fish4bass101
New member
Kimber Solo. I carry one year round. My son and I both have one and we have never had one issue with either pistol. Love my SOLO!
Best "pocket" pistol
- Thread starter remdds
- Start date
tourproto
New member
You CC two LCPs? Just curious why?
Even with my Hogue rubber grip, I wouldn't want to one-hand fire the LCP unless I had no other choice. And certainly not with my weak hand...
If it is the lack of ammo, why not just carry an extra clip?
northstar19
New member
For back up. The first gun can jam, not just run out of ammo. Also, balance. One in each pocket, and I can carry more comfortably.
Discoveror
New member
Agreed. Unfortunately, while the 10 - 12 oz pocket mice (LCP, BodyGuard etc.) fit in small, tight pockets, the have insufficient weight to absorb the recoil of even a .380 ACP, which seems to require more like 17+ oz to tame it. Again unfortunately, a 17+ oz .380 (e.g. LC380) requires a good sized pocket e.g. a cargo pocket or coat pocket.
There are NO 9 mm choices suitable for pockets, since 9 mm requires closer to 2 lbs (27 - 32 oz) to tame the recoil ... which will drag one's pants down like a plumber's crack! :man_in_love:
RxDoc
Rxdoc
Consider two of the most popular "pocket pistols". I have both - Revolver, a Ruger KLCR .357mag/.38spl. I know you are not a Ruger fan, but this is not your typical Ruger. Variable ammo choices, lightweight (17oz), reliable, sleek (no catchy parts), and fun to shoot. As for a Semi-Auto - Kahr CM9. Has 9mm power, lightweight, compact, reliable, and reasonably priced. Both are excellent, accurate, and durable, best in each class, IMHO. Good luck.
northstar19
New member
"Agreed. Unfortunately, while the 10 - 12 oz pocket mice (LCP, BodyGuard etc.) fit in small, tight pockets, the have insufficient weight to absorb the recoil of even a .380 ACP, which seems to require more like 17+ oz to tame it. Again unfortunately, a 17+ oz .380 (e.g. LC380) requires a good sized pocket e.g. a cargo pocket or coat pocket."
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Discoveror, I think you are exactly right. Therefore, I advocate the "double eagle" grip for such pocket guns as the KelTec P3AT and the Ruger LCP. Thumbs crossing over, with the left forefinger wrapped around the trigger guard. (Or right forefinger, for lefthanders.) This grip not only helps to handle the recoil, but also gives extra leverage to pull the extra long trigger. Makes a world of difference.
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Discoveror, I think you are exactly right. Therefore, I advocate the "double eagle" grip for such pocket guns as the KelTec P3AT and the Ruger LCP. Thumbs crossing over, with the left forefinger wrapped around the trigger guard. (Or right forefinger, for lefthanders.) This grip not only helps to handle the recoil, but also gives extra leverage to pull the extra long trigger. Makes a world of difference.
Happypuppy
New member
" Therefore, I advocate the "double eagle" grip for such pocket guns as the KelTec P3AT and the Ruger LCP. Thumbs crossing over, with the left forefinger wrapped aound the trigger guard. (Or right forefinger, for lefthanders.) This grip not only helps to handle the recoil, but also gives extra leverage to pull the extra long trigger. Makes a world of difference."
I have never heard or read of this grip I will have to try it. I use the revolver grip. It works well , but I am always looking for something better.
Still, I don't find these pocket pistols that bad to shoot. I shoot both my bodyguard and LCP ( houge grip on LCP and Talon on the Bodyguard if it matters) all the time with one hand as well. It's slower to get back on target than 2 hands but really for myself I just hold it tight
Go Seahawks!
I have never heard or read of this grip I will have to try it. I use the revolver grip. It works well , but I am always looking for something better.
Still, I don't find these pocket pistols that bad to shoot. I shoot both my bodyguard and LCP ( houge grip on LCP and Talon on the Bodyguard if it matters) all the time with one hand as well. It's slower to get back on target than 2 hands but really for myself I just hold it tight
Go Seahawks!
remdds
New member
I was thinking of waiting on the Beretta Pico for that reason. When I go IWB (on the hip in a paddle) its my Sig 225, Kimber Compact or my Glock 21. I was looking for pocket carry as hot weather and/or backup carry.
nontechguy
New member
I pocket carry a Keltec P32 in a Blackhawk #1 pocket holster. Never any issues.
I will say it is my BUG to my 45.
I will say it is my BUG to my 45.
northstar19
New member
The KelTec P32 is a wonderful little pistol. I own two of those and used to carry them daily. But I finally got tired of discussing with others the possibility of rimlock and how to work around it. And whether the round was even effective for defense. So I upgraded to the Ruger LCP in .380. The LCP is about the same size as the P32. And about the same weight. The .380 ammo hits harder and, surprisingly, costs about the same. I still love that little P32, though.
I have only been carrying for a couple of months and currently carry a Ruger LCP in either a Blackhawk pocket holster or High Noon Split Decision IWB. I am looking at moving up to the Beretta Nano but really like the light weight of the LCP. It isn't a "go to the range gun" but when I carry it is easy to deep conceal and doesn't make me feel like Wyatt Earp while I'm walking through the mall.
remdds
New member
Went to the gun show today. I must say that Sig in .380 looks and feels awfully sweet. Didn't care for the Nano like I thought I would. And the Ruger LCP was nice too, though I hear a lot of problems exist w/ it. And the Pico may not be on shelves for months... So now I am more undecided. Ruger, reliability? Sig, $$$? Pico, time? Get all three, wife? Hah!
