Good solid pocket pistol? - The Firearms Forum

Crpdeth · 02-02-2007, 10:16 AM

I have another issue guys

While in my local gun shop today I peered into the counter at a tiny little .25 caliber auto loading pistol and the little hamster in my brain started running around in circles.

I carry a snubby, hammerless, .357Mag in my back pocket everywhere I go, day in and day out and I have to tell ya that in my labor intense job, sometimes I could use a break from it, as silly as that sounds.

It's not just the weight of it, but also the constant checking of my shirt tail with my fingertips to ensure that it is concealed after jumping out of the truck, ect.

The thought of a little pistol that I would occasionally revert to when I'm ready for a little vacation from the .357, that I could slip in my front pocket and just forget about, now intrigues me, but I wouldn't want no junk...Maybe it's just me, but I've always looked at these little guns as all but worthless...Now I'd like to recieve some information if possible on a good quality, dependable, palm size auto if there is such a thing.

Thanks in advance folks!

Crpdeth

Pistolenschutze · 02-02-2007, 10:37 AM

I know what you mean on the weight of that .357 revolver, Donny. In your line of work, that would really get tiresome. Not to worry though, the choices for you are almost endless!

I often find myself in the same predicament because of my teaching duties and the clothing I often must wear. OK, as I understand it, you want something relatively small and light, but still effective. First off, the .25 you mentioned is not the best choice, even though I too have one (a Beretta) and carry it when I simply can't carry anything larger due to clothing restrictions. It's better than nothing, but not by much. Here are the weapons I choose for so-called "pocket carry," i.e., when I can't wear a belt holster and need deep concealment:

Good: A North American Arms Black Widow in .22 Magnum. (http://www.naaminis.com/bwmm.html)
Better: A Beretta 3032 Tomcat in .32 ACP. (http://www.berettausa.com/product/pr...stols_main.htm)
Best: A Sig P-230 (or the newer P-232) in .380 auto. (http://www.sigarms.com/Products/Show...0&productid=69)

Another possible solution would be to switch out that .357 for a smaller and lighter revolver in .38 special. The best choice, in my opinion, would be one of the alloy smiths such as the Mod 637, 638, or the newer titanium revolvers. I carry my 637 a LOT!.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...category=15703

Crpdeth · 02-02-2007, 10:56 AM

I'm really liking this Tomcat Rich! The price is right too.

Okay, concerning the Blackwidow...I remember Remmy and I having a conversation about this one a long time ago, he bought one and quickly moved away from it claiming that it was impossible to lock the hammer back using only one hand and also said that the trigger was a bear...What are your feelings on those issues?

Also I was thinking you could get that little jewel in .17HMR? That would be a handfull of power at two feet away.

Thanks alot bro

Crpdeth

Crpdeth · 02-02-2007, 11:02 AM

Hmmmm

I may have glossed over that P232 simply because it looked like a full size auto at first glance...But @ only 1.6" longer than the Tomcat this is going to be a hard decision!

May I have one of each please?

Crpdeth

Pistolenschutze · 02-02-2007, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crpdeth

I'm really liking this Tomcat Rich! The price is right too.

Yeah, I really like mine too, Donny. In fact, it is probably the one I most often carry when I need really deep concealment. Granted, the .32 ACP is on the marginal side, but with good ammo it's a reasonable stopper. The pistol itself is of very high quality, which is typical of Beretta. I like the tip up barrel feature on it as well. Easy to load or unload a live round from the chamber with a full mag still in the pistol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crpdeth

Okay, concerning the Blackwidow...I remember Remmy and I having a conversation about this one a long time ago, he bought one and quickly moved away from it claiming that it was impossible to lock the hammer back using only one hand and also said that the trigger was a bear...What are your feelings on those issues?

They have much improved it, Donny, and seem to have gotten rid of the trigger problem. Mine has a decent trigger pull, not competition quality of course, but not overly heavy. It's a single action revolver, as you know, so the hammer must be cocked each time it's fired. It's also safe to carry with a round under the hammer. Mine has proven to be completely reliable. The grip that comes with it is also great, small but large enough to be stable in your hand. The only problem I had with it was a weak hammer spring on the original revolver. I contacted the factory and they sent me a new spring free. I've had absolutely no problems with it since and I've put at least 300 rounds through it. You can also get it with an extra .22 LR cylinder so practice is cheaper.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crpdeth

Also I was thinking you could get that little jewel in .17HMR? That would be a handfull of power at two feet away.

