Pocket gun, Revolver or Auto?

[Big Boy]

I've been planning, admittedly for quite a while, on buying a S&W 642. I made a mistake and thought buying a cheaper Taurus would work. While the quality of the firearm was fine, the weight was not. My jacket looked like I had a brick in one side.

I've always thought revolver for pocket carry. Even though I'm not a revolver guy. In fact this would be my first one, second if you count the Taurus I suppose. My thought was no hammer to get blocked (DOA), no magazines to keep dust free, no slides out of battery.

However, now more recently as I peruse the internet, I am considering some of these smaller auto's. It would be used as jacket/coat pocket carry. But also in jeans and shorts pockets. With a holster of course.

My question is though, what are some pro's and cons of both systems?

Also, 38+P is about as low as I want to go. So I have kind of started to rule out any of the super small .380 mouse guns. Are any of the Kel-Tech or Kahr 9mm's actually small enough to effectively pocket carry? Mind you I want it to work in jeans as well.

Basically what I am seeing in my mind is that I like the format of the revolver better for pocket carry. However, I can see the bulge of the cylinder being an issue in jeans. So, the flatness of an auto is attractive.; But then again, the grips are generally too long due to the magazine. And I also open up all of the other issues that may be present pocket carrying an semi.

Opinions?

 

[westhope]

I've pocket carried a 642 (1-7/8 and lately a 2-1/2 inch barrel) for over 10 years in blue jeans. No cover garment. I carry 99% of the time.

I was asked twice in that time what I had in my pocket. Once by a friend that knew I always carried, he just wanted to know what it was that day.

Once by my 4 year old grandson, who wanted to know what I had in my pocket as we sat next to each other in the back of his parents mini-van. He knew I always carried my pocket knife in my left pocket, he knows to ask me if something needs to be openned. He could see I had something in my right pocket and wanted to know what it was. Grandkids want to know everything. I quickly changed the subject and he forgot about it.

I have a Kahr PM9, Kahr P380 and Colt Pocket Nine that I have pocket carried for a while. I always go back to the SW 642 unless I really want to not show then I use the Kahr P380.

No one will notice. Most people don't notice open carry of a full size gun.

 

[Pyro]

Neither!
I've got a derringer for a pocket gun.
Eventually I want to get a .44 magnum derringer.

 

[Super Sneaky Steve]

A friend of mine just bought an LCP and it's having reliability issues. I still think revolvers are the way to go for pocket sized guns if you want it to go bang every time.

 

[PRM]

I own both (S&W J Frame, and Walther PP series) and they each are great choices. Some days I like a small revolver, some days a semi-auto. Just depends on what you like.

The big thing I have found for pocket carry is a good pocket holster is a necessity. They will keep the gun secure and protect it from lint, dirt .... I generally favor an OWB or ankle holster.

 

[M2 Carbine]

While I am a big fan of 2 inch 38/.357 revolvers, and have a bunch, I can't get away with them in a pocket.

The next step above a .380 is the Ruger LC9. I can carry it in some pockets.
Fairly small and flat and 9mm. It's totally reliable and accurate (out to 50 yards). Mine has over 1,700 trouble free rounds.

Compared to the Beretta 21 22LR.

 

[orionengnr]

A Kahr PM9 is a good bit shorter lengthwise than a J-frame. That means it conceals in the pocket better. And in my hands, it shoots a good bit better as well. Did I mention that it is 100% reliable with any ammo I can fit in the mag?
After owning a half dozen J-frames in varying frame materials, .38 and .357, when I bought my PM9, the J-frames went up for sale...one at a time. And I don't miss them one bit.

 

[wlewisiii]

642 & BB 158 gr LSWCHP +P.

 

[Dr_2_B]

The jeans requirement creates some trouble. I have carried a number of my pistols (both revolvers and semi-autos) in pants pockets, but rarely have I been able to pull it off in a jeans pocket. While you can get the thing in there, I'm afraid you'll have trouble drawing it quickly in a crunch. A couple options, but both will cost a few dollars and require a slight wardrobe change: (1) You could go with jeans that are designed differently than normal - pretty baggy through the pelvis. Those jeans will allow you to get the gun out quickly. On the down-side, though, these jeans often have shallower pockets. (2) You could change and go with khaki or blue cargo pants. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but this is my experience. Bear in mind that you can buy either of these at Goodwill or something and outfit yourself very well for $50.

I opted for IWB carry most of the time in stead. The clothing styles these days allow for untucked shirts - even button up shirts. You may find this works better. Like it or not, for the past 18 or so years that I've carried, I have dressed around my gun.

