[abrink]

Since i'm getting tired of lugging around a full size auto everyday i've decided to switch to pocket carry. My question to you is if i should get a revolver (like the S&W 642) or an auto (like a kel-tec or a walther or something.)

What are your experiences? A revolver is OK but only 5 shots worries me. I drill putting 2 in the head and 3 in the chest. What if there's 2 BG's? What if there's more than 2? I know you can use speedloaders but you need to take time to get to them. And it's an akward shape to conceal. What brands do you reccommend?

Sorry for the poll: just vote for a brand and not whether an auto or revolver.

[DawgFvr]

You can search this and every other forum on this subject til the cows come home and still have a few opinions to read the next day.

I say stick with the 642...and aim center of mass...forget about the head shot crap.

You and the BG together are not likely to fire more than 3 shots, whether the situation is an ambush, armed robbery, or family fight. In the majority of cases, the initial exchange of fire will determine the outcome. The speed in which you can react to danger, therefore, is likely to be a more critical commodity than the amount of ammunition you have at your disposal. You probably carry more ammunition than you will ever need.

Now...having said that, if there is a buch of BGs' attacking you and they all have guns...well then, guess you are in big trouble eh? Hope you are all prayed up.

[JDGray]

My P32 Keltec is reliable, very small:) If the new Ruger 380 proves to be reliable, I'll get one of em, but I'll let some time go by first.

[boalex207]

Smith and Wesson 642 which recently replaced a Kel-Tec P-3AT. The P-3AT was ultra light, flat, and concealable, but had reliability issues. And in a close range gun like pocket carry, reliability is key.

With a 5 shot wheelgun, and more than 1 BG, you just have to revert to "Boarding House Rules"...everybody gets ONE before anybody gets TWO. Most BG's will lose a lot of their courage when they see their colleague get ventilated right before their eyes.

Use a speed strip instead of a speedloader. Strips conceal flat, and with practice, you can get reloaded and back in the fight quickly.

[marinepilot81]

The Kel-Tec PF9 is "snappy" when you shoot it. It does however offer the smallest frame 9mm around and has sights. That's a huge step up from the P3-AT I used to carry in my pocket.

[p89cajun]

I tried a revolver for pocket carry and ended up not liking it. Not that it is bad for pocket carry it is just I ended up not liking revolvers. The next gun I plan to purchase is a kel-tec p3at. I have handled them and realy like em.

[single action]

recently bought a s&w bodyguard. VERY easy to conceal. Like it a lot, but love my sp101. The ruger is just a bit heavy to conceal.

[The Lone Haranguer]

I am quite fond of the Kahr PM9 as a pocket gun - in a large enough pocket. It has a flatter profile in the pocket (no cylinder bulge) and is far easier and more pleasant to shoot than any lightweight snubnose revolver I've tried, and it holds two more rounds of a more efficient cartridge. The flatter profile does work against it when drawing from the pocket - you have to dig and claw at the grip to get a good grasp on it, and the protrusion of the rear of the slide and rear sight is more prone to snag than the smooth contours of a concealed-hammer revolver.

There are some things to be aware of about a pocket gun as your only weapon. Even the PM9 is harder to shoot well than a full-size service pistol or its compact version, or the larger Kahrs for that matter. If you go smaller than the PM9, you sacrifice cartridge power. Pocket carry can be surprisingly fast when you are standing, but is very slow if you are sitting down, especially in your vehicle with a seat belt fastened. You will want a pocket holster. (I endorse Mika's.) And don't put anything else in that pocket along with the gun. Objects like pens, keys and coins can tie up a mechanism or even trip the trigger.

[Phydeaux642]

Why not two? Sometiimes I carry a Kel-tec P32 in the pocket and a S&W 642 in a Smartcarry holster. You hardly notice either of them.

_________________

"Phydeaux, bad dog....no biscuit!"

[Texas Colt]

Take a look at the Colt snubs. They are about the same size as the S&W J frame yet they hold 6 rounds.

The Detective Special has a steel frame
The Cobra and Agent have an alloy frame

Food for thought... while we often train with tactics like the 2 to the body and 1 to the head, one of the real purposes of having a CHL is having the means to remove ourselves from harms way. In many cases that means flight. The concealed weapon is a means to allow us to get away from the situation, not stand and fight to the last man standing.

[Green Lantern]

I own a Kel-Tec P3AT, and am also in the market for a S&W .357 snub down the road. Despite my protests that it's not the best POCKET gun, my Bersa Thunder .380 is on board right now in my right front pocket.

