Looking for pocket carry gun under $500

[chief38]

Not wanting to start a debate here, but a cop once had the drop on Dillinger, and Dillinger drew and killed the cop. Later, Dillinger said he couldn't understand why the cop didn't shoot him. Seems the cop didn't release the safety in the stress of the situation.
People lose their fine motor skills in stressful situations. It is how we are wired. That's why I like DA revolvers and Glocks.

Could be hear say, could be true - who knows. Even if it were true, we know NOTHING about the Cop! There are Cops who constantly train and many who don't do anymore than the minimum - same as many civilians. There are a slew of circumstances we could but I'd rather not debate. Since neither of us were there (if it even happened that way) we are just jabbering and said story is really meaningless - kind of like what happened at the OK Coral - lol. I guess that is why Sig makes their pistols with and without manual safety's - to each his own as they say.

Everytime you change an EDC you have to familiarize yourself with the particular model and its controls, its magazine release, etc. I see no difference in practicing with a pistol having manual safety. BTW, just because the pistol has one does not mean it has to be engaged. If expecting imminent danger one could flick it off beforehand. What I can tell you is my P365 came without a manual safety and that is the way I carried it for 3 years. When they came out with the parts to install and add it - I jumped on it. Never looked back, but again a personal choice.

 

[geeollie]

I own or have owned Kahr PM9, 642, LCR, Shield 9, Kahr 380's, Glock 42, Springfield XD.
Also, the M&P Bodyguard 380 and Bodyguard 2.0. I own a Sig P365 but find it too large to get out of most pockets quickly.

The easiest to carry are the Kahr 380's, the M&P BG 380 and BG 2.0. Next in my experience is the 642-J frame family.
These are small enough for many pockets and the size/shape is easy to put in and take out.
The other semi-autos are small but blocky. For me they may fit in many pockets but they can print much more. And, getting a shooting grip while still in the pocket is very difficult with these larger gun......at least for me.
For me the Glock 380 was borderline....but the grip angle is not my favorite.

I've used many types of pocket holsters from Galco horsehide to several types of "sticky" material and several kydex.
My pockets are off the shelf pants from Lands End, Duluth and Carhartt for the most part.

 

[erikpolcrack]

Palmetto State has offered a 'closeout' on Sig P 365 XL s for $450.

 

[alwslate]

I couldn’t imagine owning a handgun that required two hands to disengage the safety. I’ve practiced with my P365 since I got it and taking the gun off safe has become second nature.

Carrying a striker fired pistol with a round in the chamber and keeping the manual safety on makes me feel more comfortable and swiping it off before pulling the trigger takes a nano second while raising up the gun to point it on target.

They make the P365 both with and without one so it is the owners choice. If you own one without a manual safety it can easily be added with the parts purchased from Sig.

You're supposed to be smarter than your own gun. Some people feel the need for a safety on a SD gun to protect themselves from their own gun.

 

[STCM(SW)]

When not wearing a jacket my M638 is in one of my pockets. Extra 5 rounds speed loader also.
Lightweight and rather a good shooter for me.
But what do I know, just an old man set in his ways. No plastic guns for me....

 

[fatcat3]

((had a 638, but sold it because it was, frankly, ugly)

Okay maybe but still the coolest thing going
I'm with gdogs Seacamp or in my love revolver case

Good lord how in the hell do you make that a thumbnail.

 

[scattershot]

Ruger EC9s

 

[Major 2]

another top vote for the 642

 

[CH4]

I just picked up a used but minty Seecamp .32. Great for true pocket carry.

 

[javbike]

I like the p238 well made great gun I have over 1000 rds thru mine not one hiccup

 

[beharney]

I personally pocket carry the S&W 642 in .38 Special quite a bit, but my everyday carry is mostly the Sig P365XL in 9mm.
I gave others like the Keltec P11 but the trigger on it is not really optimal.
The difference between the number of rounds is why the P365XL wins out.
5 rounds in the S&W 642 with much slower reloads using speed strips because the speed loaders don’t work well leaving the 12or 15 round magazine’s of the Sig P365XL the easy winner!
Good luck and stay safe!

 

[oleukeman]

I usually pocket carry a P365 original size with a manual safety in a kydex holster. I don’t put anything else in that pocket so nothing gets in my way if I need to draw it. My second choice is a model 442 without a lock, also in a kydex holster. I tried a Shield Plus, but it was too big. I have an LCP II, but find it hard to shoot well. It also would not feed the Xtreme Defender ammo I wanted to try.

 

[DuckBeav]

My EDC right now has been a very reliable Sig P938BRG. Power of the 9MM, punches above its size and is very manageable and is all metal. If one looked hard enough, they can be found for $500 and under.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Not wanting to start a debate here, but a cop once had the drop on Dillinger, and Dillinger drew and killed the cop. Later, Dillinger said he couldn't understand why the cop didn't shoot him. Seems the cop didn't release the safety in the stress of the situation.
People lose their fine motor skills in stressful situations. It is how we are wired. That's why I like DA revolvers and Glocks.

The way we are wired says a lot of people are not born "gunfighters". I'm a retired Lawman and I know a lot of officers who could not pull the trigger on a criminal. That is why you should take professional training.

Active Self Protection on YouTube has actual shootings so people can see how they (gunfights) actually play out.

 

[geohood]

For many years I carried a .38 Special model 640 which the Performance Center had changed to a 3-inch barrel. However, as I aged (to 87 years now) I found the double action trigger pull detracted from my accuracy, so I switched to a 9mm Shield, which fits in the pocket of most trousers. Accuracy became much better! Today I wish I could afford a Sig 365 (retirement monies ran out last year).

 

[sparkyvega]

+1 on the P365. It can be had for $499.99.

 

[Mattalexa12]

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 have a S&W Equalizer for EDC ...being a wheel gun guy ( my 686+ 6 inch barrel is my fav.) my 9mm Equalizer is the only semi auto I own ..

 

[Mr. Vito]

My EDC is a Ruger LC9s with the extended 9 round magazine, giving me a 9+1 capacity. Very slim, lightweight, but very manageable recoil. More accurate than what I am capable of. 100% reliable in the several years that I have carried this gun, never failing to go bang when the trigger is pulled. I use a Desantis pocket holster and even with the extended mag, very easy to carry concealed in my right front pocket. Might be a challenge to find one of these since for some reason it was not a very popular seller.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Bersa Thunderer in 380........With enough $$$ left over buy lots of ammo.......