I'm probably leaning more towards a revolver

[stubshaft]

I carry either a S&W 642 or Kahr CM-40 in my pocket.

[Winger Ed.]

Over under derringer in .45Colt/.410.
Its flat enough to not show a bulge.

[buckwheatpaul]

If you were looking for a good pocket Gun what would you get now I'm not looking to replace my
EDC sig p938 summer / 1911 winter but I would like to add a pocket gun now anyway just looking for suggestions
Thanks

I have a Ruger LC 9 Pro S....that has never failed me....Striker fired so you need a pocket holster (DeSantis for me) or IWB (Azula for me)....shoots anything I run through it.....it's sights are adequate but I consider this 9mm pretty much a 15 to 20 yd carry gun due to the smaller sights.....good luck and good hunting for that pistol you want....Paul

[Huntsman52]

LCP 2 for me. Lite and easy to shoot. Good trigger on the LCP 2 as well.

[Sig556r]

+1 on LCP which is my edc 'though those micro 1911s (P238/938, kimber micro, springfield, etc.) seem purty other than price...

[oldsalt444]

SIG 238, but a bit pricy. Bersa Firestorm 380, a little bigger, but a good price point. If your comfortable with .32 caliber, look at the Beretta Tomcat and Alleycat.

[TNsailorman]

I have a Colt Detective Special with a 3" barrel, shot butt in 5 shot .38 Special. Makes a great little pocket revolver. I carry it a lot in my jeans front and sometimes in the back pocket. Rides real nice. james

[jmort]

+ Whatever
LCP II

[Texas by God]

I will second the "angry" LCP.
My daughter's words.
Weighs nothing, works reliably, and will kill a coyote according to Governor Rick.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Buzz Krumhunger]

There’s usually a S&W Model 442 or 638 in my pocket

[Outpost75]

I have determined from experience that a gun weighing more than 20 ozs. is too heavy for pocket carry.

Minimum caliber .38 Special 2" or .380 ACP.

Whatever gun you choose should be capable of safe carry with the chamber loaded and be capable of immediate firing by grasp-present-trigger stroke only, without having to manipulate a mechanical safety lever.

I don't care for the Glock-style trigger on the LCPII, but prefer the DAO original LCP as a BUG.

Generally prefer a six-shot rather than 5-shot revolver, S&W Model 12 airweight K-frame round butt. S&W 940 DAO, 5-shot stainless Centennial in 9mm Para which reloads quickly with star-clips also good, but a bit heavy at 21 ozs.

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[Speedo66]

I have a Colt Detective Special with a 3" barrel, shot butt in 5 shot .38 Special. Makes a great little pocket revolver. I carry it a lot in my jeans front and sometimes in the back pocket. Rides real nice. james

If it's a Colt, it would be 6 shot. S&W Chief Spl. 5 shot.

[TNsailorman]

Speedo66, my revolver is a 6 shot. Don't know how I got that 5 in there. Old age I guess or a brain *art. james

[poppy42]

Kel-Tec P-32.

Or a kel-tec pf9. I have one. It’s been my edc summer carry for about 4 or 5 years. It’s dependable and remarkably accurate. If it has a down side ( to some but not me) mine does not particularly care for 147 grain bullets. It does gobble up 125 grain boolets ( or j words in 124 or 115grains for that matter) with out even the slightest problem. It’s a great little gun and I am extremely happy with it

[LUCKYDAWG13]

Thanks all going to look at the LCP 2 this weekend also the ?

[popper]

Also consider the kind of pocket, slash or dress. I have a problem getting my keys out of a trouser pocket.

[bgw45]

Consider the SIG 365. Mine is the most accurate pocket pistol I've owned. 10 rounds, comfortable to shoot and fits the type of clothing I normally wear. Fits in the front pocket inside a sticky that covers the trigger guard. Replaced a Kahr CM9 that I carried for three years. Got it a couple months ago and it has not missed a beat.

[am44mag]

I like my little Ruger SP101 in .357 Mag. Mine's the 3" version and I added some aftermarket grips that gives you something to hold onto. I also added a fiber optic front sight.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/y62ldyZq7w50mMfJV_nsH7FIbbMIZIEmZ4cx9fAY2h66AYGgdM XEC6ewyQt2MnatVazmWEnmNKAjGg4K0g33F2EHPZHuzbCQnFzN CgoO11PAr4aLf89EamxfaS3et6ZVtJ1CACoxV-J012ywhZJjR9rBtGR2te0Mc2c-X4vhBXfloaMXbfUiY4veDDMWFdbL0nIQS3N9gwoBf5UIwWezEG PYEXFBfv7gCDQOPuXvphCuLrQ301lBTtF65WdOcVNkLZtkljLO FsNCF_Gu7QXDeVL3xle3b5DU5vmJ6IdWARvfry_j7N0xyrrmlQ d6YuO8XRsnHQ8Rl4R7qjWuCfIbFtSeRzzS7Bn7YrmoH0Rboh4h W9bdE3rH-rzqo-7_ZNiofybt2wKznvbOBYn1x4cPyTsixRaIU4td654tNcAuJ8JK kVw_6Ee3MiDivQdXUdwgZHWYzXAdUwltFXiuWjIi6JTjawxIfO QHhDxKntQeTFp1jZ_3q1zzkm23dcRy1oXdwiA0OCWaRyAZeSSm bHyr0uVnh8h_DjsF5a_nw5jrv3kis6Hx0ArJzp8WuPV-fvxIQY8O6Aq2CSs_UjJ2EmAotDcveAeHc-JCJTV0CtwCYLcpx6zaBhphR66hBiURaYcf6rx7g77qAl02odQH pTPp0JKmQgX6Hao=w718-h404-no

If I were to get a gun for actual pocket carry, I'd get the 2.25" version with the original grips and possibly have the hammer bobbed, maybe in .327 Mag or just load it with .38 Special +P? My .357 Mag load is a 125gr Remington Semi Jacketed HP going about 1300 FPS out of that 3" barrel. It can be a bit of a handful, but I feel the grips I put on the gun help with that.