Happypuppy
New member
I really wanted to like the Sig. It just did not work for me. Too big & heavy with too much stuff to snag in use, so I sold it off. Up close and personal I want it to be sneaky fast ( pocket draw after all) with a smooth draw.
I added a LCP and a bodyguard with the proceeds.
The sights on the SIG are really nice and what sold me I think on it. However I wanted the pastor to pocket carry and those great sights snagged in some slacks for me.
The SIG was over 15 ounces vs the LCP at 9 1/2 oz. And the bodyguard at 12 oz and had a laser ( if it's important to you) That huge in your pocket.
Width the SIG was 1.1. That's wider than my Shield was. The LCP was .82 and the bodyguard was a skinny .75
The way I finally looked at it was these are small up and personal defensive pistols. Anything more get a bigger pistol. The main (only perhaps) big plus is size and weight. Change that and it's not the right choice IMO.
The way I carry is the LCP is only pocket carry in a wallet holster. I can wear tailored fitted slacks and nothing can be seen with the pleats. Poor ( may as well not exist) sights , nothing to snag
The bodyguard I carry either pocket in jeans or appendix tucked or very rarely in a Winthrop IWB at 4:00. It is in visible and even in tight slacks just looks like a paperback book.
Both I have found very reliable. Neither likes the Tulla or Herters .380 ammo. Both are labored with federal hydra Shok SD ammo that tests very well and I have yet to have any misfire, misfeeds with either using it.
This is what works for myself in a professional business ( suit and tie) environment. I have to do public / group speaking on occasion and I don't even like the Bodyguard paperback book look on those days; hence the LCP days. The needs you have maybe ( probably ) are different so your milage may well vary and the SIG could work great for you. I didn't have a single operation issue with it.
Bottom line is there is not a best as a generic. Dress, use etc all have to be considered.
Go Seahawks!
I added a LCP and a bodyguard with the proceeds.
The sights on the SIG are really nice and what sold me I think on it. However I wanted the pastor to pocket carry and those great sights snagged in some slacks for me.
The SIG was over 15 ounces vs the LCP at 9 1/2 oz. And the bodyguard at 12 oz and had a laser ( if it's important to you) That huge in your pocket.
Width the SIG was 1.1. That's wider than my Shield was. The LCP was .82 and the bodyguard was a skinny .75
The way I finally looked at it was these are small up and personal defensive pistols. Anything more get a bigger pistol. The main (only perhaps) big plus is size and weight. Change that and it's not the right choice IMO.
The way I carry is the LCP is only pocket carry in a wallet holster. I can wear tailored fitted slacks and nothing can be seen with the pleats. Poor ( may as well not exist) sights , nothing to snag
The bodyguard I carry either pocket in jeans or appendix tucked or very rarely in a Winthrop IWB at 4:00. It is in visible and even in tight slacks just looks like a paperback book.
Both I have found very reliable. Neither likes the Tulla or Herters .380 ammo. Both are labored with federal hydra Shok SD ammo that tests very well and I have yet to have any misfire, misfeeds with either using it.
This is what works for myself in a professional business ( suit and tie) environment. I have to do public / group speaking on occasion and I don't even like the Bodyguard paperback book look on those days; hence the LCP days. The needs you have maybe ( probably ) are different so your milage may well vary and the SIG could work great for you. I didn't have a single operation issue with it.
Bottom line is there is not a best as a generic. Dress, use etc all have to be considered.
Go Seahawks!
Discoveror
New member
At the range, I've tried/compared the LCP, Bodyguard, Sig P238 and Kahr P380. Though the Karh weighs similarly to the LCP and Bodyguard, the Kahr has noticeably less perceived recoil than the LCP or Bodyguard. The Kahr CW380 is more reasonably priced than the P380 ... and is just as good, if you can find one.
The Sig P238 is far more comfortable to shoot than the other three.
Getting a grip on any of these pocket mice is my biggest challenge, since my fingers (which will 'palm' a basketball) dig back into my palm. The first time trying the Sig P238, the range officer was suprised that I could decorate a pie plate with the P238 at 25 yards; it's SWEET. It's weight (just over 17 oz, loaded) is nearly perfect for .380 ACP. However, as 'HappyPuppy' pointed out, the Sig P238 has as many things to snag as one might imagine ... AND it requires the extra step of knocking off the safety, when carrying 'cocked & locked', 1911 style, as designed/intended.
As a result of the above learnings, I got a Kahr P380 ... and put a Packmayr rubber slip-on with kitchen-cabinet net padding underneath the Packmayr - to lengthen the trigger reach for those long fingers. Configured that way and loaded, it weighs 13.95 oz on the (11 lb max) kitchen scale. It shoots as comfortably as one could expect from a pocket mouse.
For deep enough pockets (e.g. cargo pocket or coat pocket), the Ruger LC380 weighs a few ounces more (17.5 oz + 2.3 oz for 7 .380 ACP) than the Sig P238 ... say 20 oz, loaded, to offer nice range practice, as well. If you have the pocket length (say 6.5" with holster) and pocket strength to bear the 20 oz, the Ruger LC380 is by far the most comfortable and controlable shooter.
truckinfavis
New member
I use my keltec p32 with the belt clip never any issues. Except Snohomish county court house will not allow storage of any firearms without a holster. That rule was just started by the way. For 10 years no issues till my last visit two weeks ago. I was asked to leave.
