Pocket Gun
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Jeb Stuart
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I like Pocket guns and small guns. But IMO it probably does not get better than this. 10oz full loaded with 8 rounds of Underwood.
Keep it concealed, Keep it light, Keep it fast! - Keltec P32
"The man with his hand already on the gun wins!"
The Devil in the Shade 2019
Keep it concealed, Keep it light, Keep it fast! - Keltec P32
"The man with his hand already on the gun wins!"
The Devil in the Shade 2019
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Thibaut
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HB
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P32 is probably the best of the micro guns. I had one, it fits in any pocket and is very shootable.
If your opponent has a large knife or a pistol, you are likely screwed however.
My minimum for pistols is now a 642 and i rarely carry it (carried it everywhere for 4 years). Now I’m glock 19 all the way.
If your opponent has a large knife or a pistol, you are likely screwed however.
My minimum for pistols is now a 642 and i rarely carry it (carried it everywhere for 4 years). Now I’m glock 19 all the way.
P32 is excellent choice!! I own one and LOVE it for pocket carry. Traded a Taurus PT25 for it. Also looking at buying a S&W Model 36, old-school square butt. Mainly for pocket carry/buy a bobbed hammer, and its just classy. Only reason being my Keltec stays with my mom or grandmother a lot though..and they REALLY like it. They are hard to get in my state.
Jeb Stuart
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Beretta Pico's-2
Kahr CW-380
Ruger LCP
Keltec P32
Smith 642
LCR9mm
Beretta Nano-2
Kahr CM9-2
LCR22
Phoenix HPA 22-2
A few days ago I had my Kahr 380 out. I had just shot the 642 and then moved on the the Kahr. The Kahr is incredibly mild to shoot. Picked up the gun, shot about 10 -15 rounds in a 4" group at 8 yds. Then just started to flat out nailing very tight groups
. I then started to rapid fire the gun with the same close groups. I had also brought along a box of ARX inceptor ammo which is 20% lighter in recoil (50 rounds of their training ammo). Rapid firing this gun and getting extremely tight groups was a piece of cake. The gun shot so mild, It felt like it was just above a 22.cal. One handed shooting was a breeze.
And the Kahr was loaded with 8 rounds.
One thing about small barrel guns, if you do shoot them on a regular basis, you can get very good with them. Shooting the 22's is excellent for this, The Phoenix and the LCR not only help a lot but are so fun to shoot and ammo so cheap. For myself I find the small barrel guns offer a special kind of challenge. Some folks enjoy long range shooting, I like the quick, and close.
I was especially pleased with the range day. Over the course of 10 years I have shot the 380's heavily and a lot of ammo. However, in the past 6 months have slowed down the range time with them. Ammo for them is just too expensive and I am so use to shooting them. I thought I would be rusty with the Kahr, but was so happy to see that I performed so well and had not lost touch with the gun. The gun does about 80% of the work, I just point it.
By the way, I do not give advice on a gun for a recommendation, That is too personal. However I will say this. About a year ago, I had just finished up a range session and someone came over and asked me to try out the ARX ammo. So I loaded up a mag into my Pico and quickly shot off 6 rounds. I have to say, I was kind of taken back my the mile shooting. But just the same, it ran a fairly tight group on first try.
If someone was recoil shy, this ammo loaded up in a gun like the Kahr would be about as light a recoil as you can get in a SMALL 380. I do not carry this ammo for myself for self defense, but it might be good for others.
Kahr CW-380
Ruger LCP
Keltec P32
Smith 642
LCR9mm
Beretta Nano-2
Kahr CM9-2
LCR22
Phoenix HPA 22-2
A few days ago I had my Kahr 380 out. I had just shot the 642 and then moved on the the Kahr. The Kahr is incredibly mild to shoot. Picked up the gun, shot about 10 -15 rounds in a 4" group at 8 yds. Then just started to flat out nailing very tight groups
. I then started to rapid fire the gun with the same close groups. I had also brought along a box of ARX inceptor ammo which is 20% lighter in recoil (50 rounds of their training ammo). Rapid firing this gun and getting extremely tight groups was a piece of cake. The gun shot so mild, It felt like it was just above a 22.cal. One handed shooting was a breeze.
And the Kahr was loaded with 8 rounds.
One thing about small barrel guns, if you do shoot them on a regular basis, you can get very good with them. Shooting the 22's is excellent for this, The Phoenix and the LCR not only help a lot but are so fun to shoot and ammo so cheap. For myself I find the small barrel guns offer a special kind of challenge. Some folks enjoy long range shooting, I like the quick, and close.
