I have decided to get a Beretta Pico, If they ever ship. Local gunshop say they are still waiting for them. I figured I'd pick up a 32 acp barrel for it when they come out. That way I can just use whatever I shoot the best with. I fired the TCP that someone had for sale and it jammed on the third round so I decided to pass. I really like the Bodyguard and would buy one if they made them without the laser. I'm not a fan of lasers. Honestly, I believe S&W would sell a to. Of them if they were a available without the laser for about 50 dollars cheaper
Pocket Carry Question
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Onward Allusion
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LCP is the best option out of the ones you'd listed above. The NAA Guardian is a bit heavy for pocket carry, even with a good pocket holster. The recoil from the NAA's is stiff as well, due to the straight blowback design. You said that the LCP is out because of the blued slide. Take a look at the Kel Tec P3AT with the hard chrome slide, or even the P-32.
The TCP can be good or bad. It's a roll of the dice. There's a reason why they were selling for 199 at CDNN a while back.
I have a .380 S&W bodyguard I carry, I like it has a safety and locks back. It has a laser if you're into that. It fires any type of ammo reliably. I love the double strike feature, the only .380 of it's kind, and have dropped the hammer on two rounds that did not fire on first drop, squeezed the trigger again and they went off.
One thing I notice with this weapon is I can tell no difference when firing +P where I could feel it in my hand and with the kick in my keltec P3AT I used to have.
One thing I notice with this weapon is I can tell no difference when firing +P where I could feel it in my hand and with the kick in my keltec P3AT I used to have.
If you pocket carry, an LCR is the best option I could find
The rounded back of a small hammerless revolver seems to come out of the pocket with less snags than small semi autos
There are some decent loadings for 38, that are superior to a 380
I couldnt get a 9mm semi auto to work for me for quick draw and efficent draw
Have you looked at smart carry? You may be able to carry a bit bigger pistol?
Or
www.theholsterstore.net/Pro_Carry_Shirt_Tuck_p/procarryst.htm
The rounded back of a small hammerless revolver seems to come out of the pocket with less snags than small semi autos
There are some decent loadings for 38, that are superior to a 380
I couldnt get a 9mm semi auto to work for me for quick draw and efficent draw
Have you looked at smart carry? You may be able to carry a bit bigger pistol?
Or
www.theholsterstore.net/Pro_Carry_Shirt_Tuck_p/procarryst.htm
My favorite pocket gun is a Ruger .38 special LCR. I've been carrying it for over a year.
Yes, it is kinda snappy. But, I don't shoot many +Ps in it. It slips in my Strong side pants pocket just fine. And I have "5 for sure".
I also have a Ruger .357 magnum LCR. But I carry it in a Galco high ride belt holster. It is heavier and snappier than the .38 special LCR. It's very comforting to carry, though.
I'm a wheel gun guy for sure.
Oh, but I do have a couple Commander size 1911s, that I 've carried from time to time over the years also.
And, I'm thinking I'm going to be getting a Ruger LC9, for a pocket pistol, at my next pay check
Yes, it is kinda snappy. But, I don't shoot many +Ps in it. It slips in my Strong side pants pocket just fine. And I have "5 for sure".
I also have a Ruger .357 magnum LCR. But I carry it in a Galco high ride belt holster. It is heavier and snappier than the .38 special LCR. It's very comforting to carry, though.
I'm a wheel gun guy for sure.
Oh, but I do have a couple Commander size 1911s, that I 've carried from time to time over the years also.
And, I'm thinking I'm going to be getting a Ruger LC9, for a pocket pistol, at my next pay check
SwampWolf
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If, as you said, you "really like the Bodyguard" but don't like a laser, you can always ignore the laser feature.
I would like to hear about that Pico when someone gets their hands on one.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/the-kahr-cm-9/- a good description of the CM-9
http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/the-kahr-cm-9/- a good description of the CM-9
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Someone I work with has offered to sell me their Bodyguard at a good price. I am tempted, but still want to hold out as long as I can to at least hold a Pico. Local Gunshop said they were suppose to get some in August but haven't seen them or heard anything about them since. I don't need both because I would use it strictly for carry, and not use it for recreational plinking.
deadeye dick
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I carry a Kt in .32acp. I also mounted a Laserlite side mounted laser on it for quick aiming. The sight also fits the Ruger .32 acp Can still use the same holster.
