Best small concealed carry gun? - Page 3

Model12Win · November 23, 2016, 10:17 AM

The Makarov PM, while a bit large for pocket carry, is a valid option for larger pockets. You won't find a more reliable semi-auto carry gun than a Makarov.

Auto5 · November 23, 2016, 09:55 PM

Kimber Solo, Ruger LCP or S&W 442, in that order.

adamBomb · November 24, 2016, 09:04 AM

Don't hesitate, get a pocket carry pistol. Ever since I got my Ruger LCP I barely carry my G26 (similar size as your shield). A pocket carry pistol is the best gun purchase I have made in my life. Its so easy to carry. Its no bigger than a wallet/cell phone and fits so easily in nearly every outfit. So go get one...I cannot stress this enough. I live at the beach in NC where its warm most of the year so my LCP is my go to gun most of the time now.

As far as model and caliber...I would go 380 for the simple fact that its so readily available. The .32 is great but its much tougher to find unless you are buying online. I went to 5 gun shops when I was looking for my pocket carry as the keltec 32 was on my list and each shop was like 'why would you consider the 32, its a dying round, when you could get a 380?'. I am not saying its a dying round or looking to argue with anyone about the 32 but I got the impression from 5 out of 5 different gun shops that I should definitely go 380 over 32. I considered the .22 too but I just found too many instances of unreliability. So go 380. You can buy it at every gun shop, walmart, etc. You cant say that for .32. Go to your local shops and see if you get the same reaction as me.

As far as brands, pick one of the main ones...ruger, SW, Keltec, taurus, etc. You have a SW sheild already so the SW might be a good option and it has an optional safety if you want one. The ruger is a pretty simple gun and has a good reliability record, plus its pretty cheap. I got mine for like $220 or something like that. The glock 42 is not a pocket carry gun for someone your size. Others can pocket carry them just fine but just dont get it. If you are looking for pocket carry get a true pocket carry gun. I think the sig is maybe a tad too big too. For some reason when people start talking about pocket carry you get people that say well I can carry my full size gun in my pocket...if anyone is hinting a gun is too big or something like that just cross it off your list. Get a true pocket carry gun. Dont try to make a big gun fit in your pocket.

I have fired a number of these 380s and dont find them any more difficult than my G26 or the G43 and similar size guns. I think its all about your hand size. I could easily put 200 rounds on my ruger in a session without an issue whereas some people complain their hands hurt at 50 rounds.

Then once you make your purchase get a good pocket holster. I have a desantis and its awesome. Looks like I have a wallet in my pocket. So easy to carry in shorts, slacks, gym shorts, etc.

Bill DeShivs · November 24, 2016, 02:57 PM

.32 acp is one of the most widely used cartridges in the world.
It should be available at any decent gun shop, and is available at Walmart.

keithdog · November 26, 2016, 08:51 AM

I'd like to thank everyone for their comments and suggestions. I spent some time yesterday at our local gun shop, a very good gun shop with a shooting range. After looking at several pistols for pocket carry, I fell in love with the Ruger LCP2. The size and weight are perfect for pocket carry, and the upgraded trigger of the new LCP2 is amazing. Love the reset! And best of all, it costs under $300.00. So I think I've made up my mind to get the LCP2. Thanks again everyone.

Charlie Fox · November 27, 2016, 01:03 PM

I highly recommend the Keltec P32; been my everywhere, all the time gun for 14 years.

SIMP · November 30, 2016, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithdog

the upgraded trigger of the new LCP2 is amazing

I actually don't like the new trigger. Seems too light for a pocket pistol. I believe the LCP gen2 is the ideal pocket pistol. I just bought a second one!

gbran · December 2, 2016, 12:51 AM

Just bought this little jewel. Wanted it for deep carry. Really like it. Accurate for it's size.

SIMP · December 2, 2016, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbran

Just bought this little jewel. Wanted it for deep carry. Really like it. Accurate for it's size.

Great looking piece! How do you plan on carrying it? Does it seem to heavy and big for pocket? I tried a G42 in pocket but it didn't work very well for me. Went back to an LCP. Stay safe.

cpt-t · December 2, 2016, 11:32 PM

For me it is my Kahr CW9 and my Wife carries one also. We have been carrying our CW9`s for several years. With no problems what so ever. The Crimson Trace Laser Grips, we think make them even better.
ken

ammo.crafter · December 3, 2016, 12:20 AM

Mine is an AMT Backup in .380.

gbran · December 3, 2016, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Great looking piece! How do you plan on carrying it? Does it seem to heavy and big for pocket?

