Posted: 1/22/2012 6:49:48 PM EDT
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I'm looking for a front pocket CCW. I have limited experience with any front pocket style weapons. I do currently own a G19 for general range fun and home defense. I generally find my glock not as accurate as several other handguns I've fired at the range and believe it to be the plastic frame. So I believe I'd like to get a solid metal frame weapon but want to make sure it won't be something that jumps out of my hand when I shot it.
What brands are recommended for front pocket cc? What are the caliers should I be looking into for this as well. Lastly, I'd feel much better if the weapon has a safety on it vs no safety especially since I'm new to this. |
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I'm looking for a front pocket CCW. I have limited experience with any front pocket style weapons. I do currently own a G19 for general range fun and home defense. I generally find my glock not as accurate as several other handguns I've fired at the range and believe it to be the plastic frame. So I believe I'd like to get a solid metal frame weapon but want to make sure it won't be something that jumps out of my hand when I shot it. What brands are recommended for front pocket cc? What are the caliers should I be looking into for this as well. Lastly, I'd feel much better if the weapon has a safety on it vs no safety especially since I'm new to this. what do you mean it is not as accurate as other handguns? |
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The best in my opinion is the Ruger LCP They work great front pocket or back pocket.
I just use a cheap blackhawk holster that keeps the trigger covered and adds a little cushion. Most people swear by the Desantis holster. Its only a .380 but Speer Makes some real nasty hollow points for it, 
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I shot another person's cz and it was easier for me to hit what I was aiming at. It might just be what I feel comfortable with. regardless I know I can hit a man sized target within 10yds with the g19 so for HD it will still work. 
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I'm looking for a front pocket CCW. I have limited experience with any front pocket style weapons. I do currently own a G19 for general range fun and home defense. I generally find my glock not as accurate as several other handguns I've fired at the range and believe it to be the plastic frame. So I believe I'd like to get a solid metal frame weapon but want to make sure it won't be something that jumps out of my hand when I shot it. What brands are recommended for front pocket cc? What are the caliers should I be looking into for this as well. Lastly, I'd feel much better if the weapon has a safety on it vs no safety especially since I'm new to this. what do you mean it is not as accurate as other handguns? |
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The best in my opinion is the Ruger LCP They work great front pocket or back pocket. I just use a cheap blackhawk holster that keeps the trigger covered and adds a little cushion. Most people swear by the Desantis holster. Its only a .380 but Speer Makes some real nasty hollow points for it, I use an LCP and love it. They make inside the front pocket sticky holsters that will protect the trigger if your uncomfortable. |
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I shot another person's cz and it was easier for me to hit what I was aiming at. It might just be what I feel comfortable with. regardless I know I can hit a man sized target within 10yds with the g19 so for HD it will still work.
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I'm looking for a front pocket CCW. I have limited experience with any front pocket style weapons. I do currently own a G19 for general range fun and home defense. I generally find my glock not as accurate as several other handguns I've fired at the range and believe it to be the plastic frame. So I believe I'd like to get a solid metal frame weapon but want to make sure it won't be something that jumps out of my hand when I shot it. What brands are recommended for front pocket cc? What are the caliers should I be looking into for this as well. Lastly, I'd feel much better if the weapon has a safety on it vs no safety especially since I'm new to this. what do you mean it is not as accurate as other handguns? I'd say you need more practice then. The G19 is not an easy gun to master, but once you get your grip down and your trigger pull down, it is going to be an extension of your body. The best advice is LOTS of dry fire. Do it while your watching TV.  They are very accurate, very fast, and extremely effective guns. Professional guidance may be helpful as well. Maybe look up the Glock shooting sports foundation. Despite my affinity, maybe the Glock isn't for you. Next step is M&P 9 compact.
Some folks are already suggesting the LCP and LC9. Take my word for it. Those guns are NOT easy to shoot well. Especially at any speed or over any appreciable distance. The trigger pull length and weight are atrocious. The grip is barely there. They are great guns when no guns are the only other option, but nothing more. If you are judging your effectiveness by how your groups look, they will be worse with these micro guns. |
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I shot another person's cz and it was easier for me to hit what I was aiming at. It might just be what I feel comfortable with. regardless I know I can hit a man sized target within 10yds with the g19 so for HD it will still work.
