[Rabid Rabbit]

I can't get the semi auto pocket guns in MD that I wanted. MD doesn't think they are for sporting purposes and Keltec doesn't need the business that badly to jump through the hoops to be approved. So now I'm checking out my options. The J-frame and similar sized revolvers are a little bigger than what I want, does anybody other than NAA (which I can't buy in MD, except for the Guardian) make a small revolver. Even something like a 4 shot 38 would fit the bill.

[DDGator]

There are no revolvers in current production that is smaller than an airlite Smith, but larger than an NAA mini-revolver to my knowledge...

Taurus is working on a 5 shot 9mm snubby that will be marginally smaller than a S&W j-frame -- they call it the "Instant Backup." Available next year sometime.

[MrMurphy]

The J-frames are easy for pocket carry. I had a P32, and the J-frames are just as easy in the pocket with a good pocket holster.

The 642 is the best of the bunch for a combo of light weight and controllable fast shooting. The titaniums/scandiums are very light, but hard to control for fast accurate shooting in my experience, admittedly limited to about fifty rounds.

[wdlsguy]

Seems like a NAA Guardian in .32 or .380 should work.

[anapex]

I've seen mostly Guardians here in MD but I have also seen some Seecamps. If you don't want any of those there's always the small polymer framed Kahrs. Depending on your pocket size a Sig P230 or 232 isn't that much larger or a Bersa.

[Swamprabbit]

I carry the S&W 642 and find it a great combination of small size and "shootability". It carries well in my front pocket wearing pleated front slacks or "cargo" style jeans.

[another okie]

I have a Taurus 85 in titanium that weighs about 13 ounces unloaded. I also have a Kel-tec P32, but I carry the Taurus. It's bigger, but the rounded shape conceals well and the revolver grip is easier to draw from a pocket than the squared off semi-automatic handle. I use a Kramer pocket holster. I have also added Crimson Trace laser grips, which I find helpful in low light shooting. I prefer to carry a Glock 26, but there are times when a pocket is about all I can stand.

[22luvr]

I've carried Taurus models 85, 605 and Smith models 638 and 340SC in my right front pocket. I carried them all in an Uncle Mike's soft flexible size 3 fabric holster. The Uncle Mike's is super light, thin, inexpensive, and easily masks the outline of the snubby, especially the cylinder.

While the snub tends to get a bit "lumpy" in tighter jeans or pants, it is all but undetectable in looser pants, like the pleated Docker-styles that I wear.

Yes, weight is a factor in comfort and my favorite of the bunch above was the Smith 638 bodyguard. It was a perfect compromise between weight and comfort. To get real picky about weight, I found that anything over one pound in weight (gun, ammo, holster)tended to drag my pants down and cause my pocket to sway/flop unnaturally. Anything less was almost ideal.

I felt little self-conscious the first few times I toted a snubby but realized that the general public is pre-occupied and most people just don't go around looking at pants pockets!

Get a snub, a good holster, some self-defense ammo, pocket it and remember the 11th commandment: "Thou shall not sweat it."

[Litlman]

S&W 442 front left pocket . Speed loader right pocket.

[Rabid Rabbit]

22LVR I suspect you're right about the public in general. I was concerned about the 6.5 in length and the cylinder more so about the length but with the right holster I bet it looks like a wallet. Time to hit the stores and see how they fit.

Thanks for the suggestions and info.