What to do? Needing a pocket gun.

[carebear]

Are you guys wearing baggy, pleated jeans or something?

I don't wear mine "tight", just fitted properly, but if I was able to fit anything thicker than my hand in there it'd look like I was smuggling a baseball.

I'd like to see some pics, cause maybe I've been wearing my trousers improperly all these years.

 

[TarpleyG]

You must be wearing them like the cool kids wore Jordache back when I was in middle school then. Had to peel 'em off like a banana skin. I wear the relaxed fit but they aren't "gangsta" baggy or anything, just a little roomy in the thigh.

Greg

 

[rageofangels]

raghorn

You carry your firearm in your back pocket?

 

[Chuck Perry]

I carry a holstered Colt Mustang in the front pocket of my jeans without a problem. Though out of production for some time now, they can still be had. With your price limit, I think the Kel Tec would be your best bet. To me the J frame would get to be too much for everyday carry. It would wind up being left at home after not too long.

 

[MCgunner]

Either pay a seamstress to alter your pockets to be able to hold a real gun, or do so yourself? Why settle for having a mere toy gun, when you can have some real power in your pocket, courtesy of a Kahr PM 9mm or .40?

Because a .380 is adequate for SD in the CCW roll and a lot easier to pocket carry. I could maybe have a pair of jeans made to conceal my contender, so what?

 

[raghorn]

raghorn

You carry your firearm in your back pocket?

Nope. I just used the pocket in the photo to go along with the theme.

Here's another neat little pocket gun, the Iver Johnson TP22. It's the exact same size and magazine capacity as the P32, so there's really no advantage to it over the Kel Tec. It's also a bit finicky about what ammo you feed it, but there are a few of them still floating around out there for under $150.

 

[sorny]

Only 2 real choices, if you're looking for true pocket carry for less than $250.00: The Kel-Tec P-32 or P3AT, or the North American Arms Mini-Revolver in .22LR or .22 Mag.

I have a S&W Model 60 with bobbed hammer, but it isn't a real pocket gun, unless you're talking about a large jacket or overcoat pocket.

Well, from what a lot of people have said it sounds like you're right.

I'm either going to have to go with the Kel-Tec or the Mini. I've handled the Mini and am leaning that way but I'm going to a gun show next weekend and hopefully they'll have some Kel-Tec's there that I can handle. I just really don't care for polymer guns that much. Had a Kahr P-40 and although it was super light and thin (not as much as the PM-40 of course) it just felt cheap and it looks like the plastic on the Kel-Tec's are even cheaper and softer looking. The P11 I shot just felt crappy and had a FTF about once or twice a mag. I know that could've just been that gun, operator error, or ammo, but it just kind of scared me.

 

[sorny]

Nope. I just used the pocket in the photo to go along with the theme.

Here's another neat little pocket gun, the Iver Johnson TP22. It's the exact same size and magazine capacity as the P32, so there's really no advantage to it over the Kel Tec. It's also a bit finicky about what ammo you feed it, but there are a few of them still floating around out there for under $150.

Oh, I've seen one of those on gunbroker.com but assumed that it was the size of a PPK and that it was .22. You said that it's the same size and capacity, did you mean it's .32 or that its the same dimensions. If I'm going .22 I'll probably go with the NAA if anything. I'm not really considering any other 22 anymore (like the PT-22 or Beretta).

 

[ron8903]

+1 Kel-Tec

 

[usp9]

Another Seecamp suggestion

Although you placed a $$ limit, a carry gun is not something to bargain basement shop for. Seecamp's size, quality, and reputation are well known to pocket gun carriers. My advice; at least check it out before you buy second best.

 

[sorny]

Although you placed a $$ limit, a carry gun is not something to bargain basement shop for. Seecamp's size, quality, and reputation are well known to pocket gun carriers. My advice; at least check it out before you buy second best.

I have looked at them and they are very nice. But right now if I don't get something under the budget then I won't be getting anything at all for a long time. I have a PT92 that has performed flawlessly since I bought it. I carry it IWB when I can carry a full size gun. When I go do field work and stuff I need to pocket carry since I'm in the floor and under desks and stuff.

 

[MCgunner]

I've never owned one, don't wish to, but I wouldn't consider a Seecamp the "best" of anything, but hype from what I've heard of it. Anyway, I'd rather carry a .380 than a .32.

 

[RaySendero]

sorny,

Have you considered a .38 Spl derringer? - Should fit your pocket and budget.

