Looking for pocket carry gun under $500

Personally, I'm not a fan of pocket carry. I don't like the bulk/feel or the way it hangs. So, if I pocket carry (which is rare), I like the lightest gun possible. I have an 11 oz. 342 for that.

Based on what you're looking at, I'd go with a 642 no lock (I have one). I also have a Glock 42, Ruger LCP & Kel-tec .32. The LCP is probably the best compromise between size and weight for me.

One thing to consider with pocket carry is grit, lint, and grime build-up. If your someone who is going to take care of your gun, or are going to PC infrequently, a semi-auto can work. The last thing you want is your semi-auto to be a single shot that jams after the first round is fired. So keep the gun clean and lubed if you go with a semi-auto.

I feel more comfortable with a wheel gun. As it should work if some lint/grime get involved. And if it doesn't, keep pulling the trigger until it does. I also prefer the heavier DA pull of the trigger of a gun that's going to be in my pocket (642, LCP, Kel-tec).

Some people believe a wheel gun will also fit better for Pocket Carry than an auto.

I see a pocket carry gun as a "get away from trouble" gun. So, the limited capacity of 5-8 rounds doesn't really bother me.

But you might have to "buy & try" to see what works best for you.
 
I have The LCP (1st Edition) and Pocket Carried it for Several Years it was totally reliable Ammo was Federal Hydra Shok I still have it in the safe it was replaced with a Glock 42 a couple of years ago not a whole lot larger than the LCP but far more accurate due to superior Trigger-Grip & Factory Night Sights that are way better than the minuscule LCP Sights of Course the Glock is totally Reliable Carry Ammo in it I am using Hornady critical Defense.
 
rwsmith said:
...I think that a good reason for not using Glocks as a pocket pistol is their safety setup. A toggle trigger safety would be too easy to pull by accident. I would prefer at least an additional grip safety or better for me, a manual safety.
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I completely agree with this sentiment. This is why I am also completely happy with my EDC pistols all being double action as well. In stressful situations I prefer the firm trigger pull required. It makes things more "deliberate" when the adrenaline is running high.
 
gdogs said:
When it comes to pocket guns, there is the Seecamp, and then there is every other gun that someone thinks they can comfortably cram in their pocket. Personally, I'm not shoving a striker fired gun in my pocket - period. No safety and light trigger pull... what's the worst that could happen. Revolvers are too thick for my taste due to the cylinder, causes them to print unless you've got an oversized holster. The RM 380 isn't a bad choice for a pocket, but I typically carry mine IWB in a thin kydex holster. Just my $.02.
l78Ycs1l.jpg
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Sir, the statement you made about there being no manual safety's on striker fired micro 9's is not correct and I just wanted to clarify that. The Sig P365 is available with an external manual safety (I own one) as is the Springfield Armory Hellcat, the FN Reflex as well as many others. Originally they were not but that has all changed over the last few years. There are also two different internal safety's built in on every model I am aware of and are built to be safe to carry loaded with one in the chamber.

As far as the trigger pulls are concerned, all of the Micro 9's I have shot have 5.5 - 6.5 pound trigger pulls, not exactly hair triggers. Not saying they are for everyone but I'd not classify that as too light of a trigger pull. Granted, that of course is subjective.

I understand your preference to carry a Seecamp is personal and of course that is your choice - I can respect that. I just wanted to set the record straight on Micro 9 manual safety's and triggers. You can go online and check it out for yourself.

You can see the manual safety on my P365 in the picture below.
 

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chief38 said:
Sir, the statement you made about there being no manual safety's on striker fired micro 9's is not correct and I just wanted to clarify that. The Sig P365 is available with an external manual safety (I own one) as is the Springfield Armory Hellcat, the FN Reflex as well as many others. Originally they were not but that has all changed over the last few years. There are also two different internal safety's built in on every model I am aware of and are built to be safe to carry loaded with one in the chamber.

As far as the trigger pulls are concerned, all of the Micro 9's I have shot have 5.5 - 6.5 pound trigger pulls, not exactly hair triggers. Not saying they are for everyone but I'd not classify that as too light of a trigger pull. Granted, that of course is subjective.

