Opinions on small concealed carry

[Jon54]

My current carry pistol is a Ruger LCR in .38 sp. I picked this because I love Ruger, felt more comfortable carrying a hammerless wheel gun that will handle +P ammo. When it's cool outside, I keep this in my coat pocket and feel completely at ease with it.

But, when it's warm outside, I haven't found a way to carry this securely and discreetly in an office environment. I spend a lot of time in clients offices, some of which are in bad neighborhoods. Thus, I'm considering a small, thin .380. I need some recommendations.

Also, do you carry an auto loader with a round in the chamber? I've never felt comfortable carrying an auto loader locked and loaded. I can throw my LCR across the room without fear of a discharge. It may sound funny but I'm also considering a North American Arms Pug in .22 mag. This revolver is tiny. The hammer rests at a mid point of the cylinder but it is a single action.

 

[Aquaholic]

I had a North American Arms fold up .22 mag for a few years, it was small and easy to conceal in your pocket, but I had to clean it at least once a week because of pocket lint, it would get dirty inside and not let the hammer lock back when cocking it, granted it didnt happen every week, but it happened and you dont want a problem when you have a problem...lol...and with a 1" barrel I considered it a belly gun, you have to have it stuck in their belly to hit them...I now have a Ruger LCP .380 that I really like and it conceals pretty well with a pocket holster ... I dont carry with one in the chamber...and its fairly accurate for what it is..

 

[Deerhunter]

I have a Ruger LCP for those times when I cant carry my Shield, G19, or VBob. You will forget you have it on you if you aren't careful.

I always carry with one in the chamber. A quality autoloader is no different than your revolver, it's not going to fire unless you pull the trigger. I make sure I use a good holster to make sure nothing gets into the trigger guard, especially with pocket carry.

 

[rem270]

I have a S&W Airweight .38 and a Glock 42. They both fit my blackhawk soft leather IWB holster and are not noticeable at all.

What holster do you use that makes your lcr noticeable?

 

[southpaw89]

Also, since its an office environment I assume you are wearing long pants of some sort. Look into a crossbreed revolver ankle holster.

 

[Wildcat]

Ruger LCP 380 in either pocket holster or N8 2 Tactical with a round in the chamber.

 

[stik]

a gun with an empty chamber is no better than a rock.

 

[Kimberman]

a gun with an empty chamber is no better than a rock.

Agreed! I have never understood why people fear having a round in the chamber. I also don't understand why anyone would feel like a revolver with a round under the hammer is any different than an auto with a round in the chamber. Keep your booger hook off of the trigger until you are ready to fire and all is well.

 

[Deer Assassin]

a gun with an empty chamber is no better than a rock.

Agreed! I have never understood why people fear having a round in the chamber. I also don't understand why anyone would feel like a revolver with a round under the hammer is any different than an auto with a round in the chamber. Keep your booger hook off of the trigger until you are ready to fire and all is well.

ditto

 

[7mm08]

You can throw a Glock across the room as well without it going off. Putting your finger on the trigger is another matter. Get a G42 or a Seecamp in .32 or .380

 

[bandit3]

I carry either my Colt Commander in a Crossbreed holster or Glock29 in a small of the back holster. My Colt Jr. .25 is always in my pocket. And yes there's one in the chamber.

 

[Gravey]

I have a S&W airweight that shoots 38+P. Concealed hammer and nothing to hang on and accidentally chocolate chip cookie and discharge. As small as it is I wanted something smaller for my pocket and so i bought a NAA pug 22 mag. I don't carry it every day but when its in your pocket you have no idea. Accuracy isn't too bad either.

 

[.444 Marlin]

these are my carry options. kahr cw40 and cw380. with a tagua holster, i can easily and comfortably conceal the 380 in my front pocket with just a T shirt to cover.

 

[SilverFox]

I have always felt that if I was gonna carry a weapon that it should be one I am completely confident in... not only in it working but in its ability to stop the threat. I would in no way feel confident in carrying a 22, 32 or some of the smaller caliber weapons. Sure it may turn people around that are not out to kill you but what happens when you run into the guy or GUYS who have it set in their minds that they are going to take you with them? While a pistol is usually a get off me weapon, it should be accurate enough for a no questions asked head shot if given the opportunity. It should also be capable of having enough rounds to hopefully stop more than one person. If I get in a gunfight, I want to have more than 6, 7 or 8 shots. I figure if I do get into a situation where I need a weapon, chances are the person or persons who took me there are going to have a weapon also.

It may be a little harder to conceal a larger weapon but I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Inside the waistband or ankle holsters are great choices in carrying. Just for reference, a Glock 19, 23 or other weapons of that size are not much bigger than your single stack weapons and provide a lot more firepower. Even a Glock 26 with an extra Glock 19 or 17 mag would be a lot better for me. I only use Glock as a reference since that's what I'm familiar with. There are other weapons out there that can use the larger frame mags like the newer Sigs.

I carry a Glock 19 with a Galco King Tuk holster and a DeSantis pocket magazine holster every day with a spare Glock 19 magazine. If I had to wear dress clothes all the time I would carry a Glock 26 in an ankle holster if I didn't think I could conceal it on my waist. A quality belt is the key to any waist carry.

 

[Bowdacious]

I have a LCP and a glock 42. I love them both. If you can't find an IWB holster that works well in the summer, try a belly band and see if that will work for you.

 

[Tiny]

Been carring a LC9 I like it n the LC 38O don't really care for the triggers on eitherbut with shooting they will work.. Much prefer the LC9s. Will make the switch with another range session. There is a 10 round mag for the 9mm. I also liked the Glock 42 at the last range session.Finally getting some trigger time in.
I can carry either of the above in my Jean pockets but hope to get a sneaky Pete before long. Currently using a belt hoslter..
I also carry at times a S&W Bodyguard 380 in a cell phone type case it will fit bout any pocket I have tried or in..

 

[1shot1kill]

LCP one in the chamber, kept in a wallet holster. Carry weapon is useless unloaded, IMO

 

[TNReb]

Ruger LCP 380 in either pocket holster or N8 2 Tactical with a round in the chamber.

Did you ditch the XD-S?

 

[user 14220]

Some of the carry guns I own include a NAA Sidewinder in 22 mag, LCP and LC9. The easiest one to carry in my pocket is the Sidewinder. Small, light, and dependable.
Everything in pocket guns is a trade off. Want smaller and lighter? Then be ready for more recoil and more difficult to shoot well. Shooting well is generally not an issue as I doubt anyone would use a pocket gun beyond 7 yards. Still, it instills confidence to be able to do good with it when you practice.
Just this week I picked up a J frame S&W 642 in 38+P which weighs in at 15 ounces empty. It holds five rounds and the hammer is concealed. Very smooth to get it out of the pocket in a hurry.
So many choices out there its hard to pick just one.