to pocket pistol or ???

[AKFloorguy]

I am a new member and have been lurking around for a while. I am currently looking at carry options, right now I am leaning towards getting a pocket pistol. Before I get started I have been reading and understand that it is possible to conceal something larger than a sub-compact .

Now a little about me, so that you have some background and understand why I am leaning towards a pocket gun. I am a commercial flooring installer and my company has normally done new construction and larger projects, with the economy the way it is we are doing more remodels than new construction and the remodels at least recently have been in either “transitional” neighborhoods or just “bad” neighborhoods. I also have the pleasure of getting to work nights at these locations and even more recently working alone. Due to the exhaust of one of our machines used for grinding concrete I have to leave all outside entrances to the buildings open so that it doesn’t smell.

My everyday set-up, I am left handed right eye dominant and shoot right handed. At work I have a tool pouch that is worn between 8-9 o’clock and a tape measure between 3-4 o’clock. When installing flooring or using a hand grinder I am on my knees bent over ruling out 1 o’clock carry (comfort reasons anything in front would be digging into my stomach) and 6 o’clock, I can’t think of any way I could conceal anything there very similar situation with 3-4 o’clock carry. I thought about ankle carry however the kneepads I wear go from my knee down my shin and the Velcro strap is at ankle level.
As far as handguns go I currently have a Colt Govt Model series 70, Taurus PT92 (it was a gift), S&W Mountain Gun in 44mag, and a Walther P22. Anyway I go I know it will involve getting a new pistol.

I am not married to the pocket idea just from my less experienced perspective it seemed like the best of the alternatives by not adding extra bulk and weight along my belt/waistline along with not having to wear a shirt that if untucked makes me look like I am swimming in it.

Now for what I have been looking at, the Ruger LCP or the S&W Bodyguard in 380. Of those I have been leaning more towards the Bodyguard. Reasons for this have been the slide stop, manual safety and the ability to change the sights to night sights ala xs dot sight or similar, meanwhile the Ruger has size and weight in its corner by a slim margin.

Well that’s pretty much it any and all feedback is appreciated. I have thick skin so if my thinking is all ate up tell me but please help me correct my thinking. Like I said I am not married to the idea it is just the conclusion I came to and would like more experienced people to look it over and point out things I missed/over looked or should think about. Thanks.

Also I am in Alaska so holsters that I can look at or try are pretty much some safariland, galco, uncle mikes and blackhawk otherwise it is all internet research.

ETA I realize that it looks like I left out both Kel-Tec and Kahr and I did mainly due to brand familiarity and that neither of these two offered anything more than the S&W or Ruger.

In all honesty I would love to find a way to make getting an M&P 9c with thumb safety workable but my pockets aren't that big and can't figure out a good carry option for it.

[JodyH]

For pocket carry I choose a Kahr PM9 9mm.
Same size envelope as the .380's but in a significantly better caliber.

You might also look into getting a disguised holster that would blend in with other items on your tool belt.
You could carry a bigger gun and have faster access.
Something like the Wilderness Safepacker would work great with a Glock 26 or M&P9C.

[VolGrad]

For pocket carry I choose a Kahr PM9 9mm.
Same size envelope as the .380's but in a significantly better caliber.

Not quite the same size. Close on paper, but for me the feel is way different between a LCP or Bodyguard and the Kahr.

I agree the Kahr is a good pocket choice in 9mm. However, it's just still too large for me as a pocket gun. Although I don't love a .380 that's what I have gone with for the days I absolutely have to pocket carry as my primary defense .... a LCP.

[TNWNGR]

I’d suggest an IWB carry with the Colt 1911 you already own, order a good holster and a gun belt as well. Most of the discomfort from carrying a holstered pistol is due to using the wrong type of belt. A well constructed holster and belt will be comfortable to the point you don’t notice the weight.
As for pocket carry I suggest either an S&W 442 or 638, a P3AT Kel Tec or Ruger LCP. All of these are smallish enough to work well in the pocket. I’d be far happier with something larger, but sometimes its awkward to do so.

[JConn]

I have not tried a wilderness safepacker but I have been looking at them for a couple months as a way to carry while hiking. It seems like it would disappear on a tool belt and allow you to carry a better weapon than a pocket pistol.

[JodyH]

Not quite the same size. Close on paper, but for me the feel is way different between a LCP or Bodyguard and the Kahr.

I have both a PM9 and a P380.
The size difference is noticeable side by side and in hand, but in my pockets (carpenter pants, khakis, BDU's, cargo shorts) they both carry and conceal the same.

[skyugo]

my current pocket/deep conceal favorite is the j-frame. picked up a 642 a few months ago. works fine in carharts with a desantis pocket holster.
I sold a glock 26 for fiscal reasons and was sorta trying to convince myself that my g19 was concealable and comfortable enough for every situation... I too work in a construction/industrial type environment which requires bending over, reaching overhead and other things that make standard IWB concealment difficult.
one thing that DOES work with a glock 19 or similar sized gun is wearing a t-shirt tucked over the gun then a dickies works shirt or similar untucked over the top. excellent concealment, still fast to get to....
there's always the smart carry option (thunderwear) which is perfectly comfortable with a g26 or a j-frame. it's super slow to draw from though and a hassle to practice with (maybe related...)
so anyway... it came down to j-frame vs 380 or something, as anything else in 9mm is close enough in size (and particularly weight!) of a glock 19 to make the glock a better choice due to the ease of control and firepower it offers.
In my opinion the j-frame is more reliable and easier to shoot than the standard pocket 380. downsides of course are low capacity, slow reload, and limited power... it's nowhere near 9mm level of power, but has an edge on 380. Not the easiest gun to shoot still, but learnable.

[F-Trooper05]

What kind of pants do you wear? If you start wearing 5.11's or Vertx or something similarly tacti-cool you can get away with a lot bigger gun than a .380. Don't know if you've ever shot an LCP, but they're not very pleasant.

Also, what part of AK are you in? If you're near Squarebanks I can let you try out a few of my sub-compacts if you're interested.

[Odin Bravo One]

Something to consider......and it is just a thought................and I am far from the expert on such things.........but having known a few people involved in close encounters of the worst kind.........funny thought that has never run through their mind......"Gee, I wish I had brought a smaller gun".

Like I said, just a thought.

[VolGrad]

What kind of pants do you wear? If you start wearing 5.11's or Vertx or something similarly tacti-cool you can get away with a lot bigger gun than a .380. Don't know if you've ever shot an LCP, but they're not very pleasant.

I guess I'm the odd ball but I actually like shooting my LCP. I wouldn't take a class with it or anything but I like practicing with it.

My thought on tactical pants is you might as well just OC your weapon if you are going to start wearing 5.11 pants or tactical fishing vests.