Looking for a new pocket carry.

[smoore]

I am really wanting a small semi auto pocket carry size gun. My top ones I was looking at are the S&W bodyguard 380, the Ruger lcp, and the Remington RM380. Right now my daily carry is a 637 38 spl. I also really like the M&P shield plus 30 super-carry https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/s-w-shield-plus-or-30-super-carry. I can hold the first 3 at my local gun store, but not the SC. However I found a really good deal online for a new one for $200. I know the bodyguard has a lot of complaints about the trigger. I understand it is not a target gun, but the trigger still worries me slightly. My questions really are how much bigger is the SC compared to those other guns, and what other S&W is the same size as the SC? I can probably hold it local to, just not the 30SC version. Is it the same size as the Shield 2.0 in 9mm? Or another model so I can check local? I am not up on the Smith semi auto models, my only Smiths before the new 5.7x28 were revolvers. All the semiautomatic names sound too much alike for me to know for sure what I am looking at. Thanks

 

[Dave Lively]

The Shield plus in 30 SC is the same size as the 9mm version.

If you look on the S&W website the physical dimensions are usually accurate but S&W randomly chooses to include no magazine, the flush magazine or the extended magazine when it lists the weight of a gun.

Its not a substitute for actually holding a gun in your hand but you can get a good idea of how guns compare in size at the handgunhero website:

Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus vs Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 size comparison | Handgun Hero .

 

[MikeNV]

I believe the trigger issues you are referring to are from the original Bodyguard. There is a Bodyguard 2.0 which is a different gun and has a pretty decent trigger - there are plenty of threads here with experiences and opinions on the 2.0. The BG 2.0 is a micro and smaller than a Shield Plus 30 Super Carry.

The Shield Plus 30 Super Carry is basically the same gun as a Shield Plus 9mm 3.1" barrel, same size and close to same weight, just chambered differently and different magazines. So, holding a Shield Plus 9mm 3.1" barrel is going to be pretty much the same as a 30 SC.

The Shield 2.0 3.1" barrel has a tad narrower grip than the Plus but otherwise the same size except for the longer Plus magazines.

For some size comparisons, attached are pics of a 9 Shield Plus 3.1" with a 15 rd mag compared to a Shield 2.0 3.1" with an 8 rd mag. Also a pic of a Bodyguard 2.0 with 12 rd mag compared to a 9 Shield Plus 4" barrel with a 15 rd mag. And last a Bodyguard 2.0 with 12 rd mag and a Shield 2.0 3.1" with 8 rd mag.

I would recommend giving the Bodyguard 2.0 a look - it's a nice pocket size pistol.

 

[smoore]

Awesome thanks

 

[ggibson511960]

Bodyguard reliability problems scared me away, despite wanting its features and being ever loyal to S&W. I've carried Ruger LCP and LCP Max for years. You can't beat them for reliability and concealability. Neither is a target gun nor a big manstopper, but you're much more likely to have it with you if it's not digging a hole in your pocket, especially in warm humid weather. LCP's are a bargain now that LCP Max is out. I fitted mine with a Hogue overgrip and it fit me perfectly. LCP Max is a bit larger to swallow a double stack mag and doesn't need grip enlargement for a decent handhold. Either is more than adequate at social ranges.

 

[10Mad]

The most dependable thing about a new Ruger is the box it comes in. And that is even suspect.
I too am looking for something a little more substantial than the P32 I've been using for years. If you read between the line those having the most issue with the new BG take them straight out of the box and begin blasting away with the cheapest ammo they can find. Certainly not a recipe for success. I've read that S&W has already made a few tweaks since the unveiling so I'm just waiting a little more to see if they do anything else. With winter coming my need for a new pocket gun can wait a few months. The new BG has satisfied my desire for something with a manual safety in a smaller package than my P365 .380 so I don't think I can go wrong.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

If you're looking for an easy-to-carry, 9 mm, polymer, striker-fired pistol, check out the Walther CCP. I just came home and put that gun away for today but I pocket carried it all morning.

Interestingly, I can also pocket carry this slightly larger CZ-75 Compact.

Those are both in the rotation but a M649 is my usual EDC.

