Pocket Pistols

Q

Quantum Singularity

New member
I don't know much about pocket pistols but I might want to buy one just to add to my collection. What are the best quality pistols/makes/models in pocket pistols for the following calibers?

.22 LR?
.25 ACP?
.32 ACP?
 
Well, for value for the money and reliability, I just don't think the Taurus TP-22 can be beaten.

My has been tremendously reliable, except with some cheap-end CCI .22s which wouldn't fire regularly on the first strike.

I've shot mostly Winchester Wildcat through it, and in about 2,000 rounds, it hasn't bobbled once on that particular ammo.

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Beware the man with the S&W .357 Mag.
Chances are he knows how to use it.
 
I think that I would rather step to .38 in +P in an all steel snubbie. Like a S&W model 36 or a model 49 (649 in stainless) There is also the .38 Charter Arms Undercover which also comes with a bobbed hammer. All of the guns listed are well suited to side pocket carry. They also produce enough energy and velocity to produce one shot stops with proper placement. I personally like to carry an Original Charter Arms .44 Bulldog, in a side pocket holster. I like the extra punch that the .44 special delivers. But what really matters is what feels good in your hand and what you can shoot well. You might consider going to a pistol range and renting the guns you like if that is possible. It's
always better when you can handle a gun and see how it feels and points and which guns you seem to shoot the best. Remember,with these lil' belly guns ya only get 5 chances to nail the BG,so you want something reliable and that you can shoot accurately. This is just my slant on pocket pistols. I wish you luck with whatever you decide on.


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***Torpedo***
It's a good life if you can survive it!
 
Torpedo,

Thanks for the advice. Your right of course about snubbies being a better defense choice. However, my Glock 26 is smaller than most snubbies anyway. This won't be for defense, I just want a pocket pistol to add to my collection while they are still legal--Kalifornias new safety laws will make most pocket pistols illegal after 2000. When I say pocket pistol, I mean a small mousegun semi-auto type or NAA Mini revolver-- not a bulky snub-nose revolver. I won't shoot it often nor would I even consider using it for defense (thats what the G26 is for)...I think it would just be cool to own a true pocket pistol. I am also considering a NAA mini-revolver...
 
The Beretta Jetfires (.25 ACP) and Tomcats (.32 ACP) are classy little pistols. I got the Beretta just because it was NEAT... now I carry it all the time... actually there's no excuse to NOT carry a gun like that. But you said yer in Cali right? Argh... get outa there!

Ben

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Almost Online IM: BenK911
ICQ # 53788523
"Gun Control Is Being Able To Hit Your Target" http://ben.gunsnet.net

[This message has been edited by Ben (edited September 23, 2000).]
 
For my thirteenth christmas my dad got me a beretta model 21 in 22lr.It has never jammed and I carried it on my trapline for several years and it did its job.It is not accurate but you can't expect that from a pocket pistol.Once I took 4 shots to hit a possum from point plank range.But that was rare and if you get one I'm sure it will do its job.
 
Hmmm, an Autauga or a NAA Guardian would suit the purpose. A Seecamp would be the ultimate. A Keltec in .32 would work.

I would go with one of those four barrelled Derringers if I wasn't going to be using it seriously, or a .45 ACP Simmerling.
 
i like my little 25 phoenix,had a well worn browning that i liked too,my buddy loves his little american arms 22.in the federal arms catalog they have a 5 shot 45 lc/410 derringer for 109$ i been thinking of for a mini blaster1 763 780 8780 for a catalog.......
 
Quantum,
I like pocket pistols and have a small collection of them. Pocket pistols have their place.
In the calibers you asked about:
.22-I go with the NAA Mini in .22 long rifle. It's smaller than the magnum and more fun to shoot.
.32-I like the NAA Guardian and the Kel-Tec P-32. The Guardian is heavier and a little more ammo sensitive, however it works great with Silvertips or Fiocchi FMJ/HP and carries well in a Hedley back pocket holster. The P-32 fires everything I've tried and feels light as a feather in my front pocket.
.25-This one is no contest. A Beretta stainless Jetfire loaded with Magsafe's. I've tried the little test they suggest where you tape a sealed package of corned beef to a milk jug full of water and shoot at it. When the .25 cal Magsafe hits it, well, you'll be convinced. Jetfires weigh about 9 ounces. This is the pocket pistol that I carry most often.
Hope all this helps.
For me, it would be difficult to live in California. I'd be arrested immediately!

