Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
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Handguns are an excellent choice for self-defense, but they can be hard to conceal and difficult to shoot. The best way to deal with this problem is by carrying a pocket pistol from our best pocket pistols picks. A pocket pistol, also called micro or concealed carry handgun is a semi-automatic or revolver handgun small enough for your pocket. It is usually light, short, easy to use, and easy to conceal. This makes it an ideal choice for self-defense when away from home or traveling. Pocket pistols are a good choice for first-time or beginner handgun owners who may not be comfortable shooting a full-size gun. They can also be used by people with physical limitations that prevent them from controlling large handguns.
RUGER LCP II
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A pocket pistol may not be as accurate or have as much stopping power as larger handguns. However, they are still an excellent choice because of their convenience, reliability, and ease of concealment. If you are looking for a pocket pistol, we are here to help. We have put together a list of the best pocket pistols currently on the market. Please read our reviews to find out why we chose them as the best and then decide which one is the right choice for you.
Table of Contents
If you are in a hurry to purchase the best pocket pistols, and you want to make the best decision, here are our top 3 picks:
Top 3 Best Pocket Pistols
We have selected five of the best pocket pistols based on size, weight, reliability, and stopping power. We begin our list with the Ruger LCP because it is a lightweight and incredibly compact semi-automatic pocket pistol.
5 Best Pocket Pistols (Ranked And Reviewed)
Specifications
-
Caliber:
.380 ACP
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Width:
0.75 Inches
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Overall Length:
5.17 Inches
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Barrel Length:
2.75 Inches
-
Height:
4.40 Inches
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Capacity:
6+1
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Material:
Alloy Steel
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Weight:
11 Oz
The Ruger LCP II features an alloy steel barrel and slides with a glass-filled nylon grip frame. The LCP II’s fixed sights are integral to the slide and feature a brightly colored front dot and rear groove. The slide is machined from a solid steel block and features a blued satin finish. .380 ACP ammunition is not particularly powerful, and it’s considered below average for self-defense purposes. It may be enough to stop a threat, but we recommend carrying spare ammo that you can use if your first round fails to incapacitate an attacker.
Despite its shortcomings, the Ruger LCP II is a tremendous first-pocket pistol for beginner shooters or those with limited hand strength because it’s easy to handle and use. It is light, compact, and easy to use. This makes it a good choice for people looking for simplicity in their pocket pistol. It is very reliable and has low recoil, which allows you to control your shots easily. We chose the Ruger LCP II because it fixed all of the issues with its predecessor as it delivers an excellent performance.
Positive
- It is ergonomic and lightweight at only 11 oz
- It has low recoil, which is excellent for beginners
- Compact size is great for carrying in your pocket or purse
- The aggressive grip texture makes it easy to hold
Negatives
- The low capacity deters some people from buying
2. Beretta 3032 Tomcat
Specifications
-
Caliber:
7.65 (32 Auto)
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Overall Width:
1.1 Inches
-
Overall Length:
4.92 Inches
-
Barrel Length:
2.4 Inches
-
Overall Height:
3.7 Inches
-
Magazine:
7
-
Action:
Single/Double
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Weight Unloaded:
14.5 Ounces
This pocket pistol by Beretta is an excellent choice for a pocket gun that you can carry in a pocket holster. It’s particularly good at shooting steel targets, making it a fun gun to shoot on the range. It has many safety features so you can carry around your children without worrying about accidents. These include an automatic firing pin block and manual safety and decocker. The Beretta 3032 Tomcat is lightweight and easy to shoot – it weighs 14.5 ounces and has low recoil that allows even beginner shooters to control their shots.
It’s made with great quality materials such as aluminum alloy and stainless steel, making it more durable than other pocket pistols on the market. This is an excellent choice for shooters looking for a dependable pocket pistol that they can comfortably carry in a pocket holster. Overall, it’s an excellent weapon for beginners or those looking for a lightweight carry gun that doesn’t sacrifice quality at this affordable price point.
Positive
- It has an ergonomic design that's very comfortable for new shooters
- The convenient tip-up barrel makes it easy to load
- It is made with high-quality materials making it durable and long-lasting
- The lines are snag-free to ensure concealed carry
Negatives
- The safety features can be a little complicated for new handgun users
3. SIG SAUER P938 LEGION
Specifications
-
Pistol Size:
Micro-Compact
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Overall Width:
1.1 Inches (28 mm)
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Overall Length:
5.9 Inches (150 mm)
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Barrel Length:
3.0 Inches (76 mm)
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Overall Height:
4.3 Inches (110mm)
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Mags Included:
(3) 7rd Steel Mags
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Caliber:
9mm Luger
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Weight:
17 Oz (454 Grams)
This Micro compact by SIG Sauer is an excellent choice for people looking for a dependable pocket pistol with excellent quality. It’s very accurate thanks to fixed front and rear sight, which makes it ideal for shooting targets at the range or in self-defense situations. The Legion P938 by SIG SAUER is known to have low recoil, which makes it easy to control even if you’re a beginner shooter. This is another good choice for concealed carry because of its low profile and snag-free lines. It’s lightweight at 17 ounces and has an overall length of 5.9 inches with a 3-inch barrel – making it small enough to comfortably fit in your pocket holster. It’s also made with high-quality materials like carbon steel and alloy, making it durable and long-lasting. This means that you can rely on it for everyday carry or even on the shooting range.
