[firestarter]

which one of these two will better serve the purpose as my pocket/backup gun? pls help me choose, its about 50/50 right now.

[ugaarguy]

Neither are true pocket guns. Take a look at the thread "Bobo's Pocket Auto Comparison Chart" which is stickied at the top of the autoloaders sub forum. S&W J frames, and their equivalent size Taurus counterparts are the best of the pocket revolvers, particularly in their lightweight alloy variants. If you can find an old Colt Detective Special at a reasonable price it would also be a great pocket revolver.

[Charles S]

I voted other, because I do not like to carry a Glock without a holster, and IMHO a loaded Glock and the Ruger SP101 are both too heavy for a pocket pistol. If I were choosing a pocket pistol I would choose a S&W 642 in a revolver and a Kel-Tec P3At in an auto. Just my thoughts.

[38snapcaps]

Really neither, both too big and too heavy. No way any Glock without a pocket holster. But you seem to be wavering between the two so I picked the Ruger. If I chose "other", it would be a S&W snub.

[Don Lu]

other, small frame taurus or j-frame Smith..w/o hammer or shrouded hammer ..

[10-Ring]

As a pocket gun, my first question is -- 'how big is your pocket?' The G26 & the SP101 are a bit bulky. Personally, I like j-frame smiths better (the 640 specifically) but of your choices I'd go w/ the SP101 just because if need be, I can empty a wheelgun through the pocket, saving those few moments of drawing the weapon.

[absolute0]

My thoughts were already expressed well by previous posters. Neither is a good choice for a pocket gun in my opinion due either to weight or safety concerns.

Seek you an airweight J frame Smith or Seecamp or Kahr...

[jad0110]

Echoing all other posts, unless you are a really big guy with hugeormous pockets, neither is an ideal pocket gun. Especially since this is going to be your BUG. However, between the SP101 or Glock 26, at least the rounded shape of the revolver would be less uncomfortable and easier to conceal than the blocky Glock.

Heck, for me personally, the largest gun I care to pocket carry is my S&W 642 snubbie. It is the only gun I carry, and I feel very confident in it. It weighs significantly less than either the Glock or the SP. Once you get used to it, it simply disappears. I highly recommend the S&W 642 or other S&W J Frame or Taurus snub (hammerless or shrouded hammer), to be carried in a Robert Mika pocket holster http://www.frontiernet.net/~akim/pocket.htm. Robert is a great guy, and I highly recommend his products.

In a semi-auto, take a look at offerings from Kel-Tec, North American Arms, and Khar.

[Nomad, 2nd]

...You did say other... Shrouded hammer Snubby...

[glockman19]

I picked the Glock 26 based on the options I hat the "other" options. Otherwise I would have picked the S&W J-frame either a 642 or 442 is what I pocket carry every day. It can be done with teh Glock 26 as others mention a little heavier and harder to conceal but the glock does offer 110% more rounds than the j-frame and a slightly larger caliber. 5 shots to 10+1 yu make the choice. I'd bet if you put both the Glock fully loaded on a scale and a S&W j-frame with a full speed loader they'd weighh only a few ounces different.

[GVMan]

No doubt about it the S&W 642 with LG405 laser grips from crimson trace. I slipped one in my relaxed fit jeans at the store and it all but disappeared.

Check out The 642 Club in the Revolvers section. It is the best Club on THR!

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=138658

[Gustav]

Check into Totes jeans or 5.11 pants or trousers www.dillionprecision.com www.actiongear.com for bigger pockets and comfortable wear.
Lots of options out there for CCW use carry what you can comfortably use and wear.

[ChristopherG]

A. It is good to have a gun in one's arsenal that is a truly and conveniently pocketable gun.

B. Neither of these fits that description.

C. 642

[mavracer]

+1 642/442

[longeyes]

I think a J-frame is the ideal back-up/pocket gun (Smith 642/442). I prefer a revolver in that capacity. I have an SP101 (3"); I wouldn't call it a pocketable revolver.

