Best semi-auto Pocket pistol?
- Thread starter steeps09
- Start date
I carried a P3AT for many years but recently switched over to a LCP. I had a Bodyguard 380 which had to go back to the factory twice (broken trigger and take-down pin) and the laser still didn't work right. I traded it in. Over on the Bodyguard380 forum there are many reports of light strikes and many more problems with the laser. The BG380 would be my last choice -- they just don't have the bugs worked out yet. I just picked up a Sig P238 yesterday for a range gun (at 15oz it's too heavy for pocket carry IMO) and I'll be darned if the right rear tritium sight isn't burned out. So... I think the Ruger LCP is the best buy for the money.
zombieslayer
New member
I see. Folks are always talking about putting less than compact guns in a pants pocket, my mind flashes to my size 32 levis. Its hard to fit much in the pockets. A small 380 is the largest I can fit and still get back out without squirming around.
That sounds like my son. He has a 30=32" waist now, it was 29 when he was 19, but he has 'grown' a bit since he got married. A Rohrbaugh works for him. Jeans are a bit tight if you are wearing Levi's 501, 505, or 517, but I wear tactical pants daily and there is plenty of room. My son wears cargo shorts and they are baggy enough.
S_Constitutionist
New member
I've been completely satisfied with a Keltec PF9 in a Nemesis holster - pockets vary well in Levi relaxed fit jeans. I liked the trigger better than the LC9.
Only 500 rounds though it, but no hiccups to speak of (I did do the fluff n buff). I swore I'd never own one, but I've really warmed up to Keltec. Hard to beat @ $230
Edit, I wear size 34 jeans, btw.
Only 500 rounds though it, but no hiccups to speak of (I did do the fluff n buff). I swore I'd never own one, but I've really warmed up to Keltec. Hard to beat @ $230
Edit, I wear size 34 jeans, btw.
http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf
S&W Bodyguard .380 ACP
Frame: Polymer
MSRP: $575
Operation : DAO, Slide Catch,
Manual Safety, Integrated Laser
Capacity: 6 +1
Barrel/Overall Length: 2.75/5.18”
Height: 3.77”
Width: 0.85”
Kahr 9 x 19 mm
Frame: Polymer
PM9093 Matte SS Slide $786
PM9094 Black SS Slide $837
CM9093 Matte SS Slide $565
Operation: DAO, Slide Catch
Capacity: 6 +1
Barrel/Overall Length: 3.0/5.68” (0.5" greater than above)
Height: 4.2” (0.5" greater than above)
Width: 1.08” (0.23" greater than above)
Diamondback DB380 .380 ACP
Frame: Stainless
MSRP: $430
Operation : DAO
Capacity: 6 +1
Barrel/Overall Length: 2.8/5.24”
Height: 3.77”
Width: 0.75”
I prefer a 9mm Para at a minimum for self-defense. Since the 9mm pistols are only marginally larger than the smallest .380's, it is a compromise I would make.
S&W Bodyguard .380 ACP
Frame: Polymer
MSRP: $575
Operation : DAO, Slide Catch,
Manual Safety, Integrated Laser
Capacity: 6 +1
Barrel/Overall Length: 2.75/5.18”
Height: 3.77”
Width: 0.85”
Kahr 9 x 19 mm
Frame: Polymer
PM9093 Matte SS Slide $786
PM9094 Black SS Slide $837
CM9093 Matte SS Slide $565
Operation: DAO, Slide Catch
Capacity: 6 +1
Barrel/Overall Length: 3.0/5.68” (0.5" greater than above)
Height: 4.2” (0.5" greater than above)
Width: 1.08” (0.23" greater than above)
Diamondback DB380 .380 ACP
Frame: Stainless
MSRP: $430
Operation : DAO
Capacity: 6 +1
Barrel/Overall Length: 2.8/5.24”
Height: 3.77”
Width: 0.75”
I prefer a 9mm Para at a minimum for self-defense. Since the 9mm pistols are only marginally larger than the smallest .380's, it is a compromise I would make.
Glockfan36
New member
I bought the P3AT, I also have a P32. Iwouldn't have a PF-9 under ANY circumstances. If I'm going to pocket carry a 9mm, it would be a P-11. Otherwise, I'll forget pocket carry altogether and carry my Glock AIWB- that's whatI usually do anyways. I do need to pick up another P-11, though, I really miss that one.
