Most robust (true) pocket pistol

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Its funny (odd) how one handgun is considered "true" pocket size but another handgun of similar size is not.
For example, j-frame 442 is considered a pocket gun my many but a Sig 365 is not; ironically they are about the same height & length.
https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/sig-sauer-p365-vs-smith-wesson-model-642

Typical response by snub enthusiast to the fact that they are about the same size:
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Now its not size, but shape, j-frame is perceived as less likely to print due to shape; as if putting an object like hand sanitizer in pocket to break outline isn't an option.
 
In the pocket they do feel and sit differently. Additionally, there will be a final loaded weight difference between the airweight and five rounds and the 365 with 10 +1 or 12+1
 
Ruger SP101 too large? It is a robust little beast; worth buying trousers with larger pockets, IMHO. When I do actually carry inside a pocket, the weapon is likely to be a Seecamp LWS-32, these days, but there a time that I was likely to carry more than one SP101, and I do still have a Kramer pocket holster to accommodate the SP101. I used Diamond Gusset jeans, made in TN, USA, which had sufficiently voluminous front pockets.

I actually do not want my only handgun to be carried inside a pocket, but the reasons are more-suited to Strategy & Tactics.

The brick house SP101 immediately came to mind as well.
 
Its funny (odd) how one handgun is considered "true" pocket size but another handgun of similar size is not.
For example, j-frame 442 is considered a pocket gun my many but a Sig 365 is not; ironically they are about the same height & length.
https://www.handgunhero.com/compare/sig-sauer-p365-vs-smith-wesson-model-642

Typical response by snub enthusiast to the fact that they are about the same size:
View attachment 1083282

Now its not size, but shape, j-frame is perceived as less likely to print due to shape; as if putting an object like hand sanitizer in pocket to break outline isn't an option.

For me, it’s how well the pocket gun can be drawn from a pocket.

Revolvers may be longer than some similarly sized pistols. But revolvers almost always have grip behind the gun, while most current autoloaders have the grip at least partially under the gun.

It’s like the revolver grip extends from the gun to make grabbing from a pocket easier.

Of course, I liken the shape of a revolver to a banana versus the hard L-shape of many autoloaders. It’s always been easier for me to pull a revolver from my pocket than an equal, or nearly equal, sized autoloader.

Of course, moving on to belt guns, I don’t see the revolver having a advantage in the draw. But that’s just me.
 
Anyone of the ones you mentions will last with PM. It’s just the nature of the beast, mechanical thingies need items replaced. Even the G42 will need new springs.
 
A lot of people crap all over them, but I have around 7K rounds through my Keltec P3AT and it's still going without a problem. It's my summertime shorts pocket carry gun. With the right .380 ammo I don't feel undergunned with it.
 
Most robust ? Here is the answer. the Astra 300 in .32ACP. Built like a tank, it will easily fit in a pocket, although it is a bit heavy for a .32.
 

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Robust? Ok I'll play.
Beretta m1934 brevatta 7.62 ( .32) auto.
1940s date, picked up from a deceased Japanese fellow by a Marine who carried it around the south pacific Aboard a ship, he traded it to my old man when he couldn't find any ammunition.
Old man carried it continuously from 44 on till 97.
I carried it as a backup untill i finally realized the european designed saftey would get me in a jam.
Yea, its durable
 
Robust? Ok I'll play.
Beretta m1934 brevatta 7.62 ( .32) auto.
1940s date, picked up from a deceased Japanese fellow by a Marine who carried it around the south pacific Aboard a ship, he traded it to my old man when he couldn't find any ammunition.
Old man carried it continuously from 44 on till 97.
I carried it as a backup untill i finally realized the european designed saftey would get me in a jam.
Yea, its durable
7.65mm
 
Just as the title suggests, what do you think are the most durable pocket pistols? It's important to practice and many smaller pistols may not hold up to large volume shooting.

I know the Springfield hellcat, upon launch, boasted a ten thousand round torture test. Impressive for something so small- small clearances etc.

It is a bit large for a pocket, though it could be done.

I know the Beretta tomcat is not made to be shot much. It is a more reasonable pocket sized gun.

The NAA minis can break mainsprings with heavy shooting.

The Beretta 21a can shoot itself loose over time, "wear out" if you will.

I've heard many anecdotal cases of the Ruger small autos not holding up, the lc/ec/max 9s. I know I am not a fan of the lcp style take down system. My own 2008 lcp didn't seem to be holding up all that well, I benched it as a carry lots/ shoot little.

By all accounts the airweight revolvers fall under that same heading. I am not sure about lcrs. They may last longer.

As long as it's handled and used right, I think a steel snubby would last very well.


I was thinking the Glock 380 for tiny pistols and the Smith m60 for 38/357. The all stainless construction should hold up well to regular pressure 38s.
 
I take the Rohrbaugh R9 to the range 4 times a year. Each time, I shoot 7 rounds and then I'm done. I only put 28 rounds a year through the R9. Other than that, I only use the Rohrbaugh R9 to shoot something that is attacking me. The RM380 is similar enough to the R9 that practicing with it keeps my skills with the R9 fresh. With the R9 I "Carry often shoot seldom."

