Mouse gun recomendation

[Rey de Copas]

Im looking for a pocket pistol, small enought to fit in a medium size pocket. It will not be a main CCW, but more of a deep concealed backup. So must be 100% reliable. Im looking for something from .25 up to .380.

Any sugestion and/or experiences will be welcome :D

[JimmyR]

My experience with pocket size guns has been limited, but here goes.

First, if your upper caliber limit is more fluid, the Kahr CM/CW 9/40 is a good pocket sized selection, especially if your EDC is a Glock/M&P/other striker fire weapon. Also means you can match your BUG's caliber to your primary.

My current BUG is a Beretta 3032 Tomcat. I love the tip-up barrel, and find that it hides well. The biggest difficulty of a mouse gun (hard to rack slide) is negated by the tip barrel. My Tomcat has been really good with HP ammo, to top it off.

Another great suggestion for BUG is a S&W J-frame revolver. I had one until I sold it- and regret it. They are great back ups, and modern 38 spec +p will put a hurtin on anybody. I reccomend speed strips for reloads, since they are much easier to conceal.

[PSP]

Any sugestion and/or experiences will be welcome

Seecamp. So small, so light, so reliable, all stainless. Carried one for years and will continue until something better comes along. Great gun.
http://www.seecamp.com/

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i186/ripley16/Pistols/Seecamp/TEST010.jpg (http://s72.photobucket.com/user/ripley16/media/Pistols/Seecamp/TEST010.jpg.html)

[MTSCMike]

Ruger LCP or Kel-Tec in .380...both are excellent for pocket application

[Kreyzhorse]

My Ruger LCP performs very well in the mouse gun role. It's reliable, accurate for close in work (7 yards or less) and can really go any place no matter what you are wearing. If you have a pocket, it can go with you.

[kcub]

You need to better define medium sized pocket.

Front or back pants?

[lee n. field]

m looking for a pocket pistol, small enought to fit in a medium size pocket. It will not be a main CCW, but more of a deep concealed backup. So must be 100% reliable. Im looking for something from .25 up to .380.

Any sugestion and/or experiences will be welcome

"Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina" What's available in Argentina? Since it's local, possibly a Bersa .380. They make a smaller "concealed carry" model.

If available, Ruger LCP or what it's copied from, the Kel Tec P3AT.

[Mystro]

A S&W Bodyguard 380 is a great small pocket gun. The integrated laser can make it a tack driver at suprisingly longer ranges.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj182/TheMystro1971/Hunting%20Guns%20etc/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Bodyguard%20380acp/BG380Handnet.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj182/TheMystro1971/Hunting%20Guns%20etc/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Bodyguard%20380acp/380range2.jpg

[Don P]

One that a mouse can carry comfortably all day long and have good accuracy with it.;)

[Iron Man]

My favorites that I carry on a regular basis.

Walther PPK (not really a mouse gun) but carriable in a pocket holster.

http://www.jamesbondlifestyle.com/sites/default/files/styles/semi_width_image/public/images/product/ga006-walther-ppk.jpg?itok=bqEc1wag

Colt vest pistol in a pocket holster.

http://www.coltautos.com/images/1908vp_SN1&2.jpg

Hi power .22 magnum derringer in a custom leather wallet.

http://cdn2.armslist.com/sites/armslist/uploads/posts/2012/09/06/548617_01_high_standard_22_magnum_derrin_640.jpg

[PSP]

The Kel Tec and Ruger are fine guns, however they are large compared to the tiny Seecamp. Truly fits in any pocket. Seven rounds of pure fury in the palm of your hand.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i186/ripley16/Pistols/Seecamp/380380.jpg (http://s72.photobucket.com/user/ripley16/media/Pistols/Seecamp/380380.jpg.html)

[TailGator]

Have a look at the Sig P238 if you can. It is a bit pricier than some of the other options, but it is a very well made little pistol, with excellent sights. I find it considerably more comfortable to shoot than other .380s I have encountered, and accuracy is excellent for such a small pistol. It really is a pistol that you can enjoy at the range, which isn't consistently said regarding a lot of the pocket pistols.

If you want to move up to 9mm, its cousin P938 is only slightly larger. I haven't shot one, but reports are generally good.

Both are single action, designed to be carried cocked and locked like a 1911. Some people refer to them as miniature 1911s, but note that they are not designed with a grip safety.

[allaroundhunter]

The Sig P238 is the answer to this question...

