[cajun47]

something that i can throw in my front pocket and not worry about being made. but must be reliable all the time.

[fletcher]

Depends on your price range. Ones that come to mind offhand include (in increasing price) Kel-Tecs, NAAs, Seecamps, Rohrbaugh.

My friend has a P3AT as his carry gun and has never had any reliability problems.

[CypherNinja]

I carry a P3AT as well. Love it.

[1BLINDREF]

S&W 642 - enough said :D

[scubie02]

there isn't one. But some are a bit closer than others or work some of the time at least. It also depends on the size of your pockets/style of dress.

For me the closest I probably have is the lightweight j-frame smith's. With the right sorts of pants or cargo shorts you can wear it in a pocket holster. With some jeans or pants if the pockets aren't big enough or they fit tight enough it's a no go. For me the rounded lines on a revolver actually conceal better in a pocket than many more square auto's.

Now, Kel-tecs are lighter and smaller, the one I had happened to be reliable, but it had some issues that caused me to dump it. The little Beretta 21's are small and reliable but fat and heavy. My kahr PM9 has been reliable so far but seems harder to conceal or draw from a front pocket to me.

So so far in my life...it's the j frame

[rantingredneck]

I like my NAA Guardian in .32NAA. Ammo is not readily available though. I'd love to have another in .380.

18 rounds at 7 yds rapid.

http://www.rantingredneck.com/evolution/media/32NAA%20target.JPG

[cajun47]

how bad are the kel-tec jams? is it likely to be fixed in an instant?

[Geronimo45]

Baby Browning.

[Baneblade]

I tried the Smith 642 in the pocket... just a little too big. Love the gun otherwise.

I ended up with a P3AT and it is great. I carry it on a regular basis in the back pocket of slacks and blue jeans. I have put approximately 250 rounds through it with no problems. And I have to borrow someone elses phrase. Badguy MOA. I was very happy with the accuracy, considering the size.

[shootallatime]

According to what I'm wearing and where I'm going, I pocket either a Bersa .380, or a Ruger SP101 .357 mag with a 2.25 in barrel.

[bulbboy]

S & W 642

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f284/kevinmichaeldick/sw642.jpg

[GVMan]

S&W 642! At first I thought that I could only put it in the front pocket of a couple pairs of pants that I have. But the more I carry it the more I get used to it and I am finding that I am quite comfortable in most everything. I have found several pairs of shorts from llbean and Cabelas that have a pleated front pocket and that works very well.

I am carrying the 642 in my front pocket a lot more often compared to how often I was carrying my 9mm pistol IWB or OWB.

[glockman19]

Another 642 fan here. I liked it so much I went and bought a 442 too.

[Mortech]

Taurus 85CH , or my S&W 3913 are what I toss in my pocket when I'm in a rush .

[Rustynuts]

I've had a couple FTF or FTE at the range with my P3AT. I believe ammo or grunge related (I don't think the KT's like to be dirty!). All were easily cleared by a simple rack of the slide.

[Cannonball888]

Kel-Tec P3AT or any of the S&W Airweight snubbies in .38 Spl

[tegemu]

For me it is a 3" 1911. My Kimber Ultra Carry II is almost the same size as a snubby. A good pocket holster and loose britches and it disappears.

[Glockman17366]

For me, it's a Taurus 85 Multi-Alloy. Caliber is .38 Spl +P.

Weight of the gun bothers some more then others. For a pocket piece, I prefer very light weight.

Don't pocket carry without a holster.

[Cocked & Locked]

No less than this S&W 642 .38 special

http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL523/3082611/6486409/176636797.jpg



No more than this Glock 26 9mm

http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL523/3082611/16805181/260861847.jpg

http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL523/3082611/16805181/263277821.jpg

[ranger58]

s+w 642 enough said.again.:rolleyes:



R58

[Glockman17366]

Cocked & Locked..
Those are some nice pictures of your snubby and the G26!

The G26 is too big for my pockets...what kind of pants do you wear when you carry that one?

[IMTHDUKE]

Two I carry in pocket holster...I like the Robrbaugh R9 best because it's DAO 9mm and the Colt Pocket Lite is cocked and locked and .380 cal

http://www.treasureislandbedandbreakfast.com/images/GUNS/R9.jpg
http://www.treasureislandbedandbreakfast.com/images/GUNS/Mustang Pocket Lite.jpg

[Cocked & Locked]

The G26 is too big for my pockets...what kind of pants do you wear when you carry that one?
Ones with bigger pockets. It is not comfortable to carry 100% of the time all day in MY pocket...but neither is the 642. If the pocket is not so big that the gun works back-and-forth as I walk I can do it OK.

I don't think any gun that I feel "caliber confident" in rides too well in my pocket all day long...short excursions yes.

