Pocket pistols

[Pure Kustom]

Do many people have them? for an easy Concealed carry? What is the most popular Chamber? .380? Is there one popular one over the others?

Thanks in advance

[PointOneSeven]

.380 is a great choice, and offers a few more ammo choices.

I like .32's, but the ammo costs as much as 40 s&w around here.

.22 LR and .25 acp were big at one time, but the bigger bullets fit in the same size guns now.

[NeveraVictimAgain]

I've been told the Kel-Tec P3AT is the best selling gun in America. Mine will fit in the front pocket of my jeans with room to spare, so it is truly a pocket pistol. They come from the factory with a 6 round magazine so it will hold 6+1 rounds. For another $15 you can get a +1 mag. extender which gets you up to 7+1 rounds of .380 Auto in a gun that's so small you can hide it behind your hand. The extender also gives you a longer grip to hold onto.

It is true that some of them aren't perfect right out of the box. Usually all that's needed is polishing the feed ramp. Many people also round off the edges of it. This is called a "fluff and buff". Most people do their own but I didn't want to spend $100 for a Dremel grinding tool so I mailed my P3 back to the factory. Kel-Tecs come with a lifetime warranty. They polished it, test fired it, and sent it back to me via express delivery. Many who carry a P3 favor either CorBon DPX or Win Ranger JHPs. I'm waiting till I can get to the range again to test mine with Gold Dots.

I bought the P3-AT because I own two of KT's model P11. It is also a very small and light gun but will hold up to 14 rounds of 9mm Luger. Mine have both worked perfectly. It is so light, even fully loaded, that I can carry it in an ankle holster all day and not even notice it.

[Loosedhorse]

If by "pistol" you mean to exclude revolver, then I think you're missing a WHOLE lot of choices in the .38/.357 range (SW 642 and so forth) that tend to take well to pocket lint in a way that most semi-autos don't.

If snubbies are out, what about the Walther PPS 9 mm? Haven't handled one myself--and am unlikely to get the chance here in Mass--but I think I could fit that in a pocket.

[fletcher]

I would guess .32 and .380 are the most popular chamberings, with Kel-Tec being the big manufacturer of them. Other manufacturers of pocket pistols in these calibers (or larger) include Ruger, NAA, Rohrbaugh (9mm).

Due to the relatively low power of these rounds compared to calibers such as 9mm, .40, .45, etc. many people will recommend you carry FMJ ammunition for sufficient penetration.

Personally, I have a P32 as my always carry.

[KBintheSLC]

I prefer the Kel Tec P32... its a bit less snappy than the P3AT and it holds an extra round. They also have an optional 10 round mag for it. Its been 100% reliable so far... about 300 rounds through.

PS... you dont need a Dremmel to polish the feed ramp. A piece of 600-800 grit sandpaper over a pencil eraser works great. Actually the Dremmel method is more dangerous in regards to messing something up.

Another option is a small 9mm... Glock 26, Kahr, etc. But you will have to carry those in more baggy pants pockets.

[weregunner]

Here's some links on the .380 ACP, a little on the .32 ACP, Bersa and some other models for consideration.
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=9523.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=9162.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=9030.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=4356.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=449.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=3205.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=8199.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=5780.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=1521.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=6304.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=9162.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=7784.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=1673.0

[NG VI]

How do the Kel-Tecs compare to the Taurus PT-22 as far as size goes? I have one of the PT-22s, pocket carry every so often in addition to my actual gun, are the Kel-Tecs and LCP smaller?

