Pocket Pistols

[esh21167]

Hi all. Starting a search for a true pocket pistol. Let's just say there are times when I need something very concealable. Started looking at .32's like Seecamp and NAA Guardian, but think I'll go to a .380. Budget is around $400. Here's my short list so far with a few of my observations. I truly want this to be pocket carried, usually front pocket, so please this is not the time for 'I carry a full size 1911 everywhere I go with no problem, even in my pajamas '

Seecamp: very compact, but relatively heavy and little above budget

NAA Guardian: still compact, decent price, but still relatively heavy

Never seen either of these two in person and don't know where to find them

Ruger LCP: decent price, lightweight, but a bit larger than NAA and Seecamp, have looked at these before but not when thinking pocket carry

Kel-Tec P3AT: similar to LCP, very conflicting online reviews, some say great and other say garbage, looked at before but again not when thinking pocket carry, seemed cheaper compared to LCP in my opinion

Diamondback DP380: Haven't seen one of these either, but read a couple decent reviews, decent price, lightweight, comparable size to Ruger and Keltec, wonder about pocket carrying a striker fired gun but in a pocket holster?

Thanks to all

[M&P Chris]

I have the LCP and really like it as a pocket pistol. Previously I had the kel- tec and the one I had was pretty junk, couldn't even get through a mag without a malfunction.

[sprrdhawk44]

Anymore, unless you're recoil sensitive, there's no reason not to carry a 9mm. Kahr and Sig are both making great pocket 9s.

Of those listed, I'd go LCP. Unless, of course, you can afford a Sig P238.

[Armor Snail]

I shopped all the above except the DB380. Also looked at the I.O. Hellcat and Taurus TCP.

I ultimately went with the Taurus. Its trigger is miles ahead of the LCP and P3AT. You can shoot it all day and your hand will not hurt.
It holds open on empty unlike the Keltec and I.O.
Looks better than the other polys as well.

Great price point. Under $200 new.

I would have purchased an NAA but only if I can find one in .32NAA. That's one nasty little caliber.

[QuackXP]

I have the LCP with the CT laser and really like it.

The LCP itself can be found for just under $300.

[esh21167]

Those are some quick replies! Thanks.

I really liked the sizes of the .32's, but went to the .380. Going to 9mm makes a gun larger than I think I would like.

The Sig P238 and Kahr P380? look nice, but a bit beyond my budget.

That .32 NAA looks interesting, but wonder about ammo availability. And the NAA and Seecamp are dropping lower on my list because I can't find them anywhere locally to look at.

[Armor Snail]

.32NAA ammo can be bought directly from Corbon.
Its not cheap though at around $45 per 20
http://www.corbon.com/corboncart/dpx32naa60-20

[saltz1979]

I have the Seecamp in both .380 and .32. The reason I like them is the Heel mag release. Ideal for pocket carry. No worry that the mag will drop in the pocket. Also Seecamps are reliable and perfect for pocket carry. I have a Kahr P380 and I once did own a Keltec P3AT. Both are and were reliable but one of the Seecamps is my preferred choice.

[dannyb]

I pocket carry and have used at various times NAA, Seecamp, Beretta Tomcat, for .32; P238, P3AT, Diamondback, and Kahr in .380. I also will carry a Colt Jr. in .25 loaded with silvertips.

For peace of mind, I find that I prefer a DAO hammer type works best for me. To that end, I've carried the .32s most often, with the Beretta winning the contest for pocketability and for loading with the tip up barrel. They do require a fair amount of break in (unless you find a reliable one used that has already been broken in).

In .380, I've found that the P3AT didn't work for me at all, and the Diamondback and Kahr required extensive (like 800 rounds) break in before I would trust them; I ended up selling them. Hammer-type .380s like NAA seem to be overly heavy for comfortable pocket carry in summer.

The Colt Jr. is more of a "throw it in the windbreaker pocket" piece that doesn't print at all when in the pocket of a nylon shell.

[Ludedude1992]

I'm going to vote ruger LCP also. I am going to be in the market soon for one of these.