The Firing Line Forums

Go Back   The Firing Line Forums > Hogan's Alley > Handguns: General Handgun Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old April 21, 2008, 02:20 PM   #1
Dusty Rivers
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 27, 2008
Posts: 235
good pocket gun? And is that a gun in your pocket or are you happy to see me?

What are the recommendations for a good drop it in your pocket type pistol. I prefer something heavier than a 380 cal, very reliable, and just stuff it in your pocket, maybe between a bandanna to hide footprint.

addendum question, what is the issue if someone sees the imprint of your concealed gun. If you are making an attempt to conceal it, aren't you adhering to the CCW intent? If someone says is that a gun is it really a ccw legal issue?
__________________
Dusty: I'm kind of a big deal!
Rob Pincus follower PDN
NRA Lifetime Member, our only voice!
Dusty Rivers is offline  
Old April 21, 2008, 02:34 PM   #2
skeeter1
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 11, 2006
Location: Northeast Ohio
Posts: 3,403
Pocket gun

For me, that would be the S&W model 60 in .38Spl+P. It might only be 5 shots, but I think it's powerful enough if I do my part when it comes to shot placement. I'm not a fan of the "spray and pray" philosophy that some people have. One round should be enough.

You might also want to consider a "inside-the-waistband" holster. I've got a cheap nylon one that I think I got from cheaperthandirt. It was <$10, and works well.
skeeter1 is offline  
Old April 21, 2008, 02:36 PM   #3
BikerRN
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 11, 2007
Location: "State of Discombobulation"
Posts: 1,333
For me it's the S&W 442/642.

I have a PM9, but still like the reliability of the Revolver over the "bottomfeeder" in the smaller guns. The PM9 doesn't get much carry time as I have a round gun in my pocket, no matter what is on my hip.

Biker
BikerRN is offline  
Old April 21, 2008, 02:40 PM   #4
orionengnr
Senior Member
 
Join Date: July 9, 2004
Posts: 5,172
I just returned from running a few errands with my 3" Kimber 1911 in my front pocket. It was inside a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster (about $15).

The Kimber is my "winter carry" and is great for any time I can have a sweatshirt or untucked shirt--with a tucked-in t-shirt it is evident that "something" is in my pocket, but with the holster, what that "something" is, is not apparent. BTW, I am 5"9" and 140 and do not wear Hugh Jass Baggy/Saggies.

That said, it is now time to transition back to my "summer carry", a Kahr PM9, which is far more suited to summer-weight clothing and pocket carry.

As to your addendum question, check the laws in your state. They will vary. Regardless, a pocket holster makes all the difference in ability to disguise/conceal, accessability (by keeping the pistol in the same orientation all the time and safety (keep trigger covered and keeps stray objects out of the gun).
orionengnr is offline  
Old April 21, 2008, 02:40 PM   #5
Ridge_Runner_5
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 8, 2008
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 1,925
I had been thinking a P22 would be a good pocket gun...maybe a P99...though it would be bigger and heavier...
Ridge_Runner_5 is offline  
Old April 21, 2008, 02:52 PM   #6
tecdv
Member
 
Join Date: August 4, 2006
Location: Dayton, Ohio
Posts: 36
I usually carry my 3PAT in front pocket, but when I'm wanting something a little more substantial I'll go with my M85UL .38spl +P which is bigger and heavier, but still manageable.

Here in Ohio it don't matter if anyone can tell you have a gun in your pocket, other than to maybe the person carrying it. Open carry is legal here so printing is not a "Legal" issue. I still would like to keep my secret a secret, but if someone notices it in my pocket it's no big deal.
tecdv is offline  
Old April 21, 2008, 02:54 PM   #7
Dave85
Senior Member
 
Join Date: June 3, 2004
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,421
I, too am digging the J frame or similar revolver. I think .38 Spl. gives you plenty of oomph for the size. I have fired the .357s in the same size, and it's kind of like setting off a flashbang grenade in your hand. That is my personal experience. YM, as they say, MV.

