My next gun is going to be a Pug, but just because I like its looks and have been looking for a small .22 mag for a while. I voted, however, for the LCP because it offers you the most powerful round of the trio. I personally pocket carry a Kahr PM9; not much bigger and an excellent SD round.
I carry the PM9 almost always and the Ruger LCP when wearing dress slacks, etc...the 442 when I want to mix in some snake shot. The Seecamp, almost never. If I could afford the Seecamp .380..that would replace the LCP and Seecamp .32. I owned a NAA .22 mag Black Widowfor a while, with a PUG grip on it. I found it very difficult to manipulate, and can't imagine depending on my abilities with it in a stress situation.
For pocket carry, I would definitely prefer something more along the pedigree of a Beretta subcompact. The LCP, and other like .380s, to me seem a bit on the larger side for pocket carry, but my pants are a bit tighter than others. When using something like an LCP, I'd prefer IWB, personally. But, we all have different preferences, pant sizes and comforts. So, my advice may be completely moot.
Given the choices, I voted LCP.
I have owned and fired back-to-back a P32 and a P3AT.
The obvious difference in power convinced me that I would never trust my life to a .32.
In all honesty, I don't carry/trust a .380 either, but I do own an LCP, and have not sold it yet...so I may carry it some day. The .32? Not a chance.
The lcp is the lightest, smallest pocket .380 on the market. I can carry mine, in my pocket, while I'm wearing shorts, tank top, and flip flops with no issues.
lambertsteeth is right, the LCP can carry in a pocket holster in jean shorts with a t-shirt on top. I carry mine this way in hot weather. I recently bought a Don Hume JIT Slide holster to get the LCP on my belt instead of the pocket. The LCP hides well, such as under an untucked shirt. Pocket carry presents access issues when you're seated.
As others have noted, the LCP is not much fun to shoot at the range, but I doubt any of the others on the list are either.
I'm not going to get into the debate of cartridge effectiveness.
The LCP & P32 & P3AT are all very good highly concealable handguns. However, for true pocket carry, the NAA Minis are the only ones that you can have in the pocket of a pair of light shorts without having it drag down or swing your pocket when walking.
With that said, the P32 with the belt clip accessory is also very concealable. BTW, the LCP will accept the Kel-Tec's P32/P3AT clip with a little modification/tweaking. The NAA Guardian is the heaviest of the bunch and will definitely drag down/swing in a light pair of shorts.
If you're wearing a pair of jeans then the LCP/P32/P3AT/NAA Guardian/PF9 will all work.
great scot
Help me pick a summer ccw for pocket
I'm looking for a true pocket gun for summer carry. I have a Smith 642 and it's just a little big for the pocket. I've listed the three guns I'm currently looking at. Thanks for the help.
Of the three I voted for the Ruger, but the best one you mentioned is the 642 you already have. I have the Kel-Tec P3AT and it's one big jam. Then got the Ruger LCP. It hasn't jammed yet, but I just don't trust small automatics. My favorite pocket pistol is the S&W 638, brother to your 642. I know it will always go BANG when I need it.