[jonp]

Since your not looking to replace your EDC I'm going to assume your wanting a backup? For a light summer backup pocket gun how about a NAA 22Mag Derringer? With the grip replaced with the folding one it clips into your pocket and looks like a cellphone. When I'm wearing shorts and a tshirt I always have it in my pocket especially into places where carry is discouraged.

Thanks all going to look at the LCP 2 this weekend also the ?


I've got 2 of those. Very nice and the 2cd Gen has a much nicer trigger. As for the second if your not interested in the NAA did you look at the Taurus G2C? Kentucky Gun has them for $189 free shipping with rebate only $159.
https://www.kygunco.com/Product/View?ItemNo=121683

[Finster101]

Some of you guys must have some really big pockets.

[RED BEAR]

I would consider the kel tec 32 or 380. I used to be one of the loudest critic of these guns and got one at a price i couldn't refuse and to my surprise i was WRONG. The p32 is just a neat little gun that works every time. At only 6oz the 32 or at 8oz for the 380 you hardly know you are carrying them. And did i mention they go bang every time i haven't had a single failure to fire yet and they have seen a lot of ammo run through them haven't tried the 9 mm but have no doubts it works just like the ones i have.

[Petrol & Powder]

The 2.25" Ruger DAO SP101 is a bit big/heavy for pocket carry, although if you can pull it off it's a great gun.

I agree with Outpost75 that in addition to the weight limit, you must have a gun that is pull/point /squeeze. No external safeties, NO SA and for me - NO HAMMER SPUR.

So that means DAO Snubnose with an internal hammer or bobbed hammer or some type of pistol without a manual safety (Kahr, Glock, etc.)

[mattw]

Keltec p32, mine always works.

[Outpost75]

Some of you guys must have some really big pockets.

Duluth Trading Middle Management Chinos or Fire Hose work pants have deep pockets.

Buy trousers 2" larger in the waist than you would ordinarily for city office wear.

No skinny-cut jeans. Full-cut, straight legged. Pleats in office wear.

Big heavy gunbelt is a "tell". Might as well wear a T-shirt with arrow pointing "Gun HERE>"

5.11 gear is a "tell." Better to wear ordinary office casual or work clothing.

Instead wear side-clip suspenders which support weight of gun and pocket holster.

Primary in strong side hip pocket. "New York Reload" in weak side back pocket.

A Speed Strip with extra ammo tucked in each sock, "and a razor in your shoe..."

Robert Mika makes old school pocket holsters to fit an S&W K-frame or Colt Detective Special or Police Positive which work in the Duluth trouser pockets or in your Carhart or Filson work coat.

242611242612

Concept dates to pre-WW2 when NYPD and other Eastern urban PDs felt that wearing a holstered revolver openly displayed outside the uniform patrol coat was "too aggressive."
Old school cops who were my mentors advocated the pocket holster even for a 4" square butt S&W M&P or Police Positive when off duty or working plainclothes. Mika's pocket holsters follow the same design as the ones Jovino used to sell at their store in Little Italy back in the day. He can make one for your Baby Glock too.

[gnostic]

Wow, I must be living under a rock, no love for the PPK Walther. It's slick, quick and shoots like a target pistol....

[trapper9260]

Keltec p32, mine always works.

I go with the same since I reload for 32 cal .

[LUCKYDAWG13]

The 2.25" Ruger DAO SP101 is a bit big/heavy for pocket carry, although if you can pull it off it's a great gun.

I agree with Outpost75 that in addition to the weight limit, you must have a gun that is pull/point /squeeze. No external safeties, NO SA and for me - NO HAMMER SPUR.

So that means DAO Snubnose with an internal hammer or bobbed hammer or some type of pistol without a manual safety (Kahr, Glock, etc.)

After thinking about this a lot I'm thinking the same thing How are the S&W Airweight What i mean is I like to shoot my carry guns
at least a hundred rounds a month or so
for the most part this is what I wear Duluth Trading Middle Management Chinos or Fire Hose work pants have deep pockets.

[onelight]

Wow, I must be living under a rock, no love for the PPK Walther. It's slick, quick and shoots like a target pistol....
I like , fit well in a pocket but weigh more than the plastic models but I shoot them way better to.
A classic that is still a good choice.

[Outpost75]

Wow, I must be living under a rock, no love for the PPK Walther. It's slick, quick and shoots like a target pistol....

PPK is an infamous hand biter.

The S&W and Interarms produced guns were junk and neither ever worked even after you swapped out most of the critical parts for German ones.

The 1960s-era Walther Ulm PP is a much better pistol and the German police turn-ins were good buys. The Manhurin France guns were also OK, but less nicely finished. The PP is less reliable in .380 ACP than in the original 7,65 Browning/.32 ACP caliber for which it was designed. For the gun to work reliably you must use Geco, RWS, Norma, Lapua, Sellier-Bellot or Fiocchi full charge, heavy bullet (73-77 grain) Euro-CIP ammo, because American lawyer stuff is the Jam-O-Matic.

I sold both of my PPs when the SIG P230 came out. I acquired three of them, one in 7.65mm and two in .380 ACP. The later P232 with its MIM parts was not an improvement.

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[hp246]

Beretta Pico .380

[LUCKYDAWG13]

PPK is an infamous hand biter. The S&W produced guns were junk and never worked even after you swapped out most of the parts for German ones.

PP is a much better pistol and the German police turn-ins were good buys, but the PP is less reliable in .380 than in .32 ACP. I sold both of mine when the SIG P230 came out and I have three of them, one in 7.65mm and two in .380

Is the PPK about the same size as a P64 if so if so that is too big for me

[RED BEAR]

I love the ppk but it's a bit large for the pocket.

