pocket carry recommendation.

S

StarfuryZeta

New member
I was looking into getting a pocket carry weapon. From what I've read, the Keltec P32 comes most highly recommended. My question is how does it fit in the hand? I am a large guy (6'3, 300#). My most comfortable grip handgun is my Beretta 96, but it is quite large to be carrying around in the coming warm weather (I live in Florida). Would it be wise to look into getting mags with the grip extension? Should I skip the P32 and look into something a bit larger? Hopefully, the local shop will have one back in stock soon so I can size it up...and not the light blue one, either :p .

Thanks.

John
 
Guess it all depends on the size of your hands. You'll probably be able to tell best by what feels comfortable to you. The P-32 is a little bit larger than 2 of the pocket alternatives, the Seecamp and Guardian .32. You've probably got larger pockets than us smaller guys. Maybe a .380 or small 9MM might be a good choice as well. The Kel-Tec P-11 and some of the polymer Kahrs might be an option.
 
A S&W 442 in a Kramer holster works well, for me. It can be drawn with two fingers and a thumb quite quickly, and I often forget that I have it.

Good luck.
 
I have pretty big hands, and my P-32 does feel a little small. But it carries so nicely that I forgive it.

Actually, as I have gotten used to it, I enjoy it more. I actually have fun plinking with it, now.

You can put an aftermarket grip on it (Agrip, and I thinkthe smallest Hogue slip-on), but that will affect carry-ability slightly, too.
 
A pocket carry gun for you may be a bit larger than for the rest of us, but since you are in Florida light weight clothing is the order of the day. I use a S&W 342, Kahr MK9 (only with heavy pants for support), and will use the upcoming PM9. You might check the currently available P9 or P9 Covert, the Covert would easily fit in your pocket though you would probably prefer the longer grip of the standard P9.
 
Since you live in Florida and you will need something that you can carry in such a warm climate, check out the P-32 which weighs in at a feathery 6.6 oz. I carry mine in a wallet holster in my back pocket and I don't even notice it's there until I need it. The P-32 will be your always with you no matter how you're dressed gun, you could even conceal it in a bathing suit. Oh and get the hard chomed slide model due sweat rusting your gun.
7th
 
I'm a big guy too: 6'6" 295lbs - can conceal a soda can in my fist. I sold my P32 a while back (reliability issues and I didn't want to spend any more time messing with it).

Regarding the grip. I bought the 10 round magazine with the grip extension. Using the 10 round magazine I had to be careful to get a solid grip, but it was good from that point out. Without the extension, follow up shots were tricky. I had to really concentrate on *pinching* the gun rather than gripping it. Even then, the squirrly little thing tended to torque up a little with each shot.

As I said though, no problems with the extension on the 10 round mag.
 
I'm only about 5'5", and go about .1 ton....

a short barrelled M10 S&W fits in the right front pocket of my jeans.

You should be able to hide at least that.
 
Looks like the P32 is the way to go, depending on the grip.

I noticed that you can get a belt clip for it. I have a knife that I carry with the belt clip, but in my back pocket. Its really convenient and it fits very nice.

So, should it be a pocket holster, or will the belt clip work?

Thanks again.

John
 
For best pocket concealment use a pocket holster holster, The clip is better for IWB.

I love the P-32, but feal better with a larger round, For pocket carry I have used a kahr mk-9, glock 26, S&W lightweight J's.

My current pocket piece is a AMT DAO 380, same size as the kel-tec p-32 but weights about 3x more, still light enough for pocket carry at 18oz, and the 380 rd has slightly more punch.

I would also look at the alloy sig. 232, and possibly the new S&W/walther ppk that will be out in a few months.
 
I strongly suggest a good pocket holster although the pocket clip works for some. The P-32 pocket clip is way toward the back of the gun so carry is very low in the pocket. Good for concealment but may be hard to grip in a hurry.

RE: the ten round mag. I found the grip extension too long with the ten round mag for good pocket carry. (The ten round mags I've tried had reliability issues also.) My favorite is the Plus One Mag Extension. These give you 7 +1 rounds and a little longer grip. I use a Plus One on the mag in the gun and on the two spares also.

When the P-32 is backup for my Glock, I carry zero or one spare mag for the P-32. When the P-32 is my primary and I can't conceal anything bigger, I carry two spare mags.

Alan W.
 
I live in Florida, and carry front pocket every day. Have carried the P32 in the Uncle Mikes #1. You forget that it is there, and shows no print with most pants. I prefer my S&W model 638, with the Uncle Mikes #3, loaded with Nyclad 158 SWHP. More stopping power per round, and not that much bigger or heavier. When I need ultimate concealment I go with a NAA .22 magnum mini revolver in the front pocket. Sometimes a mini in both front pockets.
 
Used to carry a Colt Pony Pocketlite in my front pocket. Fired it about 500 rounds without a single failure. The finish was the only bad thing about the gun. The powder like finish on the frame wears off very easily, and looked bad after a while. Sorry that I ever sold it though. A good carry piece.
 
Wow, so many options to choose from. *sigh* Now I'll just have to get over to the shop and fondle all of these little weapons. Didn't even consider the colt. even read up on small glocks. decisions, decisions.
 
Here's a followup

Was able to get to the shop today. They had a P32. It was just too small. My pointer and thumb was securely around it. My middle finger was okay. I couldn't get my ring finger on it. There was no way that I could grip it comfortablely . :(
I moved on to some of the more compact, larger caliber autos. I tried a small Glock 9mm(26, I believe). Pinky was off the end, even with a magazine finger rest installed on it.
I liked the Kahr in 9mm. One of the guys at the shop carries that in a pocket holster.
I held a PT145. Wow, this little guy actually felt nice. I had no information on it, so I decided to come back and read up. Good thing I did (ie, the frame cracking issue).
I wanted to try a Glock 30 or 36, but they sold the last one over the weekend. The HK USP .45 compact beckoned, but not at that price.
So, I think I want the Kahr. A friend has one, so I'm going to ask if I can shoot it this week. I do want to feel the Glock 30 and Glock 36, though.
*sigh*
I can see where this is going. Before this is over, I'll be getting another full-size auto. :D
 
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