[firestarter]

thanks for the reply guys, yall got me thinking about the 642 now. anyways, are the current 642's +p rated? also i have noticed that nobody mentioned the 638, although they show the same list price. is the 638 not good, any difference? thanks!

[ChristopherG]

638 is a great choice--though you may have a little harder time tracking one down.

All the modern S&W .38's are plenty strong for piles of +p ammunition.

[tuckerdog1]

I've moved on to my S&W 638. But prior to getting that, I'd carry my G26 in warmer times of the year, and swap to the SP101 when it got cold. Felt the 357 would do a better job if heavier clothing was being worn by the BG.

Neither were carried in the pocket though.

Tuckerdog1

[John Henry Holliday]

I used to have a 642 but found it very uncomfortable to shoot. I always shoot my carry weapons to be proficient in them. I find the 2.5 inch sp101 handles much better and is much more comfortable to shoot. I can conceal one extremely well in a pocket holster in a front pocket of any decent brand of carpenter jeans.

[briansp82593]

kahr... anyone of them

[philvis]

Both are a bit on the heavy side for a BUG (at least for me). My Charter Arms Off Duty at 14 oz loaded with Speer 135 Grain GDHP load for snub nose revolvers works for me. On the Auto side, the Kahr PM's seem to be a popular choice. These are my choices for a BUG that you would pocket carry.

[cookekdjr]

I voted for the G26, but either choice is gonna be like a brick in the pocket.
I have an alloy j-frame in my pocket right now, and I'm rarely without it. There's alot of sexier guns, but there's a reason so many people carry one.
-David

[slow944]

I carry a KT P3AT in my front pocket everyday in a holster. Helps to conceal the outline and the holster stays in the pocket when evr I have to draw.

[ugaarguy]

thanks for the reply guys, yall got me thinking about the 642 now. anyways, are the current 642's +p rated? also i have noticed that nobody mentioned the 638, although they show the same list price. is the 638 not good, any difference? thanks!

I've got an original M38 bodyguard (picked up second hand) and I love it. I've always liked the old "hump back" with its shrouded hammer. Yes, as others already mentioned, newer S&W J frames are +P rated. However, you really should look at the threads discussing BuffaloBore's new standard pressure .38 loads. Tim Sundles owns BuffaloBore, and posts here under user name Sundles. He developed these loads specifically for high performance from a short bbl, and did so at pressures that are easy in on older alloy frames. Those loads will perform well in whatever flavor of snubbie you choose, and they shouldn't wear a modern frame at all.

[Squidward]

Which one are you better trained in using?

revolver or semi?

The G26 is no,lightweight, but it rides nicely in a nemesis pocket holster.

[ArchAngelCD]

OTHER

The 2 guns you listed aren't considered a "pocket gun" IMO and I wouldn't carry either.

I would buy a S&W M642/442/638 or in a semi-auto a Kel-Tec P-32/P-3AT.

(I own both the S&W M638 and a KT P-32)

[denfoote]

I carry a Kahr MK9 in my pocket.
I have tried to hoof the G26 around in the pocket and I DO have big pockets.
It's really just a tad to big.
Same thing with my Taurus M605. It works, but it really is a holster weapon!!!

The MK9 seems to fit the bill just right!!

[WeedWhacker]

Eleven rounds on tap vs. five rounds should make the choice obvious if you have seriously considered a Glock.

With a nice pocket holster (http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterG3.asp?ProductID=774&GunID=50), it alleviates the concern over an uncovered trigger and it keeps the pistol oriented the same way all the time.

What I don't understand is why people make a big deal about having a Glock with a trigger safety alone in a pocket, yet don't think twice about the same with a revolver which has no safety. Mental conditioning is a funny thing.

[D-Man]

^Wheedwacker - The Ruger's trigger pull weight should almost be about double the Glock's - that's why many people would be more comfortable having the revolver in the pocket (or any other DA/SA or DAO model).