R9 and RM380 cropped.JPG
 
Is it advised by the manufacturer to limit the rounds shot by the r9?

I really like my airweight and once I got it dialed in, I got a steel framed j to take the burden. Sure I could get another airweight, but every gun is its own entity
No telling if a new one could shoot lights out like this one.

I test myself cold each range trip, fast draw and fire at ten or seven yards (depends on which range is open). It always drills the center out and gives me warm fuzzies about having it handy and stoked with critical defense.

With the ammoflation and scarcity I'm nearly out of critical defense, so I may move to wadcutters or blazer 125 grain flat points.
 
Is it advised by the manufacturer to limit the rounds shot by the r9?

I really like my airweight and once I got it dialed in, I got a steel framed j to take the burden. Sure I could get another airweight, but every gun is its own entity
No telling if a new one could shoot lights out like this one.

I test myself cold each range trip, fast draw and fire at ten or seven yards (depends on which range is open). It always drills the center out and gives me warm fuzzies about having it handy and stoked with critical defense.

With the ammoflation and scarcity I'm nearly out of critical defense, so I may move to wadcutters or blazer 125 grain flat points.
I think the company is defunct so its best to use it sparingly.
 
I only remember that name from the early 2000s on the firing line forum, mentioned as a niche gun "smallest lightest 9mm" etc.

I was a young guy then, and just remember that the price was much higher than the 98 Corolla I drove and kept alive until 2014, so I didn't really look into them.

You definitely take a risk using and running a gun from a defunct company, or even just a discontinued model. I loved my p95 but how long would it have replacement parts/servicing?

Same speed/service sixes, metal framed sw guns, Ruger p series previously mentioned etc.
 
Having not shot the vast majority of "pocket" pistols, I can't really answer the question.

But based on my experience with guns I have pocket carried, and pocket pistols I've handled in stores, my opinion is this:

Although many people were disappointed when the G42 was released and it turned out to be in .380 rather than 9mm, I think Glock really thought out that model. The G43 is bigger by just enough that it's problematic to pocket carry on a daily basis. Most of my pants (Carhartt and 5.11) have fairly large pockets. And it's just big enough to cause wear spots(which become holes) that the G42 doesn't.

And considering the much lower pressure of the .380 vs the 9mm, it's easy to see how they could make it the size they did. Of course many .380s are even smaller, but the G42 is big enough to still be quite shootable and robust.

So yeah, I'll say the G42.
 
Ruger SP101 too large? It is a robust little beast; worth buying trousers with larger pockets, IMHO. When I do actually carry inside a pocket, the weapon is likely to be a Seecamp LWS-32, these days, but there a time that I was likely to carry more than one SP101, and I do still have a Kramer pocket holster to accommodate the SP101. I used Diamond Gusset jeans, made in TN, USA, which had sufficiently voluminous front pockets.

I actually do not want my only handgun to be carried inside a pocket, but the reasons are more-suited to Strategy & Tactics.
Not a pocket pistol, SP101
 
Is it safe to say, for a truly robust pocket gun the Glock 380 would be best? I've never owned or shot one, but I've looked at them. I think they would fit in a pocket. They take down like big boy guns, and seemed to be made quite stout. I don't see one falling apart in an intense pistol course and regular practice.

That's my thought. I've got a g42 and carry it regularly as a backup or on it's own if I'm lightly dressed and concealment is a priority . mine an early one, bought in the first few months of production . it's been flawless and it's big enough to shoot reasonably well. It's gone for a few swims. Including in the ocean and hasn't ever malfunctioned that I can remember. Probably have under or around 1,000 rounds through it over the years but I really just shoot a few magazines if I think about it to make sure it's still chugging along. Do I think it would survive a lot of use? Yep, I'd bet on it.

The little ruger is alright but it's smaller and harder to shoot well, the trigger on the hammer fired model is (was?) Horrendous imo. Striker models seem better but I never fired a striker model.

I had a Taurus tcp for a while. I couldn't shoot that thing worth a darn. No exaggeration , 5 yards I couldn't keep them all on paper. My buddy could shoot it, his hands are bigger then mine and he can't shoot any gun better then me- except some how the tcp worked for him. It was a flimsy gun that wouldn't survive long with constant use as far as I'd guess, don't know though.

Pocket guns are tough. Got to be big enough to handle and small enough to go anywhere. I prefer 380 to a 9mm for tiny gun use, easier to shoot fast and reality is that hits are hits, misses don't count. No cartridge war stuff, just what I believe. All that said, I don't think a gun like this is ideal for a primary weapon but that choice is 100% yours.
 
I have a SP-101 in 327 and a LCRx in 38.

Both of my guns are a tad big for pocket carry. The SP-101 is also a lot heavier than the LCRx. A LCR snub in 38 Sp is both light and small. Based on my LCRx, a 38 snub LCR should last a lifetime of shooting on a regular basis. Lighter bullets (130 gr or less) make volume shooting less of a chore.
 
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