Warm Weather is Here: New Pocket Pistol

[Rot 911]

Now that it is warming up I needed a true pocket pistol during work hours as I have to keep my shirt tucked in and will not be wearing a jacket or suit coat when I am out and about. Tested the Kel-Tec PF-9, The Ruger LCP and the Taurus 738 TCP. All are about the same size and weight. I think any would be a good choice. Based on personal preference I went with the LCP. In the holster, it looks like I have a wallet or cell phone in my pocket. Really not much bigger than an iPhone. 12 ounces loaded.

[Teutonics]

I have the same spoon, but don't like my holster (Uncle Mike's pocket holster... too tight and no "flare" at the bottom). What holster is that, and how do you like it?

[Rot 911]

The holster is a Python Pocket-XS-1. Cost me all of $10.00. I really like it. Grab the butt of the pistol with finger along side the holster, pull, and pistol comes out and holster stays in pocket. I have tried it dozens of times in several different styles of pants and it works each and every time. The brown suede material makes it grippy.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

The DeSantis Nemesis holster has some sort of high-traction rubber outer shell that give the same effect as the suede on your Python.

I shot an LCP for the first time last weekend. I'm surprised at how much recoil was transmitted to my hand, especially after putting more than a few rounds down the pipe of my Sig P238. I wonder if it needed a new recoil spring? Lots of folks have complained about the effort needed to rack the slide on the LCP but I had no problems.

[Westy]

I was just reviewing these guns last night. Here is one of the websites I visited.

Best 380 ACP pistols for concealed carry CCW and shooting fun women .380 handgun

You have a short barrel, hence a short spring, and a small weapon. The 'kick' complaint seems to be a standard one. Keep in mind, it's only a .380. Not much more than a head gun. I've had an AMT for many years, and I'm not getting rid of it, but it's not something I would want to rely on in a 'situation. That being said, for a pocket gun, the three you've listed appear to be the three best. I'm not sure if Kel Tec would outshine Ruger, but that might evolve into the Ford Chevy argument.

[teenerted1]

i have the LCP w/the blackhawk #1 hoster came with the mag extension to cup the ring finger.

i should have gotten it with the crimson trace lazer. but may get one down the road.

kicks more than my beretta in .380...well kicks is the wrong word.
same round in half the gun makes it feel like a bigger kick.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Well, let's be realistic here....no .380 really "kicks" no matter how small/light the gun. 500 S&W, on the other hand....




Buffalo Bore 440 gr LFN really rocks your socks....

[on2wheels52]

re the Kel-Tec/Ruger choice, I have both, the Ruger is worth whatever extra it costs.
Jim

[RPKESQ]

Small autos are always "sharpe" feeling in recoil. But how often do you need to actually fire it? Practice with a small .22 auto in similar situational senarios and practice with the carry gun for drawing and mostly dry firing will do for most people just fine.

I have always been partial to the aluminum frame PPKS for my small flat auto carry and to my Seecamp .32, but both are hard to find now.

I also like the stopping power of the small .38 revolvers, as they can had now in extremely lightweight configurations. And are not too difficult to hide.

You can also try to find a HK 4 in .380, a Mauser HSc or an East German Markov.

[jyl]

I found a 9mm that is nearly as small and light as the LCP type 380s. Made by Robaugh if I have the name right. Aluminium frame. I have no idea if it is any good.

[mossguy]

Originally Posted by jyl

I found a 9mm that is nearly as small and light as the LCP type 380s. Made by Robaugh if I have the name right. Aluminium frame. I have no idea if it is any good.

Nice looking pocket pistol, in 9mm or .380
The Products - R9 series | Rohrbaugh Firearms

Best,
Tom

[alf]

Also check out the Walther PPS. Very skinny, pocketable and accurate.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

The R-9 isn't a whole lot smaller than the Kahr PM9 (I frequently carry an MK9, the all-steel version). Besides the fact that the R-9 is over $1000, I've heard several reports that the Rohrbaugh is extremely picky about ammunition from a reliability standpoint, and comes with a "no +P or +P+" warning.

My MK9 runs like a sewing machine. It has real, usable sights. The trigger is outstanding. And I got it for well under $700. It runs every type of JHP and FMJ ammo I have put through it. And Kahr's magazine ads have hot ladies in them.

[Rot 911]

Not much out there smaller and lighter than the LCP. Been out for a few years and has almost all positive reviews. Been carrying it for a few days and you really do forget you have it in your pocket. It is that light and unobtrusive.

[m21sniper]

I sadly found out about the LCP a few days AFTER i bought a KT P-32 with Crimson trace laser, 5 mags and a full wolf spring kit.

I would take a bath if i traded it in now, and i just cannot justify 2 pocket pistols on my budget.

The P-32 is not a bad gun at all, but the Ruger is IMO clearly superior in quality, plus the .380 doesn't have the quirky ammo issues that the semi-rimmed .32acp does.

I cannot recommend the Crimson Trace laser highly enough. It totally transforms the effectiveness of my little P-32 IMO.


Here it is next to my P7, for comparison purposes. A p7 is almost the exact same size as the new Walther Pk-380 and PPS.

[vash]

dont they make a tiny hammerless revolver in .357?

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by vash

dont they make a tiny hammerless revolver in .357?

You are thinking of the Smith and Wesson Airlite. Nice pistol. About the same frame size as the LCP, but the cylinder makes it about twice as wide.

[teenerted1]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

You are thinking of the Smith and Wesson Airlite. Nice pistol. About the same frame size as the LCP, but the cylinder makes it about twice as wide.

he is thinking of the LCR
the LCR comes in .38 special
Ruger® LCR™ Double-Action Revolver Models

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

You are thinking of the Smith and Wesson Airlite. Nice pistol. About the same frame size as the LCP, but the cylinder makes it about twice as wide.

I'd think that would either make a man out of you or break your wrists.....

[m21sniper]

Full power .357 mags in a ti J frame?

OUCH!!!!

Even +P+ 9mm's in that little thousand dollar pocketnine someone mentioned...

OUCH!!!