Concealed Pistol Dilemma

[giggitygiggity]

I currently have a Glock 30SF, but it is too large to conceal in only shorts and a t-shirt. Therefore, I'm looking for something a little smaller/lighter. What do you think of the following:

Ruger LCP
Sig P232
Sig P238
Walther PPS

I'm having a tough time deciding what to get. The LCP is nice because it is light and small, but the trigger is supposedly heavy. How heavy? The P232 is allegedly very reliable and accurate, but it is twice the weight of the LCP and just about 4 ounces lighter than my Glock. Also, it is very expensive, especially for a .380. The P238 has a nice SA trigger, but is about twice the weight of the LCP and just about 4 ounces lighter than my Glocks. Also, the guide rod springs apparently don't function well. The PPS has the most firepower an a good trigger, but is expensive and weighs about the same as the P232 and P238 and might be a little chunkier as well.

What should I get? Any other suggestions?

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

I see no need to drop down that far in size and power. How about splitting the difference with a Glock 26, S&W M&P compact, Springfield XD subcompact or the like?

 

[duns]

My current choice for shorts-and-tee-shirt carry is a J-frame revolver, .357 magnum/38 special, weighing around 16oz loaded. Mine is a S&W M&P 340CT. I forget I have it on me but it packs a punch and has never failed to go bang. I don't have any pocket-sized autoloaders so can't give any dependable advice on selection of an autoloader in that size. I do have a Walther P99C AS (about same size as Glock 26) but find it too big for shorts and tee shirt carry.

 

[Cemo]

My LCP or S&W 642 ride in the right front pocket of my cargo pocket style shorts. The outline of the cargo pocket help conceal what ever is in the pocket just above it. My wife's P232 is too big for pocket carry, I think the PPS would be too. I think t-shirts would print too much for most people for belt carry, however a knit polo shirt may hid it very well. In the midwest winters I carry a glock, 1911 or a .357 revolver under a sweat shirt, vest, or jacket. The kick of an LCP is light compared to a 23 oz Walther PPK/s. It is a locked breech style and they do not kick as much as blowbacks IMHO.

 

[Zerodefect]

Kahr p380 or Sig 238.

Either will conceal under a t-shirt with a good OWB or IWB holster. I made my own Kydex holster for my p380. I'll probally order a Crossbreed Minituck IWB holster for it as well.

 

[harmon rabb]

LCP trigger isn't that heavy. But if you want a pocket pistol with a light trigger, check out the Taurus TCP. Way nicer trigger than the LCP.

 

[WRGADog]

Look at the Kahr P380 or PM9. I own both and they are ideal for pocket carry. They are reliable, accurate, light weight, and function flawlessly after firing the required 200 rounds for break in.

 

[giggitygiggity]

I've thought about a Glock 26, but I feel that it would still probably be too large to conceal in only a t-shirt and shorts.

Also, what is the trigger pull weight on the Kahrs and the other pistols. I prefer a trigger pull of around 5.5lbs like on the Glocks. I just can't stand trigger pulls that are heavy like on a Sigma. Lastly, if anyone has size comparison pictures for the various concealable pistols, please post. Thank you.

 

[Glockurai]

I suggest a Kahr pm9. It's very concealable, reliable, and you don't sacrifice power. Just my .02. Great trigger pull too.

 

[giggitygiggity]

How about the Kahr PM40 or is it too big for concealed carry/pocket carry?

 

[wrs840]

What kind of shorts? With Carrhart shorts and a proper belt, I routinely carry a 442 in my pocket and also a S&W 908 in a Crossbreed Supertuck under a tee shirt (plus two Speedstrips and one extra mag).

Les

 

[Zerodefect]

How about the Kahr PM40 or is it too big for concealed carry/pocket carry?

It's the same size as the Pm9. It is the perfect size for concealed carry but not pocket carry. At least not usually, some people try to pocket carry them. It requires a good IWB holster and belt.

The 40 is alot jumpier than the 9.

 

[duns]

...if anyone has size comparison pictures for the various concealable pistols, please post.

http://mouseguns.com/CompactCompare.pdf

The comparison is limited to semiautos of .380 and above and between 6" and 7" in length.

For smaller guns, see http://mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf or http://www.smallestguns.com/

When looking at the comparison charts, be aware that an apparently small difference in length, height, or weight can make an appreciable difference to concealability and/or convenience in carrying. For example, I pocket carry my 16oz J-frame but not my Walther P99C AS, which is same height, 0.3" longer, and 8oz heavier.