I understand your preference to carry a Seecamp is personal and of course that is your choice - I can respect that. I just wanted to set the record straight on Micro 9 manual safety's and triggers. You can go online and check it out for yourself.

You can see the manual safety on my P365 in the picture below.
Click to expand...

It is true that many striker fired handguns are now offered with a manual safety. This is a fairly recent development though, and without question they are not sold in as many numbers as the non manual safety models. And yes, a 5lb trigger isn't exactly "light". That said, I will stand by my assessment that putting a striker fired pistol (without a safety) in your pocket is a bad idea - for most people anyways.
 
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Someone hung paint can lids at 50 yards at my club. I was able to hit them about once or twice per mag with my Glock 42. Makes me feel confident with that gun.
 
I'll recommend the Bodyguard 2.0. I have one in my pocket as we speak. The guide rod issue is a thing, but in my experience only for disassembly. There are methods to overcome this and it does not effect reliability.

The love the Shield Plus but to big for pocket carry. I carried an original LCP for a long time but never could shoot it well. The Glock 43 I have is borderline size wise and I never quite felt comfortable with it.

The BG 2.0 I shoot almost as well as most compact autos. I have one with a manual safety. For me it just seems right.
 
A manual safety on a SD gun in a close up unexpected attempt on your life will get you killed, especially if you need two hands on the gun to disengage it.
 
I'll also add. I'm on my third G42. I found the earlier versions I owned were somewhat ammo finicky. It's the only Glock I've ever owned that I had a problem with. You definitely have to verify your carry ammo will work in the one you buy (If you go that route).

My preferred carry ammo for .380 these days is the Federal Hydra-shok deep. All the ballistics test I've seen with this ammo, it performed well (12"-18" penetration with expansion). It's also my preferred carry ammo in .38 Spl. and will eventually get some in .32 H&R Mag & .32 acp.

But most of these calibers I carry in a back-up gun.
 
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I have carried the Ruger EC9S for years but recently swapped to a Springfield Hellcat Micro. I like them both for different reasons although they are borderline for pocket carry.
 
The Ruger EC9s , with this Stoner wallet-sized back pocket holster is the most comfortable for me. I slip it on the console when driving. The safety can be disengaged by the time the the gun is pulled if necessary. A model 36 or similar sized gun fits in the front pocket in a pocket holster.
 

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I’m always wearing cargo pants or cargo shorts. I carry a full size G21 as my Primary CCW. Had a Sig P365 in a cargo pocket since they hit the market. It’s tiny for a 9mm with 11 rounds (1 in chamber). Smaller than most .380’s.

The only pistols I own with manual safety’s are my 1911’s. I’ve never had a single issue. I carry the 10rd mags with the pinky extension. With the flush fit mags, I can literally hide it in my hand. Granted I’m a big boy.

I’ve never carried anything smaller than a .38 Special in a revolver and nothing under 9mm in a semi auto. That said, these micro 9’s are very snappy. Accurate, but you’ll need some range time to learn how to control the snappy muzzle flip to get back on target fast. Especially with +P ammo.

I have zero complaints with the 365 aside from Sigs night sights not being the best. They work, just nowhere near as bright as Trijicons. Which is what I put on most all semi auto pistols.

All of that said, try before you buy if at all possible. And if you haven’t been carrying for decades with non safety strikers, you may want the manual option. Even though I don’t care for them. I only keep that pistol in my left pocket alone (no keys or anything else to hit the trigger) since my primary is on my right hip. When things go bad, you may end up on one side or the other. Best of luck deciding.
 
alwslate said:
A manual safety on a SD gun in a close up unexpected attempt on your life will get you killed, especially if you need two hands on the gun to disengage it.
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If you need two hands to disengage a safety you need a different pistol. I’ve carried legally now for 4 decades -wiping off the safety as you draw is as natural as breathing. If someone “plays” at carrying I can see where they’d forget while in a panic, but anyone who is not Serious about carrying and training probably shouldn’t be doing so. A pistol with a light trigger and no safety (or just a flipper) is an AD waiting to happen for an unskilled/unfamiliar shooter
 
alwslate said:
A manual safety on a SD gun in a close up unexpected attempt on your life will get you killed, especially if you need two hands on the gun to disengage it.
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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.
 
chief38 said:
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.
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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.
 
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