I have found most forms of carry uncomfortable for me except for pocket carry. However, my chiefs special takes up a little too much room. Which pistols, semi-auto and wheelguns, do you consider small enough to carry in a pants pocket yet still have some punch? I would think that 32 magnum would be the minimum cartridge. I need some excuse to buy another pistol.
Pocket carry max size
- Thread starter Oldnamvet
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Semiautos- Kel Tec P32 (32acp) or Kel Tec P-3AT (.380), NAA .32 or .380, Seecamp .32 or .380, Rohrbaugh R9 ($1,000), Kahr PM9 although may be a little big.
Wheelguns-not too many here if you think the J-frame is too big. NAA has the mini revolvers in 22mag, but NAA has a .32 H&R magnum in the works. They just don't get too much smaller than a J-frame for the most part.
There are always derringers, but they aren't that great.
Wheelguns-not too many here if you think the J-frame is too big. NAA has the mini revolvers in 22mag, but NAA has a .32 H&R magnum in the works. They just don't get too much smaller than a J-frame for the most part.
There are always derringers, but they aren't that great.
obiwan1
Member
Kel Tec P11 or any Kahr. Minimum caliber is 9mm. I have a P11 and a K40. The P11 is a nice balance - 11 rounds of 9mm in a light package. The K40 is at the max size/weight but it has 7 rounds of .40! I like pocket carry but a decent holster is a must.
By the way, for many years I carried a PPK in a Rybka pocket holster.
By the way, for many years I carried a PPK in a Rybka pocket holster.TenderFoot
Member
Explain this to me...
I have a huge problem with the Kel-Tec's. I am sure there are ways around this, but I refuse to put a pistol in my pocket that does not have a trigger saftey. I carry a XD-40, and it has no mechanical saftey either, but I damn sure don't stick in it my pocket! It stays in my ITW holster 24/7. The common solution for this is a pocket holster I am assuming, right? I tried that with the Kel Tec and it looked like I had a roll of toilet paper stuffed in my pocket.
I am not raggin' on peoples choice to carry in this method, but I am just wondering if yall are doing something dif or not. I bought the Kel-Tec really anticipating a pocket carrier with a good round (.380) . I just can't seem to get comftorable with it though. I wear blue jeans and a polo shirt most days (tucked in) and my granny would spot my printing or a bulge with my set up now. I don't even wear that tight of pants!
Is that just the way the pickle squirts on this rig, or is there a solution that I have not explored.
Thanks for any tips/replies.
PS: I have tried MULTIPLE pocket holster's, because that is what everyone keeps telling me, but they all feel so bulky.
I have a huge problem with the Kel-Tec's. I am sure there are ways around this, but I refuse to put a pistol in my pocket that does not have a trigger saftey. I carry a XD-40, and it has no mechanical saftey either, but I damn sure don't stick in it my pocket! It stays in my ITW holster 24/7. The common solution for this is a pocket holster I am assuming, right? I tried that with the Kel Tec and it looked like I had a roll of toilet paper stuffed in my pocket.
I am not raggin' on peoples choice to carry in this method, but I am just wondering if yall are doing something dif or not. I bought the Kel-Tec really anticipating a pocket carrier with a good round (.380) . I just can't seem to get comftorable with it though. I wear blue jeans and a polo shirt most days (tucked in) and my granny would spot my printing or a bulge with my set up now. I don't even wear that tight of pants!
Is that just the way the pickle squirts on this rig, or is there a solution that I have not explored.
Thanks for any tips/replies.
PS: I have tried MULTIPLE pocket holster's, because that is what everyone keeps telling me, but they all feel so bulky.
Kel-Tecs, j frames, Pocket 9's, and similar guns all depend on a real long double action trigger pull for safety. The gun that I am not comfortable pocket carrying is the Glock. I have several Glocks but that short light trigger pull makes me uncomfortable. I would never do it without a holster and am still uncomfortable with one. YMMV
1 old 0311
member
Colt Mustang also fits. Prices are going up on these, but still a GREAT little gun.
Kevin
Kevin
MrTuffPaws
Member
TenderFoot said:
The DAO trigger is safety enough, and you should always use a pocket holster.
As for size limits, I wear loose jeans and have no trouble with slipping a Makarov in my front pocket. The only issue is weigth with the Mak.