[flyby]

How do the Kel-Tecs compare to the Taurus PT-22 as far as size goes?
the P3at is smaller, thinner and lighter

Specifications - Taurus PT-22
Action: blowback operated semi-auto
Safety: frame mounted manual safety
Length: 5.25 in
Width: 1.3 in
Height: 4.3 in
Magazine Capacity: 8 rounds
Frame: alloy w/matte black, nickel or two-tone finish
Barrel Length: 2.75 in
Rifling: 6-grooves, RH twist
Trigger: double-action-only
Trigger Pull: ~ 6 lbs
Sights: fixed front blade and rear notch
Grips: walnut, smooth rosewood or mother-of-pearl
Weight with empty magazine: 12.5 oz

Keltec P3AT:
Caliber .380 AUTO
Weight unloaded:8.3 oz.
Loaded magazine : 2.8 oz.
Length : 5.2"
Height : 3.5"
Width : .77"
Sight radius : 3.8"
Muzzle Energy Max : 250 ft lbs
Capacity : 6 + 1 rounds
Trigger Pull : 5lbs

[IMTHDUKE]

Wife carries this one...
http://photos.gafana.com/photos/1406252540996506166286.share.jpg

I carry either of these depending....
http://photos.gafana.com/photos/0596252060996570803946.share.jpg
http://photos.gafana.com/photos/1496252460996569532897.share.jpg
I like the R9 better....it has more umph.

[XDShooter07]

I used to have a keltec .32 and I traded it in to buy my J-Frame. I'm thinking about buying another keltec; this time in .380; as an ankle gun when I am carrying the J-Frame or as a pocket gun in jeans. But right now my snubbie is able to be concealed in any attire of dress I have, I just can't pocket it in jeans.

[usp9]

I carry the Seecamp when I need a ultra small pocket gun. It is very reliable and packs 7 rounds of .32acp power ("like a brick through plate glass").

I also like the little Walther TPH, the slimest gun I own.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i186/ripley16/tphandseecamp.jpg

[Pure Kustom]

Thanks guys. I never gave pocket pistols any thought before. But for ease of carrying. I am interested. My mother has a minx. It is tiny. 22short. I think .380 will be the smallest caliber for me.

[gpr]

loaded weight between kt380 and pt22 is close, taurus is fatter...22lr in an auto feed is not even close to being acceptable....i put a p380 in my pocket every day...i play with my taurus once a week at the range, it is cheap to shoot, good accuracy, and i was surprised how good the da trigger is...gpr

[orionengnr]

I've owned four Kel-Tecs and five j-frames.

Then I got a Kahr PM9...and then I sent it back and got it fixed. :rolleyes:
Then I put about 500 trouble-free rounds through it. :)

Then I sold all the Kel-Tecs and all the j-frames (except one, and I'm not sure why I keep that one).

PS--I recently bought an LCP, and it has been absolutely reliable (unlike the four K-Ts). I still have not carried it--it needs a few hundred more rounds downrange, and I'm still not confident in the cartridge. That may change.

[KyJim]

I primarily carry two pocket pistols -- a SW Mod. 38 Airweight and a Colt Mustang. The SW is lighter and the Colt is flatter. I'll have to say that Rohrbaugh looks nice. :)

[jackstinson]

I collect pocket pistols....so yes, I usually carry one of the 39 that I own. Sometimes by itself and sometimes as backup for a larger pistol (depending upon where I am going).
My 1999 1st-gen Kel-Tec P32 gets the most carry time. Never had any malfunctions with either my P32 or P3AT. The P32 handles better for me though. Backup to the backup is usually an ancient Beretta 950B or a Bauer "Automatic" (clone of the Browning Baby).
What can I say, I like pocket pistols. ;)

[jahwarrior]

i carry a P3AT. i've put a box or two through it; it hurts too much to be a regular shooter. no problems so far. i like it because it fills a niche, and because i now i have no excuse not to carry. it's pretty accurate; i'd trust an accurate gun in .380 more than an inaccurate one in .45ACP.

[weregunner]

As much as I like the Taurus PT22 the .32ACP and .380ACP pistols have more going for them as far as power and real world track records go.

Recoil is heavier for the larger calibers than the .22lrf, but if that can be tolerated then the larger calibers are the way to go.

[NG VI]

As much as I like the Taurus PT22 the .32ACP and .380ACP pistols have more going for them as far as power and real world track records go.

