RELIABLE Semi-Auto Pocket Options

[oneounceload]

I'm interested to know where one gets a pocket auto that is NOT a .22LR, .25ACP, .32ACP or .380ACP???

From Kahr, Boberg, Rohrbaugh and others.

Google Bob O's mouse gun chart

 

[firecrackerktm]

I have been on a baby-gun search. Here are impressions on the smaller guns I have actually fired:

LCP: did not like the feel or the trigger. My friend loves hers though.

Bodyguard: better, but still not awesome.

Shield: much nicer

Ppk: I shot this one really well! surprised myself.

Sig 238: awesome to shoot! Feels good in my hands and I like the mini 1911 design.

Makarov: I own one. It's solid and shoots ok. I've gotten a couple jams after a long day at the range when it's dirty, but it may be a break in thing from what I have read and this gun doesn't have 300 rounds through it yet.

Mauser HSc .32: my grandfather left me this gun. It is fun to shoot and definitely small, but mine is not reliable, so it would need some work before it became a real carry gun.

My friends keep throwing more names at me, but since I can't shoot them all (not the friends), I have pretty much decided to save up for the 238.

 

[skt239]

It really depends on what you shoot best. There is a dizzying array of small pocket sized autos available these days and they all are very attractive. I've fondled them all and shoot a few, but none are enough to lure me away from my J-frame. If you have a J-frame jones, it's really hard to find a replacement.

 

[colorado_handgunner]

Is there a better option for pocket carry than the old reliable j-frame revolver that will last longer than me? I want something rock-solid RELIABLE that can be used for pocket carry. I am NOT looking for a .380 or smaller caliber. I keep looking at different options but keep coming back to the j-frame. I really would like an option with more than 5 rounds. What do you think? Can you talk me out of a j-frame?

I tried the pocket auto thing for a while. I tried hard to make it work, but always ended up with accuracy issues or reliability issues. I went to the J-frame recently and couldn't be more pleased. I say stick with the j-frame.


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[g_one]

Depends on how big your pockets are.
I'm 6'3" 275lbs and I have a Raven Concealment pocket holster for my 9mm subcompact Glock 26 and I never feel like it's too big. IMO the G26 Gen 4 is the best CCW there is for 9mm: 10 rounds, low recoil, fits GREAT in the hand (especially with the GAP finger rest extension on it).

 

[Fiv3r]

Well it IS tough to beat the ol snub nose. 38 special. I really like my lcr. However, i shoot my lcp better and it does hold two more rounds.

That said, a few robberies in the area made me reconsider the whole 7 shots of. 380 thing. I moved up to a g26 and love it. Mucho warm fuzzies carrying 10+1 9mm with Glocks reliability track record.

 

[hardluk1]

I carried a taurus 85ss in 38sp for 20 years then did 2 1/2 years with a KTpf-9. That pistol had 2000 trouble free rounds fired when I picked up a used kahr. Bought a cm9 and now cc that. 1100 rounds trouble free and climbing. Don't no what some call a pocket pistol but the average paints we wear makes a g26, cw9 , shield p290 to darn big for practical pocket carry. I also have picked up a taurus tcp 380 for when smaller just has to be.

Go to a gun shop and see what fits for you and buy one. Most small pistols today are only as good as the shooters knowledge is and ammo used allows. Also most any trigger will be learned with rounds fired.

 

[DonGlock26]

No pocket auto will match a snubby in the reliability department. I have a LCP and it jammed a few times. My 442 never has. I do find the LCP easier to always have with me.

 

[Bullz]

Tough one. I personally don't think an auto can top a revolver if reliability means firing the round every time the trigger is pulled. Both designs are susceptible to mechanical failures. However, the revolver gives an advantage if the failure is with the ammunition. Bad primer, or whatever, you can simply pull the trigger again with the revolver. It's simply not as quick or simple with the auto. I think everybody knows this...

That said, I have a J frame in .38 and a PM9.

Reliability is a funny thing... I have about 1,000 rounds through the PM9 and it worked every time. Is it reliable? I don't know... at a minimum it's consistent and I trust it to fire the chambered round every time. From that perspective I would rely on it as much as I would the J frame.

There are two main differences I want to note. One, the PM9 holds 7 or 8 rounds (depending on which mag I use) of 9mm and two, it reloads faster.

When I look at the practical difference the question of reliability becomes a little more clear. 5 rounds should be enough... it really should. However, when I "practice" scenario shoots I find that I dump 4 or 5 rounds WAY faster than I realize and end up clicking the revolver when I should still be shooting. I try to make it as real as possible... and I run out of ammo more often than not. That's not going to reliably save my life.

The 7/8 round count on the PM9 gives enough rounds to take on two targets in my drills and gives me a fast reload if needed. That's where I feel like it trumps the snub .38. 14 total rounds including the reload vs 5 and no hope of reload (I just can't manage a speed loader for the snub).

So, given the above, I rely on the PM9 more than I rely on the .38 to get me out of a bad situation. For me, I would argue the PM9 is more reliable. I would argue that same way for any other auto that generally functions properly.