Recommendation for "pocket carry", please.

[ArmyAviator]

Newest member enjoying the site....looking for your recommendations on a subcompact that "meets mission" for pocket carry and firepower.....yes, I know that IF there was truly that, all would own it....I have read much on the NAA Guardian .380....cons are that it is HEAVY and trigger is 10lbs +....read much on the Glock 27 in .40S&W. A cop friend loves his Keltec in .380. Just asking fellows....I can fly the hell outta a BlackHawk....but the standard Army Beretta 9 is all I've ever carried.

 

[MikeJ]

I strongly recommend that you look at the S&W 642/442 revolvers. They have snag free concealed hammers, handle .38+P specials and only weigh 15 oz. unloaded. Although their outer dimensions are larger than the little .32's and .380's the way their weight is distributed makes them extremely comfortable to carry and very unobtrusive. I have a Guardian .32 and a S&W Airweight and have found that the Guardian (12oz.) feels like a small rock in my pocket where the S&W just rides better. Don't get me wrong, I like the Guardian and it is a good gun but I carry the S&W more and more. Best of luck, Mike

 

[tulsamal]

I strongly recommend that you look at the S&W 642/442 revolvers. They have snag free concealed hammers, handle .38+P specials and only weigh 15 oz. unloaded.

I might broaden that out a bit but I agree 100% with the basic idea. "Pocket carry" means a revolver and one without any hammer or other sharp edges to catch on anything. You could even shoot a revolver from the inside of the pocket if you HAD to do so. An auto would give you one shot and then quit. (Disclaimer: I carry a revolver _anyway_ but still think pocket carry is a revolver niche.)

I personally carried a S&W 640 for a couple years. Totally snag free. Totally enclosed "humpback" where the hammer would usually be. No way for any pocket grit or anything else to work into the action. And you can either carry hot .38's or move all the way up to full .357 Magnums. Hell of a gun and my 640-1 is actually very accurate and easy to shoot.

I moved on to an L frame because I wanted a bigger bullet. I carry a S&W 296 now in .44 Special. That's an L frame though and would be pushing it for pocket carry. Weight is actually less than the 640 since it is a Sc/Ti gun but size is bigger.

If you could find a used Rossi 720 in the hammerless configuration, that would make a fine pocket gun as well. Here's a shot of my two 720's (in both configurations) and my 296.

Gregg

 

[MICHAEL T]

I agree with Mike get a S&W Rev. That said I carry a Colt Mustang or My PPK/S in my pocket In fact yesterday I just picked up a new pocket holster for my PPK. A old Charter Arms exposed ejector rod works good for pocket carry and can be found for 150 range. Unlike the military you get to decide and there are many choices but I would think if you stay with 38/357 you will find something you will be comfortable with. You will most likely be like the rest of us and have a nice collection of pocket pistols. I tell my wife there for our children. Iam just testing them. Never can do enough for your children.

 

[DMK]

I also have to agree with the 442/642 revolver recommendation for pocket carry.

I was dubious to the CCW value of these when comparing the J-frames to the little Kel-Tecs (my Dad has a P32). Side by side, the J-frame looks huge in cmparison. However after buying and carrying a 642 for a while, I'm hooked on it. It's extremely light and comfortable to pocket carry, the shape of the revolver doesn't print as much as a semi-auto and with +P .38 specials it's a little fire breather. I also like the simplicity of the revolver. There are no magazine issues to worry about it, it's not as susceptable to jamming on grit and dust, plus it's basic sights and hammerless design leaves no edges to snag on clothing.

After firing the P32 and the 642 side by side, I feel much more confident shooting the J-frame even though it has more noticable recoil. Neither is easy to shoot, but the J-frame feels much more substantial. The P-32 is a very inovative design and I'd still like to get one, but it's like a little toy in my hands. It's so small it's hard to hold. I can't imagine what it would be like to shoot it in .380.

BTW ArmyAviator, are you talking about concealed carry while on duty or while in civie life? I'd think that in flight gear, you could probably conceal a nice 45ACP 1911 fairly easily.

My absolute favorite CCW is my Colt CCO carried IWB. This pistol is just a hair bigger than a Makarov but backs a bigger punch and has much better sights. It's also a LOT easier to shoot than the J-frame or Kel-Tec.

 

[shep854]

Another vote for a small revolver. I carry an S&W mod 49 "Bodyguard". I used to carry an airweight Centennial (mod 442), but decided I wanted the option to cock the gun. The 49 has a shrouded hammer that can be thrum-cocked. The steel is a little heavier, but I don't notice the difference carrying, but it helps soak up recoil a little better.

In my book, the ultra-lights (Scandium, titanium, etc) are too light. I haven't shot one, and don't want to. Some weight is needed to reduce felt recoil.