[The Lone Haranguer]

I won't say it's ideal for everyone. But my pocket gun is a Kahr PM9, in a Mika pocket holster (some sort of holster is mandatory IMO), in "relaxed-fit" jeans, cargo pants or some casual slacks.

Just because some guns may fit in some pockets (e.g., my S&W MP9C or former Glock 27 will/would fit in my cargo pants) does not make them pocket guns. They will print excessively, are heavy and don't leave your hand room for a good grasp on the gun butt. When selecting pants I run my bunched fist into the pockets to be sure they will accommodate my gun and hand.

[Newton]

Some of you guy must have big pockets.

P-3AT or P32 here.

I tried carrying the 642 in a Desantis Nemesis holster and it still looked like I had an orange in my pocket.

The Glock 26 is very nice, but way too wide for a pocket IMO.

[scubie02]

well, it totally depends on the shorts/pants whether pocket carry will work with just about any of them. Not all pockets are created equal. Then again, if you have a pair of whatever where the pocket just won't fit anything...you can always throw on a holster and cover garment and carry what you want :D

[W.E.G.]

If your attire is such that carrying ANY serious firearm in your front pocket is a realistic option, you can probably much more easily conceal a more serious firearm somewhere else on your body. I've played around with little guns that I could (with considerable discomfort and awkwardness) cram into my pants pocket. Every time, I've come away from it thinking, "There HAS to be a better way!"

[scubie02]

well, they fill a niche. there's always going to be some time when wearing a full sized gun and holster is problematic. things like first dates or funerals where somebody might be hugging you and getting a surprise, whereas (in the case of the funeral anyway) they probably won't be sticking a hand in your pocket...

[Nikdfish]

for front pocket carry, I like my Kel-Tec PF-9. Single stack 9mm 7+1 DAO. 400+ rounds with no malfs to date.
http://www.skhowell.com/images/kt-pf9-1.jpg

Nick

[Black Adder LXX]

I currently have a P64 Radom, which I trust more than Kel-Tecs. I really want a 642, though. They're pretty amazing.

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa150/BlackAdderLXX/IMG_0027.jpg

[Border]

342PD or 340. For deep concealment I go with my Seecamp in .32.

[shooter1]

Ideal pocket pistol ? Why, a 7oz .45 of course!!! Someone wake me up when they hit the market. Till then guess I'll continue to carry the P-3AT.
str1

[TehK1w1]

Well, the ideal pocket carry gun is .45 acp or larger with very little recoil, carries 15+ rounds, is DA/SA and can be carried cocked and locked, is absolutely reliable, weighs 10oz or less, and is less than 4" high, 5" long, 1" wide. Good luck finding one of those though :p

[obxned]

I love my P3AT, but there are times and places where a NAA Mini-revolver would be great.

[TonyB]

I pocket carry a 642 in a DeSantis Nemesis.Sometimes I actually have to pat it to make sure it's there.I wear Docker type pants.They are a little baggy but the gun doesn't show at all.Some of you "tight pants"guys may have issues w/ a snubby revolver though.

[Keoni]

Colt Pony

[Lancel]

Well, a Kahr PM9 is about equal weight as a S&W 642 but the Kahr is shorter and slimmer with both more rounds and more powerful ammo.
The Kahr carries in a pocket but I normally wear mine in an IWB holster. :)

I've found that a Seecamp .32 is a very reliable, concealable, and unobtrusive pocket pistol.

Larry

[vito]

S&W640. Its a little heavier than some, but the stainless steel gives me a feeling of confidence and when fired it does handle recoil better than the airweights. Since I now load it with 38+p rather than 357mag, I might have bought a more expensive gun than I needed for pocket carry, but it still fits the bill.

[WC145]

I have to go along with the P3at fans. I carry one as a back up and by itself when nothing else fits (like in scrubs). As far as accuracy goes, if you do your part the gun will do it's part. When we qualify we have to shoot the same course with our BUGs as our duty weapons. That means shooting from 3 to 25 yds, standing, kneeling, prone, from the draw and from the ready, center mass and head shots, reload and reengage, etc, etc, etc. The course of fire is 50 rounds and you have to shoot it twice, back to back. This spring I shot 50/50 with my HK USPc duty weapon and 49/48 with my P3at with zero failures. The best part was out shooting several guys that were shooting their issue Glock 21's with my tiny Kel-tec!

[scurtis_34471]

I use a Bersa Thunder .380 CC for pocket carry, but am seriously thinking about getting a Kahr PM9. The Rohrbaugh is sweet, but way too much money.

[orionengnr]

another Kahr PM9 guy.

I have owned j-frames (not as small as they appear) and Glocks (too thick, too heavy). I have tried a P3AT (not confident in .380, plus the one I was firing had at least one malfunction per mag).

