Best Semi-auto Pocket Pistol ?

[Gun Master]

I am trying to decide which pocket pistol to buy, based on current available info.

My two most recent contenders are: Ruger LCP II and Remington RM380, both in .380 ACP.

I don't know if Remington is successful in attempting redemption after the R51, or if the RM380 is just another piece of junk. I'm leaning toward the Ruger for now.

Your opinions are valuable to me, as in the past. Don't limit this discussion to just these two.

Thanks.

 

[Sistema1927]

There are already many threads on this subject, but I think that the best pocket semi-auto is the Kahr PM9. Mine wears a Crimson Trace Laser Guard and is carried in a BORAII pocket holster. If the PM9 is too expensive, then the CM9 is the same size.

 

[FL-NC]

S&W shield 9 in a pocket holster. Wrangler cargo pants from Walmart.

 

[Mike OTDP]

Depends on what you consider "pocket". And your wallet.

My #1 pick would be a Seecamp LWS32. It's a true pocket pistol, you can stuff it in your front pocket and nobody will take it for anything but a wallet.

The Remington R380 has a good pedigree - Remington bought Rohrbaugh's design. OTOH, the Rohrbaugh was an absolutely exquisite gun, with an action that puts many revolvers to shame. And in .380, it won't be the handful it is in 9mm.

 

[Rockrivr1]

Another vote for the PM9. The only thing is that it's a little bigger then the Ruger or even a Keltec, so you pant pockets need to be on the deeper side. Shallow pockets with the PM9 make it pattern to much. At least that is my findings.

 

[MedWheeler]

Of those two, I like the Remington. I'd also prefer a S&W Bodyguard over the Ruger.

I really like my Taurus PT738 (2016 manufacture) and the Spectrum looks intriguing as its upcoming replacement in the Taurus line.

For tighter pockets, I love my Kel-Tec P32. I'd love a Seecamp, as I really appreciate all-steel (and stainless!) craftsmanship, though I found the NAA Guardian 32 I tried once to be too heavy for comfortable pocket-carry; that's how I ended up with the Kel-Tec.

If I were right-handed, I'd train more on the 1911-type action and look at the SiG P238 or similar.

And, as mentioned, there is the Kahr line..

 

[SteadyD]

The LCP II is surprisingly accurate for its size. It's ultralight and has a good trigger. I have no experience with the Remington.

 

[Armybrat]

The Remington RM380 is a nice little all metal pistol. Mine has very good fit & finish - and after the $75 cash rebate last summer, it cost me about $170 plus FFL transfer. The current $100 cash rebate ends on Saturday the 18th.

If Remington starts making it in 9mm like Rohrbach did, I'll be all over that one too.

 

[Gun Master]

Of those two, I like the Remington. I'd also prefer a S&W Bodyguard over the Ruger.

I really like my Taurus PT738 (2016 manufacture) and the Spectrum looks intriguing as its upcoming replacement in the Taurus line.

For tighter pockets, I love my Kel-Tec P32. I'd love a Seecamp, as I really appreciate all-steel (and stainless!) craftsmanship, though I found the NAA Guardian 32 I tried once to be too heavy for comfortable pocket-carry; that's how I ended up with the Kel-Tec.

If I were right-handed, I'd train more on the 1911-type action and look at the SiG P238 or similar.

And, as mentioned, there is the Kahr line..

My S&W 638 and Kel-Tec P32 are my two usual carry guns.
I'm considering a semi (since it's flat) to "sometimes" replace the 638, but I don't plan "to ditch it".

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Colt Mustang, Sig 238, Kimber Micro Carry. All essentially the same gun. Excellent, slim guns, if you're not shy of single actions.

 

[bannockburn]

My first choice in a pocket semi-auto would be my Kahr CM9. After that I would go with something like my SIG P238 or KelTec P3AT.

 

[Tallball]

KelTec P3AT (the original) or Ruger LCP (the copy).

They are truly pocket-sized. If you can't conceal one, you have pretty much be naked. I have four other handguns in my "carry rotation", but none of the others are true pocket pistols.

I'm assuming pants pocket, not coat pocket. Now that the weather is cooling down I can carry a 44 snub in my coat pocket. I sure do love me a 44 snub.

