Pocket pistols

[Camster]

Opinions for best .32acp or .380?
Thanks.

[amazingflapjack]

Berretta 21A

[Pisgah]

I like my Beretta Pico .380.

[ColbyBruce]

Seecamp .32 a.c.p.

[Echo40]

I only just recently got myself a true pocket pistol. I always wanted one, but continuously put it off because there were other things I wanted more.

However, I did a lot of research into the subject in search for the best pocket pistol, and despite all of the options available, I ultimately chose the Ruger LCP 10th Anniversary Edition. Why a variant of the original LCP Custom when the LCP II is a thing? Because based on what I've heard from folks who have owned both the Ruger LCP Custom and LCP II, the LCP II's improved trigger isn't much of an improvement over the LCP Custom's trigger, and the LCP Custom is thinner, lighter, and more rounded off around the edges than the LCP II.
In addition, the LCP 10th Anniversary Edition has a Stainless Steel slide, whereas the LCP II is currently only available with a Carbon Steel slide.



There are a lot of other options, but I decided to go with one that had a time-proven track record that didn't cost much money, and was just about the smallest, lightest pistol available chambered in .380 ACP.
I don't have anything against .32 ACP, but there are far more options available in .380 ACP, it's a more powerful cartridge, and I already own a Walther PPK/S, so I already had ammo for it on-hand.

[GypsmJim]

LCP II in .380. Accurate, good trigger, comfortable. Best pocket pistol I ever owned.

[SC_Mike]

Glock 42 in .380 or SW 640 .38 Spc for me. Of your ammo choices I would say .380 over .32 because of ammo selection and availability.

[dr. mordo]

I've owned several pocket pistols and I think the SIG P238 is pretty much perfect. For that matter, a P938 is only a bit larger and get you a pocket 9mm.

That said, they are expensive and I'd say that from the cheaper rage of 380s the S&W Bodyguard 380 is hard to beat.

However, my current pocket pistol is a Kimber K6S, so my SIG and Bodyguard live in the safe.

[Rammer Jammer]

Ruger LCP Custom

[woodsltc]

When it's not practical to carry otherwise, I pocket carry & have done so for many years......and I prefer the .380 ACP over the .32 ACP.

My first .380 ACP pocket pistol was a Kel-Tec P-3AT.....it was a perfect size and very light weight, but what a horrible trigger & virtually no sights (not that sights on a pocket gun are that vital). After a couple of years I started looking for something with a better trigger ...... tried the Ruger LCP and the Kahr P380. I chose the Kahr. It's trigger is really good, and it is very accurate for it's size. The Kahr in a DeSantis Nemesis holster is what I've now used for pocket carry for several years.

Don

[Cal44]

I like the Sig P238 as the best 380.

And it looks good too:

[gasaman]

My pocket carry is a Seecamp 380

[moosedog]

Ruger LCP 380

[Spokes]

LCP2 or a 2" J frame..

[Zarr]

I've been carrying a Radom P64 in 9mm Makarov for several years. I carry it every day in the clinic, and it's never noticed by colleagues or patients. I am so used to it now, I rarely notice it there.

[Sistema1927]

I have been pocket carrying over 30 years now.

Prior to NM having CCW, it was an NAA .22 magnum. (Deep concealment, but if caught it was only a petty misdemeanor, which would be overlooked in a clean self-defense shooting.)

After CCW, I graduated to 642/442, then to Kahr PM9. Recently, the Sig P365 is the go to gun. I sometimes carry a Beretta Pico, but the Sig gets carried 90% of the time.

The gun that I carry when I can't carry a gun is a KT P32.

[ContinentalOp]

My only pocket pistols are a pair of 642s, so take my opinion for what it's worth.

I would definitely go with .380 over .32. The smallest .380s probably aren't going to be much bigger than .32s. I would hazard a guess that .380s may have better reliability than .32s. There's also a wider range of rounds acceptable for self-defense usage.

