How are they, good to go, pos? just looking at something to shoot every once and awhile.

Pocket pistols are not fun to shoot, I have the kel-tec and the ruger .380, super long trigger pull, expensive ammo, too much recoil, ergonomics suck, etc. They are great guns to have for running or suits or any situation when you just can't wing a full size but you DO NOT want one for pinking. If you want a fun handgun to plink with try a Glock 17 the ammo is cheap and they are very accurate and reliable.

This is the most fun pocket pistol I own.   'Course, it's in .22 LR.



Not sure it's better than a sharp stick, but it's a lot more convenient.

I use a Keltec .380 with Corbon DPX almost every day. Its hot and humid in SE GA, and its
hard to hide a larger weapon. I have two of them, and i have never had a malfunction. And,
I dont think its unpleasant to shoot, either.
YMMV
scruff

The AMT Backups are pretty crappy, I've never seen one work 100% and have had to fix several to get them to work at all. The Bersas are pretty good but not exactly pocket pistols. Keltec pistols are somewhat hit or miss as far as function, some work well and some don't. They do generally have good customer service if you have a problem. The P32 I owned worked great but I have also seen several problem Keltecs first hand. I wouldn't choose any of the as a range toy.

+1.  My experience as well.  No knowledge of Keltecs.

I have its relative in .22 short, they are an amazingly fun gun to shoot.

I have a KT P11 that I have carried for more than 10 years. It's an early gun, and had some teething problems that KT fixed. Since then, it's been good to go. However, it doesn't make for a fun day at the range shooting lots of ammo. The gun functions 100%, but it starts to hurt after awhile. I've heard good things about the Bersa guns. I had an AMT. Don't anymore.

Just picked up a Ruger LCP as it is hot as hell and I'm in shorts and a tshirt as much as possible.  Have carried the same 1911 for years and never thought I would ever carry anything else.  I had bought a Kel Tec PF9 a few years back and it jammed on every type and brand of ammo.  Really turned me off to the whole small gun idea.

I did a lot of research, watched  a lot of video's, handled all types and brands of "pocket pistols."  The LCP is my new best friend.  It eats up anything I fead it.  Currently loaded with Hornady 90gr. xtp's.  I've seen a lot of posts and videos of people with small guns, ".380's" not handling hollow points very well.  This thing eats them up.

I shopped around all of my local shops.  It paid off.  I got it new for $285.  About $30 cheaper than the lowest price I was qouted on the Taurus TCP copycat at a different local gun shop.

I got a Kahr PM9  9mm a few months back.  It's not horrible to shoot, and easy to hide in the pocket.

They have a slightly less expensive CM9 model out now that people seem happy with.

Good to know about AMT's. And I don't need a g17 to plink with. Didn't say I wanted a range toy to plink with. I have 22's 17 223 9's for that. It would be a every once and a while gun, maybe even carried a few times. Spaced the LCP totally, will have to look more into that. I think the pm9 is on the big side of pocket pistol, but yes the pm and the cm are really nice. Either would be bought if I found a good deal on it. Thanks for the replies

Check around for deals on the LCP sometimes you can bargain with people and pick them up for 270.00 brand new.



 

I guess I'm still a little confused on the purpose of this gun, but hey you don't need a reason to want a gun. As far as a good small pistol in something bigger than a .22, the LCP and PM9 are good choices. I have both and am happy with them.

I just picked up a Bersa .380 CC.  It's pretty sweet and is dead on at 15m.  It's a little heavier than my Beretta .32.  I like them both...

My gf bought a Bersa 380,I can't remember the model,but that little pistol is sweet!  The only problem was the first mag that was shot through it had a ftfeed. I checked it out and noticed that the feed lips on the mag were a lttle rough.I went to the range office and borrowed a piece of sandpaper to smooth out the little burr and the pistol has been 100% ever since(about 300rds).
It isn't painful to shoot-in fact since she bought this thing I've been looking into getting an older Browning BDA or a Berreta 84-and is plenty accurate.
If you do decide on the Bersa just be sure to check the feedlips on the mags.
Good luck!

+1 for the Kel-Tec. I have the P3AT and have never had a problem with it. It is great for summer carry and I can even wear it with athletic shorts.

This has been my experience with Bersa also.  First few mags would have 1 FTF/FTE but it hasn't had a hiccup since.  The model I have isn't exactly a pocket pistol though, it's a Bersa Thunder.

I've owned quite a few and come to the conclusion that I'm most happy with my LCP but have a PM9 if need be as well. Both have run flawlessly.

list of pocket pistols ive shot along with a brief review.
keltec p3at (i own one)-small trigger guard.  doubt a gloved finger would fit.  long trigger pull, heavy before it breaks.  beats the shit out of brass (if u reload).  good enough.  would rather have a pf9 for pocket carry than p3at

keltec pf9 (my brother's)-ejection failure when my brother shoots (could be limp wristing, i didnt have problems when i shot it). convenient it takes 9mm and isnt substantially larger than the p3at.  similar trigger feel to p3at.  good enough for pocket carry, would recommend over p3at, nust because 9mm is easier to find and comes in heavier bullets and is cheaper than .380.

sig p238(friend's)-slick gun.  trigger is shorter than keltecs and has a nice clean break.  steel gun heavier than plastic keltec (about 16oz vs 9oz.)  would recommend over keltec if you have the money.  would also recommend over p3at if u have the money.

ruger sp101 2" barrel(friend's)-fine pistol.  of course thicker and heavier than other pocket guns listed about.  trigger is better than keltecs.  recoil isnt bad with 38special.  didnt shoot any 357mag out of it.  good gun.  

if i had to choose one, id probably pic the pf9 based on concealability and ammo availability.  id say 2nd would be a toss up between the ruger and p238.  last would be the p3at although it is a decent pocket gun.

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P38T is about as small and easy to conceal as it gets. I had one of the first 1000. It ran 100% but during quals I had the take down pin walk out.
I sent it to Keltec and they re did everything except the block. So I ended up with the 2nd Gen, throated and polished. It has never failed to fire with the exception of some Fiochi that got wet in a flood.
Dave N

Get a colt model N .25acp. theyrrrr grrreat

I'll +1 everything he said
I love my 21a

Pocket pistols are a compromise. As one other poster mentioned, they are better than a sharp stick. My .02 is that almost all pocket size pistols have had they're problems. Keltec, Ruger even the Walthers have seen a lot of bad press do to folks getting problem fraught guns and then posting they're frustrations all over the internet.

I recently purchased a Diamondback .380. After I read all the bad press they had gotten, especially with their initial offerings I wasn't pleased. I took it out to the range however and fired 125 rounds no problem whatsoever.  So please take everyone's suggestions with a grain of salt (even mine).

IMO these pocket pistols are for one purpose and that's self defense when you can't carry something more substantial. They do take adjustment to your shooting style. I recommend as much practices as is possible with any gun you decide to purchase, as well as really learning how to dismantle the weapon completely. This will allow you to  proficiently inspect for problems that might endanger it's serviceability and hopefully catch them early.

I picked up a Diamondback DB9 a couple of weeks ago.  I fired around 100 rounds with no issues.  It's the new kid on the block but it has a bunch going for it.  Basically the design is a glock ripoff.  The trigger is very nice for a pocket pistol.  It fires full power 9mm luger.  It weighs 12 oz.  It is only 0.8 inches thick.

AMT's are junk

Ask me how I know !!!
of the ones mentioned I'd go with the keltec .

Spend a few extra bucks and get something good

seecamp and rohrbaugh FTW!!!!!!!!