What to do? Needing a pocket gun.

[MCgunner]

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.

I had a M88, decent little revolver and pretty accurate. Sold it to a friend because I have a little Taurus 85 UL that's lighter and easier to carry (15 ounces unloaded). Also have a 3" M68 Rossi that's a really good little shooter. I carry my little Taurus or my P11 most of the time except when I need to pocket carry.

 

[casual]

i must also recommend the p-32 Kel Tec for pocket carry.

everytime i look for a new pocket gun i am amazed that no other mfg comes close to the kel tec size and concealability

the beretta tomcat is a nice gun, but much thicker than the P32

i have also considered the Seecamp or Guardian, but every time i get ready to purchase one, i hear something negative and i figure the P32 is good enough (admittedly the price tags inevitably influence my decision) i would be really pissed if i spent $600-800 on one of these and ended up carrying my Kel Tec anyway

frankly, based on my experience, if keltec produced a higher-end model (better finish & steel) of the P-32, i would purchase it

casual

 

[cookekdjr]

today I looked at Keltecs. They did not fit my hand well AT ALL. I felt like I was holding a toy- a toy I had to move around in my hand awhile before I could manipulate the trigger well enough to fire. Forget quick draws. I have to re-purchase the gun just to fire it.
Looking like I'm replacing my j-frame...with a j-frame.
Those of you who can fire a Kel-tec, more power to you.
-David

 

[gunfan]

You may laugh, but...

I have a wierd situation. I want/need a pocket gun/mouse gun but have too many limitations Mainly I want it to be less than $250 (used or new and a great deal, not MSRP). Secondly, I want a REAL pocket gun. That's jean pockets, not deep dress clothes or khaki pockets. All I wear are jeans so that's a neccessity. I was looking at the NAA Mini .22 (LR and Mag combo) and was 100% sure I was going to pick one up but the more and more and I think about it I am afraid of the small caliber round. Also, I love shooting all my guns. When I go out shooting I shoot everything I own (only 4 guns, but still) and would want to shoot up this gun especially with .22LR as cheap as it is. But my father in law has the same exact Mini, the one with both cylinders, and although it fits in my hand ok, I don't know if I could stand to shoot it for more than 20 rounds or so. The slow reloading isn't that bad but it seems like it'd be a pain to cock the hammer with your thumb and shooting with your trigger finger as you normally would a regular sized revolver.

I looked at the PT-22 and PT-25 Taurus's and decided that if I was going to carry a .22 it better be a revolver. I want something that I can drop in the pocket of my tighter fitting jeans and still not be obvious. I really want a J-frame .38 snub BUT I'm afraid the cylinder width will make it a little too thick. And there are lots of small autos I would carry (PM9, NAA Guardian) but they're out of my price range. I've seen used and new KelTec P32's and P3at's for around $250 but I shot a P11 once and just despised the gun (sorry KelTec guys). It felt so plastic-y and cheap and unless they were super cheap I just wouldn't trust one.

Anyone have any recommendations. Are J-frames really that bad to carry in a front jean pocket? I will probably still go with the NAA Mini but I'm just afraid it'll be something that's with me all the time but something I end up never shooting.

If you look at the Iver Johnson pistol thread on Gunsamerica, you can find a .32 Long Iver Johnson Cadet revolver for around $100.00. It may not be fancy, but it is smaller than a "J" framed S&W, carries a 110-pound "punch" with a 98-grain lead slug from a 2 3/8" barrel. It is a good value for the money.

Scott

 

[MCgunner]

today I looked at Keltecs. They did not fit my hand well AT ALL. I felt like I was holding a toy- a toy I had to move around in my hand awhile before I could manipulate the trigger well enough to fire. Forget quick draws. I have to re-purchase the gun just to fire it.
Looking like I'm replacing my j-frame...with a j-frame.
Those of you who can fire a Kel-tec, more power to you.
-David

There are always compromises when you downsize a firearm. I have relatively small hands and shoot small guns a lot, though. It just takes training/practice, which you have to be willing to do.

The only small gun I could NOT shoot well, get a good purchase on, was my NAA mini revolver. That's why I added the "hoister grip". To me, it's basically unusable without that holster grip. But, with it, it is easy to shoot. Of course, you have to learn to use that tiny sight radius.

