Best TRUE Pocket Pistol

I have spent range time with a NAA Guardian in .32ACP which, while lower quality than a Seecamp, has a similar weight and size. In addition to feeding problems (may have been ammo), the recoil was difficult for me to handle due to the tiny grip. My hands are large (L+ or XL-) and even with the grip extension it's uncomfortable. Without the grip extension it's awkward. I'd be sure you can get at least three fingers solidly around the grip of any defensive handgun. I think the NAA in .380 would be painful. I've never handled an LCP, but I've been spooked by my NAA experience and am unsure I'd want to own one. I will say I liked the trigger on the NAA and the construction seemed very solid.

Another happy Seecamper here. A true pocket pistol, so tiny, so reliable.

http://www.berettausa.com/pico/

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Nice looking gun, but to use an old school term - Vaporware... I wouldn't want to be an early adopter for something one's life depends on, however. This would be especially true when the original release was scheduled for August and now has been pushed back to Q4 - - - December, most likely. Finally, I don't get the ability to swap between 380 and 32 if mag capacity doesn't increase.

PM9, anything smaller and it's too hard for my big hands to remove quickly. I had a Seacamp when they first came out, they were getting a "$1000.00", for them, it never ran right, and was also too small for me.
The kahr ran with 7 types of ammo I tried and 5 different mags, first time every time, and it if very accurate, along with having Night sights, which these old eyes need in low light. Also mag changes are as fast as any gun I have ever owned, and will take a 7 or 8 round mag.
It's a small single stack glock. There are others which are ok, this one works best for me.

I don't think there is a true definition of pocket pistol. It's kind of like someone being "pretty". Just because it works for you doesn't mean it works for me.
For ME it comes down to loaded weight more than any other factor since so many of the small 380s are relatively similar in dimensions. I have 5 guns that are considered "pocket" pistols but I find that I carry the P3AT the most. I have never fired a Seacamp but I do like the Kahr.

I know this is in the autoloader section but I still think of a pocket gun as a S&W J frame 38 special

The single most important characteristic of a pocket pistol is being safe to carry loaded and chambered. The second, being reliable with HP's. The rest is a matter of taste, and there is no single model that is best for everyone.

Whenever I think of true pocket sized pistols I think of the KT p3at or the Ruger LCP. Both are very affordable and seem to work quite well for most folks as a pocket pistol. I sure can't complain about my early 2nd Gen P3AT.

Plus one regarding early adoption. Kahr PM9 had major issues (peening) and slide rails coming off the frame when they came out. New ones used to be 50/50 out of the box and I think they are better now. Mine had to go back one time and the 200 round required break in is pricey these days. Since mine had to go back it was almost a 400 round break in!!!

Shields have been out awhile with thousands sold and now all built prior to August 2013 need inspection and possibly a trip back. Springfield's XDs is subject to a safety recall just sent mine back last week and I waited almost a year before buying one.

Odds favor issues in the first two years of production.

The .32 format for the Pico is a bit of a mystery....but watching the video my guess is that for the recoil sensitive .380 is probably still rather obnoxious at 12-13 ounces.
I don't think I'm going to be able to get passed the name either. Pico in pink should be a hit.
Whatcha carrying dude? A Pico....A what? I'm thinking promo with the Taco Bell Chihuahua.

I agree with the J Frame as a viable pocket carry, but again no more than 15 ounces loaded (340 series) and without hammer or bobbed.

No hammer pistols in pocket for me. Instead kahr cm9

I like the Rorhbaugh R9

It disappears into a front pocket, it has a pretty smooth DOA trigger and it's been totally reliable for me with Gold Dots and Winchester Ranger T.

Rohrbaugh R9
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 2.9 in
Length: 5.2 in
Height: 4.0 in
Width: .90 in
Weight: 13.5 oz
Capacity: 6+1 Rounds

I only have 1 pocket pistol and it is a PPK. That's it!!

Ruger LCP. Reliable, small, light, shoots straight, only cost me $269.

My BEST is a S&W 642.

YMMV

After recently acquiring an LCP, it fits my bill for a good pocket pistol. I compared it side by side with the 238. The 238 was bulkier/heavier. I can carry the LCP in dress slacks without any definable printing. Pretty sure I could not say that with the P238 (but I really liked the 238 - just did not fit the bill for me). Heavy/long trigger of the lcp takes a little getting used to, but then again makes it better for pocket carry without a safety.
The Pico looks very interesting, but no one in my neck of the woods had even heard about it, let alone was ordering them. Could not find one in San Antonio to check out. I am OK with my LCP.

Another Ruger LCP fan here....




Is it the "best" pocket pistol?

For the new-in-the-box asking price, yes.

It's accurate.
It's reliable.
It's so small and light weight.
And It's so affordable.

Heck, you can buy TWO LCPs for the price of the Sig.

"For the price."

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Haven't shot a TCP, have you.

Haven't shot a TCP, have you.

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Nope.
I'm not a Taurus basher, and I have owned Tauruses in the past, but the TCP just felt rather flimsy in my hand.

easyg said:

Nope.
I'm not a Taurus basher, and I have owned Tauruses in the past, but the TCP just felt rather flimsy in my hand.

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You should try one, it might surprise you.

I am a Ruger Fanboy and will be to the day I die. I think they are head and shoulders the best all around gun company (I own 9 of their handguns and 2 rifles).......HOWEVER...... I have owned the LCP, P3AT, Bodyguard, and the TCP. The TCP is the best of the bunch. Taurus has really done well with this pistol. Has better ethos than the rest, better trigger, and I shot it most accurately. I would recommend the TCP to anyone

No, and I didnt even know it was a thing until someone posted that video. before seeing the video, I had thousands of rounds downrange with my tcp without one hiccup. I loved my tcp and im trying to love it again. after 2500 or so rounds, the trigger snapped clean off. apparently it was a really rare flaw yet it rendered the gun useless. Through research online I was only able to find one other occurrence of the trigger breaking. after getting it back last week I put two hundred rounds through it, im going to put another 300 through it this week then load it and keep it holstered until its needed. I shot the lcp and p3at before settling on the tcp and I really love the little thing. absolutely no feeding issues, a little more weight to help with recoil, a fairly comfortable grip and excellent trigger IMO. extra mag, slide lock on empty, loaded chamber indicator etc. a very nice little package coming right in at 12.74oz fully loaded. I hardly know its there most of the time...

trigger pull on a pocket gun really? do you believe your pull will be a conscience action? I don't, nor do I believe punching paper will help that much unless you practice the trigger pull of the startled and scared.

+1 on the R9, IMO the highest quality true pocket 9mm.

The P938 is not really a pocket pistol at least not with any kind of dress pants.

http://www.desantisholster.com/store/SEARCH-BY-HOLSTER-OR-ACCESSORY/POCKET-HOLSTERS/pocket-shot look for the Pocket Shot Model

this with my p3at . the way it holds in my hand yields mild recoil and best possible accuracy. 2" at 5 paces vs not in the holster groups open to 4"s. a model is available for the sig 238 also. i played with a friends and we found it operated best with the grips removed.