 

[Fiv3r]

I've looked at the Remington, but I hesitate due to the issues their other offerings have had. That said, I've heard good things about the .380.

I currently carry an LCP II. Very pocketable, light weight (obviously), and very accurate for such a small gun.

 

[usp9]

For a .380 pocket pistol I'd choose the Beretta Pico because it has all the features a pocket gun should have. It is as thin as they come and that is important in trying to conceal a gun in a pocket. The Seecamp is another excellent option but I'd get a .32 over the .380 in that case.

 

[Hokkmike]

I have used the S&W Bodyguard, SIG P-238, Ruger LCP, and GLOCK 42.

Each has plus and minuses:

S&W Bodyguard - Trigger long and creepy (I know, by design) and laser hard to turn on. A little "bitey" I like the safety. Well built.
SIG-P239 - SA only (not bad if you are used to it) Hard to break down, extractor and safety lever need care when cleaning.Some springs need replaced. A little heavy. $$$$$. Accurate. Quick follow up shots. Great recoil. Good looker.
Ruger LCP - Worst recoil of the lot. Have seen horror pictures of chunks missing after firing. Least accurate. (for me) Great size. Like the looks.
GLOCK 42 - Largest of bunch. Almost too big for pocket. Sights could be better. Older models require upgrade. Fits my hand well. Most dependable. Accurate. Love the trigger. I like the looks.

I ended up keeping the GLOCK. But I would be happy also with the SIG.

Good luck in your choice.

 

[Tirod]

The RM380 is pretty good - I found the trigger pull quite lengthy requiring you to draw it back almost touching the frame to go off. In comparison my Kahr CW380 is quite a bit shorter, and others have measured it as being a tenth of an inch more trigger pull than a Glock. Short enough and Kahr triggers are known for setting the standard for smoothness.

In contrast the Bodyguard is a 12 pound monster with aftermarket kits to lighten it up costing another $100 to make it comparable. Moot point if you have hands that can handle NY trigger break force levels. This is where asking about "best" starts to fall apart - the general pocket pistol shooters don't agree on what is best - there's no concrete standards and few who will commit to them. The LCP II is a good example - it's a precocked design, light trigger pull, with SAFE action shoe built in. It's apples to oranges when side by side with other guns.

Regardless of which you choose, get a holster device which covers the trigger guard - none of these are recommended for open trigger carry. Inadvertent discharges go up with no holster, and practice should be done with an eye for controlled trigger finger placement. And don't forget, there is no such thing as combat speed reholstering. It's basically called a groin gunshot wound or Glock leg.

 

[RainDodger]

My Kahr CM9 is going on 500 rounds now, without a single failure and it is definitely a pocket pistol. And it's a 9mm and not a .380 fwiw.

 

[98bluewave]

Another vote for the Glock 42. I have the Sig P238 too but prefer the Glock 42. The Glock 42 fits my hand well, especially with an extended plus one magazine, and it is very accurate.

 

[Zendude]

My Beretta Pico has been very reliable. It is small, so if you have large hands you should hold one before buying. I have seen some good prices on the Pico lately.

 

[george burns]

PM9, 8 years now. Tried dozens over 50 years, This is the smallest lightest 9mm, that my hand will take comfortably. Last thing I want is a gun I can't find fast in my pocket, My seacamp was like that, I could get my hand on her, but it was so dam small it just never came out right. You can "like anything else", go, "too", much one way or the other. I have tried every pocket holster that I thought made any sense. Kydex, Animal Hyde,Polymer, and for me Remora is best. I even had the "Sticky Holster, that his old partner made. If you get the remora, get the one with the metal or plastic strip that holds the opening, wide open. This way you can slide her out and slide her back in without looking at it. Before the owned added it, I suggested it to him in a couple of emails, but nothing ever came of it. I Super glued a clip to the side of the rubber, For 10 years it hasn't come off. I did it so that if I feel I need the gun fast, or in the car, I can iwb it or even clip it to the console. I guess those holsters are more "gun carriers" but they work, never wear out, stick pretty well on their own, and completely hide the guns profile for a reasonable price. He even went as far as offering linings for the inside of the holster. They work best in small size guns, compact on down.
Another good quality is that they are waterproof and well made, I always have one on me or in the car. I am obsessive about comfortable carry and have been so for almost 50 years, it used to irritate the hell out of me, "as many", trying to dress to go somewhere and have to start over 3 times, because this or that pistol would not look right with those pants or shirt. IWB for me at 69, is really only a daytime option, If I am going to eat dinner out, or even at my home or someone else's, I just can't enjoy a Thanksgiving sized meal with a 1911, inside my pants, sticking in my gut. So it's either pocket carry the Kahr, or OWB a larger gun, which draws too much attention where I live.
I want a 9mm on me if something did happen and I needed a gun, I would consider an LCP on my ankle, and did finally find a decent ankle holster on Amazon, "surprising, since it was so inexpensive" but it's padded enough to wear all day, and has the Velcro on the calf brace also. So that carries 8 more 380's for my wife, since she refuses to carry.

