I am interested in getting a smaller pistol for carry. I currently have a G23, but want something smaller. Most of the time I am wearing shorts and a T-shirt and need a gun that conceals easily, and wont pull your shorts down. I am looking for something around the size of a sig 232 or a ruger LCP. Not one of those brands in particular, just mentioned for size reference. What do you guys and gals recommend? Revolver or semiauto doesnt matter, caliber really doesnt matter, the bigger the better of course. The main concerns I have is ease of carry and reliability. Thanks for your help, Lee.
Pistol selection help
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CountGlockula
Member
Since you already have a G23, what its baby kin: G27?
Same company, caliber and magazines are interchangeable with G23-G22-G35 magazines.
Same company, caliber and magazines are interchangeable with G23-G22-G35 magazines.
MICHAEL T
Member
Bersa CC or Bersa Thunder
If you can deal with the size, definitely go with the G27. Superb handgun and it's interchangeability is a real plus. Remember, it'll fit in all your G23 holsters too.
If you need something smaller:
Kel-tec pf9 9mm
S&W J-frame .38 spl
Bersas .380
Kahr's mini 9's and 40's in polymer or stainless
If you need something smaller:
Kel-tec pf9 9mm
S&W J-frame .38 spl
Bersas .380
Kahr's mini 9's and 40's in polymer or stainless
searcher451
Member
Nothing wrong with sticking with your current brand, if you find a smaller version that fits your hand and eye. If you are asking the question, though, it might be that you'd prefer to make a change. Nothing wrong with that, either -- and there are a lot of good choices out there, including the Walther PPS. Good look as you sort through it all.
kitsapcharly
Member
There's a Kel-Tec P-3AT in my pocket nearly all the time. I have two of them and while I like 45s and sometimes carry one also the little KT goes where I go. Shorts, with or without the t-shirt, work fine with a little DeSantis holster. It goes in the watchpocket of my jeans and doesn't print out as gun. Carried daily for years and never "made."
At 11 ounces loaded this is smaller and lighter than some of the 25 vestpocket pistols. You can get a clip to attach to a waistband or elsewhere.
There's very little material in one of these so they will kick more than you may like. Very snappish and so little to hang onto. Some people havw settled for the 32 to avoid recoil. If you want the 380 will take fairly hot loads according to the makers. Customer service is thought to be the best anywhere.
Whatever else you carry you owe yourself one of these.
At 11 ounces loaded this is smaller and lighter than some of the 25 vestpocket pistols. You can get a clip to attach to a waistband or elsewhere.
There's very little material in one of these so they will kick more than you may like. Very snappish and so little to hang onto. Some people havw settled for the 32 to avoid recoil. If you want the 380 will take fairly hot loads according to the makers. Customer service is thought to be the best anywhere.
Whatever else you carry you owe yourself one of these.
benderx4
Member
Got money? If so, check out the Rohrbaugh R9 and/or the Seecamp LWS380.
Both extremely well made and worth the money you'll pay for them. I currently throw my Seecamp LWS32 in my pocket everywhere I go. (Just waiting until I can afford one of the other two.)
Good luck!
Both extremely well made and worth the money you'll pay for them. I currently throw my Seecamp LWS32 in my pocket everywhere I go. (Just waiting until I can afford one of the other two.)
Good luck!
Well if you can live with restricted pocket carry I think the Glock 27 can disappear under just about anything. My first holster I got for it is a FIST unltra-thin Kydex IWB, it holds it low on the belt line, is low profile to an extreme degree, and retains it well. Plus sweat is not an issue with either Kydex or the Glocks.
I have a 27, I love it and carry it when I wear shorts and a t-shirt and nothing else works.
I have a 27, I love it and carry it when I wear shorts and a t-shirt and nothing else works.
weisse52
Member
I will second the 642/442 Smith for all the reasons already mentioned.
In this size handgun you have lots of great options.
Good luck!
In this size handgun you have lots of great options.
Good luck!
OregonJohnny
Member
I am 6' tall, on the lean side of 175 lbs. I can't get used to the blockiness and width of my SA XD-40 subcompact (very similar to the Glock dimensions) in an IWB holster tucked in my waistline. It just doesn't feel right to me. I don't know what your build is like, but here is the conclusion I came to: Like you, I wanted a pocket gun. In the summertime, like you, I wear shorts and a t-shirt (cargo shorts and slim-fit shirts). It had to fit comfortably into a front pocket in cargo shorts, so anything bigger than a "mousegun" or j-frame snubby was out. My budget was around $400 or less and I didn't want to be on a waiting list, so the Rohrbaugh, NAA Guardians and Seecamps were out. I wanted more horsepower than a .32 so the Beretta Tomcat, Kel-Tec P32, etc. were out.
I then stumbled onto the "642 Club" thread here on THR. That helped make up my mind. I couldn't be happier with my S&W 642. It goes everywhere, everyday with me in my front pants/shorts pocket. No hammer to snag on clothing when drawing out of a pocket, and 5 dependable rounds of .38 Special +P. Seriously, give the 642 Club thread a read. Good luck!
I then stumbled onto the "642 Club" thread here on THR. That helped make up my mind. I couldn't be happier with my S&W 642. It goes everywhere, everyday with me in my front pants/shorts pocket. No hammer to snag on clothing when drawing out of a pocket, and 5 dependable rounds of .38 Special +P. Seriously, give the 642 Club thread a read. Good luck!
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