Pocket Pistol? - The Firearms Forum

Marty S · 12-18-2005, 10:55 AM

Hi,

Not being very heavy, and wearing shorts and tee shirts nearly year round, I'm looking for a liteweight carry gun, preferably polymer.

I'm sure this isn't the first thread on this subject, so sorry to re-open old questions. Any ideas?

Marty

Auggy · 12-18-2005, 02:31 PM

Kel-tec P3AT

Pistolenschutze · 12-18-2005, 10:52 PM

Marty, take a look at Taurus new Millennium Pro PT-745. I bought one last week and it is rapidly becoming my favorite carry piece. It's small, light, easy to handle, and relatively inexpensive, yet still gives you seven rounds of .45 ACP stopping power.

358 winchester · 12-19-2005, 06:47 AM

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/show...123#post169123
See my comments here

Ron

mdw442 · 12-19-2005, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marty S

Hi,

Not being very heavy, and wearing shorts and tee shirts nearly year round, I'm looking for a liteweight carry gun, preferably polymer.

I'm sure this isn't the first thread on this subject, so sorry to re-open old questions. Any ideas?

Marty

I don't know any polymer ones worth carrying, but my wife has tried several carry pistols and finally settled on a S&W Model 60. It's very small, lightweight, and easy to use, and the trigger is smooth so its accurate.

If you want something more powerful than the model 60, I'd go with one of the small Kimber .45ACP. They are expensive, but worth every penny. If you feel you need to carry, then obviously you place some value on your life, and the Kimber is one of the nicest pieces out there.

bambihunter · 12-22-2005, 10:44 PM

I second the Kel-tec P3AT (.380). They are so small and light there is simply no reason NOT to take it with you. I still drop mine in my pocket even when I'm carrying my powerful 10mm Glock 29.
I work on computers and quite often in a residence or business. While I'm doing my stuff there, crawling around on the floor, reaching behind desks, etc. I can NOT have a firearm that will print through my clothing. In the year or so that I've been carrying it in my front pocket, no one has questioned me about it. With that nice holster, the whole packing just looks like a big billfold.

Here's the pic of the gun and the holster (the side shown is the side that goes towards the body, the other side is just a flat, smooth surface).

If you need more info and/or pics, just post here or email me.

Best of luck,
Mike (bambihunter)

Wideboy04 · 01-09-2006, 04:55 PM

I was in the market for the P3AT, until I shot one. So light recoil is sharp, with the small grip. If that don't bother you, would be perfect. I have the Taurus PT111 9mm, similar in size to the .45, the only way I know to describe this weapon is chunky. Short, kinda thick, and a long grip. I just picked up the Kahr PM9, thinner, shorter, smaller grip and lighter then the Taurus Pro's. But still I think to big for pocket carry. I am now looking at the North American Arms .380 Guardian for pocket carry. Going to do some research then decide. My $.02

Jim

stash247 · 01-10-2006, 04:38 AM

Recoil is a relative thing; compared to being beaten with a claw hammer, how much does the Kel Tec REALLY hurt???
A gun of this sort ain't a target pistol; it just might save your bacon, though, if with you, when you need it!
Anything that makes it easier to include, in every activity, is a plus, in my book. Size and weight top that list, tho they do increase recoil. my .02

Wideboy04 · 01-10-2006, 03:54 PM

If you can comfortably and with confidence handle the P3AT it serves it purpose. For me the small grip and longgggggg trigger pull makes it unpleasant. Lucky there are other options. In the heat of the moment those things might not be noticable. But it should feel good.

22WRF · 01-10-2006, 05:19 PM

Smith Scandium Airlite .357
It's dosen't smart too long after the first couple of rounds.
I shot about 20 rdns in one today and I can still type

Pistolenschutze · 01-11-2006, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 22WRF

Smith Scandium Airlite .357
It's dosen't smart too long after the first couple of rounds.

Right, 22, but that's because your hand is so numb that you wouldn't feel it if you touched it to a blast furnace.

Bill · 01-19-2006, 05:30 PM

I agree the Kel-Tec's have a long trigger pull. But for a pocket pistol I think it's a good thing. You'd have to be totally inept to have an accidental discharge while drawing from your pocket or pointing this pistol. It's a safety feature which makes the "pull the trigger and shoot" capability of this gun very safe. No need for safeties, cocking, decocking etc. Very simple and extremely safe. In contrast to other posts I was very pleased with what I consider light recoil when I first shot mine. The lifetime warranty is another plus when considering this gun. Not a fun gun on the range but a very practical pocket pistol.
Bill

Voyager Al · 01-28-2006, 08:20 AM

I second Bill's reply. My wife and I both shoot a P3AT. I carry mine daily, along with a Glock 27. No one EVER has seen mine in my back pocket. Its in a desantis Nemisis holster. Not a range gun, but we both shoot 100 weekly, to keep in practice, if we ever need it. My wife's little hand works fine with it. My BIG hand does ,too. I added a Magazine extension.

