MOUSE GUN OR CONCEALED TIGER? THE POCKET PISTOL
Is a pocket sized pistol enough gun for personal defense? Let’s take a look at the usefulness of the modern pocket pistol.
In the world of concealed carry there are many thoughts on what constitutes the perfect carry pistol. While some diehard shooters might tell you that a full sized 1911 style .45 ACP. pistol is the only way to go, they are not the last word for your personal defense. Here are my top 3 reasons to seriously think about a pocket pistol for your future carry needs.
- In hot weather or in areas where a traditional sized holstered handgun might get you noticed, the pocket pistol might be an option. Tucked in a quality pocket holster in your front pocket, your little friend is all but forgotten until the need arises to make it’s presence known.
2. The options and makers over the last 2 decades have increased dramatically. While two shot derringers and handguns like the Walther PPK or the tiny Seecamp have been around for quite awhile, when Keltec came out with their ultra small and lightweight model P3AT chambered in the .380 ACP cartridge the concealed carry world really took notice. This small, flat and very light pistol was my very first pocket pistol. That incredible model ushered in a new era that other manufacturers mimicked and all of a sudden pocket pistols chambered in .380 ACP., which in my mind is really the lowest caliber that should be considered for carry, were at every gun shop. When Ruger jumped on the band wagon with their version, the Ruger LCP and it’s different offspring versions, the pocket pistol had already become a hot seller. Handle many models and possibly try them out at a local gun rental range if possible before purchase.
3. Pocket pistols make great backup pistols too. Do you carry a larger holstered handgun or a long gun out afield? What happens if your main firearm is lost or becomes inoperable? Many years back when plinking way back in some deep woods I found my one pistol to be jammed by a burst cartridge. There was no way I could extract that damaged casing afield. I was quite happy to have had another handgun with me for the rest of the trip.
Looking for a little larger caliber than the .380 ACP? Well the Kahr PM9 is a great pick in 9mm and takes up just a little more room in a decent sized pocket that the Ruger LCP pistols.
Do you carry a pocket pistol at this point? If not you might want to consider the positive attributes of having a little firearm friend with a lot of punch tagging along in your pocket.
