Best All-Around Pocket Pistol

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pka45 said:
Great shooting MS! That's what I'm talking about, though many commenters here seem to limit the abilities of the shooter with a pocket-sized gun. And I can shoot double action (maybe not with jackrabbit-head accuracy), but obviously prefer single for shooting at any distance.

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I went out behind my house, standing unsupported, drew out my NAA Black Widow -- that, sadly, I can't remember the last time I shot or cleaned, it's been months -- and shot a cylinder full at a cardboard target from 25 yards. No practice, no dry-firing, just shot this group. About what I was expecting. The gun has decent sights but a heavy-a$$ trigger, that caused me to pull the first shot high left. Still, 3.5" even with the flyer, is what I'm looking for.

If this NAA weren't so sloppily built, and fired a reloadable caliber, it would be perfect. Sadly, it is not perfect, and thus I started this thread.
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Better than I can do. My eyes are at the point I need a red dot for 25 yard small target accuracy.
 
I enjoy my LCR 357 for pocket carry and iwb. Although I would recommend the Boot grip ruger and houge sells for easier carry.
 
pka45 said:
Great shooting MS! That's what I'm talking about, though many commenters here seem to limit the abilities of the shooter with a pocket-sized gun. And I can shoot double action (maybe not with jackrabbit-head accuracy), but obviously prefer single for shooting at any distance.

IMG_2724.JPG


I went out behind my house, standing unsupported, drew out my NAA Black Widow -- that, sadly, I can't remember the last time I shot or cleaned, it's been months -- and shot a cylinder full at a cardboard target from 25 yards. No practice, no dry-firing, just shot this group. About what I was expecting. The gun has decent sights but a heavy-a$$ trigger, that caused me to pull the first shot high left. Still, 3.5" even with the flyer, is what I'm looking for.

If this NAA weren't so sloppily built, and fired a reloadable caliber, it would be perfect. Sadly, it is not perfect, and thus I started this thread.
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Dang, man -- that's some fine shooting with your BW! :) :thumbup:

.
 
Maybe it is just me, but if you can shoot that NAA at 25 yards that good, why cant you shot the pocketable LCP you mentioned in your first post that well? I know recoil on the lcp is higher and snappier than .22, but the trigger on mine is fair, and easier for me to use that any NAA I have shot, and the sight radius is similar add CT grips and I think rabbits would be in trouble - though I think sometimes when I use a laser that my hands are much shakier than without it.

Now the p238 mentioned earlier has a superb (its a single action) crisp trigger pull - my wife had to have one to replace here lcp with CT grips - so now it is my pocket gun.

I am not saying an LCP is the best choice, the sig might be, but, they are very pocketable. So much so, I carry mine to church without worry and some folks there are not gun folks.

d
 
Just a brief update - the P238 is working out beautifully. I'm loading a Lee 95-grain cast bullet ahead of a very light charge of Titewad and some case filler for a load that blows through 5/4 deck board, cycles the action 100% so far, is hearing safer, and hits to the sights. The gun fits in my pocket extremely well in a pocket holster, and with the single-action trigger is easy to shoot accurately to at least 25 yards. Not the revolver I was originally going for, but this holds 7 and is smaller, with better sights. I'm liking it very much.
 
I wouldn't want to live in a world where snub nosed revolvers were really only effective at arms reach.

There's a big difference in admitting a short sight radius is difficult to shoot and blaming poor accuracy/precision on a short barrel.
 
Varminterror said:
I wouldn't want to live in a world where snub nosed revolvers were really only effective at arms reach.

There's a big difference in admitting a short sight radius is difficult to shoot and blaming poor accuracy/precision on a short barrel.
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I carry my snubby for up close defense. 12 feet or so. It is the Cobra or my fists.
 
Blacksmoke said:
I carry my snubby for up close defense. 12 feet or so. It is the Cobra or my fists.
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And there's nothing wrong with that. That's really what they're made to do.

But - the fact their application doesn't demand any difficult degree of precision, it doesn't make the pistols/revolvers themselves any less accurate. I don't NEED my LCP to be able to reliably hit a 6" gong at 50yrds, but I'm happy it can. I don't expect to ever shoot slow fire, staging the trigger over a matter of several seconds, during a defensive situation, but I do like knowing the capabilities of my pistols.

You mentioned Cobra, so I'll comment this - I WILL say, both of my Cobra derringers are terribly inaccurate, even considering how poor the sights might be, how difficult the grip is to control, and how challenging the trigger makes it to shoot. Even benchrested, I struggle to get reasonable groups out of them. Of course, for the $60 and $80 I paid for them, I can't say I'm disappointed, nor was I surprised. They've fun to shoot, and accurate enough for what I need.
 
