Best pocket pistol

[slowr1der]

I know you guys are probably thinking, not another one of these threads, but I'm hoping to get some opinions on what I should go with. I've been wanting a pocket pistol for about a year now, and just have been putting off buying one. I've gotten close a few times, but so far have kept changing my mind. I've been hoping to find something used, but every time I see a used one listed which is rare, it's more than new anyway.

So I had originally decided on the Ruger LCP I thought anyway. I for some reason fell in love with the looks of the engraved one, and this is still my favorite.

I then got to check out the Sig P238, and really found I liked how it felt better in my hand, I liked the trigger better, and I liked that the gun actually had regular sights on it. Overall, I felt the P238 wasn't even in the same league as the Ruger. Then I got online and started reading about all of the problems people are having with these Sig's, and that combined with the price has sort of turned me off from these.

I plan to maybe shoot this thing a couple of times per year and carry it in my pocket sometimes. I don't plan for it to be a range gun, so the trigger and the soft recoil of the Sig isn't something I'm wanting too badly since I just won't shoot either very much.

Then I got to check out the Ruger with the laser. A local shop is running a special for the LCP with the Crimson Trace laser for $399. I'm just finding this to be a super deal. Especially when I'm looking at paying about $322 for the engraved LCP with no laser. I find the sights hard to use on the Ruger, so I feel the laser would be a very very nice touch on this. That brings me to the point of should I go with the engraved without the laser, or the standard one with the laser? I for some reason just can't warm up to the looks of the standard one and I for some reason love the engraving. I'm aware that you can add the CT laser, but it seems like everywhere I look is about $175 for the laser, which is a lot more than the $120 premium the one with it already installed brings over the standard one without the laser. I wish I could get the engraved one with the laser for the $120 premium instead of paying $175 to buy it separately, but it doesn't look like I can.

Then this brings up another option since I've grown found of the laser. The S&W Bodyguard .380. This is about $350, but no one has one in stock so I've not gotten to check it out. I'm really liking the price on this, and having never owned a S&W, but always liked them has me kind of wanting this one. I know nothing about it though. I do know that I tried the Bodyguard in 38 special and I didn't like the laser on it near as much as the CT one on the LCP, just because I felt the switch to turn it on and off was in an awkward spot for me.

There is also a Taurus TCP, and I like this, but I have no interest in buying it due to Taurus's crappy customer service. I swore a long time ago I'd not by from them after seeing how they treated others, and I don't want to change that.

So as you can see there are lots of options to choose from. My favorite I've gotten to handle is the Ruger LCP engraved, but it seems like if I get the laser it's going to be right at $500 if not slightly over, and that seems like a lot when I've seen several Sigs for under that price range. I wish I could get this for $420 or so, but it doesn't seem I will ever get into one of those for that.

So what's your opinion on the best choice for a pocket pistol?

 

[hardluk1]

Boy ,,, You like all of us are just going to have to find what you like best. For me ,I will not again own a micro sized pistol. Under stress if your hands are mid to larger sized they can be hard to get in action as quickly as a mid sized gun atleast for some of us. I started with a tomcat 26 years ago. Even in a pocket holster it could get some what lost in a pocket. And was regulated to ankle duty. I for one also don't want a laser that comes on at ever grab of the handgun. Gives the bad guy something to aim at in the dark,hehe. Also can teach bad shooting habits to a new concealed shooter.

Just pick up and handel everthing you can. Try to holster them the way you think you will carry. That might change with time or way you dress. If a 380 is what you want then rent a couple to see how you like them. Most desent ranges will have a couple diffent models. I have always have a 38 revolver as part of my rotation. Gone from a 21oz taurus 26 years ago and oh NEVER had a minutes trouble with it and still have it. To now haveing a 13 oz charter arms 38. Not fun to shoot with hot loads but works just like it should. I also have a a KT pf-9 and p-11 for carry and just picked up a used kahr cw9. All 9mm. The KTpf-9 is my almost everday go to carry in my front pocket. That is subject to change once in a while. The Kel Tech's can be bought for around 240, any of them can be bought for that. They also have the best service of them all if you should find a problem. and a great forum at KTOG. Even if you buy the s&w or ruger don't trust it till you have shoot 300 to 400 rounds and a atleast 100 rounds of carry ammo with out a single problem.
Just rent a gun to shoot when you can. Typicaly rental is buy the ammo guns is darn near nothing. Might be able to shoot all the 380 brands at a range might rent for the one price on a slow day. Our range will even let you shoot the owners carry gun. Go to the range with what ever you have and with a little BS most people will let you fire a few rounds from there handguns. I have got'n to shoot many different brands I would never get a chance to in a indoor range by just talk'n with other shooters. good luck

 

[usp9]

So what's your opinion on the best choice for a pocket pistol?

