Pocket Carry recommendations

[Sportdog7]

Been looking at getting a pocket carry and really narrowed my search 2 either the 32 or 380 as the only real size other than a 22 Beretta Bobcat.
that would work as my summertime carry. Any recommendations on what you have tried as far as gun maker in either of these calibers? I would like to keep the price below 300.00...Thanks

[Hammerslagger]

The short simple (in my opinion) answer is get a Ruger LCP with a Crimson Trace Laser sight (not some other brand laser). Sometimes this can be purchased as a factory package at a significant economic savings. Sometimes you have to by the laser and install it yourself. A very close second choice is a late model Kel-Tec P-3AT which is a little lighter and smaller, but not as expensively made as the LCP. The LCP is a very close copy of the Kel-Tec P-3AT. Many users preceive that the LCP is better quality and worth the increased street price.

A Crimson Trace "automatic on" laser changes small hard to shoot pocket guns from "belly guns" to effective implements of self defense out to any reasonable self defense distance. They can sometimes be found discounted on the Internet.

Today, most .22 RF, .25 ACP and .32 ACP pocket handguns are not seriously considered for concealed carry because you can carry a Kel-Tec P-3AT or Ruger LCP, in .380 ACP, for the same or less loaded weight and size as most of the less powerful caliber pocket guns.

A year or two ago the NRA journal "The American Rifleman" ran an article on about ten small .380 ACP pocket pistols. If I remember correctly, they found the Ruger LCP to be the most reliable and next to smallest.

One word of caution about all very small, very light semi-auto pocket pistols: They are recoil operated and tend to require a very tight grip and stiff wrist and arm to cycle reliably. A tight two hand grip is preferred.

[Woodrow]

Mine is the Kel Tec P3AT 380. The gun is very compact and packs a pretty nice little punch. Always Always Always use a good Pocket Holster never carry a loose gun in your pocket.

[Sportdog7]

Thanks for the advice I'll check out the two mentioned.

[Hammerslagger]

An "Uncle Mikes" #3 pocket holster is about $12 an works well.

[Alpo]

I gotta disagree on that. I have an Uncle Mike's holster.

It is nylon with a very thin foam lining. Over time (and I carried it for about three years before I noticed this) sweat from your leg, leeching through your pocket, will start to degrade the holster.

First, it started to stink. "Dirty gym socks" stink. Hard to be concealed when, because of your gun, you reek of BO.

Then the foam starts to fall apart. I noticed that, on my nice "white" aluminum and stainless revolver, there were little flecks of black appearing. Like pocket link, only more so.

I suppose, when it starts to stink or to fall apart, you can just toss it and buy another 12 buck holster. If you only get two years out of it before you have to replace it, 50 cents a month ain't too bad.

But I like something I buy to last. If it does not last, then I don't consider it to "work well".

My Mika pocket holster, according to my records, arrived May 20, 2009. I've carried it every day since then. It's holding up very nicely. It cost 22 bucks, including shipping.

[carver]

Originally Posted by Sportdog7

Been looking at getting a pocket carry and really narrowed my search 2 either the 32 or 380 as the only real size other than a 22 Beretta Bobcat.
that would work as my summertime carry. Any recommendations on what you have tried as far as gun maker in either of these calibers? I would like to keep the price below 300.00...Thanks

I would recommend, as Hammerslagger did, that you forget the .22, and the .32. Neither of these two calibers have the ability to get reliable penetration. Go with nothing less than a .380. As a rule most of the SD ammo (hollow points) for the .380 will get you an average of 10" of penetration, and ball ammo for the .380 will get around 14". I use the Hornady Critical Denfence in my LCP, and every other bullet in the magazine is Winchester Whity Box ball, I like the wadcutter design on the Winchester. So I get anywhere form 10" - 14" of penetration with each shot. Jack404 was the member that told us to alternate the ammo in the magazine, and it is a great idea! I also use the Uncle Mike's holster, and I just wash it every now, and then. If you get two years worth of use out of it, well, they don't cost much to start with. However, I will never sell a good quality holster short. They may cost more, but usually last much longer.

[Gun Geezer]

Not a lot of choices in the $300.00 or less category unless you are looking used vs. new. The Kel-Tec P3AT is the best bang for the buck being that it's the smallest and lightest .380 made. There are some mini 9mm's suitable for pocket carry, one being the Kel-Tec PF-9. My EDC however, is a S&W 342, Ti. 38+P hammerless snubbie. In a Galco Pocket Pro I forget it's there. Although my P3AT has fired nearly 500 rnds. without a burp, I have more faith in a wheel gun when my life is at stake. It is not even close to your budget amount, but my life's worth the extra bucks!