Marlin · 01-28-2006, 08:57 AM

I still believe that I would look around for a first class Colt Mustang for a pocket pistol. While I would like something larger than a .380 calibre, the size is good and the calibre is alright in a pocket gun.

Just an ole phart's opinion. You may consider the source......

wolfgang2000 · 01-28-2006, 10:40 AM

Another option is the Kel-tec 32. It is a little lighter and thinner than the 380, but just a little. Recoil is mild. I've been useing the Desantis pocket holster. Nobody has ever spoted it even in shorts.

I know that the 32 acp is a mouse gun. But if I have a choice of not carrying or carrying a 32, I carry a 32.

Pistolenschutze · 01-28-2006, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfgang2000

I know that the 32 acp is a mouse gun. But if I have a choice of not carrying or carrying a 32, I carry a 32.

The small .32s are indeed extremely useful, Wolf. I carry a Beretta 3032 Tomcat sometimes, especially if I'm in a situation were I must absolutely, positively not give any hint that I am carrying. Caliber choice is always a compromise.

wolfgang2000 · 01-28-2006, 09:27 PM

Pistol, Any gun beats chunking rocks. I know people laugh at the 32acp. They forget that it was the police caliber of choice in europe, till after WW2. The Kel-Tec 32 is so small and light you can wear it on a chain around your neck. These days I'm not chaseing bad guys, just trying not to be a victim. The "sights" took some getting use to, but with pratice I could do head shots at 20 feet.

flopshot · 01-28-2006, 09:52 PM

i bought my wife a colt gov't .380 and she loves it.
don't tell those 1911 guys though

stetson · 03-09-2006, 07:04 PM

I have old chater house bulldog 44 that weighs 21 oz.Nice and light
and only cost $200 to boot.

Peanut Man · 03-10-2006, 06:21 PM

Another vote for the Kel-Tec P3AT. I carry mine in right front pocket in a mikes #1 in-the-pocket holster. Can't tell I have anything in my pocket. It's light enough I can even carry it (without holster) in my sweat-shorts. I don't find the recoil bad (of course I have a .454 Casull also

) and I usually get about 80% of my aimed standing shots inside the 8" shoot-n-cee target at 33 feet. I have a friend with a ppk/s and he couldn't believe that my .380 was that small and light.

Peanut Man

gunnutmechanic · 03-26-2006, 12:48 AM

I like the Rohrbaugh R-9 little pricey but worth the money . 800 + rounds through mine not one malfunction.

wolfgang2000 · 03-26-2006, 11:32 AM

Gunnut, You are the first person I've talked to who has a R9. Can you tell me about it. How does it handle. What is the recoil like. Etc.

Bill DeShivs · 04-08-2006, 07:26 PM

For a true pocket gun, the Keltec P32 and P3AT are the only choices. I own most of the small guns, and none of them comes close. The Tomcat is too big and heavy, the NAA Guardian is tiny, but heavy, the Seecamp is too heavy, the Colt .380s are too heavy, the Star DK (which the Colt was copied from) is too heavy, etc.
Unless you are willing to go with a .25 or .22 short, the Keltecs are really the only choice, and most .25s weigh as much or more!
Bill

denfoote · 04-15-2006, 09:04 AM

I'd give some thought to the Taurus M85SSUL. It's an aluminum framed .38spl revolver that weighs just one ounce more than a pound!!!
It's +P rated and fit's nicely in a front pocket. That and two HKS speed loaders stuffed with your favorite SD ammo makes a nice rig!!!
I've carried this set up, off and on, for years!!

BigZig · 04-16-2006, 08:02 PM

Although I favor autos, I carry my S&W 642 Airweight with 5 rounds of .38 special +P in my front pants pocket. Even my wife can't tell if I am carrying. And I know it will work when I need it!

