[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

See Poll. Compare a J-frame-sized snubbie with a very small auto like the KelTec P3AT or Rohrbaugh R9. Which one prints less as "gun" under which of the two circumstances, both with and without a pocket holster.

What I'm getting at here is whether or not to confirm my suspicion that an auto prints "gun" less WITH a good pocket holster, but a revolver prints "gun" less WITHOUT a pocket holster - agree or not?

[The Lone Haranguer]

It is pretty much a wash, and also depends on the pistol you select. Compact and subcompact versions of service pistols (e.g., P2000SK, S&W M&P, XD, CZ RAMI, mini Glocks) are not especially concealable in a pocket due to their shape (blocky/square). Smaller 9mms like the Kahr PM9 conceal better than any of these. A concealed hammer, snubnose revolver is close in size to the subcompact autos - with the additional bulge of the wide cylinder - but its overall shape and more rounded contours make it more concealable in and easier to draw from a pocket. Then there are the true pocket size autos (e.g., Seecamp, Kel-Tec, Ruger LCP), but you sacrifice cartridge power.

Whatever you choose, you really should have a pocket holster. It will position and protect the gun while breaking up its outline.

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Yeah, this:

Then there are the true pocket size autos (e.g., Seecamp, Kel-Tec, Ruger LCP),

is what I'm comparing to the revolver. I don't think that there's much question that a snubbie conceals better in the pocket than even a Kahr PM/MK.

[psyopspec]

TLH nailed this one on the head, but I'd add one more concept to the mix:

When it comes to pocket carry, weight = printing. It could just be me, but I'm of the mind that a 340 SC J Frame prints less than a PM9 for being a couple ounces lighter. Reduce the weight, and you reduce the cartridge/power but gain concealability, etc.

In keeping with your original question, I'd gladly concede that a .22 pocket pistol will be the ultimate in concealment, with or without a pocket holster - but then I'm looking for something with a little more "oomph."

[The Lone Haranguer]

OK, I think I better understand now. Dealing with this aspect alone, sure, the little pistols will "print" less in your pocket than the bigger revolver with its bulgy cylinder. But consider the other trade-offs. And I would still use a pocket holster regardless.

[bhk]

I have both pocket J-frames and small autos (Keltec and Kahr). I find the revolvers less identifiable as firearms when in the pocket. Yes, the autos may be flatter (and maybe lighter like the Keltec) but they still create an outline that looks more like a gun.

[RX-178]

The auto is more concealable, generally.

But snub-nosed revolvers aren't exactly obvious.

If I were seriously looking into choosing one or the other, I can't really imagine myself finding concealability as a deciding factor.

[Elvishead]

Just because the LCP conceals better, a J-frame is a better gun to conceal.

Just my opinion.

[Scott Free]

If a revolver and auto share the same height and length, the revolver will be easier to conceal.

[tube_ee]

but it looks like a lump of stuff in your pocket. The small semi will be less likely to leave an impression in the pocket, but if it does, the rectangular outline screams "gun!!"

The human eye/brain system is evolved in such a way that regular outlines, with lots of straight lines and right angles (which are not generally found in nature) stand out more than vague, rounded shapes... which is what revolvers show when they "print" against fabric.

So there is a distinction to be made between "visible" and "recognizable".

Also add in the fact that no pocket gun will be easy to shoot well, especially under stress. So which ever you shoot better, having committed to the pocket gun, will be the best choice for you. The concealability issues with either platform can be resolved, but if one fits the hand better, that's a difference that really matters.

--Shannon

[3KillerBs]

None of the above.

Its all going to be dependent on your size, your build, and your choice of clothing.

[moooose102]

it is pretty hard to beat the concealability of a kel-tec p3at, or ruger lcp. they are extremely small, lightweight, and flat. if you can't conceal one of these, you are naked!