After much shopping around and holding most of the very same pistols mentioned in this thread I had to go with the Kel-Tec P11. I have big hands and the .380's out there are just too small for me to hold on to. I was going to get a Kel-Tec P32 but noticed that it wasn't that much smaller than the
P11. I thought there is no way I can pocket carry it though, thinking it was too big.
Went to the local indoor range yesterday to kill some time and slipped it in the front pocket of my cargo shorts. Walked around in there for 15 min and no one noticed.
So I got a small enough gun to pocket carry in 9mm that will still fit well in my hand without having to resort to a mouse sized .380 or .32...pretty happy.
P11. I thought there is no way I can pocket carry it though, thinking it was too big.
Went to the local indoor range yesterday to kill some time and slipped it in the front pocket of my cargo shorts. Walked around in there for 15 min and no one noticed.
So I got a small enough gun to pocket carry in 9mm that will still fit well in my hand without having to resort to a mouse sized .380 or .32...pretty happy.
donavonmaxwell
Inactive
B T 380
Although it's not really a pocket pistol,my vote is for the Bersa Thunder .380...With a nice holster,you can carry around 7+1 or 9+1 and it is a great gun,not much recoil,and quite accurate.....And I have one,It's the bee's knees...Really,no one knows you have it on you......Or get a snub-nose .38 special with 158 gr. LSWCHP with a nice holster.....Yup!
Although it's not really a pocket pistol,my vote is for the Bersa Thunder .380...With a nice holster,you can carry around 7+1 or 9+1 and it is a great gun,not much recoil,and quite accurate.....And I have one,It's the bee's knees...Really,no one knows you have it on you......Or get a snub-nose .38 special with 158 gr. LSWCHP with a nice holster.....Yup!
Bought my BG 380 today at LGS for $399.00. Bought two holsters for it, Desantis and Mika. Mika holster is great! stays in pocket when the gun is removed. No print at all - looks like I'm carrying a large wallet.
Regarding the post about the BG still has quality issues, I guess that remains to be seen. I heard S&W beefed up the retainer pin detent to address the pin coming out after firing.
I plan on taking it to the range this weekend. One other note - I had to adjust the laser right out of the box - it was way off on elevation even though the owner's manual stated it was zero'ed prior to shipment.
Here's a link where it sells for $299.00, one hundred dollars less than what I paid!
http://www.slickguns.com/category/hand-guns
Regarding the post about the BG still has quality issues, I guess that remains to be seen. I heard S&W beefed up the retainer pin detent to address the pin coming out after firing.
I plan on taking it to the range this weekend. One other note - I had to adjust the laser right out of the box - it was way off on elevation even though the owner's manual stated it was zero'ed prior to shipment.
Here's a link where it sells for $299.00, one hundred dollars less than what I paid!
http://www.slickguns.com/category/hand-guns
Saw a used, near new, AMT 45 BACKUP for $225 and decided to take a chance.
Read they were somewhat unreliable, so deburred, stoned, buffed, polished all internals, plus ramp and slide/frame channels and rails. Shoots flawlessly.
Smaller than a PPK or a J-frame, it pocket carrys OK but a good belt is required, its a couple of ounces heavier than a PPK.
The AMT is DAO, (hate), robust yet smooth trigger pull, and accurate, see pic, one-inch group, which is much better that I can do with an R9...and its a 45 which is a decent SD round.
Read they were somewhat unreliable, so deburred, stoned, buffed, polished all internals, plus ramp and slide/frame channels and rails. Shoots flawlessly.
Smaller than a PPK or a J-frame, it pocket carrys OK but a good belt is required, its a couple of ounces heavier than a PPK.
The AMT is DAO, (hate), robust yet smooth trigger pull, and accurate, see pic, one-inch group, which is much better that I can do with an R9...and its a 45 which is a decent SD round.
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When you consider concealability, price and performance it is hard to beat the Ruger LCP and the Kel-tec P3at. When I was in the market for a pocket gun nearly 2 years ago I really was leaning towards the Kahr PM-9. When I went to the gun shop that is the gun I thought I would be walking out with until I pocketed it and then pocketed the LCP. I know its hard to believe but it was truly like night and day. As small as the PM-9 was it still felt like a brick in my front pocket. The LCP on the other hand felt like a thick wallet. I changed my mind at that point as the entire reason I was making this purchase was for a "pocket" gun and in my opinion I had found a true pocket gun....I went with the LCP. I have been amazed at how accurate the litte thing is. I can shoot softball size groups withh it at 8 yards. It fits the bill nicely.