[Charles S]

The Ruger's trigger also must travel farther to fire than the Glock's trigger. However, I won't carry any pocket pistol without a holster, but that is just me.

I do personally know a well trained gentleman who had a Kel-Tec P32 discharge down his leg when the trigger got hung up in change and a small pocket knife. Fortunately he was just got a mild burn, a substantial bruise, and a cut; but the AD scared him and everyone in the store with him.

There is no excuse to have anything else in the pocket with a pocket pistol, and there is no reason to not use a holster for carry.

[mjrodney]

My own S&W 638 is +p rated.

At 17.8 ounces, fully loaded, I can forget it is in my pocket.

Recoil is quite manageable, accuracy is adequate out to 12 yards or so, double action. Single action is available with the 638.

Stoked with Gold Dots, I feel adequately armed for any social encounter my exciting life is likely to run into.

The SP-101, which I also own, is a bit heavy for pocket carry.

[Glockman17366]

IMHO, the Glock and Ruger are either too bulky or too heavy for pocket carry.
I'd go for one of the alloy snubbies.

You say this is a BUG... What is your primary weapon?

[mlandman]

Kahr PM9 is a better fit for my pocket.

[sm]

I do better with a Kel-Tec P-11 for a semi.
K frame snubby such as Model 10, or 64
J frame snubby such as Model 36, 37, 38...

These fit MY niches. Sometimes I have a need to unload.
There are times also where I do take apart gun, and separate slide and frame.
Hence the P-11 is used most.
P-11 requires no tools, Not having to pull trigger to take down adds an additional safety factor due to circumstances and the "where" I break it down.
10 rounds [not +1] means I do not have to concern myself with extra ctg, I just stick it in the mag.

Gets back to gun fit to shooter for tasks.

[DawgFvr]

A revolver, for so many reasons, would be the ideal back-up. Since it would be my second carry weapon, it would have to be very light and concealable. I would recommend the S&W 642 as the perfect choice.;)

[firestarter]

springfield 1911 mc operator

[Skofnung]

I voted for the Glock 26 for this reason:

I have one, and I have one pair of pants (Old Navy cargo shorts) that I can carry the gun, in a Comp-Tac holster, in my right front pocket.

Otherwise, neither are pocket guns.

[txgolfer45]

Neither is really a pocket gun. Both are good choices. Depends upon carry method as to which I would choose. The G26 will have more rounds and more rounds in a backup magazine.

[vow]

I've been carring a GLOCK 26 in a pocket holster in my left front pocket for years and now I find out from you guys that it's too heavy. I find it very comforting, the only problem I had at first was keeping my loose change and car keys in my right pocket. By the way what do you guys use a purse.

[MCgunner]

Both guns are heavy for pocket carry. Of the two, I'd never ever in my lifetime carry a "safe action" gun in a pocket other than condition three, holster or not and I always pocket with a holster. The .357 magnum has the horsepower, the revolver is ready to go with just a pull of the trigger. Revolver, for sure, over any Glock in a pocket.

I carry my SP101 either IWB or in Thunderwear. My Kel Tec P11, a true DAO, is a great pocket auto, +P rated, 100 percent with 115 JHP, and very accurate. It weighs 14 ounces empty. The PF9 is slightly thinner and lighter yet, Kahr has some nice pocketable autos, there's Rohrbaugh for the rich and famous, the smallest 9mm extant, and the PT111 Taurus, all better choices IMHO than any Glock for pocket carry, all true DAO and safe in a pocket pointing at your family jewels loaded and ready.

The airweight .38 revolvers make great pocket back up, too. Why limit yourself to the two guns you specify? How about a Smith 642 or one of the bodyguard shielded hammer .38 airweights?

[The Lone Haranguer]

I've owned both (except that the Glock was a 27, identical to the 26 except for caliber) and don't view either as practical pocket guns. The Ruger is too heavy and the Glock is too bulky. I'm very pleased with my Kahr PM9 as a pocket gun, though not at first - it did have to go back to Kahr to be repaired.