 

[Coolbreeze8804]

I carry a PM40 quite frequently in a crossbreed and in a pocket holster. (it IS big, but I have a pair of pants with a big pocket, so it is fine in those) I don't know how much hotter the recoil is than a PM9 as I have not shot one of them, but I can tell you the recoil is not bad at all. I was REALLY surprised. It is actually a very well behaved weapon.

My itty bitty wife is in love with hers. It's the first small sized carry gun that she has actually enjoyed shooting...

 

[John Wayne]

The Glock 26 is a lot lighter and more concealable than the 30. I honestly don't find that much difference between the Kahr and Glock 26, unless you're set on pocket carry.

 

[gofastman]

Id go LCP, it gives you maximum concealabily. keep your glock most of the time but bring the lcp when you need to make sure you arent "made"

 

[The Sarge]

I use a waistband conceal carry velcro belt when in shorts and t-shirt usually to carry the fullsize Glocks.
If not I bought a new S&W .38 Airweight that is totally concealed in my pocket. Either way both solutions work great.

 

[Flint Ridge]

I would pass on the P238 - nothing but trouble for 1,400 rounds and 4 trips to Sig - final was a replacement that I never fired.

Kahr P380 is very nice and definetly a pocket gun.

Lots of good info on the LCP.

You could go revolver, like the LCR - mine's in 357 but it is not for jeans pocket.

Sig 232 is devine item, I have 3 of them. They are the best - old school and works of art.

Kahr PM9 is not much bigger than the Kahr P380 or the Sig P238. That one is worth a definite consideration.

Let us know what you end up with. No experience with the Walther.

 

[BULLSI]

The p238 might be a neat gun for the range but I would not cc one. Not the one I own anyways.

 

[boostedxt]

i had the same issue and i purchased a Kahr cw9. love it and its been flawless. It conceals great under a tshirt as well.

joe

 

[duns]

I use a waistband conceal carry velcro belt when in shorts and t-shirt usually to carry the fullsize Glocks.

From the photos on the referenced website, the belly band with its holster looks to me like it would be uncomfortable especially in hot weather and print clearly through a tee-shirt. Is that not the case? I'm also curious about reactions if someone gives you a hug!

 

[uspJ]

I currently have a Glock 30SF, but it is too large to conceal in only shorts and a t-shirt.

I've thought about a Glock 26, but I feel that it would still probably be too large to conceal in only a t-shirt and shorts.

I have to ask. What kind of t-shirts and shorts are you guys wearing that causes you to have trouble keeping your guns concealed? Are you trying to wear form fittng shirts and gym shorts? I'm not trying to bust balls I'm just honestly curious because I routinely carry my glock and usp compact in short and t-shirts and have no problem keeping them concealed. I wear a good sturdy belt and a size larger t-shirt.

 

[The Sarge]

From the photos on the referenced website, the belly band with its holster looks to me like it would be uncomfortable especially in hot weather and print clearly through a tee-shirt. Is that not the case? I'm also curious about reactions if someone gives you a hug!

I get lots of hugs being a Dad/GrandPa and nobody hugs my waist....well except for the little ones.....I carry my Glock or Beretta (Stoeger) @ 10 O'Clock under a T-Shirt (draw across my body)....I have yet to have any family member/friend notice anything....and surely have never had any strangers/public notice anything.
My ranch is in South Texas so I am familiar with hot weather....I never had any issues at all with the velcro waist belt.....there are different types out there ....Google and you'll find different styles/colors.

 

[rwschill]

Another choice is Kel-Tec 380-better trigger than LCP and lower cost IMO. Kahr PM9 or Kahr380 also. After a number of years my experience is you proabably will end up with a pocket gun like the Kahr/LCP/Kel-Tec. Started with Sig 232 and worked down. I would stick with something 10 oz or under. J-frame is light but more than 10oz. but not flat-works fine in some clothing. Seecamp and NAA I found to be too heavy. Also have 32 Kel-Tec which is really nice to carry and shoot. Probably lightest of all. Power factor an issue with some people.
Good luck.

 

[smartshot]

i heard good things about the new sig. One review said "its what the colt mustang always wanted to be." Regardless, go with a gun that has good customer service, very important.