I used to hate pocket pistols, but over the last couple of years, I’ve really come to love and appreciate these humble guns.
It turns out the trick was finding the right combination of gun and caliber to make it work.
I’ve been doing a ton of experimenting with pocket pistols, holsters, calibers, and it’s time I share the knowledge. Specifically, I want to share with you what I think are the best pocket pistols on the market.
So, I rounded up nine total pistols that I felt might be good options for pocket carry, took them to the range, and tested them side-by-side.
Keep reading as I run you through the specs and their performance!
THE QUICK LIST
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Editor’s Pick
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Best DA/SA
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Best .22 LR
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Best Pocket Revolver
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Smallest Semi-Auto
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Best 9mm Pocket Pistol
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Best High-End Pocket Pistol
Table of Contents
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Pocket Pistol Comparison Chart
| Caliber | Overall Length | Width | Weight | Capacity | Price | |
| Beretta 30X | .32 ACP | 5.3″ | 1.36″ | 16.29 oz | 8 rounds | $499 |
| KelTec P32 | .32 ACP | 5.1″ | 0.75″ | 6.9 oz | 7 rounds | $284 |
| Ruger LCP II | .22 LR | 2.8″ | 0.81″ | 11.2 oz | 10 rounds | $314 |
| Smith & Wesson 432 UC | .32 H&R Magnum | 6.31″ | 1.3″ | 16 oz | 6 rounds | $689 |
| Seecamp LWS | .32 ACP | 4.25″ | 0.725″ | 11.5 oz | 6 rounds | $549 |
| Sig Sauer P938 | 9mm | 5.9″ | 1.1″ | 16 oz | 7 rounds | $699 |
| Walther PPK/S | .32 ACP | 6.1″ | 1″ | 19 oz | 8 rounds | $750 |
| Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 | .380 ACP | 5.5″ | 0.88″ | 9.88 oz | 10 or 12 rounds | $399 |
| NAA Micro Revolver | .22 LR | 4″ | 0.88″ | 4.6 oz | 5 rounds | $244 |
How We Tested the Best Pocket Pistols
The most obvious answer is to shoot a lot of pocket pistols, specifically against a time and accuracy standard.
There aren’t a whole lot of pocket pistol drills, but there is one that’s easily adaptable to the pocket pistol. It’s called the Wizard Drill. Ken Hackathorn invented it, but Claude Werner introduced me to the idea of using it as a pocket pistol test.
I shot a wide variety of guns through this test and picked the models that consistently met the Wizard Drill’s accuracy and time standard.
The Wizard Drill is simple and requires five rounds, a silhouette target, and a shot timer. It has four phases. Each phase has a 2.5 second par time.
- Phase 1: 3 Yards – Draw and fire one headshot with your dominant hand only.
- Phase 2: 5 Yards – Draw and fire one headshot with both hands.
- Phase 3: 7 Yards – Draw and fire one headshot with both hands.
- Phase 4: 10 Yards – Draw and fire two body shots with both hands.
That’s it, it sounds easy, but you have to give it a try. I’m shooting the Claude Werner pocket modification of the drill. I start with my hand in my pocket, gripping the gun. The pre-staged draw position is one of the biggest benefits of pocket carry.
It allows you to look relaxed but be ready to draw. I used this test to evaluate how easy and quickly you could draw a specific gun, how easily you can place an accurate shot on a target quickly.
Outside of the shooting factor, concealment is a big deal. Pocket pistol doesn’t have a clear definition. Pocket pistols vary in size, and the pockets on my pants are a lot bigger than the pants on my wife’s pants. With that in mind, I factored in both her pockets and mine to evaluate their concealment potential.
Best Pocket Pistols
1. KelTec P32 – Editor’s Pick
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
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Pros
- Insanely light
- Incredibly thin
- Low recoil
Cons
- Tiniest sights
Specs
- Caliber: .32 ACP
- Barrel Length: 2.7 inches
- Overall Length: 5.1 inches
- Width: 0.75 inches
- Weight: 6.9 ounces
- Capacity: 7 rounds
Good Lord, the P32 is one of the most underrated concealed carry handguns of all time.
I had to buy a second because my father-in-law borrowed the gun and it never came home! The little P32 is a very modern polymer frame .32 ACP pocket pistol.
The little gun feeds from a single-stack magazine, which holds seven rounds in the mag and one in the pipe for a total of eight rounds. We get a gun that weighs only 6.9 ounces and is ¾ of an inch thick. In terms of concealment, it disappears in your pocket and in my wife’s pocket.
It’s super comfortable to carry, conceals easily, and is all about convenience. The little gun shoots fairly well. It uses a short recoil operation, so its recoil is not much more than that of a .22 LR.
This translates to a very easy-to-shoot gun. The first shot was 1.01 on target. The gun remained well under two seconds to the last stage. At 10 yards, the two shots took me 2.4 seconds. The lack of easy-to-see sights resulted in a slower to acquire sight picture at 10 yards.
Low recoil made it easy to drop both shots once I acquired the sight picture. I’m thinking about adding a little finger nail polish to the front sight to create a higher visibility design. KelTec went with the DAO trigger design, and its surprisingly light. We do get a long trigger pull, but its light and won’t cause you to suffer too much.
Overall the P32 might be the best overall pocket pistol for a wide variety of users. It’s low recoil, easy concealment, and good performance make it a great all-around choice.
Want more deets? We have them in our full review of the KelTec P32!
2. Beretta 30X – Best DA/SA Pocket Pistol
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Tip-up barrel design
- Reinforced design
- Nice sights
Cons
- Little thick
- Slide bite
Specs
- Caliber: .32 ACP
- Barrel Length: 2.8 inches
- Overall Length: 5.3 inches
- Width: 1.36 inches
- Weight: 16.29 ounces
- Capacity: 8 rounds
The Beretta 30X is the latest in the Tomcat family. It’s one of the few new production .32 ACP pistols in the modern era. The little 30X is everything you know and love about Beretta. It’s got the DA/SA action, the exposed barrel, and more. It looks like a shrunk Beretta 92FS.
The 30X series keeps the famed tip-up barrel design that I’m personally enamored with. Hit a button, and the barrel pops up. You can load a round into the chamber or clear the gun without a problem. This system allows folks with weak hands to easily operate the gun without the need to work the slide.
This does mean we get a blowback action with some increased recoil. However, the gun scored quite well in the Wizard Drill. The first shot from the pocket was in less than a second. Follow up phases never broke two seconds.
Firing two shots rapidly was easy, and the gun’s recoil was nothing. A set of big sights makes it easy to get on target and place .32 ACP pills right where you want them. The downside is that, like most tip-up guns, my big hands had some slide bite.
Beretta shined up the trigger, and the double action was downright impressive. The single action offers a light and quick pull that’s far from challenging.
The 30X has a magazine that extends below the grip, and the beautiful wood grips make the gun a bit thicker than necessary. This limits concealment. In my pockets with a Desantis Superfly, it was fine, but its a no go in my wife’s pockets.
Overall, it’s all kinds of cool, but does lack in the concealability department.