Will

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Mendacity is the system we live in.

[This message has been edited by WLM (edited September 23, 2000).]
 
Thanks for all the replies. Everyone has been very helpful so far. I won't be considering a .45 acp derringer (too much recoil for a pocket pistol and not fun to plink). I like the NAA's a lot and might look into that or the Jetfire/Bobcat Berettas or the Taurus PT22 as many people like these models.

Oh, I'd even consider a pre-agreement S&W 2214-- the one I shot was very accurate for a pocket .22 and it shot and handled like a full size gun. Despite my problems with S&W centerfire semi-autos, I find the rimfires to be reasonably well put together.

[This message has been edited by Quantum Singularity (edited September 23, 2000).]
 
Quantum,
I forgot to add this. You may already know, however the Jetfire is smaller than the 21. The Jetfire is also single action and the 21 is double. I've been thinking of getting my wife a 21 in .25ACP. When she walks the dogs at night she almost never straps her Taurus .38 on. A pocket "mouse" is called for.
And, I do think the .25ACP is a better round for these small pistols. It's a centerfire and mine seem to just "shoot harder" than the .22LR. (My opinion, I'm sure others feel differently.)

Will
 
For use, go with the Kel Tec P-32. Tiny, super-light, and reliable.

For collecting, go with the Autauga Arms .32, as they've discontinued making them. I've not fired one, but the workmanship is very nice.
 
i've got 2 autaugas, one unfired. the remaining inventory was sold by autauga to a distributor who is now selling them for $250 i've read here on TFL. don't know if they are still available.
a great bargain if you can get one, autauga still fully warranties them. they now stick to custom rifles which was & is their main business.
the one i've shot has been 100% reliable with silvertips & federal hydra-shoks. a person at the company says most of them use gold dots. autauga says to use hollowpoint only.
 
If choosing between 22LR, 25ACP, and 32ACP, I would stick with the 22LR. I was looking at a little ballistic info yesterday and the transfer of energy of a 22LR seems to fall between a 32ACP and a 380. The velocity is around that of a 357 Magnum. Keep in mind though, there are alot of variables involved. The ballistic chart I was looking at only included centerfire handgun rounds and the info I got on the 22LR was stated by manufacturer. They are probably rifle velocities so figure on taking a little off for the shorter barrel.
 
When looking at .22 LR velocities, take at least one third to one half off for a 2" to 4" barrel.

See velocity tables for .22 LR in 4" revolver. http://www.naaminis.com/mmlrvel.html
and compare them to manufacturer's velocities which usually are for rifles.

Overall, from a short barrel, figure the .22 LR as roughly equivalent to the .25acp and the .22 mag as equivalent to the .32acp with hotter Fiocchi or Sellier & Bellot ammo.
 
I'll have to toss in on the side of the Keltec P32. Light, flat, and shoots a much better round than either the .22 or .25. Note that I'm supposing that you are considering this for defense, if it's just for fun, you may want a .22 for cheap ammo.
 
Yes, this is going to be a "fun" gun. I decided on some kind of NAA mini revolver in .22 LR (since ammo is cheap).

Any comments on which NAA Mini .22 LR is the best model/barrel length? What kind of recoil can I expect on the NAA .22 LR? I heard they kick hard for a .22?

[This message has been edited by Quantum Singularity (edited September 23, 2000).]
 
My .25 Beretta Jetfire has been absolutely reliable will all kinds of ammo. Personally, in a caliber that small, I stick with FMJ ammo (for maximum penetration and fedding reliability).

Always looking for another mouse gun, I've been doing research on the NAA Guardian and the Keltec P32. Unfortunately, though many will swear by these particular pieces, reviews have been mixed.

Maybe I'll just stick with my Kahr MK9, which, even though it isn't in the caliber you are inquiring about, is my choice for the best (albeit large) pocket gun.
 
I love my little Beretta Tomcat .32acp for carrying to Church and social events on these hot Texas days when a person must dress light. I have fed a variety of ammo through this little jewel with no failures. I use Winchester Silvertips when I carry.
Jim Hall
 
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