 

[raghorn]

Oh, I've seen one of those on gunbroker.com but assumed that it was the size of a PPK and that it was .22. You said that it's the same size and capacity, did you mean it's .32 or that its the same dimensions. If I'm going .22 I'll probably go with the NAA if anything. I'm not really considering any other 22 anymore (like the PT-22 or Beretta).

It's a .22 with the same dimensions and magazine capacity as the P32. It's quite a bit smaller than the PPK. From a reliability standpoint, I'd still choose a centerfire pistol over the rimfire.

 

[usp9]

I've never owned one, don't wish to, but I wouldn't consider a Seecamp the "best" of anything, but hype from what I've heard of it. Anyway, I'd rather carry a .380 than a .32.

Other than hearsay, what do you base your statement on? If you've never owned a Seecamp, how can you feel qualified to make such a statement? BTW, Seecamp makes a .380 also, same size as the .32.

I'll stand by my "Best" statement, based on experience, not hype from a forum.

 

[Snub60]

I have the 60-14 with a normal hammer which I believe is better than bobbed for the reason of steady single action. Besides, when you grab it from a holster or pocket just put your thumb on the hammer and it wont snag on anything.

 

[Ala Dan]

I'm with my friend usp9 in his statement of the LWS-32 from Larry
Seecamp as being the "BEST" pocket pistol~! I've owned one since
early March 2005, and its been a 100 per center; RELIABLE pocket pistol.
I very strongly recommend that anyone in need of a quality pocket
pistol, check of the LWS-32 Seecamp first~!

 

[browningguy]

The main thing is reliability. I'm like the original post though, although I have a Taurus 850SS it's a pretty good hunk of iron to carry in your front pocket, at least for me. I like the Beretta Tomcat but you probably can't find one for $250, my option (before they came out with the .32 ACP Tomcat was a Beretta 21 in 25 ACP. I use the 35 gr. Hornady XTP factory load now and it has been 100% reliable for the last 14 years, and probably 2500 rounds. I like my Browning .25 also, and it's even smaller.

 

[Pistol]

sorny-
If I can offer my .02 on the Kel Tec. I had a couple Kahrs. They were ok if you are patient and get them broken in, but not what I call rally Pocket size either. I really like the Bersa Thunder ($220. new in two tone) too, but it is not in the same size and weight class.

I decided to get a new 2nd gen. KT P3 in .380. I have about 400 rounds through it and am happy with it. I asked for a new extractor and spring which gave me solid ejection even after 50 rounds got the gun dirty. Borderline problem as a pocket gun, but it now goes well over 100 rounds before the barrel/chamber need a light cleaning. The new extractor shape is likely on all new ones now this year. I have noticed the new P3 in Hard Chrome is pretty trouble free as another choice.

I said all that to say this........
After alot of reading about many Pocket guns- IMHO you must keep them clean. Truth be told, I notice many people expecting too much from an intense little design. So I think any pocket auto can use a close look for rough metal in this price range and frequent cleaning/lubes and they work.
I usually buy used guns in any brand and have never been disappointed when I apply some patience, cleaning, a bit of polish, and at times a warranty part. I think some products get a bad reputation unjustly.

I could go on with other recent used purchases of late by me and some friends but the theme is the same. Pocket Automatics are a small machine and need to be maintained and tested before you can fully trust them.

Now that used Glock I got lately cost much more than a P3, looked like new,is a lot bigger, and has a barrel and chamber like glass...it was rock n roll out of the box

 

[mnrivrat]

Been carrying a Kel-Tec .380 for over a year now in a front pocket holster. I have been very pleased with this carry method .

I haven't had any issues with the Kel-Tec so far and I generaly clean the dust bunnies out of it every week , and shoot it periodicaly inbetween to make sure it functions OK out of my pocket. I recommend a front pocket holster to keep the gun as clean as possible - straight in the pocket- and prevent the mag latch from being activated.

The Kel-Tec doesn't scream quality when looked at and yes some have had to have the bugs worked out of them, but I like mine. By the way, the .32 and the .380 have a better rep than the 9mm .

 

[cortez kid]

One more vote for to 60-14. Hardly know its there. .357 settles a lot of power arguments.
kid

 

[scbair]

Some have already commented on the need to keep a pocket pistol clean. RIGHT ON! I have enough trust in my service pistols (Springer 1911 Mil-Spec and a vintage BHP) to carry them without reservation. They have tolerances sufficient to function in real-world environs, even if a bit dusty or dirty.