[denfoote]

I've been carring a GLOCK 26 in a pocket holster in my left front pocket for years and now I find out from you guys that it's too heavy. I find it very comforting, the only problem I had at first was keeping my loose change and car keys in my right pocket. By the way what do you guys use a purse.

Actually, I find the G26 to be to fat for pocket carry!!

This might be simply be subjective ergonomics, but I find that the G36 is a better Glock for pocket carry!!! :what:
I buy cargo pants and shorts that have four deep pockets.

The guns are pretty much the same size.
The G26 is on top.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/denfoote/Glock001small.jpg


The G36 is noticeably thinner.
The G26 is on the left.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/denfoote/Glock003small.jpg

Therefore:

http://usera.imagecave.com/denfoote/G36rig1.jpg

http://usera.imagecave.com/denfoote/G36rig2.jpg

The holster is a Galco PH286 for my G26. :eek:

[Kimber1911_06238]

They are both a bit big and heavy for pocket guns. If you feel confident carrying 5 shots without a reload, I'd go with the sp101. If you want more, go with the glock

[fastbolt]

I voted Other.

I own both a SP-101 2.25" DAO and a G26 among my personal collection of 'off-duty guns'. For me (509/170) I find both of them to be a bit heavy for holstered pocket carry except in certain jackets, and even then I feel the drag of them while moving around ... to a much greater extent than when I carry one of my S&W J-frames in a similar manner.

Between the two makes/models I consider the subcompact Glock to be preferable for such occasional chores, and the 5-shot Ruger revolver to be a better belt-holstered gun.

Of course, having to carry a concealed gun & gear in the course of my plainclothes duty everyday I like to be able to 'lighten up' a bit when I'm on my own time. Carrying one (and occasionally two) of my J-frames generally allows me to be armed without 'feeling' the weapon and spare ammunition I'm carrying ...

Different preferences, tastes and needs, though ...

[tbeb]

Smith and Wesson .38 special snub with an internal hammer. I use a model 642.

[Brian Williams]

642
S&W 36, the 642 is really light and very easy to carry, I think the 36 also make for a great carry gun, still lighter that the sp101.

[Rexster]

I bought a G27 to back-up my G22, but in the end, sold the G27 because it could not displace my SP101. Either a Baby Glock or SP101 requires a big pocket, but an SP101 with a spurless hammer will slide out of the pocket SO much more smoothly. Before the SP101, I had used a J-frame snubby for pocket carry, but once I learned to buy pants with big enough pockets, the J-snub found itself spending more and more time in the safe. It's probably been over two years since I used the J-snub.

[RyanM]

SP-101 is basically identical in size, lengthwise and heightwise, to a Glock 19. The G26 will be slightly more compact, except for the back of the slide.

[critrxdoc]

Glock 19

[DevilDog0402]

While not "ideal", I have pocket carried my Glock 33. Doesn't work too well in most of my Jeans, but it does with BDU's or similar pants. I don't know about the SP-101 though.

[5Wire]

I voted Other: I have a 642 but I would go along with any of the Airweight or steel shrouded or concealed hammer J-Frames Plus P or .357. Over at the S&W Forum, there are about 68 pages of threads extolling the virtues of the 642.

Capacity is not a major issue as far as I'm concerned because in most defensive gun uses by civilians the gun isn't fired at all. When a guns are fired, it's usually fewer than three shots, from what I've read. On the other hand, I do keep a couple speed loaders nearby.

[Rokman]

I vote S&W 442, 638, or 642. I love my G26, but my 642 is a better pocket pistol to me.

[Pistol Toter]

My 2.25" SP101 is my 99% carry piece. Loaded with the 125 gr. Remington Golden Sabre with a reload, I don't feel a bit under protected.

[lanternlad1]

i chose the the SP101 just because its .357 mag. If it was the Glock 27, (.40 S&W), that would be different. But I'd still have chosen the SP101. :)