The 642 without a doubt from the four options listed.
Looking for pocket carry gun under $500
- Thread starter drumminor2nd
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In some cases, pocket carry is the fastest method of presentation. When I was on the job and did UC work, walk up dope deals, I already had a shooting grip on the snub in my RF pocket. Sitting in the vehicle deals I switched to AIWB. Pocket carry was also very good when posing as a pizza delivery guy on calls that were thought to be armed robbery set ups. Pizza in one hand, gun with shooting grip in the other. I've out drawn guys with weapons in their hands coming from the pocket.
As to the OP question, used 642 and a speed strip.
And when anyone tries to shame you for carrying a 5 shooter, ask them how many rounds they've used on humans in the last two decades that weren't in a war zone. The plain truth is, they'd mostly all have 5 rounds left in that 5 shooter.
As to the OP question, used 642 and a speed strip.
And when anyone tries to shame you for carrying a 5 shooter, ask them how many rounds they've used on humans in the last two decades that weren't in a war zone. The plain truth is, they'd mostly all have 5 rounds left in that 5 shooter.
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I’m a fan of the LCP Max and found it reliable and easy to carry after the following:
Upgraded trigger
Upgraded recoil spring and guide rod
Upgraded (heavier) magazine release spring
These are things I felt it needed and never had a reliability issue at all. I am trying out the M&P 9 Shield Plus as a carry gun but haven’t put enough rounds through it to feel totally comfortable.
Upgraded trigger
Upgraded recoil spring and guide rod
Upgraded (heavier) magazine release spring
These are things I felt it needed and never had a reliability issue at all. I am trying out the M&P 9 Shield Plus as a carry gun but haven’t put enough rounds through it to feel totally comfortable.
magnum0710
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I had the G42 and bought it specifically for pocket carry, it was just too big and no I don't wear skinny jeans. I now have an original LCP but since that's put, if it were me I'd go with the Bodyguard 2.0 or the 642. I did have a 642 and pocket carried it successfully for a while. I got rid of it but I'm never happy with a 38 only revolver, every time I regret not getting a 357 instead but that's a different story. Whatever you do I'd stay away from the polymer Bodyguard revolver. I considered one a few years ago but after doing some research I decided against it.
hannstv
Member
I would find a clean used S&W442 for pocket carry. If you are comfortable with a striker fired pistol in your pocket, the Glock 42 is one of the best shooting 380s I have ever fired. 9mms in this small of a package are just too snappy.
For me, I don’t see a 365 as a pocket gun… unless you got some huge pockets. Granted I just picked up a 365 Flex… but it is still pretty thick if you forget about height and length. The other 365s I’ve handled/shot… I stand by it is a difficult pocket gun.
The LCP size is what I can fit in pockets. The LCP Max is the biggest I can fit my hand around while drawing from my pocket. I started with the original LCP, but the LCP Max was an awesome upgrade (slide lock, sights and capacity).
I’m not a huge fan of the BG 2.0. While I know some people like to push it as the best thing since sliced bread, I still hear about issues. But I also have plenty of round thru my Ruger, all the gear for carry (holsters, magazines, etc) and have the trust of it. Maybe the BG 2.0 is so much better… but I’m not going to push into a new platform when I’m happy with what I have. Last time I did that… it was from the original LCP to the LCP Max. The next gun needs to be that sort of leap.
I’m shocked that nobody other than just Ruger and S&W jumped on the “LCP Max” bandwagon. It sort of bridges the gap between too small to shoot well and too large for pocket carry.
The LCP size is what I can fit in pockets. The LCP Max is the biggest I can fit my hand around while drawing from my pocket. I started with the original LCP, but the LCP Max was an awesome upgrade (slide lock, sights and capacity).
I’m not a huge fan of the BG 2.0. While I know some people like to push it as the best thing since sliced bread, I still hear about issues. But I also have plenty of round thru my Ruger, all the gear for carry (holsters, magazines, etc) and have the trust of it. Maybe the BG 2.0 is so much better… but I’m not going to push into a new platform when I’m happy with what I have. Last time I did that… it was from the original LCP to the LCP Max. The next gun needs to be that sort of leap.
I’m shocked that nobody other than just Ruger and S&W jumped on the “LCP Max” bandwagon. It sort of bridges the gap between too small to shoot well and too large for pocket carry.
smoothshooter
Member
Small J frame .38 snub nose for a revolver, or Glock 42 for an automatic.
It is not the gun it's the holster.
And the trousers.
There are many options and you have no way to know without just trying something.
