Help! I need a pocket gun!

[bernie]

I used to have an AMT Backup in .380. It was truly tiny, and I could carry it in the front pocket of a pair of blue jeans. I sold it in a fit of stupidity and really would like to have a replacement of some kind.

The parameters are preferably stainless, as it can get hot and sweaty in Arkansas, and small enough to fit in my bluejean front pocket. I have never handled a PPK, but they look a little large for this application. I have a buddy with a Colt Mustang, and I like it but it seems pricy and difficult to find parts for. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

 

[logical]

NAA Guardian .380 seems a natural replacement.

 

[gazpacho]

Chrome Kel-tec P3AT

 

[Cortland]

I have a SA .380 Back-Up that I inherited. It's a nice enough little gun I suppose, but I'm chicken to carry a cocked internal hammer single-action in my pocket (especially one that says AMT on the slide). Was yours a DA or SA?

Anyway, I have a NAA Guardian .380 for pocket carry. Highly recommended. The Guardian is smaller than my SA Back-Up.

 

[sm]

I know this is in Autoloaders...

What about a good used J frame? The .38spl in a steel or steel/ Al platform works very well and is used by many folks. A good used one would save some monies. Nonetheless - go shoot some snubby's and get a feel as to what fits you and what you shoot best. If can - try before you buy the holsters/ pocket rigs as well.

 

[280PLUS]

S&W model 432 J frame .32 H&R Mag. Hits harder than a .38, 6 shots, reliable accurate, 14 oz loaded

 

[RoyG]

Depends on your pockets...

In Dockers I can easily carry a DAO j-frame or a SP101 DAO and be able to get it out fast enough to use. Some dress slacks have front pockets openings big enough for a hammered j-frame/sp101.

In jeans the front pocket opening is more horizontal. So I would stick to a NAA/Kel-Tec type auto.

I actually have carried a Kel-Tec with the belt clip IWB. It almost disappears and what is left showing looks like a folding pocket knife. I like it for back pocket carry also.

The Bersa .380 I believe is about the same size as a PPK. Too big for pants pocket carry....

 

[JohnBT]

I prefer the heavier, and wider, .38 SP bullets in a +P loading, but to each their own. In an autoloader I like the Kel-tec 3AT and the Rohrbaugh 9mm. JT

 

[valor1]

Have you checked the Bersa lately? Specially the newer model? They are great guns for the price tag.

 

[DDGator]

Rohrbaugh R-9s. A true pocket-sized 9mm.

 

[obiwan1]

KT P11 or J-frame. Wear in relexed fit slacks (Dockers, etc.). Perfect for dress slacks!

 

[Krag]

Kahr PM-9. I carry one in warm weather and with the standard length magazine it fits in the back pocket of my jeans with no "signature."

DAO trigger makes it safe and you can load it with 9mm+P so the mugger isn't!

 

[SJG26]

PM9-----------bareback??

KRAG:

Is your PM-9 in a holster or not - find it difficult to believe no printing - esp in a jeans back pocket.

Have mine in a Fist K-5 kydex pocket holster - great in Dockers or 5.11's, not as easy to draw from jeans front pocket for me.........

 

[jzzmusician]

I'm in the same boat you are. I'm leaning toward a Rohrbaugh 9mm.

Small (tiny actually) 7 shots and easy to break down. Buy an extra mag and save your pennies. They're spendy.

jzz

 

[aguyindallas]

I carry a Kel-Tec P32 in my front pocket daily. It is carried in an Azrael leather pocket holster. Works for me.

 

[carebear]

jamz is maybe selling a Colt Pony Pocketlite. That's what AMT wanted to be.e

 

[Alan Fud]

Having lived in the hot & humid Florida Everglades where the temps don't go under the 80's even in the cold of winter, I can relate to where you are coming from. I would recommend the following for your consideration:

• Colt Pocket Nine - This gun has been out of production for years but a lot of good used models still pop up for sale every once in a while if you keep your eyes open and they offer 6+1 rounds of 9mm Parabellum in a size that is traditionally used for the 9mm Kurtz.
  
  
• Rohrbaugh R9S - This gun is even smaller than the above mentioned Pocket Nine with the same ammo capacity. As a matter of fact, it is the smallest 9mm ever made in standard production. It is, in fact, smaller than some .380's on the market yet it offers the stopping power of a 9mm.
  
  
• NAA Guardian - This gun holds 6+1 rounds of .32ACP and I would only carry it in extreme circumstances because having ANY gun is better than having no gun at all. But for situations when you are "not carrying", the NAA Guardian is a good gun to have.
  
  
• NAA Guardian - Finally, a Smith & Wesson J-frame is still a very good option. They come in different weights & materials and offer 5 rounds of .38special. Many of them are +P rated.

There is also the Kahr line of autoloaders to consider. I do not recommend them because I feel uncomfortable carrying striker-fired guns with a light trigger but that is a personal issue and some of the Kahr guns are better shooters than some of the guns that I listed above. I speak from personal experience on this because I use to own a Kahr MK9.

... .32 H&R Mag. Hits harder than a .38 ...

Respectfully, I have to disagree with that. Everything that I have ever read, either on the web or in published magazines and books places the .32mag significantly below a .38special. Six rounds of .32mag have 10% more energy than five rounds of .38special indicating that round per round, the .38special is significantly superior to the .32mag

 

[jamz]

Well, based on THR's advice and input, I'm probably NOT going to sell the Pony.

But for your case, if price is an issue, a used J frame is going to be less expensive than a lot of semis as well, I believe. If you were oging to go with one pocket gun, I'd select a j frame in .38.


-James

 

[LWS32]

Seecamp 32 never be afraid to buy the best!

 

[MICHAEL T]

I carry a PPK/S in a Don Hume pocket holster in jeans no problem.

 

[bernie]

I am talking specifically about blue jeans. When I wear Dockers, I carry a 1911 in a VM II holster. I am looking for something to carry when I wear jeans and a tee shirt. Horizontal blue jean pockets are a little tighter than a pocket in my slacks. I do not believe I could get a J frame in my jeans pockets.

 

[1911.45]

Kahr PM9 loaded with Golden Saber +P in an Alessi Roughout Pocket holster. Fits comfortably and draws easily from front pocket.

 

[Alan Fud]

Consider a belly-band from Action-Direct and you'll able to carry any of the four guns I listed above plus it can be ordered with one or even two slots for spare ammo.

 

[achey]

My advice is to hit the gun shows and find another. I also got mine in the same way you did. The safety is stiff enough that I would not worry about the packet trick. Never sell any gun you have. The AMT .380 is a nice little piece of mind.

achey

 

[greg531mi]

I carry a Colt Pony, and fits great in my front pocket, NAA/Seecamp 380/32 are a good choice, Rohrbaugh 9mm are nice too....
Just don't like the Kahrs or Kel-Tec's.....
Azrael and R.J. Headley are real artists with pocket holsters....Check out their web sites and see what fits in their holsters..... a little reverse engineering...