Pocket Pistol Recommendations

Cbrngang

Cbrngang

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I've been wanting to get a micro compact handgun for pocket carry. I've mostly been considering a Ruger lcp or an LCR, what would y'all recommend?
 
You can't go wrong with either. The first question you need to address is do you want a revolver or a semi auto?
 
LCP Custom or P3AT in pants pocket, J-frame in coat pocket. I have others that are more fun to shoot, but they are not pocketable for me.
 
Depends on the size of your pocket. I carry a Springfield Hellcat and often carry it in my back pocket (Uncle Mike's holster). A Glock 42 would be your next step down in size, but still very palatable to shoot. Then you've got the tiny little things like the LCP and others. Very unpleasant to shoot and accuracy roughly equivalent to minute of barn.

Shameless plug, I have a Glock 42 fs in the classifieds section. :)
 
Glock 42 is the way to go IMO.

I have seen lcps amd other micro 380s fail too often, and owned 2 of them myself in the past.

The only issue with the G42 is that it's heavily sprung and they tend to need hot ammo to be 100%. They are incredibly pleasant shooters though. I nearly gave up on mine before just trying more ammo, glad I kept it now.
 
My LCP max was surprisingly accurate and worked 100% with WW flat point ball. I let it go in the general downsizing and kept the 442 for pocket carry. I find that my Lee jeans have front pockets large enough to comfortably carry my 3913 in a pocket holster
 
GX4.
Still kinda big for pocket, despite matching dimensions to P365 etc.
Really re-thinking 380ACP. Violates our no-new-calibers rule.
Hmph.
 
I pocket carry my P365X,in an Alabama holster, in dress pants and some casual pants,but jean pockets are too tight.With jeans I carry my LCP gen 2,not LCPII.
A P365 would be a little easier to pocket carry due to smaller grip,but I like the X grip.
 
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The LCP I had became very painful to shoot after a couple mags and was very unreliable. Every other mag would have some kind of failure to feed, eject, or double feed.

Recommend a S&W j-frame.
 
I just had started a similar thread. I deleted it and am watching here. LCP2 22lr reliability was my topic. I’m looking something small for the front pocket for special occasions.
 
I carry and shoot an LCP Max quite often. Got several hundred rounds through it with no failures. Not even one. 95 and 100 grain JHP and RN bullets. Bang steel all day long at 25 yards.

When I’m not carrying my 43X MOS, I’m carrying the Max…..
 
I have in the past, pocket carried a 442/642/340 revolver in the pocket. I think you can not go wrong with pocket carrying a revolver. I also have a Glock 43 and P365. I have a ton of carry time with the 43 and it’s still wonderful. My 365 is newer and I admit that I do enjoy it. With the 10 round magazine in it the 365 is an easy gun to carry in the pocket with a decent capacity. If you just want a 380 then the 42 and LCP are good choices. I would advise you to stay away from a bodyguard 380. They are not all that pleasant to shoot nor are they really that reliable.
 
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I was in the same boat as you and picked up a second hand Lcp Max. Put 100 rounds through it last weekend and it was perfect. Surprised at how easy it was to shoot and shoot quick. Definitely recommend.
 
I'd say try both the LCP, and the LCR. Everyone has different sized hands, and pockets. And what works for someone else, might not work for you. I buy relaxed fit pants, which make it easier to pocket carry.
 
I have the LCP (Min) and the pistol Ruger copied to make it (the P3AT).

They both disappear in the pocket (holster) and yes, they're both unpleasant to shoot. That said, they're not range toys.
 
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THE PUNISHER said:
I now it’s a “bigger “ one than what was asking, but I pocket carry a shield for years, and now a shield plus!!!! Always reliable and 9mm.
Click to expand...
When I bartended in college, I pocket carried a Shield in 40 under my apron. No way I could have pulled it off without the apron though.
 
For pure pocket carry the LCP cant be beat especially in summer clothes.
I'm intrigued about the newer LCP max but probably wont upgrade. [have the .380 and .22]

LCP is a pocket / belly gun - not ever meant for a hundred+ rounds per range session or combat drills at 10-20 yards.
Test fire to ensure reliability with mags / ammo combos; get comfortable with it at 3-7 yards on a silhouette target.
No excuse to never bring it along with the small size and light weight.
 
Jmoser said:
For pure pocket carry the LCP cant be beat especially in summer clothes.
I'm intrigued about the newer LCP max but probably wont upgrade. [have the .380 and .22]

LCP is a pocket / belly gun - not ever meant for a hundred+ rounds per range session or combat drills at 10-20 yards.
Test fire to ensure reliability with mags / ammo combos; get comfortable with it at 3-7 yards on a silhouette target.
No excuse to never bring it along with the small size and light weight.
Click to expand...
Yep. If I want tiny gun that's comfortable (and a pure pleasure) to shoot I've got a Beretta Tomcat in 32. But it doesn't carry as well as the LCP
 
LCP-I have the original in a sticky holster. They are accurate enough for headshots at 50 feet, or further. Are they hard on the hand if you shoot 50 rounds? Sure. But who shoots a pocket pistol in anger 50 times?
Two magazines worth are no problem.
Every so often, pull it apart and clean the dust and pocket lint out of it. Mine has never had a problem. It only has 300 rounds through it, but it works.
 
The LC9 doesn't seem to get much attention but I think it's a fantastic value for the money.
I too played the lcp type game back when it was just a p3at. After a mag I was done, total garbage. To me, the LC9 shoots and feels like a much bigger gun with a pretty damn good trigger and am quite happy to put several mags through it at a single session. Again, for the price they go for, they are an often overlooked viable option.
 
Glock 42 is the smallest I can recommend, pocket sized depending on the size of your pocket.
Next choice would be the Keltec P32-reliable but only lasts about 800 rounds.
Any Ruger LCP plan on sending back to the factory.
 
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