Recoil is heavier for the larger calibers than the .22lrf, but if that can be tolerated then the larger calibers are the way to go.


As far as recoil goes I like shooting my Glock 27, it can be uncomfortable if I haven't shot in awhile and am not paying enough attention, how deos the P3AT/LCP compare to the 27?

[Pure Kustom]

I started this post to see what you guys thought about pocket pistols. I am going to get an Ruger LCP. I made a wallet holster for it yesterday and today.

I just finished it. The pictures are here.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=4974749#post4974749post4974749

Please let me know what you guys think. Do you think something like this would be popular? I have seen the one sided pocket pistol holsters. This is more like a wallet holster.

Thanks again.

[mgregg85]

I just got a hard chrome/od green p3at and added a crimson trace laser to it. It works great for pocket carry.

I was really surprised by the large size of the taurus p22 in comparison.

[.380awsome]

pocket pistols can be a difficult choice,personally i think keltecs are junk!,revolvers like the S&W and ruger snubnoses are great,but if youre gonna get a pocket gun dont get a big caliber unless you dont mind recoil......amt,walther,S&W 3rd generation 9mm's or .38 snubs,beretta .25's and .32's and the model 70,also the mauser hsc is a fine choice

[krs]

I have Mausers on a rack next to my dressertop key and pocket change so that I can pick one to carry as I get dressed. Here they are off the rack...http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p263/twagger/guns/1910_Mauser1.jpg

Sometimes I feel like something different so I open my sock drawer to select one of these: http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p263/twagger/guns/CANONPictures041Medium.jpg

But if somehow I neglect to get properly dressed in my room I'll pick up one or two of these just as I head out the door: http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p263/twagger/guns/3littlecolts.jpg

It takes a few pistols, of course, but it's a fairly foolproof system that works regardless how much sleep I may have had.

[DZL HOG]

My Kahr PM9 is pocket carry capable. I wear jeans most of the time, and its kinda hard to get out of jean pockets after you get it in there. So lately Ive been carrying it in a Don Hume IWB. Im finally getting used to it, and barely know its there most of the time.
As a backup to the PM9 I bought a barely used SW 642 this week. Its actually in my pocket right now(just to see how it rides) and it doesnt print too bad. I even got a few holsters and speeds strips with it. Unfortunately I havent bought any ammo for it yet, so I havent been able to actually fire it. Its my first revo, so Ill need some practice.

[orionengnr]

That is too funny...a 642 as a backup to a PM9.

The PM9 is smaller, shoots more accurately and reloads more quickly.
I sold all five of my J-frames after I put 300 rounds through my PM9.
Been carrying and shooting it for three years now, and j-frames no longer have any attraction to me.

[jc650]

S&W 340 MP in a Desantis pocket holster works well for me. Just something about a revolver. PM9 nice gun I hear, but Im still attracted to revolvers.

[Bluehawk]

Personally for pocket carry I use either the Sterling model 300 or 302... .25 auto or .22 lr...both highly reliable and excellent pistols. Carried either one as backups when in law enforcement and still trust them.

[NeveraVictimAgain]

Pure Kustom,

PLEASE let us know how the LCP works out. I've been hearing about problems with it.

Kel-Tecs are definitely NOT junk. I have two P11s in 9mm Luger that work perfectly. I have a brand new P3-AT that I haven't been able to throughly test yet, but I sure love the way it fits in the front pocket of my jeans.

krs,
I would love to know the model and caliber of the three tiny Colts. Are those "Woodsmen"s? Are they 25 Auto?

THANKS!

[krs]

Never,

Those are Colt .25 acp Model 1908 'hammerless' pistols that were manufactured by Colt from 1908 until early in 1941.

They were commonly called "Vest Pocket Model" and were a very popular and necessary piece of a gentleman's daily equipment. I believe that many of them WERE actually carried in a vest watch pocket and they are certainly small enough for that.

