which one for a pocket rocket

[79ipa]

I would like to have a 38 or .357 for a pocket carry gun for on the street and in the woods. I have it narrowed down to the ruger lcr, smith mp340, and the ruger lcr in .357. I would like to have the .357 capability but at 17 ounces the ruger lcr is going to be heavy when ammo is put in it. Is this too much weight for pocket carry? The smith and wesson is notably lighter however it does cost a heck of a lot! It also has a trigger that isn't a good as the one on the ruger lcr. I also like the regular ruger lcr however it isn't made in .357 and the trigger guard seems to be quite large making the fit in my pocket quite tight.

Also the above pistols seem to have the option of a pinned night sight which is also a big plus for me.

so which do you think would be the best for me?

 

[ogilvyspecial]

I don't have any hands on experience with the choices you mentioned but wanted to say that from what
I've read here, and on other forums, acceptable weights for a pocket carry gun is extremely subjective.

I've tried pocket carry with a couple of different revolvers that others have said
"they forget they are even there" only to have it pulling my jacket down on one side.
When I pocket carry I don't like it when my coat, jacket or pants, are being weighed down to the point
of making things feel "out of whack" and the only guns I've been able to do this with are those like the
M642 & M638. This isn't counting my little "pony gun" semi's like the Kel-Tec P32, P3AT or my Baby Browning,
but I don't think any of those could be considered, by any stretch of the imagination, a "pocket rocket."

I've also tried pocket carry with my Glock 33, a model that is
actually nicknamed, "The Pocket Rocket" and it was still too heavy for my liking.

Like I mentioned, this is extremely subjective so you should get a lot of different opinions on the subject.

 

[Ranger98]

I agree with Ogy..what works for one person may not for another.I pocket carry a Sub compact 1911 most of the time which would be considered by many to be too heavy.It all depends on what you are comfortable with.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I wouldn't dismiss a 642/442 loaded with some good modern ammo.

 

[APS]

The M&P340 has a tritium front sight and you can also get the same on the LCR from the factory or add it later. I have an LCR 38 with the XS front sight, had a 642 and still have a M&P340 from 2007 or so. I only shoot 38s in it, and it cost $230 more than my LCR.

As for what you can pocket carry, if you've never done it anything will seem too big. It's something you have to get used to. I sometimes pocket carry a Glock 26 and I know alot of people pocket carry 25oz+ handguns so any of your choices are much lighter.

 

[GKC]

I've owned several pocket semi's and revolvers...I only have one now, the 642 - 1 (no lock.) This airweight revolver really does feel good in my pocket...I still know it's there, but it doesn't drag my pants or anything like that. I have it in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster (looking for better options) and I load it with Hornady Critical Defense .38s.

I have had the LCR in .357, and I like it. I ended up trading mine, not because of any dissatisfaction, but because I needed to bridge the gap on my available cash and a 1911 I wanted. I do plan to buy another one at some point...I carried it in a Mika pocket holster (which I still have) and it carries OK in my pocket. I am more aware of the LCR than the 642, but not overly so. I carried it with the same Hornady Critical Defense ammo I am now using in my 642; I bought the .357 version (and will again) because I wanted the extra weight (3 oz) over the .38 version, and I wanted the extra strength of the .357 model...even though I will only shoot .38s in it. I will probably carry it IWB rather than in the pocket, when I buy one again. If I want to carry in my pocket, I will have my 642.

 

[Rangerpat]

My pocket rocket is a 340PD loaded with .357 mag Speer Gold Dots 135 grain ammo.

 

[seagill]

I got the LCR in .38 and load it with Buffalo Bore .38+P LSWCHP's. These chrono out of the LCR at 1,017 fps, which is better than some of the .357 short barrel defensive ammo I've seen. And I hate to say this on a S&W board but the trigger on the LCR is phenomenal! I don't like anything that bulky in my front pocket, but I do carry often in a cargo pocket. I wouldn't want the extra weight of the .357 as would probably still carry the BB loads in it.

 

[Helderberg]

I pocket carry my 638 snub but it isn't all thing for all conditions.
I also have a 380 auto for the times when I want something but the revolver is just to thick. I think the 38 sp Hornady CD ammo is as stout as you need and can double tap with a gun this light. It is different for all people but for me a good hp round will be all I need as long as I put in my time at the range.
Frank.

 

[dcludwig]

I wouldn't dismiss a 642/442 loaded with some good modern ammo.

+1 on the 642. It is so small and light and easy to throw in my pocket when I'm in a hurry going to Wally World. If I know I'm going to a bad end of town, I'll take my compact 9mm, but I find myself carrying the 642 more often than not. It's loaded with Speer Gold Dot 135 gr. Weight is a big issue to me and I usually forget I even have the 642 in my pocket.

With any handgun you choose, the pocket of the pants/shorts is an important consideration. When buying pants/shorts the first thing I check is the pocket depth and size.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
For street carry or woods carry I want something with more than a five shot, two inch barrel.
Plus I don't like pocket carry for my primary weapon.
I am more concern with stopping the threat than weight and comfort.
Primary in a "Shadow" belt holster and BUG in a pocket holster.
Just Jimmy's opinion. This and five dollars will sometime buy a cup of coffee most places.

 

[Sprefix]

M&P 340 or M&P 360......................my .02

 

[Badge54]

I have the 340 Pd and LCR. 357. I can't tell the difference in the pocket or iwb holster. Only way you'll know is comparing them side by side or shooting them. Then you'll like the LCR better. The 340 is a bit smaller in the grip and hides a little better

Some would shun the idea but I drop the 340 in my uniform pants pocket (fits better) but carry the LCR home Two different guns but not enough for me to get wrapped up about. In my hand they shoot to the same place.

Badge54

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

 

[chicagosteeley]

The 442 or 642 is the way to go with 125+p. Good pocket holster is a plus. Light is everything. Pocket drag is a drag!

 

[quinn]

I carry a 340PD in an Uncle Mikes pocket liner in my front pants pocket. The first 3 chambers are 38+p, the last two are 357. I can't that I forget it is there but it really is manageable for me in either jeans or Dockers. My wife carries a 442 with +Ps. These scandium pocket guns kick like a mule with 357's. That is why the +Ps are in the first 3 chambes (quicker shot recovery) but I have the heavies in reserve. The one time I used the gun to fend off an attacking large dog, though, I never notice the recoil.

 

[Packard]

I have a 340PD. Not too bad with .38s, but 158 gr. .357 are really tough on the hands. The 125 grain .357 are manageable.

I wear cargo pants and it ride in the front pocket comfortably in a Safariland pocket holster.

This is a very light gun and carries easily. I am aware of it because of its proximity to my hand--I often put my hands in my front pockets as a matter of my posture.

No one has ever called me on it and I don't think anyone ever will (unless I take up slow dancing with a hot number).

The big down-side is that the gun cost a bloody fortune to buy.

 

[BurgerBoy]

I use a m642-1.

 

[cjtraining]

My Carry

I just posted this in another thread. One of these is my constant companion.

 

[gasaman]

*Always on me is my pocket rocket a Seecamp 380.*

 

[HeyJoe]

i carry a seecamp .380 also