 

[soonerboomer]

PM9 and 642 are both great pocket carry choices

I own, use, and pocket carry both the Kahr PM9 and the S&W 642. Here's my perspectives on the two...

Kahr PM9 (or CM9)
- Well made - better built than the newer 642s in my opinion
- Very easy to shoot, and shoot accurately.
- Handles more like a larger gun
- Trigger is so smooth, far better than the 642
- Sights are superior to the 642
- Carries a couple more rounds than the 642 and its easier to reload
- The 9mm seems to be a bit more powerful than the .38+P
- Does not carry in the pocket as well as the 642.
- The Kahr grip is a bit more obvious/blocky in pocket than the boot grip on the 642
- The Kahr is still lightweight, but it is notably heavier than the 642

S&W 642
- Slightly more reliable than the pretty reliable PM9
- Easier to just grab and go than the Kahr
- Good trigger, but longer and heavier than the Kahr
- Sights kinda suck
- While its pretty accurate, it is harder to master accurate shooting
- Only 5 rounds (But this should be enough in 90% of Self Defense situations)
- More recoil (+P) than the Kahr
- Virtually vanishes in the pocket. Super easy to carry.

All in all, if I was forced to sell one of these guns I'd sell the 642 and keep the Kahr PM9

 

[Kendal Black]

Blue jeans are cut all wrong for pocket carry. Pleated canvas pants (like Dockers, etc.) work much better. When pants shopping, make sure the pockets are reasonably deep.

A little shift in personal style yields a big gain in concealment.

Personally, I like .38 snubs and the S&W 642 is one of the best. I've pocket carried mine a lot in pleated pants and cargo shorts and no one has noticed a thing.

Aside from several other arguments I could make, the foremost argument in favor of the revolver for pocket carry is pocket lint.

 

[Lawdawg45]

"Are any of the Kel-Tech or Kahr 9mm's actually small enough to effectively pocket carry? Mind you I want it to work in jeans as well."

The PM-9 would work if you weren't using the extended magazine, but the hammer-less or shrouded hammer revolver will always be easier to carry and draw without snags. In my opinion, the new LC9 is significantly bigger than the LCP and on the upper limits of pocket carry, but still possible. Don't count the .380 out, the LCP with hot JHP's and a couple extra magazines is a decent pocket gun.

LD

 

[jad0110]

S&W 642

- Good trigger, but longer and heavier than the Kahr

Interesting, whenever I shoot my father's Kahr K9 I frequently "short stroke" the trigger, releasing it back forward a hair too soon before the gun fires. I mainly shoot DA revolvers, S&Ws and Rugers and particular. I simply figured the Kahr had a longer pull and reset than the revolvers I'm used to, but maybe it is just my hand and fingers. I've never actually measured it.

And for the record, the trigger on my 642 was gritty when new. But after about 1,000 cycles of the trigger, I cleaned out the internals and re oiled. Now it is even smoother than my father's Kahr. It's hard to say which is lighter, they seem to be about the same. Slight edge to the 642 maybe. One of the best J Frame triggers I've ever experienced, and on a lock equipped MIM gun no less.

I don't pocket carry as frequently as I used to, but sizeable pockets and a quality pocket holster are very important. I've even sewed extensions into some of my pockets. I've also reinforced them in critical areas that tend to see more wear, using those iron-on jeans patches sandwiched on both the inside and outside of the pocket. Works quite well.

The only gun I pocket carry is a S&W 642. While the Kahr is an excellent weapon, I tried pocket carrying one and though the dimensions say other wise, it feels larger to me than my 642. Not only that, it was harder to draw cleanly because of the Kahr's design and shape (common to all semi autos) - the combination of the slide hanging off the rear of the gun and the fairly long grip frame dropping down below that slide mean it is a bit stickier for me to draw quickly than the rounded, banana shaped enclosed hammer revolver. So like the baby Glocks, I view the Kahr as more of an IWB/OWB gun, but YMMV. I think it is safe to say though that the compact 9mm will require a larger pocket opening to draw effectively.

 

[97guns]

i prefer an auto myself, i like the thinness of them.

 

[Old Fuff]

First things first. To be specific rethink your wardrobe.

Blue jeans are cut all wrong for pocket carry. Pleated canvas pants (like Dockers, etc.) work much better. When pants shopping, make sure the pockets are reasonably deep.

Absolutely right! And add to that a good belt of the kind preferred by those who inside-waistband carry, and consider a pair of suspenders.