I don't have one of my four immediately available to me right now or I'd either measure one for you or take a photo with a known object to provide scale. I can tell you that they could easily be completely hidden under a pack of cigarettes, or under a playing card. Either would make the pistol completely disapear from view.

I'll have to apologize for that lousy photo. It's a leftover from the early days of digital photography - I think the Sony FD71 had a less than half meg capacity although I never saw a resolution figure attached to it. The pictures used to look fabulous but they don;t transmit well at all in today's levels of technology.

Here's a slightly better photo of two of those pistols: http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p263/twagger/guns/1908_Excel.jpg
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p263/twagger/guns/colt1908.jpg

The Woodsman is an entirely different pistol. .22 caliber and available with either a 4 1/2" or 6 1/2" barrel. There were several models of the Huntsman type - this is a closely related "Challenger" model: http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p263/twagger/guns/Challenger.jpg

[Ol` Joe]

I like my Seecamp LWS380 for a pocket pistol.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d149/1Savage/IMG_0386.jpg

If I think need a more gun I will go with my 1911 in a M. Sparks Summer Spcl.

[elsullo]

Please do consider the North American Arms .380 Guardian semi-auto pistol! All American made of solid stainless steel, beautifully machined. It is perfectly shaped and heavy enough to absorb recoil so that follow-up shots can be easily placed without the pistol trying to sting or jump out of your hand. And yet it is small and light enough to forget about in your pocket. Sure, it will cost a bit more, but it will outlast anything made of plastic. Think of it as jewelry that could save your life...................elsullo :D

[MICHAEL T]

Please do consider the North American Arms .380 Guardian semi-auto pistol! All American made of solid stainless steel, beautifully machined. It is perfectly shaped and heavy enough to absorb recoil so that follow-up shots can be easily placed without the pistol trying to sting or jump out of your hand. And yet it is small and light enough to forget about in your pocket. Sure, it will cost a bit more, but it will outlast anything made of plastic. Think of it as jewelry that could save your life...................elsullo


Lets see weights as much as some J frame 38spl revolvers and has a trigger pull of many many pounds. For just a little more money you can get the Seecamp which the Guardian is a so so copy of.
The Kel Tec is a lit lighter and thiner has a better trigger.
My choice in a Pocket pistol is a Colt Mustang followed by Kel Tec.
Since Kel Tec has life time warrenty IF you wear it out send it in they will repair or replace.

[QUICK_DRAW_McGRAW]

kel-tac PF9, front pocket in a unclemikes holster,great settup for hot days wearing shorts or as my backup (when in bad areas) in a ankle holster.

[7Star]

I have the guardian and really like it. It goes right in the cargo pants pocket...not the most accessable location...but good enough for me. The seecamp is a champ though....I believe they are DA/SA...as opposed to my guardian which is DA only. I think someone else here also said the little berettas were also DA/SA..which I did not know...thanks

[krs]

The seecamp is a champ though....I believe they are DA/SA...as opposed to my guardian which is DA only. I think someone else here also said the little berettas were also DA/SA..which I did not know...thanks
7star,
The small Berettas are DA/SA but the Seecamps are DA only.

[psyopspec]

I sold all five of my J-frames after I put 300 rounds through my PM9.
Been carrying and shooting it for three years now, and j-frames no longer have any attraction to me.

Ha, gun owners are an odd species. I had a Kahr PM9 for a couple years as a pocket/deep concealment pistol. It functioned perfectly, until one night on the highway I hit a deer. Poor doe was mashed rather terribly in the hind quarters, but wasn't dead. I ended her suffering, and when I went to reholster the gun, realized that it had failed to eject the one round I'd fired. I know any gun is bound to mechanically malfunction eventually, but it bothered me enough that I didn't want to carry it again.

When I eventually discovered how much liighter the S&W 340 was, I decided I'd found my next pocket gun.

[searcher451]

I've taken to carrying a Beretta Jetfire in my back pocket as a backup gun. My everyday carry gun is a Walther PPK/S. I like the Beretta because it's easy to conceal -- and it's so small and lightweight that you just don't even think about it.

