HELP PLEASE What gun for pocket carry?

[jakeswensonmt]

I sure do like my P11, it's definitely bigger than the P3AT, but it's not big, the P3AT is tiny.
Plan to add a PF-9 for my G/F as soon as $$ permit.
Kel Tec is a very good value, as long as you don't mind the fluff and buff!

 

[IdahoFarmer]

I voted P3AT. It is what I normally carry and I love it. Also carry the Kahr PM9... and would have voted for that, but not on the list.

Farmer

 

[sixgunner455]

S&W j frame is the definition of "effective pocket gun."

 

[orionengnr]

Kahr PM9.

I owned five different j-frames in steel, aluminum alloy and Scandium. None shot as well (accuracy, recoil) as the Kahr. All have moved on

The Kahr also holds 2 additional rounds, and reloads far more quickly. The Kahr is in my pocket right now.

 

[rantingredneck]

I'll second the Guardian suggestion. I've had one in .32NAA (an oddball caliber for sure) for about 4 years. Loved it so much that I picked up a .380 yesterday for a darn good price at the Lexington NC gunshow. These things are currently out of production because Kahr was making them for NAA, and their business deal came to an end. NAA is supposed to ramp up production in house at some point (if they haven't already, I've lost track of the status of that on the NAA forum). The original guns have Kahr Arms stamped on the frames and since they were made for a relatively short period of time they should be worth some $ some day. Even if they're not though they are darn fine pocket guns and are accurate as all heck too. Check the target I shot in the "Long walk, Short Pier" challenge thread if you want to see typical accuracy I get from mine (and I'm by no means a crack shot).

I like these guns so much that I almost bought a .32ACP version yesterday too. Too bad the Keltec PLR16 took the rest of my gunshow cash . Though I was tempted to plunk down the plastic for it

 

[dairycreek]

Although I am not much of a fan of pocket carry I do, on occasion, carry that way and, oddly enough, have carried each of the first three gun in your poll in "pocket mode". I have come to a conclusion that using some kind of holster in your pocket results in a safer, more stable, and more effective carry situation. When I carry my P3AT I do so as per the following picture.

The gun is in a 2n'1 holster by K&D and, while it can be carried in either front or side pocket, I opt to carry it in my right, rear pocket. Note the large piece of leather "backing". It faces outward and not only provides stability but visually looks like a wallet in your pocktet. The holster allows the gun to be drawn and reholstered easily and that it also provides for an extra mag is just a pure bonus.

My "bottom line" is that a more effective pocket carry is achieved when a good holster is used.

 

[scurtis_34471]

I usually carry an XD-40 Service, but for pocket carry, its a Bersa Thunder .380 CC. It might not be the most effective round, but the gun is reliable, easy to shoot fast and extremely accurate. I have no trouble blowing a 2" hole out of the center of a target at 7 yards shooting fast. I figure 1 round may not stop someone, but 9 sure as heck will.

 

[Glockman30]

Keltec pf9 for under $300. You get 7+1 and for $28 you can get a second magazine direct from Kel Tec. I like this one better than my p3at. Maybe it is the confidence of a 9mm vs. a .380.

 

[Rex B]

My new P3AT (Hard chrome over Navy grip) goes bang every time I ask it to, just like the previous one. it's an Always thing.
Same with my P11, but the P11 is just a little too chunky for me except when I'm wearing a bulky winter coat.

 

[rcmodel]

I had a few light strikes when I was learning to shoot my M&P 340, and I think I traced it to short-stroking the trigger.

I's impossible to short-stroke a DA revolver.

It either goes bang, or it doesn't do anything.
There isn't any in-between.

If you are getting mis-fires with light primer dents, it's either bad ammo, or bad gunsmithing.


rcmodel

 

[Papaster]

Keltec triggers are rough. But not unmanageable. You'll be only using these for up-close social work anyway, so just make sure it's bearable enough to get some range time in. .38+p is a great load. The keltec does have better capacity, but my pick is still the .38 snub nose. I've only fired one keltec, and it was almost reliable enough to use as a backup, but not quite. And I carry two speed strips with my revolver, so 15 rounds is not a bad count, just a little slower to load.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

Kel-Tec PF9 is the economical pick of the pocket-carry litter. The S&W DAO j-frames are nice alternatives as well.

 

[Alan Fud]

Let's not forget the Walther PPK (6+1 rounds of .380) [lower left] ...

... and the Colt Pocket Nine (6+1 rounds of 9mm) [upper right left]

 

[Russ]

If you have to work in an office with shirt tucked in, I found the Kel Tec 3AT very easy to carry in my pocket. Doesn'e wheigh much and hardly noticeable. Not the ideal stopping power to be sure but then again, better than a .22 or nothing at all.

 

[Dallas Jack]

I have both the P3AT and the P11. The P3AT gets my vote for a pocket gun. I mostly carry the P11 in an IWB holster.
Dallas Jack

 

[denfoote]

Daily carry.

I've pretty much decided on this as my daily carry.



Carried in a cheap Uncle Mikes #2 pocket holster.



I've settled on pocket carry as being the most convenient (read I've grown lazy and don't like strapping on holsters any more) for the type of pants (cargo) and the places I go to.

I dislike the P3AT because it lacks a slide stop.

I'll sometimes carry my Kahr MK9 in a DeSantis Nemisis pocket holster, but the Walther is much more ergonomically pleasing!!

 

[Gustav]

I voted S&W 638 it has one big advantage over any of the others you list it can fire all 5 rounds 100% reliably from within the coat or jacket pocket.
Allot of .38 loads to choose from anything from 158 LSWC HP to Corbon +P the pistol will eat them all.
Add a Crimson Trace laser grip and a couple good HKS speedloaders a good holster if carrying out of the pocket and practice practice practice.

As for anything made by Charter Arms no thanks I do not like firearms that remind me of a Bic lighter.

Buy top quality that way you only spend your money once.

 

[jwxspoon]

P3AT for me for all the time carry. Wearing a T shirt and shorts now, I have a P3AT in a front pocket holster. I alternate the P3AT between front pocket and wallet carry.

I am a gun collector. I have and carry a LOT of guns, from the PF9 on up in size to a PT1911. When it's all said and done, the one I have on me ALWAYS is the P3AT loaded with COR-BON DPX.

jw