3. Ruger LCP II .22 LR – Best .22 LR Pocket Pistol
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Good sights
- Decent trigger
- Excellent capacity
Cons
- Rimfire reliability
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Barrel Length: 2.8 inches
- Overall Length: 5.2 inches
- Width: 0.81 inches
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Capacity: 10 rounds
My wife’s favorite gun is the Ruger LCP II in .22 LR. She’s quite the shot with it and feels quite comfortable with the weapon. It was the first gun she ever felt comfortable enough to daily carry and it’s an all-around excellent pocket pistol.
Heck, Ruger even includes a pocket holster in the box. As you’d imagine, the little gun fits my wife’s pocket fairly well. It’s almost too big, depending on the pants, but most of the time, she makes it work. It disappears easily in my pocket and can be very convenient to carry.
Ruger went with a standard blowback action, which is necessary with a .22 LR semi-auto pistol. We still get super low recoil and a gun that’s easy to fire quickly with confidence and with a single hand.
The gun went through the Wizard drill with ease. Ruger saw fit to included nice sized sights on the gun, I’ve tuned those sights up with a paint marker to make the front sight easier to see. The first shot was less than a second.
I never exceeded two seconds. At 10 yards, the two shots took 1.75 seconds, and that was as slow as it got. What we did run into was a failure to eject on the snapshot at 7 yards. I fired the shot and landed the hit, but the gun didn’t eject the cartridge.
This illustrates the problem with rimfire cartridges. They tend to be less reliable than centerfire guns, and malfunctions are far more common. Better quality ammo tends to help, but rimfire is never as reliable as centerfire.
Check out more in our Ruger LCP II review!
4. Smith & Wesson 432 UC – Best Pocket Revolver
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Light recoil
- Excellent sights
- Great trigger
Cons
- Expensive
- Hard to find
Specs
- Caliber: .32 H&R Magnum
- Barrel Length: 1.88 inches
- Overall Length: 6.31 inches
- Width: 1.3 inches
- Weight: 16 ounces
- Capacity: 6 rounds
The Smith & Wesson 432 UC changed my mind about snub nose revolvers. I used to dislike them from a practical perspective. However, after a fair amount of time with the 432 UC, it became my daily pocket-carried gun.
The 432 fires the criminally underappreciated .32 H&R Magnum. We get six .32 H&R Magnum rounds instead of five. The .32 H&R Magnum packs a good punch and a lot less recoil than the .38 Special.
S&W and Lipseys teamed up with two revolver experts named Bryan Eastridge and Darryl Bolke to produce the best concealed carry revolver on the market. Every feature is designed to provide you with an easy shooting, accurate, and awesome revolver.
Revolvers tend to be well suited for pocket carry, at least for big pockets. It’s a bit too big for smaller pockets. The design of the revolver features a cylinder that pushes the gun away from the body, this makes it easy to access the grip since it doesn’t sit flat against the body.
This makes it easy to get a grip and get the gun into action. The S&W 432 UC delivered the fastest first shot on target at .94 of a second. Over and over, it proved to be the second fastest gun at every phase.
The big grips, light recoil, and excellent sights make it easy to shoot, accurate, and capable. Unfortunately, it’s just a bit too big for many shooters. This is my personal favorite, but I can understand why some shooters will take a different route.
You can dive in further in our review of the S&W 432 UC.
5. Seecamp LWS – Smallest Semi-Auto Pocket Pistol
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Insanely concealable
- Smooth draw
- Low recoil
Cons
- No sights
Specs
- Caliber: .32 ACP
- Barrel Length: 2”
- Overall Length: 4.25”
- Width: 0.725 inches
- Weight: 11.5 ounces
- Capacity: 6
The Seecamp LWS might be the smallest semi-auto pistol on the market. It’s remarkably tiny and, without a doubt, very easy to conceal.
This small champ comes in .32 ACP and .380 ACP, but I suggest avoiding the .380 variant. It’s twice the recoil without the benefit. With the .32 ACP and the chamber ring delayed blowback, we get very light recoil for such a small gun.
The little Seecamp conceals with ease in anyone’s pocket. It slides in and disappears with ease, providing a little pocket rocket that’s surprisingly easy to shoot. What makes the gun tough to shoot is the fact is lacks sights.
It is as smooth as a Ken doll across the top. That means it’s a point-shoot pistol, and you’ll have to guess where the round goes. Kind of. Surprisingly, I passed the Wizard Drill, but barely.
I passed as long as we counted a shot in the neck as acceptable for the seven-yard headshot. The two body shots were also far apart compared to every other gun. At ten yards, I barely passed the ten-yard portion at 2.43 seconds.
Our real benefit comes from the concealment of the gun. It disappears in your pocket. Ludwig Seecamp was a genius who created a truly unique design. It’s impressive how small he designed this gun and how well it works.
6. Sig Sauer 938 – Best 9mm Pocket Pistol
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Excellent trigger
- 9mm chambering
- Easy-to-see sights
Cons
- Fairly large for pocket carry
Specs
- Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Length: 3 inches
- Overall Length: 5.9 inches
- Width: 1.1 inches
- Weight: 16 ounces
- Capacity: 7 rounds
The Sig Sauer P938 is the only 9mm on the list. This micro-sized 1911 wannabe is about as small as a 1911 can get.
It’s smaller than the P365, and while the width is listed at 1.1 inches, that’s due to the rubber wrap-around grips. Chopping them off and replacing them with smaller grips would fix that.
It’s little, but it’s still going to be big for pocket carry. Anything larger than this would be too big for most shooters. It fits in the pockets of my khakis but feels tight in jeans. At 16 ounces, it’s heavy, but that’s a benefit for the 9mm round.
Recoil is stiff but not punishing. It did lead to a 2.04 on the last stage of the Wizard drill. With its big, easy-to-see sights, it performed well in the single-shot drills. What slowed it down was the need to disable the rather small thumb safety.
That’s necessary for the single action trigger. Plenty of folks won’t like a light single-action trigger for pocket carry, but with a manual safety, I don’t see any real risk.
While the gun’s large and has stiff recoil, it does offer us 9mm ballistics. That means increased penetration, excellent expansion, and cheap ammo to practice with. The .32 ACP, .32 H&R Magnum, and even the .380 ACP cost more than the 9mm cartridge.
A weapon you’re well-trained with beats anything else for pocket carry or any type of defensive carry.
Read more in our review of the P938!
7. Walther PPK/S – Best High-End Pocket Pistol
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Light recoil
- Easy to control
- Accurate
Cons
- Somewhat large
Specs
- Caliber: .32 ACP
- Barrel Length: 3.3 inches
- Overall Length: 6.1 inches
- Width: 1 inch
- Weight: 19 ounces
- Capacity: 8 rounds
I’m not a fan of the .380 ACP series of Walther pistols since the blowback action makes for way too much recoil. However, Walther wisely released a new series of .32 ACP pistols in the classic PPK and PPK/S stylings.
I have the Walther PPK/S, but the Walther PPK would be a slightly smaller option. The PPK/S has a slightly larger grip and does hold one additional round. It’s fine for my pocket but a bit big for my wife’s.
A 19-ounce .32 ACP handles a lot like a kitten. It’s purring as you shoot it and only mews as you shoot. It’s super soft shooting and easy to fire rapidly. If the sights were a bit easier to see, this thing would be unstoppable. The longer grip makes it easier to grab, and the extra weight is nice.
