Pocket Pistols - Newbie

I don't expect one handgun or vehicle or pair of shoes to do everything I need it to do.

Something like an LCP is perfect for the very lightest clothing.

I like a snub 38 in my back pocket when I am walking the dog.

With heavier clothing I might bring along an LC9 or snub 44.

It's great to have options.

Oh, I very much prefer DAO with no safety. Murphy's Law is pretty clear that I will use a safety incorrectly in an emergency. I want a carry gun that is aim, squeeze, bang.
 
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The "comfort" issue is subjective. I have no issues with running 100 rounds through my LCP in a range session. Reliabity has been absolutely 100%, and accuracy, for what it is, is plenty acceptable.
That being said, if re oil is and issue, you might consider stepping down to a 32acp like the Kel-Tec p32.
What ever you de ide,po ket pistol doesn't mean in a pocket alone. A good pocket holster will keep the gun oriented properly for a good draw, and protect the trigger from any unintended forces that might cause an unintended discharge.
 
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I have a SIG P938 and a Glock 43. The Glock is not a pocket pistol, unless you're talking about cargo pockets or pockets in a carry vest.

I can put the P938 in a pocket holster and put it in the front pocket of my jeans. Normally, I carry the P938 in a clip-on belt holster as it's far more comfortable when driving a vehicle than having it in a front pocket.

The P938, equipped with Hogue rubber grips, has less felt recoil than the G43 as the rubber grips do a lot to reduce perceived recoil.

Although the P938 and P238 have an ambidextrous safety, the slide lock/release is still on the left side. For someone who is left handed, that is not the best ergonomic layout for the controls.

You can certainly get used to, and train to use the left side slide lock/release, but I'd look for a pistol that has ambidextrous slide release (if possible) as one of the features as that will make operating the gun easier for you.
 
I had a P238 but it wasn't dependable. I traded it straight up for a PM9, which is the same size-wise as the CM9 that I have now. Every Kahr I've had (6) has been utterly dependable. I ran 200 fmj's and 50 +p hp's thru the CM9 last week with zero issues. Recoil is not an issue. A grip sleeve is a must on a polymer Kahr due to the harsh surface. That was the first thing I added after getting this CM9. Dependability has to be #1 followed by accuracy.
 
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I don't expect one handgun or vehicle or pair of shoes to do everything I need it to do.
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Exactly. This is why when I hear someone say they want a pocket pistol that I suggest getting a really small gun like the keltec, bodyguard, or LCP. If concealability, lightweight, etc are a concern then get the small pocket mouse sized guns. If they want something with more power then step up to the 10-12 rounders like a glock 26/glock 19. The sig 238/glock 42 are in between a true pocket pistol and a compact sized gun. They wont fit in your pocket and wont really conceal better iwb than a glock 26.
 
I carry a PF9 and is a great gun. It does exactly what I want it to do. Fun to shoot, not so much....
 
For 380 I have settled on Kahr CW-380 and CT-380. I really like the CT-380!

I have had a Glock 42 and several LCP's and a PPK. The 42 and LCP I just did not like shooting them and the PPK is heavy and not reliable enough. The CT-380 fits my needs when I carry 380.
 
Kentucky there is not a bad choice among those. If price were no object, understand this is my perspective but if I were buying the gun my choices in order would be 1. The Sig 2. The Glock. 3. The Kahr. If price is an object simply reverse my choices. If I am limiting the duties solely to pocket carry the Kahr gets the nod. These are just my preferences, yours and anyone else's will probably vary if they spent some time with them.

Try and rent them to see if you like them.
 
Carry Guns?

Welcome Kentucky,hope you can handle and fire these:LCP, LCR(revolver),LC9s,and Glock42.24/7 use and no problems in DeSantis Nemisis pocket holsters.An expierienced friend is big help here!:D Skeets
 
The sig 238/glock 42 are in between a true pocket pistol and a compact sized gun. They wont fit in your pocket and wont really conceal better iwb than a glock 26.
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Pocket sizes vary, I guess, and different folks report pocket carrying all of those. I have a G26 and I can't pocket carry it in anything except cargo shorts, and it is still a bit bulky even then. My LGS indulged me in allowing me to pocket a G42 when I was looking for a pocket pistol, and it didn't work for me, although more folks say they pocket it than the G26. I pocket carry a P238 pretty easily, though. Sweet shooter, too.
 
