Using a Pocket Gun
Carrying concealed can be challenging at some times. Not all clothing is conducive for hiding clothing and in some states, allowing the shape of a gun to “print through” your clothing is illegal, even if you do have a concealed carry permit. Besides that, a visible gun can give away your tactical advantage, letting the bad guys know you’re carrying.
There are two basic ways of dealing with this problem. One is to wear baggy clothing which hides the outline of a gun and the other is to carry a smaller gun. While the first option is often more favorable, there are some conditions where it isn’t practical. Wearing a suit coat to conceal a pistol is difficult when it’s 100°F outside and women’s clothing, which usually fits snugly, doesn’t leave a whole lot of room to hide much of anything, let alone the bulk of a gun.
That’s why some people turn to carrying a pocket carry handgun, a gun that’s small enough to hide in a pocket. I carried one of these for a number of years, when I first started carrying. I upgraded to something larger a number of years ago, but still have that gun. I carry it at times when carrying my normal carry gun is impossible due to the clothing I am wearing.
Before buying any pocket gun, you need to understand what these guns really are. Most are smaller caliber firearms, and they all have short barrels. In other words, they clearly qualify under the old term of being “snub nose” even if they aren’t revolvers.
There’s a great line from one of W.E.B. Griffin’s books, where an experienced cop is giving advice to a rookie. After telling him to go to the shooting range with his snub nose some day, so he could see how hard it was to hit anything with it, he said, “if you can’t hit them in the head, throwing it, you can’t hit them shooting it either.” That’s a key truth that must be kept in mind when using any pocket gun.
In other words, this isn’t the gun you’re going to use to shoot someone 30 feet across a restaurant. You’re better off grabbing your Glock for that. Rather, pocket guns are “belly guns,” meaning that they’re most effective when you’re belly to belly with your adversary. Rather than aimed fire, they’re the guns used when you’re shooting instinctively, probably with the gun held at waist level; possibly even with the muzzle in contact with his belly.
Nor are you going to use this gun for a true shootout. About the only way you could use it in that case is for suppressive fire. That’s probably not something you want to do, as those poorly aimed shots can still hit someone, even if it isn’t the right person.
Finally, expect a lot more kick out of a pocket gun, than you’ll receive from a larger pistol. The small size and light weight make the recoil much worse than heftier handguns. If you don’t have a good grip on it, there’s a chance that it will come out of your hand; not something you want to have happen in the range, let alone when you have to use the gun.
With that said, here are my picks for the best.
Related: Awesome Places to Hide Your Guns
I had to start the list with the Ruger LCP only because it’s the pocket pistol I own. Nevertheless, it’s not just that I own one; the LCP is probably the most popular pocket pistol on the market.
It is also one of the smallest and lightest pistols around, important considerations for a pocket pistol.
While the .380 ACP isn’t an ideal caliber for a self-defense round, it’s effective at short range.
The newer LCP II eliminates the one real complaint that I had against this pistol, by improving on the sights. The original sights were hardly more than an indentation in the back of the slide, with a slight protrusion in the front. On the LCP II the sights are fully adjustable. Yet at the same time, the sights aren’t high enough to catch on anything while pulling it out of your pocket.
Specifications:
If I were in the market for a replacement for by LCP, I’d take a close look at Bond Arms’ BullPup9, overlooking its price. This is one of the few bullpup pistols on the market.
While that may not seem like much of a difference, it is when you compare the overall length and barrel length of this pistol to the others on this list.
It is actually a touch shorter than the LCP, while having a barrel that’s 0.6 inches longer.
The other nice thing about this pistol, besides its looks, is that it is a 9mm, giving it a whole lot more penetrating power than its .380 ACP cousins on this list. Even with that, they’ve managed to increase the magazine capacity, giving it 7 in the magazine and one in the throat.
Specifications:
The Colt 380 Mustang is reaching a point where it’s marginal as a pocket pistol at 5.5 inches. Nevertheless, I still consider it one of the best pocket pistols around.
For 1911 enthusiasts, this compact little pistol provides the same basic design, making it extremely easy to make that switchover. I found it extremely easy to use, probably because I learned to shoot in the Army, back when the 1911 was the sidearm of our nation’s military.
