Pocket gun

[only_in_my_jeep]

Let me start off by saying I own a nice (accurate) snub nose 38 (kept in the jeep)and a full sized 9mm (In my desk inside) as well as a variety of shotguns (one by the bed) and rifles. I also have my fathers collection of several small 22's the short compact two shot pocket variety as well. I am saying this so you understand I know a lot about guns, knockdown power and usefullness. I have been considering getting a CWP for a bit as well but I will use the 38 for that. Now you have the background info.
Today I was presented with a situation that could have gone all wrong however it did not nor did it give any vibes of that either. A guy whom I have seen walking the roads and have been told by the neighbors he is okay and a great help if you need it came up to me from behind as I was working in the yard. He said something when he was a respectful distance away and was only looking to see if I needed any help (of course he was after payment for it). Knowing who it was and what I have been told I thanked him but said I was almost finished (I was) and I would keep him in mind. He actually was apreciative and polite then left. It got me thinking though because recently a friend was visiting someone (about 10-15 miles away from here) and several cars were broken into including one which was stolen after some folks who found out their car was hit after they got home meaning the person(s) responsible were hanging around as they went out to the car and left freeing up the one that was stolen to move. I decided I needed to start thinking about a small lightweight easy to carry and conceal firearm I could have in my pocket in my yard. I have not looked at new firearms yet but I was thinking perhaps one of those semi-auto 22s that fit in the palm of your hand holding 9 (I think) shots. I need lightweight (the 38 is too heavy) as I am usually in sweats (winter) or knit shorts (like sweats) most all of the time unless we are going somewhere. I know the limitations of a 22 round (head shot it's deadly however body not so good) however I am a good shot and all I need to do is make it to the jeep (in the yard) or house to get something to finish the job if needed. What do you guys think? Anyone own one and have a good suggestion, any alternatives considering how lightweight one will be loaded?

[Dustoff '68]

S&W Model 642 in a pocket holster...I never leave home without it, easily conceals in pant pocket or cargo pocket, AND you never know it's their

[Sandtoy]

Beretta Tomcat .32
Beretta Bobcat .25

Good up close only.


Fits perfectly in your back pocket or top jean jacket sized pocket or in a ankle holster, when wearing sweats. Fired may rounds at the range without a single jam. Would have preferrded a revolver to insure against jams but I like the size.

[TripleJeep_99]

Rather than a Gun.....

Get yourself some Pepper Spray and carrying case that goes on your belt......This stuff stops a Full Grown +10ft Grizzly Bear in it's Tracks....TRUST ME IT DOES!!!!

[bcperry2000]

Rather than a Gun.....

Get yourself some Pepper Spray and carrying case that goes on your belt......This stuff stops a Full Grown +10ft Grizzly Bear in it's Tracks....TRUST ME IT DOES!!!!


+1 on the pepper spray. ain't nobody that can stand pepper spray.

but if you do want a pocket gun i'd have to recommend a Kel-tec p3at or p32. or the new Ruger LCP. if you're gonna go small you might as well pack some firepower. a 22 is probably comparable to a slingshot :) but with good placement, a 22 or slingshot can do some damage. of course, i'd rather be shot with a slingshot then a 22 though :)

personally, i carry a p3at. it's very small, very concealable and packs quite a punch. i'll probably switch to the LCP eventually but for now there is just nothing else like the p3at for size. the berettas, although nice little guns, are fat and have a tipup barrel. i prefer a gun that i can easily rack the slide or a revolver.

[GreytSilly]

I'm going to agree with the pepper spray. I also carry a .380 AMT, my son always carries a KelTec in .380 or a Springfield XD subcompact. The Keltec is the lightest of the bunch and is a reliable shooter that is flat profiled in your pocket. Quite a handful to shoot because it is so light, but you aren't going to go to the range and shoot it everyday either. We wear a glove at the range when we shoot it and we shoot it often so we are sure it will function when it's needed. Sounds like weight is your biggest concern. Haven't seen one of the new Rugers yet but I have several of their guns and they are quite nice for the money.