IMO, several modern loads give .38 Special a decided advantage over .380 ACP. For example, the maker of the hottest of the hot in both these cartridges-Buffalo Bore-has a 100gr. 380 load that produces 280 ft.lbs of energy. Compare that to their 158gr. .38 Spl. load at 351 ft. lbs. And even in all steel, the J frame size works well in most of my pants. And I am very close to statistical average by most measures. I have a Taurus M85 sitting comfortably in my pocket as I write this. Unless you are going roller-skating in your Jordaches, it should work pretty well.
__________________
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!"
--commonly misattributed to, and most likely not, Benjamin Franklin
Dave85 is offline  
Old April 21, 2008, 03:06 PM   #8
Keltyke
Junior member
 
Join Date: April 6, 2008
Location: Spartanburg, SC
Posts: 2,933
"What are the recommendations for a good drop it in your pocket type pistol."

I carry a Keltec PF-9 that way. 9mm auto, DAO, 3" barrel, 14 oz., 7+1, very reliable and accurate.

"addendum question, what is the issue if someone sees the imprint of your concealed gun."

You'll need to check your state law for the answer to that one. Each state is different.
Keltyke is offline  
Old April 21, 2008, 03:29 PM   #9
bikerbill
Senior Member
 
Join Date: September 19, 2007
Location: Lago Vista TX
Posts: 2,425
My regular carry gun is a PM9; in a holster during colder weather, in a Nemesis in my right front pocket when it's hot ... I also have a PT25 for walking the dog around my rural almost-no-crime town; more to fend off feral dogs, coyotes and the occasional agravated white-tail buck in mating season. The PM9 is a great little weapon; accurate, never fails to go bang, light ... the perfect pocket cannon.
__________________
"The welfare of humanity is always the alibi of tyrants." Albert Camus
bikerbill is offline  
Old April 21, 2008, 03:34 PM   #10
joegator
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 11, 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 537
S&W 642 loaded with Cor Bon 110 grain DPX solid copper +P hollow points.
joegator is offline  
Old April 21, 2008, 03:36 PM   #11
roman3
Senior Member
 
Join Date: January 8, 2007
Posts: 1,012
I have one of the original (and good) Charter Arms Undercover and it has been reliable as all get out. In a uncle mikes #3 pocket holster and off I go. Just got a Ruger LCP so it may take its place.
roman3 is offline  
Old April 25, 2008, 12:30 AM   #12
rdrancher
Member
 
Join Date: November 28, 2007
Location: North Texas
Posts: 97
I carry a vintage Undercover or a 642-1 in my front pocket pretty much every day. Holsters vary depending on the pocket style - Uncle Mike's, Mika, RKBA or DM Bullard leather. I like 'em all.

My chosen carry round is Buffalo Bore's 158gr LSWCHC Standard Pressure.

It works for me.

rd
rdrancher is offline  
Old April 25, 2008, 04:38 AM   #13
ImDisaster
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 20, 2008
Posts: 403
I've pocketed a S&W M&P C, a Taurus PT111 and a Bersa Thunder (.380.)
IMHO, all of these are a bit too big...thickness is the issue. A doublestack shortened service handgun is still too thick. There is no question that there is something in your pocket...and you need big pockets and loose pants. The Bersa is better, but has all kinds of stuff sticking out....grip tang, magazine pinky grip...etc. I will probably pick up a Keltec PF9...which seems to be the best of that breed of pocket 9's for the price. Wish one of the big boys would make a reliable pocketable gun in this ilk.
ImDisaster is offline  
Old April 25, 2008, 06:19 AM   #14
Johannes_Paulsen
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 26, 2007
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 297
I personally have an MK9, and find it acceptable for pocket carry (though it's most comfortable in a jacket pocket or rear pocket -- if you can only do front pocket, try it out and see if you think it's too heavy.)
Johannes_Paulsen is offline  
Old April 25, 2008, 09:32 AM   #15
gb_in_ga
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 15, 2005
Location: Pensacola, Fl
Posts: 3,092
You might want to consider a Kel-Tec PF-9. I've got one, and it seems to work pretty well for what you are needing done. It did take a trip to the range to break it in, but after that it has been reliable. I got the belt clip for mine, I usually carry it IWB using that but it still fits in a pocket.