This scaled-down version of the venerable 1911 comes with a polymer frame, cutting down the weight, which is important for a pocket pistol. However, this isn’t a .45 caliber, like the 1911. But I won’t hold it against it. For a pocket pistol, .380 ACP is an acceptable choice.
Specifications:
I had to include the Heizer Defense PKO-45 on the list, because it is a .45. Being a .45 fan, as far as I’m concerned, there isn’t a better self-defense round on the market.
It was developed as the standard Army sidearm round, when they were dealing with Moro tribesman attacking them while hopped up on drugs.
I’ve always figured that if I was going to be attacked by a criminal, there was a good chance of them being on drugs, so I carry a .45.
But this is a very unique .45, the only one small enough to be called a pocket pistol. At 5 inches long, it’s the shortest pistol on our list. It also has a unique design, where the guide rod is above the barrel, allowing the barrel to remain fixed. The company claims that this makes for less recoil and I wonder if it would make the pistol more accurate as well. It’s a lot heavier than the other pistols on our list, which should help with the recoil; but it’s a .45, so that should be expected.
Specifications:
The Taurus Curve is by far the most unique firearm on this list. It is a pocket pistol that was truly designed to be a pocket pistol and nothing else.
When the folks at Taurus designed this pistol, they threw out the rule book and tried to think of what a pocket pistol needed to be.
The most distinctive aspect of this pistol is its shape, which is curved. Most shooters need some time to get used to it. But that smooth, almost aerodynamic shape makes it very easy to draw and holster the pistol, probably the biggest problem for users of any pocket pistol. It is actually curved to fit your body and has a clip to attach it to your pocket, waistband or belt. This makes the curve one of the most concealable firearms around.
I complained earlier about the sights on my LCP; well, this one doesn’t have any iron sights at all. What it does have is a line engraved and painted white on the back of the slide to help you aim, should you need it. But the real gunsight is a laser sight and tactical light, both built into the front of the gun. for the close range instinctive shooting its designed for, that’s a whole lot better.
Specifications:
A pocket gun is a worthy addition to anyone’s collection. While they probably won’t become the main gun in anyone’s closet, there are times when having one can be convenient. Not only can they be concealed where other guns can’t; but any of them make a good backup piece, for those times when you might feel the situation warrants it.
You may also like:
Firearms for Emergency and SHTF Situations
This Homemade Device Can Power Up Your Entire House 7 Days in a Row (Video)
Best & Worst States for Gun Owners
6 Best Guns to Have After an EMP
Surprised that I didn’t see the Sig.-365 / 9mm on your list, with 13 round capacity in a sub-compact frame This pistol has to be in the top 10 somewhere.
IMO, the Taurus Curve is the worst of the worst. They are proven (seen at the range) to have failures of one sort or another – failure to feed was one,and failure to fire another. In a belly gun, it must fire and feed the next since these are not one shot person stoppers. To each their own with their own experiences, I would choose a Glock 42 or 43 instead – they fit the requirement of small and most folks with a firm enough grip have no issues with failure to feed after the first shot. This is of course just my opinion, I like the looks of the rest of the field. I have never considered anything 9mm and smaller to be much more than get-me-out-of-this-to-my-rifle-right-now firearm. If I thought I could conceal a TAC-14 – I would! LOL!! I like your suggestion of the Heizer Defense PKO-45 – that deserves a little more of my attention I am thinking. I have a 1911 Compact I carry in the winter, the PKO might be a little easier on the printing. Good article, keep them coming!
Like you, I prefer a .45, but it is a hassle to carry. I’ve carried an LC9 for years and consider it an adequate defensive weapon. Couldn’t quite bring myself to go with a .380. Enjoyed the Griffin quote.Thanks for the article Rich.
A simple step such as Cardboard in the shape of one’s pocket can prevent printing…
Current market offerings such as Sig Sauer’s P938 in 9mm or P238 in 380 ACP are excellent choices.
For those who prefer striker-fired handguns, Sig Sauer’s P365 or Springfield Armory’s Hellcat both in 9mm are excellent alternatives.