I'm sticking with the PM9. BTW, I am 5'9", 135 lbs, and not of the baggy/draggy generation. :)

[ok41]

Bottom feeder and pocket lint don't mix well.

642 all the time. That's my $0.02

[ArchAngelCD]

A S&W J frame, either a 12 oz Airlite or a 15 oz Airweight.
My J frame is a 15 oz. S&W Model 638.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/DSCN2082.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/DSCN2083.jpg

Or when it just has to be very small, one of the small KelTec offerings, the P-32, P-3AT or maybe the PF-9.
My KelTec is a P-32 in 7.65mm Browning.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/DSCN2086.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o26/ArchAngelCD/DSCN2087.jpg

[rchernandez]

Desert Eagle .50AE.....for those with deep pockets:D




personally, I go for a Keltec 3AT in a DeSantis Sting Pocket holster. S&W37 or any small J-frame with a good leather pocket holster will work most of the time.

Also have a Ruger SP101 but it proves too heavy for pocket carry except in some jeans or some "jacket" carry.

[Sulaco]

The only pistol I own is a Ruger SP101 2.25" in .357 Magnum. I can pocket carry it if I have to but I prefer not to. I have an OWB holster I use with a good belt, but I really don't like to carry a pistol on my belt. I'd much prefer to pickup a used Kel-Tec in .380 or even a pre-lock S&W 642 but I don't have the money right now and finding those used is hard to do.

I keep the Ruger with me when I am out and about and I have a shotgun at the house so I feel well armed even if I am not carrying all the time.

[Alphazulu6]

Some of you guy must have big pockets.

P-3AT or P32 here.


I agree. Kel-Tec P3AT is the best way to go. Just throw it in a nice Don Hume or DeSantis holster and you have the perfect pocket carry firearm.

[Tully M. Pick]

Kel-Tec P3AT in a Ron Graham "Reno" pocket holster. Best combo I've ever tried.

[LightningJoe]

Taurus PT-745. Regular pockets in regular slacks.


Pocket carry has enormous tactical advantages. Even if you have to carry a smaller gun, the advantages of pocket carry outweigh the caliber/capacity trade-off.

[Moxy]

Kel-Tek P-3AT - My father picked one up and loved it - I shot it... it stings like a firecracker but it's an amazingly accurate little guy for the size. My father got another one just when I got my carry permit - I "borrowed" it and have yet to give it back - I love it. And I just grabbed one of my own too. I might give the new one back to my pops as I'm kinda fond of the one I conned him out of.

I will say this - as far as the jamming problems it's the easiest fix in the book - Call Kel-Tek and the'll send you out a replacement spring and ejector or you can send them your gun and they'll do the work for you. Happened with both of my father's P-3AT's but since the fix there haven't been any problems. Also the issue didn't surface until we'd put about 100-200 rounds through them so make sure you give it some serious range time before you carry it. I've heard that the replacement parts are being put on at the factory now so new P-3AT's should have the jamming problems that older production runs had.

EDIT: I'd like to add that I use the belt clip that attaches to the P-3AT - I clip it in my pants under the belt and it's gone. It's easy to get at if I need to also. For a $12 accessory skip the pocket holster and go with this. I don't think I'd carry it any other way.

[Sulaco]

My buddy is a state cop and his only personally owned gun is an older (and 100% reliable) Kel-Tec P32. He uses the belt clip carry method and takes it everywhere he goes. He even clips it on his running shorts.

If I could afford it, I'd love to get one just for things like running or washing the car, etc.

[Legionnaire]

P32 for me. The P3AT wasn't available when I bought my P32. It's one of the first 200 made, and it did go back to the factory once early in its life to have the extractor replaced. Since then, no problems. Rides in an Alessi pocket holster. Buying today, I'd go with the P3AT. The Kel-Tecs are easy to take apart and "fluff-n-buff," and very good for the price. Top of the line would probably be a Rohrbaugh, but too spendy for me.

An alternative to pocket carry is a deep cover shoulder rig worn under a loosely fitted button-down shirt. I have one that wears like a belly band, but around the chest, with shoulder straps to keep it up. The P32 simply disappears in it, and a Kahr PM9 can also ride there comfortably. Maybe not quite as quick on the draw as pocket carry, but it's great for sitting/driving. Just don't wear a close-fitting tailored shirt. This (http://www.gunblast.com/Kangaroo.htm) isn't the one I have, but it gives you the idea.

Found it. This (http://business.fortunecity.com/huntsman/102/GunHolsters.htm) is the one I wear fairly often. It will handle guns I wouldn't want to try and pocket carry.

[PX15]

The one you CAN have with you anytime, anyplace....