[Brisk44]

I carry the Ruger LCP in my back pocket and you can't even tell it's there.

[CampingJosh]

I have both the Keltec P3AT and the Ruger LCP. They both work the same: very reliable when gripped appropriately.

I like the laser sights on the pocket guns, but I dislike the Crimson Trace for polymer-gripped pistols. Having a "nub" on the front of the grip is just uncomfortable and makes it difficult for me to properly grip the pistol. I have found Armalaser to be solidly built and 100% reliable in the more than two years I've had it on my EDC P3AT.

Smith & Wesson also makes a similarly sized .380 with a built-in laser (Bodyguard, maybe?), but I don't really know enough about it to make a recommendation one way or the other.

[CampingJosh]

I have both the Keltec P3AT and the Ruger LCP. They both work the same: very reliable when gripped appropriately.

I like the laser sights on the pocket guns, but I dislike the Crimson Trace for polymer-gripped pistols. Having a "nub" on the front of the grip is just uncomfortable and makes it difficult for me to properly grip the pistol. I have found Armalaser to be solidly built and 100% reliable in the more than two years I've had it on my EDC P3AT.

Smith & Wesson also makes a similarly sized .380 with a built-in laser (Bodyguard, maybe?), but I don't really know enough about it to make a recommendation one way or the other.

[mjp28]

Originally Posted by Hammerslagger

Today, most .22 RF, .25 ACP and .32 ACP pocket handguns are not seriously considered for concealed carry because you can carry a Kel-Tec P-3AT or Ruger LCP, in .380 ACP, for the same or less loaded weight and size as most of the less powerful caliber pocket guns.

A year or two ago the NRA journal "The American Rifleman" ran an article on about ten small .380 ACP pocket pistols. If I remember correctly, they found the Ruger LCP to be the most reliable and next to smallest.

One word of caution about all very small, very light semi-auto pocket pistols: They are recoil operated and tend to require a very tight grip and stiff wrist and arm to cycle reliably. A tight two hand grip is preferred.

Good info. ....I've scrapped the idea of getting a new .22, .25 or .32 as a CCW weapon.

I have a .22LR snubbie in my drawer, a .25 semi and big .38 Special as home guns only. (plus shotguns, rifles)

I'm now looking at TWO revolvers (me & wife).38 S&W 442 (or similar) or the Ruger or CA as CCW, getting pocket holsters, maybe two speedloaders...just in case. If you've fired one or two shots that's serious, if it's already four or five it's a BIG deal!

Charter Arms is the best price of the three so far, just FYI.

[RunningOnMT]

Originally Posted by Sportdog7

Been looking at getting a pocket carry and really narrowed my search 2 either the 32 or 380 as the only real size other than a 22 Beretta Bobcat.
that would work as my summertime carry. Any recommendations on what you have tried as far as gun maker in either of these calibers? I would like to keep the price below 300.00...Thanks

Sounds like the Ruger LCP is your ticket. Buds has them on sale now for $299.00 including shipping. Of course you'd have to pay the transfer fee.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...ducts_id/54585



Ruger 6 + 1 Round 380 ACP w/2.75" Barrel/Blue Finish/Soft Case/ Ultra-light, compact carry pistols weigh only 9.4 ounces in Ruger's


smallest pistol frame with a height of 3.6 inches and a width of just .82
inches. The LCP is comfortable and affordable, making it a natural choice
for a dependable back-up or personal defense carry pistol. High
performance, glass-filled nylon frame is topped by a through-hardened steel
slide in a blued finish. Soft case included.

This gun is not legal for sale in California, It is not on the CA DOJ approved list.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Mfg Item Num: 3701
Category: FIREARMS - HANDGUNS
Type :Pistol
Action ouble Action Only
Caliber :380 ACP
Barrel Length :2 3/4"
Capacity :6 + 1
Safety :No Manual Safety
Grips :Checkered Polymer
Sights :Fixed
Weight :9.40 oz
Finish :Blue

[mjp28]

I'm still looking at these types also:



Charter Arms 38 +P DAO

Finish: Stainless
Frame: Stainless steel
Grip: Compact
Barrel length: 2"
Capacity: 5-shot
Caliber: .38 Special +P
Hammer: DAO
Weight: 16 oz.
Sugg Retail: $379.00

At 16 oz., this five-shot .38 Special +P revolver is compact and
lightweight. It features a one-piece, 2" barrel, concealed double action
hammer, fixed sights, and a shrouded ejector rod.

