What is a good pocket gun?

CCCLVII · June 21, 2016, 09:03 AM

I dont really care revolver or semi.

I am a large guy (6 foot 7 inches) pushing 300 LBS (yes I need to loose weight)

I find I am having hip problems and carrying any thing above the waist line seems to hurt. So no belly bands, OWB, IWB or shoulder holsters. I do however have pretty large pockets compared to most people. I have carried about some weight in that pocket and it does not seem to effect me. So I am opting for pocket carry.

lee n. field · June 21, 2016, 09:30 AM

j-frame (or equivalent) snub

K_Mac · June 21, 2016, 09:43 AM

An LCP would be my choice if ease and comfort were the primary criteria. You're a big guy and probably could comfortably carry a small single stack polymer 9 mm like an LC9s giving you a little more firepower. As you can see I am a Ruger fan, but their are plenty of other options.

baddarryl · June 21, 2016, 09:44 AM

A couple of years ago when I was looking for one I tried them all and settled on a Kahr CM9. Looks good, great trigger and goes bang. I can carry with with a pocket holster in front or rear pocket with no issues at all. I work outside with it in a rear pocket all day. I am a small dude compared to a lot.

rob-c · June 21, 2016, 09:49 AM

6-3 300 lbs myself and I pocket carry my lcr all the time .

Deja vu · June 21, 2016, 09:54 AM

I carry a S&W 627 snub nose. It is an 8 shot 357 magnum. It is a little wider than the J-Frame (about .4 inches wider) but has 3 more rounds.

I am not as big as you are and I can pocket carry it. Had to build the holster my self though. The length is about the same as a J frame. It carries as much or more rounds than most pocket single stack semiautos.

Just my recommendation. Take it for what you paid for it!

got this image from Guns America. This is the one I pocket carry.

TailGator · June 21, 2016, 09:55 AM

When my wife got her carry permit, she wanted something really small that she could dress around. I took her to the LGS to look at an LCP. She looked at a Sig P238 and the selection process was over. I ran home for more cash while she did the paperwork. They are a bit pricey, but she loves it, and I liked it well enough that she had Santa bring me my own so that I would leave hers alone. Really an amazing shooter, and although heavier than the polymers like the LCP, still pocket carries fine for me.

BarryLee · June 21, 2016, 10:14 AM

I have both a S&W 442 and a LCP either of which would work well for pocket carry. The few times I do pocket carry I generally end up using the J-Frame along with a speed loader.

cc-hangfire · June 21, 2016, 11:45 AM

+1 for the Khar CM9 (or PM9). I'm 6' & 280 and pocket carry in dress slacks. I alternate between that and a KelTec P3AT (same size as the Ruger LCP). With pocket holsters (desantis for the P3AT & a minimal kydex one for the CM9), both print like a large wallet in dress slacks.

Cheapshooter · June 21, 2016, 01:21 PM

My LCP IN A deSantis Nemesis is constantly in my front pocket. Never noticed by anybody. I have carried my Kahr CM9 similarly, but not all pockets, in all pants conceal it as well as the LCP.

boatdoc173 · June 21, 2016, 01:50 PM

we tested several semi autos last year

maybe should have tried the Ruger LCP too--it fits the bill

this year we compared the SW shield , xds 3.3, glock 43 and walther ccp(all 9mm).we prefer a striker fired hd/sd gun(FYI)

the walther was a great shooter but due to magazine issues had FTE and FTL several times--cross that off

the glock 43 was too small for our hands

the xds is fine--greats hooter-- but the magazines are hard to release

the winner -= the shield. not great for accuracy BUT in SD situations you want to ventilate not hit the same hole(as you do on the range hopefully)

all shooting @ 21 feet indoors 9mm 115 gr blazer brass used

DaleA · June 21, 2016, 05:25 PM

Another vote for the Ruger LCP .380 or if you were serious about your pockets being slightly larger than usual then maybe the Ruger LC9s 9mm. Most people seem to like the later, striker fired version of the LC9 which is the LC9s. Although if you want to save some money I've seen the original LC9 guns used for pretty cheap (as in under $300) prices.

