Best pocket gun: 9mm, Makarov, or 380 ?

[Tallball]

"Modern poly .380's are tiny tiny tiny and weigh less than half as much as..."


This is an excellent point. Sometimes I'll read a post that makes it sound like a small 9mm pistol and an LCP type pistol are similar in size. They just aren't. The LCP's and P32's of the world are comparatively MUCH smaller than any 9mm pistol I've ever seen. I own examples of both and like them all, but they are in totally different categories. The former are like the old "vest pocket" size, the 9mm's are in the "barely or almost" pocket size.

 

[Craig_AR]

As already mentioned, a snubby .38SP revolver, which I have pocket-carried for years, is well worth considering.

No matter what your decision, be sure to gt a quality pocket holster, no bare gun in the pocket! Many of us on THR have for years recommended Robert MIka's custom built holsters as the best choice. He makes each holster on order. Robert's design grips the pocket so it stays put when you draw, and stays open when empty for ease of re-hostering.
https://mikaspocketholsters.com/

 

[BSA1]

I have a P-64. It falls in the category of what the heck were they thinking when they designed it?

It is very solid all steel handgun meaning it is heavy for it's size. The recoil is sharp which isn't helped by the small grip frame. The sights are very small and very hard to see. The factory double action pull is already commented on. However Wolff springs brings the d.a. pull to something more manageable and the single action trigger pull is very easy and nice (at least on my gun).

As for ammunition I place penetration over expansion so for the 380 / 9x18 I only use FMJ.

 

[jski]

I have a P-64. It falls in the category of what the heck were they thinking when they designed it?

It is very solid all steel handgun meaning it is heavy for it's size. The recoil is sharp which isn't helped by the small grip frame. The sights are very small and very hard to see. The factory double action pull is already commented on. However Wolff springs brings the d.a. pull to something more manageable and the single action trigger pull is very easy and nice (at least on my gun).

As for ammunition I place penetration over expansion so for the 380 / 9x18 I only use FMJ.

In the two video review linked to above, the reviewers said the pistol had both a solid design and solid construction.

Wolff offers the following hammer springs: Reduced Power...: 17, 18, 19 & 20 Lb.
I assume the 17 lb spring is what I want? I wonder why Wolff doesn't offer a lighter hammer spring for this gun?

 

[Sistema1927]

jski,

You asked for our opinions, but it appears that you are dead set on buying a P64.

Go for it, and don't let any of us dissuade you. I'm out of here.

 

[MedWheeler]

jski writes:

I wonder why Wolff doesn't offer a lighter hammer spring for this gun?

A lighter hammer spring might make the trigger, when pre-cocked, too easily set off. It also might lessen the hammer blows to the point of compromising ignition reliability.

 

[Bert W.]

Con--P64 is heavy and has terrible double action trigger. Pro--It is built like a tank. My hand and the grip don't get along, the P64 bites. They make grips that help that.

Compromise, get a Ruger LC 380 and put a Lone Wolf Makarov conversion barrel in it, Alpha Wolf.

 

[jski]

I made my choice and ordered an P-64 from Classic Firearms. I'll also order a complete set of Wolff replacement springs. Of those listed below, which would make the best choice?

Hammer Spring Ratings: Reduced Power...: 17, 18, 19 & 20 Lb.

RECOIL SPRINGS are available with load-rated specifications. Each load-rated recoil spring package includes an extra power firing pin spring.

• Reduced Power...: None Available
• Factory Standard.: 18 Lb.
• Extra Power.........: 20 & 22 Lb.

 

[jski]

BTW, this seemed an appropriate choice for getting to know her rounds:

900 round case - 9x18 Makarov 93 Grain FMJ Brass Case Red Army Standard Elite Ammo - AM2017

Note the "Made in Poland"

 

[MedWheeler]

^^ I have some of that, too, but made in Ukraine. It goes in my Bulgarian PM (haven't even fired my P64 yet.)

 

[someguy2800]

You would be well advised to buy a couple boxes and see if your particular pistol likes it before you buy a 900 round case of it.

 

[lsudave]

I have a few 9x18 pistols. The P64 isn't the worst recoil pistol of the group, that goes to the FEG PA 63. I find the P64 to be managable.