I was especially pleased with the range day. Over the course of 10 years I have shot the 380's heavily and a lot of ammo. However, in the past 6 months have slowed down the range time with them. Ammo for them is just too expensive and I am so use to shooting them. I thought I would be rusty with the Kahr, but was so happy to see that I performed so well and had not lost touch with the gun. The gun does about 80% of the work, I just point it.
By the way, I do not give advice on a gun for a recommendation, That is too personal. However I will say this. About a year ago, I had just finished up a range session and someone came over and asked me to try out the ARX ammo. So I loaded up a mag into my Pico and quickly shot off 6 rounds. I have to say, I was kind of taken back my the mile shooting. But just the same, it ran a fairly tight group on first try.
If someone was recoil shy, this ammo loaded up in a gun like the Kahr would be about as light a recoil as you can get in a SMALL 380. I do not carry this ammo for myself for self defense, but it might be good for others.
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I tried the delta grip and for me it was a failure. For others, might be o.k.
Godsgunman
Member
For me it would be a .38 special. My disdain for the uselessness of the .380 cartridge overrides any concealability. I've tried multiple times giving the 380 a chance and just don't trust it. 38 special has a great record with bigger projectiles. Generally only carrying 1 less round than a 380 I would pick the 38 everytime.
Also have you looked at something like a Nano? 6+1 in 9mm and can be found for 199. Very accurate and pleasant to shoot.
Also have you looked at something like a Nano? 6+1 in 9mm and can be found for 199. Very accurate and pleasant to shoot.
35 Whelen
Member
I recently decided to get a pocket gun, meaning a gun that will fit in my pants pocket, so as to make it easier to carry all day, every day.
I'm a revolver guy through and through but I order to effectively conceal a handgun in my pants pocket, a semi was the only choice. After much research and debate, I decided on a Kel-Tec PF-9. As far as I know, a .88" it's the thinnest 9mm out there, and at 12.7 oz. empty, possibly the lightest.
It took a box or two of ammunition to get the hang if it, but once I did I was really surprised at its accuracy when fired slowly and deliberately.
35W
I'm a revolver guy through and through but I order to effectively conceal a handgun in my pants pocket, a semi was the only choice. After much research and debate, I decided on a Kel-Tec PF-9. As far as I know, a .88" it's the thinnest 9mm out there, and at 12.7 oz. empty, possibly the lightest.
It took a box or two of ammunition to get the hang if it, but once I did I was really surprised at its accuracy when fired slowly and deliberately.
35W
MedWheeler
Member
35 Whelen writes:
The Diamondback is lighter, but gives up a round in capacity. The PF9 is what I've carried since 2010 and, as rude in hand as it is, I don't think I'd go smaller in this caliber. I don't pocket-carry it because I wear jeans, but it is indeed an easily-toted pistol. Mine gets backed up by another remarkable Kel-Tec product, the P32.
I think the PF9 maintains its hold on the title of "thinnest, lightest, 9mm pistol holding 7 rounds in its OEM magazine." The now-discontinued Rohrbaugh R9 is dimensionally smaller, but heavier, and the DB9 is a six-rounder.
The Diamondback is lighter, but gives up a round in capacity. The PF9 is what I've carried since 2010 and, as rude in hand as it is, I don't think I'd go smaller in this caliber. I don't pocket-carry it because I wear jeans, but it is indeed an easily-toted pistol. Mine gets backed up by another remarkable Kel-Tec product, the P32.
I think the PF9 maintains its hold on the title of "thinnest, lightest, 9mm pistol holding 7 rounds in its OEM magazine." The now-discontinued Rohrbaugh R9 is dimensionally smaller, but heavier, and the DB9 is a six-rounder.
ApacheCoTodd
member
I'm a big fan of *drop it in a pocket* guns. My general go-to now is a proven Ruger LCP that my wife currently has with her but each of these shown and others have filled the bill. Mostly, I carry the S&W 340SC. I stupidly, recently sold a S&W/Walther PP which was a WONDERFUL pistol despite a rocky introduction by S&W.
As for the 340, that beast is a wrist-buster with hot .357 loads so I roll-my-own spicy .38s in .357 cases. I'd much rather have a .38 ONLY framed version that'll handle +P should I choose.
The beauty of the LCP is that it completely disappears in a hip pocket, is easily recovered and fired, has proven to be very reliable and allowed me to try many different .380 rounds as it is not the least bit finicky.
Todd.
As for the 340, that beast is a wrist-buster with hot .357 loads so I roll-my-own spicy .38s in .357 cases. I'd much rather have a .38 ONLY framed version that'll handle +P should I choose.
The beauty of the LCP is that it completely disappears in a hip pocket, is easily recovered and fired, has proven to be very reliable and allowed me to try many different .380 rounds as it is not the least bit finicky.
Todd.
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Mr. Mosin
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What's the top left ?
