Which pocket rocket

[RH Factor]

This is the problem....I need a new pocket rocket/ belt/ankle...I carry my Sig 239 .40 now...but need something else that is lighter. I also have a P32 in my pocket, but when I had 3 large bad looking people walk into my store yesterday, I wish I had more than the p32 in my pocket and the Sig 20 feet away. Why was it 20 feet away...It's the type of job...just accept that and try for a solution.

Is my only real choice right now the Kahr MP9? Something that I can put in my pocket if I need to. I know the new Kel-Tec will be out soon, but that is still only a 380. I'm trying to act pleasant with my hand in my pocket, but when it's resting on a .32 cal....I would feel much better on something bigger.

 

[spankaveli]

how about a p32 in each pocket?

or a taurus pt111 or pt145?

 

[Blackhawk]

A Kel Tec P-11 works fine unless you're into (literally) Spandex, tight jeans, or other tight pants. It's light and packs 10+1 of 9mm.

Many people love the belt clip, and you just have to "dress for success" to easily carry a P-11 just about anywhere.

 

[buzz_knox]

I like the Kahr PM9. I tried one out Monday night and while my accuracy wasn't great, it was controllable and reliable with NATO loads. All in all, one of the most "size efficient" and effective pocket rockets I've ever used.

 

[Ebbtide]

I never liked the pt-145 until I shot one. It worked great out of the box and as easy to control as a p-32 IMO. A bit big for normal pockets, but you could allways buy new pants with bigger pockets.

 

[Blackhawk]

I've liked the PT-145 from the git go, suffered through scoping out the frame cracking problem, finding that guns made during or after September 2001 weren't susceptible to it, and I still haven't shot one! I've fondled them, and they feel absolutely GREAT in the hand, and one has been on my "get one" list for years. Just haven't got one... yet.

 

[cslinger]

The original pocket rocket.......a J Frame or other similar sized firearm in .357 Maggie.

Can be light as a feather and they are very small and easy to conceal. They require training to use well but at self defense ranges they should be just about perfect. Get two Smith Airlights or Scandiums and have a New York Reload ready to go, weight would be negligible.

I am not a Revolver snob, I own more semi autos then revolvers and I enjoy semi-autos more as a rule. But the fact remains that it is hard to find a better power to weight to concealability firearm then a J frame sized snub nosed revolver.

J Frame
SP101
Tauri offerings etc.

Chris

 

[10-Ring]

I 2nd the j-frame, especially one w/ internal hammer

 

[DDGator]

Kel-Tec P40 is the smallest lightest 10 round .40 on the market -- it will fit in your pocket --- at least it does in mine.

Unfortunately they have been discontinued, so you have to look for used. The P-11 is a good choice too.

 

[DeltaElite]

Glock 29.

 

[firestar]

I carry a p-32 and I just what you are talking about. Sometimes you want more power and range. I think the light weight snubbies are the way to go. 10-16ozs depending on the model but they pack a real punch and can be easier to shoot. The Kahr PM9 or P9 would be a good choice also but it is twice the price and won't be as reliable. By "won't be as reliable" I mean overall. If you took 100 Kahrs and a 100 snubbies and shot each one of them 100 times, the Kahr (or any auto) would probably have more jams. In a CCW, reliablity is everything.

 

[DDGator]

Firestar,

I used to agree with you. But, I had a Taurus revolver that both had occasional cylinder bind ups and light strikes. My P-32 and CZ-75B have been 100% always.

 

[Kahr carrier]

Naa guardian 380 or a 340PD 357 magnum.

 

[mini14jac]

Any of the J frames would be great.

I love my P32, but I too would rather pack a little more "heat".
I chose the PM9, and couldn't be happier.
It doesn't bulge as much as a revolver, and argument that autos jam too much has been beat to death.

The PT145 is way too big for regular pocket carry, and most would agree that the KelTec P11 is also.

Hey Blackhawk,
I had on of the PT145 frame-crack specials.
It was a lot of fun to shoot.
Mine had a smooth and light trigger, and I was really surprised at the accuracy and lack of recoil.
I was really bummed when it cracked.

I checked out a new one a couple of weeks ago.
It looks like the frame has been beefed up.
Some of you guys need to buy up some, and let us know if they're fixed.

