Looking for a Pocket Pistol

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Jan 14, 2011
Messages
1,260
Location
Virginia
Howdy all,
I've decided to buy a pocket pistol of some kind. I love my 1911 and XD45 Compact, but sometimes I just don't feel like the hassle of a larger pistol/weight and the need for putting on a holster. I'm particularily thinking about when walking the dog at night (and just being able to slip something in a pocket) or perhaps when going to social events (such as a date) where I might want something a little easier to conceal. Long story short, I'm looking for something smaller and lighter than my M57/1911/XD45 but still serviceable for defense (be it wild dogs or two legged predators).

I will admit that I was very tempted by a Colt 1903 Pocket for sale at my LGS fro $300 (a very reasonable price) but I've quickly come to the conclusion, that while a classic, it is too heavy, large and underpowered for my purposes (it weighs essentially the same as my M57 Tokarev and not much less seemingly than my 1911 or XD). As much as I'd love to add it, I'm leaning away from it. Though I can't help but admire the classy lines and it just feels darn good in the hand.

I did look at some modern pocket pistols, ie the Keltec P3AT, Ruger LCP, Diamondback .380. These certainly win out in a light/compact race but I'm a little concerned as they seem very, very tiny in my admittedly rather large mitts. .380acp is probably about the minimum round I'd like to go for as well. The price also seemed about right on these (~$300 give or take $50 depending on the model).

Something else that has also been in my mind (and currently winning my internal debate) is a Polish P64. I could pick one up with my C&R, they're cheap, fires a more potent round (though only marginally) than the .380 and are a little larger which would likely fit my hand better. I know they have an atrocious DA, but I've had some doozies before (my Nagant revolver must be 20+lbs on DA) and it doesn't bother me much (plus the Wolff spring kits are available). I haven't been able to feel one in person however and so wondered if anyone had experience pocket carrying one? I know it won't be as easy as the Keltec, but certainly much better than a 1911.

So long story short, the P64 is my leading choice but I'm looking for any suggestions/recommendations/experience with any of the pistols or others that might suit the role. Feel free to throw out of the box ideas at me or to ask questions as to intended role if need be.

Many thanks and sorry for the long post!
 
Check out a Kahr CW9, not too much bigger than a LCP, but a lot easier to handle. For me its too big for pocket carry, but maybe not for you.
002-1.gif
001-5.gif
 
Makarov PM
Springfield EMP
Seecamp .380

This is just from personal experience. The Mak is heavy for pocket carry but very sturdy, the EMP retains all the 1911 goodness in a small package, while the SC is the smallest of my smaller guns. I've toyed with the Glock 27 but it's just too bulky for pocket carry.
 
I like my Ruger LCP. I have small hands, but I work IT and spend a lot of time playing video games, so I'm used to gripping a fat object (the mouse) and prefer a thick grip, like a double-stack. However, the LCP fits me great, and it shoots good enough at SD distances. Ruger also makes an LC9, but it seems to be reviewed slightly less favorably. I do not have one, so I cannot comment.
 
Cm9 seems like an extremely popular choice these days

And......... When I put enough nickels together....... My next purchase
 
Tried the Sig P238?

Or go the classic pocket gun route, S&W 442 or 642 in .38 Special. Better than a .380, and no worrying about reliability.
 
A Bersa thunder is worth a look. Not really in the "pocket" class, but small and light enough to conceal easily, and large enough to get a good grip on and shoot well.
 
My pocket carry is a S&W BG380. Smaller and thinner than my wallet - weighs something like 14 ounces loaded, has so-so laser sights but very decent iron sights for its size. A little snappy but manageable and accurate enough. It also sports a frame mounted safety and, unlike some of its competitors, has double strike capabilities.

I like mine and in more than 500 rounds of FMJ and hollow point .380 ammo it's only had problems with Russian ammo. In the times that it failed to fire the Russki ammo on the first trigger pull, however, it has always fired on subsequent pulls of the trigger. Hard primers I'd say.
 
Aegen, I have several guns that are pocket guns. Kel-Tec P11, PF9, P3AT, S&W 442, and some others I'm forgetting. But since I recently purchased a Kahr PM9, I believe all the others are now all-but obsolete. That's one fine pocket pistol.
 