I don't have any real experience with .380s, other than a magazine through a PPK that was not a pleasant experience. I have considered a .380, and so far two guns are at the top of my list to try. The LCP is a very compact .380 that's been around a while so it's got a pretty good track record. Plus Ruger has solid reputation when it comes to customer service if any issues arise. I've read that some people consider the trigger on the LCP II to be too light for self defense, especially from pocket carry, but I think that's the sort of thing one has to try and decide for themselves. The other is the Beretta Pico, mostly because it's a hammer-fired DAO, which I like, and since it's a Beretta it would fit in well with my 92 and PX4 (all in the family, so to speak). I've also considered the Kahr .380, but there seems to be more in the way of mixed reviews with that one. I'm not a fan of SA semi-autos carried in the pocket, even with the manual safety engaged. That's aside from the fact that I prefer guns without manual safeties for self defense purposes. So the Sigs are out, at least for me.

If at all possible, go try some, either borrowing from a friend (if legal where you are) or renting one at a rental range. I'd also suggest trying some of the pocket 9s that are available in case one of them meets your needs; I would prefer .380 over .32, but I would prefer 9mm over .380 if practical.

[Simson-Suhl]

German/French made Walther PPK in 32acp.
Seecamp in 32acp.

[JayFramer]

Originally Posted by Camster

Opinions for best .32acp or .380?
Thanks.

The Beretta 81 for .32, the Beretta 84 for .380.

[LVSteve]

Originally Posted by JayFramer

The Beretta 81 for .32, the Beretta 84 for .380.

You must have big pockets.

[jeffrefrig]

I've been carrying the Ruger EC9S in 9mm, only because it has a safety that I can thumb off easily as I pull it out of my pocket. I shoot it whenever I go to the range with any other gun(s). It's light-weight and has never failed to do anything wrong...so far. Maybe had it a year & a half or so. Price was low; bought it with my Security 9. Neither has failed in any way. I used it to replace my Glock 42. Sorry, but I want a safety. Seems like the more savvy like the LCP, whatever version. Just bought the Beretta 81; too heavy for pocket! Those hammerless lightweight wheel guns are nice in .38Spl from what I hear, but 5 shots, which if you need that many, you may be in trouble anyhow.

[mrchuck]

Kel-Tec 380.
It is tiny but powerful.
A great purse gun.

[SgtStone]

I posted a lot of likes for .32 and .380 pistols but carry neither. Here is my thought process.

Since I am buying a new pocket gun why mess with .32? Ammo is expensive and not common compared to .380. (Different story if I inherited or otherwise owned a fine Beretta in .32 ACP.)

I looked closely at several .380 pistols including the Beretta Pico. Great little gun but.380 is just a 9mm corto (Italian for short). So, I checked out pocket 9mm's from just about all the manufacturers and bought a Kahr CM-9 in dark Cerakote finish with a flush 6 and extended 7-round magazine.

Your story will surely differ but that little Kahr is very easy for me to conceal carry, accurate at close range, has had zero problems, holds 7 or 8 rounds and fires the same ammo as my other 9mm semi's. A good choice for me at this time.

[merl67]

I have had my Ruger LCP 380 since they first came out when you had to search to find one locally however long thats been. It still shoots as good as ever and goes with me everywhere it is legal to do so, and few are the places I will go if it isn't welcome ...

[grover99]

I pocket carry a Walther PPS but to stay on subject I also carry a Springfield 911 part of the time. The 911 also drops in the front chest pocket of a pair of bib overalls with the PPS in the front right pocket

[BB57]

I'm a PP, PPK/S , PPK fan, but all of them are a bit large and heavy for pocket carry. The alloy frame PPK-L, like the similar FEG SMC-380, is nice, but the recoil is a bit fierce, and the PPK-L is hard to find. The SMC is common, but quality varies a lot so buyer beware.

With that in mind my preferred pocket pistol is a Kimber Micro. It's half the weight of a PPK/S, but given the locked breech design the recoil is comparable to the PP series pistols.

It's also, like the PP series pistols, accurate for it's class. Mine has also been exceptionally reliable with Hornady 90 gr XTPs, and with a muzzle velocity around 970 fps, they give godo expansion in ballistic gelatin.



Along side it is a RIA Baby Rock. I bought it because it was cheap, but was pleasantly surprised with it's accuracy and reliability. It's also extremely reliable with 90 gr XTPs, and the longer barrel launches them at around 1100 fps, giving excellent expansion and penetration. The downside is that it is long for pocket use, but it's my go to pistol in an IWB holster when I need something slim and more concealable for dressy occasions.