 

[JayH]

I just purchased a PT145 this past week. My first handgun in seven years since owning a Springfield 1911A1 and a S&W .38

It just feels right in my hand, even with the double stack and I find it conceals easily inside the waste band on my 5'8" frame.

I put 50 rounds through it this weekend in an effort to familiarize myself with the gun and it jammed three times on me The magazine does not drop out when the mag release is pressed and I believe (I know, I know...) the slide should lock open when the slide is pulled back on an empty (mag) chamber, but it doesn't.

The gun feels good to handle and to shoot and is surprisingly accurate considering the range I was shooting at and the lack of experience I've had over the last 7 years.

I'll get the slide and mag release looked at, maybe a little trigger work to lighten it up and smooth it out, but overall I like the platform and the feel, especially for 11 rounds of .45 ACP

Jay

 

[Coltdriver]

Depending on what pocket you keep your gun in, a shrouded hammer J frame can be fired from your pocket.

Try that with an auto of any kind!

For serious oomph, get a .357 j frame which can still be had in very lightweight variants.

 

[Erik]

I love my Kahr MK40, though it is a tad too heavy for pocket carry per some folks. Some, mind you.

Which means the MP9 aught to be a perfect. Well, rather, if it was chambered for something beginning with the number '4.'

Not a biased opinion at all, is it?

 

[Humble Texan]

I agree that the PT145 is a bit to large for pocket carry. Otherwise is has been outstanding for me . Initally, I had some FTF but they magically went away and I haven't any feeding issues for 1,000 rounds. Great feeling weapon and my main carry. I see nothing that currently on the market that will take it's place.

I am considering a P32 for my wife as she really wants diminutive gun. Should pick one up next month. From what I am reading, the P32 has improve and fits the needs for pocket carry.

 

[Scarface]

PT145

Just my humble opinion.
My Son bought a PT145 about 2 years ago. It's been back to the shop more than at the range. After untold repairs, parts still fall off and he cannot fire one of his 3 magazines dry without a jam.

He's asked for his money back, asked for a new pistol and gotten zero satisfaction. It's now his most expensive paperweight.

 

[roscoe]

With three big, mean, people to face, I would have felt nervous with a 5-shot revolver. I would want 10 shots of 9mm minimum. I figure on missing a couple of times, what with the adrenaline and all. Just my opinion.

 

[ruger357]

S&W J-Frame.

 

[22luvr]

After carrying dozens of "pocket rockets...."

There is no "perfect" pocket pistol. I bought a Smith and Wesson 340SC .357 mag Scandium snubby and still do not feel comfortable carrying it everywhere. It feels like a potato in my pocket.

What I did carry for 3 years that was totally undetectable, totally reliable, and gave me 15 rounds in the pocket was my P32. (with the extra mag) I go places where it is absolutely essential that my gun be undetectable and I just feel apprehensive about that lumpy snub at times.

At present, I'm holding out for Kel-Tec's soon-to-be-released P-3AT in .380 auto. Still feather-light, flat as a piece of paper and a decent self-defense round.

What else have I toted?
Beretta mod 21
Taurus mod 85
Taurus mod 605
Kel-Tec P11
NAA .22mag mini-revolver
Smith and Wesson mod 638 Bodyguard

The P32 worked better for me as a totally concealed handgun than any of the above by far.

Again, I say if you think it's too big or too heavy for full-time pocket carry, IT IS INDEED. Weight and size are totally critical for pocket carry. Also don't forget the necessity of a good pocket holster!

 

[crewzer]

If weight is not a problem find an AMT 45DAO. Gives you a big punch from a little package. And will use modified Colt 45 mags for extra capacity in a backup magazine. Beware of very very very long trigger pull though. No accidentally going off in your pocket worries there.

 

[mercedesrules]

I need a new pocket rocket/ belt/ankle...I carry my Sig 239 .40 now...but need something else that is lighter.

I like the Glock 27 .40. You could carry it in a special concealed-carry vest or "dork-pack" - a CD player fanny-pack.

Put a set of walkman headphones in the front compartment and two extra mags in the back compartment for 27 rounds +-.
MR