Small pistols?

[migikesagiri]

I was looking at getting one of the super small .380s like the Keltec P3AT, but they are kind of uncomfortable because I have fairly large hands. So I started looking at something more like the PF9 or a Beretta Nano. Still small, but slightly larger. I'm a pretty skinny guy (29" - 30" waist) so I would think that having a larger gun would be harder for me to conceal. Any thoughts for the thin guys with man hands?

 

[whodat2710]

I have large hands as well, and I use a Ruger LCP for a back up gun. It took a few trips to the range to get the feel of it, but it has a mag floor plate with a curved finger thingy (good nomenclature huh?) that helps you to grip it better with your two non-trigger fingers (since 3 won't fit)
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If you can go to a gun shop/range that rents guns and try a few. If you have a gun store with a range, you might even talk them into letting you try a few for free if you are committed to purchasing one of them.

 

[karch03]

I agree. I carry a Ruger LCP .380 and you really can't go wrong so long as you have proper self defense ammo loaded. I load a powerball as my first round then follow up with five Hornady criticals in the magazine.

 

[migikesagiri]

Thanks for the help. And I like the wording, whodat2710. haha
Another question now; do you guys carry your LCPs in your pocket, IWB, or OWB? I have no real experience with concealed carry so I'm not sure which way I'd like to go, but that one does seem small enough that it'd be relatively comfortable no matter how you carry. Also, how do you feel about the lack of "real" sights on the LCP after shooting it?

 

[farsidefan1]

Pocket works well but get a pocket holster or your pants will suffer. One with a hook design so it stays in your pocket when you draw.

 

[whodat2710]

Pocket, and yes get a holster. Not about your pocket, but because it protects the trigger from accidental discharge. It should also have a "base" that keeps it in drawing position while in your pocket. The Desantis Nemisis pictured is only about $20
Link Removed

 

[Jwharsh112]

I carry the Nano IWB and pocket in Orlando no problem.

 

[Peggy Reist]

Pocket works well but get a pocket holster or your pants will suffer. One with a hook design so it stays in your pocket when you draw.

I use the "Betty" holster for my LCP. Despite the name, it works for men as well as women. It's advertised as an IWB, but I usually carry it in my front pocket, just because it's more comfortable for me. Has a clip, adjustable cant, could wear it IWB with a tucked in shirt. The clip keeps it in place a little better than just a regular pocket holster, because all pockets are not created equal.

Betty - Inside the Waistband Tuckable Holster - GunGoddess.com

You can find it cheaper if you look around a little. I think I got mine on eBay for around $30.

 

[migikesagiri]

What material are the poket holsters you guys have made out of? The one in the pic looks kind of like it is rubber coated.

 

[jrs]

I've carried in front pocket in Uncle Mike pocket holster for over 10 years. It's nylon material with non-slip rubberized strip to keep it from coming out with the gun when drawn. The nice thing about the Uncle Mike is that the bottom is closed. This helps keep lint and moisture out of the barrel. Plus, I believe the nylon is more breathable against your leg than the full rubberized DeSantis...but that's just my preference. Any pocket holster will help keep it in place and at basically the correct position for draw, protecting the trigger and keeping the sharp edges from rubbing and chafing your leg.
I have a couple shorts with different shaped pockets that tilt the whole thing a bit, but it's still in a decent, but not perfect position to draw if necessary. Plus, while I never forget I have my weapon, it has become so natural, I don't feel it anymore. It actually feels 'un-natural' if I'm going somewhere I can't take it.
So, as with everything else, it's your preference and what's comfortable for you.
As for the gun itself, there are so many choices... again, personal preference for fit, caliber, weight, etc all come into play.
Again, for me, I've looked at the Nano, but it's still too bulky and heavy for everyday pocket carry(my everyday attire is business casual, and I can't leave my shirt un-tucked). I took a stroll around the store and had to keep pulling my pants up.
I'm waiting to see if the Pico fits, as it's thinner and approx. 10 oz (unloaded) from what I've seen.

 

[Peggy Reist]

I also have a pocket holster like jrs. It's a Blackhawk, but it's also a rubbery feeling nylon. I like it too, but like he said, if your pocket is too big, it can move around enough to get out of position. If I ever have to pull it out in a hurry, I don't want to be digging around in my pocket for it.