Jbar4Ranch
Member
I never much cared for auto loaders, I'm a revolver man. NAA is poised to announce a new five shot single action top break revolver at the '06 S.H.O.T. show chambered in .32 H&R mag. The dimensions are slated to be: 5 1/4" overall length by 3 5/8" overall heighth by 1 1/8" overall width with a 1 5/8" barrel initially. This makes it essentially the same length as the .22 magnum version and about 3/4" taller. Stainless steel and titanium have been mentioned. I like the sound of it!
Hi Oldnamvet, from one to another,
When I was in VN, I couldn't carry enough firepower or rounds. Back here, I've settled on a KelTec P3AT in a pocket holster. The P3At has proven reliable for me. Even though I learned rela paranoia over there, I think the .380 is enough for casual carry.
What ever you decide on, be sure to use a pocket holster.
Be Well,
Scarface
When I was in VN, I couldn't carry enough firepower or rounds. Back here, I've settled on a KelTec P3AT in a pocket holster. The P3At has proven reliable for me. Even though I learned rela paranoia over there, I think the .380 is enough for casual carry.
What ever you decide on, be sure to use a pocket holster.
Be Well,
Scarface
tegemu
Member
My Kimber Ultra Carry II .45 ACP is about the same size as my Charter Undercover 2" .38. I laid them on top of one another to compare size. Both fit comfortably in my pocket
bubbygator
Member
Although you say your Chief's Special is too large, you really should try the hammerless models - 342, 442, 642, etc.
BullfrogKen
Moderator Emeritus
The choices depend very much on your style of pants. I can comfortably carry a Kel-Tec P-11 and J-frames size revolvers in khaki style slacks.
Blue jeans prove difficult for me to even carry my wallet in a front pocket.
I would always encourage using a pocket holster no matter the style of pants of type of pistol.
Blue jeans prove difficult for me to even carry my wallet in a front pocket.
I would always encourage using a pocket holster no matter the style of pants of type of pistol.
Seven High
Member
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2004
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I have tried pocket carry in the past with several different weapons. The pockets themselves seem to wear out very rapidly due to the weight of the weapon. Anyone have any suggestions?
1 old 0311
member
Hi Seven,
Put a handkerchief between the gun and outside of the pocket.
Kevin
Put a handkerchief between the gun and outside of the pocket.
Kevin
M2 Carbine
member
My J frame Smiths are too long for my pockets so I carry a Kel Tec 32, 380 or Bond Arms Derringer 45ACP.
usp9
Member
Seven High said:
What are you carrying? Could be it's the weapon characteristics. Is it heavy, does it have sharp edges, do you carry other stuff in that pocket? What kind of sights, and how protruding?
A lightweight, small gun, in a pocket holster shouldn't put too much stress on the fabric unless you are very active in your work or daily routine. I carry a Seecamp in a nylon pocket holster or a OWB leather holster and never experienced wear problems...but I admit I'm pretty idle these days.
MICHAEL T
Member
Part of the pocket carry printing is in your head. You know its their, so you see it and then think every one else will. I carry a mod 49 J frame or my PPK/S in pocket every day and no one notices.using Don Hume pocket holster. People see but don't see. I talked with different cops in town and none has said whats in you pocket pal Lets see you Lic.
Lou22
Member
I pocket carry almost exclusively. I carry anywhere from a P3AT to a Taurus PT145, depending on pocket size. You'd think that the Taurus with 11 rounds of .45 really stands out, but it oftentimes is not at all apparent. Having a full length mirror is handy to see just how much of a bulge there is. It may be obvious looking down your front, but is usually much less so in the mirror, as most people would see you. My guess is many people who CC in a pocket holster might worry too much about how they print.
Lou
Lou
AZgunstudent
Member
I pocket carry a Glock 26 fairly often, and I'm a small guy (5' 8"). I choose my pants/shorts carefully, with the gun in mind. I can't do it with jeans, but if I'm wearing jeans, I am dressed casually and can wear a gun on my belt.
I do wear a good belt to hold up my pants, though!
I do wear a good belt to hold up my pants, though!
mountainclmbr
Member
I pocket carry a Kahr MK40. It is the steel frame .40 cal. I carry it in a Don Hume pocket holster. I take it with me when fitting pants so I don't buy something I can't carry in. I can carry in jeans, but Dockers style works best.
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