Pocket Pistols

[Pro2a]

So we all know Lucky Gunner from our various ammo quests. I've never really compared prices there, because I've found that targetsportsusa.com has some really good prices and free shipping on thousand round orders. But enough of the shameless plug of which I make nothing.
Seems like the owner(maybe, I'm guessing) has been putting out some really informative videos. I found his video on shotgun storage at home very helpful in considering some angles I'd never thought of.
In this video, he points out that maybe pocket pistols aren't so useless. This video turned me on to the tactical professor, some ex military guy who specializes in small caliber handguns for self defense.
I fell like I need to make a disclaimer here that is covered in the video- This isn't for all situations everytime, but if the conditions warrant, and it's all you can get away with, maybe 32ACP isn't so bad.
And it really has me thinking that the Ruger LCR is a cute little 5 shot option, which by the way is covered in the second video of this series. Never thought that a revolver might have a better angle of grip in the AIWB postion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv6PxB2TqLM

 

[smithers599]

The Kel-Tec .32 auto was a game-changer. It made revolvers for pocket carry obsolete. They followed it with the .380, which Ruger then copied with the LCP, and then everybody else got in on the act.

The Kel-Tec .32 was inspired by the Seecamp .32, which was very expensive, and heavier because it was made of metal before plastic frame technology (coughGlockcough) became popular. The Seecamp never got into mass production like the Kel-Tec. The Seecamp was inspired by the pocket .25s, but .25 ACP really is next to useless for self-defense, except as a threat. (Back off! I have a gun!)

If you are thinking about an LCR for pocket carry, think again. The LCP is much easier to carry in your pocket.

 

[AZDESERTRAT]

I owned the keltec 32, then the p3at and lcps, upgraded to the s&w bodyguard 380 for the added safety. Pocket or belt clip loaded with Buffalo bore 100gr hard cast its the Perfect small call carry gun. All rode well in the pocket but the BG is by far the best choice imo. The .45 or 9mm sheids I rotate are great larger cal options but no matter the clothing they both print a little. BG disappears in any clothing.
I’ve always thought a .32 or .380 is better than just my pocket knife when wearing a larger caliber was not as convenient or practical

 

[samnev]

I still carry a Berreta Tomcat.

 

[Pro2a]

I owned the keltec 32, then the p3at and lcps, upgraded to the s&w bodyguard 380 for the added safety. Pocket or belt clip loaded with Buffalo bore 100gr hard cast its the Perfect small call carry gun. All rode well in the pocket but the BG is by far the best choice imo. The .45 or 9mm sheids I rotate are great larger cal options but no matter the clothing they both print a little. BG disappears in any clothing.
I’ve always thought a .32 or .380 is better than just my pocket knife when wearing a larger caliber was not as convenient or practical

I thought the S&W BG was the bees knees until I shot the Glock42, and that is still the smoothest shooting .380 I have experienced, although I haven't tried the Shield EZ, but it does start to get our of the pocket realm.

 

[Pro2a]

The Kel-Tec .32 auto was a game-changer. It made revolvers for pocket carry obsolete. They followed it with the .380, which Ruger then copied with the LCP, and then everybody else got in on the act.

The Kel-Tec .32 was inspired by the Seecamp .32, which was very expensive, and heavier because it was made of metal before plastic frame technology (coughGlockcough) became popular. The Seecamp never got into mass production like the Kel-Tec. The Seecamp was inspired by the pocket .25s, but .25 ACP really is next to useless for self-defense, except as a threat. (Back off! I have a gun!)

If you are thinking about an LCR for pocket carry, think again. The LCP is much easier to carry in your pocket.

When you say LCP, do you mean LCP2?
I hated my LCP, and have heard the LCP2 is GREATLY improved, I would like to try one someday.
At the time though, my understanding of weapon choice was greatly narrowed. I have expanded my knowledge to understand that the LCP (1 or 2) of for close range encounters, and has a totally different job than say, the full size pistol that may be by the bedside. But as usual, the shit gun you happen to have is better than the one you don't have at all.

 

[What]

Glock 42/43 is a great pocket pistol that I can wear in any formal/casual pant. Cell phone would easily fit in with it to cover any gun print as some pockets I have are very slim and small.