12-18-2005, 02:31 PM	#2
Auggy Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 11	Re: Pocket Pistol? Kel-tec P3AT

12-18-2005, 10:52 PM	#3
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Re: Pocket Pistol? Marty, take a look at Taurus new Millennium Pro PT-745. I bought one last week and it is rapidly becoming my favorite carry piece. It's small, light, easy to handle, and relatively inexpensive, yet still gives you seven rounds of .45 ACP stopping power. __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter)

12-19-2005, 06:47 AM	#4
358 winchester TFF Admin Staff Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Pensacola Fl. area Posts: 7,335	Re: Pocket Pistol? http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/show...123#post169123 See my comments here Ron __________________ Administrator & Owner RangeDay.com Proud, White, Heterosexual, Gun Owning, Southern American, Christian. Any question about where I stand?

12-22-2005, 10:44 PM	#6
bambihunter V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 197	Re: Pocket Pistol? I second the Kel-tec P3AT (.380). They are so small and light there is simply no reason NOT to take it with you. I still drop mine in my pocket even when I'm carrying my powerful 10mm Glock 29. I work on computers and quite often in a residence or business. While I'm doing my stuff there, crawling around on the floor, reaching behind desks, etc. I can NOT have a firearm that will print through my clothing. In the year or so that I've been carrying it in my front pocket, no one has questioned me about it. With that nice holster, the whole packing just looks like a big billfold. Here's the pic of the gun and the holster (the side shown is the side that goes towards the body, the other side is just a flat, smooth surface). If you need more info and/or pics, just post here or email me. Best of luck, Mike (bambihunter)

01-09-2006, 04:55 PM	#7
Wideboy04 Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 37	Re: Pocket Pistol? I was in the market for the P3AT, until I shot one. So light recoil is sharp, with the small grip. If that don't bother you, would be perfect. I have the Taurus PT111 9mm, similar in size to the .45, the only way I know to describe this weapon is chunky. Short, kinda thick, and a long grip. I just picked up the Kahr PM9, thinner, shorter, smaller grip and lighter then the Taurus Pro's. But still I think to big for pocket carry. I am now looking at the North American Arms .380 Guardian for pocket carry. Going to do some research then decide. My $.02 Jim

12-18-2005, 10:55 AM	#1
Marty S Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Crystal River, Florida Posts: 11	Pocket Pistol? Hi, Not being very heavy, and wearing shorts and tee shirts nearly year round, I'm looking for a liteweight carry gun, preferably polymer. I'm sure this isn't the first thread on this subject, so sorry to re-open old questions. Any ideas? Marty __________________ Plan your dive. Dive your dive. Log your plan. -->

01-10-2006, 04:38 AM	#8
stash247 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Texas Posts: 2,815	Re: Pocket Pistol? Recoil is a relative thing; compared to being beaten with a claw hammer, how much does the Kel Tec REALLY hurt??? A gun of this sort ain't a target pistol; it just might save your bacon, though, if with you, when you need it! Anything that makes it easier to include, in every activity, is a plus, in my book. Size and weight top that list, tho they do increase recoil. my .02 __________________ Don't start no s**t and there won't be none, Terry

01-10-2006, 03:54 PM	#9
Wideboy04 Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 37	Re: Pocket Pistol? If you can comfortably and with confidence handle the P3AT it serves it purpose. For me the small grip and longgggggg trigger pull makes it unpleasant. Lucky there are other options. In the heat of the moment those things might not be noticable. But it should feel good.

01-10-2006, 05:19 PM	#10
22WRF Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pea Ridge, FL Contributor Posts: 4,251	Re: Pocket Pistol? Smith Scandium Airlite .357 It's dosen't smart too long after the first couple of rounds. I shot about 20 rdns in one today and I can still type __________________ NRA GOA CCRKBA Happiness is a warm barrel

01-19-2006, 05:30 PM	#12
Bill V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 130	Re: Pocket Pistol? I agree the Kel-Tec's have a long trigger pull. But for a pocket pistol I think it's a good thing. You'd have to be totally inept to have an accidental discharge while drawing from your pocket or pointing this pistol. It's a safety feature which makes the "pull the trigger and shoot" capability of this gun very safe. No need for safeties, cocking, decocking etc. Very simple and extremely safe. In contrast to other posts I was very pleased with what I consider light recoil when I first shot mine. The lifetime warranty is another plus when considering this gun. Not a fun gun on the range but a very practical pocket pistol. Bill

01-28-2006, 08:20 AM	#13
Voyager Al Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Pittsburgh,Pa Posts: 16	Re: Pocket Pistol? I second Bill's reply. My wife and I both shoot a P3AT. I carry mine daily, along with a Glock 27. No one EVER has seen mine in my back pocket. Its in a desantis Nemisis holster. Not a range gun, but we both shoot 100 weekly, to keep in practice, if we ever need it. My wife's little hand works fine with it. My BIG hand does ,too. I added a Magazine extension.

