Starting from scratch.

[otis24]

The Ruger LCP Max is a great gun but the ergonomics are just a little off for me. And the Sig P365 is a little snappy. So, I’m dumping them both and starting over. Looking for a new primary concealed carry option and a new pocket pistol option.

At the top of the list is the Glock G43X and the S&W Shield Plus. One of these options would have come home with me tonight but Cabela’s won’t remove the trigger lock so that you can get a good feel for trigger reach. Their loss. Right now leaning more towards the Glock due to ergonomics. Shield Plus texture is pretty aggressive and I am afraid the narrower width will be more uncomfortable to shoot. I’m also considering the H&K CC9 but the price may edge it out of the competition.

In terms of pocket pistols I’m looking at a Glock G42. I already have a holster for it. I wasn’t overly fond of the ergonomics on the Bodyguard 2.0. Other options would be a S&W 640 or 649 in .38 Special. I’m not crazy about the price of .38 ammo but decided that it’s no use lamenting over how cheap.38 ammo used to be. I’m accepting it and moving on. Although I may get into small scale reloading.

Other options?

EDIT: Not only am I starting from scratch, I’m really going back to the basics. My primary carry will be my 4 inch model 10-5 pencil barrel. The 4 inch K frame was one of my first concealed carry handguns. It rides in an AKJ Concealco holster; now produced by Legion Leather.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I’ve shot the 43X and the shield extensively. The 43X fits my hand better. I’m a Glock guy anyway. Walk into almost any gun store in the country and you can find something for a Glock.

As far as pocket carry, try a 442 or 642. Less money and still serve the same purpose. The J frame can serve as a primary carry or dedicated pocket carry.

Yes 38 special can be expensive. But just how much do you really want to shoot?

I hear good things about the G42. Considering one myself.

 

[smoothshooter]

I have both the G42 and the 2.0 Bodyguard. The jury is still out on the BG since I have only had it for a few weeks I have not shot it much.
I have had the G42 for a year or so, and carry it everywhere.
The G42 is somewhat bigger and heavier, but it feeds every kind of ammo I have tried.
Don’t sell a small .22 to .38 revolver short either.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

Revolver Guy here - i have a Glock 43x, a LCP Max and two 365s.
I find the LCP Max to be plenty snappy. But an excellent 10-12 round concealed pistol.
I don’t shoot it that well so Jack Rabbits at a distance yell where’s your K22?
I Like the grip on the 43x, not really a Glock Guy, don’t like the trigger.
Have an Sig 365x and a X Macro.
Bought the 365X instead of the 365, wanted a little longer grip.
Already Have a runt Kahr 9mm.
I like the grip, trigger and sights on the SIGs.
Also have a Sig 322.
SHTF - what sidearm will I show up with? Sig 365 X Macro.

 

[snubbyfan]

My everyday carry was a 442 until I got a Glock 33 in .357 Sig.

Now the Glock's my edc.
Recently though, I had a chance to shoot my sister's Glock 42. Nice little gun.
I don't own one yet but I did make a pocket holster for when I do get one.

 

[LVSteve]

If you don't mind the smaller capacity, the Walther PPS M2 is very shootable.

 

[Dan Zulu]

Would the weight of the 640 be compatible with your carry situation? I carry the 640-1 often, and it works for me. If weight was a consideration then I’d look elsewhere. If you desire a short trigger reach it would be suitable in that regard.

In my opinion the 43x and 48 triggers are no better or worse than the 26 trigger. Upgrade options and holster selection are plentiful. Light weight for long hikes or belly band/pocket carry.

 

[A10]

I pocket carry my LCP Max or my Glock 43. The Max gets a little unpleasant after 25 rounds or so. It's an accurate little shooter though. I really do like the 43 better but there are trade offs. If I had gotten the 43x I think I would like it a little better. Might be an MOS version in my near future.

 

[alwslate]

Glock 42 or original Ruger LCP. Both are draw and fire with one hand guns. I prefer the 42 but carry the smaller LCP when I feel the need for SD is minimal. I used to carry my S&W model 37 but no longer want to deal with the bulk of the cyl and the autos are easier to shoot accurately with quick follow up shots.