[bedbugbilly]

What pocket are you looking to carry it in . . front jeans pocket, back pocket, jacket pocket? As someone said - getting keys out of jeans pockets can be an undertaking.

I'm one of those guys who can't stand a IWB holster - fortunately - where I have licenses to carry - AZ and MI - and I'm talking concealed regardless of open carry laws - I carry OWB with a long shirt tail or jacket over it. Usually a smaller size - a Smith Model 36 or a 9mm Shield although I have carried a 4" Combat Masterpiece at times. Anyways . . . I sometimes carry in my side jean jacket pocket of on the left hand inside pocket - my J frame works just fine but ideally - for pocket carry I would much prefer a shrouded hammer or hammerless. I had a 357 Ruger LCR - hated the looks of it and traded it for my Smith 36 snub - but the LCR was no hammer, lightweight and easy to carry in a jacket pocket. You might take a look at one and see if if fits what you want to do. The air weights are something to look at as well - I find the all steel Model 36 Smith easy to carry though - I also have a 36 with a 3" barrel and carry that at times too.

Lots to look at out there and good luck to you in finding what fits your needs.

[Art in Colorado]

I agree on the S&W Air Weight 638 15 Oz. Got tired of the CCW of the month and just went old school. As a plus you can use snake shot if rattle snakes are a problem. Lots in Wyoming where I fish.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

What pocket are you looking to carry it in . . front jeans pocket, back pocket, jacket pocket? As someone said - getting keys out of jeans pockets can be an undertaking.

I'm one of those guys who can't stand a IWB holster - fortunately - where I have licenses to carry - AZ and MI - and I'm talking concealed regardless of open carry laws - I carry OWB with a long shirt tail or jacket over it. Usually a smaller size - a Smith Model 36 or a 9mm Shield although I have carried a 4" Combat Masterpiece at times. Anyways . . . I sometimes carry in my side jean jacket pocket of on the left hand inside pocket - my J frame works just fine but ideally - for pocket carry I would much prefer a shrouded hammer or hammerless. I had a 357 Ruger LCR - hated the looks of it and traded it for my Smith 36 snub - but the LCR was no hammer, lightweight and easy to carry in a jacket pocket. You might take a look at one and see if if fits what you want to do. The air weights are something to look at as well - I find the all steel Model 36 Smith easy to carry though - I also have a 36 with a 3" barrel and carry that at times too.

Lots to look at out there and good luck to you in finding what fits your needs.

probably back pocket most of the time in summer coat / jacket in fall and winter

[Outpost75]

Beretta Pico .380

And how many rounds of what ammo have you put through yours?

[Bill*B]

A true pocket pistol is the Beretta 950. Lots of these are still to be found - check GunBroker - and nothing made today is smaller. They are single action, but have an inertia firing pin, and are therefore one of the few tiny semi-automatics that I consider safe. Their unique "tip up" barrel makes loading and unloading easy. Caliber is either .22 short, or .25 ACP - but possession is everything. In your pocket, it beats a .44 Magnum at home in the safe.

[curioushooter]

Airweight Smith (442) if you're on a budget, Airlight (340) if you're not. Weight is the enemy in pocket carry.

[gnostic]

PPK is an infamous hand biter.

The S&W and Interarms produced guns were junk and neither ever worked even after you swapped out most of the critical parts for German ones.

The 1960s-era Walther Ulm PP is a much better pistol and the German police turn-ins were good buys. The Manhurin France guns were also OK, but less nicely finished. The PP is less reliable in .380 ACP than in the original 7,65 Browning/.32 ACP caliber for which it was designed. For the gun to work reliably you must use Geco, RWS, Norma, Lapua, Sellier-Bellot or Fiocchi full charge, heavy bullet (73-77 grain) Euro-CIP ammo, because American lawyer stuff is the Jam-O-Matic.

I sold both of my PPs when the SIG P230 came out. I acquired three of them, one in 7.65mm and two in .380 ACP. The later P232 with its MIM parts was not an improvement.

242617

I have the Interarms, it's never ftf, load, or eject and the fit and finish is as nice as a Rolex. This pistol either fits your hand, or it will tear you up. I carry it in my jacket pocket, it's about the same size as model 36...

[JBinMN]

All 5 shot snubbies(2" bbl.or less), except one 6 shot( 327 Fed. Mag):

https://charterfirearms.com/collections/off-duty (38 Special)

12 oz.

(^ Some choices at the above link are 38 Special +P ^ )

https://www.ruger.com/products/lcr/specSheets/5450.html (357 Magnum)

17.1 oz.

https://www.ruger.com/products/lcr/specSheets/5401.html (38 Special +P)

13.5 oz.

https://www.ruger.com/products/lcr/specSheets/5452.html (327 Fed. Magnum. It is 6 shot, not 5)

17 oz.

https://www.ruger.com/products/lcr/specSheets/5456.html (9MM Luger)

17.2 oz.


Prices should be reasonable if ya shop around.
;)

[Finster101]

I'm in shorts and a t-shirt most of the year. It's already in the low 90s here. With most of the options I've seen thrown out I might as well keep my Officers Model in an IWB holster year round. The Kel-Tel slips in to almost any pocket, is flat enough not to print easily at all. I hand load using a 90 grain flat point that I'm pretty sure would curtail any social action that I would need it to. Is it a target pistol no but it goes bang every time and is durable and inexpensive enough that if I sweat all over it neither of us mind too much. I guess we all have our own definitions as to what a pocket pistol is.

[Traffer]

I think few would argue that the JA-25 is probably the best overall pocket gun in the history of firearms:
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[smilie=b:

[mattw]

Again, that is why I like the Keltec P32. It flat disappears in my back jeans short pocket, weighs nothing, fires everything including 84 grain type 3 wadcutter hollow points and it is cheap. I fire a couple of boxes of reloads to practice draw and 7 to 10 yard range point shooting. My 16yo daughter keeps it company if she is home alone.

