Need help picking pocket gun

[photoguy190]

I wanna get a pocket gun, planning on back pocket carry in a wallet holster. Right know I'm considering a Keltec P32 or a Ruger LCP (really like the custom model). I like the sight on the LCP custom but worried about it catching on things. I like the extra capacity of the p32 and the fact that it holds open on last shot. I am worry about the fit and finish on the p32. Thoughts?

 

[Upstater]

If you're not totally set on semi-auto you might consider a s&w 642 for a fine pocket carry piece. I sometimes carry mine in the pocket with an uncle mike's #3 or on the ankle in a galco ankle holster. It has actually become my preferred firearm for a small carry weapon. As an aside I used to pocket carry a ppk/s but that is much heavier than the 642.

 

[TimeIsRunninOut]

I've carried a S&W 642, LCP, P3AT pocket before. Surprisingly I prefer the 642 over all but currently have a LCP for pocket/deep concealment carry. If you go with a revolver, I had best luck with wood grips and a Blackhawk! holster. My LCP is a gen 2 with an Uncle Mikes pocket holster, I use it as a wallet for deep concealment when needed.

 

[CNobbe]

I'm sure some will disagree, but I love my Kahr CW380 compared to the LCP I had. Favorite little pocket gun besides a Colt pocket gun.

 

[CZ9shooter]

While certainly not the same gun, I have pf9 that I like to carry in a winter coat pocket. Yeah, fit and finish is nothing to brag about, but it is a carry gun, not a show piece. All that matters is that it functions well, which it does, except with one variety of my way high end reloads that it does not like. Factory loads, along with all my other 9mm reloads works fine.

In all honesty I like my Jframe just a little bit better. Mostly I just prefer the unrivaled reliability of a revolver. I surely would not knock the KelTec bases soley on fit and finish. My experiance has with KT has been good.

However, of the reviews that I have personally come across, the Ruger seems to come out ahead of the p32. I would imagine the difference in chambering has a bit to do with that. Without first hand experiance I cannot give a nod one or the other though. But my gut would lead me to the LCP.

 

[Dean1818]

If you pocket carry (it's too slow IMHO) LCR .......And pocket draw is near impossible if you are sitting, or if a tussle is on the ground


A snubbie is easier to pull from a pocket, than a semi auto

 

[MedWheeler]

Your reasons for favoring the P32 are two of the same reasons why I ended up choosing it over the P3-AT or similar .380 pistols. The third reason is lighter recoil/handling, allowing for faster follow-up shots.

The finish isn't high-dollar, but neither is the gun. It is, however, quite reliable and easy to carry and shoot.

Were I now to be considering a pocket-380, I'd lean to the Taurus TCP (738.) That's just me; I like the appearance and feel in my hand of it, though I've never fired one.

 

[JDGray]

I've tried a bunch, settled on a LCP. Wearing a winter coat, you can walk with it in your hand in your pocket! Never would I pocket carry in my pants... Would be way to slow in my opinion.

 

[bannockburn]

I found the PF9 was just a little too big for pocket carry and ultimately went with a P3AT. For pocket carry with a coat or jacket I like a S&W J frame snubby, like a Model 638.

 

[HexHead]

I keep a Beretta Tomcat in my back pocket.

 

[snooperman]

Flip a coin , both are good pocket guns.

 

[edmo01]

Pocket carry is a way to have a gun with you, always...

However, if that gun is of true pocket size and weight it will require compromises. The usual detractors are: limited capacity, less effective caliber, snappier recoil, hard to shoot accurately, and less reliable with some ammo.

For me, pocket carry means a gun at or below the one pound mark. Heavier than one pound and I'm strapping it to my belt.

To fit this requirement I selected a S&W 642 38 Special snubbie. As a revolver it almost eliminates the reliability issue and with good ammo the 38 Special has been proven quite effective.

Additionally, the 642 is about as snag-free as you can get. From the top of your fist it slopes smoothly up and over the top of the gun. There is no "rear of the slide snag zone".