Seecamp, because I like my pocket gun to be small and reliable. Adding accessories and enlarging the gun defeats the purpose, IMHO.

 

[DrLaw]

Smith & Wesson concealed hammer series J-frames (Pre-lock). More power, small guns, never fail mechanisms.

Well, you asked what was the best pocket pistol.

The Doc is out now.

 

[kokapelli]

I have a P238, TCP, P3AT, Micro Desert Eagle and have shot my son's LCP a number of times. All of these guns will do the trick but if you want the best shooter IMO the P238 without hesitation.

 

[Muddflap]

There are a lot of options, and a wide range of prices. I know I have spent way too much money trying to figure out what I wanted, but those days are over. At least on pocket guns.

I started out with a S&W 642. I still have one, but it seems bulky.

Got a P3AT, but never could warm up to its appearance. It always made me think of the little .49 cent squirt guns I got as a little kid. It did what it was supposed to, but it went back to the factory 3 times, and it lost its appeal, so it went away.

Bought a Ruger LCP. It was a step up, appearance wise, from the P3AT, and it functioned perfectly, but like hardluk1 said, it was kind of hard to hang on to with big hands, so eventually it left the fold.

When Diamondback came out with the DB380, I thought it might be easier to hang on to, since it was shaped a little differently. I was wrong, and it too went bye bye.

Since I'm fond of Sig, I thought I'd try the P238. I was lucky, and got a good one. It was soft shooting, and very accurate. You could put 100 rounds through it at a time with no pain. But, unless you have loose pants, I found it was hard to get out of my pocket because of the beavertail, the hammer, and the general shape. Plus it was the only pistol I had with a safety, and that bothered me a little. I was always afraid I would forget to take the safety off in a tense situation. So another pocket pistol bit the dust.

Then I happened to be at a LGS, and there was a Kahr P380 in the case. I really liked the feel of the gun, and it had a definate quality that made me feel good about the price. I know function, and reliability are number 1, but I have to have something that appeals to my idea of good looking too. I ended up taking it home. It's almost as soft shooting as the Sig, which makes it easy to hang on to in spite of the small size. I have about 400 rounds through it now, and it has been perfect.

For me the search is over. With all the buying, selling, and trading, over the last 4 years, I'd be afraid to guess what the little Kahr actually cost me. It has been an education, but now I have a small pocket pistol that is reliable, dependable, there's no safety, it comes out of the pocket easy, I think it's good looking, and I can shoot it well.

Everyone has to get what they like, and what works for them. There are a lot of choices and hopefully you can find the one that fits you without too much pain.

 

[ET]

Not another one of these threads...

 

[BruiseLee]

hardluk1 said, "For me ,I will not again own a micro sized pistol. Under stress if your hands are mid to larger sized they can be hard to get in action as quickly as a mid sized gun atleast for some of us. I started with a tomcat 26 years ago."

No offense, but to the best of my knowledge, the Beretta Tomcat came out in 1996, which is just 15 years ago. I know, because I bought one.

 

[wally]

S&W Bodyguard .380. Best of the breed, and at the recently reduced price the best buy.

Add me to the list of folks with a P238 that doesn't work out of the box I'll be calling them Monday to see about sending it back. If they pay shipping both ways (like S&W) and actually fix it I'll completely forgive them.

 

[Ala Dan]

For me, its my KEL-TEC P3AT .380 ACP~! Mine is like the energizer
bunny; "it will take a licking, and keep on ticking", by running and
running without any hiicups~!

FootNote: I fell approximately 3 feet from a ladder at work, landing
on the rear pocket where I keep my P3AT in a Uncle Mikes #2 pocket
holster. Luckily, neither myself nor the weapon was hurt. The KT was
very forgiving, as it shoots as well today; as it did when I first bought
it~! Nowdays, I don't climb any more.