Yes, they do make it in .17HMR. http://www.naaminis.com/17bwmm.html

delta13soultaker · 02-02-2007, 11:40 AM

Put your hand around a Walther PPK/S

Crpdeth · 02-02-2007, 11:55 AM

I just did a search for this one per your suggestion Delta and, good lord this thing looks pretty...I may have more to choose from than I can process in my little brain.

Crpdeth

Pistolenschutze · 02-02-2007, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delta13soultaker

Put your hand around a Walther PPK/S

Also an excellent choice, delta. About the same size as the Sig and just as reliable and accurate.

Donny, as for the Sig P-232, check one out. You will find it is a pistol that just "feels" right in your hand. I put Hogue grips on mine and that made it even better. It points very naturally; it's light, thin, and compact and very easy to conceal. Small enough to fit in a back pocket with only a bit of the grip showing.

southernshooter · 02-02-2007, 06:03 PM

A Kel-Tec 380 with the pocket knife clip installed

Marlin · 02-02-2007, 06:18 PM

IF I were able to find a Colt Mustang in good condition, I would consider it the ideal candidate for these criteria. I have carried in a similar situation in the past a Baby Browning with .25 high power HPs. However, there is no question the .380 would be a better choice.

Pistolenschutze · 02-02-2007, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southernshooter

A Kel-Tec 380 with the pocket knife clip installed

Only problem with the Kel-Tec, in my humble opinion, Southern, is that God-awful DAO trigger pull on them! Takes ya five mintues to pull the trigger and another ten for it to reset!

I could never hit the broad side of a barn with one of them, but others may see it differently. As a very close-range "belly gun" it should do the job though.

Pat Hurley · 02-02-2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pistolenschutze

Only problem with the Kel-Tec, in my humble opinion, Southern, is that God-awful DAO trigger pull on them! Takes ya five mintues to pull the trigger and another ten for it to reset!

I could never hit the broad side of a barn with one of them, but others may see it differently. As a very close-range "belly gun" it should do the job though.

You are once again correct my conservative friend. The P3AT is useless, in my experience, beyond 10 yards... no sights, long pull, and heavy recoil make it a real chore to be accurate with. It is a terriffic gun if your target is within five yards, and preferably at point blank range. Beyond that - good luck.

Full disclosure - I carry a P3AT every day that I am in business attire (suit). Weekends? I carry my SW99 (.40) or my Walther PPK/s (.380) in a fanny pack. Bedside table? Taurus PT1911 with Powr'Ball ammo.

ironsight65 · 02-02-2007, 07:43 PM

I would recommend the Sig P230. I have one and love it.
I just usually don't feel comfortable anything less than .380.

Crpdeth · 02-03-2007, 02:59 PM

Well guys

I gotta say that you have given me such a broad range of choices here that I simply couldn't make up my mind.

However it IS time for a new gun, so I picked up my very first AK...A MAK90, I think "MAC" and I are gonna get along real well.

http://thefirearmsforum.com/showthre...920#post232920
I'll have to mull over these pistols a bit longer to make a decision on one.

Thanks for all your input so far...I'll keep you posted!

Crpdeth

Pat Hurley · 02-03-2007, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat Hurley

You are once again correct my conservative friend. The P3AT is useless, in my experience, beyond 10 yards... no sights, long pull, and heavy recoil make it a real chore to be accurate with. It is a terriffic gun if your target is within five yards, and preferably at point blank range. Beyond that - good luck.

Full disclosure - I carry a P3AT every day that I am in business attire (suit). Weekends? I carry my SW99 (.40) or my Walther PPK/s (.380) in a fanny pack. Bedside table? Taurus PT1911 with Powr'Ball ammo.

Hey!!!! Somebody edited my post? Who's responsible for this outrage?! Unless it was SoMO, I'm pissed!

click · 02-03-2007, 04:05 PM

PPK/S .380 all the way everyday. If you are over 150 lbs. you probably won't even know it's there. New kit includes 2nd mag & 007 licence

delta13soultaker · 02-03-2007, 06:35 PM

Just ad Tuxedo

SouthernMoss · 02-03-2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat Hurley

Hey!!!! Somebody edited my post? Who's responsible for this outrage?! Unless it was SoMO, I'm pissed!

'Twasn't me, Pat.