[HOUSTON RICK]

How about five rounds of 357?

[Pisgah]

I've already mentioned my affection for the Beretta Pico -- but when I'm wearing slightly bigger pockets, its 9MM big brother, the Nano, gets carried a lot, too.

[garddogg56]

Bodyguard BG380 by Smith &Wesson

[duck32man]

Can't beat kel-tec for pocket carry

[hardknocks]

337TI S&W 38 Special

[BC38]

Colt Pocket Lite if you are comfortable with the 1911 manual of arms. I believe it is lighter than either the Sig or Kimber copies.

For one that's a striker fired DAO the reviews of the Remington RM380 are awesome. If I were buying another 380 pocket pistol that would be it.

Though that's unlikely since I frequently pocket carry my LC9, and already have a couple of other 380 pocket rockets.

[jimmyj]

Glock Model 42 .380

[Rustyt1953]

[OLDSTER]

[chief38]

My vote is for the Sig P365! YES...... I know it's a 9mm but because of it's size and stature IT THINKS it's a .380! Seriously, it's a LOT MORE gun in the same size package than ANY .32 or .380 I am aware of.

[Old cop]

Another vote for the LCP. I carry mine in a pocket holster and have put hundreds of trouble free rounds through it. It’s amazingly accurate for such a little gun.

[Xfuzz]

Unsure about the .32....because this guy..

"He got a .32 gun in his pocket for fun and
a razor in his shoe."

Neither helped him much...

[Stevie]

Pocket .380 pistols are the rage these days. Tons of choices out there.

Two worthy of note that I own are a Glock 42 and a Kahr P380.

I get along quite well with Glocks so a G42 is a natural for me. If you don't like Glock triggers than a G42 may not be for you. The G42 is not a super-tiny pistol either. It is a nice size being rather close in size to such classic pocket pistols as an FN 1910 or a Walther PP.

The Kahr P380 is a really nice pistol. substantially smaller/more compact than the G42 yet still has 6 round capacity mags and Kahr offers a 7 round extended mag....My wife and I each own a Kahr P380 pistol. She getting a brand-spanking new on a few years back when they ran a batch of pink framed P380's....mine bought slightly used a year or so back.

The Kahr pistols have a good trigger fairly comfortable grip for such a small pistol...good sights...and our Kahrs have been perfect as far as reliability. Kahr claims you need a 200 round break-in period...but at least with my Lady's new Kahr it came from the box running. Mine came used as new and like-wise runs flawlessly.

I do own a not too old Beretta 'Tomcat' .32/7.65mm and it's been good but it's rather thick for it's size.

I would shoot a few handguns and see what you like...one thing to remember is that a locked-breech .380 will have similar recoil to a blow-back .32acp

[D Brown]

Originally Posted by Camster

Opinions for best .32acp or .380?
Thanks.

For a "Best .32", I have found the KELTEC P-32 to be best for its size, weight, and narrow profile. I carry mine in a GALCO Pocket Holster, and find it easy to forget it's even in my pocket.

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[IMG][/IMG]

For a "Best .380", so far my KIMBER MICRO RAPTOR .380 is my choice, and for much the same reasons stated above for the KELTEC P-32. Added to that, are better sights and a crisp single action trigger. This gun carries in the same model GALCO Pocket Holster.

[IMG][/IMG]
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I find the two guns listed above to be just about perfect for placing in the pocket of my work slacks when I need to stop off at the grocery store on the way home from work. Compared side by side, they're both small, light, and easy to carry.

KIMBER MICRO RAPTOR .380 and KELTEC P-32 in GALCO PRO608B Pocket Holsters.

[IMG][/IMG]

[Furrball]

Beretta 21a. .22. Carried for a couple years
Beretta Tomcat .32 same size as 21a occasional
Colt Pocketlite .380 slightly larger than Tomcat, carried for 20+ years
SIG P938 9mm slightly larger than Pocketlite, current carry.
All 4 excellent, dependable pocket carries.

[nipperdog]

When I choose to Pocket Carry, I use my NAA Guardian 380, in a High Noon Pocket Holster. It's a bit heavy compared to an LCP, or Kel Tec, but it's as reliable as the Sun coming up every Morning.