[Charlie Fox]

Ruger LCP or Keltec P3AT. Both in .380, both lightweight and easy to carry ( so you'll have it with you all the time), both easy to shoot. I've carried a P32 since 2003 everyday, but if I had to hug another pocket gun it would be one of the above.

[Charlie Fox]

The Kel Tec and Ruger are fine guns, however they are large compared to the tiny Seecamp. Truly fits in any pocket. Seven rounds of pure fury in the palm of your hand.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i186/ripley16/Pistols/Seecamp/380380.jpg (http://s72.photobucket.com/user/ripley16/media/Pistols/Seecamp/380380.jpg.html)

By the way - the Keltec in thus picture looks like a P11 in 9mm...not exactly an apples-to-apples comparrison.

[PSP]

By the way - the Keltec in thus picture looks like a P11 in 9mm...not exactly an apples-to-apples comparrison.

No, it's a Kel Tec P-3AT, a .380acp, same as the Seecamp.

[Laz]

the Keltec in thus picture looks like a P11 in 9mm
Nope, it is a P3AT in .380 compared to a Seecamp .380. It is apples to apples.

My recommendation is the LCP if available. The Argentine-manufactured Bersa Thunder 380CC (concealed carry) is very fine, though considerably larger. PPK/S sized.

[Charlie Fox]

No, it's a Kel Tec P-3AT, a .380acp, same as the Seecamp.

Wow! I didn't know the Seecamp was so small! Their pretty rare around here and I've never seen one in person.

[ligonierbill]

If you can get your hands on a Seecamp .32 ACP, go for it. It's the original and still the standard. I have a Kel Tec P32 in my pocket now. Slightly larger than a Seecamp, but lighter. If you want to go .380, I think the LCP is the only way to go. My little .32 has been absolutely reliable, and I shoot mine more than most. I have Buffalo Bore loads that send a 75 grain flat nose hard cast at 950 fps, and that's measured from the P32. It ain't much, but 8 of these little stingers will put the hurt on.

[aarondhgraham]

You might chuckle,,,
But you did say .25 ACP.

Taurus 25-PLY,,,
I have one and love it,,,
Not one malfunction in just over 400 rounds.

http://aarondgraham.com/pics/PLY-hand.jpg

The one in the picture is actually the 22-PLY,,,
But they are absolutely identical.

DA Only with a tip-up barrel,,,
9 in the mag and one in the pipe.

Nice little gun for just over $200.00.

Aarond

.

[Yung.gunr]

I don't recall seeing anything about cost...

For the $ the Taurus TCP has proven good for me.

For the $$ I love my Sig P238, it's my favorite pocket gun.

The Sig P290rs is also a great little gun (from what I've heard), plus it's 9mm. I know you said .380, but why turn down a 9mm in the same sized package as a .380? Wish I would have known about the P290 before buying my pocket .380s.

[Garycw]

I don't recall seeing anything about cost...

For the $ the Taurus TCP has proven good for me.

For the $$ I love my Sig P238, it's my favorite pocket gun.

The Sig P290rs is also a great little gun, plus it's 9mm. I know you said .380, but why turn down a 9mm in the same sized package as a .380? Wish I would have known about the P290 before buying my pocket .380s.

I 2nd this almost to the tee. Very good advice. I have been thinking about a small 9mm too. Possibly a p938 Haven't looked at the p290 yet.
TCP
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/15/e7epa4u7.jpg
P238
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/15/gu2y3yne.jpg

[PSP]

My favorite .25acp. The slim, reliable Walther TPH. Pricey but good quality.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i186/ripley16/Pistols/Walther/tph25011.jpg (http://s72.photobucket.com/user/ripley16/media/Pistols/Walther/tph25011.jpg.html)

Hard to tell how small the TPH is so here's one with the tiny Seecamp.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i186/ripley16/tphandseecamp.jpg (http://s72.photobucket.com/user/ripley16/media/tphandseecamp.jpg.html)

[Yung.gunr]

I had a Ruger LC9 that was only a TINY bit bigger than my TCP but that little bit made a huge difference. I ended up selling it because it was too big for pocket carry and too small for standard carry. I feel the P938 would fall into the same category.

The funny thing about the P290 is the dimensions are pretty much the same as the P238, but it's quite a bit heavier. The best thing about the P238 is its shootability. It is REALLY easy to shoot well. My wife hated the LC9 and shot it horrible. She switched to the P238 same range trip and was double tapping 2-3 inch groups and she has VERY limited shooting experience.

