Best format for pocket carry?

[Malice]

In your opinion...

What would you do if you were in a situation where you had a fullsize auto for CCW, but wanted a smaller gun for those times when concealing it is too difficult?

Lets say you had a fullsize 1911 or Glock or CZ. But you want a smaller gun that could be carried in a pocket and/or easily IWB.

Would you pick somthing like a SW642, or a Taurus 85?

Or would it be somthing like a KelTec?

Why?

 

[usp9]

Seecamp .32 or .380. Very small, light, reliable, all stainless. Great gun.

 

[MCgunner]

I've got a Grendel P12 .380 I carry in a rear pocket. If I didn't have that, or perhaps to replace it, I'd probably get a Kel Tec P3AT, a small, reliable DAO pocket pistol. It's smaller than my Grendel, so it would do. But, my Taurus M85 doesn't come close to fitting a rear jeans pocket. Oh, it'll go in, but the grip sticks out, not good. I don't want to rely on a .32, .380 is my personal bottom line caliber and there's plenty of guns like the Kel Tech, Seecamp, NAA Guardian, etc that are small enough for about any pocket and chamber the .380. Just find one you like.

The Grendel is no longer made, morphed into Kel Tec. I got the P12 quite some time ago and it's still shootin' fine, no complaints other than I don't particularly like the trigger. It's fine, but the reset is such that I have to keep my finger too far out of the trigger guard to get it to reset for the next shot. That took some practice to get used to. I've been told I might can adjust that, but I don't know. The thing is a PITA to take apart to find out. :banghead: Thought about cutting the front of the trigger guard off, but that sounds like a less than ideal thing to do. Might weaken the frame if I did that. But, it always feeds, never jams, and is reasonably accurate for a pocket pistol. I've fired a lot of trouble free rounds through it and can hit with it, all that really matters I reckon.

Don't know why, but I took one of the magazines apart in this pic to show someone something.

 

[P95Carry]

Many folks pocket carry a j frame snub but IMO a small semi is better due to flatter profile. Stuff in the KT range, Colt Pony, Seecamp, even for some a Bersa will be manageable.

Do have to a decent pocket holster - limits printing, lint ingress and keeps gun from changing position.

 

[cookekdjr]

J-frame. Gotta go J-frame. Won't jam. Easy to hide and carry. Surprisingly accurate. More powerful (38+p or .357) than most small-auto cartridges.
-David

 

[MCgunner]

The only revolver I can fit in my jeans is a NAA .22 mini. I'd love to carry a J frame, but they're WAY TOO BIG.

 

[Dollar An Hour]

Kel-Tec

I think the Kel-Tec in either .32 or .380 is perfect for a pocket gun. Lighter than everything else too.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Smallest a P-32 or 380 kel Tec. Next a PPK/S or tops a j frame

 

[scbair]

I've run the gamut; S&W M36 w/bobbed hammer (1970s & 80s); Fraser .25; KelTec P32; NAA Black Widow .22 WMR . . .

Today, as I type this, a S&W M642-1, in a leather pocket holster. I have no problem wearing it all day every day, right front pocket. Reliability and the proven capability of the ol' "FBI load."

Of course, at my advanced age, I no longer wanna wear skin tight pants to show off a buffed bod, either.

 

[Jim PHL]

A j-frame in my right front pocket is carried about 80% of the time that I carry. (The other 20% I'm carrying something bigger IWB) I admit it is at the top-end of acceptable size and weight for pocket carry (anything even a little bigger or a little heavier would be too big or too heavy). I recently sold a KelTec P3AT that was a great pocket gun. You could carry that thing in any garment that has pockets. (It especially shined during summer dog walks when all I was wearing was gym shorts and a t-shirt.) I'm with scbair, though. I prefer the 158 grain +P to any .380 load.

 

[calzoom]

Ole fart here. Began with the J-frames in belly bands. When I packed my 642 in my pocket it looked like I had a canned ham in there. Went to Baretta 21 to NAA 22 mag to P-32 KEL-TEC. Long time now. Keep it in an UM pocket holster to keep the lint out.

Not convinced about the P-3AT yet. Nor the new P-9. Time will tell. Kahr is out because I don't like their ads and there are QC problems.

I don't want to stand off an army or such. But If I can get with in 10-15 feet I can sure change an attitude of someone who desperately needs an attitude adjustment. Other wise I like and still have all the above weapons.

Belly band or Humongous side pockets for revolvers.....still a good idea.

 

[Mulliga]

J-Frame all the way.

I had a P3AT. I don't trust a gun that is unreliable after five or six mags worth of rounds at the range - too finicky for me, YMMV. It was inexpensive, fairly accurate, and a joy to carry, but reliability is way, way more important than any of that. I don't believe in tinkering with something to have to make it work, nor do I think a gun should need lube just to work properly.

A 642 in the pocket may look like some kind of hideous lesion, but at least it'll work when you need it, even if dirty or dry. If you have a problem with how big it is in pocket, just use a cheapo Uncle Mike's clip-on holster or something and tuck it in the waistband - works with almost any type of pants, and most times you don't even need a belt.

