[ray1970]

So, summer is right around the corner and I am toying with the idea of something small and light weight to carry when I am in cargo shorts and a t-shirt. Maybe to literally pocket carry but possibly would appendix carry as well.

To keep this on topic, let's not discuss the pros or cons of pocket carry, smaller calibers, or round capacity. I'm just looking for some ideas that will fit the following criteria.

Small enough that it could go into a pocket if necessary.

No more than about $500.

Light weight so as not to pull my shorts down.

I already have some ideas but will wait and see what you guys think before I tell you what I'm leaning towards.

Thanks in advance.

 

[JohnnyLoco]

j-frame, lcr, p238/p938, LCP, Kahr .380/PM9

Airweight J-frame is pretty much the gold standard imho.

 

[ray1970]

j-frame, lcr, p238/p938, LCP, Kahr .380/PM9

Airweight J-frame is pretty much the gold standard imho.

I can't get a P238/938 in my area for $500 or less.

I've had several j-frames over the years and they definitely fit the bill but not sure I want another one right now.

One on my short list right now is the LCR. I've had three of them, two 38's and one in 357. My main complaint was the sticky Hogue grips. Great for shooting but they always seemed to cling to my shirt or the inside of a pocket and that bothered me. I see they are offering G10 grips for the LCR now so I may try another one. This time in 327 Federal Magnum. I really like the idea of a six shot revolver roughly the size of the j-frame.

 

[tdubya]

I sometimes carry a dbl barrel .38 spl derringer when I need to be very discrete and am in a low threat probability area.

 

[ray1970]

I sometimes carry a dbl barrel .38 spl derringer when I need to be very discrete and am in a low threat probability area.

Thanks. I hadn't really considered a derringer. Not sure about only having two shots but I suppose it's a step up from a pointed stick or a rock. I would probably have to find someone that has one that I could try out to see if I could even hit anything with it.

 

[Sandaholic]

Ruger LCP II
Ruger LC9s (might not work for some pockets)
G42
G43 (might not work for some pockets)
a used P238

Those would be on my short list were I in your shoes.

 

[BlkGT3]

I pocket carry a LCR 9mm but I changed the grip to the Hogue Boot Grip with no finger grooves. It hides much better and the few times I go OWB printing is non existent.

Peter

 

[tdubya]

Thanks. I hadn't really considered a derringer. Not sure about only having two shots but I suppose it's a step up from a pointed stick or a rock. I would probably have to find someone that has one that I could try out to see if I could even hit anything with it.

I inherited the derringer, and I was amazed at how accurate it is. It's a Rhom made in Germany. And yes, two shots are better than none.

 

[Jerrysea]

Have you considered the sig 290 rs. It is easy to pocket carry. It should be less then your ceiling price. The only thing that I would advise is be sure you like the trigger. If you like shooting double action with a revolver then you should like the 290. It is a long trigger pull and can only be fired double action. I have one in 9mm.

 

[Jim1392]

I don't carry it as my EDC but when I walk my dog in my neighborhood I drop a Ruger LCP Gen 2 in my pocket. It's in a Remora holster and I hardly know it's there since it's so light. I also own the LCP II but I haven't found a holster I feel comfortably enough with to carry it yet. You can pic up the Gen 2 for around $200.00 and the II for around $279.00.

 

[ray1970]

I hadn't considered the 290. I haven't handled one but they always looked kind of chunky sitting in the case at the gun store. Maybe I should actually pick one up and look at it.

 

[Jonzim48]

The new Taurus Spectrum.

 

[christak]

Truely "pocketable" new semi-automatic handguns under $500...
Kahr CM9 (9mm)
Kahr CW380 (.380)
Ruger LCP 2 (.380)
Glock 42 (.380)

If you can go $550 or so:
Sig P238 (.380)
Sig P938 (9mm)
https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/category.cfm/sportsman/firearms

 

[NoFlyZone]

I live in Arizona and it gets HOT in the summer, so shorts and t-shirt are about all I wear. I have several guns that I can carry, but honestly my "always" gun is a "NAA PUG" in 22mag with "Critical Defense" rounds in it. I know some discount 22mag as a defense round, but its much better than my 9mm that is sitting at home on the counter!

Anyway, I've been carrying the NAA PUG for years. Very safe to carry, using a pocket holster and the hammer in its "safety notch" Weighs only 6.4 oz.

I know its not for everyone, but just another suggestion. Here is a picture that shows the PUG (top Right) and the NAA Black Widow (top left). Black Widow is another good choice, same gun with longer barrel.

 

[bluewave]

So, summer is right around the corner and I am toying with the idea of something small and light weight to carry when I am in cargo shorts and a t-shirt. Maybe to literally pocket carry but possibly would appendix carry as well.

To keep this on topic, let's not discuss the pros or cons of pocket carry, smaller calibers, or round capacity. I'm just looking for some ideas that will fit the following criteria.

Small enough that it could go into a pocket if necessary.

No more than about $500.

Light weight so as not to pull my shorts down.

I already have some ideas but will wait and see what you guys think before I tell you what I'm leaning towards.

Thanks in advance.

Take a look at the Glock 42 .380 caliber. It weighs about 14 oz. and is about $ 413 in my area. I've had one for about 18 months. and have carried it in my jeans front pocket with a DeSantis pocket holster. It also would be great for IWB carry.

I added Pearce +1 extended magazines which really improves the grip. And it shoots great! I have several Glocks, a Sig P238, and S & W revolver. The Glock 42 is my favorite of them all!

 

[ray1970]

I had actually considered one of the NAA revolvers in 22 mag. I actually kind of liked the one with the folding grip with the pocket clip. Having the hammer down in the safety notch between cylinders would be very comforting from a safety standpoint. I actually had one of the 22LR versions many years ago that I used to pocket carry. Just never really liked to trust the ignition of a rim fire round and ended up selling it so have been on the fence about the 22 mag for the same reason.

 

[garyji]

I don't "Pocket-carry", but I love my 238 IWB.

G.

 

[ray1970]

Yeah, I don't necessarily have to literally carry it in a pocket but would like the option of being able to do so on occasion. My main thing is I want something small, light, and unobtrusive.

 

[GCBHM]

I would consider a Glock 42, or a Kel-Tec .380. Although the Kel-Tec hurts like hell to shoot, it would serve the purpose well, I think. Of course the little S&W Bodyguard isn't bad, and the little Ruger LCP II is a nice little pocket gun. I know it's outside the budge range, but a Seacamp .380 would be perfect. I occasionally see them around the $500 mark, but not often. Of course, as mentioned, Kahr offers a number of options.

 

[NoFlyZone]

I had actually considered one of the NAA revolvers in 22 mag. I actually kind of liked the one with the folding grip with the pocket clip. Having the hammer down in the safety notch between cylinders would be very comforting from a safety standpoint. I actually had one of the 22LR versions many years ago that I used to pocket carry. Just never really liked to trust the ignition of a rim fire round and ended up selling it so have been on the fence about the 22 mag for the same reason.

I completely understand that some have second thoughts about rimfire for carry. Like I said it may not be for everyone, I've never had a problem with it.

I also carry a LCP it at times & it's even more than I want to carry at times.

Good luck with your search, be sure to let us know what you end up with. :thumbsu: