Pocket carry suggestion -LC9, LCP, Bodyguard or... ?

[entropy]

Bodyguard 38, not the .380

 

[jad0110]

I rented an LC9 recently, an older DA model. The trigger, though not especially smooth, wasn't a problem for me. What was a problem was the feel of the grip frame. It was just too thin for my tastes, and it wasn't contoured right for my hands. The Glock 43 felt and shot better for me, while the M&P9 Shield was better still, its grip seemingly custom fit to my hand. YMMV.

I think if you have small to medium sized hands the LC9 works better.

 

[Debi]

My primary carry is the Ruger LCR 38+p. I have always been a revolver person. However, I also wanted a secondary carry that was very small and concealable, in a pocket type holster down the front of my pants or ankle holster. In all honesty I anticipated getting the Ruger LCP and tried out one that a friend had. I did NOT like it at all, it was not comfortable for me to shoot. After comparing as many very small handguns as I could get my hands on, and doing quite a bit of research regarding reviews etc, I decided on the S&W Bodyguard, and couldn't be happier. The integrated laser is an added plus. It does not bite my small hands as much as the LCP did (and I can comfortably shoot 357 and 40). I also have been dead-on up to 30 yards which is the furthest I have tried it so far. It is very comfortable in the hand and to wear deep concealed. My purpose is definitely secondary carry, and for that reason it has met all my intent.

 

[Hokkmike]

I carried the BG for a long time. Gander did a trigger job for me ($20) that helped considerably. I liked it.

Switched to the P-238. (better quality) Carrying it in condition 3 until I get used to the "cocked and locked"...

Yeah, I know - it is just me.....

 

[Edcnh]

The 9mm Shield without the manual safety is an excellent carry gun. Small, lightweight and very accurate.

 

[Tirod]

Pocket carry means compromise. Not selecting a good pocket carry gun because it doesn't handle like a range gun means not being able to accept compromise. Small light thin guns aren't going to ever feel like a larger duty framed gun.

Pocket means concealed, when I carried a LCP in a Nemesis it was noticeable on me. Might not be for you, or your selection of attire, but that is the point. My contention was that padded pocket carry holsters contribute to the problem. Why thick padding when we are seeing hybrid Kydex and neoprene for IWB? Had I continued to carry the LCP I would have moved to a Kydex holster, smooth on the outer part, with some kind of stretchy friction material on the inside. It would reduce the bulk 3/8" of an inch.

Here's a link to comparing the size of various pocket guns: http://armspost.com/kahr-p380-pistol-comparison/

Because of features and the mandatory long trigger pull on polymer framed guns the .380 pocket versions simply don't offer me what I want, so I carry a P938. It's not pocket carry for me - compromise. It's a great small gun nonetheless.

What I'm looking for in pocket carry isn't made -yet- and I won't bore with the details. Hearing the LCP has a much shorter and lighter trigger now does put it ahead of the RM380 for the moment.

But - the Taurus Curve does have it's place in the running. Is it a gimmick, or does it simply compromise some more with even more ergonomics for deep carry? Opinion is divided, but from what I've read the complaints center on it not being a traditional firearm. Well, duh. It's not. If you think a mini Glock is as far as you would go, then a laser only sighted gun with no holster options is going to upset the apple cart. http://www.gundigest.com/guns/concealed-carry-handguns-taurus-curve-review

 

[stchman]

I have both an LCP and M&P Bodyguard 380. The LCP is smaller and thinner than the Bodyguard, but they both pocket carry well.

IMO, the LC9 is a bit too large for pocket carry.

 

[Wanderling]

To cover some of these points...

1) Shield is too (relatively) large. I tried Shield and G26 side by side at LGS when deciding what one to buy and Shield was taller / longer in the grip while G26 was thicker. In the end, neither is really a pocket gun and I went with 26.

2) P238 is extremely nice but it's also (relatively) large. It's almost the same size as G26 but thinner. So to me the same thing as Shield, a nice gun for IWB but that's not what I am after.

3) The fact that LCP may be not much pleasure to shoot at the range does not bother me, it's going to be a carry gun so as long as I can dump a mag full into a target at 15 ft off hand with it, it should do. But I am definitely going to try it out first.

To reiterate - I am looking for a pocket gun. This does not mean that I will be only carrying it in a pocket, but it must be something that I can just grab in a hurry and forget it's there. I can carry G26 pretty comfortably IWB but it's not for every attire and I do feel that it's there. It's just heavy enough.

So, is there a better pocket gun alternative ? I was also thinking of a small frame revolver but it seems to me that the cylinder would make pocket carry a problem. I have zero experience with revolvers.

 

[usfan]

IMO, the lcr 9mm would be a great complement. Same caliber as you g26, lightweight, easy to carry, & good ergos. Otherwise, why not just carry a g-19 or 17?

 

[HexHead]

J-frame.

 

[Debi]

Just a thought, and I have never fired it or looked at reviews, but have you checked out the Taurus Curve? It was the most comfortable gun I have ever put in a pocket and was very concealable.

 

[d2wing]

I bought both Diamondbacks as they were the smallest 9mm and .380 I had seen and I got them cheap. I have only shot them once. The 9 mm worked fine but the .380 jammed. I was told those pistols need a couple hundred breaking rounds. They are not very fun to shoot and ammo is expensive. I have some buyers remorse.

 

[C0untZer0]

I wanted something that fit in my front pocket and was capable of 12+ inches of penetration through 4 layers of heavy denim.

All of the testing that I could find at the time had the .380 hollow point stopping at 10" penetration and the FMJ, even truncated flat nosed rounds penetrating 17-18 inches and even zipping out the back of 19" blocks.

But then ShootingTheBull410 started testing almost every 380 cartridge out there and brought to light loadings of the Hornady XTP that did deliver 12+ inches of penetration through 4 layers of denim.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOwCXXpEP50

The Remington RM380 might be a pistol you want to look at too.

 

[alexcue]

I've seen the LCP in a kydex holster... wow is that thing thin. My only issue with it? it still seems to collect lint like crazy. So they still need to be cared for!
I wouldn't want to carry the gun without a holster all the time. They move around too much, but I do agree that some pocket holsters add too much bulk. They will also get "wet" from your leg... Just an observation.
Comparing a G26 and LCP is no comparison. While I can carry the G26 most of the time, if I'm running out to the store late the LCP is just more convenient to toss in front pocket with some jeans and a t shirt during the hotter months and not worry about printing.

 

[Hokkmike]

I carried the S&W BG, Very good pocket pistol.

I also have the P238. Just as nice.

Both in front right pocket. (one at a time naturally)

The pocket is ONLY use for carry.

Both require a good pocket pistol.

I can recommend either.

 

[Tallball]

I actually have the Keltec P3AT, but the LCP is pretty much a copy and just a hair larger. I prefer a 38 snub and will carry one in my back pocket if I am out walking and know I won't sit down. Otherwise it is a micro 380. They are easy to conceal in any circumstance other than a nude beach. I have an LC9 and PPK clones and what have you. They are smallish, but they are not actually pocket pistols. An LCP is an actual pocket pistol that you can actually hide in your pocket. I think 380 is fine. Other people don't. That's fine. But if someone is okay with 380 and wants a tiny pistol that's easy to hide, the LCP and P3AT are where it's at.

 

[Fiv3r]

I've been on a j frame kick as of late. The 642 fitted with a clip grip can be stuffed iwb pretty easily.

That said, as I mentioned earlier, the m&p BG is probably the most comfortable "invisible" pistol that I own.

I'm taking my daughter to the park today. We'll probably run and climb and do all that fun stuff. I shoved the little BG in my front pocket in a thin leather holster, and forget it's there. Nothing to "show" and no way for it to fall loose. Just 7 rounds of .380 that are really handy.

I still prefer the J frame, but for running around in a tucked in tee shirt and jeans, the BG is my choice. I also shoot it better than my lcp.

 

[beag_nut]

LC9s. The Pro model for me. The trigger is outstanding for a striker gun. Eats anything one can fit in the magazine. Somehow the overall geometry makes it easy for me to get the second/third shot after recoil recovery. Fits into the DeSantis pocket holster as if it was born there, and not to intrude. Yet another of the Ruger winners I have.

 

[TarDevil]

I pocket carry my LC9s frequently in all but my snuggest jeans. In a few pants it prints, but I work around that. Certainly I could get something smaller but I'm willing to compromise dress to carry 9mm.

 

[MICHAEL T]

My 380 kel Tec is over 10 years old . Pocket carried for years. Never failed to fire or a jam. I been pocket carrying a KelTec PF9 more and more . Fits my jean pockets and over 700 rounds and not a problem . I have a Kahr CW-9 nice pistol But I can't warm up to it for daily carry. Been on my possible trade list for last year.
The SIG /Mustang copy is good But I never liked cocked and locked in pocket with my Mustangs .
I suggest you try to fire them before you choose.

 

[Wanderling]

I will try to rent a BG and LCP tomorrow if I make it to the range...

I held LC9 in store and it is large. It's definitely slimmer than G26 and would probably be a tad easier to carry IWB or OWB but it's not a pocket pistol.

At this point I am thinking .380 is the way to go. But have to shoot it first.

 

[vkeith]

Several years ago my wife was looking for a pocket 9mm because her 92 was just too big to lug everywhere. She considered the LC9 but thought it was a bit too big. The DB9 had a terrible trigger but it was the smallest nine in her price range at the time. A dealer friend of ours showed her a Taurus PT709 Slim. It was slightly bigger than the DB9 but smaller than the LC9 and the trigger was decent even though it had a long pull.

She ended up selecting the Slim. The round count on it is still fairly low but it has functioned perfectly with any ammo we've run through it. It's reasonably accurate for it's size and purpose, and even though it's small, it isn't punishing to shoot. The recoil is a little snappy due to the size and weight, but running a box or two of ammo though it during practice is no problem.

The Slim does have restrike ability, if that is important to you. You can find PT709 Slims on sale occasionally for around $200. The only down side so far has been availability of extra magazines: they are non-existant unless you want to pay $80 for one on gunbroker. My wife's Slim came with two magazines so it hasn't been an issue for her, but the Slims on sale usually only come with one magazine.

 

[jdavionic]

I would suggest G42/43 or Nano. I own and often carry the latter in my pocket. It's more finicky on ammo than my Glocks, but it works flawless with my carry ammo (Hornady CD). BTW - I have an LCP as well. I'd rather carry a 9mm versus .380.

 

[JohnBiltz]

Like the OP I carry the G26 and wanted a small gun not to replace the G26 but for deeper carry if needed. I bought the LCP and just hated it. If you can shoot one well more power to you, because I can't. What is more is I did not want to practice with it. I ended up with a G42. A gun that I can actually shoot. Its not about the size, its how you use it. If you can shoot the LCP by all means carry it. But I can't.

 

[bluzman]

I have been pocket carrying a Sig P238 in an RKBA the last few months and really like it. I found the P238 much more enjoyable to shoot than the LCP and I am way more accurate with it. I'm able to front pocket carry it in the holster wearing jeans or slacks, it doesn't matter. That being said practice flicking off the manual safety is a must and you need to be comfortable carrying cocked and locked.

This, except my EDC pocket carry is a Sig P938 in a Desantis Super Fly holster.