Pocket/ankle hand gun

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  • 3KP

    Plinker
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    Aug 3, 2017
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    Indpls
    I'm curious what is a good small hand gun. I been looking at the body guard 380. Mainly due to it has a safety. I would like for it to fit in my front pants pocket or possibly a ankle holster
     

    Dr.Midnight

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    Jul 24, 2011
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    Monroe County
    I pocket carry a J-frame quite a bit in the summer. I wear cargo shorts most of the time, and I have no problems slipping one in my front pocket along with a good holster.
     

    3KP

    Plinker
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    Aug 3, 2017
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    Indpls
    It doesn't have to be a .380 I'm a service tech line of work. I go in and out of peoples homes all day long. Caught someone trying to break into my van while I was in a customers house. I went out and yelled at them, at that point I had a gun pulled on me. They left no harm and nothing taken this time. I have a M&P 40 compact it's little bulky to be carrying and don't want to scare my customers. Which got me thinking for a pocket pistol but need it to be small and undetectable.

    Looking for suggestions.
     

    Goodcat

    From a place you cannot see…
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    Jan 13, 2009
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    New Pal
    Ruger LCP is about the biggest that fits my pocket well, and M&P Shield the biggest that fits ankle form me.
     

    BehindBlueI's

    Grandmaster
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    Oct 3, 2012
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    Pocket carry is pretty personal. It depends on your build, your pants, how active you are, etc.

    If you are dead set on pocket carry, I'd look at the various S&W j-frames as well as the Ruger LCR and LCP. No caliber lower than .38 or .380. The 9mm Shield is a very solid choice, although too big for me to pocket but ankle carries fine. Some guys can pocket them just fine, though.

    Remember to use a pocket holster, which increases safety, helps break up the lines of the firearm, and keeps it oriented correctly in your pocket. Carry nothing else in that pocket.
     

    throttletony

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    Jul 11, 2011
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    Plz use a holster, even if minimal to cover triggerguard (raven concealment, etc)
    Ruger LCP2, LC9, or LCR are good choices, and i would prefer them to the s&w bodyguard (this gun never impressed me much - though i never carried one daily)

    Shield and Walther PPS or glock 42/43 would be right on the big side, but possible if pocket size and tightness allow.

    Sig p938 or 238 might be worth checking out - these have a 1911 style safety
     

    throttletony

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    Jul 11, 2011
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    It is surprising that some of those revolvers carry so well in a pocket, don't rule them out.
    A lot of folks prefer the flatter semi-autos, but the revolvers dont feel quite as bulky as you would think, since its only the cylinder that's a bit wider
     

    Ed B

    Plinker
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    Jul 1, 2015
    27
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    Grant Co.
    I don't normally carry it in an ankle holster, except at work. Carries great in an Uncle Mikes ankle now for about 3 yrs. Nice size and not too heavy. I am partial to my Glock 43 and my Sig p-938, but the Bodyguard goes in the ankle holster just fine.
     

    88E30M50

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    Dec 29, 2008
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    I'm a big fan of the Sig P938 for pocket carry. It's quite easy to shoot well given it's size. But, if you do go with pocket carry, definitely get a good pocket holster.
     

    Dean C.

    Master
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    Aug 25, 2013
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    Westfield
    Personally I like a S&W J-Frame as a pocket/back up gun loaded correctly they can pack a decent punch (better than a pocket .380). If I am wearing pants an ankle rig works really well and is almost undetectable since you are in a work setting. Here is a good clip about ankle carry and the advantages a revolver has in that application.

    [video=youtube;Ym7DpuFmLy4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ym7DpuFmLy4[/video]
     

    3KP

    Plinker
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    Aug 3, 2017
    7
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    Indpls
    Thank you for the input. Never considered a revolver but I like the Smith and Wesson 642 (wonder if I can get it in all black?)[h=1][/h]
     

    Dean C.

    Master
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    Aug 25, 2013
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    Westfield
    Thank you for the input. Never considered a revolver but I like the Smith and Wesson 642 (wonder if I can get it in all black?)

    https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-442

    Same basic gun, either get a performance center model or have a good smith do a trigger job and you have a sweet little pocket / back up gun. I personally use the 360PD which is an ultra-lite 357 Magnum it only weighs 13oz loaded so it is not noticeable in the pocket, though with magnum loads it is not pleasant to say the least.

    https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-360-pd

    On the Taurus I would personally stay very far away, there are some things in life you can cut corners on cost wise, a gun you bet your life on is not one of those things :twocents:
     

    dshaf

    Marksman
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    Feb 8, 2010
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    Kahr p380. Well built! Superb accuracy! Smooth double action trigger. Best double action .380 out there
     

    JAL

    Master
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    May 14, 2017
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    Indiana
    Plz use a holster, even if minimal to cover triggerguard (raven concealment, etc)

    . . .

    Sig p938 or 238 might be worth checking out - these have a 1911 style safety
    Concur with holster. The two Sig Sauer were the first to come to mind. Both handle well. The P938 is slightly larger, but not much. Second was a snubbie revolver. Most of those will be 5 rounds though. They do have some advantages over a pistol: simpler mechanically, easier to maintain, and won't go out of battery disconnecting the action when pushed against a body. I recommend .38 Special +P, at least for the ammunition even if you buy a .357 magnum revolver. The .357 magnum loads are a lot to handle for a lightweight, short barrel revolver; doable but more difficult than the .38 +P.

    John
     

    LtScott14

    Master
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    Apr 13, 2008
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    Porter County
    442 S&W been my choice for 18+ years. Fits pocket, and pocket holster combo. Also use Boot Grips vs oversize Pach's, or other rubber. Ebay has a ton of grips, even bought some wood boot grips, and are nice too. Around $35. Also carry a speedstrip or two in opposite pocket. Hollowpoints for sure. Good luck.
     
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