[SpareMag]

OK, we gotta talk shootability at some point.

I have the Seecamp in .25, and I agree, a super, super pistol, and Seecamp CS is fantastic. BUT, even at .25 it bites my hand off.

The KelTec P3AT is no joy to shoot in .380, but it doesnt bite as much as the Seecamp.

The Seecamp did, when I got mine, had a nice selection of concealment holsters just for it, BUT, I personally prefer a rather disposable poly gun rather than a nice metal. Pocket cary is gonna be hard on any piece.

[Bill DeShivs]

The Keltec P32 is smaller and lighter than the .380, and it recoils less.
It also holds one more round.

[steponapoptop]

The bodyguard 380 is accurate and recently on sale on slickguns. I was surprised how accurate it was with the long trigger pull.

[Charlie Fox]

My favorite .25acp. The slim, reliable Walther TPH. Pricey but good quality.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i186/ripley16/Pistols/Walther/tph25011.jpg (http://s72.photobucket.com/user/ripley16/media/Pistols/Walther/tph25011.jpg.html)

Hard to tell how small the TPH is so here's one with the tiny Seecamp.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i186/ripley16/tphandseecamp.jpg (http://s72.photobucket.com/user/ripley16/media/tphandseecamp.jpg.html)

Very lovely! Lots of expensive steel there!

[AK103K]

Ill throw in with the Seecamp crowd. I've had two LWS32's for quite a number of years now, and have always held them as the "one to beat". So far, new or old, nothing has.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a3dc36b3127ccef23640057ea800000030O00CYuWbdo5bsQe3nwk/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00107947390120130217165615855.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[arizona98tj]

I've swapped around my primary carry pistol a few times over the past years but I've kept the same backup since I started carrying one, the NAA .22WMR Pug (http://www.stu-offroad.com/firearms/naa/pug-1.htm). It rides in a low profile pocket holster (http://www.stu-offroad.com/firearms/naa/chs/pug-8.jpg) that simply does not print, period. This is my EDC.

http://www.stu-offroad.com/temp/edc-3.jpg

[Rey de Copas]

So far:

Beretta 3032 Tomcat: I liked, and .32 is OK for the role I will give it. Plus have external safety so can be carried without holster in a pocket.

Seecamp and any Kal-Tec: The Seecamp is unavailable here in Arg (can be imported, but its lot of trouble); and Kal-Tec are very rare.

Ruger LCP: This one was my first option, the only con is that the gun have not external safety, so I have to use it with a mini holster.

Bersa 380CC: A little too big (biggest pro: here cost 1/3 of a Ruger LCP)

Whalter PPK: Same as above.

Bodyguard .380: Also liked, but also too big.

Colt 1908 Vest pistol: I keep it as a option.

Derringers: I leave them out, looking for 6 shots at least.

NAA Revolvers: I think they make only SA models, I have to leave the out.

Taurus PT 25: I read mixed reviews on this one, will keep searching.

Sig P238: Sig Sauer importer hates argentinian users, so their prices are sky-high (worst than HK). A new P238 cost U$S 1100.


Thanks for all the recomendations, now I narrowed the search a lot. :)

[JimmyR]

Personally, i reccomend a pocket holster for any pocket carried gun, regardless of a safety. Most of them are fairly inexpensive, and protect the trigger guard. Safeties fail or can be forgotten, and the extra layer of security can be the difference between walking or limping.

[Rey de Copas]

Do you mean a holster attached or "glued" to the pocket?

[JimmyR]

Most pocket holsters I have seen and used either use a textured material to grip the fabric of the pocket or are cut with a "hook" to grip the fabric, allowing a draw from the pocket leaving the holster in it's place. The only part of the gun exposed is the grip, covering the muzzle and breach (minimizing the lint/dirt/etc that gets into your gun) as well as the trigger guard (preventing you from accidentally grabbing your gun by the trigger. It also tends to keep your gun from flipping in your pocket, so that you can get a consistant draw. I have used the Desantis Nemesis, and I am sure you can reccomendations from TFL.

Some reccomendations can be found in this thread: http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=523988&highlight=pocket+holster

[mrt949]

SEECAMP

[kahrguy]

REY Buy the latest series of Taurus TCP 380. The 2 we have are a C series noted in the serial number and run great with many brands of hp and fmj ammo. I fired 400 rounds thru each and my my wife and daughter now CC them. They also have fired a few hundred rounds each thru there tcp's.