Any of the thick padded holsters do a good job of hiding the gun shape.
The sleek tight fitting kydex holsters really show that what you got in yer pocket is a pistol when they print. But they don't feel so tight.
Thick padded holsters look like you are carrying a subway 6-inch sandwich.
The kydex holsters which have a smooth side will hide the gun shape but they have a thumb pushing thingamajig you must get used to in order to draw the weapon. As you pull you must push down with the thumb or the whole holster comes out too.
You sure about this pocket carry thing?
What I recommend of the options you suggested is the Model 642 in a Don Hume 001 Front Pocket Holster, on sale at their site for $44. Wear Chinos properly fitted to you! Your hand must slide in and out of the pocket easily while holding a gun and trying not to be killed.
Keep us apprised. Very curious how you decide.
Best Regards!
BrianD
And the trousers.
There are many options and you have no way to know without just trying something.
Any of the thick padded holsters do a good job of hiding the gun shape.
The sleek tight fitting kydex holsters really show that what you got in yer pocket is a pistol when they print. But they don't feel so tight.
Thick padded holsters look like you are carrying a subway 6-inch sandwich.
The kydex holsters which have a smooth side will hide the gun shape but they have a thumb pushing thingamajig you must get used to in order to draw the weapon. As you pull you must push down with the thumb or the whole holster comes out too.
You sure about this pocket carry thing?
What I recommend of the options you suggested is the Model 642 in a Don Hume 001 Front Pocket Holster, on sale at their site for $44. Wear Chinos properly fitted to you! Your hand must slide in and out of the pocket easily while holding a gun and trying not to be killed.
Keep us apprised. Very curious how you decide.
Best Regards!
BrianD
smoothshooter
Member
Ruger LCR IN .38?
I have 2.
Like them a lot.
I have 2.
Like them a lot.
Not a Glock fan, but....
...I think that a good reason for not using Glocks as a pocket pistol is their safety setup. A toggle trigger safety would be too easy to pull by accident. I would prefer at least an additional grip safety or better for me, a manual safety.
...I think that a good reason for not using Glocks as a pocket pistol is their safety setup. A toggle trigger safety would be too easy to pull by accident. I would prefer at least an additional grip safety or better for me, a manual safety.
I prefer all steel J frames, not lightweights, and I routinely pocket carry an M649. Sometimes I belt-carry it, IWB or OWB, depending on the situation. It looks like the lightweight 638, but prettiness and ugliness are not criteria for a defensive handgun.
The MSRP on a new Walther CCP is $499 which means (a) you can get a new one for less and (b) a good used one will be much less. I will admit that despite my dislike of polymer pistols the CCP fills the bill for me perfectly. Decent size, decent ammo capacity, easy to conceal, normal, striker-fired trigger. I carry it often, just not as often as my 649. *
I'm not a fan of any of the newer S&W pistols. I loved the 3rd Gen pistols, and I'd conceal carry one of those like my CS9 or CS 45 or even my 6906 (it's a tad large for me for concealment, but others do it routinely and I have done it).
I particularly dislike Glocks, not just because I prefer all metal handguns (except for the CCP) but I despise the so-called *safety trigger that now everyone uses. YMMV. But see the immediately preceding post; I am not alone.
So, folks rave about the new SIGs. Okay, I'm fine with that if they're wonderful, but my concealed carry stable is complete. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
The MSRP on a new Walther CCP is $499 which means (a) you can get a new one for less and (b) a good used one will be much less. I will admit that despite my dislike of polymer pistols the CCP fills the bill for me perfectly. Decent size, decent ammo capacity, easy to conceal, normal, striker-fired trigger. I carry it often, just not as often as my 649. *
I'm not a fan of any of the newer S&W pistols. I loved the 3rd Gen pistols, and I'd conceal carry one of those like my CS9 or CS 45 or even my 6906 (it's a tad large for me for concealment, but others do it routinely and I have done it).
I particularly dislike Glocks, not just because I prefer all metal handguns (except for the CCP) but I despise the so-called *safety trigger that now everyone uses. YMMV. But see the immediately preceding post; I am not alone.
So, folks rave about the new SIGs. Okay, I'm fine with that if they're wonderful, but my concealed carry stable is complete. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
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38 Specialist
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I like small revolvers for pocket carry.
I don't trust 380. I've had too many malfunctions with that cartridge. Don't know if it's the guns, the ammo, or my technique. Regardless, i have full confidence in .38 special (or more) fitting out of a revolver.