With the Wizard drill, the gun was quick and easy to shoot. It delivered two shots on target from 10 yards in 1.70 seconds, putting it in third place for this particular drill. At 3 yards, I just cracked a sub-second draw to first shot at 0.99.
The PPK/S delivers excellent accuracy, and the headshots land very close to one another. Fixed barrels certainly have advantages. Its longer double-action trigger should provide plenty of comfort when carrying the gun. Enough so I’d carry with the manual safety in the off position.
Walther’s PPK/S is a very expensive gun, and with an MSRP close to a grand, it will be a tough sell for some, especially compared to other, more modern options.
You can read more about the PPK/S in our full review!
8. Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 – Best Modern Pocket Pistol
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Amazing capacity
- Excellent sights
- Low recoil
Cons
- Slide bite
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Barrel Length: 2.75 inches
- Overall Length: 5.5 inches
- Width: 0.88 inches
- Weight: 9.88 ounces
- Capacity: 10 or 12 rounds
I have a personal favorite in the S&W 432 UC, and a gun that I think is best for deep concealment with the P32, but the best overall performer was the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0.
The funny thing is that I hated the original Bodyguard, its the gun that made me despise the idea of pocket pistols, and specifically .380 pocket pistols.
However, the new Bodyguard, the 2.0, changes the game. It ditched the hammer-fired design and went with a striker-fired design, which lightened up the trigger a fair bit. We no longer have to deal with a heavy trigger mixed with a tiny grip.
S&W went with a micro-compact magazine and a micro-sized grip. Somehow, through some kind of ancient magic, they fit ten rounds of .380 ACP into a design that’s essentially the same size as the original Bodyguard .380.
We get a grip that’s slightly longer, which improves control. This is shown in the final drill, where the double tap is applied to the body. A time of 1.57 seconds made the S&W Bodyguard 2.0 the fastest performer in the final drill.
On top of the gun, there is a great set of iron sights. The front sight catches the eye with ease, and the wide open rear sight makes it easy to find the front sight, align the sights, and start shooting. Every other drill was either the fastest or tied with the fastest in that category.
The S&W Bodyguard 2.0 is still a very pocket friendly pistol. It’s not as small and as thin as the P32, but it works quite well with most pockets, some smaller pockets might feel tight, but it fits. Ultimately, this is probably the best pocket pistol on the market if I take an objective stance.
9. NAA Mini Revolver – Best Mini Revolver
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Most concealable firearm
- Very lightweight
- Low Recoil
Cons
- Slow to use
- Not very accurate
- Failed the Wizard Drill
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Barrel Length: 1.13 inches
- Overall Length: 4 inches
- Width: 0.88 inches
- Weight: 4.6 ounces
- Capacity: 5 rounds
The NAA Mini Revolver is the smallest gun I own and is the most concealable. I could carry this thing in a Speedo if I needed to. It’s certainly comfortable in everybody’s pocket.
My NAA is a .22 LR, and it’s just a fun little gun all around. The NAA Mini Revolver holds five rounds and is a single-action-only design.
The sights are technically there but are largely useless. I failed every course of the Wizard drill, namely because I had to unfold the gun to get it into play. That killed the time. In terms of accuracy, it’s…well, it’s not very accurate at all.
I made the 3-yard headshot! But I missed the 5-yard shot but somehow made the 7-yard shot. I made both the body shots, but it took over six seconds.
While the NAA excels for concealed carry, it sucks everywhere else.
We reviewed a couple of NAA revolvers, so get more info in our article!
By the Numbers: How the Best Pocket Pistols Compare
Accuracy
Pocket pistols and accuracy are an interesting pair. They are often at odds with each other, but accuracy matters regardless of the size of the gun. Let’s look at the nine-pocket pistols and see how they compare.
We rate based on a scale of 1-5, where one represents that the gun shoots unpredictably and experiences unacceptable levels of accuracy.
| Model | Accuracy Rating (1-5) |
| Beretta 30X | 4.5 |
| KelTec P32 | 3.5 |
| LCP II | 5 |
| Smith & Wesson 432 UC | 5 |
| Seecamp LWS | 2.5 |
| Sig Sauer P938 | 4.5 |
| Walther PPK/S | 4 |
| Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 | 4.5 |
| NAA Micro Revolver | 2 |
Reliability
Any weapon trusted for self-defense needs to be a reliable option. We rate based on a scale of 1-5, where one represents a failure rate of 50% or more.
| Model | Reliability Rating (1-5) |
| Beretta 30X | 4.5 |
| KelTec P32 | 4.5 |
| LCP II | 3.5 |
| Smith & Wesson 432 UC | 5 |
| Seecamp LWS | 2.5 |
| Sig Sauer P938 | 4.5 |
| Walther PPK/S | 4 |
| Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 | 5 |
| NAA Micro Revolver | 4.5 |
Ergonomics
Ergonomics refers to the weapon’s controls, it’s ease of use, how it handles recoil, and how it generally feels in your hand. A one represents a weapon that’s uncomfortable and painful.
| Model | Ergonomics Rating (1-5) |
| Beretta 30X | 3.5 |
| KelTec P32 | 4 |
| LCP II | 4.5 |
| Smith & Wesson 432 UC | 4.5 |
| Seecamp LWS | 3 |
| Sig Sauer P938 | 4 |
| Walther PPK/S | 4 |
| Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 | 4.5 |
| NAA Micro Revolver | 2 |
Value
Your money’s precious, and sadly, smaller guns aren’t just cheaper due to their size. The price point is weighed against its performance, its features, and reliability. A one represents a pocket pistol priced extremely high without the features and performance to justify it.
| Model | Value Rating (1-5) |
| Beretta 30X | 3.5 |
| KelTec P32 | 4.5 |
| LCP II | 4.5 |
| Smith & Wesson 432 UC | 3 |
| Seecamp LWS | 4 |
| Sig Sauer P938 | 3 |
| Walther PPK/S | 2 |
| Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 | 4.5 |
| NAA Micro Revolver | 3.5 |
Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical
Pew Pew Tactical author Travis Pike led the research and testing for this article. Travis has spent a lifetime shooting as a kid and later joined the United States Marine Corps where he spent five years as an infantryman. In the middle of his Marine Corps career, he began writing and never stopped. He has thousands of articles to his name with a variety of publications, including Pew Pew Tactical. In addition to a long history of testing and reviewing guns and gear, Travis is also a concealed carry instructor.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical. Jacki has regularly used a Sig Sauer P238 (the baby sister of the aforementioned P938) as her pocket carry pistol.
Final Thoughts
While there are certainly more tiny pocket guns, these are some of the best ones I’ve found that (mostly) pass the test.
What are your favorite pocket pistols? Let us know below! Want more CCW action? Check out our round-up of the Best Concealed Carry Pistols.
Latest Updates
- Dec. 2024: Complete re-write with all new models after hands-on, range testing.
- Jan. 2024: Removed Ruger LCP II & Beretta Pico, Glock 43, Sig P365 SAS & Added Ruger LCP Max, Sig Sauer P238.