Congrats to the OP for finding a solution that works for him.


Please let us know about any small game you manage to bag with the gun. I would be interested to hear it.
 
I admitt I did not read all the posts so this might be just old news. I tend to like the .32 caliber small revolvers as they carry well and accuracy often is better than the .38 ( I said often - not always guys) I have several S&W I frame guns in .32 S&W long. I have one of the first models of the hand ejector I frame that came out in 1896 and was the introduction of the .32 S&W Long , and the HE models. They can be had in a 3&1/4" barrel length, and if you don't mind a cometicaly challenged gun, but still mechanicaly good, they can be had for around $200 - $250 .

I Also have a great pocket revolver from Taurus. Out of production for some time now the Model 731 in .32 H&R Mag. if you can find one came in variations of material from light weight to steel, and mine is in Total Titanium. It is very accurate and not for sale. The last TT of this model I seen up for sale the dealer was asking a starting price of $695. What the M731 actualy sells for I do not know, but I personaly would not sell mine even if offered $700 for it. Good luck with your search - reality is there are a number of good choices.
 
Thanks, all, for the replies! It's really nice to be able to have a go-anywhere gun that shoots well with a load powerful enough for many uses yet not loud enough to make me go deaf should I be caught wanting/needing to shoot without time for or access to hearing protection.

tubeshooter said:
Please let us know about any small game you manage to bag with the gun. I would be interested to hear it.
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I will. I did use this gun/load to put down one of my roosters a few days ago who was getting surly with my wife and kids, but wouldn't let me close enough to wring his neck. One shot through the wing butts at 15 yards did the trick nicely, and exited.
 
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mnrivrat said:
I admitt I did not read all the posts so this might be just old news. I tend to like the .32 caliber small revolvers as they carry well and accuracy often is better than the .38 ( I said often - not always guys) I have several S&W I frame guns in .32 S&W long. I have one of the first models of the hand ejector I frame that came out in 1896 and was the introduction of the .32 S&W Long , and the HE models. They can be had in a 3&1/4" barrel length, and if you don't mind a cometicaly challenged gun, but still mechanicaly good, they can be had for around $200 - $250 .

I Also have a great pocket revolver from Taurus. Out of production for some time now the Model 731 in .32 H&R Mag. if you can find one came in variations of material from light weight to steel, and mine is in Total Titanium. It is very accurate and not for sale. The last TT of this model I seen up for sale the dealer was asking a starting price of $695. What the M731 actualy sells for I do not know, but I personaly would not sell mine even if offered $700 for it. Good luck with your search - reality is there are a number of good choices.
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Also, I do still love the thought of a little I-frame. If I found one for $2-250 it would be an easy decision. Ideally it would be a Terrier in 38 S&W!
 
pka45 said:
Hi all,

I'm going around on a dilemma that I think you all might be helpful with (or at least enjoy). I'm looking for MY all-around best pocket gun. Here are my requirements, in order:
  1. Pocketable - not in size 42 carpenter jeans, but normal clothing (so I can always have it)
  2. Accurate - I work outside a lot, and I'd like to be able to hit small game and pests at ~25 yds; this precludes most DAO guns
  3. Revolver - I reload light cast bullet loads for doing quiet(er) pest duty that don't cycle semi-autos
  4. Powerful (enough) - though this won't be a primary SD gun
I've got an LCP (not accurate enough, can't cycle light reloads), and an NAA Black Widow (accurate, but sloppy as all get-out [unbelievable endshake!], and I can't load for it; I'd also like a little more power). My options include, of course, a 38 J-frame, but they verge on too big for a pocket. I've looked into the older .32 (Hand Ejector, S&W 30, Pocket Positive) guns, but they're pretty hard to find or expensive in good shape. I heard NAA was talking about doing a mini revolver in 32 ACP, which, if built to normal specifications (as compared to my Black Widow which has a cylinder gap of 0.020"), could have been great. My ultimate would probably be a Bearcat Shopkeeper converted to 32/327, or even 9mm (Reeder does them), but those really stretch the budget!

What am I missing, or what else should I consider? Thanks for your input,

Pete
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There is something stainless steel in .38/.357 from S&W out there with fluted barrel, night sights and cylinder cut for moon-clips. Everything you want and nothing you don't. That is what I would buy.
 
