What's the best "true" pocket pistol...?

[Girodin]

It depends what is most important to you.

If small and highly concealable in any pocket is most important then I really like the LCP.

If easy of shooting is more important than a few ounces and little size I am a big fan on the Mustang/Sig 238

If you want more power then maybe a PM9 (roughly the same size as the above mustang/sig) or possibly a .357 mag revolver if that works for you.

If one likes the things that a revolver brings to the table then I like the LCR.

Best depends on what exact attributes are most important to the person doing the rating.

Anything bigger than the Mustang is too big for the pockets on some of my pants. Others can swallow a G26. What is a true pocket pistol depends on what you regularly wear.

 

[Girodin]

As to the real caliber start with a .4 picture posted, I know its supposed to be funny but I can't help but to think those people are unfamilar with the .357 magnum

 

[husker67]

S&w 638

The S&W 638 body guard frame, no hang up with exposed hammer, but can be cocked for single action. Action much superior to Tauri I have owned, can be pocketed, accurate enough. I would rather carry a Glock 19, but it is not a pocket pistol.

 

[Guns and more]

The LWS-32 should could WAY less than $1200. The run on .32 Seecamps has run its course.

Yes, but I've looked at the .380. I don't need to stockpile yet another caliber.
Find a fine Seecamp .380 for $800 and I'd probably get it.

Think of it as an LCP + $500.

 

[chihuahuatn]

A pistol that allows you to comfortable carry 24/7 in your pocket ,reliable and has decent accuracy. If its a Jennings 22 pistol or a Rohrbaugh R9s so be it...the opinion and perception will depend on the user. The sad reality is that they both accomplish the same end result.

 

[orionengnr]

My opinion? Ruger LCP.

Note: I own one, but don't carry it, mostly because I don't trust the .380 cartridge.

My own personal favorite is my Kahr PM9. Just a tad larger than the LCP, and it carries a caliber I trust.

YMMV.

 

[Rex B]

I do front pocket carry the P238, in a Galco PH404. Normal attire is Docker-type slacks, or jeans. As long as the jeans are loose, it works fine. But I have one pair of jeans that fits me very well, and almost nothing I have works well in those. I am looking for a wallet holster to try it in the back pocket, although I'm a bit leery about sitting on my pistol.

The holster does cover the safety, but I'd almost prefer it not. I carry it hammer down on a chambered round, safety on. This is one of the few guns that lets you engage the safety with the hammer down, and I like that. If I'm anticipating trouble, I'll snick the safety off in my pocket, then cock as I draw.

 

[bjustus]

P3AT gets my vote. After break in it's been completely reliable. I also have a Sig P238 which is a great gun, easier to shoot more accurately, real sights, and completely disappears IWB under pretty much even the lightest shirt. But IMO the 238 grip prints too much for pocket carry.

 

[Tacbandit]

Quote:
"The holster does cover the safety, but I'd almost prefer it not. I carry it hammer down on a chambered round, safety on. This is one of the few guns that lets you engage the safety with the hammer down, and I like that. If I'm anticipating trouble, I'll snick the safety off in my pocket, then cock as I draw."

Sounds good, Rex... You make it tempting... I'll have to find one, and check out pocket fit, etc...

Thanks, everybody...lots of good info, and food for thought...I'm starting to narrow it down... I think ...
Tac

 

[DAdams]

Prett good response for a worn out topic.

I guess the vaporware Boberg 9 might be something to consider if....you live long enough.

I don't have alot of rounds through my Seecamp .380 but it doesn't (hasn't yet) stovepiped on the last round. That said I don't carry an extra mag, nor with the euro style mag release would I last long enough to eject and reload anyway. If it ain't over in seven fork me for I shall be done..
And yes, Seecamp recommends Hydra Shoks and Winchester Silver Tips for the .380. Both are in short supply but I did find the Federals at Reeds on-line and haven't tried them yet. In a pinch I wouldn't hesitate a few rounds of Speer Gold Dot and did before it was put on the "no fly" list.

I see Bud's has LCPs right now for 299. shipped. I don't know if that is a decent deal or not. Seems ok. I just wouldn't get another .380 at this stage of the game, two is enough, one on a speal diet and one that will eat anything.

 

[stonecutter2]

From what I've read, the LCP with a Crimson Trace attached prints like a wallet. And that little pistol seems to have earned it's share of fans. I'd love to get one, but it's impractical as Illinois doesn't allow concealed carry I get my little pistol fix with my .22LR Walther TPH

 

[mesinge2]

As to the real caliber start with a .4 picture posted, I know its supposed to be funny but I can't help but to think those people are unfamilar with the .357 magnum

Yea, It was just a joke. I have a S&W 649 that I often carry.

 

[Guns and more]

I'll snick the safety off in my pocket, then cock as I draw.

Sig P-238
I find it easier to rack the slide than thumb the hammer.

I think I'll go for one in the tube, safety on. Safety and trigger covered.

 

[Girodin]

Sig P-238
I find it easier to rack the slide than thumb the hammer.

The easiest and best option is simply to thumb off the safety like your supposed to. One in the chamber safety on and a proper holster is perfectly safe. Empty chambers and dropped hammers are overly complicated and or impractical slow for a SD pistol. Its also totally unnecessary for safe carrying.

