considering a pocket gun

[Wheeler78]

ok well i think i would like a pocket gun and i've been looking at the LCP and the kel-tech p-3at. what's the differences (if any really) also do you think this would be a good gun for the wife to start firing on?

 

[sadclownwp]

consider carefully, you are responceble for every bullet that comes out of that gun, and tiny pocket guns are not known for accuracy, that being said any gun is better than no gun at all.

Consider something like a J Frame, its small, controlable, and decently affordable. not to mention easy. If your wife has to pull the trigger and the gun doesn't fire, all she has to do is pull the trigger again.

On a semi auto, if she has to pull the trigger and the gun doesn't fire, she has to clear the dud round and and chamber another one.

just my 2 cents.

 

[JohnP82]

Both are good guns, some like one over the other but it is personal preferrence. A .380 while not a large caliber, out of that small of a gun with a DAO trigger pull may not be the best to start with, but everyone is different. I know several people that do not enjoy shooting their .380 pocket guns for extended lengths of time. They are great guns though and come in very handy for easy carry and deep concealment. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Mitch B]

I love my LCP, but I will say they are a little....snappy, as in there was more kick to it since it is so small and light weight.

 

[lawrra]

I recently bought a Sig P238 for pocket carry. I haven't had a chance to shoot it, but that should change this weekend. From what I've read/seen, it's pretty accurate for it's size and the weight of the metal frame and single action trigger help. I'll do a range report after this weekend.

 

[CSK22]

Tried it 4 times, failed all 4 times. p22, Pf9, p11, and foolishly a glock 27.

Could never draw well out of my pocket, I mean try it, its not easy, could never get a pocket holster to fit just right, I mean try it, all my pockets are shaped differently.


If you can get it to work, go for it, I however, could not.

 

[clfergus]

I actually had this same problem when I was buying a pocket gun for summer carry. I actually got a chance to have my wife shoot a LCP. She didnt like it at all. But my uncle had a P32 and she was able to fire that no problem. So I bought one. It has been a accurate little gun but guess what...she never showed interest again. So now I'm planning on trading it in on an LCP.

 

[caddywhompus]

IIRC, the LCP runs just a tad smaller than the Kel-Tec. If you want your wife to be able to operate it, make sure she has strong enough hands to rack the slide. My wife couldn't on my Kel-Tec. If she can't, I'd say look into a revolver.

 

[Amishman44]

I know the little guns are cute and all...but have you considered a small, 5-shot revolver in .38+P? The little revolvers in .38 carry a heck of a better punch than a .380 caliber pistol, and for defensive purposes...I wouldn't consider anything less.

Personally, I chose the Ruger LCP (it's just 13.5 oz and XS Sights makes a beautiful front night sight for it). It's accurate, simple to use, you can use standard .38's or bump up to +P's for more punch, and it comes factory with a Hogue rubber tamer grip on it. Desantis, Fobus, and Galco all make holsters for it...so you have several to choose from.

Other small frame manufactures are Smith & Wesson, Charter Arms, and Taurus (but I wouldn't bet my life on those).

Good luck!

 

[fpdcop]

For a nice pocket gun I like the Taurus TCP better than the Ruger LCP. Just another option for you to consider.

 

[Kirk Freeman]

As to your "pocket gun", please get a holster for safety's sake. As well, please remember the down sides to pocket car and take them into consideration.

As to your wife, why not let her pick? Have a rental range or a buddy with a bunch of different stuff?

Remember, when it comes to guns, the subjective is objective.

 

[greyhound47]

I have carried a P3AT for over 2 years. The pistol has a belt clip added and I just slip it inside the waistband and put the clip behind my belt. It is all but invisible to only the most knowledgeable people on firearms. I recently added a Crimson Trace Laser because sights on pistols like these suck. This gun is for CLOSE engagements, obviously, and the laser is perfect for this. I highly recommend them.

 

[schapm]

I would like to carry my G17 all day every day, but what I would like to do and what I can do are not always the same thing. When deep concealment is paramount a small auto really shines. I have tried a 5 shot .357 magnum for pocket carry without much success. Maybe it's because I have a smaller build, but it looked huge in my pocket.

 

[gunwh]

I carry the keltec on a dayly basis and so do most of the guys at class 3 sales. I love it and have had no problems with it of any sort. the ruger is nice but it does seem to be a little more snappy compared to my keltec. another one i like and a friend of mine owns is the Diamondback it has a true three dot sight that helps with accuracy in the aiming perspective.

 

[dross]

I owned a Kel Tec, great little gun (after I did the fluff and buff) but I never felt confident with the .380 round. Bought a Kel Tec PF9, 9mm, and it's a great gun, but it turned out to be just a tad big for the pocket, so I sold it, too.

Now I've come full circle and want a nice little pockte .380 that I can carry everywhere all the time. I'm looking at the Micro Desert Eagle.

 

[gunwh]

kirk im not shure on where your located but id be glad to let you shoot my Keltec in the shop some time if youd like.

 

[Ryno]

Like some of the others said, I'd probably urge your wife to start with a small revolver until she had more time to get more proficient with a semi-auto. I have the Kel-tec and really like it. Thinking a lot about a Diamondback though. They're getting really good reviews from what I've seen.

 

[glock2010]

i use my p3at as a pocket gun and it fits me perfect i carry it all the time

 

[grunt soldier]

or look at the kahr 380 or sig 380. much more controllable, a bit bigger but better guns for sure. that said i own 2 ruger lcp's and one is with me everywhere i go period. i have no problems shooting them out to 20 yards. my wife on the other hand hates those little guns though she does think they are "cute". my buddies wife swore she wanted one cause it was so cute he bought her one and after 10 shots she said take it back lol so he is now carrying one also.

 

[Tripp11]

I acquired a slightly used Ruger LCP off a forum member, and I found the small pocket pistol to be a little snappy.

I added a Pearce Grip Extension to each of the magazines which let me get an additional finger on the grip which improved my accuracy greatly.

I also added a Hogue Handall Jr. grip sleeve which seemed to remove a little bit of the felt recoil, and I believe this also improved my accuracy.

YMMV.