Just another option...

On edit: Don't fall into the "revolvers are 100% reliable" trap. I would give them 98-99%. The top 642 pictured below is no longer with us. After the trigger pivot pin sheared off, it was sent to the revolver merry go-round in the sky.

Edmo

 

[340PD]

Certainly not my first choice for carry, but it does work very well in some situations. Built like a tank. Seecamp .32

 

[Armor Snail]

I have a TCP that's been fantastic. Very nice trigger. Has a slide lock. Big trigger guard.


Would love to switch up to a Colt Mustang XSP though.

That is one nice gun IMO.

 

[george burns]

Kahr PM9 for 6 years now

 

[Tallball]

P3AT

 

[verdun59]

Kahr P380, a gun you can practice with and not be sore.

 

[Fiv3r]

I really like my LCP, but I switched to a Bodyguard w/o the laser mostly because it felt better in hand and was more accurate (for me).

 

[Zendude]

I've shot a Diamondback DB380 and thought it handled well for a pocket gun. It is small enough for the wallet holster

 

[WYO]

I abandoned J frames as pocket guns in 2012, after 20+ years. I started out replacing them with a .380 Sig P238, followed by a 9mm Sig P938 as soon as that model was introduced. Both have excellent sights with tritium inserts, and they can be shot much more easily and accurately than the J frames. The P238 was like shooting a .22 LR. The P938 is not as fast with follow up shots.

I will admit that semi-autos are slightly more difficult to draw from a pocket than a J frame or LCR with an internal hammer, but the return for that inconvenience is decent accuracy at 25 yards with much less practice required to maintain proficiency. Reloads also are easy to carry and are much easier to use than revolver speedloaders or speed strips.

 

[photoguy190]

Thanks every one for the response. I'm pretty sold on a auto over a revolver at this time solely one the fact that it is thinner. Love revolvers just not for this case. I understand all the downsides to pocket carry specifically back pocket carry. I however will not be able to carry most days and this will allow me to carry easy the few days a month I can. (I work in a school so locking a gun in a car still is not allowed) I can get over the fit and finish of the keltec, honestly its the sites that on all pocket guns that I'm not a fan. I know in self defense situations it wont matter much but I would rather have them and not use them then not have them and wish I did. That is why I lean toward the LCP custom. Just worried that there wont be usable hostlers for the custom.

Don't care for the P3AT I will just get the better fit and finish on a LCP.

If I disregard sites I will go with the Kel-tec p32 for its extra shot and hold open on last

Of what I have held and played with at gun shops the bodyguard have a awful trigger.

This is a LCP Custom for those that may be unfamiliar. They basically put better sights on it, upgraded recoil rode, polished internals, and have the different shaped and colored trigger, as far as I can tell its trigger internals are the same.

 

[kokapelli]

A snubbie is easier to pull from a pocket, than a semi auto

Really! Why?

 

[MICHAEL T]

For get the finish. Just wax slide with good paste wax Not car wax . Some have rubbing compound in them and good buy finish.

At a 10 round mag to the p-32 doesn't effect pocket carry and fits hand better plus more ammo Have 4 P-32 in house P3AT and PF-9

 

[Oldschool shooter]

I recently bought a SCCY in 9mm, no safety. The trigger pull isn't the greatest, but it is a true pocket size pistol IMHO. I
have about 300 flawless rounds thru it, not fancy,not expensive, and goes bang every time I pull the trigger. For the intense use I can't ask for anything more.

 

[IdahoSkies]

I love my p32. It is so in obtrusive. Even compared to a p3at/lcp, the p32 weighs less. I bought it because I could control the .32 acp much more than the light weight .380s. Plus I got an extra round. Does it have its detractors. Yes. The trigger makes you practice. You need to spend time with it. But that is pretty much the same for other pocket .380s except for the beretta 3032 in single action, and the sig p328. Both significantly bigger and heavier than the p32.

When I want something a bit more potent, i skip from the .32 over the .380 and get a compact 9mm.