[Phriend]

In your opinion, what is the best pocket pistol on the market? (Please also tell us why you feel the way you do).

[Noxx]

Smith and Wesson 642. Legions of other rabid owners will be along shortly to explain.

[TimeIsRunninOut]

And I was going to say a 442 (blued version of 642), I have had a Kel-Tec P3AT and the 442. Both were good, but I'd trust my life better with a revolver than most auto-loaders. The 642 shape will make it look like a mystery lump in most loose pockets, can also be fired (if needed) in the pocket too. I have seen people shoot 2" at 15 yards all day. Train well, carry alot, got it when you need it.

[TheNev]

Baby Browning :P

[jackstinson]

The one which is in your pocket when you need it.
The specific gun varies greatly, along with opinion...there is no "best".

[oneounceload]

Semi or revolver? In semi, my vote would go to the Rohrbaugh - it is the smallest 9mm pocket pistol currently available. A slight power step down, but even more compact is the 380 Seecamp. Kahrs are also well made.

In revolvers, it's hard not to vote for the 442/642 family.

Here's a pocket pistol chart comparing them by size and caliber:

http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf

[DeepSouth]

I have a KAHR PM45 that I pocket carry. It is the only reliable .45acp I could find that would fit in my pocket. Therefore it is the best.

[indiandave]

Smith & Wesson 642 for me.

[KBintheSLC]

For me it is either my S&W J-frame .38, or a Keltec p32.

"Best" is a very subjective term as you will soon find out.

[hardluk1]

keltec pf-9 or a utra light CA 38

[Tacbandit]

The Ruger LCR w/ Crimson Trace grips.....I like the Kel Tec PF9 also...

[CoRoMo]

Another 642/LCR/442 vote from me. Although I don't carry a 'pocket pistol'... I carry a P11.:D

[Gelgoog]

<insert whatever pocket pistol I have>

[panoz77]

Beretta, bobcat/tomcats are nice, depends on what caliber you want. In 9mm you can't beat the Kel-Tec P11 or P9 for price and function.

[NMGonzo]

one with bullets that shoots straight and reliably.

[Gozer]

Kel-Tec P3AT with Crimson Trace laser and the Galco pocket holster that the combo fits in. Very thin and makes a nice squarish pattern if it shows at all when carried in the front pocket. Would probably look like a billfold in a rear pocket, but I don't carry anything back there.

Though I normally carry a G36...

[PattonTime]

I would have to vote Ruger LCP
I really hate to say a cheap little polymer pistol, but of all the small guns I own
it is the only one I can stand to pocket carry.
I own several flavors of S&W in a j-frame but can't stand them in my pocket.
Now , IWB that is where I can go with lots of options,
3" Model 60 38 Special 1st Choice
380 ppk Walther
P238 Sig in 380
Kahr 380
Model 37 no dash
even my Colt Pocketlite I do have options !

[qwik]

Have the pm9 , best for lightweight iwb or jacket pocket. S&W 642 great truck gun, and pocket carry in pants with big pockets like Eddie Bauer cargo pants, and the LCP in any pocket any time. ( IMO ) THE Kahr and LCP is the usual

[TheProf]

For pants pocket carry...the Ruger LCP. Although I suspect that when I come across the Kahr .380 its the one I would prefer.

For jacket pocket carry...I would go with the SW 642 snub-nose revolver. For the smallest IWB with enough firepower... I would vote Kahr PM9.

[7.62 Nato]

The one which is in your pocket when you need it.
The specific gun varies greatly, along with opinion...there is no "best".
Exactly ! There are people that will laugh at many carry guns. Whatever you choose/have become proficient with it. I wouldn't WANT to go up against a 12 gauge with an Iver Johnson TP-22, but I'm glad I had it.

[DANGERRUSS]

I pocket carry a PM9 in dress slacks every day. I also like the 642/442 revolvers.

[gbran]

The PM9 fits the best in pockets for me. The S&W is a close 2nd, but the Glock has the greater capacity, but not quite a real pocket gun.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y145/gbran/100_0145.jpg

[Ringer]

I don't pocket carry often, but when I do.

http://home.comcast.net/~ringer1/PM9.JPG

[Mike OTDP]

Seecamp LWS32. Small enough to fit into a pocket unobtrusively, hits reasonably hard, high quality. Controllable, too. The Rohrbaugh is a handful - not painful to shoot, but the gun winds up pointing 40 degrees up after each shot.

[SharpsDressedMan]

Colt Hammerless .32. A classic design, as reliable as any auto, rugged, flat, still going strong after 106 years. (Also available in .380.)

[Dienekes]

Smith 442/any of the "hammerless" J frames.

[makarovnik]

Kel-Tec P32.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

Either a S&W 642 (J-Frame) .38 Special +P (1 7/8" barrel) 5-shot snubbie, or
a Ruger LCP .380 Auto with Crimson Trace Laser -- IMHO.

