The perfect pocket gun

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Willy G.

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I think this is pretty darn close. Slips in the pocket and comes out quick, not too much recoil unless used with +P, 5 shots is usually more than enough for CQB and .38 +P will blister your hand at the range. I have the S&W CT 405 grips on mine for night work.

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I think you will find a lot of agreement that the Airweight J-frame is a close to perfect pocket gun. I know I agree, I use a 37-2 Airweight with a factory bobbed (DAO) hammer myself, also with CT 405 grips, and find it to be an excellent pocket gun.
 
If it works for you, great

It is a little too bulky for me. The Ruger LCP or even the Kel-tec are better choices are as far as I am concerned. I have a model 36 that I have never been comfortable carrying a pants pocket though the lighter gun would make it somewhat more comfortable. I just bought my second LCP if that tells you how much I like them. The smith is a great gun just the same.:)
 
In all seriousness... can a revolver be the "perfect pocket gun"? I believe the flatness of a small auto works much better for pocket carry.
 
You are 100% correct. I have a 642 and it is the perfect pocket gun. Plenty of power, 100% reliable, pocketable, no snags, good grip...better than the vaguely rectangular ones on similar sized autos.
 
I suggest to be a perfect pocket gun, you'd want the hammer bobbed. I'm unable to bring myself to do that to my Colt DS, which is my version of the perfect pocket revolver.
 
"Perfect" is a big word. To live up to that moniker, imo the perfect pocket gun would have to be flat. Depending on the kind of pocket on the pants I'm wearing, I'll either carry a Colt Cobra (I used to tote an Airweight, which I liked a lot but decided I liked a sixth shot even more), bulkier but more powerful than a .380 semi-auto, or a Ruger LCP, flatter and more compact but less powerful and more difficult to shoot as well as the revolver. Neither one is perfect...
 
I have always found autos of any form to be harder to pocket carry than an Airweight or Airlite J-frame. In my experience they don't clear the pocket nearly as easily as the rounded shape of a bobbed hammer, shrouded hammer, or concealed hammer Airweight. I've also had every single auto I have ever pocket carried drop the magazine while it was in my pocket. Pocket pistols are not the place for 1911 style mag releases, the heel clip is ideal for such guns, but for some reason they all seem to have the frame mounted button. Since I pocket carry in my left pocket, that means the button is easily depressed when the gun bumps into something.
 
Personally, I prefer the 642......while it may not be "perfect" it is close to "ideal" for my purposes. I have always been reluctant to carry a pocket auto as they seem to be hit or miss as far as reliability.
 
It's probably bigger than you are looking for. How about a Glock 27? Light, small, holds 9+1 of 40 cal.
 
Clarence said:
Personally, I prefer the 642......while it may not be "perfect" it is close to "ideal" for my purposes. I have always been reluctant to carry a pocket auto as they seem to be hit or miss as far as reliability.
Click to expand...
WHy are they hit or miss in reliability? I have S&W 442 and it seems to go bang every time I take it out of my pocket and shoot it at the range. I would think revolvers are highly reliable. The S&W 442 is very pleasant to carry and I feel much more confident sticking that gun in my pocket then any semi auto type of gun. IMO, putting a semi auto pistol in your pocket is a bad idea.
 
I'm throwing in a vote for the x42. I'm having a blast with my LCP and it may come into play as a carry at times but my 442 is the daily carry.
 
"In all seriousness... can a revolver be the "perfect pocket gun"? I believe the flatness of a small auto works much better for pocket carry."

Yes, though I prefer "ideal" to "perfect." Many believe the shape of a revolver lends to disguising the bulge over the angles of the "flat" semi-auto. And... Many also believe said shape lends to its being produced from the pockets of most.
 
Guess I'll go against the grain and state that I don't really like the lightweight revolvers. I had a 642, and that was the most difficult gun to shoot accurately that I've ever owned. I was able to get off the first shot with good accuracy, but I could never consistently get quick and accurate follow up shots. I went to a 640 instead, and although it's slightly heavier, I can shoot it fast and accurately. To me, that's more important than saving a few ounces in weight...YMMV.
 
Far from perfect in my book. I carry a 442 about 250 days a year and I have done that for the last ten years. I assume when you guys say pocket gun you mean a pants pocket, right?

Either you guys wear some goofy looking granny jeans or I'm just not getting it. I think a j-frame is just too dang fat for pocket carry. To be honest I think pocket carry of the primary weapon is damn near useless.

I have carried it in a jacket pocket but even saggy baggy dress pants pockets are a no go for me.
 
Pocket carry of a snubby has been my primary method for at least 12 years. Get the right holster, it works great...
I wear regular fit jeans and have no problem other then the butt of the gun may be slightly exposed.
This is with a Taurus 85 or 851, btw.

For me, the little semi-autos (in my case, an LCP (same size as the Kel-Tecs)) don't work too well...they roll around in the pocket too much.
 
I wear relaxed jeans and painter paints as I lost me arse some years ago. In a Uncle Mikes it almost disappears in my front pocket.
 
Have to agree with Tequila, I prefer a couple ounces of extra weight in carrying, and better accuracy to pounding my hand with a lightweight. I also prefer revolvers over semi-auto's.
 
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