Gun Master said:
Looks like mine !
Congratulations !
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pka45 said:
Hi all,

I'm going around on a dilemma that I think you all might be helpful with (or at least enjoy). I'm looking for MY all-around best pocket gun. Here are my requirements, in order:
  1. Pocketable - not in size 42 carpenter jeans, but normal clothing (so I can always have it)
  2. Accurate - I work outside a lot, and I'd like to be able to hit small game and pests at ~25 yds; this precludes most DAO guns
  3. Revolver - I reload light cast bullet loads for doing quiet(er) pest duty that don't cycle semi-autos
  4. Powerful (enough) - though this won't be a primary SD gun
I've got an LCP (not accurate enough, can't cycle light reloads), and an NAA Black Widow (accurate, but sloppy as all get-out [unbelievable endshake!], and I can't load for it; I'd also like a little more power). My options include, of course, a 38 J-frame, but they verge on too big for a pocket. I've looked into the older .32 (Hand Ejector, S&W 30, Pocket Positive) guns, but they're pretty hard to find or expensive in good shape. I heard NAA was talking about doing a mini revolver in 32 ACP, which, if built to normal specifications (as compared to my Black Widow which has a cylinder gap of 0.020"), could have been great. My ultimate would probably be a Bearcat Shopkeeper converted to 32/327, or even 9mm (Reeder does them), but those really stretch the budget!

What am I missing, or what else should I consider? Thanks for your input,

Pete
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Wow ! The OP has really requested something we all would like (plus extras), "The Perfect Carry HG For All Situations", and then some.
That would be nice !

Small, accurate, lightweight, and powerful (and maybe several .32 calibers, SA, and custom work).
SA only should never be the only gun for SD.

I like posting # 4, S&W Model 638. That's what I use. Works for me !
 
Varminterror said:
And there's nothing wrong with that. That's really what they're made to do.

But - the fact their application doesn't demand any difficult degree of precision, it doesn't make the pistols/revolvers themselves any less accurate. I don't NEED my LCP to be able to reliably hit a 6" gong at 50yrds, but I'm happy it can. I don't expect to ever shoot slow fire, staging the trigger over a matter of several seconds, during a defensive situation, but I do like knowing the capabilities of my pistols.

You mentioned Cobra, so I'll comment this - I WILL say, both of my Cobra derringers are terribly inaccurate, even considering how poor the sights might be, how difficult the grip is to control, and how challenging the trigger makes it to shoot. Even benchrested, I struggle to get reasonable groups out of them. Of course, for the $60 and $80 I paid for them, I can't say I'm disappointed, nor was I surprised. They've fun to shoot, and accurate enough for what I need.
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I apologize for not being clear. The Cobra I referred to is a Colt, alloy frame Detective Special, 6 shot .38 Special. I forgot there is a derringer of the same name.
 
I have tried most of the pocket auto pistols--Kahr PM, Kel-tec PF-9, Walther PPS, and Ruger LCP. I finally bought an LCR in 327 because I reload and have been interested in the cartridge for a long time. It took about 500 shots to shoot the LCR well enough for my needs, and I needed to develop the defensive rounds. But right now, the LCR in 327 is the one I go to almost all the time. I can shoot it as quickly as my pocket autos and just as accurately. If needed, I can shoot slowly and accurately too. The defensive load I developed for the 327 LCR easily beats the 9mm from 3 inch auto barrels. The design of the LCR absorbs much of the kick, so it's much more comfortable shooting the LCR with full power loads than the Kel-tec pf9 or Kahr PM, and the LCR is only 2 ounces heavier than the PF-9 and same weight as Kahr PM9.
 
RealGun said:
Well, not only does the gun not exist, but the premise is ridiculous...probably why there is no such gun.
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Your "...the premise is ridiculous..." is another person's "...what we really need..." I regularly shoot my 2 and 3 inch snubbies DA out to 100 yards. "...[P]remise is ridiculous..." unless I'm caught away from my longer barreled options, then it becomes, "Oh, God! Where does this thing shoot at that range!"
 
Elm Creek Smith said:
Your "...the premise is ridiculous..." is another person's "...what we really need..." I regularly shoot my 2 and 3 inch snubbies DA out to 100 yards. "...[P]remise is ridiculous..." unless I'm caught away from my longer barreled options, then it becomes, "Oh, God! Where does this thing shoot at that range!"
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Using that quote out of context. Let it die.
 
tubeshooter said:
Please let us know about any small game you manage to bag with the gun. I would be interested to hear it.
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Not a harvest, but I did some penetration testing on a fresh, whole feral hog carcass. The sow was around 200#, and my cast loads fully penetrated the chest on a broadside shot. I also put one in the forehead and it left an 8" deep wound cavity through the skull. I was pretty darn impressed by these light loads!
 
Thanks for reporting back! Sounds impressive. You don't say how far away you were...


I don't doubt that the caliber would do a number on small game, even with light loads. Just a matter of landing the shot. Your selected firearm has more heft to it and is probably quite a bit easier to shoot accurately than a Ruger LCP would be. Glad it is working out for you.
 
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