[SDG]

I sometimes carry a S&W 637. At first, I wondered about the 5 shot capacity but when I realizes that it carried 5 more shots than I had ever needed in the past, I became more comfortable.

[Ala Dan]

Seecamp LWS-32 or LWS-380~!

solid stainless steel construction, small-but a bit heavy 13.25 ozs.
They are at the top of my list; although I must admit I do pocket
carry a KEL-TEC P3AT most of the time~! ;)

[ArchAngelCD]

You asked, "Revolver or auto for pocket carry and wat brand" but your Poll is set up for only 1 vote choice so I can't give you a full answer. I would have picked Revolver and S&W.

[denfoote]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/denfoote/KTPF92small.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/denfoote/PF9rigsmall.jpg

Kel-Tec PF9


It's small.

It's light (12.7oz).

It's chambered in an effective caliber (9mm Parabellum).

[DawgFvr]

I think not! Kel Tec (and I do have a P3AT...which has malfunctioned at the worst of times) has a tendacy to do this:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=4227861&postcount=7

If you want to trust your life to plastic pistols that break and are subject to malfunctions...have at it.

I once returned from a range and had to actually hammer the slide off of a P3AT. Cheap...damn cheap gun.

[NWdude83]

If I were to go back to pocket carry, I would get a Kel-Tec PF9.

[semperfi.45]

I waffled over a KT or a 442. I went with the 442 and it's extremely reliable. KT's have to many problems with reliabilty for me to trust it.

The Ruger LCP is something I may consider after the dust settles on them.

[camper]

NAA Guardian in 380.

[Muddflap]

LWS-32 Pocket guns are not for gunfights. The Seecamp is the one that goes where nothing else can.

[Shooter57]

The more I shoot the Bersa The more impressed I'am with it.

[Haywood]

I only carry Revolvers. I carry Two at a time. If I am wrestling with an attacker I don,t want to think about fail to feed, fail to eject, because of bad grip or interference with the function of the slide. Two revolvers and reloads for each is plenty to seek cover or get away all together. If I need to arm someone to help me they get a revolver, not much training needed.

[Firepower!]

Voted other for Glock 26

[kc 516]

Kel Tec P3AT...great little gun....

[32winspl]

I'm pretty sure that I'm gonna get laughed out of here for this, but for about 2 years, before moving here to the non-concealed carry state of Wisconsin, I carried an AMT Backup .45 in a pocket holster. It was a bit heavy at something like 24 oz loaded (5+1), but carried totally unobtrusively, and was easily retrieved from standard size jeans pockets, and I have large hands.
After the first 100 or so rounds, it was stone-reliable with both my carry load (185 Golden Sabres) and my 1911 competition load of 200gr SWCs. The dbl action only trigger was atrociously heavy (but consistant) at more than 15lbs but less than 20... as tested by hanging 5lb gym weights and a piece of welding rod. With consistant dryfire practice, I could keep all six rounds inside 3 1/2 to 4" @ 7 yards rapidly, and just a tad larger @10. "Sights" are a channel on top of the slide. The mag release is a catch on the heel, and your off-hand has to pull the mag free, but again, with practice, can be done fairly rapidly. Even though the whole thing is stainless, I still had to clean and oil every couple of days from April til October, as I'm a serious sweat-hog, and was a carpenter, or it would begin to rust. (my clothes were sweat-soaked 8-10 hours a day)
Anyway, I got in a real bind a few years back and sold it. If we can get rid of our governor, or at least get him to quit vetoing the CC bill (twice now), Ill prob buy another. Well, I'll prob check out what's available when the time comes, but so far, I've seen lighter 45's, but not one as concealable. Price is right on them too.

[deputy tom]

The clothes dictate the pocket gun.Seecamp .32 for medium weight pants pocket carry,S&W 642 for jeans pocket carry,kel-tec P-32 for light weight pants pocket carry,ie Tuxedo,business suit.Seecamp in my Sporran when wearing a Kilt.YMMV.tom.

PS by the way if NOT pocket carry I'll wear either a 1911,642 or 649 on my belt depending on conditions beyond clothing choices.tom.

[oneiron]

I carry a Charter Arms 44 Special SS Bull Pub. It is loaded with a 246 gr Federal factory load. I want to kill what I shoot at.

[diesel83]

Beretta 21A stuck with me many years strictly due to size and weight. The round is anemic, I know.

[Farnorthdan]

I have many carry options, depends on what I'm wearing. Although I find my always carry piece to be my S&W 342 airlight in 38spl, its so light and unobtrusive its just always there. I also carry my NNA .22mag in front pocket always. The easier it is to carry the more you will carry it.