[only_in_my_jeep]

Beretta Tomcat .32
Beretta Bobcat .25

Good up close only.


Fits perfectly in your back pocket or top jean jacket sized pocket or in a ankle holster, when wearing sweats. Fired may rounds at the range without a single jam. Would have preferrded a revolver to insure against jams but I like the size.

I will look at the 32 but anything in a .25 is a joke a 22 has more punch.
The way I understand it pepper spray can be a joke especially if someone is high or used to it. I also want to keep it as small and light as possible. Most likely I will never use it (I have held someone at gunpoint with the 38) but I just felt a little uncomfortable in my own yard today and it is not a good feeling. I figure out here in the sticks I am most likely a lot safer than those in the city and I am not talking a concealed carry weapon here as I would use the 38 for that. Besides between the jeep and the house I got those bases covered anyway (also later in the season if I am by the pond the 20guage snake gun will be handy). I just want something small to slide in my pocket when around the house more for a last resort or something to cause a pause allowing me to get to something else. Keep in mind this is mental comfort rather than my only protection although I am fully prepared to use it. I am not however convinced on a 22 and I might look into a "stun gun" as an alternative but personally I like the ability to send lead out. I also know there are new firearms made from titanium and such that are so light you hardly know it but I also want it to slip as easily in and out of my pocket as my keys. I see this as a gun that I will have on my person at all times when relaxed at home. As mentioned I never knew the guy was behind me and what if he had tried to knock me down or out from the rear. I am thinking very very close quarters here and in fact I might not be able to use it however as close as I figure we will be if I use this I could use a knife except I am a slow big guy.

[USAF_GroundRat]

As mentioned before, I would definately buy the Kel-Tec. My father owns many of these from a .32 all the way up to the 9mm and some of the .223 rifles they make. This is a great pocket gun and they even come with a belt clip that can be put on either side of the pistol.... great for those sweatpants. You will absolutely love that feature. Great little pistols.
http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/images/big/p32_02.jpg
Belt Clip:
http://boldt.us/PAGOA/KELTEC_P32_PISTOL.JPG

If you want to spend a fat load of cash ($1000+), you could pick you up one of these:
http://www.rohrbaughfirearms.com/
http://www.rohrbaughfirearms.com/product/standard.jpg

Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRnXiINs5aE

My dad has one and believe it or not... it kicks pretty hard. I am sure it is due to the pistol's size and weight, and the fact it shooting full up 9mm. Great pocket pistol though... and many jewlers and the like are snatching these up. They are difficult to find. I enjoyed shooting it though... and it is very well made.

[Lorrel]

IMO .22's, .32's and .38's are for nothing but target shooting.
For home defence a .40 or .45 handgun, or better yest a small lightweight 20G shotgun. Now when it comes to a self defence carry weapon, again a .40 or .45. I have a 9mm, and it's a nice fast round, however it doesn't have the stoping power of the .40 or .45, and I don't want to hit someone 2 blocks away. That is not self defence. Being an x-military man, I've always believed in the concept of shooting for the largest part of the body, and that is the broad of the chest. In addition I also believe if you pull the weapon, you intend to use it. With that in mind, the only situation I would ever pull my weapon is in fact to use it as a last resort for the protection of my life. At that time I would want a weapon that if it does not kill on the spot, would stop the person in their tracks. I would never count on a .22, .32, or .38 to do that, so again in my opinion they are worthless weapons for self defence. If someone were hit anywhere in the chest with a .40 or .45, it's over. Even if something goes wrong and they end up being hit almost anywhere else in their body, it's still over.
The weapon I like the best for conceal carrying is my .40cal Interarms Firestar.
I paid about $240 for it and have had it for about 10 years now. Don't know if they even import them anymore, however I've put at least 1000 rounds through it, and it still is accurate at 25ft. The thing has only a 3.5" barrel with an overall length of 5.5" and has a nice grip for a small to medium size hand. My wife loves the thing, because it fits her so well. It will fit nicely into a #34 Soft Armor by Mil-Tech, and can be carried inside or outside the pants. It has a 6 round mag. I also have a nice Springfield Arms 1911A1 .45 in the Champion model. This has a 4" barrel with an overall length of 7.5". It has a 7 round mag. Both are loaded with Hydroshock. The .40 at 160gr and the .45 at 165gr. I do own a 9mm, as I jumped on that band wagon about 14 years ago, but don't carry it. I believe more in blunt force for self defence, and the .40 and .45 are just that. BLUNT FORCE.
Both weapons have a Parkerised finish.
As I said earlier, I believe the shotgun to be the best home defence weapon, in addition it is also one of the best self defence weapons, although hard to carry concealed. hahaha.
But for the home, there is nothing better.
I have a Remmington 870 20" barrel in 20gauge. Have the thing loaded with #3 buckshot. I went with the 20 over the 12 because it has 75% of the lead as a 12ga, but only 40-50% of the recoil. If one would ask what the lead is. A 12 gauge with 00buck at 20-30ft would be like getting hit with 3 .44 magnum rounds, the 20 would be like getting hit with only 2. It's not only a stopper but a killer, and should not go through the walls of your home to kill the kids in the next room.