COMP #03060130 Reg: $459.00 Sale: $307.00

[graehaven]

Originally Posted by mjp28

I'm still looking at these types also:



Charter Arms 38 +P DAO

Finish: Stainless
Frame: Stainless steel
Grip: Compact
Barrel length: 2"
Capacity: 5-shot
Caliber: .38 Special +P
Hammer: DAO
Weight: 16 oz.
Sugg Retail: $379.00

At 16 oz., this five-shot .38 Special +P revolver is compact and
lightweight. It features a one-piece, 2" barrel, concealed double action
hammer, fixed sights, and a shrouded ejector rod.

COMP #03060130 Reg: $459.00 Sale: $307.00

I'll take my Kel-tec PF9 (7+1) all day long over the Charter 5 shooter. Less expensive too.

[Woodrow]

Originally Posted by mjp28

I'm still looking at these types also:



Charter Arms 38 +P DAO

Finish: Stainless
Frame: Stainless steel
Grip: Compact
Barrel length: 2"
Capacity: 5-shot
Caliber: .38 Special +P
Hammer: DAO
Weight: 16 oz.
Sugg Retail: $379.00

At 16 oz., this five-shot .38 Special +P revolver is compact and
lightweight. It features a one-piece, 2" barrel, concealed double action
hammer, fixed sights, and a shrouded ejector rod.

COMP #03060130 Reg: $459.00 Sale: $307.00

In my opinion would make a nice little IWB conceal carry but much to large and bulky for a pocket pistol

[mjp28]

Originally Posted by graehaven

I'll take my Kel-tec PF9 (7+1) all day long over the Charter 5 shooter. Less expensive too.

I actually started looking at Kel-tec and others, I haven't decided yet, I have to get my wife to try and see what she can handle.

I'll shoot anything but have always like the wheel vs magazine on a gun I hope I'll never have to fire.....we'll see.

[Woodrow]

Originally Posted by mjp28

I actually started looking at Kel-tec and others, I haven't decided yet, I have to get my wife to try and see what she can handle.

I'll shoot anything but have always like the wheel vs magazine on a gun I hope I'll never have to fire.....we'll see.

Actually my wifes smaller hand fits the P3AT better than mine but be sure to warn her to grip it tight till she has fired it a few times they do pack a little punch. I dont know how locked in you are on the pocket gun. But if you are looking for a purse gun for your wife or just somthing easy to conceal there are alot of sub compact 9mm and 40 cal. For expense I would bet a good sub compact 9mm is cheaper to shoot than the .380

[Bill DeShivs]

I have carried a Keltec P32 since they came out. My wife and daughter carry them, too.
Much easier to shoot than the .380s. A little smaller, thinner, and lighter, too. Practice, rather than gimmicks like laser sights will make the gun a viable defense gun at longer distances.

[Hammerslagger]

For approximately the first 25 years after their commercial introduction, I was a very vocal critic of laser sights on handguns. I called them "gimmicks" that were likely to get you killed in a gunfight. I CAME TO DISCOVER THAT I WAS WRONG! {I have been teaching the practical defensive use of the handgun for 49 years, now.}

Someone once gave me a used firearm laser sight with a grip activated pressure switch. I threw in my junk box. One day I got an idea, and lashed it to the barrel of a Ruger MK II 22/45 with hockey stick type tape (where it still is, today), and colimated it for 25 yards. This Ruger is my usual pistol for the initial training new handgun shooters.

I quickly discovered that I could teach and progress a new shooter to competency significantly faster and better, by starting them off using the laser to learn and master the essential of trigger control. Once the student becomes reasonably competent with the aid of the laser, it is taken away and iron sight(s) use is taught and usually quickly learned.

{If learning trigger control with a laser sighting device has a relative difficulty factor of 3, learning it with Iron Sights has a relative difficulty of 3 squared, which is 9. If one does not Master trigger control one will never become an Expert much less as Master level shooter. That is just the way it is.}

Violent attacks often happen suddenly, without any prior warning, and in bad light conditions, where sights (even night sights) cannot be easily seen and used. It takes more time (by actual experiments) to pick up a front sight in poor light conditions than it does to see the laser dot on your attacker. It takes about 1/10 of a second longer to see the laser dot than it does to just point the gun by instinct (so called "muscle memory") and shoot; often making an ineffective shot.

The "Bottom Line", for most persons, is that an automatic "on" (when the gun is gripped) laser fitted to a self defense type pistol WILL MAKE YOU FASTER AND MORE ACCURATE AT DISTANCES BETWEEN OF ABOUT 7 to 33 FEET. About half of shootings happen at zero to ten feet; 30% at 11 to 21 feet. Currently, in the USA, trained police average whole body hits about 25% of the time for shots fired. Civilian numbers are lower.