The weight of anything in 45 ACP pretty much precludes its carry option as a pocket gun.
I recommend renting and shooting at an indoor range anything you are thinking about buying, and buying what is most comfortable to shoot, and what you are most effective with.
Training and practice is key.
Cargo pants are a great pocket carry option, although drawing and bringing a pocket gun into service from there will never be as rapid or effective as a perpendicular draw from a holster at one’s waist…
I carry a Glock 30s that is .45, and it’s pretty comfortable to carry. 10+1 in a small frame.
Interesting article. Which pocket gun would you recommend for a woman with weak hands? I usually use a .38 revolver as I have extreme difficulty moving the slide.
The Smith & Wesson Shield EZ is designed specifically for folks whose hand strength is limited. I have read good reviews of it. The standard Shield is a top seller. There must be a reason for that. An advantage to buying a top seller is that there will be parts available in an end of the world scenario. An esoteric piece with a small manufacturing run not so much. Sometimes there are advantages in going with the herd.
Unfortunately, here in the PDRK and possibly in other communist states too, it is not on the approved list for the serfs to own. Of course, a “law enforcement officer” can purchase one and then re-sell it to a serf. In fact, several officers charged with the enforcement of laws have seen fit to circumvent those laws and have been arrested and convicted either by plea deal or trial of violating the law? What? How could that happen?
Sorry for the political rant. I’m feeling disgruntled this morning. Haven’t had my morning coffee yet.
There are other ways around that ban. While you can’t buy certain guns in California they can be gifted to you by friends or family in a state they can be bought in. The a simple form to the DOJ and it’s in your name
I have a Ruger SP101 that is pretty small. It fits in mens pants pockets. It’s only 5 shots in .357, but it is a reliable and small hand cannon. I think they also make a 6 shot version in .327 mag.
Mesquite I couldn’t agree with you more, I conceal mine in jean shorts & 5 shot is plenty, I have a couple of speed loaders to go along as well.
The biggest problem i have is that most guns are made for people with bigger hands than mine. My grip has strength, but my hands aren’t big enough.
I have this problem with a lot of things, really. I took a chainsaw for women class, and nearly all of us couldn’t use an average sized chainsaw as safely as they wanted us to (where you push your wrist forward to unlock the safety) because our hands were simply too small. Couldn’t get kevlar gloves in my size, either, and the guy at the hardware store told me to use the smallest size he had. Um, yeah, we’re talking chainsaw buddy, so nope. An older man there directed me to other gloves that weren’t kevlar but that fit. (The class required us to have safety equipment in order to take part.)
And most of women’s clothing is a joke regarding utility. I recently needed to get a couple pairs of jeans. Same company and i looked at men’s and women’s. The women’s pockets were not deep at all, so stuff could easily fall out of it. I went with the men’s pair.
Guess LCC isn’t the only one ranting, LOL. To get this back on topic, I never considered a pocket gun, but those might actually fit my hand much better.
Thanks for posting this article.
mbl: My grandmother always carried a small handgun. She started to at the start of WWII and continued to till she passed on. she said it was easier to do than reaching under her blouse to pull the knife stave out of her corset 🙂 Try a small targa to something else. niio
Hello, In this article it says that the Taurus Curve was an .80 ACP was that a you and you meant .380 ACP? Other than that Thank you for the info. I’m looking and can’t really decide which way to jump. Take care.
regards, John
Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. It was a typo. We have corrected the article.
Ahh, the missing digit. In another case it was the misplaced the misplaced period. I remember reading a novel about a woman confined to a wheelchair who had shot an intruder with a 4.55 semi-automatic Webley-Fosberry revolver. A lady whose hand and arm strength was obviously enhanced by operating her wheelchair.
I was also fascinated by the police inspector in the novel who had difficulty finding a 4.55 inch hole in the fence in her back yard. Probably a mix of Inspector Cluseau and Mr. Magoo.
It might have been passed off as a goof by the proofreader but it was mentioned constantly throughout the entire length of the book.
There actually was a semi-automatic Webley-Fosberry revolver in .455 caliber, not 4.55 caliber. They are sought after collector’s items these days.
