Smallest/Reliable Pocket Gun?

[local2fed]

Im in the market for a pocket gun when the need arises. There are times when a Glock Sub is even too big to carry in certain circumstances. I have been kicking around the idea and wanted to open it up to ya'll. Reliability, concealability and caliber are all factors. These are the candidates:

1. Ruger LCP
2. Keltec
3. NAA .22 Long
4. Beretta Bobcat
5. Seecamp

 

[Storm52]

#1 if you can't pocket a 1911.

 

[SpeedRacer]

I personally wouldn't carry anything smaller than .380ACP. Even .380 is weak in my book, but is the best option for when you absolutely can't carry anything bigger.

Either the Keltec P3AT or Ruger LCP would serve you well.

 

[spanky]

J-frame

 

[charliepapa]

Since you didn't really specify a caliber other than the fact that certain models listed only come in one caliber, I highly recommend you look at the KelTec PF9. It's not much bigger than the Ruger LCP or KelTec's P3AT and the 9mm +P rounds have about <150% the energy of most 380's.

 

[Nick]

J-frame

+1, all the power in a compact package. Hamerless models work great for pocket carry without snagging

 

[kcinnick]

I wouldn't consider the pf9 a pocket gun

 

[charliepapa]

I wouldn't consider the pf9 a pocket gun

Why not? There's one in my pocket right now. I bought the clip from KelTec and can carry it without the bulk of a holster and still don't have to dig for it.

 

[SOLAteeda]

http://www.bondarms.com/ifirearms.php

Maybe that would suit your needs? Not many shots but it should do the job up close.

 

[chibajoe]

PF9 is significantly larger than a P3AT

From left to right: P3AT, PF-9,P11,Para Warthog, Para P12, EA380, S&W P99C, M&P compact, XDSC.

 

[charliepapa]

PF9 is significantly larger than a P3AT

Agreed that it's a little larger, however, I feel the trade-off in the advantage of having the 9mm over the 380 is worth what *I* feel is only a slightly larger pistol.

Hey local2fed, find someone who's got them both and try 'em both. Obviously we all have different opinions so you really need to put *your* hands on them.

 

[Wolfgang1952]

I like my Walther PP in 32ACP (7.65mm)

 

[Gus McCrae]

J-frame

This.

 

[Gus McCrae]

+1, all the power in a compact package. Hamerless models work great for pocket carry without snagging

I've got one with a bobbed hammer and one with a regular hammer just because those were the deals I ran into at the time. With a pocket holster, I never seem to snag the non-bobbed one while drawing.

Edit: This is no longer true for me. I do have some pants that snag and some that don't. This is remidied in the way the gun is drawn, but hammerless is going to be more reliable.

 

[Wolfgang1952]

I don't care much for the 380. I still prefer the 7.65mm (32 auto) The 380 just dosn't have the ump...

 

[jimdana1942]

A .25 auto, for size, is easy to carry and up close it's not bad. It's a whole lot better than nothing. It is the smallest of the multiple round handguns. You ought to look at one and handle it before you buy any gun. The .32 can be had in a reasonably small size also.

 

[dwr461]

Of the one's listed the Ruger or Keltec. But I'd go with a j-frame S&W.

Dave

 

[shoalsfugro]

Bersa 40, Louisiana Reloading used one for sale.

 

[SpeedRacer]

A .25 auto, for size, is easy to carry and up close it's not bad. It's a whole lot better than nothing. It is the smallest of the multiple round handguns. You ought to look at one and handle it before you buy any gun. The .32 can be had in a reasonably small size also.

.25 auto is a joke. I think I'd rather have a knife to defend myself with.

"Just remember that if you use the .25 to shoot someone,
shoot them in the face. Makes them easier to identify in the
lineup." - Skeeter Skelton

 

[LACamper]

I'm happy w/ my keltec p3at but I tried someone's Kahr 9mm at the BZ once. I have to say if I were starting over I'd have to rethink my choices... but I still want a P7M8 and screw the weight!