01-28-2006, 08:57 AM	#14
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: Pocket Pistol? I still believe that I would look around for a first class Colt Mustang for a pocket pistol. While I would like something larger than a .380 calibre, the size is good and the calibre is alright in a pocket gun. Just an ole phart's opinion. You may consider the source...... __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

01-28-2006, 10:40 AM	#15
wolfgang2000 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Mountain Grove MO. Posts: 542	Re: Pocket Pistol? Another option is the Kel-tec 32. It is a little lighter and thinner than the 380, but just a little. Recoil is mild. I've been useing the Desantis pocket holster. Nobody has ever spoted it even in shorts. I know that the 32 acp is a mouse gun. But if I have a choice of not carrying or carrying a 32, I carry a 32. __________________ Guns are like Jello, there is always room for more!

01-28-2006, 09:27 PM	#17
wolfgang2000 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Mountain Grove MO. Posts: 542	Re: Pocket Pistol? Pistol, Any gun beats chunking rocks. I know people laugh at the 32acp. They forget that it was the police caliber of choice in europe, till after WW2. The Kel-Tec 32 is so small and light you can wear it on a chain around your neck. These days I'm not chaseing bad guys, just trying not to be a victim. The "sights" took some getting use to, but with pratice I could do head shots at 20 feet. __________________ Guns are like Jello, there is always room for more!

01-28-2006, 09:52 PM	#18
flopshot V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 294	Re: Pocket Pistol? i bought my wife a colt gov't .380 and she loves it. don't tell those 1911 guys though __________________ take a kid shooting... they are the next vote

03-09-2006, 07:04 PM	#19
stetson V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 198	Re: Pocket Pistol? I have old chater house bulldog 44 that weighs 21 oz.Nice and light and only cost $200 to boot.

03-10-2006, 06:21 PM	#20
Peanut Man V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: earth Posts: 56	Re: Pocket Pistol? Another vote for the Kel-Tec P3AT. I carry mine in right front pocket in a mikes #1 in-the-pocket holster. Can't tell I have anything in my pocket. It's light enough I can even carry it (without holster) in my sweat-shorts. I don't find the recoil bad (of course I have a .454 Casull also ) and I usually get about 80% of my aimed standing shots inside the 8" shoot-n-cee target at 33 feet. I have a friend with a ppk/s and he couldn't believe that my .380 was that small and light. Peanut Man

03-26-2006, 12:48 AM	#21
gunnutmechanic Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: montana Posts: 18	Re: Pocket Pistol? I like the Rohrbaugh R-9 little pricey but worth the money . 800 + rounds through mine not one malfunction. Attached Images

03-26-2006, 11:32 AM	#22
wolfgang2000 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Mountain Grove MO. Posts: 542	Re: Pocket Pistol? Gunnut, You are the first person I've talked to who has a R9. Can you tell me about it. How does it handle. What is the recoil like. Etc. __________________ Guns are like Jello, there is always room for more!

04-08-2006, 07:26 PM	#23
Bill DeShivs Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Contributor Posts: 1,467	Re: Pocket Pistol? For a true pocket gun, the Keltec P32 and P3AT are the only choices. I own most of the small guns, and none of them comes close. The Tomcat is too big and heavy, the NAA Guardian is tiny, but heavy, the Seecamp is too heavy, the Colt .380s are too heavy, the Star DK (which the Colt was copied from) is too heavy, etc. Unless you are willing to go with a .25 or .22 short, the Keltecs are really the only choice, and most .25s weigh as much or more! Bill

04-15-2006, 09:04 AM	#24
denfoote V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 80	Re: Pocket Pistol? Try the Taurus!! I'd give some thought to the Taurus M85SSUL. It's an aluminum framed .38spl revolver that weighs just one ounce more than a pound!!! It's +P rated and fit's nicely in a front pocket. That and two HKS speed loaders stuffed with your favorite SD ammo makes a nice rig!!! I've carried this set up, off and on, for years!! __________________ John Lennon was right. Happiness IS a warm gun!!! I traded my manners for a handgun.

04-16-2006, 08:02 PM	#25
BigZig V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New York Posts: 80	Re: Pocket Pistol? Although I favor autos, I carry my S&W 642 Airweight with 5 rounds of .38 special +P in my front pants pocket. Even my wife can't tell if I am carrying. And I know it will work when I need it!