 

[C0untZer0]

The RM380 is not really a Remington product. It was designed and produced by Karl and Eric Rohrbaugh as the R380. which is a rechambering of the 9mm model - the Rohrbaugh R9.

My RM380 runs like a champ - no problems whatsoever and there is hardly any recoil to it.

Remington bought the design AND the machinery that was used to manufacture the R380, and started producing the RM380. I'm totally happy with mine, I carry it daily as a backup to the almost identical R9. The triggers, sights and grip are the same, so practice with my RM380 helps me stay proficient with my R9.

Its amazing how badly Remington screwed themselves with the R51 debacle.

I also have a CM9 which I think is a pretty good gun. I have had a few minor problems with my CM9 - the feed ramp came from the factory a bit long and was breaking the plastic follower in the magazine and the retention button in one of my magazines is weak and the base plate slides off too easily, but I've never experienced a failure to feed, eject, fire or return to battery in my CM9.

 

[C0untZer0]

Just my own personal opinion, but I just can't get comfortable with a short light trigger for a pocket pistol. I just never feel comfortable. The long double action trigger pull of the RM380, the R9 and the Kahrs give me confidence that I'm not going to touch off a round under stress before my sights are on target. Just my peference though.

If you train properly and do enough training you should be able to shoot your gun properly, whatever trigger it has. On the other hand though, when I'm doing timed drills with a little stress, I don't feel like the pistols have a long trigger pull at all - I don't even notice it.

 

[Wisco]

Coat pocket? Jeans pocket? Skinny jeans/baggy jeans? Dress pants? Cargo pants/shorts?

Starting small and working my way up, I’d say Seecamp for a true pants pocket gun but then you’re relying on 60 grain hollow points, which is a terrible load. Then Keltec P32. Then LCP. Then G42. Then G43.

 

[george burns]

Each to their own, no one size fit's all but I also believe a gun can be too small. From the Seacamp back to the Jetfires in 22, 25, and the little Bauer and colt 25's we carried back in the 60-70's. The darn gun is hard to grab when it gets past a certain point. those were truly guns of last resort, a 3d gun "if you will, perhaps before going down. I need to have something I can get my large hand on fast, and the small gun thing never worked well for me, the PM9 is as small as I really can go. I sold my seacamp for that reason. In that kind of predicament the 22lr was a choice for me instead of the 25. I could empty 8 rounds into a melon in a couple seconds. The flip top 32's were also a bit larger, at which point may as well go with the old berretta or ppk." in retrospect. I also never understood a large derringer.

 

[MikeInOr]

I carry my LCP in my front jeans pocket... all day every day. I have other compact guns that I will carry depending on the situation and my clothing but with my LCP I always have a gun with me. Before my LCP I carried a NAA Guardian in .32 (bought it before the .380 version came out). My LCP feels like it is about half the weight of my all stainless steel Guardian and is MUCH nicer to carry!

I have been on the lookout for a Double Tap in .45. The one I handled in 9mm was nice... and THIN! 2 shots with .45 vs 7 shots with .380??? "FOR ME" that sounds like a worthy compromise. I know the light weight little Douple Tap will be no fun to shoot in .45... but I count on it being even less fun to be shot with! I figure I could make up some light .45acp loads for practicing since there is no mechanism that needs to be cycled by the round going off in the derringer type Double Tap.