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I'm looking for a front pocket CCW. I have limited experience with any front pocket style weapons. I do currently own a G19 for general range fun and home defense. I generally find my glock not as accurate as several other handguns I've fired at the range and believe it to be the plastic frame. So I believe I'd like to get a solid metal frame weapon but want to make sure it won't be something that jumps out of my hand when I shot it. What brands are recommended for front pocket cc? What are the caliers should I be looking into for this as well. Lastly, I'd feel much better if the weapon has a safety on it vs no safety especially since I'm new to this. what do you mean it is not as accurate as other handguns? Probably just more comfortable grip for you. CZ and Browning HP feel very comfortable to me. CZ trigger seemed much better mechanically than Beretta 92 or the old Smiths. Glock has a pretty light trigger compared to those. Glock trigger can be improved with target trigger and the older ones at least there was a NYPD trigger addition that would make the target trigger as heavy as the standard one but it would feel like a good SW revolver trigger as far as smoothness. There was a CZ replica from Italy that had a polymer frame but I'm not sure if they are still in production. I didn't feel the trigger on the Kahr was too bad but I've never had the chance to actually throw bullets at target with one. If you like a single stack 1911 better than the Glock for feel you may want to check out the Kahr. |
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I find that the 380s and the pocket 9s are very difficult for me to shoot well and I am not real confident about the 380s wimpy power.
I prefer a S&W airweight snubby in 38sp. I find I get a better grip and like the sights better than the semi guns. The 38 sp is not real comfortable for me to shoot but I do well with it. The 357 airweight guns are to much for me to shoot well and the steel guns are to heavy to carry every day. It isn't perfect but it is a gun I can carry every day and I have confidence in my ability to get decent hits in reasonable time |
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I shot another person's cz and it was easier for me to hit what I was aiming at. It might just be what I feel comfortable with. regardless I know I can hit a man sized target within 10yds with the g19 so for HD it will still work.
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I'm looking for a front pocket CCW. I have limited experience with any front pocket style weapons. I do currently own a G19 for general range fun and home defense. I generally find my glock not as accurate as several other handguns I've fired at the range and believe it to be the plastic frame. So I believe I'd like to get a solid metal frame weapon but want to make sure it won't be something that jumps out of my hand when I shot it. What brands are recommended for front pocket cc? What are the caliers should I be looking into for this as well. Lastly, I'd feel much better if the weapon has a safety on it vs no safety especially since I'm new to this. what do you mean it is not as accurate as other handguns? Probably just more comfortable grip for you. CZ and Browning HP feel very comfortable to me. CZ trigger seemed much better mechanically than Beretta 92 or the old Smiths. Glock has a pretty light trigger compared to those. Glock trigger can be improved with target trigger and the older ones at least there was a NYPD trigger addition that would make the target trigger as heavy as the standard one but it would feel like a good SW revolver trigger as far as smoothness. There was a CZ replica from Italy that had a polymer frame but I'm not sure if they are still in production. I didn't feel the trigger on the Kahr was too bad but I've never had the chance to actually throw bullets at target with one. If you like a single stack 1911 better than the Glock for feel you may want to check out the Kahr. Kahrs have zero in common with a 1911. Their trigger is like a DAO revolver really. However it is better than the LCP provided it actually cycles. The Glock trigger is not that far off from the BHP in its operation, but with a real reset. |
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I'm personally not a fan of pocket carry for a couple of reasons. 1) it's slow 2) it's difficult to access the gun while seated or in a car 3) You can't access the gun with the weak hand 4) limited size of guns you can carry 5) Because its slow you will have to go for the gun earlier than if you were carrying in a strong side belt holster or an appendix holster - you need to increase your situational awareness "bubble" accordingly All of that being said, if pocket carry is what works for you - fine, just be aware of its limitations going into it |
| I was looking for something similar, and just bought a S&W Bodyguard .380. I already have a pile of guns that I can put on my belt. I considered the Kahrs, Rugers, Robars, SIGs, and S&Ws. I didn't like the way the LCP fit my hand, and, for ME, the rest were as big, or bigger than guns I already have. |
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Don't count out the S&W Bodyguard. After handling and firing the LCP, I went this route and I've been happy. I can more than comfortably shoot of a box of 50 rounds at the range.