146 Leave a Reply
Perfect, see my comment posted 12-22-24
Seriously, no mention of a Ruger ec9s. THERE ARE MANY OTHERS OF COURSE. Compact 9mm as small as most .380s and 32s. Why carry a subcaliber, feelinlucky. Dead nuts reliable and accurate with fixed snagless sights. Contoured frame for smooth movement, draw. Less than $300! What the hey. Your article does nothing to inform the neophyte. BS
Pew pew, is about one more b.s. article away from making me unsubscribe.... are they going the "rage bait" route on social media, or what?
I knew it was gonna be b.s. seeing "32 special" being the obvious subject (which is never mentioned).... why not mention that, pew pew? Would that put you into the realm of b.s. more than your willing to defend?
#BlackRifleCoffeeCompanyVibes
I feel like you guys need to really learn how to say "hey guys, we've done this article before, but now we're gonna shake it up, and try some different platforms/calibers to spice it up for something different (that we recently played with)"
Is that a hard thing to do?
Pew pew has been nothing BUT opinion pieces for the last year.
Try to find an LC9S. They are not produced any longer, but can be found. Same gun with a much better trigger.
I tend to think WEIRD. A pocket gun you carry for defense. Should you ever NEED it. Imagine it doesn't work because you decided to spend only xxx on it. We read and are told you should fire ????? 500, 1,000 rounds. The ammo cost more than the gun.
Reminder it is all OPINION. For some it is like asking which of your kids do you like better. Or tell me why your kids, kids you own? *oops) are better than my kids. Far as pocket size. Easy to solve. Find clothes that have good pockets. Size of pockets are easy to have changed. Truth my non Jeans are probably out of date and too small for the now me. My carry gun is a Taurus 856 stainless steel revolver 6shot 38 spec plus P. All IS compromise. We are perhaps in the best of times. So many great choices. Hard to trade MY KID for ANOTHER
I've searched for years for a small, concealable, effective CCW pistol. Here are my findings:
Walther PPS (9mm) - Jams on hollow points. Repeatedly. Not a pistol to be trusted
Keltec .380 Auto - Jams on hollow points. Repeatedly. A piece of junk.
S&W Airweight 38 Spl Revolver - Nice little pistol. A bit wide at revolver. Limited rounds.
Sig Sauer P365 SAS - My second favorite CCW but heavy. Doesn't carry well in ankle hoster.
Ruger LCP Max .380 Auto - My current CCW. Light. Small. Easy carry. Accurate. Never jams. 12+1. Love it.
My Makarov beats many of these hands down!
The ONLY reason you consider the Walther PPK/s the 'best high-end' pocket pistol is because neither the SIG P230/P232 or P239 are still in production.
You left the Glock G42, a little larger than some but it's a Glock!
There are some of us who cannot afford Sigs, or Rugers, or Walthers. Maybe give us some quality mid priced ones?
The P-32 is a slick little gun. Never have had an issue with mine.
Nice choices for when you don't feel like carrying a gun.
Ruger EC9S. Very reliable and thin. You can get it for $250 out the door. It’s a little snappy when you shoot it.
I disagree. The Taurus TCP 738, which the Spectrum replaced, was a way better and more reliable pistol.
Great info! Thank-you.
Time for an update with the release of the S&W bodyguard 2.0
We are working on an update as we speak!
I used to own many of these. Keep in mind that out past 2 meters you better think before pulling the trigger. The Beretta Tomcat is terrible. Too thick and heavy for a true pocket pistol and jammed damn near every round. The Sig 238 just felt shaky in my hands. At 7 yards I could barely hit a 10 inch target. LCPs are a good "belly gun" but recoil is bad. Honestly, if I want a true pocket gun I'll just grab my NAA Bulldog .22 Mag. Amazing pointability and power for such a tiny revolver. Plus they've improved them with break-in-half reloading. EDC is a Shield 9mm or Sig 365XL.
Unfortunately, manipulation of such 'mouse guns' under stress has highlighted their massive shortcomings.
This is why I take this page with a grain of salt. It's all a commercial to sell firearms and this page proves it. Do any of these guns beat the colt 1903/08? No. The Remington model 51, no? Savage 1907, Hell no. Frommer M29 or Femaru M37? Not even close. ..But they won't talk about them on here because they are not being commercially produced and sold. So there is no money in it for them. That being said, the closest thing to a pocket pistol today that is good, is the S&W EZ 2.0. .380 (Which has nothing new about it) ..And although it's a good pistol, I don't really think it qualifies as a pocket gun due to it's size, however it's right on the border. Too bad they had to make that overly protruding grip safety. If it were modified [thinned to be flush when depressed] and not in anti-conceal TiN bright finish, it would be fine. Pocket pistols are one area where if you want something good you need to go back about a century because let's be honest, since The Great Depression firearms technology has only gone backwards and the data show this to be the case. ..A brand new high end CNC made firearms will shoot [on average] as well as an average priced/average condition used gun from WW1 that is over a century old. Today, guns like the Remington model 51 or can no longer be viably made. They tried and failed with the R51 proving this. You can buy a Frommer Stop still for about $400 or less, used. However, if they made these today they couldn't be produced/sold for less than $2500-3000. Let's face it, people today are not nearly as smart or skilled as they were back then. Today with firearms, the future is in the past.
So you would rather us post out of production firearms that aren't made for modern pockets? The 1903/1908s are basically Glock 19 sized.
Pistols that are difficult to acquire? And even harder to acquire in good enough to train with consistently?
Pistols that might lack modern safety features?
You'd rather us suggest those types of guns instead of the better, more modern options?
P32, hands down, great pocket rocket!
I fear you have missed the Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm, whether in the original version or later. My Shield, version 1, goes with me whenever I leave the house, and has proven to be easier to shoot than my previous .38 Special, J-frame revolver.
Love my P238 when size matters. I recently started using the Ruger LC9s in a Falco pouch for EDC, but when possible my P320 M18 9mm with 21 rnd double stack, red dot reflex and tac light is my go to EDC.
my P238 is an excellent carry pistol. Dress clothes make it a little challenging, but an ankle holster does the job.
I know the list of pocket guns can't have them all, but I think the absence of the Gock 42 is a major oops.
Amazingly shootable, well priced and as reliable as a Glock. You can't go wrong with this pistol.
I’m looking for a small hand gun I have a permit to carry can’t afford much but I need protection I’m 71 vulnerable
What’s your recommendation
Join YankeeMarshal website on YouTube. Each month he gives 4 pistols away to people who cannot afford them. You have to submit an application on-line. Good luck! Regarding pistols, I am looking at Kahr PM09 & Kahr CM09.
I routinely carry a Ruger EC9S in my pocket (with a pocket holster). Admittedly, it doesn’t fit every pocket, but works great with cargo shorts. It is thinner than the Sig 238 and 938, and much cheaper. The grip is a bit longer, but that helps with getting a good grip. And it is 7+1 of 9mm. I put some Hogue grips on mine, and it has been very reliable and easy to shoot.
Funny how at least 1/2 of these are Junk compared to a Walther PPS
Diamondback db9 4th gen. Excellent small pocjet pistol.
I totally agree, this pistol gets left off all of these lists, I have a Gen 3 and it's been flawless.
I carry a Ruger P95 SAO/DAO DC it's too hefty to carry in the fair weather so I use a Phoenix 22LR with CCI Maxi 22LR. during that time. I'll be looking into a 1911 type in .380 (9mm Kurtz) for more lethal defense use. Retired SGT Army and Security Patrol LT.
