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I am interested in finding a good pistol to keep in my pocket. Are S&W J frames good for this? What suggestions do you have?

J-frame smith are excellent pocket pistols. I carry a Tauras ultra light in .38sp in my from pocket often. It is the same size as the Smith. MANY on this board pocket carry a J-Frame.
Good choice.

I like the S&W. I have had a 340PD for several years. It is carried 100% of the time. I just picked up from one of the Moderators today a S&W 642 that I am going to begin to carry on my belt.

Depends on the clothes and size of the pockets.

I got a Hedley pocket holster for j-frames, but don't wear pants often where the pockets will handle it - not comfortably anyway.

Agree w/above -- it depends on the size of your pockets. I have a j-frame, but I don't consider it to be a pocket handgun (great choice for concealed carry though). It seems like the Kel-Tec .32 and .380 are very popular, and will fit in a wider range of pockets than will a J-frame. You might also look at the NAA and Seecamp line of autos. The Seecamp is about as pocketable an auto as you will find. The .32 isn't too hard to find, but there is a very long waiting list for the .380. When you see how small they are and how well they are built, you will know why. The Seecamp company has it's own web site w/forum, so you can find lots of info there. It is also the only firearm manufacturer I know of whose CEO will personally answer any questions or address any concerns on their forum.

The Kahr PM-9 will also fit many pockets, and it's 9mm cartridge will provide more power than the .32 or .380. It would make an awesome pocket carry.

hth,
PhilR.

I bought a Taurus 605 about 8 months ago. I planned on replacing my P3AT with it, but I have yet to do it. That little .380 just fits so well I can't bring myself to change.

Believe it or not I shoot better with the kel-tec too.

N.A.A. .380 or S & W 642

Lots of choices out there. I wish you luck. Try to FEEL one of these at a gun show and see what you think.

KRM45 wrote:I bought a Taurus 605 about 8 months ago. I planned on replacing my P3AT with it, but I have yet to do it. That little .380 just fits so well I can't bring myself to change.

Believe it or not I shoot better with the kel-tec too.

I traded for a Kel Tec P3AT that was intended for my wife to carry. As it turns out, the recoil spring is to strong for her to be able to rack the slide.

Since it was sitting in the safe unused, I started carrying it some when the weather started heating up and gradually it became my daily carry most days, mainly because it's so easy to conceal under summer clothing. It's also my BUG when I carry a full size gun.

There seems to be a love - hate relationship with Kel Tec's on the web, but mine has been 100% reliable up to this point and I don't know of another .380 that is this easy to pocket carry due to the size and light weight of the gun.

I have Kel-Tec P-32 (3.32 cal) for my wife, a P3AT (.380 cal) and a PF-9 (9 mm). All are small and light weight. Although with practice you can become fairly proficient with them, they are not target guns. Their design is for light weight, small and concealable carry for needs at self defense distances, and they handle that very well. Many shooters complain about the effects of the recoil of these small guns, but personally I think it's misplaced concern. To have handguns small enough and light enough to be comfortably carried almost anytime, the possibility of a bit of discomfort at the range for a few practice shots is a very good trade off. In the case of an actual defensive use, the discomfort to the user would not be felt.... the same could not be said for the "usee"

If it has to be a wheel gun, then I would opt for a SA/DA S&W airweight. Not being a tall person, and generally still wearing tight jeans (54 years old ), pocket carry is pretty much out for me. I couldn't imagine being able to produce a weapon from my pants pocket anwyay, but a revolver (even enclosed hammer) would be even more difficult. I also can't see myself carrying a wheel gun, even the relatively small j-frame, IWB. Now, a nice high ride OWB holster would be fine for cold weather with a cover garment.

Dang, so much to consider.... style, manufacturer, model, caliber, carry method, holster, costs......


now, what was the question again .... ramble, ramble

I just purchased the S&W 642 and I intend to give pocket carry a try with it. It is a small revolver and does not have a hammer to snag on anything when pulling it out.

Joe

Hmm... I am starting to think a J frame may not be the best option for pocket carry. However, I am a bit uncomfortable with the thought of carrying an automatic in my pocket!

TruPatriot wrote:Hmm... I am starting to think a J frame may not be the best option for pocket carry. However, I am a bit uncomfortable with the thought of carrying an automatic in my pocket!

Whatever you carry, or however you carry it just make sure it is in a properly fitted holster that covers the trigger and most of the trigger guard and you should be fine... Most important, don't play with it while it's in your pocket!

Seecamp

LWS-32 or LWS-380

If I have my pants on, my P3AT is in there. It just fits and hides so well. You should check one out, especially the trigger and I don't believe you'd have a concern carrying one. It feels just like a good revolver trigger.