What to do? Needing a pocket gun.

[sorny]

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.

 

[MikeJ]

Unless you wear very tight fitting jeans you should be able to pocket carry a J frame snub. I heartily recommend the models 642/442 with the concealed hammer. I know that they may be a bit more than $250 but for something that you want to carry all the time and use to defend your life with the difference really becomes pretty small. You should be able to get a really nice one used for $300.

 

[charby]

I picked up a used j frame for $225, get the right pocket holster and you can wear it in jeans without it printing any worse than a PDA, IPod or cell phone

 

[sorny]

Right now I carry a slightly thick cell phone (I always get the ones that are a penny or free with activation because I drop them all the time) and a pocket knife and pen in that pocket so I was hoping I could carry a J-Frame. I've always liked Taurus pistols (got a PT92) and considered one of their snubbies. Also seen some fine deals on Rossi's, but not sure if I trust them. I was hoping with the NAA Mini I could carry it and still carry my cell phone in my pocket and not have to put it on a belt clip or something.

 

[jonnyc]

Get a P32 or P3AT, you won't be sorry. They are plasticky and may have teething issues, but they are thin, light, and ultimately reliable. I think I'm over 1000 bobble-free rounds in my P32.

 

[sorny]

I like the idea of the P3at and I like the 380 round. Unlike some people, I pretty well trust the .380 round for everyday trips to the grocery store and stuff. After shooting that P11 though, I just got scared of Kel-Tec's. They just seem so cheaply made and unreliable -- seen too many posts of people praising the size but needing fluff and buff or worrying about feeding issues. I wanted to try a revolver this time if I could.

 

[rageofangels]

The Smith and Wesson J-frame 640 model will not disappoint you. Small enough to barely print in jeans, yet a short barrel 5 shot .357 or .38 special holds more punch than a .32 or .380.

Obviously plus to the Kel-Tecs are more rounds. Sacrifices are always made when carrying something that small though. Honestly, it is worth the difference to carry a J-frame when you can justify its benefits.

A laser wouldn't hurt as the j-frame has poor snag-free sights.

 

[MCgunner]

Not sure who's P11 you fired, but mine has NEVER EVER jammed and it's got multiple thousands of rounds through it both in practice and in IDPA match shooting. Yeah, I like to shoot what I carry. No, it's not steel, for a reason at 14 ounces unloaded.

I don't know that I've ever seen the J frame I could pocket in a pair of MY jeans. I carry IWB with my revolver, except for my NAA mini which has a holster/grip on it. I COULD fit a P11 in a back pocket, but my Grendel P12 (no longer available) rides there more comfortably. I made a holster for it with a flap over it that looks like a wallet. Some of my jeans pockets are deeper and that's not really necessary, but in a shallow pocket, I can still carry it and it just looks like a wallet. The holster also keeps it from printing through the pocket.

I'd give serious consideration to the P3AT. One thing I don't like about it is the 1911 style mag release. I carry in a rear pocket and that button can get pressed when you sit. True pocket pistols need a heel type mag release IMHO.

With a 250 dollar limit, you're ruling out some nice guns from NAA. Of course, you could spend a grand I guess for one of them Roarbucks or whatever they are 9mms.

Personally, I don't care for .32 ACP, especially when I can fit a .380 in the same space. But, that's just me I reckon. I don't claim to be the EXPERT here, just have opinions I live with. If .32 will do it for you, fine. If .22 is enough, you can hide a NAA mini revolver about anywhere. You could probably hide it in a nudist camp, though I won't suggest carry methods.. .22 isn't my cuppa SD tea, but my NAA is so tiny, I always have it in a pocket anyway! Why not? Heck, it's come in handy with snakes and rabbits and even a wild, feral dog on my place once, head shot from 20+ yards! Of course, he wasn't shooting back.

OOOOH! BTW, NAA is working on a .32 H&R Mag that will be a top break revolver that might be what you are looking for! If you could wait a year, it might be out. However, if you're in a hurry, maybe you could look at it later. It should be significantly smaller and easier to pocket than any J frame. I just can't see how to hide a J frame in a pocket. I've got a small butt, but still!

