What's the most powerful/reliable CCW pistol that will realistically fit in a pocket?

Status
Not open for further replies.
S&W 340PD stuffed with 145 grain SILVERTIPS .357 mags in a Galco pocket holster. Front or back pocket works well for me. I've never felt safe wearing an autoloader in the battery position next to my skin. DA only with no hammer to catch makes me have no worries. I can leave it loaded forever and not worry about the magazine spring going soft. I've never had a revolver fail to feed or jam. I know this sounds like I'm not an autoloader fan and that is just not the case. For this situation I just feel more comfortable with the wheel gun.
 
The J-Frames, do not have the squared (end of the slide) to leave a print on your clothes. I wear Levi 505 jeans and can conceal a 340 better than a Kel-Tec. both were carried in a uncle mikes $10.00 pocket holster the right size for each gun, and the S&W was not as noticeable even though the Kel-Tec is smaller.
 
Super Trucker said:
The J-Frames, do not have the squared (end of the slide) to leave a print on your clothes. I wear Levi 505 jeans and can conceal a 340 better than a Kel-Tec. both were carried in a uncle mikes $10.00 pocket holster the right size for each gun, and the S&W was not as noticeable even though the Kel-Tec is smaller.
Click to expand...
... yes, Yes, YES! Thank you.

I've been saying this ("the S&W was not as noticeable even though the Kel-Tec is smaller") for a while and nobody believes me -- because of their shape, J-frame conceal better than autoloaders of equal or even smaller size.
 
I've been saying this ("the S&W was not as noticeable even though the Kel-Tec is smaller") for a while and nobody believes me -- because of their shape, J-frame conceal better than autoloaders of equal or even smaller size.
Click to expand...

+2

Not many people believe it. I think we've been hearing from gun mags for years that an auto is always easier to conceal than a wheelie.

I've always contended that given a semi auto and a revolver of equal L X W X H (and weight, I suppose), the revolver will be easier to conceal. I believe most people find that the width of the gun is the most important factor in determining it's ease of concealment. A revolver is thickest at just the cylinder, everywhere else it is pretty thin and as you said, rounded with no sharp edges.

A baby Glock and a J Frame 637/638/642/442 have nearly the same exterior deminsions (L X W X H), I find J Frame is a heck of a lot easier to conceal than the blocky Glock, IWB and especially in the pocket.

I'm not bashing said semi auto, it is an excellent gun and one should always carry what they are most confident in. Ease of concealment is like felt recoil; it is a highly subjective thing.

For me, the best combo of reliability (factor #1) and power that will fit in my pocket is my S&W 642 (your results may vary ;) ):


SW642withammo.gif
 
My KelTec 3AT has turned into my normal CCW in my front right pocket, using the Pocket Defender from K&D Holsters. Loaded with Corbon PowerBall, I feel fairly well armed.

That said, I am looking for new compact to carry IWB when my clothing allows.

130674977-L.jpg

130675036-L.jpg
 
I routinely carry a Kimber Ultra Carry II, a 3" .45 ACP.
Click to expand...
In a pocket?


Thanks for the pic, JoJo. Is that a left-handed holster? When you carry in your right pocket, is the full-length leather "cover" against the outside of the pocket? Seems that would break the outline well, but how do you draw with the leather in the way of the grip?
 
K&D Holsters Pocket Defender

The hostler shown is a right hand model IIRC. I use it in the right front pocket or the back right pocket. The leather anti-print panel breaks up the outline of the gun, and prints like a wallet. When drawing, your hand slips between the grip and the panel, which flexes away from the grip. With a little practice it will draw very easily. That particular hoslter is designed to use the panel in the rear pocket only, but I find it works well in the front, depending on the type of pants.

On a side note, I have been really impressed with the quality of this holster. Even though the wait time may be a little long, it is worth it IMHO. I plan on getting another K&D Hoslter for my IWB.
 
In some BDU's I have bene able to get away with carrying a Glock 30 with the 9 round mag and at other times a Glock 19. These days I go much smaller because I wear jeans about 90% of the time.

Right now I carry a SW642. I have gone back and forth over the years between this and a Kel Tec of one flavor or another, but like someone else here said, the revolver carries much better than smaller semi-autos due to the overall shape.

That being said, I am keeping my eyes peeled for a Kel-Tec PF9. That single stack 9mm might be just what I am looking for.



W
 
What's a good price for a 642?
Click to expand...

For NIB without the CT lasergrips, I'd say you'd be doing fine if you keep it under $400.

I paid $355 for mine in May 06. The same gunshop is now selling them for $379. Used prices are pretty close to NIB because little J Frames are in such tremendous demand right now. Most gunshops have a hard time keeping them in stock. The lowest price I heard of was several gents that paid $309 for them over on The 642 Club http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=138658. The average price seems to hover around $375 these days.

Bud's Gun Shop is selling them for $324.60, but you have to add in shipping + FFL fees. http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/31/products_id/26498

I would have preferred to buy used, but I have never actually seen a used 642 before. People seem to buy and keep 'em forever.
 
What's the most powerful/reliable CCW pistol that will realistically fit in a pocket?
Click to expand...

Smith & Wesson Model 60-9.
Unmatched .357 magnum power.
Unmatched revolver reliability.

There's you answer.

M60-9.gif

If your biggest consideration is to carry an cool and popular auto loader rather than "the most powerful/reliable CCW pistol that will realistically fit in a pocket", then there are plenty of semi-autos to try. But if you want "the most powerful/reliable CCW pistol that will realistically fit in a pocket", you have to get past the shell shucker thing.
 
1kperday, every day I carry the Ultra Carry II in my right front pocket in a Sam Andrews www.andrewsleather.com pocket holster. It prints like a wallet, is easy to draw and reholster. The UCII is about the same size as a Snub Nose (I compared it with my Charter Undercover .38) and several other of the handguns listed in this post, so there is no reason why it won't easily fit in the same pocket that they will. You can't wear tight trousers is all, but you can't wear them with the other mentioned guns either.
 
Yes Virginia, I do pocket carry this gun!!

Albeit, not very often. Not because I cannot, but because I really don't like pocket carry!! Nonetheless, it does get carried in this manner infrequently.

G36rig1.jpg




G36rig2.jpg


Glock 36 in a Galco PH-286 pocket holster!!! :eek:
 
I agree with those that pocket-carry the KAHR CW9. It is the best available, in my opinion. Just make sure you buy jeans/slacks with deep, loose pockets.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Eagle103
  • Locked
Pocket Carry, What's a Good Choice?
2 3 4
Replies
80
Views
8K
RustyShackelford
R
R
  • Locked
Heavy pocket pistol
2 3
Replies
54
Views
3K
macadore
M
D
  • Locked
Help me select the best choice in a pocket pistol...
2
Replies
27
Views
7K
Kahr carrier
K
J
  • Locked
Need pocket pistol identified
Replies
2
Views
472
PotatoJudge
P
T
  • Locked
I define a pocket pistol as must fit in a shirt pocket.
2
Replies
26
Views
2K
jakemccoy
J
Back
Top