[45Guy]

I have a Beretta Bobcat on layaway that will be my pocket gun. Can't carry out of the apartment here, and I usually just sit around in running shorts, so this will be much easier to have on me than my XD9 or SP101. I know it's only a .22, but it beats nothing, and it will buy me time to get to other handguns if necessary.

[Geronimo45]

Nice collection of Mausers, KRS.

My pocket piece is a Beretta 21A .22 LR. It's lightweight and can be carried everywhere.

[Elvishead]

I've been wanting to buy a Beretta 21A 22lr for over a year, but that was the same time I started looking up gun's on the "Net", and I was scared off to buying one do to the 22LR stigma.

But after buying it, I say, "Go ahead, make my day." I'll put 8 round in less than 2 seconds in a 3"-5" group at 7 yards in my sleep.

I'd like to see you do that with your little 9mm or .380, esp your LCP.

TBS, I pocket carry a J-frame Airweight, but that 21A is a nice gun.

[jackstinson]

I think someone else here also said the little berettas were also DA/SA
That depends upon which "little Beretta" is being referred to.
The 950/950B/950BS models were SA. But my 950B JetFire is still a great pocket pistol and is smaller than my Kel-Tecs.
The models 20 and 21A are DA/SA. I love my 21A, it's very reliable and accurate....but it's not as small as my 950B.
The Taurus PT-22 was also mentioned. They have a long pull DAO trigger and mine took some getting used to to shoot it accurately.

[HowardCohodas]

Love my LCP. Added Crimson Trace LaserGuard to it. Now have enough trouble free rounds through it to qualify as my EDC BUG. Carry in weak side front pants pocket in a DeSantis Super Fly holster.

For fans of the LCP, come join us at http://LCPforum.com/

[rklessdriver]

I also have a NAA Guardian .32ACP for pocket carry. It is a bit heavy in there, but it's still managable even without a holster (which would go a long way to making it carry better).

Mine is 100% reliable with the Hornday 60gr XTP and Fiocchi 73gr FMJ (only 2 brands I've shot out of it).

The trigger is horrid but I can keep an entire 6rnd mag in a 2"-3" group at 7yrds (I can do better with the extended 10round mag). I will say 50rnds at the range will leave your trigger finger and the palm of your hand hurting and cramped for many days afterwards....

All in all it serves it purpose.
Will

[mole]

All this talk and photos made me go dig out mine. Finally found it in the gun safe behind a box of 32-20 :)

An Italian Beretta Minx in .22short made in 1959.

http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z239/borwish/DSCF0433.jpg?t=1223413208

[Vern Humphrey]

Colt Detective Special.

[loop]

We actually had this conversation at the ranger last night. Everyone was naming their favorite pocket pistol. At no point did anyone mention KT. What was funny was that when we asked what everyone had on them that wasn't visible four of five of us had a KT in their pocket. But, none of us considered them to be a pocket pistol. We all carried them in our pockets and we all agreed we always have them. But, we all named something else as our primary pocket pistol...

Say what you want about KTs, but the truth is that it is the gun more people carry when they aren't carry a gun than any other.

[PAPACHUCK]

I have two pocket guns that I'll interchange as my mood goes, a S&W 642 and a KT P11. Both work well in this role.

[Deadmanwalking_05]

I've thought about picking up a PT-22. but was put off by the DAO function.

Didn't Taurus offer them in a traditional Double Action config. for awhile?

[NeveraVictimAgain]

krs,

Thanks for the informative response and the great pics.

Thanks also to mole for the pic of the tiny Beretta.

[NeveraVictimAgain]

My main interest in guns is self defense and I'd been looking for the perfect pocket pistol for years.

Right now I have settled on a KT P3-AT. Very small, SUPER light, more powerful than a .22, .25., or .32 and affordable.

I think this is a great thread.