[gcrookston]

I carried a P230 for years, but lately I've discovered these little charmers...

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj19/gcrookston/DSC00045.jpg

[Lucky Strike]

Anyone considering getting the LCP, Ruger's new pocket .380?

[kashton]

I've tried everything man, S&W 642, 640 prelock, glock 27... many others and in the end, I stuck with a Kahr MK40.

[tblt]

look at the new ruger lcp comming out in a few weeks about 300 bucks.

[Six O'clock Tactical]

remember that when you start shrinking autos, they start malfunctioning more. revolvers not so much.

[lanternlad1]

There is a review of the Ruger LCP at GunBlast now.

http://www.gunblast.com/Ruger-LCP.htm

[orionengnr]

The Kel-Tec PF9 is "snappy" when you shoot it. It does however offer the smallest frame 9mm around and has sights.

Nah, not so much. The Kahr PM9 is smaller and is a high quality weapon.

I've owned four Kel-Tecs and six j-frames. All are history now. The PM9 is the ulimate pocket carry. (Rohrbaugh is slightly smaller, but about 2x as expensive and not rated for +p or +p+...)

[.cheese.]

for pocket carry I carry either a Smith 642 or 442. I'm thinking of getting one of the new M&P J-frames. It's essentially a 340PD, which I used to carry.

I also have carried in the past a Kahr PM9 which I found to be unreliable and sold, and a Keltec P3AT which I also did not trust 100%. I ended up deciding that for pocket carry, I only trusted revolvers.

[lvcat2004]

used to caryy xd-9, but too heavy/bulky, switched to KT P3AT, newer generation one is said to be reliable, no problems here....

[Chuck Perry]

Colt Mustang for me

[brentfoto]

For pocket carry, there really is no contest. Snub-nose revolver for reliability, concealability, and light weight. Reliability is a big factor, perhaps the most important.

Poll is messed-up. But OP said to pick Manufacturer, not type of firearm, so I voted S&W.

[Glock Holiday]

I agree with everything posted above.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x42/Glockholiday/s26w38-2-1.jpg
What I carry.

[brentfoto]

If that's a 442 above, I'm picking up the same tomorrow after a long wait due to State law.

Will be doing some minor modifications on it.

Removing Lock Arm E, only, will disable the internal lock-I'll leave rest of lock parts intact; stone and polish rebound slide, change to a lighter rebound slide spring, lightly stone and/or polish other parts to remove burrs; lube the internals, reinstall the sideplate and then dry-fire and fire at least 1000 times and reassess.

I'll be switching grips to Hogue Bantams to further reduce empty weight to about 13.9 oz. and will use those grips provided I find them to be better than the factory UM (without logo) that come with the gun.

[Glock Holiday]

It's a Pre lock 15 oz. model 38-2 Bodyguard.
Lovingly referred to as the humpback.

[brentfoto]

Oh, sorry. I should have been more observant, in light of the fact that I owned a M49 for about 20 years. One can even see the top of the shrouded hammer in the photo, as well as the considerable difference in design of the backstrap, etc. when compared to a 442/642.

You could probably get a high price for your Airweight Bodyguard M38-2 nowadays.

[brentfoto]

by .cheese:

for pocket carry I carry either a Smith 642 or 442

Of the two, which do you prefer overall and why?

[Pa.Bill]

Tomorrow I am going to my gun guy and drop off $200 deposit for the Ruger LCP.380
I have the money now and before I spent it on 'wild woman' and beer I'll give it to Ruger!!!!

[Glock Holiday]

I kinda like the looks of them.

[jgo296]

if you shoot a bad guy 5 times you will probably go to jail

[Glock Holiday]

1. If you shoot somebody it better be because you think they are going to kill you or yours.

2. I'd rather be alive and let the jury decide about that be a dead man.

[wheelgunslinger]

SnW bodyguard.
:)

[Hawaiian]

I pocket carry often. The Kahr PM9 in a FIST thin kydex holster works best in a 9MM. I don't carry anything under 9mm. YMMV.

[mavracer]

I voted other because I carry both revolvers and autos and my autos wernt on the list seecamp 32 and AMT backup 45 revolvers are tauri 905, M&P 340 and CA Bulldog

[Spyvie]

My NAA .380 is heavy at 18oz, but it's been completely reliable for me. It feels solid as heck and I'm proud to own it. The only gripe I have with it is some trigger slap, but it's not a range gun anyway.

Cheaper and easier to find than a Seecamp ...and 5oz heavier.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j260/spyvie/NAA030.jpg

[GunNut]

As long as it is reliable and you can shoot it effectively, don't get to tied up in calibers.