I think the laser is useless, but they don't have a model without it. I use the Desantis hoslter and can put it in the front or rear pocket without printing issues. I can also friction fit it IWB all day comfortably. ben |
| hcl- one of the nice things about pocket carry is when you are going in a high threat area or suspect something is going down you can stroll around with your hand in the pocket gripping the gun already- actual speeds up presentation.all belt holsters except cross draws are real limited in cars especially with seat belt fastened. all carry guns are a compromise- big gun means lots of wardrobe restrictions or you have to wear a jacket all the time. tuckables eliminate the need for cover garment but you get slowed down by untucking. I can beat most of my fellow shooters to first shot on target when they wear tuckables versus my ankle rig. a j frame is about the max size for pocket carry and even then you better have a big pocket. my daily pocket gun is a seecamp 32 bought back when it was the only pocket auto larger than 25 caliber. It may not be ideal but as the old saying goes it sure beats throwing rocks. |
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capt - I didn't mean to give the impression that pocket carry is "wrong" - but I do think that people should think long and hard about their method of carry. As long as you recognize the advantages and disadvantages of your chosen method of carry and decide that for your particular situation that you can live with the disadvantages, that's cool I have no problem with that. However, from my own experience I bet that most people can carry and conceal a larger gun than they think they can. I used to pocket carry a j-frame, I recognized the drawbacks and realized that without much more effort I could carry a full size gun IWB strong side, later I recognized the drawbacks of strong side IWB (esp. when seated or in a car), and have settled on carrying a P30 in an appendix holster. A sweater, windbreaker, or shirt (tucked or untucked) keeps it concealed. All of that being said - if pocket carry is what works for you then go for it. Like you said, it beats throwing rocks. |
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I've got a Kahr PM9 I'm pretty happy with. I'd recommend it.
Pocket carry's big advantage is you don't need to gear up with a special belt and holster setup every day when you dress. You just slip it in a pocket holster and your're good to go. For me, and alot of people, the ease of slipping it in your pocket makes it more likely you'll carry it even for small, spontaneous excursions somewhere. That, and you're less likely to print or completely reveal your carry gun with a decent pocket holster, than with an IWB setup. |
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Police miss man sized targets at 10 yards all the time; sometimes with all seventeen rounds.
OP do please take this the right way–– if you're going to have a gun, you have to learn how to shoot it. Pocket carry has a whole set of issues. You MUST have a proper pocket holster–– if you want to keep your quad and kneecap and testicles. Also, there are real challenges finding a reliable small semiauto. You will find it difficult to shoot a small pistol. Consider an inside the waistband holster that clips on easily for quick trips to the mailbox or grocery store–– much better than pocket carry. But if you insist, the Kahr MK9 is excellent. Get a holster for it that holds it in place and makes it difficult for your trigger finger to slip inside the trigger guard while drawing. Then you will have to put many hundreds of rounds through it, and several hundred practice draws with a proven empty weapon. Just sayin.' Never, ever, carry your Glock in a pocket, or Mexican. |
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I'm looking for a front pocket CCW. I have limited experience with any front pocket style weapons. I do currently own a G19 for general range fun and home defense. I generally find my glock not as accurate as several other handguns I've fired at the range and believe it to be the plastic frame. So I believe I'd like to get a solid metal frame weapon but want to make sure it won't be something that jumps out of my hand when I shot it. What brands are recommended for front pocket cc? What are the caliers should I be looking into for this as well. Lastly, I'd feel much better if the weapon has a safety on it vs no safety especially since I'm new to this. first, its not the gun thats not "accurate"––its you; 99% of firearms outthere will easlily outshoot the users 2nd, what kinda pockets? pocet carry, imo, is heavily restircted to caliber/size, weight, etc; my recommendation SW Jframe |
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Police miss man sized targets at 10 yards all the time; sometimes with all seventeen rounds. OP do please take this the right way–– if you're going to have a gun, you have to learn how to shoot it. Pocket carry has a whole set of issues. You MUST have a proper pocket holster–– if you want to keep your quad and kneecap and testicles. Also, there are real challenges finding a reliable small semiauto. You will find it difficult to shoot a small pistol. Consider an inside the waistband holster that clips on easily for quick trips to the mailbox or grocery store–– much better than pocket carry. But if you insist, the Kahr MK9 is excellent. Get a holster for it that holds it in place and makes it difficult for your trigger finger to slip inside the trigger guard while drawing. Then you will have to put many hundreds of rounds through it, and several hundred practice draws with a proven empty weapon. Just sayin.' Never, ever, carry your Glock in a pocket, or Mexican. I believe I'm taking some pretty good steps to learn how to shoot my weapon. I obtained a range card so I can now bring my weapons down to a local range and practice. I've been a rifle guy for most of my life, so now I'm getting the hang of handguns. I would never carry my glock in my pocket because it is far too large. I can see that i can effectively hide the glock with an IWB holster however it just doesn't quite feel too comfortable and limits what clothes I can wear. I also feel a bit weird not having a safety on a loaded weapon strapped to my side. I do like the idea of having 15rds though. Can anyone recommend the the Sig P238? |
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Can't go wrong with Kahr, I love them and at the moment they are the only brand in my EDC rotation. The 1" thickness can't be beat on my P9 and PM9 and my P380 almost gets lost in my front pocket. I'm crazy accurite with my PM9 and P9 both polymer framed.