I prefer a revolver for reliability reasons, but the rubber boot-grips that come standard from both Smith & Wesson and Taurus are major contributors to the bulk that make revolvers hard to conceal. Also they tend to cling to some fabrics. Consider smaller stocks made from a harder material. Were it not for the finger grooves I would say those on the new Ruger LCR are close to ideal. A bit shorter would be better.

In fact if I didn’t have all my bases covered now, I would seriously think about getting a LCR in .38 Special – which is more then enough for the intended purpose and platform. If you want more, get a gun with more to hold on to, that has at least a 3” barrel and forget pant’s pocket carry. Jackets and coats are another matter.

 

[303tom]

Revolver !!!!!!!!!!

 

[Jonah71]

I tried out the S&W Bodyguard the other day. I may end up with one eventually, but it's still too soon for me. I need a bit more feedback from people who have owned one and actually fired it over a period of time. Also put a few rounds through the Chiappa Rhino .357 mag. I liked it. A lot. But that has got to be the ugliest gun on the market. I don't really have a good "pocket" gun, even though I do carry an old M 36 most of the time. I may like it and am used to carrying it, but it's not really ideal for most people imo. I may have to keep an eye out for an LC9 like the one M2 Carbine posted. Good luck with your search.

 

[skoro]

My question is though, what are some pro's and cons of both systems?

I pocket carry almost exclusively. My 3 gun rotation is S&W 642, KelTec P3AT, and KT PF-9. All serve very well and the one I carry on a particular day is dictated by my dress. I use a pocket holster with each one and printing is never an issue.

Semiauto -

Pro: capacity, slightly slimmer profile

Con: greater possibility of a jam

Revolver -

Pro: 5 for certain, nastier ammo

Con: slightly pudgier profile, limited to 5 shots

I'll add that for some reason buried in my psyche, I just feel more confident with the revolver, even though neither of the KTs has had a reliability issue.

 

[jon86]

Also remember that a shrouded hammer revolver in the pocket can draw faster than an auto of similar size. Try them both and you'll see what I mean.

 

[camsdaddy]

I have a CM9 and love my CM9. I had a 642 untill I bought the CM9 and found out how much more accurate I was with it. The CM9 worked great in shorts and khakis. The CM9 is also awesome IWB. The fact thant I mostly own 9mm and the fact that the ammo is far cheaper in 9mm than 38 sp. also played a big part. This morning I have come to realize I am not going to be able to carry my CM9 in jeans. While some may and there may be jeans with better pockets for carry for me my CM9 is not a pocket gun. For these times Ill wear IWB or in a smartcarry holster.

 

[gearhead]

IMO, a revolver is easier to get out of the pocket of a pair of jeans. I have a J-frame I can (and have, on occasion) carried, it's my wife's bedside gun. Since my daily wardrobe is Dockers-style pants I usually pocket carry a semi, though. My carry rotation is a Taurus 709 Slim and a Radom P-64.

 

[Carne Frio]

I pocket carried J frames for more than 20 years.
I now pocket carry a Ruger LC9. Quicker to reload.

The revolver is 5 shots plus one reload 5 more.(Total 10)
The LC9 is 7+1 and the reload is 7.(total 15)

 

[harmon rabb]

No 38spl revolver can touch the pocketability of a little 380. But, even if you want a 9, I don't think any 38spl revolver can touch the pocketability of a CM9 or PM9. Also, no 38spl revolver can touch the trigger of those Kahrs (although the LCR comes the closest).

Then again, Kahrs can be finicky, whereas j-frames and LCR's aren't.

 

[PabloJ]

Sadly now long discontinued six-shot alloy framed Colt with shortie barrel should be near top of anyones list. It's just a bit thicker then five-shot S&W 37. While not in same class as S&W 12 these are far better then plastic framed pistols designed to be held with two fingers.

 

[2wheels]

I've got an S&W 442 and a Sig P238. All the relevant bullet points have already been covered, so I'll try not to rehash too much!

The majority of my pocket carry needs are fulfilled by my 442 because generally when I'm working or running around town doing errands I wear pretty loose pants. But, when I wear jeans or pants that aren't quite so loose that 442 is too fat and I reach for the P238. My 442 is significantly fatter than my baby Sig.

So jacket/coat pocket? Revolver all day long. Jeans? Maybe consider an auto... The major downside of ultra small autos has already been mentioned, they CAN be finicky. Some are better than others, my P238 has been pretty good but it's not one of my guns that I can honestly say I've shot X number of rounds through without failure.