 

[Glamdring]

The J frame is the best choice, for pocket carry the hammerless models are a bit safer IMVHO.

I tried a Kel Tec P11 and P32 before buying a J frame, my only regret is that I didn't start with the J frame in the beginning.

I would say that for situations were even the J frame is to big, then use Kel Tec's P32/P3AT.

BTW Uncle Mike's pocket holster is only about $10.00 but works better than most.

 

[C96]

Another vote for the S&W J frame. I have a 642 and purchased a Kramer
pocket holster. They work very well together. Dillon used to carry the
Kramer pocket holsters at a discount, don't know if they still do.
A couple of 5 shot strips of plus p just in case and you're ready to go.

allan

 

[MrMurphy]

I've tried several pocket guns. In the end, the S&W Airweight series of Chief's Special (J-frame) is the pick.

With a pair of speed strips in the other pocket, and a good pocket holster, it's fine for carry. Anything lighter than the Airweight is hard to shoot well enough to practice and get good with it.

 

[carpettbaggerr]

How big are your pockets?

Really. Jacket or pants. Backup in the pocket, or only gun in the pocket? Is this "just in case" or do you live / work in a really bad neighborhood? What is your skill level?

Jacket = hammerless .38 or .357 (depending on skill) -- can also be used with baggy slacks.

Kahr compact 9mm can also be carried if your pants are loose.

Pants " just in case" = Seecamp. NAA Guardian. Keltec . 32. NAA mini .22/.22 mag.

Lots of choices, depends on your skills and situation.

 

[P95Carry]

AA ... welcome dude!

I much like my SP-101 even tho a tad heavy ... but if we talk ''pocket'' - literally ... then I'll thrown in also perhaps the smallest 9mm pocket piece you'll find. Well .. better IMO anyways than the tiny Kahr.

The Rohrbaugh R9 (or with sights R9s) ..... I have one .. and am getting another .... it is the ultimate IMO in a small 9mm piece and .. true pocket. Heavier than Kel-Tec P3-AT I'll grant you - and way more costly but ... if small is what you want - and 9mm cal min is what pleases then .. consider this piece. Smaller tho than PC9.

I have just recently published a composite ammo report page for this gun .... and that has links to tests also .. may be of interest for you to read.

Go Look Here if you have a minute or two. This lil' pup could be something you could find useful ... tho of course, many useful recommendations have already been made re revo's.

The R9s .......

 

[flip180]

I absolutley, positivley and without a doubt

recommend a 642 loaded with either Remmie 158gr+P LSWCHP's or the new Speer 135+P Gold Dot JHP's nestled in a milt sparks PCH-R1. I have chono'd both out of my 642 and I feel well and comfortably armed with the little J-frame. The Milt-sparts hoster is the best pocket holster out there (in my opinion of course). It is smooth on the front to minimize printing, molded to the gun or the rear side and has metal sewn into the borders. The metal allows for the holster to be bent to contour to the leg. Jeans or slacks, pleated or non-pleated; this holster makes the gun disapear no matter what kind of pants or shorts I'm wearing. The overall inverted triangle shape of the holster also allows it to fit better in all of my pockets. I don't understand pocket holster designs that are molded/contoured to the gun on the front. It seems it would print everytime a person steps forward with their leg on which side the gun is holstered on. Here are some pics;

Flip.

 

[denfoote]

Pocket Carry Perfection

The original "Pocket Rocket": Glock 26!!!!
Carried in a Galco PH286 pocket holster.
I carry mine like that sometimes and have a friend who does so on a daily basis!!!!

10 rounds of 9mm with 1 in the tube and two spare 15 round Glock 19 mags!!!!

 

[Jiml3]

All of the above suggestions are good. I suggest you also look at the Kahr PM9.
It's a lightweight smooth double action 9mm. Excellant quality carry piece in semi-automatic.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Jiml3

 

[Black Snowman]

Don't forget the CZ 2075 RAMI, avialable in .40 & 9mm. Small revolvers are a great choice too. My personal choices for pocket pistols would be the RAMI or a .357 snubby of some flavor depending on if it was a solo act or a backup gun. If I'm carrying a full size or compact auto I'll take it's baby counterpart. If it's flying solo, the punch of a .357 would make me feel better.

Regardless of what you choose for a gun get a good pocket holster. I recommend HBE Leather Works to get just exactly what you need or want.

 

[Mac Attack]

I started with a S&W 638 airweight shrouded hammer J-frame. Then switched to a Keltech P32. I prefer the P32 for everyday non obtrusive carry. My P32 rides in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster and practically disappears in a pair or dockers. I found the 638 to be a little heavy in my pocket. Choose the HG which is best for you.

Mac

 

[CZ-100]

I have my Keltec P3AT (.380) in my pocket all the time.

 

[Greybeard]

Welcome to THR.