I even trust my two "mini" .45s (Kimber Ultra Carry & Ultra Carry CDP), as long as they are properly cleaned & lubed. (I am aware of the many folks reporting reliability issues with the sub-4" 1911 variants; these two have proven 100% reliable over the past couple thousand rounds apiece.) They haven't malfunctioned, even after several hundred rounds over several weeks without a cleaning (just hadda know, ya know?), but they're still "tighter," tolerance-wise than the ol' full-sized warhorses.

I have, on occasion, packed a true pocket pistol (P32; old PPK), and these proved reliable as long as they were kept very clean & well-lubed. A bit of lint or accumulated crud did result in occasional failures to return to battery.

Okay, I'm gettin' older and lazier; I just don't enjoy stripping, wiping and lubing my EDC each & every night, anymore. I slip a little M642 into a pocket holster, and it rides all day/every day. I inspect it each evening, maybe wipe off the surface dust & lint. Once per week, I give the chambers & bore a wipe through with clean patches, and carefully wipe & brush off all crud & dust. After several years, I've never had a single malfunction. That's a comfort.

 

[MCgunner]

Other than hearsay, what do you base your statement on? If you've never owned a Seecamp, how can you feel qualified to make such a statement? BTW, Seecamp makes a .380 also, same size as the .32.

I'll stand by my "Best" statement, based on experience, not hype from a forum.

Just an opinion. However, I know the KT is a good gun and if I can save money, I don't feel I'm compromising my life with it. If it works, it works. There are lots of things in life where spending more money gets you less. "get what you pay for" is a really stupid statement most of the time, actually. There are things it can apply to, but there are reasons other than quality for an item to be cheaper and BETTER. One of those is production cost, someone like Ruger who finds a better way to produce the product (investment casting in Ruger's case) and do it cheaper and pass the savings on the the consumer.

Some berate the P11 KT as junk. All I know is (from personal experience) in 8 years and thousands of rounds of shooting, mine has never jammed not once on 115 grain loads shooting +Ps and standard pressure, thousands of rounds, and hits POA with 3.5" at 25 yard accuracy. I don't see how I could do any better for self defense for $10,000 in a compact 9. If it works, by golly it works!

 

[KeltiKevin]

I owned a Kel-tec P11 for a couple of years. I never had any problems with it. It was a reliable, compact pistol. It concealed well in jeans or whatever else I was wearing. But for some reason, I just never felt completely comfortable carrying it. I recently sold it and bought a Rossi M88, equivalent to a full weight Smith J-frame. This gun is with me EVERYWHERE. It is completely comfortable in the front pocket of my jeans in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster. I have no problems as far as printing and I feel absolutely secure with this wheel-gun.

 

[22-rimfire]

Scbair said... "Okay, I'm gettin' older and lazier; I just don't enjoy stripping, wiping and lubing my EDC each & every night, anymore. I slip a little M642 into a pocket holster, and it rides all day/every day. I inspect it each evening, maybe wipe off the surface dust & lint. Once per week, I give the chambers & bore a wipe through with clean patches, and carefully wipe & brush off all crud & dust. After several years, I've never had a single malfunction. That's a comfort." Here Here!!!

I think it all comes down to whether you like autos or prefer revolvers. I prefer revolvers and feel that everytime I get it out it will function perfectly. I don't want to break in an auto K or P whatever pistol to feel that it will function reliably. I don't want to have to clean a gun every few days to feel that it might work the one time in 5 years that I might actually "need" it. I don't want to have to remove the ammo from a magazine and worry about whether the spring in the magazine is beginning to experience some fatique or whatever. Hence revolvers are my choice.

The NAA Mini revolvers fill a niche. I like the S&W 442 to fill my perceived niche. I don't believe that Sorny wants to carry the gun necessarily all the time. The 442/642 fills the niche perfectly as the go-to gun for general carry whether it be in the woods or a run to the store. I can carry it in a pocket holster and I barely notice it is there in jeans. I really don't necessarily want to sit in my car with a gun in my pocket; other locations seem more appropriate. My favorite is to slip it between my legs holstered.

I was at a show last weekend and the saw an asking price of $279 on a mini revolver. There was only one in the show. Seemed a bit high. My feeling about shows is that I don't want to buy something and get it home and discover that I paid more than the local gun shop. In the remote possibility that there is a mechanical problem with a new gun, you can't take them back to shows, but you can to the gunshop. That is worth something.