It is not too heavy or too big for pocket carry.

JDBerg · December 10, 2016, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keithdog

I carry my S&W Shield on a daily basis and love it.

OP, based on the above statement you've already answered your own question. I'll take shootability over carryability anyday. I like my Walther PPS M2 for EDC but that Shield is probably at least as good as my Walther.

CrazyGolfNut · December 10, 2016, 03:24 PM

I still carry my shield but my wife picked up a Ruger LCP 2 due to its small size. Nice little gun.

Doc Intrepid · December 10, 2016, 04:17 PM

The ease of pocket carry is seductive - I often realize that "if I were to get into a gun fight, there are numerous better pistols/revolvers I'd rather have available", but still I find myself slipping a pocket pistol into my slacks or jacket almost constantly.

For most civilians, unless they routinely annoy bikers or gang members, they're really looking at relatively close-range encounters - and at 3'-4' these little pocket guns are likely to convince the average mugger that they have somewhere else to get to very quickly.

There are two I use routinely, a Beretta 3032 Tomcat/Alleycat in .32 ACP; and a Kahr P380 in .380 ACP. I like them both, but the Kahr is slightly thinner. Both are roughly the same size in terms of length/height, but the Beretta holds 7+1 rounds, whereas the Kahr holds 6+1. Either tend to disappear in a pocket.

Both would be worth consideration...

Armybrat · December 10, 2016, 04:52 PM

Kahr CT380 7+1:

Doug570 · December 10, 2016, 09:39 PM

Sig Sauer P238. Cant replace my normal carry 45ACP but it is lot better than nothing.

Ibmikey · December 11, 2016, 12:12 AM

Sig P 238, Kimber Micro Carry or Colt Mustang....basically the same pistol (Colt has poorest sights) all are single action, for deep pocket should have pocket holster for safest carry. I use kydex IWB holster and all three fit one holster.

North East Redneck · December 13, 2016, 08:50 PM

I feel comfortable with my 442, pocket carried. It's not the easiest gun to shoot. I have many thousands of rounds through it now. Decent close defense gun.
I prefer the M&P .45c, but the OP was about small guns. If you have the time to learn the 442 or 642, I think you will be satisfied.

dannyb · December 14, 2016, 09:37 AM

I prefer DAO hammer fired for carry. For EDC in summer, I carry a KelTec P32. At 6 oz, it disappears in a front pants pocket. For winter coat pocket carry I have a Beretta Pico. I know somebody posted that they suck, but I disagree. It took a whole 20 rounds to break it in. It's still light, accurate, and versatile. Before the Pico, I carried a Colt Pony Pocketlite with modified sights.

druryj · December 15, 2016, 06:50 PM

I like my wife's Kimber Micro .380. Reliable, accurate, easy to carry in a front pocket holster and has 7+1 at hand.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

lee n. field · December 16, 2016, 12:03 PM

Quote:

I carry my S&W Shield on a daily basis and love it. Most of the time I will continue to carry it. However, there are times I wish I had a true pocket gun, of which I don't consider the Shield to be, compact as it is. It's still a little bulky and heavy to toss into my pants or shorts pocket. I know some of you big guys find it fine with your apparel. However, at 5'5" tall, my clothing doesn't have such large pockets. I'm not sure which direction to go in caliber or style. The .22LR, 380ACP, or another ? Revolver or semi auto? To me, a small 22LR would be ideal in size, though it seems many have reliability issues. Any suggestions you would have would be appreciated!
__________________

Start with a Ruger LCP or equivalent, and work up.

(I have an LCP, but it is carried very seldom. I find my S&W 642 j-frame is very easy to carry and very discreet. And I can actually aim and hit what I shoot at with it. )

Texas45 · December 16, 2016, 02:26 PM

I have been happy with this one.
Started with a 40 then they released the 45.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bill DeShivs · December 16, 2016, 02:44 PM

All I can say is- some of you guys have huge pockets!

AK103K · December 16, 2016, 04:24 PM

Ill say! Im paranoid with a Seecamp or Baby Browning in any of mine.