Enjoyed reading your articles. I carry a Smith and Wession stainless 642 with Crimson trace laser grips in a pocket holster in my front pocket. The weapon is accurate and dependable. It's a 5 shot and with the short barrel has a bit of a kick. Practice with it regularly.
Kahr CM9 should be here. The only modern 9 that is truly a quality reliable pocket pistol.
Very informative....What is your opinion of the NAA .22 Magnum Revolvers [mouse gun] ?
Just curious....thank you
I carry the Ruger LCP Max and it is perfect because it is small enough to sit in my pocket. I am an attorney so I wear my shirt tuck in and can't use the popular holsters that go on my belt. I have no problem with shooting it and it is very accurate out to 25 yards.
No matter what you carry train with it. I recently picked up an LCP II and my first trip to the range was eye-opening. I consider myself an experienced shooter, but not with a micro compact. I thought the gun was malfunctioning because it wasn’t cycling. After blaming the gun, the ammo and the guy next door, my very friendly range guru said “hey Sam, get that finger off the slide.” Duh! Problem solved.
Why do you say the P238 Con is "Not great for large hands" but not for the P938? They have the same grip (compare sizes on handgunhere). Given a flush fit magazine *both* have the same "no room for my pinky" problem. If anything it's _worse_ for the P938 given 9mm has more recoil than 380.
This is partially mitigated if you use the Legion magazine with the extended base plate so larger hands can get their pinky on the grip. Still, the P938 deserves at least as much Con here as the P238.
What happened to discussions about Kahr pistols?
I shot one of the metal framed ones and liked it
Small pistols I have carried, Beretta 71 .22lr, Ortgies .25, Seecamp .25, Mauser HSc .380, Walther PPK/S .380 and what I carry now the Kimber Micro9 9mm. I installed an M-CARBO Trigger spring kit & an extra power recoil spring reducing trigger pull and reducing felt recoil similar to my S & W 3953 making this gun easy to shoot, accurate out to 25 yards and it fits easily into the front pocket of my jeans.
Really like the LCP max, great summer gun
Smith & Wesson 317 first edition. 8 stingers, no slide, just pull the trigger. NOVEL IDEA.
Fits easily as a pack of smokes in shirt pocket.
Unfortunately, most of these pistols are junk. I’ve done a few thousand CCW quals in the last two years, as well as a few hundred private lessons and the Ruger, Seecamp, Beretta and Keltec rarely make it through either (you can toss the PPK in there as well). Havent seen many of the Sig models mentioned (most people are bringing P365’s) but the few I have seen worked fine.
No love for the PPK/s ? James Bond would be very sad.
I carry an S&W Bodyguard .380. I normally carry it in a Sneaky Pete holster that looks exactly like a smart phone holster. It took me a lot of time at the range to get used to the trigger and having two fingers hanging while firing, but I love the size of it. I most often carry a midsized 9mm in a concealable OWB for comfort, however, when the situation doesn't let me easily conceal the OWB, I grab the .380 in the holster or even drop it directly into my jeans pocket if I'm just running into the store quickly. It's a great option to have at hand.
It is all a matter of opinion. We are lucky to have the Pew Pew opinion as frankly we cannot, at least I cannot take the time to try them all. I terms of ghosting and concealed carry. Where I live ghosting is legal. I'm no expert but I would expect anyone seeing the typical spring clip would know it is a gun. Concealed carry? I would never tell anyone I am carrying.
Even if they ask. A small 380? Reminder I'm no expert. The one I have is picky about ammo.
Defense ammo it will not work. I have the S&W 380 ez and 9 EZ. I won both of them. They are not pocket pistols. I do not see much difference in terms of weight carry etc and it is easier and cheaper to find 9mm at least it has been. Pocket carry. You can enlarge pockets or have a seamstress do it.
Last year I picked up an old Deutsche-Werke Ortgies in 32 ACP I carry that sometimes in my coat pocket. It's kind of a cool little pistol. It shoots incredibly well. The Germans sure knew how to make a firearm. For as old as it is, its still tight no slop anywhere. Really accurate too.
Good, no frills pocket pistol: Taurus Spectrum in .380.
Can I start writing for you? Because, as much as I respect this blog, every list really is starting to seem like a bit of a joke. None of these, barring the LCP Max - which is not without its own set of issues - and the Beretta, have anything going for them other than, "small". You refuse to acknowledge the objective inferiority of QC for brands like Seecamp, SIG, or KelTec. Nevermind how every list regarding carry 9s or micro compacts is literally nothing but six different variations of the P365 and maybe a Glock 43/43X tossed in for good measure. This is blog is nothing but advertising fodder at this point - at least where gun reviews are concerned.
My backup is a mousegun (Beretta 950 BS 25 acp) For casual carry, I normally carry it in my pocket. (as a second gun) Things have come a long way since the old days when I started carrying. We have never had a better variety to pick from. Something for everyone.
Maybe I have missed them, but I never see any recommendations on my personal mode of pocket carry. I use an IWB soft holster with a metal clip that fits my WC EDC X9. I simply slip that into my front jeans pocket and let the clip go over the top of the pocket. It is super easy to draw, snug, doesn't poke me in my muffin top, and very comfortable. I simply wear a longer shirt over it for cover. I have never found this to be a problem. I've carried everything from Glock G17s up to Commander .45 ACP this way. It seems to distribute the weight better than hanging off a belt. Anyhow, just my two cents worth. Maybe someone else might like that method.
I’ll say this… I can’t always carry a midsize gun/compact but I don’t think I’d consider carrying any of the guns on this list.
On top of that- pocket carry, it’s nonsense, either commit to carrying an effective firearm properly or stay home.
When I need to carry the smallest possible gun that I am willing to trust my life with I go with a P365x (12+1) with optic AIWB or G43x (SA 15+1) AIWB.
If I have to rely on a gun that shoots 22LR, 32cal, even 380 is pushing it, with marginal sights and rely on drawing it from my pocket I would rather not leave the house.
I prefer to dress around my firearm, my life is more important than my appearance. Friends and family have said- you should probably tuck your shirt in, I reply… gun. Not another word uttered.
A pocket gun is better than no gun. But you do you. I have to say you give off a poser attitude listing the need for the flavor of the month optic sight on a damn carry gun.
Sorry MK, no poser, been carrying for almost 30yrs and started shooting at age 8, 45 years ago. Not sure what you’re talking about- “flavor of the month optic sight”, nearly all of my modern pistols have them, I practice with them, I compete with them, they’re advantageous given the right circumstances and where they’re not advantageous neither would be iron sights.
As for your statement “a pocket gun is better than no gun” you’re absolutely correct, but I personally would not carry a pocket gun, nor would I carry a 22/32/ etc.
The most recent Guns & Ammo magazine had a write in question and comment about optic or dot sights on a pistol, and the very experienced G&A staff responded by saying they'd run extensive tests over time and once used to it, an optic on a pistol DOES improve efficiency and on target times.... which is where a lot of time and training takes place to assist surviving an encounter. They evolve and as newer designs come out things change.