[usp9]

I like the Seecamp because of it's very small size, light weight, solid stainless construction and smooth, melted snag free design. Very reliable gun too.

[Oonzpoonz]

Sig p238
Ruger LCP
Ruger LCR

[SwampWolf]

Revolver: Colt Cobra/Agent

Semi-auto: Ruger LCP; Seecamp .380

[DAdams]

I evaluated pocket carries for about two years.

First (newbie) BERSA BT .380. Too big, too heavy. I still have it, I throw it in my vehicles when I travel for backup to the pocket carry. Three magazines of Remington Golden Saber 102 gr.

Second. Based on THR members liking of the X42 I bought a 642 shot it, put a set of CT 405s on it carried it in a DeSantis Nemesis (still too heavy) it is now my wife's night stand revolver.

Third. Kahr PM9, just to try. Not bad, prints a bit more than a J Frame.
Winter carry in TN.

Fourth. Liked the J Frame concept; but I wanted something just a bit lighter.
Bought one of the first S&W M&P 340s, with CT 405 grips and it is probably my favorite carry 2.5 years later, for all around pocket carry. The sighting system, XS night sight and gutter, .357 capable and the CT grips make this a great pocket carry. Put it in a Mika Roundcut holster, carry a Bianchi Speedstrip with 4-5 extra rounds and out the door you go.

Fifth. When the 340 is too big and bulky which in some cases, once in awhile it is (suits), I added a Seecamp LWS 380. It shows not at all in a DeSantis Nemesis holster.
I need to get a Hedley Holster and magazine carry (RIP Jim) on order.

[mongo4567]

I really like the Keltec P3AT. I've shot and carried a lot of others, but I think the P3AT is hard to top for the size, weight, and cost.

[Oyeboten]

The ultimate...for me...would be...

A Nickel Merwin Hulbert 'Pocket Army' in .44 WCF..with the folding Hammer Spur.


But...there's many also-rans...too...of course.


Any short Barreled, Bobbed Hammer.44 or .45 with a Bird's Head Grip.


Here's an old Model 1917 'New Service' Colt which fits-the-Bill -



http://hotimg23.fotki.com/a/138_210/45_179/Porkchop.jpg (http://hotimg23.fotki.com/p/a/138_210/45_179/Porkchop.jpg)



If small Pockets...then...


Factory 'Snubulator'...Iver Johnson 3rd Model, in .38 S&W -


http://inlinethumb52.webshots.com/43571/2298465600067835264S600x600Q85.jpg (http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2298465600067835264ntlIaN)

[Prosser]

340 or 360 PD.

[jfh]

first choice: M&P340 IOW, revolver.
second choice: P3AT--small and flat, for dress.

Jim H.

[TRguy]

J frame and P3AT

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj131/TRguy/Guns/CarryGuns1-19-09ng.jpg

[Bentonville]

Is a Smith Model 37 with a bobbed hammer and without internal lock a decent pocket gun?

[thebaldguy]

I like lightweight hammerless snubbie revolvers. I love my 642, but my girlfriend likes her Ruger LCR.

[wrs840]

442 and LCP are my two utility "pocket guns", and both have been flawless in function. FWIW, a 442 loaded with 125gr JHP +P weighs 17.5 oz, a Bianchi Speed Strip loaded with same weighs 2.8 oz. The LCP loaded with seven 90gr weighs 12.1 oz. A spare mag of 6 weighs 3.1 oz.

I tend to carry the LCP (in a leather wallet-holster) in lightweight summer dress or casual city duds, and the 442 (in a Blackhawk size 3) knocking around in work/home wear.

Les

[Guns and more]

I'm voting for the Sig 238. Reliable, soft recoil, easy to use.

[weisse52]

I have "pocket carried" S&W "J" frames for many years. Currently I have a 642 I carry with one speed strip in reserve.

I do not know if it is best, but it is easy to carry.

[DasFriek]

The P238 may not be the "best" to most gun owners looking for a pocket gun.
But for me who loves 1911 style safety and design and want to keep all ccw guns to be carried condition 1.Id have to say the P238 very well may be the "Best" pocket pistol for me.

[Cocked & Locked]

How big is your pocket? :D

1917 Colt New Service .45 ACP
http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/6259764/330374847.jpg


S&W 629-5 .44 Magnum
http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/6259637/145236207.jpg


S&W 627-PC .357 Magnum
http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/6259637/366701644.jpg
http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL2169/3082611/6259637/366701640.jpg

[gyvel]

FN/Browning 1910 .380.

[earlthegoat2]

I find that in this order they are:

-Colt Detective Special/Cobra/Agent
-S&W J-frame of any material
-the other ones that I cant remember the names of

[FranklyTodd]

I have an LCP and M&P340 that qualify as pocket guns. Like them both but the 340 gets WAY more carry (and almost always in a pocket).

Unless the pockets are small, I think the outline of the LCP is worse than the J.

[stevek]

Kahr PM9
S&W 638
Kel-Tec P3AT

The Kel-Tec is the lightest, and disappears a little easier, but for my wife and I, it is the LEAST comfortable pistol to shoot...