I've posted to TFL a few times about how much I'm really enjoying my Walther PPS M2 9mm. There isn't one thing I'd change out if the box on this one, other than to buy a few extra 8 round magazines. I would encourage anyone seeking an EDC gun that hits the targets really well to seriously consider one of these. Use the 6 round magazine for carrying it, and the 8 round magazines for shooting it.
 
I have a couple of the handguns that you have referred to, and have shot many of the others. For me, there is a real difference in what each one can do well. I'm lucky enough to have several that I can choose from in different situations.

I carry crossdraw IWB, or in the pocket. My thoughts on what I carry and some that I don't...

In more "dangerous" situations, I can carry my SIG P245, XDm 45 compact, or XD mod 2 9mm IWB. These, of course, are much too large for pocket carry.

My Kahr CM9 is probably the most carried handgun I own. Very small, lightweight, highly concealable, inexpensive, shoots great, and has been 100% reliable. In larger size pockets, you can pull off pocket carry with a decent belt and holster, but is just slightly big for that.

I usually carry my SIG P238 IWB Crossdraw in situations where concealability is the greatest concern. It just disappears along the waistline. I like it enough that it is the only handgun that I own that has a manual safety. The Ooohs and Aaaahs just flow everytime anyone shoots this gun. A phenomenally sweet shooter. It is better as a pocket pistol than my Kahr CM9, but it actually weighs just about the same, so can be a just slightly heavy for that role.

The truest "pocket" pistol that I own is the Taurus TCP. I call this my "dirt" gun. This is the one that gets dropped in a pocket (with a pocket holster, of course) on a quick trip to the store, while wearing gym shorts, doing the dirty work out on the property, or believe it or not, even wearing PJ's around the house. It is extremely light, thin, and you can totally forget it is even there.
The TCP is the handgun that keeps me armed almost all of the time. It has been utterly reliable in my male friends hands, but I've seen several FTE in some female's hands...so I think it is sensitive to being limp-wristed. I bought it for one reason and one reason only over the Kahr CW380 and Ruger LCP; I had a coupon at Cabela's and was able to purchase it for about a hundred bucks.
I've never understood the little Glock 380; it is a 380 the size of my Kahr 9mm.

Happy handgun hunting!
 
pocket pistol

Look at the Taurus TCP .380 perfect size weighs 10.2 oz. good trigger action and very reliable.
I carry in shorts in a holster with extra mag. So comfortable I forget it's there.
Accurate and easy to shoot. Priced right at around $225
 
IMO pocket pistols are only necessary if one frequently dresses without a belt. If that is the case you want something that will literally go in the pocket and that means .32 or .380. My choice would be the Keltec P32, P3AT, or Kahr CW380. Even the little .32 isn't a lot of fun to shoot many practice rounds through.

If you're talking about easily concealed your world opens up immensely. As long as you're wearing pants or shorts with a belt you would be surprised what most people can easily conceal. Heavier recoil absorbing pistols with 3.5 to 4 inch barrels, even double stacks are fair game at that point. In 9 mil I would think hard about a TriStar C-100. Alloy frame keeps it on the lighter side for an all metal gun. Double stack and great at the range for throwing tons of practice lead downrange. The Bersa Thunder UC Pro is a little smaller and in the same ball park, also ambidextrous safety. If you don't mind plastic there are loads of choices in this category to choose from.
 
I have enjoyed having the Sig 238 for the past 8-10 years (have 3 actually) and more recently a P 938, both among the easiest shooting small pistols available. The Kimber Micro and Colt Mustang ( worst sights of the bunch) are also easy shooters. The G 42's that my buddy and i have are totally reliable and shoot with little recoil and good accuracy. My G 43 is just the opposite and has everything negative that i say positive about the G 42. I guess it is just me but I dislike that pistol so it is rarely fired these days. Recently i received a S&W Shield and that ugly little pistol is a real shooter, much much nicer than the G 43. I have no problem carrying any of those mentioned with a IWB kydex holster.
 
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