[dr_psych]

I am interested in a micro gun for pocket carry. For my job and usage, the pocket carry is the best option for me. The guns in the title are the guns I am considering. If I decide to use a IWB carry, then I will get a different gun (a slightly larger one for a better grip).

I was pretty set on the S&W bodyguard, But, I’ve read some mixed reviews on the bodyguard 380. I was thinking 380 caliber because they can be smaller framed than 9mm. The Taurus GX4 (9mm) is small and light for a 9mm, but is that just too big for pocket carry?

I’ve also read bad reviews of the triggers on both the Ruger and S&W. So, I’m stuck at the moment in deciding.

Thoughts?

 

[Maineiak]

Buy all three, and sell the 2 you don't want to carry after you have had them for a bit):

 

[9mil]

I carry an LCPII on my ankle. Been a great dependable backup...

 

[Oaktree45]

I carry an LCP MAX in my jeans pocket. It's small, lightweight, has excellent magazine capacity, and has great sights. I bought the optional 12 round magazine and fully loaded and in the Ruger pocket holster it weighs 16 ounces. I did modify how I hold this small pistol when shooting for accuracy.

 

[Sniper03]

Dr.
Is only my opinion! Inside the pocket carry for a semi auto pistol is a little dangerous unless carried on an empty chamber or one that has a good safety placed on!
As 9 mil stated I carry my Khar P-380 in a DeSantis Ankle Hoster or a very small IWB Holster. But if I was going to carry it in a pocket I would get a soft pocket holster and practice pulling the holster out with the gun in it to use. Fiddling around with ones fingers in a pocket is a gamble. If I was going to get a pocket gun it probably would be a little Hammer Shrouded Smith or Tarus 38.
Less chance of an accident. And one has to realize the adrenalin is going to be running ramped if a person has to use it.
Here is a couple of pictures of the Khar P-380.

It is very small but it can do head shots at 25 yards. And I have an extended magazine for the pinky!

03

 

[oO_Rogue_Oo]

I know this is a little off topic but you may want to look at a SCCY. 9mm, hammer fired, DAO.

 

[Sniper03]

As Rogue mentioned that is an idea! First of all, they are not at all expensive. My Wife has a "PURPLE" SCCY! "Wonder why she bought it" !
Anyway they would be fairly safe in an empty pocket. Because as Rogue said they are strictly Double Action.
It is small and it is in 9mm which IMO is better than a 380. And choice of Bullets is greater and easier to find in most cases.
She keeps in her purse! And if it ever got stolen we would not have an arm and a leg in it dollar wise!

03

 

[G66enigma]

Kahr PM380 .380ACP or Kahr PM9 9mm are both fairly small. Have had them both.

In the size range of the Kahr PM9, there's also the Ruger Max-9 9mm.

If going into the pocket, definitely get a well-made holster designed for that exact model. It'll keep the finger away from the trigger/guard area until you draw; it'll keep pressure off the magazine release button. And, definitely nothing else in that pocket except for the holstered sidearm. Dangerous, otherwise, IMO.

The P380 can certainly fit on a decent ankle holster. Many people have carried small (snubbie) revolvers via ankle carry. The Kahr PM9, Ruger Max-9 and other similarly-sized pistols ought to do equally well, as they're as small or smaller than most of the revolvers people have successfully carried at the ankle.

Here's a search tool that might help find alternatives, if still looking: Genitron Handgun Search. Sort the output by "overall length" to get the smallest sidearms first.

 

[Sniper03]

Dr,

G66 mentioned the Khar PM9 in 9mm. I have one I keep under my Office Desk but have never carried it.
The bottom line the Pocket Carry is a whole other animal when it comes to safe carry!

Believe it or not on the Metro PD I carried a S&W Model 66 2 1/2" Revolver on my Ankle for years as a backup. Honestly got so use to it, I had to think about it being there. So, if one goes to ankle holster carry, I think it is pretty much what you get use to.

03

 

[Gunz]

I've come to love my Ruger LCRx 3" ... other wise I'm packin the big dawg

 

[Southernguns]

It's a very personal thing. I usually have a P938 or Model 37 on me and much more in my vehicle. I won't go below 9mm or 38 spcl. It's a very opinionated subject so do what YOU are comfortable with and heck with any criticism. Practice with what you carry and don't advertise it.

 

[johnhag]

I have the Taurus GX4 and the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 38 (and also the S&W 642). For pocket carry, in my jeans pocket, I find the revolvers print less and are also easier to draw. The downside is only 5 shots and empty. The Taurus can be pocket carried, but it prints more and takes a little longer to manipulate out of the pocket, but has more rounds available. The LCP Max, being slightly smaller and lighter than the Taurus, should be better for pocket carry than the Taurus. Most of the time I pocket carry my Taurus 942 snub nosed 22 WMR. 8 shots vs 5, although the 22 WMR is not a very powerful round, but the noise might scare the rest of the bad guys away.

 

[Dire Wolf]

Own the following:
Kahr 380 (2)
Beretta Pico (3)
Ruger LCP's * have owned many
Ruger LCP ll (1 in 22.cal)
Keltc P32 (1)

Guins I own but do not consider them pocket guns.

Kahr CM9 (2)
Beretta Nano (2)
Beretta APX 1 carry (1)
Sig 365
Taurus GX4
Ruger LCR 22
Ruger LCR 9mm
Smith and Wesson 642

Best gun for carry, longevity, reliability - Beretta Pico *For advanced shooters only
Close second Kahr 380
Both are top quality with steel chassis and rails* Plus P rated (or hot ammo)
Avoid all Aluminum based chassis. *exception is the Keltc P32

Advice, take a small pocket gun class-train often, Proficiency is a slow train coming. But the rewards are tremendous.

 

[Higgy Baby]

I pocket-carry the LCP Max on occasion. It works fine. I actually carry the Sig 365 in my pocket-depending on what I am wearing. If you have larger pockets it works fine. I also carry a Kahr CT-380. Had it for years. Kahr is coming out with double stack pistols soon- they are also doing some other upgrades?- just don't know what they are.....but am eagerly waiting to here the news. I plan on dropping the LCP Max from the line up- because it hurts my trigger finger. So- I'm working it out of service.

 

[Jingo]

Wife carries a .38 856 now and occasionally her 9 EZ, she used to carry a 380lcp. We sold the 380 because the price and availability of cartridges made no sense. IMO the S&W is head and shoulders above the Ruger in reliability, accuracy and ease of use. As for the Taurus, well it's called a small framed revolver but it would be a marginal "pocket" gun. Most late model wheel guns have some sort of transfer bar safety so can be safely carried full and a trigger guard cover on a lanyard will enhance the safety of your semi-auto. I have a thumb safety on my holstered M&P but never use it and I carry chambered. If I have to pull my gun (and I am very well practiced with years of military exp.) I don't want to have to rely on memory in high stress situations, when you need the thing to fire a forgotten or fumbled safety can mean you don't get the first or possibly any shot. Another thought concerning that sei with a trigger guard cover, it might be your best shot will be with the pistol still in your pocket so having the ability to easily slip it off in situ and then actually practicing the shot wouldn't be a bad idea, watch the jewels!

 

[sparkyv]

Of the three, I'd carry the largest caliber and with the one with the highest capacity I could carry, given your stated limitations, dr_psych. There are a few others out there that aren't mentioned on your list that are well worthy of your consideration.