Lots of good suggestions here - and variables to consider.

While I certainly won't knock what works well for others, I've noticed here and elsewhere that some folks are quite happy with guns like the Ruger SP 101 and Glock 26 as "pocket guns". They are simply to "bricky" for my carry tastes (even IWB) not to mention the size of my typical pants pockets. I'm admittedly getting old and cantankerous and have evolved to love the "lightweights", whether IWB, ankle or (sometimes more here just lately) pocket. ('been getting acquainted with new j-frame holster from www.hedleyholster.com)

Absolute favorite "carry gun" (usually IWB) is S&W 340 with Crimson Trace overmoulded grip. Including 5-rounds of .38s or .357s, it weighs just 15 ounces. 6-rounds of reloads carry flat in Bianchi speed strip. Another 18 possible in flat plastic "wallet pack".

Next-to-favoite "carry gun" (most commonly on ankle) is Kahr PM-9. Just 19.4 ounces loaded with 6+1 of 9mm and quite compact.

In addition to things I've seen on gun forums about the relatively new Kel-Tec .380, a lady friend recently got one and we ran the first box of FMJs through it last week. Without any glitches whatsover. (Trigger does take some acclimation). For times when I might want more of a pure "ultra-light pocket gun", it made me think I may now "need" one of those too. What, maybe 1O ounces loaded with 6+1? Now THAT is a (small) pocket gun. Then, I have to stop and remind myself of the reason for what is on our DCSA t-shirts: "Friends don't let freinds carry mouse guns - unless they would otherwise not carry at all." ...

 

[Newton]

Kel-Tec P-3AT loaded with 70 grain Corbon Pow'R Ball.

Anything bigger isn't a pocket pistol, it's a pocket bulge, there's a difference.


Newton

 

[Gunmeister]

Although not as popular as lot of other manufacturers and a bit more expensive, Kahr products just can't be beat. I own four, all four have thousands of rounds fired with nary a hiccup.
My 24/7 carry is my Kahr PM9, it carries 7 rounds of 9MM+P, which is two more than most J-Frame .38spl Smithy's carry. It is slightly more ballistically , I hate the word, powerful than a .38spl, it's very flat, very light and very small overall. It has a trigger action right out of the box that is far superior to any stock Glock. Totally reliable and very well built, a really great pocket gun which is what I believe you asked about. I own a (baby) Glock 33 which is like carrying a brick in your pocket, that is if you can even get it in your pocket.

 

[Zeke Menuar]

I went old school..sort of.

I don't really care for snubbies. Matter of personal choice plus I can't hit a (insert expletive here) thing with them. I found a CZ-83.
Yes, it's a little bigger. Yes, it's a little heavier,. Yes it's 380.
It's deadly accurate, has a better trigger than all of the snubbies I have owned and has 13+1 capacity. Pretty easy to hide IWB.

ZM

 

[TooTech]

Certainly nothing wrong with the J-frame snubbies, but the Kahr PM9 gets my vote.

Ultimately it's a matter of personal preference.

 

[magsnubby]

I'm not sure i consider my Glock 26 or 27 a true pocket gun,although i have carried them in a heavy jacket pocket.

My 642 loaded with Silver Tips carries real easy in my pants pocket.

 

[Sistema1927]

I have been carrying a S&W 642 in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster for several years. However, yesterday I picked up a Kahr PM9, and just returned from the range after firing 210 rounds of assorted 9mm ammo. Kahr states in the manual that you shouldn't depend on it until firing at least 200 rounds.

The little Kahr handled everything I loaded into it, and I had one FTF of a handloaded hollow point at around round 150 (possibly this one was a bit long in the case). I fired it weak hand, strong hand, two hand, and even intentionally "limp wristed" it a couple of times. I fired it with both standard and +P ammo. Recoil wasn't as bad as I anticipated, but I did work up a blister on the thumb of my strong hand. I wasn't trying for accuracy, shooting whenever the front sight was on the IPSC target at 7 yards, but it appeared to keep all the rounds in the kill zone.

The Kahr fits in the same pocket holster as the 642, and one advantage is that I will carry a reload, since the spare mag fits in a black nylon knife holster, and nobody knows that it isn't a small folder on my belt. I never did find a good way to carry spares for the 642, since speed loaders are too bulky, and speed strips don't co-exist with the keys, change, etc. that reside in the non-gun front pocket.

The Kahr is presently loaded with Cor-bon 115 +P, and I feel pretty happy with 7 of those in the pistol and an additional 7 of them in the spare mag.

 

[goon]

Speaking for myself, I can't carry in my pocket. No matter what I do I can't seem to comfortably conceal a handgun in my front pocket. I wear relatively loose fitting jeans but for some reason it just doesn't work for me.
So, if you are anything like me, find another way to carry.
I prefer IWB.