[shooting on a shoestring]

From my view point, LCP for super small. But most of the time Sig 365. It has been a real surprise how well I hit with it. It’s by far the best micro 9 I’ve owned or shot. The 327 LCR can be hand loaded into an absolutely wicked 6 shot snubby. Again I’ve been amazed how well I can shoot it even though it’s DA only, very slick pull good sights and ugly as it is I’m proud of it.

Of course the 5 shot 38s Models 36, 49, 60 and 638. The 638 has not held up well. Over 3 years and maybe 3k rounds, the hole in the frame (recoil sheild) that receives the cylinder pivot pin has peened out to the extent it lets the cylinder cant and hit the bottom of the frame window. I sent it back to S&W. They returned it saying they checked the trigger and it was fine...uggh! So if you plan to shoot your piece a few thousand rounds I’d recommend not going aluminum frame Smith.

[Outpost75]

I have the Interarms, it's never ftf, load, or eject and the fit and finish is as nice as a Rolex. This pistol either fits your hand, or it will tear you up. I carry it in my jacket pocket, it's about the same size as model 36...

Your experience differs from Alexandria PD and DCMPD over several dozen guns, but even a blind pig finds an acorn once in a while...

[str8wal]

Some of you guys must have some really big pockets.

Right?!?!? And my pockets already have stuff in them. I mexican carry an LCRx, appendix. My belt rides between the grip and the cylinder and I blouse my shirt over the handle. It is secure, invisible and quick to present.

[am44mag]

Some of you guys must have some really big pockets.

I have one of those conceal carry coats that I wear in the cooler months. I could pocket carry a full sized 1911 in it. You wouldn't want that much weight hanging off your belly, but it could do it.

The SP101 does have a bit of weight to it. It makes it more pleasurable to shoot, but could present some pocket carry challenges. I've never carried it that way for an extended amount of time. It carries wonderfully in an IWB holster though.

[Mytmousemalibu]

I carry a 442 no-lock every day, have for the past 3yrs and dont plan on changing! I absolutely love the little gun. Its light and compact enough I forget its on me. You can ask for much better than that. Its so wonderful that I converted 2 of my friends that carried bottom feeders. I absolutely would love to have the J-frame they carry, the 340PD. Its even lighter with the scandium alloy frame and titanium cylinder and its chambered for .357 though I would stick to .38 Special. I don't at all mind shooting those but 357 hurts. My 442 is sporting an XS Big Dot front sight, Wilson Combat springs, C&S extended FP, action tune, Altamont classic grips, and an SDM cylinder release. It rides in my RF pocket in a sticky holster.

[Mr_Sheesh]

Had a Browning BDA 380 at one time, it's not tiny but carries a few rounds. I loaded it to be as accurate as I could get it, was great fun for plinking. Not the most powerful gun but was accurate enough to hit what I aimed at, I wouldn't want a 100 grain .355 projectile poking my eye out, dunno about you folks but I suspect you'd feel the same.

[Hickory]

I think few would argue that the JA-25 is probably the best overall pocket gun in the history of firearms:
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[smilie=b:

Yeah but, yeah but, you shoot a bad guy with one of those pee-wee poppers and you'll fight'em afterwards.

[6bg6ga]

Walther PPKS fits in my pocket.

[winelover]

Another vote for the 642 or LCR (357) in revolver class. In the semi auto's is the Kahr CM9. All fit in the same Mika pocket holster. Anything over twenty ounces, unloaded, is not going to work for me.

I have one in my pocket from the time I get up till the time I go to bed. In the cooler months, I wear the Wrangler Riggs Pants made from rip stop cotton.......at about half the price of Duluth Trading offerings.

https://www.denimexpress.com/riggs-jeans-106.html

Carry in the deep front pockets, the cargo pockets will keep the firearm from printing............especially when you keep your other essentials in them.

Summertime, it's shorts that also have cargo pockets, in addition to regular pockets. Cabela's/Bass Pro has canvas offerings.

Winelover

[RED BEAR]

My wife carries a 642 in her purse i wouldn't exactly consider it a a pocket gun. I have never had a Jimenez 25 but had one in 22 and it fired every time and was accurate enough for what it is intended. But a little heavy. I hear a lot about this or that gun being to small well they have been around for more than a hundred years and still going. I have a little erma 25 that i just love and have no problem carrying it usually as a backup but sometimes as my main carry gun. Its not what you carry its how you use it. But i say again i have never come across a better gun for my pocket than a kel tec. It is light as a feather can't be seen works every time what more could you want . Some of the guns suggested are fine guns but don't fit in my pockets well at all.

[Wayne Dobbs]

PPK is an infamous hand biter.

The S&W and Interarms produced guns were junk and neither ever worked even after you swapped out most of the critical parts for German ones.

The 1960s-era Walther Ulm PP is a much better pistol and the German police turn-ins were good buys. The Manhurin France guns were also OK, but less nicely finished. The PP is less reliable in .380 ACP than in the original 7,65 Browning/.32 ACP caliber for which it was designed. For the gun to work reliably you must use Geco, RWS, Norma, Lapua, Sellier-Bellot or Fiocchi full charge, heavy bullet (73-77 grain) Euro-CIP ammo, because American lawyer stuff is the Jam-O-Matic.

I sold both of my PPs when the SIG P230 came out. I acquired three of them, one in 7.65mm and two in .380 ACP. The later P232 with its MIM parts was not an improvement.