Something that everyone has failed to touch upon is the pocket holster which is just as important as the firearm itself. Of course one can merely shove the firearm into one’s pocket and hope for the best and that the barrel isn’t full of lint and other pocket debris, but the most successful presentation of a handgun in dire circumstances depends upon one’s choice of holster.
Also whether the fact that one is carrying a handgun in one’s front pocket is also disguised by the selection of the appropriate holster.
There are almost as many holsters for pocket guns as there are models of pocket guns. Again, the choice is really driven by one’s pocketbook and personal preference.
In that regard, however, you are carrying a firearm for defense of your life and your loved ones’ lives. It isn’t a circumstance where one should be guided solely by the cost of the firearm or the holster. Do you want your life to be protected by a $49.95 RG in a $4.95 piece of plastic from China?
Leinad: It doesn’t pack a punch over 20 feet, but it’s in-house. Sofrep says: Specifications:
Will fire .45 LC ammo, 2 1/2″ .410 shot shells and with the adapter mentioned, .22 long rifle
These Derringers feature a non-glare black matte finish
External hammer
Cross-bolt safety
Tip-up barrel for easy loading
You can find this small 45 long colt derringer at gun shows and various online firearm dealers for as little as $90. For that price you really cannot go wrong having a small derringer that shoots 45 long colt, 410 shot shells, and 22 long rifle. If anything it makes a great conversation piece with your friends.
Nana, my grandmother, liked them, but later favored a Targa, .23 I think it took. She claimed it was more ‘ladylike’ than the old .45 she carried in the 20s and 30s. niio
they are “pocket guns” but don’t make the mistake of trying to use it while still in the pocket >>> that’s another whole different article that needs to wrote …
Multiple topics could be included in the article:
– Emergency first aid
– How to contend with your new sex change
– My audition for The Sex Pistols
Come on.. let’s hear some creative topics for discussion.
I know from being so informed by a person who claims to have done so, that a concealed hammerless Dick Special can be fired from at least one’s jacket pocket. It does, however, make the jacket generally unsuitable for future wear, but the person who informed me that it could be done swears that it disarmed a situation that he thought was going to prove fatal to him lacking some aggressive action on his part.
In a loose fitting jacket with roomy pockets it might be possible to cock the hammer on a Dick Special and discharge it without the hammer getting hung up on the pocket but I would recommend that action only in very extreme circumstances.
One wants to assure that one does not have combustible material in the jacket pocket such as a book of paper matches or some other easily inflammable material because that will make for even more excitement than the original situation sought to be ameliorated. This caveat is especially important if the jacket itself is fairly flammable. However, that said nothing distracts evil opponents like a purported victim suddenly erupting in flames.
The resulting hole and scorched material in the jacket can be repaired by a skilled tailor and if he is especially skilled, the patchwork will be barely visible. Such repairs today may exceed the cost of a new jacket.
However, the most recommended procedure by shootists everywhere is to remove the firearm from the jacket pocket before discharging it.
Discharging a firearm from the trouser pocket is not recommended by most male shootists due to its nearness to certain fairly sensitive organs. Even though the projectile might not strike the organs in question, the muzzle blast which often contains flaming particles of gunpowder may leave interesting tattoo patterns on the aforesaid organs.
Illini: A horror story? 🙂 niio
I noticed my Keltek isn’t on your list but I have been carrying mine for several years and I practice with some cans occasionally. Good article, I enjoyed reading it.
The venerable Walther PPK/S certainly deserves a mention in any listing of good pocket guns. It’s an all-steel blowback .380 that has very low recoil and is surprisingly accurate for a small pistol.
I had an LCP. I hated shooting it. The recoil sucked, the sights sucked, the grip sucked and the slide sucked. The only good thing about it was that it was really small and I could hide it anywhere. I now carry a Shield EZ, which is not small, but I enjoy it. I use a corset holster which I can wear under just about anything. The gun is invisible. I wouldn’t recommend the LCP for new shooters, those with arthritis. Maybe a good backup gun.