The smaller a firearm gets, the more compromises you run into. When I pocket carry my .380 (which I shoot quite well), it's because I cannot carry IWB that day for one reason or another. I'd rather have my 9 or a revolver IWB, but sometimes you just can't. You have to be more discreet.

 

[Lonestar.45]

today I looked at Keltecs. They did not fit my hand well AT ALL. I felt like I was holding a toy- a toy I had to move around in my hand awhile before I could manipulate the trigger well enough to fire. Forget quick draws. I have to re-purchase the gun just to fire it.
Looking like I'm replacing my j-frame...with a j-frame.
Those of you who can fire a Kel-tec, more power to you.
-David

I had the same problem. That's why I put a Hogue Handall Jr. slip on grip and some Bersa mag extensions. Problem solved.

For pocket carry nothing beats the 3AT, as long as you get working reliably that is. You can have your hand in your pocket, on the grip, and no one is the wiser, and that makes for an extremely fast draw. Nothing comes close unless you're open carrying w/an OWB holster.

I also have a Kahr PM9 also, which I really like. Shoots well, has 9mm power, etc. But it gets left at home more often than not in favor of the 3AT simply due to the Kel-Tec's ease of carry.

I've often thought of getting a wheelgun, the S&W 642 types appeal to me, but they just simply do not conceal as well as the Kel-Tec, period.

 

[cookekdjr]

Thanks, Lonestar! I knew there had to be a solution!
-David

 

[casual]

today I looked at Keltecs. They did not fit my hand well AT ALL. I felt like I was holding a toy- a toy I had to move around in my hand awhile before I could manipulate the trigger well enough to fire. Forget quick draws. I have to re-purchase the gun just to fire it.
Looking like I'm replacing my j-frame...with a j-frame.
Those of you who can fire a Kel-tec, more power to you.
-David

that's the deal with a pocket gun

the P32 doesn't fit anyone's hand well. but if you want to carry a gun that fits neatly in a normal-sized pocket without printing, it's a good option

the gun not fitting your hand perfectly is just another tradeoff like the one you've already made with power and capacity in considering any pocket gun

casual

 

[Nimble1]

My carry gun

I have become real attached to a Polish P-64 in 9x18 cal.Its basically PPK size, 6+1 rnds, and very dependable. I know that a number of people have bashed them for a really heavy DA pull but for a carry gun that might not be too bad. I did replace the mainspring on mine with a 16 lb PPK spring from Wolff and its very acceptable. The price seems to be anywhere from $130 to $200.

 

[cookekdjr]

that's the deal with a pocket gun

the P32 doesn't fit anyone's hand well. but if you want to carry a gun that fits neatly in a normal-sized pocket without printing, it's a good option

the gun not fitting your hand perfectly is just another tradeoff like the one you've already made with power and capacity in considering any pocket gun

casual

casual,
I wasn't turning up my nose at the gun b/c it didn't point like a Hi-Power or Colt SAA. My problem was the gun fits my hand so poorly that I cannot pull it out of my pocket and fire it. The way it fits in my hand, I cannot pull the trigger far enough to fire the gun. I have to take my other hand and move the gun around enough to get the range of motion necessary to pull the trigger far enough to make the gun go off. So my "quick draw" with a kel-tec goes something like this:

1. Pull gun out of pocket with left hand.
2. Take right hand and adjust pistol in left hand.
3. Pull trigger with left hand.

I prefer this scenario:
1. pull gun out of pocket with left hand
2. "pow"

See the difference?

 

[TC-TX]

Another Vote for the P32 and the P3AT

I carry one every single day with NO ISSUES... sometimes as Primary, Sometimes as BUG - but ALWAYS carry one...

I shoot frequently at the range to keep ammo freash and NEVER had a Single Malfunction of any kind since New - 5 years now...

I recommend the practice highly...

Good Luck!