Thanks again for all the pics! :D

[Tortuga12]

I'm going with a PA-63. Alloy frame, 9x18 round, marschal grips, and wolff springs. Since I don't wear tight jeans, I think it will work out well!

[Angio333]

I am a HUGE fan of the NAA Guardian in 380.

[NeveraVictimAgain]

Tortuga12-

Please let us know how the PA-63 works out. I've heard about them years and they are very affordable.

For everything you want to know about these and other guns that chamber the 9x18 go to gunboards.com and look for the Makarov forum.

[Weedmonk]

duplicate

[Weedmonk]

duplicate

[Weedmonk]

I appreciate the engineering that goes into a very small and light (smaller than PPK, 642, etc.) pocket handgun. The Beretta 950 Jetfire in .25acp is one of my favorites. The 950's unique, tip-up barrel eliminates the difficulty of racking the slide to chamber the first round and the light, single-action trigger permits unusual accuracy for such a small pistol. Lastly, the fixed barrel prevents the slide from being pushed out-of-battery through contact. My NAA Guardian .32acp is hampered by an excessively long, heavy trigger pull. While my NAA Mini Revolver .22mag is surprisingly accurate, I don't have confidence in rimfire cartridges for personal defense.

[JR47]

At one point, I carried a Beretta 950 BS in .25 ACP. With the advent of Kel-Tec's mini-guns, though, I picked up a P32, as a back-up to my P11.

Also bought a 950BS in .22 Short. It's like popcorn, you can't use it just once. I'd be more than hesitant to actually carry it for a fight, but it's fun to shoot.:)

[XD-40 Shooter]

If I were buying a pocket pistol today, I'd go for the Ruger LCP. I think the Ruger is the highest quality of the pocket pistols out there. I could also reload .380 for dirt cheap. Handguns magazine ran a test of the pocket pistols this month, the Kel-Tec was the most accurate, but the Ruger was deemed to have the highest quality, long term durability.

[Rossshady120]

i have bin with kel-tec since jump street with the p-11 and the .32 my dad sold the .32 because he could not shoot it with his big hands and i could not with my small hands at the time. the .32 is the round i would go with .380 is overkill and if your packing a .380 you mite as well up it to a 9mm i mean all it is a 9mm cut short. samething with .40 SW/10mm if you got the money SEACAMP all day its the only way i would not want to be carrying around the p32 or p380. i would say if you dont have the money for a SEACAMP get the new pf-9 and put the slide/belt clip on it. at first i didn't believe in "Pocket Pistols" because i allways thought why wouldn't you just carry your stanard carry piece such as pf-9, bersa 9 UC, firestorm mini etc. guns that are made to be carried. my full size bersa thunder 9 was not made for this so now i'm considering a pocket pistol just for small things like getting the mail etc. but for how much the kel-tec p32 is i mite as well get the pf-9 so there you have it. it allways comes down to money,money,money and money

[psyopspec]

.380 is overkill

That's a new one on me.

[Vern Humphrey]

Overkill?

Take it from me, when it's him or you, you will not believe there can be such a thing as overkill.

[XD-40 Shooter]

The P-11 is a good pistol, but the factory trigger SUCKS! Its like 10lbs with a length of pull from hell, lol.:p

[ladykilla]

My little ones:

Kel-Tec P11, Kel-Tec P32, NAA Mini

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/tank415/S4301252.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/tank415/S4301254.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/tank415/S4301256.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v474/tank415/S4301261.jpg

[DAdams]

In order of preference or circumstance my pocket carrys are:

Seecamp LWS 380 or S&W M&P 340
Kahr PM 9

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/dmadams/P5210023-2.jpg
340 with CT 405s usually in a Mika Roundcut Holster

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/dmadams/P9110037-2.jpg

LWS 380 in a DeSantis Nemesis Pocket Holster

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/dmadams/PA040021-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/dmadams/PA100033-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/dmadams/P2140017-4.jpg
Kahr PM9 in a DeSantis Nemesis Pocket Holster.