Deaf Smith · June 21, 2016, 06:01 PM

Just spied today ANOTHER Ruger stainless slide LCP .380 for $199. I got one two weeks ago, stainless slide, for $161, tax included.

I even found a Glock 19, 3ed gen, for $300 (and I ain't telling you where.)

That might be my IDPA/CCW practice gun soon.

Deaf

StumpShooter · June 21, 2016, 06:02 PM

LCR. Heavy smooth trigger, powerful enough round, low maintenance, light, and reliable

SauerGrapes · June 21, 2016, 06:07 PM

You know, I have a K frame M12 and a J frame M37. Both air weights. I can't imagine you can't carry some small semi or air weight on your belt?

If you have decent pockets, I really like the G42.

TxFlyFish · June 21, 2016, 06:26 PM

Hammer can be caught in fabric

Gavlan · June 21, 2016, 06:43 PM

J-frame 642,

michael t · June 21, 2016, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Hammer can be caught in fabric

Just place thumb over hammer problem solved. Was done that way for years .

RoughDivider · June 21, 2016, 10:53 PM

I'm a big fan of the ruger lcp and the S&W bodyguard. My gf has the lcp and I have the bodyguard. Great accuracy as far out as we've taken them, which is 10 yards.

Overkill777 · June 22, 2016, 12:47 PM

The LCP in a Sticky holster is pocket carry perfection. It works surprisingly well iwb too.

I like j frames but the cylinder makes it significantly wider. I could only pull off pocket carry with one in certain pants. The LCP doesn't have that limitation.

tallball · June 22, 2016, 12:54 PM

I am 6'6". Cargo shorts are my friends. I carry an LCP/P3AT, LCR, or lightweight hammerless J frame either in the cargo pocket, or in a back pocket if I know I'm not going to sit down. In cooler coat weather I carry a snub 44 (bulldog). An LCP/P3AT can also fit easily in the breast pocket of a denim jacket. As someone with big hands I had to put larger grips on the LCR to be able to shoot it decently.

TXAZ · June 22, 2016, 01:18 PM

Hey 357,
take a look here, Guns and Ammo did a good job on looking at 9mm single stacks, most of which qualify as a pocket gun.
I'm on the same side of 6' and weight as you, and like my LC9s as a pocket carry, which the Pro version is reviewed in this article.
I've shot several of the others, personal preferences aside, I expect many of these would be worth a gander.

Good 9mm pocket gun comparison

loknload · June 22, 2016, 06:51 PM

Another vote for the LCP!

Most easiest carry piece I've ever owned, and it shoots well too!

Arizona Fusilier · June 22, 2016, 08:14 PM

S&W 649 Bodyguard Airweight. In .38 special or .357 Magnum.

Followed closely by the Shield.

Nathan · June 22, 2016, 09:07 PM

PM9....399.99 at CDNN black DLC with night sights too. A small size up would be a p9 that shoots even better.

June 21, 2016, 09:03 AM	#1
CCCLVII Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2012 Location: Idaho Posts: 432	What is a good pocket gun? I dont really care revolver or semi. I am a large guy (6 foot 7 inches) pushing 300 LBS (yes I need to loose weight) I find I am having hip problems and carrying any thing above the waist line seems to hurt. So no belly bands, OWB, IWB or shoulder holsters. I do however have pretty large pockets compared to most people. I have carried about some weight in that pocket and it does not seem to effect me. So I am opting for pocket carry. __________________ Always looking for a good hunt!