242617

Tracks completely with my observations on this over rated pistol, too. I had lots of my cops that wanted to carry one for off duty/back up purposes. Over 15 plus years of trying, we NEVER saw one make it through a 50 round qual course without significant malfunction rates and that was with factory ball ammo. Plus, as Outpost75 mentioned, they have tons of sharp edges that cut the hand and therefore make manipulations and the training thereof, nearly impossible. A pox upon them...

[GhostHawk]

After reading page one I walked away. "Nothing smaller than .390/9mm"

Well that may work for you young fellers. Today went back and read the other 2 pages and was glad to see some love for the .32's and .22mags.

Personally I seldom carry. There really is no place in Fargo ND that I feel I have to be armed to go there. When I do carry it is a little H&R snubbie, double action in .32sw long. Now I know from practice that I can put 6 into a golf ball at 20 feet. Have seen groups that would almost fit in a bottle cap.

I also have figured out that Military and LEO's have one set of expectations from a confrontation. IE they want to see the guy causing the problem in cuffs or cuffed to a gurney on the way to a hospital.

Private citizens on the other hand just want him to go away, leave them in piece.
So we have differing requirements for that pocket pistol.

If pulling it and cocking at, pointing it at them is not enough to stop the aggression.
I'm minded to put one in his eyeball. At that point he has bigger problems to worry about than me.

I'm not saying that the military/LEO's are wrong, for them I suspect they are right.
But their idea's of minimum requirements are not necessarily mine.

So yes when I carry it will be the little H&R. I have it in a small holster with clip. It will go IWB on my left side (Yes I prefer cross draw) or in my pocket. Small enough to have a low footprint. Accurate enough to do what I need to do.

I do not have a pocket .22mag at this point. But if I did I would carry it.

Heck I would carry a Ruger Mk III 22/45 in .22lr but with the long barrel and the
Red Dot sight they are a bit bulky.

But Phoenix arms makes a nice 10 shot .22lr semi in 2 barrel lengths that would easily slip in a pocket. Sell for 120$ sometimes a bit less. I have 2, both are car guns. Kept in a small zippered case, unloaded, but with 2 loaded mags and a 100 round plastic box of ammo. You just need enough situational awarness to get you the 5 seconds needed to get it into action.
Both fit in the door pocket of our vehicles. Almost invisible, but better to have and never need than to need and not have IMO.

Last, I don't expect my opinion to be those of others. But for me it works. YMMV

[yeahbub]

Kel-Tec P11. It's not your Sunday afternoon fun gun for pleasure shooting, but it's accurate and reliable with 10 in the mag and one up the spout.

[Beerd]

A little dated (2011), but here is a link to a "mouse gun" comparison chart:
https://mouseguns.com/pocketautocomparison.pdf
..

[Mr_Sheesh]

Interesting data, TY Beerd.

[Markopolo]

Yes... very nice pocket gun chart... I saved it for reference

[JBinMN]

I said earlier that I soometimes CC 38 Spec., & 357Mag snubbies for "pocket" pistols.

I did not mention, as it may not be a requirement for the OP , or anyone else, but I also have a requirement that most do not have, it seems, & that is that the "pocket pistol" I want to carry can be fired multiple times THRU the pocket, without hindrance for the action to do so.

While some may not consider that as a concern.

I do. That is why I prefer revolvers for something to carry in my "pocket".

It does not matter if I am carrying in my right rear/wallet pocket, front right pocket or not. If I decide to carry it in a jacket/coat pocket, I would want it to be able to be fired THRU the jacket if necessary.

I am not sure that most semi auto pistols will operate in that manner "THRU" the clothing without issue from the slide action. I don't think it is something I would want to have my, or someone close to me, life & limb be dependent on & have it fail in some manner.

Just adding in a bit of something to consider, "before" one makes the final decision on what they want to carry for a "pocket" pistol.
;)

G'Luck on your choices!
:)

[JBinMN]

A little dated (2011), but here is a link to a "mouse gun" comparison chart:
https://mouseguns.com/pocketautocomparison.pdf
..

Yes. Thanks!
:)

[Tripplebeards]

Beretta nano

[psweigle]

I have a Phoenix arms hp25 for pocket carry. Also have a 3" sp101 in 327 federal that fits in most of my jeans. Ruger's lcr line is also a solid choice.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I have a Phoenix arms hp25 for pocket carry. Also have a 3" sp101 in 327 federal that fits in most of my jeans. Ruger's lcr line is also a solid choice.

What type of holster do you use for the Sp101

[RED BEAR]

I like the phoenix 25 have one and am amazed at how reliable and accurate but at 20 oz it to is a bit heavy for me.

[Outpost75]

Tracks completely with my observations on this over rated pistol, too. I had lots of my cops that wanted to carry one for off duty/back up purposes. Over 15 plus years of trying, we NEVER saw one make it through a 50 round qual course without significant malfunction rates and that was with factory ball ammo. Plus, as Outpost75 mentioned, they have tons of sharp edges that cut the hand and therefore make manipulations and the training thereof, nearly impossible. A pox upon them...

Amen!

[MostlyLeverGuns]

I carry a S&W 638, wife carries a Taurus 851 (S&W638 clone) with CrimsonTrace Laser. We like the protected hammer and single action capability, easier to hit the actual 6lb smelly black and white skunks while staying out of range (20 ft). Snake shot first up on the farm from May thru September., skip over for other stuff. The sheilded hammer goes in/out of pockets without catching on stuff.

[35remington]

Concur on the 638 for the same reason above. The single action comes in handy for those non life threatening but necessary shots on pests that crop up from time to time. Handloaded wadcutter is a fine option for around farm and pasture use. Cheap cost of ammo encourages the occasional field shooting which keeps the skill level higher.

[Walks]

I guess I'm exceptionally lucky in my Walther/Interarms PPK/S. It never gives me a jam. But you are right on American Ammo vs European Guns. No works !

I load HOT for my PPK/S and French PP in .32ACP, neither gives me a problem. Went through 8 mags for the PPK/S. Kept 5, sold the others on fleabay.