GBExpat
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Here is something I carried daily for a few years in the right-rear pocket of my 501s; Kel-Tec P3AT in a slightly modded Uncle Mike's pocket holster.
I still carry it periodically when I feel that my need for "concealed" is more pronounced.
I only very rarely took it out of the holster and wiped it down and never experienced any problem with corrosion. O'course some folks' sweat is more corrosive than others'.
I still carry it periodically when I feel that my need for "concealed" is more pronounced.
I only very rarely took it out of the holster and wiped it down and never experienced any problem with corrosion. O'course some folks' sweat is more corrosive than others'.
Another vote for the LCP. It is the perfect pocket pistol. Small and lightweight enough to stick in your front or back pocket without feeling like you are carrying around a paperweight yet still powerful enough to save your life in a close up life and death situation.
I know you said that the Kahr P380 is out, but you can find them used for very reasonable prices. Kahr also has a CW380 which is significantly less expensive but way better built IMHO than the Ruger or other 380 alternatives.
I personally ditched the .380 in favor of a micro 9, I picked up a Beretta Nano which is very concealable pocket or belt. On the rust subject I use Sentury Solutions Marine Tuff-Cloth when I pocket carry. Just wipe it down, let it dry and carry.
JP
I personally ditched the .380 in favor of a micro 9, I picked up a Beretta Nano which is very concealable pocket or belt. On the rust subject I use Sentury Solutions Marine Tuff-Cloth when I pocket carry. Just wipe it down, let it dry and carry.
JP
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stinger 327
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Just curious why are 1911 style single action pistols so popular? In your case the Sig 238 has 1911 single action carried cocked n locked. Wouldn't that be your first choice then?
stinger 327
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Is there a big diffeence in size between Sig 238 and 938?
I have been looking for a replacement pocket pistol as well to replace my Beretta Tomcat. I never really liked it, but it was compact enough to pocket carry. I thought about waiting on the Pico, but ended up just trading the Tomcat for a new LCP. Have yet to shoot it.
Seriously considered the Sig P238. Really liked the feel of that pistol and the look. But, I went in there for a very compact, light, easy to carry pistol and the LCP fit the bill. They had the Bodygard .380. Don't like the laser setup on it and really did not want an external safety.
So the LCP will supplement my Walther PPS as my standard carry gun.
Will be putting some ammo through it this weekend.
Seriously considered the Sig P238. Really liked the feel of that pistol and the look. But, I went in there for a very compact, light, easy to carry pistol and the LCP fit the bill. They had the Bodygard .380. Don't like the laser setup on it and really did not want an external safety.
So the LCP will supplement my Walther PPS as my standard carry gun.
Will be putting some ammo through it this weekend.
stinger 327
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Let us know how the recoil is on that little .380. I like the size but that LCP is not California compliant
I was trained on the 1911 in the Army Reserves, and carried an M9 on duty. It's not really much about speed during the encounter - it's about handling the weapon in a reflexive manner that doesn't require thinking. If you are drawing a pistol, you don't stop to do each action one at a time, you do them in an overlapping manner during the draw so that when the weapon is up, the only thing left is to decide to shoot. In self defense, that decision should have been already made - you don't brandish your pistol in public to just make a point. You make it go on point and pull the trigger, done.
Therefore, flipping off a safety as part of the draw doesn't necessarily make it an overly complex, slow procedure. Especially if you shoot a gun with one regularly. If fact, if a particular gun is your daily carry, and self defense the primary role in your training, you practice only with a gun with similar controls. And you practice with a larger firearm because it's easier to do with extended ranges sessions. If shooting a smaller one creates a distraction because the recoil is snappy - and the LCP IS snappy for a lot of people - then don't practice with it. You will only reinforce bad habits.
LCP as a carry, practice with a Glock - and maybe add the NY ten pound trigger, too. Make your larger practice gun the same as your CCW. Then you have nearly the same inputs and no surprises or confusion.
As for pocket carry with a single action cocked and locked, it's very much up to the individual, and what you are comfortable with. I trained early on with a safety, my personal gun is a Glock 19C, and I CCW an LCP. Will it go off in my pocket, no, not in a holster. None the less, I dislike carrying it with no safety at all. I'm going to sell it and get a P938. The caliber is more effective, the size increase isn't much. Certainly bigger than an LCP, but compared to a P238, you have to look twice to see it. Bit longer barrel shroud, some in the grip. Incremental at the most.