June 21, 2016, 09:30 AM	#2
lee n. field Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2002 Location: The same state as Mordor. Posts: 5,569	j-frame (or equivalent) snub __________________ "As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven. "

June 21, 2016, 09:43 AM	#3
K_Mac Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2010 Posts: 1,850	An LCP would be my choice if ease and comfort were the primary criteria. You're a big guy and probably could comfortably carry a small single stack polymer 9 mm like an LC9s giving you a little more firepower. As you can see I am a Ruger fan, but their are plenty of other options. __________________ "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do." Benjamin Franklin

June 21, 2016, 09:54 AM	#6
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	I carry a S&W 627 snub nose. It is an 8 shot 357 magnum. It is a little wider than the J-Frame (about .4 inches wider) but has 3 more rounds. I am not as big as you are and I can pocket carry it. Had to build the holster my self though. The length is about the same as a J frame. It carries as much or more rounds than most pocket single stack semiautos. Just my recommendation. Take it for what you paid for it! got this image from Guns America. This is the one I pocket carry. __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well...

June 21, 2016, 10:14 AM	#8
BarryLee Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2010 Location: The ATL (OTP) Posts: 3,946	I have both a S&W 442 and a LCP either of which would work well for pocket carry. The few times I do pocket carry I generally end up using the J-Frame along with a speed loader. __________________ A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman

June 21, 2016, 09:44 AM	#4
baddarryl Senior Member Join Date: March 29, 2011 Location: Cape Fear! Posts: 1,683	A couple of years ago when I was looking for one I tried them all and settled on a Kahr CM9. Looks good, great trigger and goes bang. I can carry with with a pocket holster in front or rear pocket with no issues at all. I work outside with it in a rear pocket all day. I am a small dude compared to a lot.

June 21, 2016, 09:49 AM	#5
rob-c Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2013 Posts: 151	6-3 300 lbs myself and I pocket carry my lcr all the time .

June 21, 2016, 09:55 AM	#7
TailGator Senior Member Join Date: May 8, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,787	When my wife got her carry permit, she wanted something really small that she could dress around. I took her to the LGS to look at an LCP. She looked at a Sig P238 and the selection process was over. I ran home for more cash while she did the paperwork. They are a bit pricey, but she loves it, and I liked it well enough that she had Santa bring me my own so that I would leave hers alone. Really an amazing shooter, and although heavier than the polymers like the LCP, still pocket carries fine for me.

June 21, 2016, 11:45 AM	#9
cc-hangfire Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2014 Posts: 304	+1 for the Khar CM9 (or PM9). I'm 6' & 280 and pocket carry in dress slacks. I alternate between that and a KelTec P3AT (same size as the Ruger LCP). With pocket holsters (desantis for the P3AT & a minimal kydex one for the CM9), both print like a large wallet in dress slacks.

June 21, 2016, 01:21 PM	#10
Cheapshooter Senior Member Join Date: December 2, 2007 Location: Missouri Posts: 8,306	My LCP IN A deSantis Nemesis is constantly in my front pocket. Never noticed by anybody. I have carried my Kahr CM9 similarly, but not all pockets, in all pants conceal it as well as the LCP. __________________ Cheapshooter's rules of gun ownership #1: NEVER SELL OR TRADE ANYTHING!

June 21, 2016, 01:50 PM	#11
boatdoc173 Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2015 Location: southern Ct Posts: 194	we tested several semi autos last year maybe should have tried the Ruger LCP too--it fits the bill this year we compared the SW shield , xds 3.3, glock 43 and walther ccp(all 9mm).we prefer a striker fired hd/sd gun(FYI) the walther was a great shooter but due to magazine issues had FTE and FTL several times--cross that off the glock 43 was too small for our hands the xds is fine--greats hooter-- but the magazines are hard to release the winner -= the shield. not great for accuracy BUT in SD situations you want to ventilate not hit the same hole(as you do on the range hopefully) all shooting @ 21 feet indoors 9mm 115 gr blazer brass used

June 21, 2016, 05:25 PM	#12
DaleA Senior Member Join Date: September 12, 2002 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 5,313	Another vote for the Ruger LCP .380 or if you were serious about your pockets being slightly larger than usual then maybe the Ruger LC9s 9mm. Most people seem to like the later, striker fired version of the LC9 which is the LC9s. Although if you want to save some money I've seen the original LC9 guns used for pretty cheap (as in under $300) prices.