I couldnt even begin to get something bigger in them, even if they were "empty", which they normally arent.

November 23, 2016, 09:55 PM	#52
Auto5 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 662	Kimber Solo, Ruger LCP or S&W 442, in that order. __________________ At the young age of five, a bear told me that I was the only person who could prevent forest fires. Why I was chosen, I'll never know.

November 24, 2016, 09:04 AM	#53
adamBomb Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2015 Location: coastal NC Posts: 645	Don't hesitate, get a pocket carry pistol. Ever since I got my Ruger LCP I barely carry my G26 (similar size as your shield). A pocket carry pistol is the best gun purchase I have made in my life. Its so easy to carry. Its no bigger than a wallet/cell phone and fits so easily in nearly every outfit. So go get one...I cannot stress this enough. I live at the beach in NC where its warm most of the year so my LCP is my go to gun most of the time now. As far as model and caliber...I would go 380 for the simple fact that its so readily available. The .32 is great but its much tougher to find unless you are buying online. I went to 5 gun shops when I was looking for my pocket carry as the keltec 32 was on my list and each shop was like 'why would you consider the 32, its a dying round, when you could get a 380?'. I am not saying its a dying round or looking to argue with anyone about the 32 but I got the impression from 5 out of 5 different gun shops that I should definitely go 380 over 32. I considered the .22 too but I just found too many instances of unreliability. So go 380. You can buy it at every gun shop, walmart, etc. You cant say that for .32. Go to your local shops and see if you get the same reaction as me. As far as brands, pick one of the main ones...ruger, SW, Keltec, taurus, etc. You have a SW sheild already so the SW might be a good option and it has an optional safety if you want one. The ruger is a pretty simple gun and has a good reliability record, plus its pretty cheap. I got mine for like $220 or something like that. The glock 42 is not a pocket carry gun for someone your size. Others can pocket carry them just fine but just dont get it. If you are looking for pocket carry get a true pocket carry gun. I think the sig is maybe a tad too big too. For some reason when people start talking about pocket carry you get people that say well I can carry my full size gun in my pocket...if anyone is hinting a gun is too big or something like that just cross it off your list. Get a true pocket carry gun. Dont try to make a big gun fit in your pocket. I have fired a number of these 380s and dont find them any more difficult than my G26 or the G43 and similar size guns. I think its all about your hand size. I could easily put 200 rounds on my ruger in a session without an issue whereas some people complain their hands hurt at 50 rounds. Then once you make your purchase get a good pocket holster. I have a desantis and its awesome. Looks like I have a wallet in my pocket. So easy to carry in shorts, slacks, gym shorts, etc. Last edited by adamBomb; November 24, 2016 at 09:10 AM.

November 24, 2016, 02:57 PM	#54
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	.32 acp is one of the most widely used cartridges in the world. It should be available at any decent gun shop, and is available at Walmart. __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

November 26, 2016, 08:51 AM	#55
keithdog Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2013 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 321	I'd like to thank everyone for their comments and suggestions. I spent some time yesterday at our local gun shop, a very good gun shop with a shooting range. After looking at several pistols for pocket carry, I fell in love with the Ruger LCP2. The size and weight are perfect for pocket carry, and the upgraded trigger of the new LCP2 is amazing. Love the reset! And best of all, it costs under $300.00. So I think I've made up my mind to get the LCP2. Thanks again everyone. __________________ In MY house, I AM 911

November 27, 2016, 01:03 PM	#56
Charlie Fox Member Join Date: January 25, 2001 Location: Summerville SC Posts: 79	I highly recommend the Keltec P32; been my everywhere, all the time gun for 14 years. __________________ "Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he's too old to fight, he'll just kill you."

November 23, 2016, 10:17 AM	#51
Model12Win Junior member Join Date: October 20, 2012 Posts: 5,854	The Makarov PM, while a bit large for pocket carry, is a valid option for larger pockets. You won't find a more reliable semi-auto carry gun than a Makarov.

December 2, 2016, 12:51 AM	#58
gbran Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Location: Middle California Posts: 364	Sig P238 Just bought this little jewel. Wanted it for deep carry. Really like it. Accurate for it's size.