PM on the way.

berto64 · 02-05-2007, 07:50 PM

Me & my little Kel-Tek P 32 go everywhere together.

southernshooter · 02-05-2007, 08:16 PM

How about a small Glock 28

Pistolenschutze · 02-05-2007, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southernshooter

How about a small Glock 28

Those are sweet, Southern, but hard to find. I don't think they import very many of them.

southernshooter · 02-05-2007, 10:05 PM

They never have been a popular gun due to the caliber. But they are one of the best .380 I have ever shot

dbl tap · 02-20-2007, 06:25 PM

I have to second the Kel-tec 380.. The trigger pull is not like a GLock, Sig or 1911. Like most things it can be an acquired taste. 500 rounds later and I can hit the broad side of a barn or a pie pan at 40 feet. I have to carry deep at work, so the pocket holster or thunderwear does the job. If it hits the fan I want my Glock 19 in hand though.... Dbl Tap

obxned · 03-04-2007, 08:33 AM

I like the Kel-Tec P3AT - trigger pull is long, it is double action, and recoil a bit sharp, but what do you expect in a small, ultra light pistol shooting a .380 round. It is accurate enough to keep all shots COM in rapid fire at 20 yards with just a little practice.

If I had to use something smaller, it would be a mini-revolver in .22Mag.

02-02-2007, 10:16 AM	#1
Crpdeth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Location: Location Contributor Posts: 8,247	Good solid pocket pistol? I have another issue guys While in my local gun shop today I peered into the counter at a tiny little .25 caliber auto loading pistol and the little hamster in my brain started running around in circles. I carry a snubby, hammerless, .357Mag in my back pocket everywhere I go, day in and day out and I have to tell ya that in my labor intense job, sometimes I could use a break from it, as silly as that sounds. It's not just the weight of it, but also the constant checking of my shirt tail with my fingertips to ensure that it is concealed after jumping out of the truck, ect. The thought of a little pistol that I would occasionally revert to when I'm ready for a little vacation from the .357, that I could slip in my front pocket and just forget about, now intrigues me, but I wouldn't want no junk...Maybe it's just me, but I've always looked at these little guns as all but worthless...Now I'd like to recieve some information if possible on a good quality, dependable, palm size auto if there is such a thing. Thanks in advance folks! Crpdeth __________________ Our greatest pretenses are built up not to hide the evil and the ugly in us, but our emptiness. The hardest thing to hide is something that is not there. ~Eric Hoffer -->

02-02-2007, 10:37 AM	#2
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? I know what you mean on the weight of that .357 revolver, Donny. In your line of work, that would really get tiresome. Not to worry though, the choices for you are almost endless! I often find myself in the same predicament because of my teaching duties and the clothing I often must wear. OK, as I understand it, you want something relatively small and light, but still effective. First off, the .25 you mentioned is not the best choice, even though I too have one (a Beretta) and carry it when I simply can't carry anything larger due to clothing restrictions. It's better than nothing, but not by much. Here are the weapons I choose for so-called "pocket carry," i.e., when I can't wear a belt holster and need deep concealment: Good: A North American Arms Black Widow in .22 Magnum. (http://www.naaminis.com/bwmm.html) Better: A Beretta 3032 Tomcat in .32 ACP. (http://www.berettausa.com/product/pr...stols_main.htm) Best: A Sig P-230 (or the newer P-232) in .380 auto. (http://www.sigarms.com/Products/Show...0&productid=69) Another possible solution would be to switch out that .357 for a smaller and lighter revolver in .38 special. The best choice, in my opinion, would be one of the alloy smiths such as the Mod 637, 638, or the newer titanium revolvers. I carry my 637 a LOT!. http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...category=15703 __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter) Last edited by Pistolenschutze; 02-02-2007 at 10:38 AM..

02-02-2007, 10:56 AM	#3
Crpdeth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Location: Location Contributor Posts: 8,247	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? I'm really liking this Tomcat Rich! The price is right too. Okay, concerning the Blackwidow...I remember Remmy and I having a conversation about this one a long time ago, he bought one and quickly moved away from it claiming that it was impossible to lock the hammer back using only one hand and also said that the trigger was a bear...What are your feelings on those issues? Also I was thinking you could get that little jewel in .17HMR? That would be a handfull of power at two feet away. Thanks alot bro Crpdeth __________________ Our greatest pretenses are built up not to hide the evil and the ugly in us, but our emptiness. The hardest thing to hide is something that is not there. ~Eric Hoffer

