What Is The Best Pocket-Carry Gun For A Beginner?

S&W Model 38 or 638.

Roscoe is right, but he didn't really answer the "why" portion of the question, so I will.

Basically, a Model 38 is going to be the easiest to control and safest option available. It's bigger than a Kel-Tec, but a beginner will find it easier to shoot, and it carries a better round anyway, at least in my opinion. It's a revolver. The hammerless models have a heavy (or should I say long?)enough trigger pull that any accidental trigger pulling is unlikely. When your ready to fire, pull it and squeeze the trigger. Thats it.

For pocket carry a hammerless model is superior as there is no hammer to snag on pockets on the way out. I have a Taurus 605 that is similar, and mine has a hammer (my preference), but then I never carry it in my pocket, either.

If you have to have an auto, a kel-tec is a pretty good choice, but I personally don't view them as particularly good beginner guns. It's not that they are any more or less unsafe than a revolver as much as it is that I happen to think that they are harder to shoot than the average snubby, at least in terms of accurate fire. Thats just my opinion though.

+1 on a Smith 638 or maybe a 442...

I would highly suggest the well made and respected S&W model 638 DA/SA revolver for pocket/CC carry. It's small lightweight street proven and easy to clean. You can shoot it DA or in emergencies(wounded, one handed, illness, etc) fire it SA. Plus with a Taurus Protector or S&W model 638 the hammer is protected from snags or clothes, .

The S&W model 640 or 442 would be a good idea too. These revolvers are DA only(no single action) but conceal well and in a real world use of force incident the false claims of you "cocking" your weapon or acting reckless by shooting single action can be avoided.

BTW: for snub .38spl use the Gold Dot 135gr JHP +P or Corbon 110 +P+ JHPs. Rusty S

S&@ 340 and 360PD, as well. Start with .38's and work up, or just carry with 158 LHPGC .38 Plus P buffalobore.com.

For a beginner, I would suggest anything that has an external safety on it for obvious reasons. Otherwise, you could be carrying a "decocker" around in your pocket!!! hehehe

I think the best Pocket Gun for Any body, provided they practice and can handle it, is a Light weight 38Spl. +P 5 shot Revolver. At first they seem a little wild. You have to practice and get comfortable with it. You can't take it out, put a box of ammo threw it and be ready to carry. It takes a little time. The biggest mistake I see guys make is buy a 442 or ?? give it to the wife. She puts ten or twenty rounds threw it and says " I can't hit s--t with this and it jumps to much. First she needs comfortable grips and light loads and take it from there.

A 642.There is a reason it is the best selling S&W. A gun you will never feel the need to sell...ever.

Another nod to the heavier J-frames; they are easier on beginner shooters.

A cell phone.

Stay far, far way from the Kel-Tec P3AT. And that's not just for new shooters, either. Spotty quality and reliability but, hey, they're cheap.

No problem with my KelTec P3AT. Carry it everyday. Even if you do get a bad one, they have excellent service. Would love a PF-9, but I already have too many calibers!

You're one of the lucky ones, Rusty. Believe me.

Kel Tec

You're one of the lucky ones, Rusty. Believe me.


Wow, I have 3 of their products with hundreds of rounds through each one with various ammo with nary a problem. What has been your problem with Kel-Tec?

Revolver - 042

Semi-Auto - Beretta Jetfire.

*stirs pot*

I have a new P3AT and it works great for me. Reliable, works with several different types of hollowpoint, and it is pretty accurate.

Many are suggesting the S&W 638. I am going to suggest the S&W 642 as there is no hammer to have to let down slowly to decock it. The next up CCW pistol for a beginner is the Kel-Tec P3AT.

(I recommend either for anyone actually)

I think it depends on where exactly you're looking to put it. For a back pocket or the side pockets of cargo pants (or a front pocket of a jacket), I like something flat like my P-3AT. For front pockets on pants or side pockets on a jacket, I like something more rounded like my Charter Arms Undercover (not a bash on S&W; I got a really good deal on the CAU).

I figure that if you're carrying it in your pocket, you're talking point-blank range and ease of access is more important than accuracy. If for whatever reason I needed to hit something farther away, I'd carry my USPc or a 1911 at least IWB, probably OWB, or maybe in a backpack.

The best advice I can think of is to go to a gun show or store and handle the ones which catch your fancy. Some dealers may let you actually put it in your pocket.

You may also want to consider not carrying with a round in the chamber (or next cylinder for a revolver) until you're more comfortable carrying. Think about your purpose for the gun: is it to prevent a mugging or is it meant as protection in case of a one-in-a-million office shooting?

I actually do carry a P3AT, and I am perfectly satisfied with it. I still maintain that it's not a beginners gun, though. That isn't to say that I am an expert, as much as it is to say that I have shot long enough develop good shooting habits. The kel-tec trigger is not conducive to learning good trigger control. I can live with the trigger because I understand what the purpose of the gun is, and because of that, it doesn't effect my shooting habits with my other pistols.