 

[TarpleyG]

Another vote for the 642 (J frame). Look around and you can get one for $250 used. I paid $295 for a NIB from a guy I shoot with. Like said before, as long as you aren't wearing skin tight jeans you should be fine. Get a DeSantis Nemisis or similar pocket holster and help break up the lines some. I have tried them all (P-32, P-11, PM9) and I keep going back to the J frame.

Greg

 

[rageofangels]

If I had a camera, I could post pics of me with a J-frame in my pocket and another one of me without. I'd let you guess and you might get it right. As long as you promise not to stare at my crotch!

 

[22-rimfire]

Another vote for the J-Frame Smith snubbie....442/642. I have a 442 (38spl) that I like a lot. It is exactly what you want, but at a higher price tag then you want to pay unless you find one used. They are hard to find used. It is a much more reasonable and flexible gun than the mini-revolvers in 22. Taurus has their version, but I would rather have a Smith.

 

[cidirkona]

+1 for the p3AT.... can't say enough good things about it.

-Colin

 

[Atticus]

I just picked up a P3AT as well. I haven't had a chance to fire it yet, but my understanding is that the latest generation pistols are supposed to be pretty dependable. I just added a hogue slip on grip and the 1+ round extension. I also put a piece of weatherstripping under the Hogue. It feels much better now. Now I just have to start the relibility tests. As far as the Kel-Tec feeing cheap - how is it different than any other polymer framed pistol, other than being much smaller? I love my S&W j-frame, but the Keltec is the only pistol that I've found to be truly undetectable in a front or back pants pocket.

 

[Mulliga]

I have both a 642 and a P3AT. The 642 will not fit in most jeans pockets, period. The two are not in the same size class.

The P3AT is plastic and cheap, however. It is not a pretty gun, the fit and finish is lame, and it's not half as accurate as a J-frame. Ironically, the trigger on my P3AT is worlds better than the 642.

 

[Javelin Man]

I have both a J-Frame and a P32. The Chief's Special won't fit in my jeans pocket, the P32 disappears. Just remember the "plasticy" feel doesn't affect the bullet coming out of the gun.

If you want a true pocket gun, you're looking at the P32 or P3AT, not the J-frame. Many claim they fit their snubbies in their pocket; my pockets aren't that deep.

Good luck.

 

[raghorn]

Here's a comparison shot of a P32 and a 649. Having carried both in their respective pocket holsters I have to say that as a pocket gun the much smaller Kel Tec is in a completely different league from the J-frame. Both are extremely reliable, but obviously suited for different carry opportunities.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I carry a J frame mod 49 in pocket of my jeans I also carry a PPK/S . I would jet the J frame. Before I carry a 22 mini. I'll carry my Beretta 25 9 shots and a nlot faster on load.

 

[Ala Dan]

While Out Of Your Restricted Price Range

the Seecamp LWS-32 makes for a very nice pocket gun~!

 

[3rdpig]

Here's another vote for the KT P32, mine has been extremely reliable as have the others I've seen. It's hard to beat for how thin and light it is, it honestly can fit in a shirt pocket comfortably. The P3AT is almost exactly the same size, but the ones I've seen have been less trouble free than the P32's and are not anywhere near as comfortable to shoot. The P32 is a real pussycat.

 

[JMusic]

Sorney I have a p32 that shoots well. I alsohave the NA 22Mag/LR's. You can get slightly larger grips that make it a whole lot more manageable. My wife carries this daily. I like the 2 " Blackwidow model. This is really a nice revolver. You should look at one of these if you want the ultimate concelement with shootability.

 

[Technosavant]

I have a 642. No way it will fit in a jeans pocket and not be a hindrance. It might fit in there, but I wouldn't pick that as my main mode of carry. Besides, when I wear jeans, I can usually go IWB.

Look at the Beretta 3032 Tomcat. Great size, great quality. They usually go for a bit more than your max (about $300), but used you might find one for around $250.

 

[aguyindallas]

Count my vote for a P32. I have carried one for about a year and that includes dress clothes and jeans.

 

[jobu07]

I pocket carry a model 36 j-frame daily. No issues with printing and I never feel out of place with it.

 

[Hypnogator]

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.

 

[Mudboy]

In your price range, if you can't comfortably carry a J-frame then reconsider the 22mag mini-revolver. Kel-Tec's are a crap shoot; some go bang and some don't.

I picked up my NAA Guardian for less than $250 used.