December 2, 2016, 11:32 PM	#60
cpt-t Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2012 Location: South Central Kansas Posts: 125	For me it is my Kahr CW9 and my Wife carries one also. We have been carrying our CW9`s for several years. With no problems what so ever. The Crimson Trace Laser Grips, we think make them even better. ken __________________ THE PRICE OF FREEDOM IS NOT FREE:

December 3, 2016, 12:20 AM	#61
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	pocket protector Mine is an AMT Backup in .380. __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

December 10, 2016, 03:24 PM	#64
CrazyGolfNut Junior Member Join Date: August 10, 2016 Location: Nebraska Posts: 12	I still carry my shield but my wife picked up a Ruger LCP 2 due to its small size. Nice little gun. __________________ “he flourished his sword, I pulled out my gun and shot him” Harrison Ford / Indiana Jones

December 10, 2016, 04:17 PM	#65
Doc Intrepid Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2009 Location: Washington State Posts: 1,037	The ease of pocket carry is seductive - I often realize that "if I were to get into a gun fight, there are numerous better pistols/revolvers I'd rather have available", but still I find myself slipping a pocket pistol into my slacks or jacket almost constantly. For most civilians, unless they routinely annoy bikers or gang members, they're really looking at relatively close-range encounters - and at 3'-4' these little pocket guns are likely to convince the average mugger that they have somewhere else to get to very quickly. There are two I use routinely, a Beretta 3032 Tomcat/Alleycat in .32 ACP; and a Kahr P380 in .380 ACP. I like them both, but the Kahr is slightly thinner. Both are roughly the same size in terms of length/height, but the Beretta holds 7+1 rounds, whereas the Kahr holds 6+1. Either tend to disappear in a pocket. Both would be worth consideration... __________________ *Treat everyone you meet with dignity and respect....but have a plan to kill them just in case.*

December 10, 2016, 04:52 PM	#66
Armybrat Senior Member Join Date: May 10, 2009 Location: Round Rock, Texas Posts: 976	Kahr CT380 7+1:

December 10, 2016, 09:39 PM	#67
Doug570 Junior Member Join Date: October 9, 2016 Posts: 4	Sig Sauer P238. Cant replace my normal carry 45ACP but it is lot better than nothing.

December 11, 2016, 12:12 AM	#68
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	Sig P 238, Kimber Micro Carry or Colt Mustang....basically the same pistol (Colt has poorest sights) all are single action, for deep pocket should have pocket holster for safest carry. I use kydex IWB holster and all three fit one holster.

December 13, 2016, 08:50 PM	#69
North East Redneck Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2012 Location: Berkshire Hills Posts: 741	I feel comfortable with my 442, pocket carried. It's not the easiest gun to shoot. I have many thousands of rounds through it now. Decent close defense gun. I prefer the M&P .45c, but the OP was about small guns. If you have the time to learn the 442 or 642, I think you will be satisfied. __________________ NRA Patron Member SAF Life Member GOAL Member

December 14, 2016, 09:37 AM	#70
dannyb Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2008 Location: SE PA Posts: 336	I prefer DAO hammer fired for carry. For EDC in summer, I carry a KelTec P32. At 6 oz, it disappears in a front pants pocket. For winter coat pocket carry I have a Beretta Pico. I know somebody posted that they suck, but I disagree. It took a whole 20 rounds to break it in. It's still light, accurate, and versatile. Before the Pico, I carried a Colt Pony Pocketlite with modified sights. __________________ Moron Lave (send a Congressman through the car wash)

December 15, 2016, 06:50 PM	#71
druryj Member Join Date: May 6, 2010 Posts: 80	I like my wife's Kimber Micro .380. Reliable, accurate, easy to carry in a front pocket holster and has 7+1 at hand. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

December 16, 2016, 02:26 PM	#73
Texas45 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2016 Posts: 223	I have been happy with this one. Started with a 40 then they released the 45. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

December 16, 2016, 02:44 PM	#74
Bill DeShivs Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2006 Posts: 10,985	All I can say is- some of you guys have huge pockets! __________________ Bill DeShivs, Master Cutler www.billdeshivs.com

December 16, 2016, 04:24 PM	#75
AK103K Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2001 Posts: 10,223	Ill say! Im paranoid with a Seecamp or Baby Browning in any of mine. I couldnt even begin to get something bigger in them, even if they were "empty", which they normally arent.