[MJB]

LCP Gen2 in a Nemesis. I like a heavier longer trigger pull and no manual safety in a pocket pistol.

[robvious]

I managed to acquire a Ruger LCP and a Taurus TCP (PT738) within a week... good or bad week is hard to tell... anyway... took them to the range on the same day and the LCP went back in the box and onto the shelf to wait for the next owner... the Taurus became one of my pocket carries... my only 380 one... Beretta 21a in 22lr, and FEG PA-63 in 9x18MAK... big pockets required for the PA-63... trigger on the TCP is way better than the LCP...

[31FordA]

My vote is for the KelTec P32. I’ve carried one for almost 20 years with no complaints. It’s reliable, accurate and small. At 10 yards and in I have no trouble keeping all shots in a palm sized group. If I take my time I can reliably hit bowling pins at 25 yards with it. Mine has also never had a malfunction in several thousand rounds of FMJ and Silvertip. It has done everything I need it to do, and it didn’t cost very much. Dad also had one and never had a bad thing to say about it.

Prior to the development of the P32 I planned to eventually get a Seecamp. If the P32 hadn’t come along I probably would have. I’ll probably still get a Seecamp one of these days, just to have one.

[kevin in nh]

Originally Posted by Sistema1927

I have been pocket carrying over 30 years now.

Prior to NM having CCW, it was an NAA .22 magnum. (Deep concealment, but if caught it was only a petty misdemeanor, which would be overlooked in a clean self-defense shooting.)

After CCW, I graduated to 642/442, then to Kahr PM9. Recently, the Sig P365 is the go to gun. I sometimes carry a Beretta Pico, but the Sig gets carried 90% of the time.

The gun that I carry when I can't carry a gun is a KT P32.

I have carried just about every hand gun in 40 years w/18 as a police officer and the PM909 was my edc and now the Sig 365...why carry a 380 when a 9mm is not much bigger? JMHO

[old tanker]

Another vote for the Kel-Tec. First one I saw was a P32 a friend got for concealed carry. He was giving it a good workout before committing it to service and he let me shoot it. Its accuracy and reliability impressed me, but at the time I had no need.

By the time I was in the market for a pocket pistol, the P3AT had become available. I bought one not long after and have not regretted it.

[Echo40]

Originally Posted by robvious

I managed to acquire a Ruger LCP and a Taurus TCP (PT738) within a week... good or bad week is hard to tell... anyway... took them to the range on the same day and the LCP went back in the box and onto the shelf to wait for the next owner... the Taurus became one of my pocket carries... my only 380 one... Beretta 21a in 22lr, and FEG PA-63 in 9x18MAK... big pockets required for the PA-63... trigger on the TCP is way better than the LCP...

My brother and mother have owned TCP-738s and had nothing but good things to say about them.

I actually originally planned on getting a TCP myself, then later its successor the Taurus Spectrum 380, but unfortunately the Spectrum got delayed then when it was finally released it was discovered to have issues with light primer strikes. The issue has yet to be addressed and most likely won't be anytime soon with Taurus moving their factory from Florida to Georgia, so I went with the Ruger LCP. Shame too, as I really dug the retro-futuristic styling of the Spectrum 380. If they ever do manage to work out the bugs then I'll definitely be getting one.

[BC38]

Originally Posted by robvious

I managed to acquire a Ruger LCP and a Taurus TCP (PT738) within a week... good or bad week is hard to tell... anyway... took them to the range on the same day and the LCP went back in the box and onto the shelf to wait for the next owner... the Taurus became one of my pocket carries... my only 380 one... Beretta 21a in 22lr, and FEG PA-63 in 9x18MAK... big pockets required for the PA-63... trigger on the TCP is way better than the LCP...

I didn't want to invoke all the vitriol so often associated with the "T word", but since you brought it up, one of the previously mentioned pocket rockets I own is a TCP, and contrary to the common wisdom of the Taurus haters, it has been just as good as you have described.

[Frank46]

Pocket guns let me see. Manhurin made Walther PP in 32 apc
S&W Model 36 all steel 38 special and if I'm wearing a pullover or light jacket my old Sig P6 in 9mm. or my CZ 82 in 9mm makarov holds 12 rounds.2 spare mags in pouches for the P6 and the same for the CZ82.Frank