 

[foxytwo]

I carry a Keltec PF9 in a leather holster I made, OWB, easy to conceal with a polo shirt. It is so light it is like it is not there.

 

[migikesagiri]

Sweet, thanks for the info, guys.

 

[Pi3.14]

You might want to look at a Sig/Sauer P-238. I carry mine in my front pants pocket in a leather pocket holster. Since I have large hands the gun works well for me. The only issues I had with it were; it is a little pricey. The model I have was $700 new, out the door. I also had to have the feed ramp and chamber polished so it would handle hollow points. No problems at all since the polish job.

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[wwtcorp]

Made in the USA small 9 mm is sccy cpx-2

Sccy cpx-2 is made in the USA in Daytona Beach Florida can get it for around 250 to 300 dollars made of 416 stainless steel smooth double action restrike capabilities come with to 10 round mags , lifetime warranty www sccy.com

 

[Rocketgeezer]

I have yet to see a good pocket holster that stays in your pocket when you pull out your gun, if one of you guys have one great, I have checked out a few but found none I liked, for my pocket 24/7 bud I use a Taurus TCP, but I don't like a holster so I took the gun apart and sanded and polished every sharp outside surface so there is absolutely nothing to catch in a pocket. also with this type of gun there is really no safety issue with the gun in your pocket without a holster, at least no more than if it was in a real holster

 

[Stubby8]

LCP is great suggestion, however check out the LC9 and shoot it if you can. It handles and shoots better than almost anything I have ever had. Recoil very manageable and you have enough power to get the job done if pointed correctly. With a rest, head shots at 55 yards no problem, use a little Kentucky wind age and holdover at that range of course. 9 mm ammo a little easier and actually cheaper too.

 

[Suzanne Nelson]

I carry a Beretta 21A which is .25.....it fits great anywhere, small enough to use for a woman or a man......love it better than the 9mm.

 

[franco45]

I have carried an LCP with CT laser in my front pocket for the last 3 years. I added Pearce grip extensions for a little better purchase on the little gun. They are longer than the Ruger extensions. Having said that, I just picked up a Kel-Tec PF-9 that is very thin and light. It may replace the LCP as my edc.

 

[bofh]

As I stated in another thread, I do carry a Taurus TCP 738 when jogging and on hot/humid days. IWB holster at 4 o'clock. It has an awesome DAO trigger and the slide locks back after the last round. I got it for $200 at Gander Mountain ($230 price - $30 rebate). It came with only one magazine! Taurus is shipping this gun now with two magazines and its price tag is $330. Additional magazines are hard to come by. A review can be found here: Gun Review: Taurus 738 TCP | The Truth About Guns

I did add a Crimson Trace CTC Laserguard, a Pearce Grip Extension, and a Pachmayr Handgun Grip. The pinky extension really helps to get a good grip when drawing and helps to avoid limp wristing. The Handgun Grip allows for a more firm and secure grip while shooting. For jogging I am using a Rangemaxx Inside the Pants Handgun Holster designed for small 380 pistols with a Laserguard. I removed the Velcro retention strap. For hot weather I use a CrossBreed MiniTuck holster. The factory sights are pretty useless, so I added Nite Siters: Painted sights on 738

The Taurus TCP 738 is also notorious for having machine marks on the feed ramp and other parts, which lead to feeding problems. I spent a few hours on detail stripping the gun, sanding off any machine marks (with 400 grit sand paper), using a Dremel (polishing wheel and polishing compound) to polish the surfaces, thoroughly cleaning all parts, oiling very few parts, and putting the gun back together. I polished the feed ramp, the cocking rail, the hammer, the breech face, and the outside of the barrel. Some information about this can be found here: TCP 738 reliability enhancements . I also stoned some of the edges on the slide, the extractor, and the loaded chamber indicator to ease feeding, extraction, and ejection.

I don't carry it in the pocket for jogging as the gun bounces around too much. For hot/humid days, I was planning to carry it in the pocket of my shorts, but not without a holster that permits me to draw the gun quickly and securely. I tried out a bunch by buying them at local stores and returning them. Instead, I ordered a Front Pocket Holster from Alabama Holster & Gun Company on August 31 (based on the recommendation of Hickok45 in one of his videos). The holster should arrive soon, just in time when I just stopped wearing shorts this year.

I am looking into buying a smaller 9mm, but not for pocket carry. Since I already have a Glock 19, I will probably go with a Glock 26.