I got an LCP for those times I can't carry anything bigger because of the way I'm dressed. I'm looking into a mini-9mm to carry instead. I've looked at a CM9 but after a visit or two to the Kahr Forum I started looking at the PF9, which is what I'm thinking will be my next purchase. I looked at the LC9 but don't like all the California additions. If Ruger would have manufactured it as it first advertised as, "an LCP on steroids" I'd buy one. But the LCP doesn't have a manual safety, a mag safety, or a loaded chamber indicator.
 
P64

Save some time, and just get a boat anchor
GOOD COMMUNIST GUN
What did Boris say? Feel that heft, that's the sign of reliability...

I would say, try a P32, disappears (smaller than my wallet) and I find it MUCH easier to shoot than similar sized .380's
 
Thanks for all the replies so far everyone. There is some very helpful info there. I should probably have noted that I'd really like the keep the budget around $300 or $400 max, which I think rules out the Kahr. I'll see if my LGS has one and if it feels great in the hand maybe I'll boost the budget.

I appreciate all the advice and I'll keep looking into the suggestions. Many thanks!

P.S. Shadow 7D, you definietly brought back memories of the film Snatch with Boris the Blade "Heavy is good. Heavy is reliable. If it does not work, you can always hit him with it." Haha.
 
I also share your "Big Mitt" affliction and don't waste your time with the LCP, even with the pinky extension. Your minimum will be either a Kahr PM-9 with the extended magazine/pinky grip or the LC9. Both are pocket capable and comfortable to grip.;)

LD
 
I like the Ruger LCR from the research and email I've received back from some dealers. 13.5oz, revolver, no brass to catch and hammerless with the most talked about trigger I've seen on a factory pistol.

Just my opinion from my research though.


HTH
 
Seecamp .32

should be able to find one in your price range... it's a true pocket pistol of very high quality... someone mentioned the .380 but I've heard from others that I know are not recoil-sensitive that the .380 Seecamp is just brutal :what:
 
S&W .380 BodyGuard is my pocket carry. I tried to pocket carry numerous KelTecs but could never get the reliability from any of them to "bet my life" on any of the pocket carry KelTecs.
 
I too find that I don't like fooling with a full sized pistol unless I feel the need to carry it. I rotate out an LCP and an LCR depending on the weather, my clothing, and my mood.

The LCP is a great, flat little bugger that is always there if I need it. It rides just fine in my back left pocket. If I want to monkey with a reload, I just slide an extra magazine into my watch/fifth pocket of my jeans. Reliable, affordable, and I actually shoot it better than any other semi i own short of my full sized Glock:eek:

I carry the LCR if I want a little more punch. I usually keep this one in my jacket pocket in a home made pocket holster. I flat out LOVE .38 special snub nose revolvers. I have an old family heirloom S&W Model 36 that belonged to my late father in law. I bought the LCR to retire the Smith. I have to admit, the LCR has a better trigger when you compare it to the 36's DA. Light gun, really not that punishing to shoot if you're not totally recoil shy, and nothing seems to come into action faster and show "I mean business" like a .38 snub nose when it comes to becoming rapidly armed in a hurry.
 
AethelstanAegen - $300-$400? I've seen the BG380 in shops for less than $350

Don't worry BConklin, the BG380 is one I'm still considering. I thought the price might have ruled out Kahrs (from the internet search I'd done) but a visit to one of my LGS had them priced $400-600 on consignment, so it's still in the race as well if I can find a cheap one. That said, that is pushing the upper boundary of my price range so I'm still entertaining any suggestions.

Has anyone ever pocket carried a P64? Anyone have any thoughts on a Bersa Thunder 380? The LGS had one and it's definitely on the larger size but within budget and felt better in my hand the Kahr and much better than the LCP or P3AT.

Thanks for all the input so far.
 
I had a P64. It was a brick. While having a gun that shoots readily available ammo during the ammo drought was nice, the 9x18 stuff is tough to find locally at a decent price.

Also, that gun is flat out HEAVY for what it is. 6 rounds, I'm not going to say anemic but certainly SMALLER in caliber than most like, and it weighs nearly as much a compact .45. Even in a jacket pocket, the P64 made my coat sit lopsided.

I was not a fan and much prefer my LCP to the P64. If I'm going to carry around that much weight, it might as well be in a gun that packs more of a wallop.
 
I pocket carry the Ruger LC9 daily. My Glock M20
fits my hand very well. The Walther PPS is about the
same size as the LC9 and can be had in a 40 S&W.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top