I don't trust 380. I've had too many malfunctions with that cartridge. Don't know if it's the guns, the ammo, or my technique. Regardless, i have full confidence in .38 special (or more) fitting out of a revolver.
The safety on the trigger of most striker fired pistols is a DROP safety regardless of how the manufacturer names it. It can't differentiate between a finger and anything else that might press against it. And that's how they go bang.
One last piece of unasked for advice. Holster and re-holster by taking the holster OUT of your pocket or waistband, then return it to the place of carry inside the holster. There's no time penalty for re-holstering.
One last piece of unasked for advice. Holster and re-holster by taking the holster OUT of your pocket or waistband, then return it to the place of carry inside the holster. There's no time penalty for re-holstering.
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I have been carrying a Sig P365 for 6 years now and have "retired" my Chief's Spl M60-7 for EDC. They are currently selling for about what you are willing to pay. I'd suggest that for EDC you consider the standard original size model but with a manual safety option. 10+1 is legal in NYS. The P365 is reliable, super accurate beyond all carry gun requirements and weighs 17.6 ounces empty (about 4-5 ounces less than a steel Chief's Spl.). It is a pleasure to carry and shoot!!!
My carry ammo is Federal standard velocity 124 grain HST. In the case of the P365's 3.1" barrel the standard velocity HST actually outperforms the +P by a tad and has a little less recoil as well, but neither is objectionable.
My carry ammo is Federal standard velocity 124 grain HST. In the case of the P365's 3.1" barrel the standard velocity HST actually outperforms the +P by a tad and has a little less recoil as well, but neither is objectionable.
white cloud
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I have pocket holsters for my Shield and Kahr CM9. Both guns have been totally reliable and are much easier to shoot well than a J Frame. That said, when it gets warm out the 649 goes in the pocket. The sights and slide on the autos make a smooth draw problematic.
When it comes to pocket guns, there is the Seecamp, and then there is every other gun that someone thinks they can comfortably cram in their pocket. Personally, I'm not shoving a striker fired gun in my pocket - period. No safety and light trigger pull... what's the worst that could happen. Revolvers are too thick for my taste due to the cylinder, causes them to print unless you've got an oversized holster. The RM 380 isn't a bad choice for a pocket, but I typically carry mine IWB in a thin kydex holster. Just my $.02.
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I already have a .38 pocket revolver, but this post eventually got me investigating the .32. I found the revolver offerings in this handgun segment more appealing than the semi-automatics for pocket carry and the .32 a better round for air weight revolvers. The varying .32 rounds and ammo costs are a consideration hard to avoid and give me pause.
I found the 6-shot Lipsey's S&W 632UC "Ultimate Carry" and 432UC to be a good fit for me if I decided to dive into the .32 pool.
The Lipsey's 5-shot .38 special Ultimate Carry J-frame (642UC & 442UC) is tempting too.
I wasn't familiar with Lipsey's until I started poking around looking at the latest 642s. I watched numerous YouTube vids on Lipsey's offerings and the ammo too.
Always nice to explore and get an education from the adventure. Thanks OP for the posting.
I found the 6-shot Lipsey's S&W 632UC "Ultimate Carry" and 432UC to be a good fit for me if I decided to dive into the .32 pool.
The Lipsey's 5-shot .38 special Ultimate Carry J-frame (642UC & 442UC) is tempting too.
I wasn't familiar with Lipsey's until I started poking around looking at the latest 642s. I watched numerous YouTube vids on Lipsey's offerings and the ammo too.
Always nice to explore and get an education from the adventure. Thanks OP for the posting.
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Tex1001
Member
I carried a AMT Backup as my backup to my Commander for
years.
I have never hated to fire a pistol as much as that one because
of recoil. It was a blowback.
Around 20 years ago I got a Kel-Tek 3AT on a multi trade and I
was afraid to fire it since it was much lighter than the AMT.
When I finally fired it, recoil was substantially less because of the
locked breech.
I switched to a Ruger LCP (A shameless copy of the Kel-Tek) and
never looked back.
Both the Ruger and Kel-Tek are mouse guns that shoot a decent
caliber cartridge and don't beat you to death.
years.
I have never hated to fire a pistol as much as that one because
of recoil. It was a blowback.
Around 20 years ago I got a Kel-Tek 3AT on a multi trade and I
was afraid to fire it since it was much lighter than the AMT.
When I finally fired it, recoil was substantially less because of the
locked breech.
I switched to a Ruger LCP (A shameless copy of the Kel-Tek) and
never looked back.
Both the Ruger and Kel-Tek are mouse guns that shoot a decent
caliber cartridge and don't beat you to death.