[Lorrel]

first line of home defence. 86lb pitbull.
7438
7439
Here are the .40 and the .45 side by side.
7440
Wife holding the .40 Interarms. Nice and samll, but packs a big wallup. The one I normally carry.
7441
Wife holding the .45 Springfield Arms Champion, a bit bigger wallup. The one I carry when out with the family.
7442

[USAF_GroundRat]

IMO .22's, .32's and .38's are for nothing but target shooting.
For home defence a .40 or .45 handgun... [snip]

I agree with you on everything! Having said that, I believe he was looking for something to use quick, to carry around the yard in sweatpants and hardly notice it is there. I carry a .45 most of the time, but sometimes I carry the 5.7. Although the 5.7 is way lighter than most anything out there, it would still be way too heavy to carry like he wants too...

Most self defense deployments are within 7 feet or closer. The .32 Kel-Tec will do the job close in like this for most agressors. I mean there could be a situation where someone is too high or something... but... I just don't see it. If you are approached by someone in body armor, intent on killing you... then your caliber choice may not be your biggest problem (unless of course you are using the 5.7 :D ). This is also why you should train to take a headshot (IDPA for example).

[SH0RTBUS]

Wife holding the .40 Interarms. Nice and samll, but packs a big wallup. The one I normally carry.
http://www.jk-forum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7441&d=1206659145
Wife holding the .45 Springfield Arms Champion, a bit bigger wallup. The one I carry when out with the family.
http://www.jk-forum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7442&d=1206659152

Pics of your wife placing her booger hook where it should never be unless shooting.:naw: That's a bad habit that can lead to accidents. I'm sure the guns were unloaded. Funny enough, "unloaded" guns sure seem to kill quite a few people.

[49plym]

if you want small and easy to carry i say a RAVEN .25 semi-auto. remove the cheapo safety lever (comes right off under grip),don't carry a round in the chamber, but it is small enough that you can work the action with your index finger. this thing fits in the back pocket of you levi's , no different than your wallet. yeah it's just a little .25, but it is small(easy to carry) and at close range you can empty the mag real fast with one hand.

[Lorrel]

Pics of your wife placing her booger hook where it should never be unless shooting.:naw: That's a bad habit that can lead to accidents. I'm sure the guns were unloaded. Funny enough, "unloaded" guns sure seem to kill quite a few people.

The pictures were ment to show the shooting position, and how small the gun is. As I'm sure you have noticed the hammer is forward and there is no magizine in the receiver. You can be sure that I checked the weapon prior to handing it to her, and made sure a round was not chambered. She checked the weapon prior to the picture. As for unloaded guns killing people. I don't hold to that at all. The only way an unloaded gun can kill someone is if you beat the person to death with it.
Someone who thought the gun was unloaded can sometimes kill themself or others. I can assure you that will not happen in this household.