People can say they are outdated, but certain elements must be considered- the barrels on small guns are short, so you lose velocity compared to a larger barrel. A micro 9mm isn't going to have the same ballistics you'd get out of a 5" barrel.
What you do get is a solid, fairly heavy chunk of steel of a gun, which is almost always reliable (that tends to run across the board for the Eastern Bloc guns). For penetration, FMJ is usually recommended.

Before you get a spring set, take a range session or so and get to know the gun. Specifically, the SA pull... it's already pretty light compared to most other guns.
The DA and SA is tied together, so if you lower the DA, you also lower the SA. I wouldn't want to lower my SA any more than it is, which is around 2 lbs at the most. The DA is almost a safety, for a "do you REALLY want to shoot?" feel. If you can manage it at defensive range, I'd say stick with it, and get used to thumbing the hammer back to SA for accurate shooting.

To me, the biggest drawback isn't the caliber or the weight, it's the mag release. Not just in the heel, it's inset some. You have to dig for it.

 

[lsudave]

You would be well advised to buy a couple boxes and see if your particular pistol likes it before you buy a 900 round case of it.

while this is always sound advice, I've found that the various guns chambered in 9x18 aren't finicky at all (be it a P64, CZ 82, PA 63, or true Makarov), and I've also yet to find any ammo that gave me problems. I've put Tula, Wolf, various Bear, Fiocchi, GECO and Hornady through all of them without any failures. I suspect the brass Red Army stuff is good to go.

If you have an Academy nearby, look into their Monarch brand. The steel cased stuff was Brown Bear last I got some; and the guns were intended to digest steel cases.

 

[SeanSw]

I like my mak okay but it's larger and heavier than my SA xds. I think the the sun has long since set on the makarov as a competitive ccw or pocket pistol. I'd use it in a pinch without hesitation but if you were buying a gun today there are a dozen other pistols I'd suggest first for use as a pocket gun.

 

[Venom007]

I hate the P64 and the one I got wouldn't decock properly. Horrible trigger and harsh recoil. Most overrated gun ever.

 

[Hokkmike]

Being older has its advantages - one is experience. The sands of time tell me that the Glock G-42 is about optimal.

 

[Terminatorret]

Congratulations on your decision to CCW the P64. I carry mine in a shoulder holster on a regular basis. 9x18 is a potent round and the P64 is a dependable, accurate platform.
I believe I put the 18# or 19# spring in mine. Recoil is not an issue for me. I'm aware of possible slide bite, but again, it's not an issue for me. Penetration (FMJ only, thank you), dependability and accuracy are my priorities. I'm an "all steel" fan after owning, and getting rid of, a plethora of polymer wonders.
I like my CZ82 and Bulgarian makarov better, but the P64's diminutive size makes it my choice in the CCW role. I also rotate a Walther (Interarms) PPK/S with my shoulder holster carry, but the P64 has been 100% reliable while my Walther has a history of being ammo picky. I THINK I have found reliable cartridges for the Walther, but I KNOW the P64 eats every FMJ I have offered.
You have made a sound decision. There are many viable options, but the P64 is one of them. Carry with confidence.

Good information here:
http://www.p64resource.com

 

[stchman]

An LCP is a good choice, low price, reliable, and VERY concealable.

 

[WeThePeople76]

I pocket carry a Springfield xds 3.3” 9mm all day everyday. It’s all about personal preference. I find this weapon to be very shootable. Flush fitting mag is 7+1. I carry either the factory 8 rd or 9 rd spare. Load with 147 gr Federal HST’s. I’m a former LEO and survived an ambush attack. The subject sprayed 10 - 22 lr rounds from a distance of 21 feet and somehow managed to miss. Experience informs me to carry a high quality subcompact (not a micro gun) chambered in 9mm (preferably) that I still can get a solid purchase on. The grip on the xds is like dragon scales.

 

[luger fan]

Do it right. Get a Rohrbaugh R9 in 9mm. Smallest, lightest 9mm EVER made. Not cheap. G-broker has used ones for $1000-$1300. Only 6000 were made before Remington bought them out. It was the NRA handgun of the year in 2005. I carry one in a pocket 24/7. They were ALL handmade by Eric Rohrbaugh.

The Rohrbaugh site is FULL of drama queens but the guns are top shelf.