Positive
- It is lightweight and comfortable to carry
- It has low recoil making it great for novice shooters
- It has a durable construction
- Its sights ensure accurate shots
Negatives
- Some shooters face difficulty loading the magazine
4. Glock G43 Subcompact
Specifications
-
System:
Safe Action®
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Overall Width:
1.06 Inches
-
Overall Length:
6.26 Inches
-
Barrel Length:
3.41 Inches
-
Height incl.Mag:
4.25 Inches
-
Mag. Capacity:
6
-
Caliber:
9x19mm
-
Weight:
17.99 Oz
This subcompact lightweight pistol from the legendary Glock brand is compact enough to fit in your pocket but still has the capacity to protect you. It comes with a 6-round magazine, making it one of the excellent options to fit in your pocket holster. The Glock 43 also has an excellent grip that making it easy for new shooters to handle. The grip has a beavertail design that helps you have a solid grip. The aggressive grip texture also makes it easier for you to handle the Glock in wet or sweaty conditions. It has a large magazine release catch, which is easy to depress and allows you to reload quickly.
Positive
- Its ergonomic design helps minimize fatigue even after extended periods of use
- It has a nice grip texture that improves overall handling
- It is backed by the best brand in handguns
- It is small enough to fit in your pocket holster
Negatives
- It only has a 6-round magazine capacity
5. KAHR ARMS CW9
Specifications
-
Grips:
Textured Polymer
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Finish:
Black Polymer Frame, Matte Stainless Steel Slide
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Overall Length:
5.9 Inches
-
Weight:
Pistol 15.8 Ounces, Magazine 1.9 Ounces
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Height:
4.5 Inches
-
Capacity:
7+1
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Caliber:
9mm
-
Barrel Length:
3.06 Inches
This is a pocket-sized pistol designed with concealed carry in mind. It has a petite frame and grip, making it easy to conceal. The Kahr Arms CW9 comes with a 7-round magazine, the perfect size for deep concealment. This gun also has an ergonomic design that helps minimize fatigue after extended periods of use. The comfortable grip also ensures that you will have a solid hold on the gun even when it’s wet or sweaty. It comes with drift adjustable white bar-dot combat rear sight, designed for precise handling and accuracy. The front sight is pinned in polymer to give you a good reference point in low-light situations. Its black polymer frame and matte stainless steel slide give it a nice look. This gun is compact yet a dependable pistol.
Positive
- Its ergonomic design offers excellent maneuverability
- You can get the same protection as a full-size pistol, but in a smaller package
- Its textured polymer grips ensure a solid grip
- Steel reinforced polymer frame ensures durability
Negatives
- It’s expensive compared to other brands and models
What To Consider While Buying The Best Pocket Pistols?
Considering certain factors when looking for pocket pistols can help you decide on the right gun for your needs. These factors include:
Size and Weight
You should always consider how big and heavy your pocket pistol will be. A big and bulky pistol can be uncomfortable to carry, while a lightweight pocket pistol will not give you the level of confidence you need while carrying it. It is best to look for a firearm with a nice balance of size and weight.
Sights
Different pistols come with varying sights, which may affect your accuracy. You should consider what type of sight you are most comfortable with. Some common types include fixed sights, iron sights, profile sights, drift adjustable sights, laser sight, and pinned polymer front sight.
Range and Capacity
You should always consider if you need a pocket pistol that can fire at long distances or just one that’s small enough to fit into your pocket. Pocket pistols tend to have smaller magazines than regular guns do, so it is best to choose one with an appropriate magazine size for deep concealment. However, it is also good to look for a pocket pistol with the longest range possible, especially if you feel more comfortable handling bigger pistols.
Price
The price range for pocket pistols is quite wide. When looking for a gun, you should consider your budget since not all pocket pistols come in the same price range. It’s important to note that you will get what you pay for in this case, so it is best to invest in a good quality pistol if you want it to last for a long time. However, it does not mean that you should spend an arm and a leg on your gun. Just make sure to look for something within your price range.
Ease of Use and Safety
The best pocket pistols are those that you can point and shoot, even if the situation is challenging. Always look for a lightweight and compact pistol with good maneuverability. A good pocket pistol should provide safety and security to the user and those around them. It is crucial to choose one that comes with a trigger guard lock, which ensures that you’re the only one who can fire it; this way.
FAQs
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
You can use any holster made specifically for your make and model of pocket pistol. One other option is to choose a universal holster that you can adjust according to your preferred way of carrying it (either in an ankle holster or belt).
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
You should always follow the instructions in your user manual to maintain your pocket pistol. You mustn’t take apart or modify any parts of your gun unless instructed by an authorized gunsmith, as doing so may result in injuries and other safety concerns.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
A well-concealed carry pistol should be lightweight and compact with good maneuverability so that you can point and shoot it.
Conclusion
By considering certain factors when buying a pocket pistol, you can help narrow down your options and choose the gun that will best fit your needs. These factors include size and weight, sights, range and capacity, price, and ease of use. You should also consider if it is tactically practical to have a pocket pistol for concealed carry. While choosing the best pocket pistol for yourself is important, it is even more important that you practice your safety protocols and get the proper training to use it efficiently, safely, and proficiently whenever needed. We hope our detailed, hand-picked list of the five best pocket pistols will help you find the best pocket pistol for your needs.
Our Research Process
Our curated list of products has been provided to you by our experienced team of researchers and writers at Ballachy who have tested and scrutinized product recommendations on the market. Our experience in the field, in-depth research and hands-on approach has allowed us to objectively analyse products for years and continuously providing value for buyers who are looking to get accurate and unbiased reviews. If you would like to know more about our research methods, we welcome you to visit our page here detailing how our recommendations are done. Furthermore, as we are always looking keep our guides updated and welcome any feedback from readers regarding different experiences or recommendations to adjust our list. If you consider that we have missed on some important recommendations, please let us know here, so we can add-on any valuable feedback.
Author Profile
- Gabriel Tackett
- Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.
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