Smooth shooting for how small it is compared to any other .380 pocket pistol I've shot. Though I haven't tried the Sig .380.

Also handy to have for jogging/hiking with short and shirt as well.

 

[87jeep]

Will stick with a P938. Like the 1911 style, fits in front or back pocket as well as IWB. Always goes bang.

 

[XJThrottle]

Both my GF and myself have LCPs. She actually shoots hers more than I.

 

[brandyspaw]

I'd always carried the Airweight J frame (M642/M442) Smith revolvers for my pocket carry. Then several years ago I began thinking I should get up to date and looked for a replacement for my old revolvers. So I began looking at pistols that were flatter and had a bit more capacity than the 5 rounds of the J frames.

I started with the Kel-Tec P32 and P3AT but could never get the reliability out of them that made me comfortable enough to risk carrying them. They sure had the slimness and lightweight features down but the execution of the guns were (and perhaps still are) lacking. So when Ruger made their 380 copy I was elated.

However, I had functioning issues with the LCP as well. I guess the newer models (this was an early one I had) are much improved but I again moved on a Kahr CW9. Not much of an improvement in capacity although I can carry a 7 round magazine and at least the Kahr is a 9mm. I always use a DeSanti Nemesis pocket holster and the Kahr disappears when using it. I still carry one of my J Frames from time to time but the Kahr has come the closest for being acceptable for reliability.

I should add that I still don't feel comfortable carrying such a low capacity handgun in this day and age. I feel much better with a double stack gun but when its t-shirts and shorts weather. like it is for most of the year in central and southern AZ, a pocket pistol is the best you can do.

 

[lew]

Given how easy it is to conceal my G19 or Hi Power, I've never had the need for a pocket pistol. To each their own, though. Cheers!

 

[41fan]

Myself for pocket carry on my weekends I carry a Ruger LCP II in the pocket holster it came with. also have a Versacarry IWB holster and 2 inexpensive single mag holders I picked up off Amazon. Ammo choice is the Sig Sauer brand JHP.

 

[Tenring]

Sig P238, best shooting 380 out there, if I want something a littler bigger P938.

 

[AZ Husker]

 

[knockonit]

little 32 guy religiously, and practice with it each time out at 7 yds, terrible trigger, but hey once you master it, well the rest is history
happy tuesday
rj

 

[Viper 1-26 INF]

I usually carry a Beretta Pico as a BUG to my HK P2000sk or Sig P320c. A lot of people bagged on them when they first came out for the grip being somewhat slick, but you can switch out the frame just like a Sig P320 and they are only $15.00, so you can go ahead and stipple them without worrying about messing up the gun. They're chambered in .380 and according to Beretta are rated for "+P." I load mine with the Underwood Ammo +P Gold Dots. Quality on the Pico is higher than the Keltecs and LCPs (they're also thinner), with price being close (bought mine for $15.00 more than an LCP II). They shoot well, and the slight improvement in effectiveness of the "+P" loadings are noticeable. I wouldn't carry it normally as my only gun (except when going out for a run/exercising), but makes an acceptable backup to my main carry.

 

[Lucafu1]

I mainly pocket carry. I carried PF9s for a long time. Now I carry a 9mm LCRs (mostly) or a Glock 43 (clip draw). I will stick with those for a long long time.

 

[storage_man]

I to always carried in a pocket a J-Frame 642 like [mention]brandyspaw[/mention]. Its a bit larger than a LCPII, but is workable in a pocket. I also have an LCPII which is head and shoulders better than the origiinal, but it still has an extremely long trigger pull.

But today there are many choices out there for pocket carry. I finally made a decision on a Springfield 911. Its about the same size as the LCPII, but is so much better. Its like shooting a 1911 with a custom trigger and its double action with the external hammer. It weighs a little more than the LCPII but has 7+1 capability. It has a grip safety and the best thing about it for me is the external safety. People with larger hands will have no issue shooting this gun with just 2 fingers on the magwell. It is knurled on the front and back of the magwell that makes it comfortable shooting with one hand.

Great pocket holster