1st Concealed Carry?

[TripleB]

I'm looking to make my first concealed carry pistol purchase* and several Smith & Wesson models are high on my list (mainly because of the quality, they look incredible, and they are under $450...my budget limit).

I'd prefer to pocket carry the pistol just because I think I would be more likely to carry it everywhere I go since it's just a matter of putting it in a holder and sliding it in my pocket.

The models I'm considering are:
- 442 Revolver
- 642 Revolver (although I believe I like the all black 442 a bit better for concealment)
- M&P Bodyguard .380
- M&P Compact 9mm
- Shield 9mm

*I currently own a Browning Buckmark .22 for cheap shooting as well as a Bauer .25 auto my mother gave me that I'll pocket carry until I get something more powerful

So, with which of these do you feel would make the best pocket carry S&W?

Thanks for any and all advice!

TripleB

*not sure it matters but I'm 48, 6'2", 190 pounds, will be putting it in blue jeans/khakis/shorts

 

[bigwheelzip]

Since you like black, 442 and Shield 9mm. Nice to have a couple in rotation.

 

[whitestang]

Welcome to the forum. You will get many different opinions as to what to carry as everyone has a favorite. I carry a 9c and a 442 Pro at different times due to manner of dress etc. If you can go to a range that rents guns that would be one way to see which one or ones work the best for you.

 

[VPNAVY]

Welcome aboard from the great state of Pennsylvania!

 

[OLDSTER]

Welcome from ND

 

[MSG Glenn]

Welcome from Wisconsin!

I don't pocket carry but mt guess would be on a small revolver or the Shield. I have an M&P40C & I don't think I'd care to carry it in a pocket.

 

[lrrifleman]

Welcome from the Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey!

Personally, I am not totally fond of pocket carry, but to each his own. Considering that there could be a remote possibility that you may HAVE to fire from/through the pocket, I would shy away from an auto. This, because of the possibility of the slide jamming due to pocket restriction. For that reason alone, I would lean towards a "hammerless" revolver.

I have a 36-6 that I use for IWB carry, or pocket carry in my barn coat.

 

[C Islander]

Welcome from Ohio. Since this is the new member introduction section, go to the concealed carry section and ask your question. You'll get more responses there.

 

[islamoradamark]

welcome from south florida

 

[tekarra]

Welcome aboard.

 

[gscrasher]

Pocket carry depends a lot on the type of pants you are wearing. I wear Wrangler's jeans most of the time and most of the guns you list are too big to fit my front pocket. I don't know about the Bodyguard. On the other hand, if you wear slacks like Dockers or 511's or similar, you have a lot more latitude.
If you wear overalls, you can carry much larger gun!

 

[S&W Oldtimer]

Welcome from Va.

 

[snubbyfan]

Welcome from the eastern panhandle of West Virginia.
442 works for me.

 

[woolieworm]

Welcome from south Texas.

 

[mrsig]

Welcome from Tampa

 

[Hhenry]

Welcome from W.V.! My vote, the Shield in 9mm. Enjoy the forum and stay safe!

 

[pawncop]

Welcome from Texas TripleB. Great forum for all things S&W, have fun, learn lots, share what you know.

Many choices, many opinions. My primary off duty sidearm is a Glock model 32 in 357 Sig. I would tend to advise the revolver unless you have some experience with a self loading pistol.

Oh my second gun on duty is a S&W model 36 .