Not to hijack the thread, so getting back to the question, again I believe a .22, .32, .38 is useless for self defence. If your going to spend the $$$ for one, spend a bit more and get a .40. They can be had almost as small and light.

[rebeljennie]

I've got a Taurus 38 sp snub nose, hammerless! I love it! it's pretty small; a little heavy but it works great in a pocket or purse. Having a 38 before with the hammer, I feel much safer with out!

With my past 38 I noticed that the hammer would grab on my purse making it tough to get out. In a stressful situation that could be bad news!

As for the Kel Tec it's cute and seems to have good ratings but I'm a wild wild west revolver type!!!!!!

[SH0RTBUS]

The pictures were ment to show the shooting position, and how small the gun is. As I'm sure you have noticed the hammer is forward and there is no magizine in the receiver. You can be sure that I checked the weapon prior to handing it to her, and made sure a round was not chambered. She checked the weapon prior to the picture. As for unloaded guns killing people. I don't hold to that at all. The only way an unloaded gun can kill someone is if you beat the person to death with it.
Someone who thought the gun was unloaded can sometimes kill themself or others. I can assure you that will not happen in this household.

Not to hijack the thread, so getting back to the question, again I believe a .22, .32, .38 is useless for self defence. If your going to spend the $$$ for one, spend a bit more and get a .40. They can be had almost as small and light.


Like I said earlier, it causes one to develop bad habits. People become less aware that they are placing their fingers on the trigger if they do it often. This becomes natural, and each time a firearm is handled guess where that finger is gonna go. Not trying to be a dick at all, just offer some helpful advice.

As for this thread, a good small light gun is a Kel-Tec. This gun is great for when you have to be active, or are wearing light weight clothing. However, I have not been a big fan of the gun. I prefer to carry the weapon that I train with often. The Kel-Tec is not meant to have thousands of rounds through it at the range, it won't hold up. That's not to say it won't save your life if it is used. I see these types of guns as only as required, not something you bring to range for a day of shooting.

[bcperry2000]

I agree.. My uncles and grandfather always told me.. "KEEP YOU FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER!!!"

i can't agree more. the second commandment of hunter safety in texas is "TREAT EVERY GUN AS IF IT WERE LOADED". regardless of the hammer position, empty magazine, cleared barrel. you treat every gun as if its loaded. you don't point at objects you don 't intend to shoot. and you don't put your finger on the trigger unless you intend to shoot.

sorry, i'm not trying to be a dick either but carelessness is how people get shot with "unloaded guns". that's exactly why so many people shoot themselves while cleaning their guns.

[bcperry2000]

Like I said earlier, it causes one to develop bad habits. People become less aware that they are placing their fingers on the trigger if they do it often. This becomes natural, and each time a firearm is handled guess where that finger is gonna go. Not trying to be a dick at all, just offer some helpful advice.

As for this thread, a good small light gun is a Kel-Tec. This gun is great for when you have to be active, or are wearing light weight clothing. However, I have not been a big fan of the gun. I prefer to carry the weapon that I train with often. The Kel-Tec is not meant to have thousands of rounds through it at the range, it won't hold up. That's not to say it won't save your life if it is used. I see these types of guns as only as required, not something you bring to range for a day of shooting.


i think kel-tec says they'll last for 6000 rounds. i doubt you'll ever shoot that many rounds through it becuase it's not a range gun and not terribly fun to shoot. but even if you do....kel-tec has a lifetime warranty.

[ripsnort33]

i carry the kel-tec p32. it's not neccesserily a man stopper but no one wants to hang around to get shot. it's light, well priced, made in the U.S.A., and WILL kill at a close enough range. i'd rather sling lead than pepper spray any day. wind variations and more than one attacker make me lean toward something that will make someone think twice about trying to hurt or steal from me and my family.

[rednblack500]

I agree about the Kel-Tec P3AT. While I'd love to carry my .45 around all day, sometimes it's just not practical. So, I'll throw the .380 in my pocket and off I go. It's very comforatable to carry.