June 21, 2016, 06:01 PM	#13
Deaf Smith Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2000 Location: Texican! Posts: 4,453	Just spied today ANOTHER Ruger stainless slide LCP .380 for $199. I got one two weeks ago, stainless slide, for $161, tax included. I even found a Glock 19, 3ed gen, for $300 (and I ain't telling you where.) That might be my IDPA/CCW practice gun soon. Deaf __________________ “To you who call yourselves ‘men of peace,’ I say, you are not safe without men of action by your side” Thucydides

June 21, 2016, 06:02 PM	#14
StumpShooter Member Join Date: January 2, 2015 Posts: 44	LCR. Heavy smooth trigger, powerful enough round, low maintenance, light, and reliable

June 21, 2016, 06:07 PM	#15
SauerGrapes Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2009 Location: S.E.PA. Posts: 920	You know, I have a K frame M12 and a J frame M37. Both air weights. I can't imagine you can't carry some small semi or air weight on your belt? If you have decent pockets, I really like the G42. __________________ NRA member, DCF&S member, PAFOA member, USPSA member, NSCA member R.I.P.____Murphy

June 21, 2016, 06:26 PM	#16
TxFlyFish Senior Member Join Date: October 18, 2011 Posts: 1,246	Hammer can be caught in fabric

June 21, 2016, 06:43 PM	#17
Gavlan Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2015 Posts: 108	J-frame 642,

June 21, 2016, 10:53 PM	#19
RoughDivider Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2014 Location: Collierville, TN Posts: 152	I'm a big fan of the ruger lcp and the S&W bodyguard. My gf has the lcp and I have the bodyguard. Great accuracy as far out as we've taken them, which is 10 yards.

June 22, 2016, 12:47 PM	#20
Overkill777 Senior Member Join Date: January 4, 2015 Posts: 267	The LCP in a Sticky holster is pocket carry perfection. It works surprisingly well iwb too. I like j frames but the cylinder makes it significantly wider. I could only pull off pocket carry with one in certain pants. The LCP doesn't have that limitation.

June 22, 2016, 12:54 PM	#21
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	I am 6'6". Cargo shorts are my friends. I carry an LCP/P3AT, LCR, or lightweight hammerless J frame either in the cargo pocket, or in a back pocket if I know I'm not going to sit down. In cooler coat weather I carry a snub 44 (bulldog). An LCP/P3AT can also fit easily in the breast pocket of a denim jacket. As someone with big hands I had to put larger grips on the LCR to be able to shoot it decently.

June 22, 2016, 01:18 PM	#22
TXAZ Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 2010 Location: McMurdo Sound Texas Posts: 4,322	Hey 357, take a look here, Guns and Ammo did a good job on looking at 9mm single stacks, most of which qualify as a pocket gun. I'm on the same side of 6' and weight as you, and like my LC9s as a pocket carry, which the Pro version is reviewed in this article. I've shot several of the others, personal preferences aside, I expect many of these would be worth a gander. Good 9mm pocket gun comparison __________________ Cave illos in guns et backhoes

June 22, 2016, 06:51 PM	#23
loknload Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 1999 Location: PA. USA Posts: 1,869	Another vote for the LCP! Most easiest carry piece I've ever owned, and it shoots well too!

June 22, 2016, 08:14 PM	#24
Arizona Fusilier Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2000 Posts: 1,082	S&W 649 Bodyguard Airweight. In .38 special or .357 Magnum. Followed closely by the Shield.

June 22, 2016, 09:07 PM	#25
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,331	PM9....399.99 at CDNN black DLC with night sights too. A small size up would be a p9 that shoots even better.