Looking for pocket carry gun under $500

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drumminor2nd

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Hi, all. I'm looking for a pocket carry option in the $350-$500 range. I'm looking at four S&Ws right now in my local shops:

Bodyguard BG 38 (the plastic one) @ $350
Pro: I have .38 already, it's light, it's the cheapest.
Con: Not well thought of by many upon release. Did they ever get better?

Bodyguard 2.0 .380 for $400
Pro: Small enough, light enough, holds 10+1, price good
Con: Even the ones I've seen in the shops have had issues, like the recoil spring going over the end of the rod. I don't have any .380 already.

Shield 2.0 Performance Center ported for $479
https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/performance-center-ported-m-p-9-shield-m2.0-hi-viz-sights
Pro: 9mm +P performance, I have 9mm already
Con: Borderline size for pocket carry, most expensive.

642 no lock for $479
Pro: I have .38 already, it's light, it's a known quantity ((had a 638, but sold it because it was, frankly, ugly)
Con: Capacity, the most expensive.

I'm also entertaining a Glock 42 or 43 at about $450, as well.
Pro: I already have a Glock 19, so I'm familiar.
Con: Capacity, size is as large or larger than similar capacity guns.

Not a fan of the Ruger LCP family.

Thoughts? Suggestions?
 
I've had a whole bunch of pocket guns and have come back full circle to the original Ruger LCP .380 which the OP is not a fan of. My Sig 365 is an outstanding gun and I would put that at the top of list for anyone looking for something a little bigger or more powerful than a slim .380 mouse gun.
 
KAHR PM9 is my choice. There's probably better options now, but this has been my steady for over 10 years when deep conealment is necessary. Safariland makes my poly pocket holster which is very thin and grippy. The holster choice is just as important as the gun, and you may also find a pocket set up works real well with some pants but not others. I usually switch to pocket carry when it gets 100.
 
Of your listed choices, I would opt for the Shield if your pockets are deep enough (size, not price-wise). That said it would be hard to go wrong with either a P365 or Hellcat.
 
Before I give my answer I should say that I am not a fan of semiautomatics for pocket carry, for a number of reasons.

Of the two revolvers listed, I would definitely opt for the 642, which was my primary carry gun for several years. I’ve only handled a couple of the new “Bodyguards,” but both were, IMHO, abysmal.

While not listed among your options—and it may be heretical considering where we are—I started carrying a Ruger LCR a few years ago, and I’ve been quite pleased. With Hogue Bantam grips they are roughly two ounces lighter than an Airweight, and the sights work better for me. I currently own three: two in .38 (one for carry, one for practice), and one in .22LR (for really inexpensive practice). They are, as my Mom would say, “as ugly as homemade sin,” but they are well-made and absolutely reliable. As a bonus, I picked up each of the .38s very lightly used for <$400, out-the-door.
 
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I'd give the original BG .380 a look once I adapted to the loooong trigger pull I carried it for nine years with no problems.Replaced it with a P365
 
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When it comes to S&W autos I like S&W revolvers, sorry :( You already have the correct answer. Glock 42.380 or 43 9mm. The 42 is a bit smaller, lighter and cheaper if you're happy with the .380 ctg. My SD favorite is my G42. So light and handy you won't even know it's there until you need it.
 
I would say the Shield is a bit large for pocket carry.

I have carried a 442, Sig 365 and Glock 43 in the pocket often and will offer the following:

-The J Frame is superb for pocket carry. But not easy to shoot. When I carried a J as a backup and in the pocket when off I spent a lot of time at the range. And those skills diminished when I retired and had some time away from the range. Up side concealable and 5 rounds mostly guaranteed.

-The Glock 43 I love as a pocket carry piece. Light weight and you hardly notice it in the pocket. I do carry a second magazine in my off pocket using a carrier. Easy to shoot and packing a quality 9mm round that has good performance.

-The SIG 365 system was purchased to try and incorporate one handgun platform for all needs. I have a standard, an X and XL. Love the platform and have a ton of time invested in shooting a 365. I picked up a Mika pocket holster for the standard 365 and that is a good way to go. The drawback I have found is the weight of the 365 with the 10 round mag seems to be more than with the Glock. Could be the axis of the 365 and not the actual weight but I don't find it as comfortable. With that said it is a great choice. Accurate, easily concealed and the spare magazine, as well as the one in the gun, holds more rounds. Quality 9mm SD rounds and you won't be disappointed.

I don't believe you can go wrong with any of these but the semiautos have a definite edge if the fit in the pocket of your mode of dress.

Good luck.
 
If not a 365 I’d lean towards the Kahr as mentioned or Hellcat. I actually forgot about the Kahr lineup. I like them. Capacity is a bit lower though.
 
How’s the strength in your hands and arms?

Go to a range and rent some guns. You will find out real fast.

I’m not an LCP fan either. Lots of people recommend them. But they conveniently forget to tell you that the LCP can be hard to handle for some.

Like putting a V8 in a go cart.

The Bodyguard 2.0 has received some very good reviews as well as the G42.

But the Bodyguard is smaller and has more rounds.
 
Personally I am not a fan of pocket carry. For me, it takes too long to draw, I always have other stuff in my pockets I have to deal with, no two pair of pants I own have the same size/depth of pocket, and my pistol is never in the same position twice (or at least it's never in the same position I thought it was...:rolleyes:).

If you try IWB you will find that a mouse gun is quite easy to conceal, comfortable with the right holster, much quicker to draw, always in the same place I left it, and provides you with the option to expand your size range a bit. And honestly, if I'm going to have a lower capacity pistol I choose to have something with a bit more punch than a .380, which is why (among other reasons) I own two CS45 Chiefs Specials (.45 ACP) for my EDC rotation.
 
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