Dee, I agree with EVERYTHING you wrote about the LCP … I have it, too, and no matter how hard I tried to like it, and the boxes of rounds I forced myself to fire with it, I HATED IT.
I tried out the M&P EZ, went thru about 25 rounds, and told my gun guy to start the paperwork. Walked out of the shop with it. Sooooo much better than that sucky LCP. I now have the 9mm, too.
The Ruger LCR which is their snubby revolver has gotten good reviews from various shooting writers who have tested it. I believe that it is made in .38 special and 9 mm with moon clips. The revolver with moon clips reloads as fast as a semi-auto utilizing magazines. Of course, moon clips are more awkward to carry than a magazine but for those folks who are diehard revolver fans, it is a viable alternative to some shorty semi-auto.
I have the LCR in the 38 spl … like you, I appreciate revolvers so much more than semis. The EZ’s are the only semis I own. All the rest are revolvers. Less parts to fiddle with and ready when you need it. Easier to clean, too. Comparing the LCR to the LCP (apples to oranges), MUCH BETTER than the LCP. Bigger and heavier, of course, but it doesn’t let you down. The LCR is my running and desert hiking firearm. My Judge Is my mountain carry. I added a holster to my hip strap on my pack.
One other comment about pocket pistols for the gentlemen on this list … PLEASE don’t buy your significant other a firearm without her being with you! That’s how I ended up with my sucky LCP.
I’m quoting my gun guy here … “Would you buy your wife a bra?” Buying her a gun is the same thing! She needs to be there when looking. She needs to hold the thing, try the slides, and best possible scenario, fire it at least 5 times. If she’s unsure, take her to the range with you and your set up. Give her the chance to ease into it.
For gods sake, don’t show up at home, give her a box, and say, “Look what I got for you, honey!” and pout because no matter how hard you try, the only thing you want to do with your LCP is throw it down a mine shaft. Or unload your husbands’ Raging Bull on it. (that suggestion didn’t go over well, either …)
I assume you know that the Taurus Curve is a .380, not an “.80 acp”, and that was just a typo.
Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. It was a typo. We have corrected the article.
A Smith and Wesson Model 49 is the perfect pocket weapon, hands down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gghaNpEltlo
Pocket gun? Mini cannon!
I sure wouldn’t want to hold that in my hand when it went off.
When I was a kid, long, long ago and far, far away, we used to make something similar with washers.
Depending upon how large a bolt and nut one could find and how many washers that fit the bolt one could find, we would load up the spaces between the washers with caps. One would then tighten the nut down on the washers loaded with caps, being careful to make it tight but not so tight as to set off the caps while in one’s hand.
Upon slamming the bolt head down on the sidewalk the caps would be ignited and the resulting bang would depend upon how many caps one was able to load and successfully ignite in slamming the device to the ground.
We liked it when the cops came around and we weren’t setting off firecrackers but just caps. Now, at least in the PDRK, that would involve the police, Child Protective Services, family counseling and who knows what else.
There are any number of small pocket sized pistols and revolvers in the marketplace.
A relative of mine who has severe arthritis in his hands carries a Sig 365 which is a compact 9 mm pistol that carries 10+1 rounds. He says he can manipulate it even with his almost crippling arthritis.
Personally I am a revolver fan. Even the S&W scandium revolver in.357 magnum is a reasonable firearm if using .38 sp. +P ammunition. Only the foolish or the extremely dumb will fire more than one round of full load .357 magnum in that revolver.
Colt and S&W have been making pocket revolvers since before I was born and that’s been a very long time. Ruger has a SP101 in .327 magnum (that’s not the technically correct name for the round but the correct name escapes me at the moment.) that carries six rounds as compared to the 5 rounds of the typical Detective Special. The .327 mag is a self defense round that produces acceptable muzzle velocity even from a short barrel.
Ruger also makes the .357 magnum in SP101 with a three inch barrel that while solid is quite concealable.
What I like best about the Ruger SP101 line of handguns is that they are sturdy handguns that one can take to the range to practice with and they will stand up to thousands of rounds of ammunition put through them. If any gun can be said to be indestructible, it is the Ruger line of SP101 and their full size other handguns. While the 3 inch and even the inch and a half Redhawks are barely concealable, they do fit into deep pockets available in some concealed carry trousers. They may make you eligible for that famous Mae West line, “Is that a gun in your pocket or are you just glad to se me?”