P380 
PM9 & P380 Pocket Holsters 
Messing around at the range with my PM9 @ 20 feet (4" target) 
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I shot another person's cz and it was easier for me to hit what I was aiming at. It might just be what I feel comfortable with. regardless I know I can hit a man sized target within 10yds with the g19 so for HD it will still work.
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I'm looking for a front pocket CCW. I have limited experience with any front pocket style weapons. I do currently own a G19 for general range fun and home defense. I generally find my glock not as accurate as several other handguns I've fired at the range and believe it to be the plastic frame. So I believe I'd like to get a solid metal frame weapon but want to make sure it won't be something that jumps out of my hand when I shot it. What brands are recommended for front pocket cc? What are the caliers should I be looking into for this as well. Lastly, I'd feel much better if the weapon has a safety on it vs no safety especially since I'm new to this. what do you mean it is not as accurate as other handguns? I'd say you need more practice then. The G19 is not an easy gun to master, but once you get your grip down and your trigger pull down, it is going to be an extension of your body. The best advice is LOTS of dry fire. Do it while your watching TV. They are very accurate, very fast, and extremely effective guns. Professional guidance may be helpful as well. Maybe look up the Glock shooting sports foundation. Despite my affinity, maybe the Glock isn't for you. Next step is M&P 9 compact.
Some folks are already suggesting the LCP and LC9. Take my word for it. Those guns are NOT easy to shoot well. Especially at any speed or over any appreciable distance. The trigger pull length and weight are atrocious. The grip is barely there. They are great guns when no guns are the only other option, but nothing more. If you are judging your effectiveness by how your groups look, they will be worse with these micro guns. For front pocket carry, the Glock is a little large! But otherwise I agree with this guy, the pocket guns have horrible triggers and aren't much fun to shoot or accurate. Sure you can't do a IWB side holster? I started with groin carry, switched to small-of-the-back carry and finally found the most comfortable for a real size gun is at 4 o'clock on my waist. Glock accuracy? Once I shoot a Glock for awhile and get used to the trigger again, I can shoot a Glock great and much prefer it over DA/SA guns that move from double action first shot to single. |
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I have a bodyguard 380 that is awesome (for a pocket gun). I also have a LCP and hate it. It's reliable but the trigger is so bad I can't hit jack with it. I realize with lots of practice I'd be okay but I'm not a fan of putting hundreds of rounds through a pocket gun in a session at the range so I just use my bodyguard. Almost the same size, usable sights, laser if you want (I usually don't use it), and S&Ws warranty.
If you want an all metal design and are comfortable with the '1911 platform' the Sig P238 is a great choice. I've shot my buddy's a good bit and really like it. Here's the BG380 with other common guns for a size comparison: http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/tiffani33/Guns/IMAG0514.jpg |
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I've carried a LCP, smith j frame, P238, and have ended up with a Walther PPK. The LCP jammed on me constantly. The J frame was reliable, but a little on the big side and reloads were slow (great gun though!), the SIG was one of the softest .380s I've ever shot and was accurate, but I prefer not to carry with a safety to coincide with my other carry guns.
The Walther is heavy and outdated, but it eats my carry ammo (flat point FMJs) like a champ and is very accurate. |
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the lcp i shot was uncomfortable to shoot as i have huge hands, but at about seven yards i had no trouble hitting a soup can lid. this was with minimal practice and cheap tula ammo. for a pocket gun, it would be my choice. I guess I should clarify. I have huge hands as well and I can hit the target easily during slow deliberate fire. That said, when I try to rapid fire the LCP I tend to be way off (much more so than any of the other 50 or so guns I own...). Maybe the gun just isn't for me... 