02-02-2007, 11:02 AM	#4
Crpdeth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Location: Location Contributor Posts: 8,247	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? Hmmmm I may have glossed over that P232 simply because it looked like a full size auto at first glance...But @ only 1.6" longer than the Tomcat this is going to be a hard decision! May I have one of each please? Crpdeth __________________ Our greatest pretenses are built up not to hide the evil and the ugly in us, but our emptiness. The hardest thing to hide is something that is not there. ~Eric Hoffer

02-02-2007, 11:40 AM	#6
delta13soultaker Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Depends on Uncle Sam's whim every 3 yrs. Posts: 2,948	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? Put your hand around a Walther PPK/S __________________ Never say die! "A nation who forgets its defenders is soon forgotten itself." "A good shot must necessarily be a good man since the essence of good marksmanship is self-control and self-control is the essential quality of a good man." – Theodore Roosevelt

02-02-2007, 11:55 AM	#7
Crpdeth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Location: Location Contributor Posts: 8,247	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? I just did a search for this one per your suggestion Delta and, good lord this thing looks pretty...I may have more to choose from than I can process in my little brain. Crpdeth __________________ Our greatest pretenses are built up not to hide the evil and the ugly in us, but our emptiness. The hardest thing to hide is something that is not there. ~Eric Hoffer

02-02-2007, 06:03 PM	#9
southernshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep South Mississippi Posts: 5,943	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? A Kel-Tec 380 with the pocket knife clip installed __________________ Only you can see this

02-02-2007, 06:18 PM	#10
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? IF I were able to find a Colt Mustang in good condition, I would consider it the ideal candidate for these criteria. I have carried in a similar situation in the past a Baby Browning with .25 high power HPs. However, there is no question the .380 would be a better choice. __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

02-02-2007, 07:43 PM	#13
ironsight65 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 458	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? I would recommend the Sig P230. I have one and love it. I just usually don't feel comfortable anything less than .380. __________________ "Hippies, they say they want to save the planet but all they do is smoke pot and smell bad." Eric Cartman

02-03-2007, 02:59 PM	#14
Crpdeth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Location: Location Contributor Posts: 8,247	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? Well guys I gotta say that you have given me such a broad range of choices here that I simply couldn't make up my mind. However it IS time for a new gun, so I picked up my very first AK...A MAK90, I think "MAC" and I are gonna get along real well. http://thefirearmsforum.com/showthre...920#post232920 I'll have to mull over these pistols a bit longer to make a decision on one. Thanks for all your input so far...I'll keep you posted! Crpdeth __________________ Our greatest pretenses are built up not to hide the evil and the ugly in us, but our emptiness. The hardest thing to hide is something that is not there. ~Eric Hoffer

02-03-2007, 04:05 PM	#16
click V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: usa Posts: 99	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? PPK/S .380 all the way everyday. If you are over 150 lbs. you probably won't even know it's there. New kit includes 2nd mag & 007 licence

02-03-2007, 06:35 PM	#17
delta13soultaker Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Depends on Uncle Sam's whim every 3 yrs. Posts: 2,948	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? Just ad Tuxedo __________________ Never say die! "A nation who forgets its defenders is soon forgotten itself." "A good shot must necessarily be a good man since the essence of good marksmanship is self-control and self-control is the essential quality of a good man." – Theodore Roosevelt

02-05-2007, 07:50 PM	#19
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,388	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? Me & my little Kel-Tek P 32 go everywhere together. __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God.

02-05-2007, 08:16 PM	#20
southernshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep South Mississippi Posts: 5,943	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? How about a small Glock 28 __________________ Only you can see this

02-05-2007, 10:05 PM	#22
southernshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep South Mississippi Posts: 5,943	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? They never have been a popular gun due to the caliber. But they are one of the best .380 I have ever shot __________________ Only you can see this

02-20-2007, 06:25 PM	#23
dbl tap Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tampa, fl Posts: 14	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? I have to second the Kel-tec 380.. The trigger pull is not like a GLock, Sig or 1911. Like most things it can be an acquired taste. 500 rounds later and I can hit the broad side of a barn or a pie pan at 40 feet. I have to carry deep at work, so the pocket holster or thunderwear does the job. If it hits the fan I want my Glock 19 in hand though.... Dbl Tap

03-04-2007, 08:33 AM	#24
obxned Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,342	Re: Good solid pocket pistol? I like the Kel-Tec P3AT - trigger pull is long, it is double action, and recoil a bit sharp, but what do you expect in a small, ultra light pistol shooting a .380 round. It is accurate enough to keep all shots COM in rapid fire at 20 yards with just a little practice. If I had to use something smaller, it would be a mini-revolver in .22Mag.