N8 – not so sure I agree with your comment “Stay Home”. You said “If I have to rely on a gun that shoots 22LR, 32cal, even 380 is pushing it, with marginal sights and rely on drawing it from my pocket I would rather not leave the house.” Tell ya what – stand 21 feet away from someone with a pee wee Ruger LCP II 22 and Federal Punch Ammo or Max 380 and 10 rounds. Let me know how many rounds you brushed away and how many your heart absorbed.
Most situations where a legally armed citizen is able to neutralize a criminal involves situational awareness (brain matter) and accurate shot placement (practice). This is real life and death - not Mr. Ranger in a jeep. Knock down power only works if you are not knocked down first.
LMH, nowhere in my comment did I mention that I would be willing to eat bullets of any caliber at any distance.
What I did say was that I don’t want to carry a gun chambered in anemic rounds, and that I would rather not leave the house than to depend on those calibers to protect my life, and that I prefer to carry something with a little more stopping power.
This is not an article on situational awareness vs knockdown power, it’s an article on guns suitable for the purpose of pocket carry. All other things being equal, I prefer to carry 9mm. I don’t believe I ever made (or would ever make) the statement that knockdown power is a substitute for situational awareness.
I’m also not sure what “This is real life and death-not Mr Ranger in a jeep” means. I’m well aware of real life and death, probably more so than most as I spend the majority of my waking hours in the hospital and have seen more than my fair share of gunshot victims.
If you want to carry a 22LR pistol in your pocket that’s your business, I simply expressed my thoughts on why I wouldn’t.
How many times have you discharged a firearm with the intent to hit a human?
“The big lie promulgated by the gun industry and its financial partners in the NRA is that guns are used millions of times a year to kill criminals and stop crimes. In fact, the exact opposite is true. Guns don’t save lives; they end them. Guns are rarely used in self-defense. Any gun is far more likely to be used in a homicide, suicide, or unintentional death than to kill a criminal,” states VPC Executive Director Josh Sugarmann.
Actually according to the FBI most attempted felonies are ended by a gun being drawn by the defender with no shots fired. The baddie decides he needs to be somewhere else.
Any J-frame, preferably in .357 (I know, technically, "pistol" implies a semi-automatic action).
I started with a Beretta Tomcat . 32. Then moved to a Ruger LC9 with laser and an LCP, depending upon pocket size or fitment of the pants or shorts.
I'm sure there are newer options, but my Rugers are comfortable and familiar. I always carry in a holster, most are DeSantis. Also carry extra mags as well on the left side.
Currently rocking a hellcat. Every handgun seems to prints like a MFer on me 5 foot 11 inches and a 165 pound dude at this point I'm strongly considering just carrying a full size if the printing is unavoidable
Get a Ruger EC9S with a Desantis Nemesis. Prints no bigger than a cellphone.
The only one I would half way consider as Pocket pistol is the beretta tomcat. The others are.to big or too cheap. No revolves which shows a complete prejudice. Autos are finicky with all the dust and dirt in you pocket. Revolvers are.reliable. super reliable pocket pistol is a derringer. Rule of 3's dominates in civi's firefights.
You failed to mention that for the Pico beyond being able to swap out the body for other colors there is also a body with a built in laser and one with a built in light (although I see only the body with light on their website right now). I have the laser body and the swap is easy.
Do you all at Pew Pew Tactical recommend a Taurus G2S or G2c for this category/style of ccw?
What? You completely left out the North American Arms Guardian pistols? Shame on you Travis LOL.
Available in .32 ACP and. 380 ACP. I don't know if they still make their proprietary .32 NAA version, but "that" was is a unique cartridge with very impressive velocities for a "Mouse Gun."
A stainless steel, made in the USA DAO with a set of sights that beats the trough of the Seecamp any day.
Though not a caliber I'd prefer other than as a backup, NAAs line of Mini Revolvers are also an option. A few years back, my wife was unable to sorry her S&W model 36, during to its printing in the uniforms the Dentist Office she worked for required staff to wear. As the office was located in a rough part of town, she was upset about not being able to carry. On a whim, I picked her up one of the Mini's in .22 LR and. 22 WMR, and she loves the wee gun. Modified a nylon ankle holster for her to carry it, and she's had no printing issues at all. She can keep all 5 shots in a 3 - 4" circle at 15' with it as well. Loaded with Hornady's Critical Defense .22 WMRs, it's definitely better than no gun at all.
How about less emphasis on foreign brand guns and more on Made in the USA?
well i like my big beautiful Jewish girl so plenty of reviews online try googling American made guns and you wont have to read what you dont want to oh and stfu i do have a israli made Jericho so this is what i was looking for
I agree with Denny...I like my Ruger LCP Max...perfect for me and my arthritic hands...
Obviously, an old article if it mentions the LCP 2 instead of the LCP max---an excellent upgrade.
I like my Colt 380 Pony Pocketlite. Similar to the Colt Mustang Pocketlite. Fits in my back pocket and looks like a wallet when I pull it out in a nylon pocket holster... no printing.
I got the original LC9 way back, it's not a fun gun to shoot, horribly heavy long trigger pull, which for self defense means you're really intending to pull the trigger. But it does what it was intended for a very small light pocket carry and mine always goes bang.
Frankly, I prefer my S&W CSX. It has gotten bad reviews, that I disagree with. Inaccurate? The shorter the barrel, the less accurate. I'm not that accurate either? It is not a plastic gun. It is hammer fired (no striker fire sloppy trigger with lots of take up) It carries enough bullets.
I have a number of 380's but always gravitate back to the Beretta Pico's. Totally reliable and the most accurate 380 I've had. Super easy takedown method and the flat little 380 just oozes quality. The slide can be a little difficult to work in the early version but that was corrected by Beretta. It is the perfect gun for pocket and ankle carry. I was disappointed by some of the reviews which were by some of the top guys with YouTube channels who either didn't understand it, didn't fit their physical limitations, and didn't read the owners manual about dry firing damaging the firing pin. I think their faulty opinions helped sink the little wonder as I believe that Beretta has discontinued it.
I agree with you 100%. Wish I could get a second one, but they've been discontinued. Can't find one anywhere. It's a great little gun for those who understand why it is configured the way it is.
The Taurus Spectrum .380 is an affordable little pocket pistol that is easily concealed.
The textured rubber makes it easy to grip, and the long trigger pull double action acts as a safety. The sights leave a lot to be desired, making it a point and shoot handgun, but the design makes it relatively snag proof. It's also available in several color options for those who want more personalization.
It's a capable option in a small size and caliber.
kahr pm9
The Kahr P380 (not the CM380) is a grossly underrated pocket gun. Well built, highly reliable and sized right for pocket carry. At 13oz loaded, it’s weight is good to go. Most men and WOMEN can easily conceal the gun in a pant/short front pocket. A preowned P380 can be had for $300. Great value for a true pocket pistol.
I agree with the other post about the Glock 26. If I was 6’ tall and 230lbs or bigger, it would be in my pocket.
Yes, been carrying a P380 for over two years, great pocket gun.
Shame on you, you omitted the Glock 26 .
I love it , carry it in my front cargo pants pocket in an inside the pocket hollister .