[TUBBY1]

The lcp truly is a melt away in your pocket gun. Small, light,cellphone like. I like a revolver better but with a ct the lcp is hard to beat as a ccw.you forget you're carrying it!

[mm6mm6]

Ruger LCP w/Crimson Trace laser.

Inexpensive

Light

Flat

Concealable in a DeSantis Nemesis holster to the point where I forget I am even carrying it.

Reliable. 100% so far with about 500 rounds including Hornady Critical defense .380 ammo.

Accurate

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q187/mm6mm6/RugerLCP064-1.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q187/mm6mm6/RugerLCP075.jpg

http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q187/mm6mm6/Rugerlcp013.jpg

[mgkdrgn]

Nothing wrong at all with any of the above.

However, what is in my right front pocket is an NAA Black Widow in 22 Magnum. Most of the year I'm in shorts and tshirt here in SC, and there isn't a front pocket I've seen that won't swallow the BW sight unseen. It's also light enough to be carried all day every day.

[orionengnr]

Everyone has his opinion. Since you asked, here's mine:

After owning half a dozen j-frames (including a 360 and two 340s) I no long own a j-frame in any flavor.

After owning four Kel-Tecs (P-32, P3AT (x2) and P-11) and having lousy luck (?) with all of them, I will never own another Kel-Tec.

I have also owned two LCPs, and currently own one, but do not carry it. (No lack of faith in the pistol, but a lack of faith in the cartridge.)

The Kahr PM9 is the only pocket pistol that I own, trust and carry.

YMMV.

[Great Scot]

I, however don't. I wear jeans most of the time and I've found that j-frames seem to print in jeans and only very small pocket guns go unnoticed. I would love to get my hands on a Seecamp, but for now I carry a very small, flat, Beretta 418. I know it's a .25 and a relic, but it's reliable, decent capacity, and it's actually concealable. That said, I normally use a Kel-Tec PF9 in an IWB, but we're talking about favorite "pocket" guns. Thanks.

[NMGonzo]

I wear jeans at work and my j frame sized snubby conceals rather well

[smallbore]

j frame snubby :)

[shotgun-2]

When wearing a jacket, I carry a S&W Model 500 with a 4" barrel, and a Desert Eagle .50AE in a ankle holster for a back-up. :neener:

[oneounceload]

I wear jeans most of the time and I've found that j-frames seem to print in jeans

Change your style of jeans from the basic 5-pocket Levi's type to a baggier carpenter or cargo style and that J frame disappears, while remaining easy to get

[armsmaster270]

I carry the S&W 340PD

[TimM]

I am really liking my P238.

[mrt949]

Seecamp 32.

[Maia007]

J frame alloys with boot size grips
Ruger LCR

.32 or better autos:

FN Browning 1910/1955
Kahr PM/MK 9
Seecamp/Rohrbach
Colt 1903/08
Remington 51
Colt Mustang
Sig 230/232

[gglass]

For me, it is my Ruger LCP. None of my J-frames can conceal like this little beauty.
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/5302/deadmanslcpec1.jpg

For my wife, it is the Ruger LCR. She IWB or purse carries as she does not usually have pockets... She hates my J-frames, but loves the LCR... It's a trigger thing.
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/6176/rugerlcrchanel.jpg

[Browns Fan]

Keltec pf9 or p32, depends on how I'm dressed.

[mrwilmoth]

When are they going to make a 45 the same size of the ruger lcp :)

[SwampWolf]

You have to first go to sleep. Dreams will follow. :)

[Boulder]

For me, S&W 442.

[mikana]

as soon as they come up with a shooter man enough to hold onto it and pull the trigger! :-)

[PX15]

SwampWolf:

Either great, or deranged, minds think alike, or you just have good taste in firearms.. :what:

Best Wishes,

Jesse

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_1852.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a73/Laserlips/100_8883.jpg

[Guns and more]

Best? How?

Best price? Kel-Tec
Best Value? Ruger LCP
Best workmanship? Seecamp.
Best one to show your friends? Rohrbach.
Best one to actually fit in a pocket? Kahr 380
Best overall? Sig P-238

Best one to buy? The one you actually carry. (Where did you guys come up with those monsters?)

[MICHAEL T]

Well we have 4 KelTecs in house for carry and I have 2 Mustangs that get time also

[lawandorder]

Just finished giving a class on secondary/off duty weapons to the officers in the department I work for and this is what I told them on selection of a weapon,


"The most reliable handgun, in an adequate caliber, that is comfortable enough that you will carry it always, and have the faith in it to bet your life on it."

Mine, a model 649 tweaked by Cylinder and Slide.

[SwampWolf]

SwampWolf:

Either great, or deranged, minds think alike, or you just have good taste in firearms..

Hmmm...I thought it over for a second or two and came up with the right answer: Great minds blessed with exquisite taste. Those are nice photos of the best "pocket" pistols around.