pocket pistols

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You said you don't want to go below a 9, but buy a P3AT and the ONLY excuse you'll have to go unarmed will be if you're going streaking! :D

The new(ish) PF-9 might be worth looking into, but offhand I don't know if it meets the critera for "pocket pistol."

BTW, you might want to look into carry options from Ken Null, or Kramer. The SMZ shoulder rig from the former, and the Confidant undershirt holster from the latter can both be hidden well under fairly thin shirts (at least with a smallish .380 like a PPK or Bersa Thunder .380, though I'm sure you could go a bit bigger than that).
 
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A friend of mine has a Taurus Ultralite .38 hammerless that he told me he would sell me. It has laser grips on it. I've seen it before but never shot it. He told me he'd bring it next time we go shooting. He said he'd sell it for about $200. Sounds like a fair deal. I might go with that. Any opinions?
 
You'll likely get a lot of negative comments about Taurus, but my experience with their products has been very positive. I've owned three of their snubby revolvers, and two of their 9mm pistols. I liked them all.

That was back in the 90's though, so I have no recent experience.

The lock location on their revolvers is certainly more desirable than that of a Smith.
 
My pocket piece is the Kahr PM9. I would not trade it for anything cheaper and have tested it extensively with various types of defensive ammo with good results. I know it will serve me if it needs to and it doesnt print at all in my pockets.
 
I've got a Spanish ruby .32 acp thats kind of big and heavy for what it is, but it has not ever had any failure's of any kind and its been shot a lot. Fits real nice in a jacket pocket.
 
My S&W 642 or my KT PF-9 in cargo shorts pocket every day. My Seecamp 32 when I'm dressed up.
 
I would look at the Keltec PF9. I saw one the other day and they are the
thinnest gun I have ever seen. They are 9mm, 6+1 I think. Somewhere
around 12 oz and look about the same size as a J-frame overall.
It is similar to the p11 but is only a single stack where the p11 is a thicker
double stack.
 
I know its a .22lr, but how about a Beretta 21a? With a small suppressor? Are these guns reliable?

That would be a bit long for most pockets, wouldn't it? People might think you were a little too happy to see them.
 
All the above is great reading.
I am in the market for a pocket pistol (mouse gun) The smaller the better.
I have a gun show coming up in 3 weeks and will have some hands-on- looking.
Phoenix, Cobra, Derringers, Beretta Bobcat,Kel Tec,NAA and the list goes on.
Anyone have a favorite?
 
"I know its a .22lr, but how about a Beretta 21a?"

Actually, the .25 versions are more reliable and have a larger magazine capacity (which you will need considering the abysmal ballistics of the cartridge.) That being said, they are reliable and shoot well. Of course, the 25 ammo is alot pricier than the .22 but if I'm going to depend on one of these for a last ditch defense gun (which means I've shot all three of my J-frames dry and the ten speedloaders), I think I'd rather opt for the .25.
 
Poket Pistol Classics

FN Model 1910
Colt 1903 Hammerless
Colt Vest Pocket 1906
Walther PPK
Mauser HSc
Sauer H38
Most are .32 or .380, with one being a .25.
They've been getting the job done for years and are still functional in todays world. Its not the size of bullet that matters but where you place them. JMHO!!!!
 
Phoenix, Cobra, Derringers, Beretta Bobcat,Kel Tec,NAA and the list goes on.
Anyone have a favorite?

I've only used a P3AT and a Bersa Thunder .380 as far as "pocket pistols" go. I've shot an Airweight .38 Smith (liked it a lot, tho I learned quickly how to get bitten by the latch if you goof your hold) - but didn't get to actually try and CCW it.

Size is important, but don't overlook WEIGHT as a "make or break" factor for a pocket gun as well! Another reason why I love my P3AT!
 
Green Lantern - Thanks----Have 380 Bersa. Wonderful gun but I guess what I'm really looking for in something to slip into a back pocket(not be noticed) and yes--weight is important, I agree.
I did look around the net and many of these mouse gun have mixed reports. At the gun show I should beable to get the feel for the right one for me.
 
:) Another happy pf-9 camper. After seeing the weight, thickness, and price I found you cannot go wrong with the PF-9. A small 9 mil for around 300 bucks with a lifetime warantee. I carry it daily now and it hides very well.

No problems yet (around 200 rounds thru it)...

I think it was a good buy.
 
Getting harder to find but a nice Makarov works well. I just found a decent East German example made in 1961 sitting in a little gun shop just North of me for $200 with a spare magazine and correct East German holster. I seem to accumulate these little east bloc guns.

Flat and nice to carry, more powerful than a .380 and the ammo is now available in hollowpoints. Sights are adequate, but not more. Usually they are very accurate. Main drawback is the dreaded European heel release for the magazine. The Sig 230 and 232 are also plagued with this. All steel they are a little heavy for pocket carry...
 
The majority of the guns mentioned in this thread may be fine for pocket carry in jeans or cargo pants but not dress slacks. I have a beautiful Model 60 snub but you can forget putting it in a pair of dress slacks and call it concealed, no matter the holster. If you want a pocket gun for dress slacks the options are
Beretta Tomcat
Seecamp's
NAA Guardians
KelTec P3AT
R9's

The majority of the above can be had in 32 and 380 while the R9 is a 9mm I believe it is to much gun in to small a package. I have two of the Guardians, one in 32 and 380 and one of them is always with me. Well made, Solid SS, accurate, the slightly larger size over the Seecamp help to reduce recoil, and the finger extensions help with larger hands like mine. You need to look at some of the hotter SD 380 ammo now being made by Corbon, Double Tap etc... not sure there is a huge difference between them and a standard 9mm out of such a small barrel. All of the choices above will disappear in a pair of dress slacks.
NCH
 
The Guardians are indeed well made guns. I own two as well and one is almost always with me. (unless there's a .45 on my hip) :)



and sometimes even when there is one........:uhoh:
 
I had a very difficult time deciding what pocket pistol to get.
This is what I ended up with.... :rolleyes:

pocket.gif
 
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