My COLT COBRA 2" gets shot with 2-3 boxes of ammo every year for 35+ years. Same for my 20yr old S&W 638.
Both are still tight.

Kel-Tec, bought one of the first one, sold it a month later. Haven't touched one since.

[catboat]

S&W 49 or 649 (stainless) Bodyguard ( j frame 5-shot 38 special revolver).

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=s%26w+49&&view=detail&mid=72B13DAEBABDF584C88472B13DAEBABDF584C884&&FORM=VRDGAR

It is the "humpback" design, that has a hammer shroud. Doesn't snag on withdrawing from a pocket. It is single and double action. More accurate than you would think. Put a set of Uncle Mike's combat boot grips on it, and you have a very potent, pointable, accurate, compact gun.

148 grain DEWC bullets with about 4.5+ grains of Unique or 3.5 grains Bullseye are snappy, penetrating projectiles for defensive purposes.

A picture of my S&W 49 Bodyguard 38 special with Uncle Mike's boot grips.

242715

[thraxx]

I've got a NAA Black Widow (.22 mag) that I put in my pocket on occasion. It's accurate and fun to shoot.

[Mtnfolk75]

I agree with JB, while rolling around on the ground in a fight is a poor time to discover that you have a one shot due to weak grip. I have always been a 2” Revolver for Back-up kinda guy, I have dallied with most near every configuration of Back-up gun, including a S&W 469 in an Ankle Holster, always returned to the 2”. I was told that by an Old Marine early in my career, would of been loads cheaper but probably not as fun to stick to the 2”, I think I have finally settled it :Fire:

[psweigle]

What type of holster do you use for the Sp101

No holster. I just put it in my pocket. I blew all my money on the gun, brass, and a mold. Too poor to afford a holster for it just yet. ��

[Boolseye]

Taurus PT-738 (TCP) is a shooter.
Unnoticeable with the right pants in a squirrelskin holster I made. I put 10-20 rounds through it every once in a awhile and I cannot recall ever having a failure. I can group with it at 25 yards if I do my part. Holds 6+1.

It is my understanding that Taurus came up with the design and Ruger followed with the LCP. Correct me if I’m wrong.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Pete44mag]

I EDC a S&W Model 649 (stainless) shrouded hammer j frame .357. I have big hands so hot .357's are not a problem for me. I use a Desantis pocket holster and carry in the front pocket of a pair of blue jeans. The gun disappears.

[Tripplebeards]

A vote for the S&W 329 Nite Guard! Lol with the 2” barrel my titanium 44 mag does fit in my pocket believe it or not. I took it to the range today and put a good 50 plus rounds through it. I started off with some 44 specials I loaded with 180 grain xtp’s and some trail boss to prime the pumps. I put six shots about 2” low and left. The six shot group measured about 2” in outside diameter at 10 yards. I then worked out to 15 yards. About the exact same placement and pattern. Then I grabbed some full power loads! After about fourth rounds I new where I needed to aim. I had a good 20 plus rounds make one big hole the size of my fist about 2” low and left again. Gotta look at the shooting wheel you guys posted to center myself.lol Even with gloves on my middle finger was raw and purple from the trigger guard beating it senseless. My whole body was quivering when I got done.lol but I was stacking em. Oh I forgot the rear sight that is attached by two screws loosened up from the recoil so that might have explained the low and left. The front screw almost was falling out before I noticed and the rear was almost as loose. I degreased it when got home and loc tited them back in. I wonder if anyone makes a scope rail to replace the rear sight? There was another thread tapped in the middle with no screw in it.

[725]

Ruger LCP. Personal preference over the LCP II. Slim, light, and I've never had a malfunction - never. Pocket holster and it doesn't produce a bulge / outline in a pants' pocket. I don't use an off-duty anymore, don't / won't stop any more bank robberies, etc. I just want a "get off me gun" and this one does it for me. Should circumstance dictate otherwise, I'd start at 9mm / .38 as a minimum and work up quickly from there.

[hendere]

LCP for slacks, S&W 642 for jeans. Love both.

[W.R.Buchanan]

I've got a NAA Black Widow (.22 mag) that I put in my pocket on occasion. It's accurate and fun to shoot.

In 4 full pages of this thread you are the first one to mention a real pocket pistol. The rest of you guys must have big pockets!

I went one step farther and made a Pug out of my Mini Master. Also 22 mag.

This gun in the holster weighs about 8 oz loaded, and it doesn't print no matter which pocket you put it in.

It is a true Pocket Pistol.

Randy

[winelover]

Don't necessarily need to have big pockets but they do help. Furthermore, some of us don't have to worry about printing. It's not a law in gun friendly states like Arkansas.

Winelover

[hendere]

My LCP in a pocket holster fits behind my iPhone in the front pocket of my khakis or slacks.

[Shawlerbrook]

I’ll take my original Colt Cobra stubby.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

OK went out window shopping I think I'm going to get the S&W 642 this https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-642 but before I do
will it hold up to shooting 500 or more rounds a year or will it be like a BIC lighter

[charlie b]

It says it is rated for continuous +P use so I'd just shoot it a lot.

[W.R.Buchanan]

It will hold up if you shoot real light .38 spec. loads in it. If you shoot heavier loads it won't.

That gun is an Airweight. It is not designed to be fired alot. It is designed to be "carried alot."

And here I thought I had you sold on a NAA Pug? Which you could easily shoot 500 rounds a month thru.(Designed by the Freedom Arms guys) It would also take you about a month to reload it 100 times. Not the fastest set up, but perfectly reliable.

Randy

[hendere]

I’ve got a couple of thousand rounds through my 642. All cast and the cast majority were +P. It doesn’t seem any worse for wear. Either I got lucky or they’re stronger than they look. Carrying one will ruin carrying anything else for you. It’s just really light and handy. That being said, heavy loads do kinda hurt my hands.