I have a "Crimson Trace" laser unit on all of my carry guns. In addition I have Tritium night sights on most of them. I would not have them if I still thought they were gimmicks that were likely to get me killed in a gunfight.

[Woodrow]

Originally Posted by Bill DeShivs

I have carried a Keltec P32 since they came out. My wife and daughter carry them, too.
Much easier to shoot than the .380s. A little smaller, thinner, and lighter, too. Practice, rather than gimmicks like laser sights will make the gun a viable defense gun at longer distances.

I have to disagree and agree at the same time on some of this statement to me there is nothing gimmick about a good laser sight. and I think their value would be 10 fold in a stressful life or death situation they make a handgun a deadon shoot from the hip keep the weapon close to the body no brainer asset. But in the same statement I agree practice practice practice with the laser off. Cause there is allways Murphys Law and Dead Batteries. My EDC of an SAXD 45 sports a Crimson Trace and I try to 20% shoot with it on and 80% shoot with it off

[carver]

Originally Posted by mjp28

I'm still looking at these types also:



Charter Arms 38 +P DAO

Finish: Stainless
Frame: Stainless steel
Grip: Compact
Barrel length: 2"
Capacity: 5-shot
Caliber: .38 Special +P
Hammer: DAO
Weight: 16 oz.
Sugg Retail: $379.00

At 16 oz., this five-shot .38 Special +P revolver is compact and
lightweight. It features a one-piece, 2" barrel, concealed double action
hammer, fixed sights, and a shrouded ejector rod.

COMP #03060130 Reg: $459.00 Sale: $307.00

What I carry as a BUG. Love the little guns, and they fit my right front pocket just right.

[taosgunguy]

Originally Posted by mjp28

I'm still looking at these types also:



Charter Arms 38 +P DAO

Finish: Stainless
Frame: Stainless steel
Grip: Compact
Barrel length: 2"
Capacity: 5-shot
Caliber: .38 Special +P
Hammer: DAO
Weight: 16 oz.
Sugg Retail: $379.00

At 16 oz., this five-shot .38 Special +P revolver is compact and
lightweight. It features a one-piece, 2" barrel, concealed double action
hammer, fixed sights, and a shrouded ejector rod.

COMP #03060130 Reg: $459.00 Sale: $307.00

I carry in back pocket the Taurus M327 pictured below (6 shot). 327 Federal Magnum provides much deeper penetration than 38 +p and mushrooms nicely. Also shoots 32 Long, 32 S7W Long and 32 H&R Magnum. See articles here and here. Taurus no longer markets theirs, nor does Charter Arms. Ruger SP101 is nice, but 3" barrel. S&W 632 with 2" barrel is awesome, but a lot of money. You can still buy the Taurus around the Web at online gun auction sites, but most of those under $300 have a normal hammer, while mine is concealed. I like my Taurus so much I bought a second one, still in the safe brand new in the box.

By the way, the back pocket carry is possible due to purchase of some $19.99 jeans at WalMart designed for the younger crowd with larger back pockets. They look fine on me though and I'm 64 (at least as fine as jeans can look on me).

[graehaven]

Although, .327 ammo is in most cases as much as TWICE the price of 9mm ammo, whether it's ball or defense ammo. Nor is it as common as other calibers. Just something to keep in mind.

I do like the offering of that caliber though it is a niche market.

[mjp28]

Originally Posted by Woodrow

I have to disagree and agree at the same time on some of this statement to me there is nothing gimmick about a good laser sight. and I think their value would be 10 fold in a stressful life or death situation they make a handgun a deadon shoot from the hip keep the weapon close to the body no brainer asset. But in the same statement I agree practice practice practice with the laser off. Cause there is allways Murphys Law and Dead Batteries. My EDC of an SAXD 45 sports a Crimson Trace and I try to 20% shoot with it on and 80% shoot with it off

Good points by all you guys, a lot might just be personal preferences on what you like and are comfortable.

I sent a request online to Crimson and they sent me some great catalogs on their products and included a FREE self defence CD....nice. I have studied Judo and Tae Kwon Do but it's a great CD for a beginner or a refresher for anyone.

On laser, might save your life just having one, in a dimmly lit or even any situation if I were a bad guy and I saw a laser going across my face I might just beat it out right there.

Now I wasn't thinking now about a laser but might someday....I have to get my wife just to say "YES", she's maybe, someday but hesitates. And she's a nurse driving through a not great area going to/from work, a no gun zone in the hospital, you have gangers, druggie patients AND their friends drives me nuts! (not the worst areas either BUT I want her to be armed). She's 5' 1"....a little friend evens the playing field!!

I just might need one more 6pm news story to get her onboard.