RELIABLE Semi-Auto Pocket Options

Shield, XDS, Nano. Of course the XDS only has a 5 round mag but you can load it with one in the chamber.

What do you mean by 'better'? What do you mean by 'rock-solid RELIABLE'?

You might be disappointed to learn that there is no such handgun that will run continuously and flawlessly until the end of days. Everything has a failure eventually.

What would you be doing to it that would cause it to not outlast you? Because... place an oily Bryco in a drawer and leave it alone, it will outlast our great-great-grandkids.

Kahr CM9 or PM9, equal or smaller in size to the J frame and packs 6+1 of 9mm

Rocks, maybe hammers approach 100% reliability. Machines? Sadly, no. However, in the genre you describe, my Bersa .380 was (sold to a deserving friend) very good.

Mike

Weren't most pocket guns chambered in .32ACP with .25 as a slim option? So if your looking for more than .380 there where very few actual pocket pistols made as such in calibers above .380.

oneounceload said:

Kahr CM9 or PM9, equal or smaller in size to the J frame and packs 6+1 of 9mm

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If I pocket carried it would be this or an M&P Shield.

Bigboy pants need a bigboy belt. The Dragoon is where it's at, man!

I don't actually think there is a "rock-solid reliable" pocket gun. You sacrifice a little reliability for concealability. Anything that could be termed "rock-solid reliable" probably won't fit most pockets very well.

Nothing beats a revolver for a simple to use "get off me" piece that works all the time. Too many things can go wrong with a pocket auto, regardless of caliber. I carry autos on my belt on and off duty but my back up, SHTF, allelsehasfailedgetmethehelloutahere gun is a S&W J-frame and always will be.

My Ruger lc9 fits in every pocket a j-frame fits in and has been 100% reliable since day 1. 8 rounds vs 5 is a plus.

Since this post is so biased, I won't even mention my Kel-Tec P3AT, which curiously enough has never had a hiccup of any kind. Most any Makarov would be my next answer. Not exactly a pocket pistol. Whenever, I hear that the .380 is "too small" I think about shot placement. No matter what you are shooting the final results depend on this skill.

Kahr CM9

Good post, and your choice has been the detectives life insurance for many dozens of years. All I can think of adding is that since you say pocket carry is to consider a bobbed hammer. You will probably be shooting double action anyway.

I'll admit my Ruger LCP hasn't had that many rounds through it, but so far it is as reliable as any semi-auto I have owned. Fitted with a Crimson Trace laser it is still a very small, easily concealed pocket pistol and weighs a lot less than my stainless steel J-frame 640. But if you are comfortable with a j-frame, why switch unless the j-frame has come up short in meeting your needs?

My friend really likes the Ruger LCP. He cannot say enough good things about it. It is a 5 to 10 yard gun, but it's great for its role.

I'll +1 the KelTec PF9, 7+1 9mm is good. I like mine IWB and almost forget its there. Have carried in pocket too with no issue.

My P64 has been completely reliable with ball ammo (I had a FTF with Silver Bear Hollow Points).

Get the kel tec pf 9. Shoot >500 rounds through it. When your hand stops shaking, send it back to kel tec. Put 20 rounds through it then never fire it again. (cause you'll never want to)

I am NOT looking for a .380 or smaller caliber.

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

Had good luck with a Keltec P32 but like my Bodyguard .380 much better. Better sights, larger cartridge, good capacity, excellent quality and a built-in laser.

If you won't go with 380 Auto (which has improved in the past few years), then the answer is the J-Frame or a short barreled K-Frame with boot grips.

The SIG P938 may be an option.

You could pocket carry an S&W 629 with four inch barrel with the right britches.

The Makarov, the CZ-82, Ruger LC9, and S&W Shield can all fit in a jean-pocket, and be carried safely with a round in the chamber.

ain't no such thing
looking for a golden egg, there is no 100% gun
it depends on too many things, I have a P32 that vanishes in my pocket, PF9 just a bit too big, been looking at the Rugers or the Beretta.

What works for me, works for me, you have to decide on what is the right gun for you.

In terms of rock solid reliability it is difficult to surpass the reliability of the S&W snubbie. In terms of semi autso you can choose from Glock, Kahr or Springfield XDM series. I carried a Glock-36 in 45 ACP with 6+1 capability it was the slimmest 45 at that time. Currently Springfireld and Kahr offer similar models. I finally opted for a Kahr PM-9 in a pocket hiolster about as slim and light a package as one can find for 6+1 rouinds of 9mm. The Kahr CM-9 is a less pricey version of the Kahr PM-9.