ApacheCoTodd
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AMT .45 Back Up. Great .45 with a pretty spotty reputation as many of the firearms left the AMT factory needing final attention. Springs and generous polishing and they are - or were - an outstanding back-up gun. So many more options available these days.
This one got a lot of attention and feeds everything I've loaded it with and has incredibly surprising accuracy with my preferred load of Federal Hydras.
The poor fit&finish was common across their line at different times and different factory locations in particular.
Todd.
I was too, at one time.
But it is difficult to access thee firearm quickly, and for self defense, that's a necessity.
Also, smaller guns are much more difficult to shoot effectively than larger ones.
A gun in a jacket pocket can prove useful.
Godsgunman
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I do believe someone would enjoy the continuation. You are welcome Mr Mosin
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Mr. Mosin
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They're still being produced ?
I have carried both and settled on the GLOCK 42. It was easier to conceal in a pocket when using a pocket holster like the GALCO or De SANTIS Nemisis. I found the GLOCK easier to shoot than my old S&W 38 Bodyguard, model 36 or CHARTER ARMS Undercover. I also really like the fact that I can get night sites on my GLOCK, that was the deal maker.
On the ammo power debate, most of the .38 Special +P loads have much harsher recoil than a .380ACP and with few exceptions are not anymore effective. I use the WINCHESTER Train & Defend hollow point load for my carry ammo in the GLOCK 42. I have not had any of the failure to fire issues with the GLOCK that I have had with my S&W revolvers when using WINCHESTER ammo.
In the one snub nose .38 Special that I occasionally shoot, I use the new FEDERAL HST 130 grain hollow point. This ammo alone is almost enough to justify using a .38 Special revolver, but I would have to give up night sights and carry 2 less rounds in the gun.
Jim
On the ammo power debate, most of the .38 Special +P loads have much harsher recoil than a .380ACP and with few exceptions are not anymore effective. I use the WINCHESTER Train & Defend hollow point load for my carry ammo in the GLOCK 42. I have not had any of the failure to fire issues with the GLOCK that I have had with my S&W revolvers when using WINCHESTER ammo.
In the one snub nose .38 Special that I occasionally shoot, I use the new FEDERAL HST 130 grain hollow point. This ammo alone is almost enough to justify using a .38 Special revolver, but I would have to give up night sights and carry 2 less rounds in the gun.
Jim
ApacheCoTodd
member
Sadly, no.
AMT (as a general name) has an interesting past that has bounced around like a drunken football.
At various times and in carried locations they have been know as; AMT, Irwindale Arms, Auto Mag, Galena and others.
Basically, it's a core-base of wonderful ideas centering on stainless steel semi-autos from back when that was quite unusual in general and usually prohibitively expensive in particular.
Long-slide PRODUCTION 1911s, .30 Carbine pistols, Corbon, 9x23, *micro* before it was a thing..... Lots of ground-breaking ideas that simply never took solid footing.
Some truly amazing firearms were produced and generally speaking - regardless the *facts* out there - they need little more than full detail stripping and individual polishing and re-fitting to return a pleasure FAR exceeding the cost in time and money.
Last turn they took was to be bought by High Standard (along with several others) just before HS closed up shop - for now.
The top is my maxi-gat with a standard Gold Cup for comparison.
I've had several-few *AMT*s and Auto-Mags and will likely never sell any anymore as I regret all the ones I've passed along.
Todd.
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Mr. Mosin
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I am very much a fan of steel, and a fan of pocket rockets. My first love was a PSA Baby Browning that I had to pass up due to funds shortage. If I could go back in time, I'd sell the clothes of my back to buy it. Walk out of the pawn shop buck naked, but the proud owner of a PSA .25
Jeb Stuart
member
Recpectfully,You really need to speak for yourself. And no they are not hard at all to shoot effectivily, at least out to 10 -15 yds. Yes, the learning curve my be longer, but once learned that are fast and quick and very accurate. And there are many ways to carry. Not only that, you can actually have you gun in the pocket with your hand on the gun and that is a very fast draw. You can even walk to your car at night and have on in the palm of your hand un-noticed.
10-15 will do.
But I did not say that they are "hard" to shoot effectively. I said that they are more difficult to shoot effectively than larger ones. A bigger grip, longer sight radius, greater weight, and a greater moment of inertia all help with controlled, rapid shooting.
That's a real advantage of jacket pocket carry, but it trying to do that with a pants pocket could lead to trouble.
Jeb Stuart
member
Again speak for yourself. I have no difficulty at all shooting a small pistol effectively. And can do it just as fast as a larger gun or faster. And Like I said, you can carry in your pocket, coat, Appendix what every. And do some drills with one in your pocket and practice. Faster than you think. I understand you are making a "Generalization". But not all folks train the same way.
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