I alternate between a S&W 340PD and a NAA .22mag mini-revolver, but plan on adding a couple more as money permits.

[FranklyTodd]

M&P340 with CT grips in Nemesis pocket holster.

[brentfoto]

brentfoto If that's a 442 above, I'm picking up the same tomorrow after a long wait due to State law.

Will be doing some minor modifications on it.

Removing Lock Arm E, only, will disable the internal lock-I'll leave rest of lock parts intact; stone and polish rebound slide, change to a lighter rebound slide spring, lightly stone and/or polish other parts to remove burrs; lube the internals, reinstall the sideplate and then dry-fire and fire at least 1000 times and reassess.

I'll be switching grips to Hogue Bantams to further reduce empty weight to about 13.9 oz. and will use those grips provided I find them to be better than the factory UM (without logo) that come with the gun

Actual empty weight of my 442 with Hogue Bantam Grips - 14.5 oz., but settled on 14.3 oz. on my digital postal scale after about 15 seconds. YMMV.

[MCgunner]

Seems like the Kel Tec has it so far, followed closely by the S&W revolver. I will NOT stop carrying my P11 year old, 100 percent reliable P11, no sir. You can bad mouth it all you want, but I know better. I've got over 11K rounds trouble free through mine and it shoots where I look. It just don't get no better. I pitty the poor fool that takes me on because he thinks my gun is going to malfunction or something. :D I've heard just as much bad mouthing of the Kahrs and they are twice the price.

[orionengnr]

if you shoot a bad guy 5 times you will probably go to jail

Of course, if there are two or more, and you either don't have enough ammo, don't have an effective round, or don't place it well...you will "probably" not live to tell the tale. :( Sorry 'bout that...

[Cosmoline]

The Colt Detective Special is the perfect pocket handgun. I've been carrying mine for over a year now and will never swap it. It's like the J frame only... BETTER. Incredibly accurate, perfect balance and that extra round of protection. I load mine with LSWCHP 158's and have T-Grips. Fits perfect in a Galco horsehide pocket holster, hammer never snags.

[Huddog]

S&W 642 is my everyday carry gun in Galco pocket holster with at least one speed strip. I also sometimes relegated it to back up for a belt gun but that would be a different subject for a different thread.

[FireBreather01]

Rohrbaugh R9, my constant companion - slim, lightweight, uber concealable in any situation, and utterly reliable.

[brentfoto]

I carry, if at all, in pocket holsters only.

S&W 442, Bersa Thunder 380, and now-

Kahr CW9.

Why?

Because it's on sale at my LGS at a good price, it's 9mm, and holds 7+1.

It also has converntional rifling so shooting my reloads is fine (but may void their warranty-but no manufacturer warrants for reloads, anyway).

I compared size of the BT380 and the Kahr CW9 at my LGS yesterday-appeared similar, so the Kahr should pocket carry okay, if a tad large (like the BT380).

S&W 442 is most concealable of the three for pocket carry.

[BikerRN]

I carry a Pocket Gun daily, as a BUG.

My choice is a S&W Airweight Revolver. Yes, it's "lumpier" than a sleek auto, but it's a little more reliable too. If you've never carried in the pocket you will be amazed at how much dirt, lint and junk are attracted to the pocket pistol, even when using a Holster.

The "junk" that a gun collects while being in the pocket is why I select a Revolver. As far as only 5 shots, when guns come in to play most nefarious felons tend to flee. Remember, this is a DEFENSIVE weapon, not one to go forth and seek said nefarious felon.

BikerRN

[brentfoto]

I agree with you about crud in pocket but carry a 442 only. I don't carry a BUG. Your mileage varies because you carry at least two guns.

An encounter with multiple assailants is a real concern if you are limited to five rounds only.

The extra three with the BT380 and, of course, the benefit of 9mm with the Kahr and those three additional is persuading me to perhaps favor the Kahr above all else. But will wait and see...I don't even have my Kahr yet due to waiting periods here.

I can see why you feel comfortable with the Airweight for backup, but do you carry it alone, ever? If it were your one and only, how would you feel then?

I really wonder if the majority of attacks involve more than one perpetrator.

[Brian Williams]

Right now it is a S&W 642, occasionally it has a 940 cylinder in it making it a 6942. I am looking at the possibility of purchasing a Keltec P-11.

[Vern Humphrey]

When I carry a pocket gun, it's a Colt Detective Special.

[dmxx9900]

If I would carry which will happen in three years it would be a revolver by S&W and a Taurus as a backup.