For the past three or four years, my edc pocket pistol has been the Kahr CT380. At about 12 Oz. unloaded, it is slighter larger than some, but still easily pocketable. With a slim single stack 7 +1 capacity, it has a more generous grip, better for large hands. I have several Kahr pistols. They are all well made and dependable after the factory recommended break in.
To leave the S&W Bodyguard out of the top leaves you without as much credibility as that NY D.A. Silliness,
I think a under rated and overlooked 380 in the Taurus 738. Very shoot able really good trigger easy for one hand point shooting at 21 feet
Guys, don’t forget the Sig P238. Super Sig Sauer quality and softer shooting being a 380. 100% reliable, especially appreciated by smaller folks and ladies. I love mine.
Thanks Steve for your input. I will check it out. I am carrying Ruger max 9mm right now. So far it is the easiest to conceal. However not the most accurate. Will do for close range thou.
The Sig p238 is small, soft shooting and accurate. But remember, like most Sigs, it has “combat” sights. So you cover the target with your front sight, you don’t bisect it in half.
The Ruger is an absolute dogturd, with the Beretta, keltec, seecamp close behind it as guns that should be thrown in the river. I do private firearms lessons as well as CCW qualifications at a very busy range and these guns never fail to shit the bed.
I have owned quite a few Kel-Tec guns, and have come to like most of them, but not without some degree of aftermarket upgrades and some tuning. (By the way, their customer service is STELLAR!) However, the ONE Kel-Tec you could not give me, and I really wanted to like, was the P3AT. It appears to be a clone of the Ruger LCP (or vice-versa). They both are nearly impossible to NOT limp wrist, and in the process screwing up your grip dynamics. I have never owned or fired the Kel-Tec P32, but if it is anything like the P3AT (other than caliber), you can keep it! The Sig Scorpion is gorgeous, and I can't wait to give it a try! The trigger LOOKS like it may be good (1911'ish) but I will have to see.
My favorite pocket pistol is the Ruger EC9S. Although not the best shooting pistol, it is good enough. (It is a bit snappy.) But where this gun shines is that it is very reliable and very thin. I pocket carry it with a Sticky Holster model MD2, which is slightly too big to hold the gun snugly As a result of that, and because the gun is so thin, it slips right out of my pocket easily, with no trouble. In fact, if I extend my leg forward all the way, I can pretty easily get it out of my pocket while sitting in the car!
It's big enough to handle 9MM with no trouble. And it is small enough to slip easily out of my pants pocket. Best of all, you can get it for under $300 new! But it comes with only one magazine, so you'll want to buy at least one more.
I have a KelTec P32 and P3AT. I was surprised to see that the Seecamp is physically smaller than my P3AT, but a tad heavier and a lot more expensive. But, I'll hand to Seecamp, they made a little beauty with the LWS-380. Since I have been carrying my P3AT for several years, it has become part of me when I'm out and about, so I see no need to "upgrade" as it were. Nice article.
I have the Ruger LCP 2 and the Beretta Tomcat both great but how is the Kel Tec p32 or 3AT not on here? I would say that the Kel Tec p32 is a dead rival for my Ruger LCP.
I have both the Tomcat and the Keltec P32. The P32 is very reliable and quite a lot thinner than the Tomcat which makes it easier to conceal, but the Tomcat is easier to shoot and more fun to shoot as well. That tip up barrel on the Tomcat is also a big plus in loading it.
My go to for pocket carry is my Bersa Thunder 380 CC. For pocket carry, I prefer a traditional safety. Their CC models have a bobbed hammer, low profile sites that are easy to puck up, and are snag free. Bersas are also known for their reliability, accuracy and performance. They are DASA and operate just like the old Beretta 92s. Resembling a PPK, they fit nicely in my big paws, and 8+1 capacity gives me ample rounds. Drops in a coat pocket for Kojak style or vanishes in a suit pocket like Bond.
As a pocket carry gun, why not the Tarus Spectrum 380?
I had an original LCP and it was the only firearm I was ever glad to get rid of. It constantly had feed/ejection issues. Sure, Ruger remade the gun with the LCP II but the taste in my mouth was too bad to try it. Now I alternate between a G42 and my Sig P938. No more issues, just boring reliability.
I had the same experience. There was a recall on my Ruger gun but I was never informed even though I was the original owner. When I finally found out, they said the recall exchange time period was over and offered me nothing for my brand new defective Ruger.
Have a lot of guns and for pocket pistols love my Sig P238 as well as my G42. 2 very different .380 pistols so you need to practice and become very familiar if you alternate carry.
Had a P938 and regret selling it but another is in my future. Sig and Glock quality and reliability are undeniable. It’s also always about personal preference. Find what works and works for you.
I have a Kahr pm 9. I’ve toyed with getting a 380 like the Ruger, but I’m not willing to go to a smaller round. Surprised it wasn’t listed nor it’s less expensive version the cw9.
I have a Ruger Max 9 and a Bond Arms Bullpup. Both pocket carry well
Where did you purchase your bull pup I need to see up close I can’t relate to pictures I’m in northeast mass
I’d like to hear more about your experience with the bullpup…
Heard it’s selective with ammo but how is recoil, reliability and Customer Service?
Live in TX so am thinkin’ I need to make a road trip!
You left out the Kimber family of Micro's. I dropped a SS 380 Micro into a Sticky case and put it in my pocket last night to complement my Ultra Carry II that rides on my hip unless I'm not able to cover it up. Comes with night sights for $600. Pretty gun, too.
I agree with you, the Kimber micro’s are pretty guns. I have the Kimber micro 380 and micro 9 and love them both. I wouldn’t trade either one of them with money to boot for a Sig 938.
Prewpew is in Sig’s back pocket.
LifeCard is useless and it’s asinine that it’s on this list. It’s a novelty gun, no more.
I have a DB9 from Diamondback. It is ok but I need to take it to the range a bit more to really get the hang of it.
Luckily my dealer got his supply from Davidson distributor. I had a short time fired standard 9 mm out of it it was very accurate the slide cracked I’m lucky it didn’t blow up in my face I guess, As I have heard some have done
I have a older Colt mustang.380. It is always in my pocket and is much better than sand. Lol
i use the PICO as a backup CCW MP shield 45.
I can see why someone would want to pocket carry but from a defensive aspect I think it's a mistake. Years ago I pocket carried a. 32 on occasion, that ended the day I actually had to use it. I went with my full size glock 22 from then on out where ever I went.
I prefer the Ruger lc9s, with dayglo sights and Trijicon green laser. Truly pocketable ... in a Sticky sleeve for safety. Started with the lc380, found the lc9S was just as controllable. Thought the lcp was too small for my hand. Ruger doesn't make the lc9S anymore but one can still find them for sale.
Springfield 911 should be 7p there thats my pocket carry its an awsome little shooter to nice grips great sights pretty light recoil for such a small gun
They went straight to the glock 43 but passed on the glock 42?? It's even more comfortable to conceal.
Although I carry the G43, the high cap Springfield “Hellcat” should definitely be on this list. A little wider or not as thin, you have 11 rounds in a package that is easy to shot, great sights and 9mm knock down power.
If the Hellcat is included, so is the Ruger 9 and Shield Plus - which are also double stack. Hence my surprise at seeing the P365. It would seem that a refinement of "pocket pistol" would be single stack only. Move to double stack and it's a tad bigger - enough so that a shoulder holster I use for a Kahr .380 won't safely hold a P365. I had to order a bigger one.