 

[Guns and more]

I think I'll go for one in the tube, safety on. Safety and trigger covered.

I agreed with you.

 

[gbw]

Kel-Tec .32. It's never failed, controllable. Big enough for what I need it for, and light, small and cheap enough that I will have it there if I need it.

 

[Boba Fett]

+1 for the P3AT. Simple, easy to shoot, and accurate...well...accurate enough; you're not going to win any competitions with it, but at standard confrontation ranges, it is plenty accurate.

Ruger LCP is probably also good. It's been out long enough now that I'd feel pretty comfortable that Ruger has all the kinks worked out.


Get a good pocket holster. Something like this (there are better ones out there, but this is the design to look for - hides the printing, protects the trigger, keeps it in your pocket so you don't pull it out when you draw, and has a flap that easily moves aside when your hand goes in for the gun.






From my experience, albeit not during any sort of stressful situation, has been that drawing my P3AT from this type of holster is as easy as getting your car keys or wallet from your pocket. Just reach in and pull.

 

[TheProf]

The holster does cover the safety, but I'd almost prefer it not. I carry it hammer down on a chambered round, safety on. This is one of the few guns that lets you engage the safety with the hammer down, and I like that. If I'm anticipating trouble, I'll snick the safety off in my pocket, then cock as I draw."

The Sig P238 is designed to be carried "cocked and locked". If a person is not comfortable with this, then carry with an empty chamber. (I prefer "cocked and locked".) But to carry with loaded chamber and hammer down....with the idea of cocking the hammer back in an emergency creates a dangerous situation. There is a greater chance of an AD.

Here's my take on pocket guns:

LCP = most concealable and works on any pocket...very reliable...but marginal round (but hey, it's a pocket gun... designed to give you time to use the bigger gun...you do have a second gun on you? right?)

Sig P238 = nice crisp trigger....easier than the LCP to shoot...but the safety is on the left side only, which means it must be carried on the right side of the body.... and its SA only (some are not comfortable with this)...and the round is marginal (.380)

Kahr PM9 = built solid...good caliber (9mm).. its' one of the smallest 9mm out there...it's too big for my pockets.. its 98% reliable (translation = i traded it for another gun)

SW 642 revolver = hmm...this may be the best compromise (but, that does not mean you should not get the LCP and Sig P238 also...just mix and match with what you are wearing that day)

 

[Tacbandit]

Thanks for the insight, everyone...Kinda got it narrowed down a bit... I can't find a Sig 238...Decided that for a .380, I'd probably go with the LCP, after comparison with the P3AT. After comparing the 642/CT and the LCR/CT, I'd probably go with the LCR, for the trigger feel/pull. Checked out the Kel Tec PF9 again...Haven't ruled it out for use with a belt clip...And the Glock Monster is whispering in my ear..."Get the 26"...Like that's a pocket pistol...LOL...but it might work with the clip as well...So, not a definite yet, but it looks as if it's down to these...Ruger LCP($325 out the door), Ruger LCR/CT ($650 out the door) or $430 for the standard LCR. Not sure about these prices being the best. Still open to any ideas...

 

[Girodin]

I agreed with you.

I'm aware, my comment that cocked and locked is safe was not addressed at you specifically. Rather it was a general reiteration of that fact since there seems to continually be people who doubt that, and put them selves at risk by needlessly over complicating the manual of arms of their carry guns. Sorry for not making that more clear.

Ruger LCP($325 out the door)

I'd shop around, I know guns prices vary by location but I paid $250 OTD.

 

[Rex B]

I'd shop around, I know guns prices vary by location but I paid $250 OTD.

I sure hope you bought a lottery ticket on the way home from the gun shop!

 

[Guns and more]

I'd shop around, I know guns prices vary by location but I paid $250 OTD.

You got a steal. (If true) Under $300 is a good price today.

 

[silent flatulence]

The best "true" pocket pistol is either a smith and wesson 432PD hammerless 6 shot j frame .32 magnum, or a ruger LCP. I have both of those, and villains don't stand a chance. .32 magnum is a round that says, "I'm gonna kill you, but I'm gonna be real silly about it."

 

[Maximum1]

My opinion? Ruger LCP.

Note: I own one, but don't carry it, mostly because I don't trust the .380 cartridge.

My own personal favorite is my Kahr PM9. Just a tad larger than the LCP, and it carries a caliber I trust.

YMMV.

I read lots of good things about Hornady's Critical Defense 380 ammo also watched a few videos about its performance some produced by private individuals some from Hornady...the video below was produced (starting at the three minute mark) by Guns and Ammo.

In my opinion the new 380 personal defense rounds are a good choice for self defense when you can't conceal a larger caliber.



Check out this video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhXSTqV0CT4&feature=youtube_gdata

 

[silent flatulence]

I often wonder if people that don't trust .380 have based that on recoil when punching holes in paper targets. When you shoot a .380 at THINGS youi get a better idea of whet it will do. I've shot through different types of metal, multiple layers of drywall,, multiple layers of wood, and the list goes on. Seeing what the .380 does to all these things leaves me trusting it.