 

[smoore]

I do like walther firearms. I went to my local gun shop and they had a gen 1 bodyguard. I wasn't a big fan of it and they were asking almost $400 for a used one. They also complained they can never sell them when they come in and that one has been setting there more then 6 months. I wanted to tell them if they dropped the price to a more reasonable number they could probably sell it. They also had a shield plus in 9mm, but it is a little larger than I want to stick in my pocket. It would probably be fine iwb. Funny I asked if they had a 30 sc. they laughed and said thank God not anymore. Last week they sold one they had for like 6 months. 250 rnds a laser and gun for like $400.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

For pocket carry the KAHR CW380 is about as small & easy as anything out there, IMHO...

Of course, a Model 642 (sans HystericallyRottenClinton Hole) is also pretty hard to beat!

Cheers!

 

[gmarshall99]

Sig 938. Pocket size 1911 style in 9mm. Single stack.

 

[smoore]

I did look at that sig today too. I really liked it except the price. I wasn't a big fan of that. I am pushing my wife's limit on what I can spend since I just got the 5.7. My pocket carry needs to stay under $400 right now. I was even hoping to be around the $200 range for a used gun, but I figured that would be out the window quickly ��

 

[JMD999]

I am really wanting a small semi auto pocket carry size gun. My top ones I was looking at are the S&W bodyguard 380, the Ruger lcp, and the Remington RM380. Right now my daily carry is a 637 38 spl. I also really like the M&P shield plus 30 super-carry https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/s-w-shield-plus-or-30-super-carry. I can hold the first 3 at my local gun store, but not the SC. However I found a really good deal online for a new one for $200. I know the bodyguard has a lot of complaints about the trigger. I understand it is not a target gun, but the trigger still worries me slightly. My questions really are how much bigger is the SC compared to those other guns, and what other S&W is the same size as the SC? I can probably hold it local to, just not the 30SC version. Is it the same size as the Shield 2.0 in 9mm? Or another model so I can check local? I am not up on the Smith semi auto models, my only Smiths before the new 5.7x28 were revolvers. All the semiautomatic names sound too much alike for me to know for sure what I am looking at. Thanks

Keep your wheel guns, and buy what you think is best for you. That said i have plenty of pocket semis but went back to a S&W 642 as my always, and add from there... +/- a IWB Glock 23.
It's an individual decision, i dont feel comfortable with a striker fired pistol in my pocket, safeties, magazines, etc.
When the Adrenalin kicks in the 642 is a "no brainer" point shoot.
Just my .02

 

[nam6869usmc]

These two are my only pocket carry guns, I tried moving up to 9mm with my Ruger LC9 Pro but is was just to heavy/big.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Have pocket carried my Kahr PM9, Ruger LCP Max and 642.
Also have a Ruger LCP 22.
The Kahr CW380 looks like a good choice.
In the Days of Yore I was known for carrying a 2 1/2 66 in Jeans Rear pocket.

 

[crstrode]

I believe the trigger issues you are referring to are from the original Bodyguard.

Tsk tsk tsk . . .

The "original" S&W Bodyguard was an all-metal 38 special revolver, circa 1955.

This Old Gun: Smith & Wesson Model 49 Bodyguard | An Official Journal Of The NRA

 

[MikeNV]

Tsk tsk tsk . . .

The "original" S&W Bodyguard was an all-metal 38 special revolver, circa 1955.

You're right, I should have said original Bodyguard 380. S&W still sells a Bodyguard 38 J-Frame.

 

[otis24]

I would recommend the Sig P365. With the flat mag plate or smal pinky extension it's small enough for pocket carry. Put a large magazine extension on the second mag and you get a full size grip. At handgunhero.com you can compare sizes.

 

[Cal44]

You might consider a Sig P238.

A small 380 acp.

It's the most accurate small gun I've ever shot.

Great sights

 

[Rich Richardson]

Extremely pleased with my Fort Smith PPK/S 380.

 

[smoore]

So many good ideas and suggestions thanks so much for all the advice given, I really appreciate it.