You have to know a pistol can be 100% reliable in design and still be junk in the hands of the owner that does not clean and lube correctly before shooting . OR a shooter using ammo brand or lot number of ammo in the handgun will not function with and the shooters skill level can affect how well it functions. Change shooter or ammo and it may run great.

[tristar viper]

I 2nd what Kahrguy says 100%. I've had a TCP for 2 years now, it has NEVER malfunctioned after over 2000 rounds, it will shoot a group as tight as any other small poly gun, and it has by far one of the nicest triggers I have pulled on a gun like that. I keep it in my car and sometimes it goes in my shorts. I trust this gun 100% and if I had the need I'd buy another one in a second.
I turned my buddy on to these little guns, and now he has 2 of them. They are a great little piece, do not dismiss them.

[Laz]

Ruger LCP: This one was my first option, the only con is that the gun have not external safety, so I have to use it with a mini holster.

Bersa 380CC: A little too big (biggest pro: here cost 1/3 of a Ruger LCP)
For my LCP, I use a DeSantis "Nemesis" (I think it's called) which works very well but with the LCP's long trigger, I'm not sure it would be unsafe sans holster.

It is too bad the Bersa CC is bigger than you want. I think it is a very appealing little pistol and very well thought out. It has more added-on safety "features" than I would prefer, but they work well and it does have that safety you would like.

Also, be advised there are two versions of the LCP in the marketplace. The earlier version has lower profile sights that are milled into the slide and a very long trigger pull. The newer generation has a more pronounced raised fixed sight and the hammer is pre-set a bit further back making the trigger pull much shorter than the original. For your purpose, perhaps the original long pull version would be better for naked pocket carry. Personally, I have not found the long pull to be detrimental at the range the pistol would be employed.

Good luck in your search.

[Ace_Breaker]

I really like my LCP. But my Rohrbaugh R9 seems to outclass it a bit in the quality and firepower departments. The Rohrbaugh looks tiny next to my PPS, Nano, and Glock 26.

[TailGator]

A new P238 cost U$S 1100.

Ouch. It's good, but not that good.

[Laz]

I really like my LCP. But my Rohrbaugh R9 seems to outclass it a bit in the quality and firepower departments.
Of that there is no doubt. Nor should there be considering the disparity in cost.

[Rey de Copas]

Never heard of this gun: Rohrbaugh R9
So I did a small research both in the web and gunshops, and I found a couple used pistols. 9x19mm in the size of a LCP is sweet, but the asking price here is not (over U$S 2000, for an used one). Out of curiosity, how reliable is?

[Rey de Copas]

Right now Im 60% for the LCP + Nemesis holster, 40% for the Tomcat or the TCP :)

[mrt949]

A ROHRBAUGH is like a SEECAMP on steroids .

[Tomac]

Another vote for the Tomcat, but I suggest the INOX version as the beefier slide is less prone to cracking over time (common w/the std Tomcat). I carried one for years and w/FMJ was 100% reliable.
Tomac

[wheelyfun]

Lots of great pocket pistols listed here......
but one is missing from the list.

Magnum Research, Micro Desert Eagle, .380

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=348051135

I do not own one, but my Father does....uber-reliable (and he NEVER cleans his guns) and super fun to shoot....;)

[Erikbal]

A S&W Bodyguard 380 is a great small pocket gun. The integrated laser can make it a tack driver at suprisingly longer ranges.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj182/TheMystro1971/Hunting%20Guns%20etc/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Bodyguard%20380acp/BG380Handnet.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj182/TheMystro1971/Hunting%20Guns%20etc/Smith%20and%20Wesson%20Bodyguard%20380acp/380range2.jpg
I agree, I have one and it has been great! If you can get past the long DA trigger, it's a great shooter and has been flawless for me!

[bt380]

Reliable???? There are several articles and comments on forums about these little mouse guns having issues. Blaming things on limp wrist, bad ammo to poor QA from the manufacture. There seems to be enough conversation about them that you may need to be prepared to ship your new gun off for a deburring tech on steroids that makes you double check your s/n on it's return to make sure it's the same gun. Some shops have a quick efficient turn-around, others...not so much....

[skoro]

Any sugestion and/or experiences will be welcome


These days, I pocket carry exclusively and have a three gun roation: S&W 642, KelTec PF-9 and KelTec P3AT. Only the P3AT would be considered a mousegun, and in this hot summer weather, it's the one I carry most often.

I'll say this; I feel most confident with the S&W j-frame. It's just about the perfect carry weapon for me. But I feel very assured that the little P3AT would serve well if the need ever arose.