Quote:
addendum question, what is the issue if someone sees the imprint of your concealed gun. If you are making an attempt to conceal it, aren't you adhering to the CCW intent?
You better check your local laws on that. It varies. As far as the people you meet on the street are concerned, don't worry about it. As long as you actually have it concealed, they will be oblivious. (Some) LEOs do watch for printing, however. It is not only a law enforcement issue for them but potentially one of survival as well.
__________________
COME AND TAKE IT
http://www.tamu.edu/ccbn/dewitt/batgon.htm
Formerly lived in Ga, but now I'm back in Tx! Aaaand, now I'm off to Fla...
gb_in_ga is offline  
Old April 25, 2008, 09:53 AM   #16
natjohnb
Senior Member
 
Join Date: December 18, 2006
Location: Michigan
Posts: 508
I carry a S&W 642 front pocket in a Uncle Mike's Sidekick pocket holster (cheap but works very good) loaded with 135gr +P Gold Dots.
natjohnb is offline  
Old April 25, 2008, 09:55 AM   #17
ElectricHellfire
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 22, 2008
Location: The Woodlands, Texas
Posts: 2,271
The Ruger LCP but that is a .380. Kahr would be the next up the list but they are really pricey. I would never own a Kel-Tec but thats just my opinion as lots of people like them. J frame .38 would be a nice suggestion.
__________________
Texas, the only State to Have Ever Kicked Another Country's Butt
ElectricHellfire is offline  
Old April 25, 2008, 11:31 AM   #18
Van55
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 5, 2008
Posts: 392
Pre-lock J Frame .357 revolver or Ruger SP101 for me... with LCP .380 as backup.
Van55 is offline  
Old April 25, 2008, 12:40 PM   #19
psyfly
Senior Member
 
Join Date: April 27, 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 932
Ditto on the "vintage" undercover...

It also keeps me from spending my hard-earned $ on another SP101 (I once traded one away).

Everytime I get the itch, I remember I have the Charter and I talk myself out of the new Ruger...

Don't know if that's a good thing or not .

Will
psyfly is offline  
Old April 25, 2008, 12:53 PM   #20
lear jet 45
Member
 
Join Date: August 12, 2007
Location: Bentonville AR
Posts: 42
Glock 27 in 40 S&W
lear jet 45 is offline  
Old April 25, 2008, 02:15 PM   #21
DMacLeod
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 19, 2008
Location: Maine
Posts: 425
para carry
DMacLeod is offline  
Old April 25, 2008, 02:33 PM   #22
Doyle
Senior Member
 
Join Date: June 20, 2007
Location: Rainbow City, Alabama
Posts: 7,167
Polish P-64 in either a Desantis Nemisis for pocket carry or a SmartCarry belt if wearing pants with small pockets.
Doyle is offline  
Old April 25, 2008, 02:54 PM   #23
mavracer
Senior Member
 
Join Date: February 27, 2008
Location: midwest
Posts: 4,209
Smith&Wesson M&P 340 top Charter Bulldog Pug DAO bottom

here they are in they're holsters
__________________
rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6
Quote:
originally posted my Mike Irwin
My handguns are are for one purpose only, though...
The starter gun on the "Fat man's mad dash tactical retreat."
mavracer is offline  
Old April 25, 2008, 03:13 PM   #24
Wildalaska
Junior member
 
Join Date: November 25, 2002
Location: In my own little weird world in Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 14,172
Seecamp. There is no other "pocket" gun.

WildihavespokenAlaska ™
Wildalaska is offline  
Old April 25, 2008, 04:22 PM   #25
yomama
Junior member
 
Join Date: February 28, 2006
Posts: 509
PF9-keltec

Amazing gun.

I know this comment will get some flack, and I expect it. But I'll tell you, undercover cops loved the p11 for many years, and the price reflected that the masses do not understand the purpose of these guns. They are meant to be easily conceled, and not for extended range practice.
yomama is offline  
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:50 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
This site and contents, including all posts, Copyright © 1998-2021 S.W.A.T. Magazine
Copyright Complaints: Please direct DMCA Takedown Notices to the registered agent: thefiringline.com
Page generated in 0.12628 seconds with 10 queries