 

[Jack19]

$259.95 from AIM

http://aimsurplus.com/acatalog/German_Walther_PP32_.32acp_Pistol.html

 

[mega1quake]

no worries

i carry a conceled llama micromax 380acp..(i know the jam master of all time)
not the case anymore with the new factory llama just opened...i got the duo tone finish one...its a small pocket 1911 frame gun that does not jam at all... price $230.00 just make sure its from the 2004 factory..the begining ser. #'s will start with a 04- and the new factory name of "fabrinor leuguitiano" its the new factor name. its kind of two small but i wanted a safe pocket gun.. 700 rounds later and not one jam..25 yard groups of 6 inches need i say more... every pleased and safe..

ps no more monday and friday made llama's like yay like the 50's llama's

http://www.thegunman.com/catalog/bersa2.htm
sorry guys a p32 just isnt enough to stop someone..your pushing it with a 380 acp loaded up with fed hydra shocks.

 

[pinetree64]

The Walther is a neat gun, but the PP is no pocket gun. I have an ultralite snubby, I can't carry it in jean pockets. Though must of my guns are steel, I have a Keltec P32, $179 used, like new. I added the clip and carry in my waistband...from jeans to khakis to gym shorts, no belt needed. I also have an UM pocket holster which I modified to carry an extra mag. I have used this to carry this gun in khakis but prefer the clip to the holster. I use the hoslter for jacket and briefcase carry.

I actually like IWB carry better than in-the-pocket and have used an UM cheapo IWB for my snubby.

I have several hundred round through my Keltec and though I hate plastic and find the 32acp anemic, these little things work and fit thier purpose well.

I had a Taurus PT22, it was not reliable.

 

[Wilson 17&26]

Another vote for the P-3AT

(click to enlarge)

 

[rageofangels]

When did Llama open up a new factory?

 

[380fan]

P3AT FAN!!

Whatever floats your boat,but here's my 2 cents worth.I find my 38 ultralite gets left behind alot due to it is just uncomfortable to carry all day.The Kel-Tec P3AT is much lighter,much thinner and for me much much more accurate at 8 to 45 ft firing distances,I don't even notice it in my front pocket in an Uncle Mikes holster,and I actually carry it on me instead of leaving it behind.I have had no problems firing it,it has a lifetime warranty,and,quite frankly I have to support a company that leads the industry in the direction of light weight,higher fire power concealed weapons.Do I have better larger guns?Sure,but do I carry my mini-30 or AK in my pocket,of course not?Handle not comfortable?I'd imagine I'd be more concerned of how that knife going in me or bulletts penetrating my body would be if I didn't have a weapon in a bad situation instead of how great my handle felt.If you are looking for a great low cost concealed weapon for self defense that is accurate,the 11 oz Kel-Tec P3AT is my advice. $220.00 on www.bhgunrack.com shipped to your local FFL.

 

[sorny]

I'm really considering the P-32 and P3-AT more and more now. I haven't seen one in person and haven't held one in my hands yet but I'm wondering if you can actually shoot them and enjoy shooting them. I don't buy any gun that I won't enjoy shooting and can't shoot a lot. That's one reason I'm pushing off the idea of the NAA Mini now. I found a guy selling a P-32 for $150 FTF (he lives nearby) and I'm tempted to get it but I'm afraid with the DAO and supposedly stiff trigger it's going to be horrible to shoot.

 

[Javelin Man]

I'm really considering the P-32 and P3-AT more and more now. I haven't seen one in person and haven't held one in my hands yet but I'm wondering if you can actually shoot them and enjoy shooting them. I don't buy any gun that I won't enjoy shooting and can't shoot a lot. That's one reason I'm pushing off the idea of the NAA Mini now. I found a guy selling a P-32 for $150 FTF (he lives nearby) and I'm tempted to get it but I'm afraid with the DAO and supposedly stiff trigger it's going to be horrible to shoot.

I enjoy shooting my P32, but I've heard people state that the P3AT is not one that you shoot more than a box out of in one sitting. It's easy enough to shoot in a defensive situation.

The stiff trigger on my P32 is not stiff, long or hard. (sounds like Date Night! ) My P11 has a longer and stronger pull and I got used to that so the P32 was nothing. I feel it's shorter and easier than my S&W .38 Chief's Special double action trigger pull.

If you can get for for $150 and don't like it, you can easily sell it for that or more. I'm guessing you won't sell it, though.

 

[CZ-100]

I have over 1800 Fun and trouble free rnds thru my P3AT. It is in my pocket everyday, hey it is in my pocket right now, while Im sitting on my couch typing this.