 

[Bald1]

I’m wondering why it is the 365 is described as snappy, but the other small nines are not? They all feel the same to me.

 

[Baxter6551]

My usual EDC is a revolver in a solid owb belt holster.
That said, I have both the Glock 43 and 42. I have a Kydex IWB for both. I usually carry the 43 OWB in a Kramer paddle. For the 42 I have a Kramer pocket holster I picked up cheap somewhere. I left the 42 in FL when I had a place there. It was a great carry gun for that climate and usual attire either iwb or in the cargo shorts pocket.
I would recommend the 43 or 43X and the 42 for the pocket - both with the Pearce plus 1 mag floorplates. Same basic gun and same manual of arms.

 

[THE PILGRIM]

After experiencing a fair amount of Snappy, have concluded that my recoil experience is directly related to grip size and length, vs. caliber.
I own, have owned, and have shot any number of 22LR handguns.
Don’t recall any snappy, even down to small ones like Beretta 21a.
So the end result is I feel more recoil from LCP Max in 380 than I do with the Sig 365 X in 9mm.
If I want some 9mm Snap I shoot the Kahr!
For a given caliber, weight always matters.
But for me, grip size and length are critical.
Go to HandgunHero to compare Handgun Sizes.

 

[otis24]

Would the weight of the 640 be compatible with your carry situation? I carry the 640-1 often, and it works for me. If weight was a consideration then I’d look elsewhere. If you desire a short trigger reach it would be suitable in that regard.

In my opinion the 43x and 48 triggers are no better or worse than the 26 trigger. Upgrade options and holster selection are plentiful. Light weight for long hikes or belly band/pocket carry.

I do have to give pause when it comes to the weight of the 640. Should I be concerned with cracked frames on a 642/442?

 

[Onomea]

...Shield Plus texture is pretty aggressive ....

I bought a P365X about a year ago. Really like the gun for EDC. I bought the Wilson Combat grip and found the texture too aggressive — too sharp and pointy. Lightly sanded it. Feels just right now.

I agree with the comment above to the effect that finding grips/a grip module that fits your hand well makes a big difference with snappiness.

 

[AJ]

Does it have to be a auto? I was brought up on autos and still shoot the quite a bit. But for a carry piece I usually carry a Model 60 or a Model 30-1 (with chambers reamed to .32 H&R Mag.).

 

[LVSteve]

I’m wondering why it is the 365 is described as snappy, but the other small nines are not? They all feel the same to me.

I've not shot a P365, but I have fired a good number of small 9mm pistols.

SCCY CPX-2. Fairly snappy.
Ruger LC9S. Fairly snappy with extra discomfort due to the narrow grip.
Walther PPS M2. Surprisingly manageable recoil given the narrow grip.
Kahr CW9. Remarkably low recoil, probably due to the grip shape and the recoil spring from a 3500HD truck.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Try a KAHR PM40 for the "smallest with the BIGGEST!": actually can be pocket carried, although a 442 is a bit easier.

Cheers!

P.S. Never heard of any widespread "cracked frame" problems with the 642/442...

 

[hardluk1]

Grip texture that hurts your paw can be soften with sand paper but nothing new there . Picking a pocket handgun ! Now good luck . No interest in a pocket bang bang here . My smallest pistol I'll carry is a Hellcat pro comp and it has the least amount of snap thanks to the compensator but it is a longer than some smaller handguns and taller 15 or 17 round pistol it is a in the waist band carry handgun for a 20oz empty pistol weight .

OH Kahr PM40 is also the snappiest of those mentioned with the least rounds on a mag .

 

[otis24]

Does it have to be a auto? I was brought up on autos and still shoot the quite a bit. But for a carry piece I usually carry a Model 60 or a Model 30-1 (with chambers reamed to .32 H&R Mag.).

No, I’m all for the right revolver. Really don’t like the price of 38/.357 ammo though. I’ve learned to accept the fact that this is just the world we live in now. I thought my S&W 940 was the answer to all of my questions but I experienced sticky extraction issues.

 

[AlHunt]

I like that curvy old Model 38 in a side pocket better than any of the boxy semiautos I've had in there.