[jackpine]

pack either a glock 26 or a J frame S&W or if your on a tight budget a P-11. Then again it's your life and your fight pick your own if you want.

[FireForged]

LCP..all the way.

[Laz]

Another mark against the Rohrbaugh besides the cost is the necessity to replace parts such as recoil springs every few hundred rounds which could present a problem in Argentina, maybe not but it could.

A consideration with the Seecamp is that it is limited to hollowpoints ammo of a certain overall length. Many people prefer ball in .32 acp. I have heard that some people modify the Seecamp mag to accept Fmj ammo but I believe that Larry Seecamp discourages this on the website because he says it is much harder on the small gun and can adversely affect its function and longevity.

Something like the LCP in .380 can fire both jhp and ball, making it adaptable and versatile, and is reasonably durable (no over-pressure rounds should be used) and is not unduly fussy about parts.

If you want a .32 and favor the use of hollowpoints, the Seecamp is a gem.

[simonrichter]

Taurus 25-PLY,,,
I have one and love it,,,


I have the .22lr version. Even in 22lr it's quite reliable, and the tip-up barrel is a real nice feature for loading and clearing. Plus, it's clearly less than 5 inches long while still providing a grip quite like a full-sized service pistol (didn't have that with, e.g., a Beretta Jetfire of comparable size and power). And cheap it is, indeed...

[EveryCaliber]

Strictly from personal experience, I have two recommendations -

1. The Beretta 950 B Jetfire. It is VERY small but surprisingly shootable. It holds 9 rounds of .25 ACP when fully loaded. I have one that is an early model and it is very well-made and has a quite beautiful finish. To me, it’s one of the “coolest” handguns I own. Used ones can be found at a reasonable price.

2. Over time, my go-to pocket gun became the more utilitarian Kel Tec P3AT (.380 obviously). It is somehow even thinner than that tiny little Beretta! It’s not going to win a beauty contest any time soon, but mine is very solid and keeps tight groups at practical distances. It holds 7 rounds when fully loaded. It is so slim and lightweight that I almost forget that I have it in my pocket sometimes. Perfect for the hot and muggy TN summertime when a light t-shirt doesn’t get along so well with my Glock 19.

Sidenote: The Ruger LCP is a fine choice as well, but I prefer the rougher grip of the Kel Tec on such a small firearm.

Gotta love the mouseguns!

[myusername]

Since we all know and agree that anything less than a .45 is an inadquate bullet, I'd say the XDS is as mousy as I'd want to get. :)

[Moe Howard]

I have carried a kel-tec p3at every day for 5 years. It has been 100% reliable as have several other pocket guns I have owned and carried. NAA Guardian in .32 and .380, and their .22 mini revolvers. A kel-tec P11, pf9, Beretta Nano, M&P Shield etc will also fit nicely in a cargo pants pocket.

[Cheapshooter]

LCP. Small, Light, reliable, and reasonably priced. Not a "prestige symbol". Just a great little pocket 380! Mine has been a near constant companion for over 3 years. Has well over 500 rounds through It without a single malfunction, and is plenty acurate for it's purpose. I carry It in a DeSantis Superfly, but with the fly removed making It the same as a Nemisis. Just didn't like the back pocket carry with the removable fly to give the profile of a wallet.
A step up in my CCW is a KAHR CM9. I would say more like rat than mouse. Still pocketable in a Nemisis, but a bit larger, and heavier. However It does have the advantage of beibg a 9MM over the 380 LCP.
Number three is a Ruger LCR 38 Special +P. Works OK, again in a DeSantis Nemisis, but better in larger pockets.

[Stevie-Ray]

I have a Kel Tec P32 in my pocket now. Slightly larger than a Seecamp, but lighter.As have I, for about ten years now. Great BUG, not to bad for accuracy, and has been ultra-reliable with Geco ball, my preferred load. Don't even notice it anymore, in fact I pat my butt once in a while to make sure it's still there, same as I always have with my wallet.;)

[jaughtman]

Suprised it has not been mentioned so far. It is almost a clone of the Seacamp, but about half the cost (if not more). I got mine for $220 but it was used. 32 ACP and smaller than a lot of the .22 and .25 pistols already named on here. Feeds FMJ better than the Seacamp, I am told (never shot a Seacamp).

J

[bamiller]

Had several and am sticking with my Kahr CM9. Good quality, reasonable priced, and a pocketable 9MM.