I have a Raven MP25…….25 ACP. Nice little pocket pistol but no knock down power.
I am always mystified by people saying” 9mm or above only”. Guess they do not realize the original name for the .380 is 9mm Kurtz, meaning Short. It is a 9mm with a little less powder, diameter is the same! I am a firearms instructor and realize MOST self defense actions are taken up close and personal, not from 50 feet or more away.
After all the Pope was shot four times with a 9mm and lived another 20 years, although he Did have DIVINE intervention.
So Stop bashing the .380 and realize it IS a realistic round for self defense.
Part of the problem with “best” lists is that it takes a certain amount of hubris on the part of the author to proclaim such expertise that he is able to determine which of anything is the best of all the choices in the market place. This is especially true when we are all individuals, basically two models, but each of us with innumerable differences from each other.
The best handgun for me may be the worst handgun for you. A more accurate title would be “Five Handguns Which I Consider Ideal for My Personal Pocket Carry.”
Rich likes the Taurus Curve. Many shootist consider the Curve to be a sales gimmick and decry the lack of adequate grip space for anyone who doesn’t have tiny fingers.
And then we have the Heizer Defense PKO-45. Am I the only one on this list who has never heard of a Heizer? How many weeks have they been in business? Has anyone ever fired more than one magazine through one? Has anyone ever fired a box of of 50 through one? Did it actually make any hits on the target at a distance further than ten feet?
CC: This on the local news tonight:
“An intruder entered a senior living apartment complex in Fontana and assaulted one of the residents on Sept. 28, but another senior resident responded to the scene and saved the day, according to the Fontana Police Department.
“Lorenza Marruja, 67, who possesses martial arts skills, held down the intruder until the arrival of police officers, who took him into custody on a charge of elder abuse.
Marruja was interviewed by NBC Channel 4 after the incident and said the suspect first tried to enter her apartment, but she confronted him while holding a bat.
“I told him to back off or I was going to hurt him,” Marruja told NBC.The intruder then went to a nearby apartment of an 82-year-old woman and struck her in the neck. Marruja followed him and came to the defense of her friend.
“I told him if he doesn’t leave or leave her alone, I was going to do some damage that he’s not going to appreciate,” Marruja told NBC. “He was trying to break away and I had his hand and I twisted. He kept crying out ‘Ow, you’re hurting me’ and I said ‘I don’t care.’”
The 82-year-old victim greatly appreciated her friend’s actions and said she was “very brave,” according to NBC.”
The bat that Ms. Marruja threatened to bash the intruder with was a little league size bat. It looked to me in the brief flash that was on the local news that it was kind of a souvenir bat. It was bright yellow and had logos and large headline style printing on it. It looked as though it might be aluminum.
CC, surely you can emulate a 67 y.o. resident of a senior residence. I posted a 25 inch aluminum tee ball bat that I thought might be ideal for dissuading a lone home invader from his intrusion. Amazon has it for sale. A slightly lesser bat worked in this instance. Nothing like getting whacked on the gourd to leave an identifying mark for the line-up.”
“Yes, Officer, that’s the culprit with the large purple lump on his forehead. That’s where I whacked him.”
Also makes it easy for the cops. “BOLO for latino male,
5’ 9″, 135 pounds. khaki trousers, white tee shirt, age 20 to 28, wimpy mustache. Suspect is reported to have a large purple lump on forehead below the hairline.”
Eliminates all the latino males without a purple lump on their forehead.
If this purp goes to jail he is going to really have a hard time. Taken down by a 67 year old lady — he is going to be low “boy” on the pecking list.
LCC: Danny Trejo move over, you got competition for best badass. Good to hear there is some hope for Kali. niio
© 2014-2020 Copyright Askaprepper. All Rights reserved – AskaPrepper.com.
Designed by Orange-Themes.com
Using a Pocket Gun
Research & References of Using a Pocket Gun|A&C Accounting And Tax Services
Source