 

[hivo]

I have the LCP engraved model. I also liked the looks of the engraving. I purchased mine mainly for summer carry. It fits in shorts pockets very nicely. As for sights this gun was designed for self defense not range accuracy, point and shoot. I've put about 150 rounds through mine with no problems. Some will say thats not enough to tell if it will be reliable or not. I have full confidence that IF I have to pull it, it will go BANG! BUT like everyone says try all of them you can. Just like the guns ,everyone is different.
HIVO

 

[carbuncle]

I just got back from my first range trip with my new Bodyguard .380 (test fired at the factory 1-22-11) and am very pleased with it's accuracy, low recoil and reliability. The laser wasn't up to competing with the range's bright fluorescent lights, but the sights worked great: I started at 21 feet and was pleasantly surprised, took it out to 30 feet for a couple of mags shot into the head area of a B-27 and lit up the vitals again of the same target out at around 40 feet: not bad for a pocket pistol. Out of 100 rounds of Blazer Brass I had 1 FTF due to a bad round, solid primer hit but no bang, but no gun-related malfunctions or hang-ups. Firing the gun was really remarkably fun, the recoil is negligible to the point where I could enjoyably fire several hundred rounds in a session and get tired of shooting way before my hands wore out. Great ergonomics, good reliability, this one's a keeper for me.

 

[hardluk1]

bruiselee Yes ,right. pays to read several times I guess. Carried the 38 from when florida legalized CC . Never could get close to the tomcat and it wieghted way more than corent light weights. Keepit till about 2 years ago It shot everything just one of those size guns that never fit for me. First sign of old age ,can't ,a,a,a remember ,,, sometimes

 

[almherdfan]

Bersa Thunder .380 cc has been the best so far. I've tried the LCP, the Kel Tec's (.380 & 9mm), the S&W .38 bodyguard, & the Walther PK .380. The Walther is a close 2nd. I've had much fun trying to find the right weapon, but spent too much $$.

 

[MedWheeler]

I carried a PPK/S back in the nineties as an off-duty gun, and had no issues with it at all (it was a pocket-carry piece off-duty, and an ankle-carry BUG on-duty.) I don't have it anymore; sold it to pay some pressing bills after I parted ways with the job. I rarely pocket-carry now, but when I do, it's with my also-belt-carried Kel-Tec PF-9.

 

[Shadow 7D]

What ever you got that fits

I think the P32 and Seacamp, and even the Guardian, or a older auto would do fine
I would take .32 in a small package before .380 because its that much more controllable
in the end it's up to you, and if it's .22 or .50BMG, as long as your are comfortable, competent and accurate with it....

 

[MICHAEL T]

KelTec 380 in my pocket most of the time I sometimes carry my Colt Mustang But KT get the most pocket carry

 

[FC]

I have a P3AT and a S&W 638, I normally carry the kel-tec because I shoot it better instinctively although the S&W is FAR more accurate and has an excellent trigger.

 

[MartyGrant]

I just posted about a S&W BG380 on another thread. It was kinda long so look for it if you want. Short version. I like this .380 pistol very much and it worked flawlessly.

 

[theis]

Ruger LC9

I make concealed carry holsters so when I heard about the lc9 coming out I knew I could not wait a year on them to make a blue gun mold for it.So I bought one just to make holsters with, but to my surprise this is a awesome little gun. Feels great in the hand, very easy on recoil, extremely accurate. I didn't get to keep it long, my wife snatched it up as her new edc.

 

[Shadow 7D]

GO TRY THEM....
Sorry but I'm not you
and you will hate the little pocket beast
so best you got pick it out....

 

[BruiseLee]

hardluk1 said, "bruiselee Yes ,right. pays to read several times I guess. Carried the 38 from when florida legalized CC . Never could get close to the tomcat and it wieghted way more than corent light weights. Keepit till about 2 years ago It shot everything just one of those size guns that never fit for me. First sign of old age ,can't ,a,a,a remember ,,, sometimes."

Hey, no problem. Yes, I agree the Tomcat is too heavy. I've had 2 S&W Airweight snubbies that weigh about the same. If I had the Inox version, the Tomcat would weight even more. I liked all of them, though. Of course my hands are only average size.

I would like to pick up a Kahr P380, but the price! I almost went for it, but when I found out they only gave you one magazine for a $700 .380, it was too much for me.

Can't get Kel Tec, Ruger LCP, S&W Bodyguard .380, or the Taurus .380 here in California. But that's ok, since there are no gangs, riots, or crime here.

 

[CZguy]

Can't get Kel Tec, Ruger LCP, S&W Bodyguard .380, or the Taurus .380 here in California. But that's ok, since there are no gangs, riots, or crime here.

Well that just made me spray some coffee.

You might want to keep your eye out for a good used Kahr. That can help the price out quite a lot.

 

[kokapelli]

Maybe Kahr will come out with a "C" version of the P380. That will certainly make the little pistol more attractive.

 

[RidgwayCO]

My P380 is the last .380 Auto pistol I'll ever need to buy. I've tried (most of) the rest, and the Kahr just feels, functions, and shoots the best. Yes, it's a lot of money, but I'll only have to pay it once.