Having sold a P938 recently and move to a 365, I can say they are more comparable - using 9mm forces things to get bigger. Perhaps the better comparison would be the SIG P238, in .380. That is generally considered pocket territory, which then adds to the definition of "pocket" as being not only single stack, but also .380 or smaller. As .25 and .32 are included, it then asks the question why not a .32 in this review?
I sometimes wonder if lists and ratings are slightly tilted just to get comments. Otherwise we'd all nod our heads in agreement with the sage advice and move on.
When I have to pocket carry, it is a Kahr PM9 for me with a spare mag in my back pocket.
7 in the gun and 7 in my pocket gives me 14 rounds of 9mms hollow point STFU to unass the area.
I prefer a 45 but sometimes you can't
My poor Diamondback DB380 never makes the list (probably because it's a hunk of junk)...I picked mine up despite mostly bad reviews because it was super cheap and I was feeling adventurous and so far it's proved pretty unreliable and picky about feeding certain types of ammo, but it's getting better as I figure out what it likes. But for convenience, it rules! Super tiny and light, it'll fit anywhere. But the size leaves my slightly larger than average hands pinky hanging WITH the mag extension and my ring finger barely hanging on without it.
I carried the P938 but switched to the Kahr PM9 because I shoot the DAO Kahr better. I pocket carry in a samll Maxpedition pouch that doesn't print, covers the trigger and holds a second mag.
I also have the Kahr pm9. Great pistol, and has the best accuracy of any of the pistols I own.
NAA mini mag is a great little gun. It will do the job.
I second that. I’ve got the grip that folds into and looks like nothing but I pocket knife in my pocket
I'll third that, Discrete in suit, no one can tell when I'm in the pulpit on Sunday morning..
Great recommendations...I personally use a Rock Island .357 as a "pocket pistol" with a two inch barrel. Being 6'3" 250lbs gives me the advantage of slightly bigger pockets. Lol.
My favorite pocket carries are the Bersa Thunder 22 and the SS P365. The Bersa is very accurate and easy to use single-handed. the P365 gives me the confidence to pocket carry and know that it will be effective at close ranges.
Highly recommend the Diamondback DB9 Gen 4. Good luck finding a smaller/lighter 9mm. It has a long but light, consistent, and crisp trigger, good sights, slide stop, good textured grip, and mag options. I normally carry a P365 SAS, but the DB9 provides a true pocket option, and at roughly 1/2 the price, and I've never had any stoppages.
I pocket carried the P938 for years and loved it. But traded it for the P365 and I carry that in a pocket carry holster with no problem. I also have a P238 in .380 that is actually better/no recoil than the P938 and is actually about 3/16" shorter in length than the P938. Glock's 43x also fits in a pocket holster along with their .380 Glock 42.
What size pocket or what type of pants . Seems to big to me , I was disappointed that it was constantly getting stuck when I was practiced drawing it from my jeans pockets standard Levi’s. See my long explanation regarding my different carries over the years at the bottom of the comments
Left out the Diamondback DB9. You won't find a smaller 9mm. The Gen 4 has a long but crisp and fairly light trigger, good sights, and a slide stop. I normally carry a P365 SAS or G43, but the DB9 comes in as a true pocket pistol, and at nearly 1/2 the price.
Definitely different than what my list would be but but that’s fine. I can’t understand though how you can leave out the kahr pm9 / 380. They are super small and super light and very high quality. Fit and finish are much nicer than a lot of the guns on this list as well.
So you put on the list a couple of pistols that aren't really pocket pistols and the Life Card .22 and leave off the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380? I know there are way to many choices to consider them all and I'm fine with letting the non pocket pocket pistols have a pass, but the LifeCard .22? Everything about it goes against goes against what most firearm and shooting professionals say is needed in a concealed carry pistol. You even point out the flaws that make this thing useless. I'll start with the caliber because that's the easiest to argue against, as any caliber pistol is better than no pistol. Now, the round count, especially because it's in .22. A single shot? Yet the reason you have a few of these other pistols on the list is due to their round count. Round count matters. Then there's the fact that you have to manually cock it. This might not be as bad until you add it to the third reason why this pistol is a gimmick and not a self defense pistol, which is you have to unfold the thing to be able to cock it and then shoot it. The reason most people carry one in the chamber is because it's been proven that even racking the slide takes up too much time in most self defense scenarios. You can't really believe the "cool" factor of how concealable it is makes it worth having to unfold it like a transformer, manually cock it, only to shoot one round of .22. I bet you wouldn't let your wife or daughter carry it as their concealed carry pistol.
Look, I'm honestly not trying to be disrespectful, but we could be talking life or death here. Thousands of newbie and soon to be new gun owners, who trust this website's opinions, will read this article, with the title is "8 Best Pocket Pistols for Concealed Carry". They might actually buy this pistol to carry, thinking they will be able to defend themselves and/or loved ones in the "worst situations imaginable". This, to me, is irresponsible. Even has stated the LifeCard .22 is “not a pistol that is designed for nor should be relied on for self defense.” and it's “for recreational shooting.”, which should be more than enough for it to not be put on any concealed carry list, let alone a best of list.
The LifeCard .22 is a joke in terms of defense. How anyone could recommend it for defense is beyond me.
In my opinion based on person experience, small gun pocket carry is a mistake for defense. But yo each their own i guess.
When checking out pocket carryable pistols (I think .380 is bare min caliber), I would suggest a test drive. Actually test-fit and draw from the type of pocket you actually intend to carry it in. My P365 is a slow draw, barely-fits kind of pocket carry in the most of the jeans I wear. Prints a bit also. Type of pants/pockets mitigate somewhat, but virtually zero chance I could get it out faster than someone could get the drop on me at typical self-defense distances (bad situational awareness happens.) My TCP 738 is smaller, lighter prints less and is easier to draw, but still nowhere as fast as a waist holstered pistol. Plan accordingly.
Glock 42 also not mentioned; I have both 42 and 43, tactical pants or good jeans gets the 43; other pants/shorts may only handle the 42 comfort.
What about the Ruger LC9S / EC9S? It’s 7 rounds of 9mm, and fits well in most of my pockets even with a laser and a pocket holster. Admittedly I’m a guy who generally wears jeans or cargo shorts.
You left out the Keltec P32 that I hide under my tux, And the Ruger LC9s Pro model I carry inside my waistband SOB holster anytime I leave the house...point shooting practice with the Keltec is necessary, of course.
What, no revolvers?!? The Ruger LCR is a great pocket pistol. Utterly reliable and if 5 rounds of .38 HP won't get the job done you've gotten yourself in a heck of a mess.
I like my LCR much more than my 360 SW! LCR comes with a great action.
I have an old Star .45 ACP that just feels "right" It's a tad bit heavy but not as clunky as a Glock.
What about the M & P Bodyguard 380? Smaller, cheaper, reliable and just as functional as a couple of your more obscure choices.
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 with Crimson Trace laser. Solid choice after replacing my Ruger LCP which I did not care for. I was disappointed the Bodyguard didn’t make your list!!
North American Arms guardian .380 w/ 12 round extended magazine... Solid!