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the lcp i shot was uncomfortable to shoot as i have huge hands, but at about seven yards i had no trouble hitting a soup can lid. this was with minimal practice and cheap tula ammo. for a pocket gun, it would be my choice. I guess I should clarify. I have huge hands as well and I can hit the target easily during slow deliberate fire. That said, when I try to rapid fire the LCP I tend to be way off (much more so than any of the other 50 or so guns I own...). Maybe the gun just isn't for me... Third big-handed guy chiming in, here. I find that if I grip the LCP just as TIGHT as I can, I can put 'em where I want 'em. The thing to always keep in mind, these are what I call "phonebooth" guns, for the distances I expect to be using it. A decent shot at ten feet MAX is all I'm asking of this pistol. Anything further away defeats the purpose of a pocket gun. This pistol is made for SHORT range. With my Don Hume front pocket holster, the LCP disappears, especially in the summertime with a pair of beltless shorts and a t-shirt. |
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Can't go wrong with Kahr, I love them and at the moment they are the only brand in my EDC rotation. The 1" thickness can't be beat on my P9 and PM9 and my P380 almost gets lost in my front pocket. I'm crazy accurite with my PM9 and P9 both polymer framed. P380 http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/CopperAndBlack/P1012025.jpg PM9 & P380 Pocket Holsters http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/CopperAndBlack/P5190799.jpg Messing around at the range with my PM9 @ 20 feet (4" target) http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo180/CopperAndBlack/Target.jpg Who makes those holsters? I'm glad you are enjoying you Kahrs. I didn't have much luck with my Kahr PM380 with laser. You are right, it was tiny. But I couldn't trust it even as a belly-gun. For front-pocket carry, I'd go with the S&W j-frame. Maybe the bodyguard, but the jury is still out on those IMO. |
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For front-pocket carry, I'd go with the S&W j-frame. Maybe the bodyguard, but the jury is still out on those IMO. I own a S&W 442 and love it for pocket carry, but the trigger pull is torture, IMO. I've read Apex sells a kit to lighten it some. I really like the DA trigger pull on the Kahr MK-9. It's a long, but smooth and consistently lighter pull. I find I can shoot it very accurately compared to my 442. |
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I shot another person's cz and it was easier for me to hit what I was aiming at. It might just be what I feel comfortable with. regardless I know I can hit a man sized target within 10yds with the g19 so for HD it will still work.
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I'm looking for a front pocket CCW. I have limited experience with any front pocket style weapons. I do currently own a G19 for general range fun and home defense. I generally find my glock not as accurate as several other handguns I've fired at the range and believe it to be the plastic frame. So I believe I'd like to get a solid metal frame weapon but want to make sure it won't be something that jumps out of my hand when I shot it. What brands are recommended for front pocket cc? What are the caliers should I be looking into for this as well. Lastly, I'd feel much better if the weapon has a safety on it vs no safety especially since I'm new to this. what do you mean it is not as accurate as other handguns? . I'd say you need more practice then. The G19 is not an easy gun to master, but once you get your grip down and your trigger pull down, it is going to be an extension of your body. The best advice is LOTS of dry fire. Do it while your watching TV. They are very accurate, very fast, and extremely effective guns. Professional guidance may be helpful as well. Maybe look up the Glock shooting sports foundation. Despite my affinity, maybe the Glock isn't for you. Next step is M&P 9 compact.
Some folks are already suggesting the LCP and LC9. Take my word for it. Those guns are NOT easy to shoot well. Especially at any speed or over any appreciable distance. The trigger pull length and weight are atrocious. The grip is barely there. They are great guns when no guns are the only other option, but nothing more. If you are judging your effectiveness by how your groups look, they will be worse with these micro guns. Totally Agee with this master trigger pull , read a few books and train if you cant shoot a g19 going smaller is only going to be a benefit to the bad guy that robs you. I struggled with my first handgun and now I'm getting pretty good with my glock |
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I think i will definitly spend some more time at the range working on mastering my glock. To be moderately well traisn what sized groups should I reliablly be able to shoot with my glock at say 10yds?
Also anyone have any experience with the Colt .380 Mustang. Apparently this model was discounted but brought back to light and felt like a nice solid little pistol. Anyone have any experience with how it shots and how to carries? Thanks! |
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The best in my opinion is the Ruger LCP carried in a DeSantis Nemesis holster.
http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx67/dondavis3/Guns/RugerLCP380.jpg Or if you don't mind rear pocket carry - the Ruger LC9 in a DeSantis Nemesis holster http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx67/dondavis3/Guns/RugerLC92.jpg both are proven / excellent weapons.
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