CCY CPX
S&W BODYGUARD 38 REVOLVER
I sometimes pack a new Ruger LC9S Pro. Nice light trigger pull. A bit snotty with the recoil because of its weight. Accurate enough. Easy to conceal.
I have a Ruger LCP - great pocket gun.
Smith and Wesson .380 Bodyguard here. I call it my “get off me” gun.
CCY CPX
S&W BODYGUARD 38 REVOLVER
I own them both. I like the revolver but for pocket carry (when necessary) I prefer the .380 with Black Talon HP rounds.
“Many people love the stopping power of a .308, and it holds six plus one.”
Yes, .308 does have great stopping power. I’d be concerned about printing though. :)
Both the SIG 238 in .380 and the SIG 938 in 9mm can be pocket carried, the 238 can be carried in a front jeans pocket, the slightly larger 938 fits easily into a jacket pocket.
No mention of the Ruger LCR? It even comes in .357 Mag.
Would the Baretta .22 used for years by the MOSAD qualify?
There is no one right answer.
For very small carry options, I have an odd fondness for the Kel-Tec P-3AT. It’s the worst of all pocket pistols in terms of shooting, and it’s the worst imaginable firearm for a gunfight. Outside 15 feet, it definitely needs a laser. On the other hand, the Kel-Tec is a firearm and that’s a hundred times better than no firearm. It measures 0.77 inches thick and 8.3 ounces (11.2 ounces loaded). With a laser, a full magazine and a pocket holster, it is literally the dimensions and weight of my iPhone 7 in its slim protective case. Every other choice I’m listing shoots better, but what the Kel-Tec gives you is a firearm instead of no firearm for those situations where a larger/heavier carry choice might not be convenient. No one would ever leave the kel-Tec behind because it’s too heavy or bulky. No one would ever guess you are carrying with the Kel-Tec.
Only slightly bigger and heavier but much better shooting choices include several very small guns I thought felt comparatively nice, under 20 ounces, and under a certain size measure. Listed in order by size from smallest to largest, they are:
Ruger LCPII in .380 [Note: I hate the trigger on the slightly less expensive LCP - it’s just a long, awkward pull and uniquely difficult to keep on target]
Kahr PM9 in 9mm
Glock 42 .380
Kimber Ultra Carry .380
Ruger LC9 Pro 9mm
SIG P365 9mm
Somewhat larger options that are even better for shooting, just bigger and heavier:
Glock 43 9mm
Springfield XDs in .45 Auto (heavy compared to the rest, but it’s small for a .45)
Ruger LCRx .38 Special
Other than the Kel-Tec, which I thought deserved special description because of its unique size and weight, I’m not taking the space for detailed descriptions. These are some of the guns I looked at when I was shopping for a small carry weapon, and I liked each of them enough to seriously consider a purchase (I now own several of them). I’ve shot them all and would be comfortable recommending that any of the above be considered for concealed carry.
For any of the above, I very strongly recommend a good holster, even for pocket carry. For Glocks (I own several and love them, but the fact is moderately knowledgeable people make more mistakes with Glock than with everything else combined), I recommend watching the Glock “oopsie” videos online before carrying - and using a good holster, and carrying empty chamber unless you NEVER get careless or clumsy. I have never had a negligent discharge, but I treat my Glocks with special caution.
9mm M&P Shield and 9mm Taurus G2C.
The G2C is physically larger but it does fit in my jean’s pocket with a pocket holster....barely. I have to wear my shirt out rather than tucked in though. I like it’s larger capacity, but the Shield is lighter and easier to conceal. Actually, I prefer to carry either one in a nice IWB holster rather than in my pocket, but sometimes, especially in hot weather, I just put em in a pocket holster and carry them that way.
I’ve a number of these, but am planning to get a Beretta Tomcat or Bobcat with the tilting barrel. Much easier and safer to load for a senior in with clumsy fingers.
Colt Mustang Pocketlite .380
The following is JMHO.
I love gun threads but I gotta say I am not thrilled with this article. Its more about selling the authors picks than choosing a pocket carry. If one is going to discuss and promote “pocket” pistols, one should make clear how to pocket carry safely and what guns are not appropriate. Very much like ladies purse carry, a pistol in a pocket can be subject to snagging the trigger and unintentional discharge if mishandled.
No semi without a solid safety (ie Glocks, certain new Sigs, etc) should be in a pocket, They should be in a holster (IWB or OWB) with retention and a trigger guard. Even semi’s with a safety would be better with a trigger cover tied to the pocket or belt so that it comes off following removal from the pocket.
Sorry for preaching but the first photo is the article with the finger on the trigger, semi in the pocket is bad form to say the least.
Ruger LCR in 38*.
Kimber Micro 9’s are pretty nice and surprisingly little recoil.
In the budget department: Bulgarian makarov. Just my 2 cents.
CC
I’ll stick with my Ruger LC9s for pocket carry. If I need something with a little more muscle, I’ll rely on my Kimber Ultra+ CDP II .45ACP.