Extreme deep pocket concealment question: which would you pick?

[DonDee]

OK, for times when I just can't hide my 340PD in thin dress slacks (Mika pocket holster notwithstanding) , and nothing other than pocket carry will work, it's down to two guns for me. And only two, I think I've considered them all.

It's either going to be a Seecamp .32 (much better gun, but I can't afford the .380) or a Ruger LCP .380 (not as nice a gun, but it is a.380).

Would you go with the better gun or the slightly larger caliber? Is the stopping ability difference between a .32 and a .380 worth worrying about?

 

[Double-O-Dave]

I own a Seecamp in .32ACP. I like it, but it does have its drawbacks, caliber notwithstanding. I find it manageable in .32ACP, but wonder if it would be so in the .380 loading. For me, it points well, but it is strictly a close-range, last ditch type of weapon. It is small, but it's also heavy. I carry mine in a Galco (horsehide) pocket holster in my weak-side front pants pocket as my "New York reload". The trigger pull is a long, deliberate, double action only one - there are no chances for "double-taps". It is reliable - there are only 4 moving parts - and I've never had a FTF, FTE, etc. I don't think there is a similarly sized pistol in .32ACP, which is part of its appeal for me. If your heart is set on one, I'd definitely go for the .32ACP caliber rather than .380.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[pineappleshooter]

PM me and I can make you a deal on a LWS32 with Bear Creek pocket holster. Fired exactly two boxes through it with no glitches.

 

[DAdams]

My number one carry is a Seecamp .380. I bought it before the plethora of alternatives like the LCP came on the scene. Today I would be more prone to buy a Rohrbaugh 9 or Kahr PM .380.
I don't have a problem "managing" the LWS. Adding a magazine extension helped to eliminate the finger banging.
I like light, so I may even pick up an LCP one of these days.
My next most carried not so deep cover is a M&P 340 with CT 405 grips.
If I feel compelled to carry a 17 oz 9mm I have a Kahr PM9 which to date is still hard to beat.

 

[Mickey D]

Extreme deep pocket concealment

Is this for the rich folk?

 

[pjpjr]

My choice is a Seecamp 32ACP for everyday carry where something bigger is not appropriate. The little Seecamp simply disappears in your pocket and mine has proven itself to be absolutely reliable and deadly accurate at close range. I know .32ACP is questionable as a defensive round but the current offering of self defense ammo really makes up for it's inherent shortcomings.
I carry my Seecamp everyday regardless of anything else!
__________________

 

[DAdams]

Is this for the rich folk?

Nothing wrong with a 642 at $400 or LCP for $300 and change.

 

[harleyvato]

If I carry a small pistol I prefer the NAA Guardian in .32 ACP. I carry in a pocket holster and it is unnoticeable. I have had no issues with mine and it points well for me.i originally wanted a seecamp but was put off by the silvertip ammo requirement, cost not being the issue but more for availability concerns.

 

[APS]

I believe the Ruger LCP has worked itself out by now as a reliable piece. I would pick that over the Seecamp for the slightly larger caliber, better ammunition availability and the saved money means more ammo for you to practice with. And you will need to practice with it if you intend to hit anything.
And if you so desire you can have real sights added to the LCP.

 

[MrJT]

I go with the LCP. Nice and tiny. Decent caliber.

 

[Cavaliere]

.32 Seecamp. The others don't come close. Yes, it costs more and yes it weighs more, and yes you can buy a .380 plastic-blaster. But, in guns, as in motorcars, you get what you pay pay for. There is a reason why a Bentley costs more than a Kia and that same reason applies to why a Seecamp costs more than an LCP. As far as caliber goes, both the .380 and the .32 will do the job of stopping an attacker, provided you do your job and hit what you are shooting at. I prefer the .32 because it has less recoil and allows me to get back on target faster for a second, or subsequent, shot.

 

[dinooch]

I have a Kel-Tec P32 that is 100% dependable. I carry 71gr FMJ in it although it handles JHP's I like the deeper penetration potential. Mine is one of the original 1st generation guns with the old style extractor and it still functions perfectly. For pocket carry I usually carry a J-Frame but if the occasion calls for deep deep concealment you can't beat the Kel-Tec.

 

[Iggy]

My wife and I both usually have Seecamp .32's squirreled away somewhere.

 

[Dump1567]

Kel-tec 32 is my choice for when I want the smallest & lightest carry gun.

 

[tops]

Baby Browning or vest pocket Colt. Larry

 

[APS]

.32 Seecamp. The others don't come close.

So for his purposes, how is the Seecamp functionally better?

 

[DonDee]

So for his purposes, how is the Seecamp functionally better?

I'm not sure what this poster was referring to, but I'm the OP and I just bought the Seecamp. Jewel-like construction, tiny size (although somewhat heavy) extreme support from the manufacturer including current ammo recommendations and a loyal user base sort of sealed the deal for me.

We'll see how it works out. I know there are legions who swear by the LCP as well, and it was a tough call.

 

[Out West]

I have a Kel-Tec P32 that is 100% dependable. I carry 71gr FMJ in it although it handles JHP's I like the deeper penetration potential. Mine is one of the original 1st generation guns with the old style extractor and it still functions perfectly. For pocket carry I usually carry a J-Frame but if the occasion calls for deep deep concealment you can't beat the Kel-Tec.

Ditto on the 1st gen P32. Mine works perfectly. Bought a bunch of surplus FN fmj flat point ammo when I got the pistol. The little gun never jams. If I have to put something in my pocket to be armed, its going to be the P32.

Out
West

 

[J. W.]

Of the two, the LCP. I'd rather carry a good knife than anything smaller than a .380 and I think its marginal at best. I'm not a fan of mouse guns at all. Personally I'd find away to dress around the 340PD, even if that means buying thicker slacks.

I'll add this. When I first started pocket carrying I thought my 442 looked huge in my pocket. After I got used to it, I realized it doesn't and that it conceals superbly. (I pocket carry wearing dress pants regularly)

 

[oldman45]

Just some food for thought.

Many states forbid pocket carry by law. They require any gun inside a pocket to be holstered.

That being the case, a person needing a gun quickly will have difficulty getting a gun out of a holster while in a pocket. They probably will not have time or other things to take the gun & holster out of the pocket, remove the gun from the holster and still be able to use it.

Best check the laws on pocket carry in your state and those you visit.