If carrying a single action with safety doesn't sit well, better to admit it and deal with it. Carrying no safety at all is just as distasteful to others. The gun still won't fire until you put your finger on the trigger. If a few microseconds of speed mean life or death, I have to say, most of us would have moved out of that neighborhood years before. I find that discussion one based on the old locker room measuring contest, more hutzpah than reality. What is important, bar none, is that you carry, and if one or the other keeps you from it, then better to have one than need one. Just practice with the same action to keep your skills up.
Therefore, flipping off a safety as part of the draw doesn't necessarily make it an overly complex, slow procedure. Especially if you shoot a gun with one regularly. If fact, if a particular gun is your daily carry, and self defense the primary role in your training, you practice only with a gun with similar controls. And you practice with a larger firearm because it's easier to do with extended ranges sessions. If shooting a smaller one creates a distraction because the recoil is snappy - and the LCP IS snappy for a lot of people - then don't practice with it. You will only reinforce bad habits.
LCP as a carry, practice with a Glock - and maybe add the NY ten pound trigger, too. Make your larger practice gun the same as your CCW. Then you have nearly the same inputs and no surprises or confusion.
As for pocket carry with a single action cocked and locked, it's very much up to the individual, and what you are comfortable with. I trained early on with a safety, my personal gun is a Glock 19C, and I CCW an LCP. Will it go off in my pocket, no, not in a holster. None the less, I dislike carrying it with no safety at all. I'm going to sell it and get a P938. The caliber is more effective, the size increase isn't much. Certainly bigger than an LCP, but compared to a P238, you have to look twice to see it. Bit longer barrel shroud, some in the grip. Incremental at the most.
If carrying a single action with safety doesn't sit well, better to admit it and deal with it. Carrying no safety at all is just as distasteful to others. The gun still won't fire until you put your finger on the trigger. If a few microseconds of speed mean life or death, I have to say, most of us would have moved out of that neighborhood years before. I find that discussion one based on the old locker room measuring contest, more hutzpah than reality. What is important, bar none, is that you carry, and if one or the other keeps you from it, then better to have one than need one. Just practice with the same action to keep your skills up.
stinger 327
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Isn't there a higher chance of accidental discharge with a cocked n locked action vs. double action/single action or double action only? a 1911 is like this and I don't understand why most people seem to prefer this type of action and carry method.
My favorite pistol is a 1911. However, there is no way on earth I am carrying a cocked and locked pistol inside of my front pocket. Without a grip safety, all that has to happen is the safety somehow get disengaged and something catch the trigger and then its a preemptive strike on my private region. Some may disagree, but I want a heavy double action trigger. I ended up buying my friend's Bodyguard and I think it is just right for pocket carry.
stinger 327
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ok then not all 1911 actions have that additional grip safety but just the safety switch on side only?
I was always curious as to why the 1911 had such a following of shooters when there are much more modern designs and double action/single action pistols out there.
The grip safety is basically proprietary to 1911s. There are a few others out there that may have them and the old Colt 25 Vest Pocket pistolys had them. Generally speaking, most single action only automatics only have a trigger safety. I'm fine with 1911s in holster cocked and locked because you have to activate two safeties, one activated by simply gripping the gun. The little single action pocket pistols with only the trigger safety are not for me though. I haven't really heard of any accidental discharges but I don't want to be the first statistic either. I don't really have any super duper pocket carry holsters, I just drop the gun in my pocket. I would hate for a little shifting and a tube of chapstick to do me in.
I disagree that training with a Glock is a good substitute for training with an LCP. The Feel of the trigger and the ergonomics are completely different. If you don't like to or feel comfortable shooting an LCP you shouldn't train with a Glock or any other completely different pistol and then carry the LCP! Muscle memory, it will feel and react completely different. The LCP has no sights, the grip doesn't allow for three fingers, etc. Carrying a Glock 27 but training with a Glock 23, maybe. But bottom line if your not comfortable shooting or training with a firearm DON'T CARRY IT! Likewise Training with a 1911 will not prepare you for carrying a pocket pistol condition 1. They safeties are vastly different sized as is how you may have to grip the abbreviated frame to disengage the safety vs the full size 1911. Train with what you carry, if your doing anything else your setting yourself up for failure! Now if you are just training on simple fundamentals then sure use your full size, or even a .22 but you MUST, MUST, MUST devote plenty of trigger time with your carry piece, you owe it to your self, your loved ones, and your neighbors.
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