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_6900.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_6811_01.jpg


His 'n hers... ;)


J.Pomeroy

[huntershooter]

If a 642 S&W is too big, I would recommend the NAA "Guardian" in .380. That is the smallest handgun, in terms of size and caliber, I have any confidence/faith in.

[Rustynuts]

The guardian is also filled with lead or something (not the bullets). Thing feels like a brick when you pick it up, and not in a good way. I was going to buy one based on size/reviews, but when I picked one up at a show I was surprised. Bought a Kel Tec instead.

[lonewolf5347]

I carry a little Beretta 21 A in 22cal. with long rifle CCI goes in the back pocket
The best shot with this little gun was a woodchuck at 20 yards hit the sucker twice.
I like the 1/2 cock and saftey up

[Garfunkel]

My son-in-law bought a Taurus revolver. BUT now that I have my P3AT . . . he's gotta have one! I carry it EVERY day. It shoots flawlessly. I am totally pleased.:)

[wuchak]

P-3AT

In a DeSantis Nemesis it can be carried safely in any pocket and it disappears. I opened the seam on the pocket catch of my Nemesis so an extra standard mag can be carried in it under the grip. This really helps break up the outline. The whole package: Nemesis, P-3AT with +1 mag inserted and 1 in the chamber, and extra standard mag for a total of 14 rounds, weighs in at just under 16 ounces.

If you need REALLY deep concealment try it in an xtra small SmartCarry. In the SmartCarry you get a pocket for the pistol plus another that can be used for an extra magazine, pepperspray, tac light, knife, cash, etc. This rig can be concealed under anything more than a Speedo. Seriously, you can wear it comfortably under a pair of lightweight running shorts. Under a pair of pleated front pants the only way someone could tell you are carrying is if they grabbed your crotch.

Good articles on the pocket gun subject over at http://www.mouseguns.com. The Pocket Gun Chart is a great reference. If you click the Revolver or Semi-automatic link you'll get a page with a list of mousegun articles by caliber.

[10-Ring]

Really depends on the pockets ;) but I'd go w/ a j-frame as my first choice and maybe a poly kahr like the PM9 as my 2nd choice and a good quality holster

[skud_dusty]

It's a little on the larger side, but it fits nicely in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster. I haven't been made yet :neener:

http://www.militarygunsupply.com/images/firearms/p64.jpg

The best part is it only cost $200 with 2 mags (one brand spankin new) and FFL.

[shooter1]

The Maks are fine little pistols. Just too heavy for me to pocket carry.
str1

[AntiqueCollector]

When I must pocket carry it's usually 1 or 2 derringers...I do plan on getting a nice little pocket revolver instead but it's gonna be a while I think.

Otherwise, it's open or concealed carry with a large revolver.

[DawgFvr]

642 in larger pockets. My P3AT in tight jeans, suit, tuxedo. PT145 in a mika holster for large jacket pockets. As always...carry in accordance to your mode of dress.

[Neophyte1]

both worlds; single shot or double action

[jt1]

This works well for me.

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u152/jt1jt1/P6210003-1.jpg

[shooter1]

jt1,
Ok, you got me! Why is there only 4 rds in the speed strip?
str1

[erict]

I tote a 340pd. The Keltecs are smaller but I prefer the revolver.

[jt1]

shooter1 - It's kind of relevant so I'll post the answer here:

...After trying various reload carry options I have been using speed strips configured as shown in the pic below. This is the fastest way for me to reload and although I am giving up one round using this method I have found that it takes me just as long to load the fifth single round as it does to load all four rounds loading two at a time. I load two and pull up to release from the strip, then without changing my grip I load the other two and pull down to release the last two. Drop the strip and close the cylinder. I find that about 80% of the time I can get the empty chamber to close under the firing pin and I am ready to go. When I don't get the proper alignment it is just a matter of an immediate action drill (click, bang) which is good training anyway. With this method I can also just load two and go if I need more rounds right now. Like anything else it takes practice but I can reload a lot faster than I can type. As has been noted before in a normal threat environment it is unlikely you will need to reload to reduce a threat but you just never know and I will continue to practice. I like speedloaders as well and they can be very fast with practice but the speed strips are so easy for me to carry I almost always go with them...

P.S. - As with almost everything else, this is not a new idea. I got it from a post at the 642 Club.

[shooter1]

Ok, JT. It makes perfectly good sense now. Better to load four quickly and get the gun back up, than to load five slowly and have the gun down for a longer period. Back when we carried issue revolvers we used dump pouches, which were faster than loading from the belt. but later on we were issued speed strips and speed loaders. Always carried six in the strips.
str1

[Gazz]

The ideal pocket gun is the one you have with you. Myself, it is usually my S&W M38. I think one of the KelTec .380's would not be a bad choice though.

[DAdams]

642, 340 or PM9.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/dmadams/P7180001.jpg