OK went out window shopping I think I'm going to get the S&W 642 this https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-642 but before I do
will it hold up to shooting 500 or more rounds a year or will it be like a BIC lighter

[LUCKYDAWG13]

It will hold up if you shoot real light .38 spec. loads in it. If you shoot heavier loads it won't.

That gun is an Airweight. It is not designed to be fired alot. It is designed to be "carried alot."

And here I thought I had you sold on a NAA Pug? Which you could easily shoot 500 rounds a month thru.(Designed by the Freedom Arms guys) It would also take you about a month to reload it 100 times. Not the fastest set up, but perfectly reliable.

Randy

It looks real cool but no I did look at one but it's just not a good fit for me

[Hippie44]

I’m a revolver guy, S&W M&P 340. I call it my pocket rocket.��

[Texas by God]

Laugh if you want but I'd carry a Beretta 950bs .25 around if I had one. Great little POCKET pistol.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Walks]

I like the S&W 49/649 shrouded design because I can shoot it/them without oversize grips that add bulk to the small revolver.

I use a Tyler T-Grip adapter and lay my thumb over the top of the cylinder release.

The S&W 442/642 Centennial family can be shot the same way, with the thumb over the top of the frame.

[samari46]

My idea of a pocket gun is a S&W model 36 all steel. Next up is a post war Walther PP in 32 auto or as a backup gun. Frank

[charlie b]

Laugh if you want but I'd carry a Beretta 950bs .25 around if I had one. Great little POCKET pistol.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

I had a little Walther that I carried for a while where it wasn't legal to carry. Problem is I was afraid to shoot it. Not enough grip, so every time I fired it there were two grooves cut into the back of my hand.

[luvtn]

I had a little Walther that I carried for a while where it wasn't legal to carry. Problem is I was afraid to shoot it. Not enough grip, so every time I fired it there were two grooves cut into the back of my hand.

Yep, I had a Beretta 950 in .22 short. It ruined my hand every time I shot it! Sold it!
Luvtn

[beemer]

Laugh if you want but I'd carry a Beretta 950bs .25 around if I had one. Great little POCKET pistol.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

I'll not laugh, I bought one in 1987 and carried it for years. It looks a little rough but is as reliable as it ever was. You just have to realize what it is and what it is for. I bought a spare 950 in '94, still in the box and never carried. the price was around $150. If I remember correctly it was function tested with two clips of ammo, cleaned and never fired again.

Now it is usually a LCP 2. I do sometimes carry a 638 but the thinner auto do carry better.

Dave

[W.R.Buchanan]

It looks real cool but no I did look at one but it's just not a good fit for me

:kidding: Randy

[rfd]

j-frame lightweight revolver in .38spl is best for me. it's a gun that will conceal where most won't and will be right about the 1 pound mark. snubbies have been well proven defensive weapons for many decades. some may say their only critique is the 5 round capacity. but if we're realistic about civilian EDC CCW, capacity is not an issue. since they're so easy to conceal, and that they adapt extremely well to 95% or better of all civilian street clothing, they are guns that will always be carried. some may say the .38spl is not the ideal defensive cartridge/bullet. again, being realistic about personal self defense, a .38spl +P is nothing to fluff off as weak cartridge. some may claim a lightweight .38spl snubnose might not be the gun for everyone with regards to recoil and accuracy, but i think that's dispelled for most people who choose the right cartridge build and include a bit of practice. and to boot, revolvers are very safe carry guns, and always at the ready to go bang. be realistic about your needs for an EDC CCW ECQ daily carry. my choice is the s&w 642c.

242992

[FergusonTO35]

I really like my Kimber Micro .380. It is very accurate and easy to shoot, and carries as easily as anything else I have ever tried. I have had some issues with it, hopefully they are fixed. First, the mag would come unlatched and slide down just a bit sometimes when fired. Kimber replaced the mag release and spring and that was corrected. A few months ago, the firing pin plate slipped down under recoil and locked the slide back. Replaced the firing pin spring with a Wolff and that problem hasn't recurred in a couple hundred rounds.

If I had to do it over again, I would get the Sig P238. The Kimber is an almost exact copy of the 30+ year old Colt Mustang, whereas the P238 has some updates. Particularly, the barrel locks into the ejection port like nearly all modern pistols, whereas the Mustang and Micro lock into small grooves inside the slide. The P238 has a spring loaded external extractor, whereas the others still use the internal fixed extractor.

[Petrol & Powder]

I’ve got a couple of thousand rounds through my 642. All cast and the cast majority were +P. It doesn’t seem any worse for wear. Either I got lucky or they’re stronger than they look...........

While I wouldn't recommend shooting thousands of +P rounds though one, they will absolutely hold up to thousands of rounds of standard velocity 38 Special with the occasional 25-50 rounds of +P thrown in.

They are a lot stronger than they look.

The little J-frame is stronger than people give it credit for. Take a minute to look one over. The locking notches are between the chambers in the thickest part of the cylinder. There's quite a bit of steel in that little 5 shot cylinder. The barrel shank does not have the flat cut at the 6 O'clock position like the K-frame does. The barrel shank is almost flush with the frame and is fully surrounded by the frame. The frame is fairly large in comparison to the cylinder (although the top strap may be the weak point on the alloy frames). They are stout little guns.

I've got a 442 that is over 20 years old and it's been shot a lot, including more than a 1000 rounds of +P. It is still tight and shows no signs of giving up. I had to fit a new hand when it got out of time a few years ago but other than that - it has held up fine.

I will caution that if an alloy J-frame develops excessive end shake, you need to correct that immediately. The alloy frame is very strong but they do not tolerate being hammered by a loose cylinder. Excessive end shake will damage any revolver but it damages an alloy frame faster.