[Dustoff '68]

The way things are today, if I had to draw down on an idiot, I would get sued the same whether I used a Daisy BB gun or a .44 Magnum...that said, I want the most easily concealable with maximum knockdown and attention getting power...I don't want to hurt some dangerous' thug's feelings with a .380; I use a 158 grain .38 Special round...that will get any miscreant's attention, and definitely put him in the hurt locker.

[rednblack500]

I agree a .380 FMJ isn't going to get the job done, but put in a load of Hydra-Shoks and the thug is not going to get back up. A .380 packs a nice, powerful punch and will drop anyone who is hit center mass or in the T zone. I completely agree about not wanting to get sued...that's why I carry a spare mag! (j/k for any lawyers out there!)

[Whats Next]

waco Darringer : Waco Texas, Stainles Steel 357 Magnum , 3 Inch Fits In Your Palm.. Dad Has One. Also Made In In 45 <> 410 Combo And 44 Mag. Nice Guns But Not Cheap..

[gogrlgo]

I think we all need one of these......:rotflmao1::rotflmao1


:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D99NHb6B03s

[derekls]

I have three carry guns. Glock 19, Glock 36, and S & W 637.

I go to the Glock 36 everytime. 7,000 plus rounds no problems, no jams... I trust my life with it.

[only_in_my_jeep]

first line of home defence. 86lb pitbull.
7439


I used to have simmilar in my boxer but we had to put her down due to cancer a month and a half ago. The situation that happened that got me thinking about this would never have happened with her around as I would have been alerted long before he got to the house much less walk up on me in the front yard.
So far I have been packing my 38. Of course I am always having to pull up the pants on that side. I guess I need to get shorts that use a belt and trash the comfortable ones. I hope to make it by a gun shop Saturday but a friend just came by with a small Tarus 9mm he picked up for his wife. It looked almost new but was used and the price was still a shocker. It has been a while since I looked at handguns so I guess once I do the new shorts and a little less comfort at home might be the solution.

[JackMac4]

I also carry a keltec p3at - makes a great pocket gun when you know you might be in a hairy situation.

OIMJ - FYI, the enter key is your friend. your large paragraphs are very hard to read.

[dmarco1103]

I'm gonna have to agree on the Kel-Tec, they are small, and with the belt clip, you can conceal them almost anywhere.:thumbsup: I would have to disagree with those who suggested pepper spray. Any criminal who has been through the system enough is nearly immune to pepper spray since they use it a lot in the jails and prisons. Even if your not immune, if you are drunk or high on drugs, it makes it much less noticable and easy to fight through. And if your in a bad enough situation that you needed a gun, pepper spray just aint gonna cut it.:naw:

[bigbluejk]

I often grab my keltec 32 over my Glock. summertime in texas you want as thin and light as you can get!

anyone besides me rolling the extreme shock EPR's? they make that little gun come alive, and everything on the business end turn dead.

[verbaltharhino]

I carry a CZ-75D PCR in the fall and winter in a KD Holsters IWB. My newer Kel-Tec PF9 in the spring and summer with the belt clip. Both are loaded with Speer Gold Dot 124gr JHP's.

http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/PCR-_Holster.JPG

http://my.project-jk.com/data/500/PF9.JPG

I had a Kel-Tec P32 I used to carry in the summer. Nice little gun, but the PF9 is much nicer. Sure, it's bigger, but still a gem to carry with the belt clip. Plus, it actually has sights!

[PoorDad]

I personally would not cary anything under 38cal. That being said, I have 2 weapons that I carry if I want something easy to conceal. Either my S&W 640 (38cal 110 grain hollow point) or my H&K P2000SK (in 9mm 147 grain Ranger SXT .) The 640 is a little heavy for a belly gun, but there are now some really light weight variations of that revolver now. I could use my 640 as a hammer if needed.....

If I am out in the woods 4x4ing or hiking, I will have either my H&K USP 45 (210 grain Ranger SXT) or my Beretta 92FS Centurion (9mm 147 grain Ranger SXT .)