 

[Hawg Rider]

My EDC pocket pistol is a Performance Center M&P Shield Plus 9mm. It's been a dependable pistol and is easy to carry around in a pocket holster or AIWB holster. Plenty of rounds in the mag, sights are easy to see, the porting helps with recoil and follow up shots, and ammo is plentiful. I added an aftermarket extended safety to make it easy to operate, but they are available without the safety, too. I think that Super Carry is kind of a boutique caliber and not always readily available, but to each their own.

 

[3rdgenfriend]

How about CSX?

Have you considered the S&W CSX?? I love mine and it has replaced my 365XL. I like the features, weight, and the fact that is all metal doesn't hurt. Here is my CSX with my SA Emmisary 1911 in 9MM

 

[Enzo Rules]

My everyday, for the last 15 plus years, pocket carry is an LCP in a Bear Creek holster. I at first had issues with the factory sights so I sent the slide to a gunsmith in New York who installed Sig 229 sights on it. I've had no issues since.

 

[smoore]

I got a chance to hold the bodyguard 2.0 today, along with one with an extended mag. I definitely liked the extended mag better. Really comfortable in my hand. Wife said it is too expensive though so i couldn't get it right now. Maybe later unless i find something else cheaper in the mean time. Also does anyone have any experience with the DB9 Gen4? I have only seen it online, but almost the same exact size as the bodyguard but it is a 9mm

 

[hardluk1]

So many good ideas and suggestions thanks so much for all the advice given, I really appreciate it.

Why was your other handgun a 5.7? and why not carry in a tuckable IWB or AIWB .

You might look at the Taurus GX4 micro compact in 9mm with 11 or 13 round mags and a weight of 19oz if your budget allows less than 400 dollars . 9mm ammo cost less to practice with too .

Handgun Hero link-
Taurus GX4 vs Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus size comparison | Handgun Hero

 

[TwinV10]

The most dependable thing about a new Ruger is the box it comes in. And that is even suspect. .

I have shot hundreds of flawless rounds through my LCP Max and can't say the same for my BG 2.0. Have you had problems with a Ruger LCP or just talking out of your butt?

 

[Dio]

What about the kimber micro 9?

 

[smoore]

Why was your other handgun a 5.7? and why not carry in a tuckable IWB or AIWB .

You might look at the Taurus GX4 micro compact in 9mm with 11 or 13 round mags and a weight of 19oz if your budget allows less than 400 dollars . 9mm ammo cost less to practice with too .

Handgun Hero link-
Taurus GX4 vs Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield Plus size comparison | Handgun Hero

I got a 5.7 because I have been wanting a 5.7 for a few years. And I liked the M&P 5.7 better than the FN. I may carry it some, and if I do it will be using a iwb holster more than likely. But I won't do that very often. The main reason is the clothes I wear almost every day. In the summer I tend to wear gym shorts and in cooler weather I wear some type of hiking/gym pants. None have belt loops. Once in a while I wear a belt or another belly band type thing, and use a holster with that. Just not very often because I set at a desk 10 hours a day and that type of thing gets uncomfortable. I sometimes wear an ankle holster, but not often. The easiest most comfortable way that fits into my daily life is the put my 637 in a small pocket holster and put it in my pocket. I will take a look at that Taurus. Thanks

 

[RobertK3026]

Even Though this is not my post, I too am looking for a pocket pistol so thanks to all for their input.
I would like to stay with a 9mm, because I'm getting too old to start a new caliber like a .380, but a LCP Max looks like the winner so far.

 

[brian686]

My EDC pocket pistol is a Performance Center M&P Shield Plus 9mm. It's been a dependable pistol and is easy to carry around in a pocket holster or AIWB holster. Plenty of rounds in the mag, sights are easy to see, the porting helps with recoil and follow up shots, and ammo is plentiful. I added an aftermarket extended safety to make it easy to operate, but they are available without the safety, too. I think that Super Carry is kind of a boutique caliber and not always readily available, but to each their own.

Agree with everything said here. I would stick with 9mm as what you save on the price of the gun, you will lose later buying the 30 SC ammo to break it in and be proficient. The Shield Plus is one of those guns you just keep going back to. It is accurate and dependable as the best out there at a reasonable price. Good luck on your purchase and please let us know what you decide. Too often people ask these questions and never follow-up and tell us what their final decision was.