 

[JohnC]

Tomcat

I currently use a Beretta Tomcat .32 auto for pocket carry but have been considering looking for something else in .380 or 9mm. The Tomcat is a terrific pistol, but i just wish they made it in.380. I tried a P-3AT for a while, but it wasn't dependable in my hands. The Tomcat is about 15oz and fits in the pocket good with an uncle mikes small pocket holster.

This is an interesting thread, because it gives me some ideas. My first post here, but i hope to contribute and learn more.

Thanks,
JohnC

 

[TOADMAN]

Get a S&W 642 or 442 in a #3 Uncle Mikes pocket holster...Load with Speer 38 cal. 135gr + P ammo specifically made for short barrel revolvers.

 

[fiVe]

Another vote for the 642. I carry mine in a Mika round-cut pocket holster.

 

[Mongo the Mutterer]

Depends upon your build. If you are a biggun (like me 6', 239), J frame, if you are smaller or (perish the thought) in shape, go with the auto. I prefer revolvers if you can conceal them well.

YMMV

 

[MCgunner]

Of course, at my advanced age, I no longer wanna wear skin tight pants to show off a buffed bod, either.

Well, I'm old, too. My belly might be a little rotund for a belly band. That COULD be an answer, though, exept on hot days. I work out in an un-air conditioned shop, rolling around under John Deere tractors, getting greased up from head to toe. That's why I wear jeans. I have some nice slacks, some with hidden pockets, some cargo, that my P11 compact 9mm will fit (which I prefer to a revolver) or my little Taurus M85 15 ounce .38, but I can't wear those pants to go to the shop and I don't wear 'em daily. I'm usually in jeans. When I'm off, I go IWB. But, I have to carry in a jeans pocket at work and sometimes on my motorcycle on the road. The .380 works for me.

If you can buy big pocket pants and wear them daily, great, get a J frame, preferably one of the 9 ounce titanium Smiths, lighter the better. But, if you have to wear jeans and still wanna carry, think P-3AT Kel Tec or something.

Also, I have a "tuckable" Mitch Rosen Workman holster. If your concern is a tucked in shirt and not being able to go IWB, the Workman or any tuckable will allow you to tuck the shirt over the gun. My Workman is very comfy. I carry a P11 KT in it, not a full size gun. It's not made for full size guns. But, the P11 is one heck of an accurate, powerful little 14 ounch package.

 

[LightningJoe]

J-Frame or the equivalent. It's not undetectable; it's unrecognizable. I carry mine in an Uncle Mike's Sidekick. I wore fairly tight blue jeans today and walked around in public armed with my Taurus 85 SSUL. I know exactly what's in my pocket and exacly where it is and I can barely see the print in the mirror looking right at it. Nobody else really looks. Anybody who does look can't resolve an image.

 

[Rob1035]

J Frame, all the way.

 

[jlseagull]

In my pocket, I carry a 7 rounds of 9mm in my Rohrbaugh 9 every time I need to wear dress pants.

You may find this chart useful.... http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf

 

[Sistema1927]

Wow! This is post # 1,000

I used to pocket carry a 642 until I purchased a Kahr PM9. The Kahr rides in a Desantis Nemesis pocket holster with no problems. There was nothing wrong with the 642, but the Kahr is a better fit for me.

If you are going to pocket carry, take care that the only items in that pocket are your firearm and its holster.

 

[MCgunner]

In my pocket, I carry a 7 rounds of 9mm in my Rohrbaugh 9 every time I need to wear dress pants.

You probably wear at least a business suit if not a tux to work if you can afford a Rohrbaugh. Prolly need it to keep that Rolex on your arm, eh? BWAAAA, ha, ha!

Just funnin' I'm just waiting for a Rohrbaugh that's affordable. Thought I might have it in the PF9, but nope, didn't happen.

 

[Glockman17366]

I carry a Taurus 85 Ultralight.

The most important thing for pocket carry is weight. A heavier gun (such as my beloved Kahr MK9) will drag the pocket down.

That little Taurus I carry goes about 14 oz. When it's in my trouser pocket (in a holster...a Galco in my case), it's quite comfortable.

I do prefer a larger gun (Glock 19), but for very casual carry, that little Taurus carries well!

 

[jlseagull]

Hey RC, have you checked www.rohrbaughforum.com ?? You can find them used in the $800 range with accessories if you wait long enough.

Unfortunately, you missed the dump of them last summer. I guess the Rohrbaugh factory had moved, and they stopped production for over a year. Everyone was holding on to theirs in case production never started again, but when it did, the market was flooded for about a month or so and prices plunged.

It still hurt a bit for a backup gun, but it is a primary carry sometimes, and I'd rather have a reliable Rohrbaugh and no watch vs. a Jam-Tec and fancy Rolex.

 

[MCgunner]

My P11 has 8+ years and I don't know how many thousand jam free rounds though it. I trust it with my life when I carry it. But, it's too big for a normal pocket. Danged accurate, +P rated, 11 rounds on tap, though, and only 14 ounces on the hip. That's why when the PF9 was rumored I was on the edge of my chair. But, it's no physically smaller than the P11 other than in width and I'll take the tiny amount of width for 11 rounds of +P. Too, I'd have to figure a way to grind that stupid rail thing off the frame. What the heck is that doin' on a pocket gun!?

If I give 800 bucks for somethin', I'd better be able to ride it to work the next day...