[rfd]

head's up, such a deal --- S&W 642 j-frame, no internal lock, for $340/shipped at sportsmans ...

https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/64138

[LUCKYDAWG13]

that is a good deal

[samari46]

Old plain Jane S&W model 36. Either speed strips or speed loaders. And think I may go old school. Belt slides which hold 12 rounds. Have a couple which are way to wide as they were normally riding on a policemans duty belt, I can have then cut so that they are not so wide. Or belt pouches holding 12 rounds each. Why not still viable in this time. Frank

[rfd]

i would refrain from going with an external hammer revolver. there is absolutely no need for that in a defensive revolver, and very well may be a detriment on multiple levels. i used to think the exact opposite, but i was Dead wrong. an internal hammer revolver is the best way to go for EDC CCW.

[str8wal]

i would refrain from going with an external hammer revolver. there is absolutely no need for that in a defensive revolver, and very well may be a detriment on multiple levels. i used to think the exact opposite, but i was Dead wrong. an internal hammer revolver is the best way to go for EDC CCW.

While I agree somewhat with that statement, it depends on the design of the gun. On some revolvers the spur is pronounced and could snag, but my LCRx's hammer is low profile and I have run it though the motions and have zero concern. I like the ability to cock the gun to make a pinpoint shot if necessary.

[Mohavedog]

Ruger LCP. Personal preference over the LCP II. Slim, light, and I've never had a malfunction - never. Pocket holster and it doesn't produce a bulge / outline in a pants' pocket. I don't use an off-duty anymore, don't / won't stop any more bank robberies, etc. I just want a "get off me gun" and this one does it for me. Should circumstance dictate otherwise, I'd start at 9mm / .38 as a minimum and work up quickly from there.

I agree with almost all you have said here. I would take the LCP over the LCP ll because I just don't completely trust a single action for pocket carry with a round in chamber (as it should be). It would have to dire unavoidable circumstances where I would intervene because of my age. So for me my use would be at contact or point blank range. Where I would modify your .38/9mm minimum cal is to go down to .380 acp due to concealability and weight of the weapon.

[rfd]

it's not so much about a possible snagging issue, it's that an external hammer revolver used to shoot a person can yield legal concerns for the shooter. it can also make for an unsafe revolver when prematurely cocked during a confrontation. i believe than an internal hammer revolver is the safest, most reliable and efficient defensive handgun. i can "stage" my 642c reliably on command just by pulling the trigger, and then it's no different than if it was a cocked hammer, and ready to fire with less than a pound of trigger pull.

[owejia]

"it's that an external hammer revolver used to shoot a person can yield legal concerns for the shooter" Can you elaborate on this please?

[rfd]

chris baker - "There is also the legal issue to consider. I’m no expert in this area, but it’s a topic that Massad Ayoob has written about extensively over the years. The possibility exists that you could become involved in a justifiable shooting, and instead of trying to convince a jury that your actions were intentional but unjustified, an over-eager prosecutor could use that light single action trigger to allege that you fired accidentally, and then get a conviction for manslaughter or negligent homicide. It sounds far fetched, but it’s happened more than once, and it’s definitely worth taking into account."

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/double-action-only-revolvers/

[Mr_Sheesh]

Has anyone other than Massad Ayoob written on this? I usually use 1911 family guns for SD - Have revolver tho & could use it for SD too; Training I have had included a fair bit of using SA shooting for revolvers for hostage situations, a wife or kid probably would NOT appreciate you "oopsing" and putting a hole in them, to prevent their being held hostage? Ayoob knows a lot, but seems to go a bit far afield on some opinions, according to some...

[str8wal]

chris baker - "There is also the legal issue to consider. I’m no expert in this area, but it’s a topic that Massad Ayoob has written about extensively over the years. The possibility exists that you could become involved in a justifiable shooting, and instead of trying to convince a jury that your actions were intentional but unjustified, an over-eager prosecutor could use that light single action trigger to allege that you fired accidentally, and then get a conviction for manslaughter or negligent homicide. It sounds far fetched, but it’s happened more than once, and it’s definitely worth taking into account."

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/double-action-only-revolvers/

Pfffft

[str8wal]

Ayoob knows a lot, but seems to go a bit far afield on some opinions, according to some...

Exactly!

[Petrol & Powder]

head's up, such a deal --- S&W 642 j-frame, no internal lock, for $340/shipped at sportsmans ...

https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/64138

That is a good deal

[Petrol & Powder]

Without getting into legal issues, I can say with absolute confidence that I would never carry a snubnose revolver that had a hammer spur.
For me a snubnose needs to have an internal hammer or a bobbed hammer.

I'm NEVER going to shoot that type of gun in single action and a hammer spur is just one more thing to snag on something.

Single action capability on a snubnose is like a security blanket, deep down inside you know you don't need it but some people are afraid to give it up.

[luvtn]

I have had multiple .38 snubs, only one with a bobbed hammer. You draw them with your thumb on the hammer. NO SNAG!
luvtn

[Mr_Sheesh]

Browning BDA I just drew it with my thumb covering the hammer from a pocket holster, it never snagged on me. 14 rounds of .380 seems to be enough to discourage most pests...

[winelover]

Without getting into legal issues, I can say with absolute confidence that I would never carry a snubnose revolver that had a hammer spur.
For me a snubnose needs to have an internal hammer or a bobbed hammer.

I'm NEVER going to shoot that type of gun in single action and a hammer spur is just one more thing to snag on something.

Single action capability on a snubnose is like a security blanket, deep down inside you know you don't need it but some people are afraid to give it up.


:goodpost:


Winelover

[str8wal]

I'm NEVER going to shoot that type of gun in single action and a hammer spur is just one more thing to snag on something.

As I said previously, it depends on the design of the gun. Ruger nailed it with the LCRx. I've tried to snag that hammer and can't do it even deliberately.