In the world of defensive firearms, there’s compact, subcompact, and downright tiny. We’re talking about mouse guns!
When you need something small enough for deep concealment or a backup for your primary CCW, smaller is better.
Hold on to your cheese because we’re about to dive into the world of ultra-tiny handguns. See what they do well, where they fall short, and find out about a few of our favorite mouse guns.
Let’s get started!
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Overall
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Best Tip-Up
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Best Trigger
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Best for Deep Concealment
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Best Minimalist Design
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Best Capacity
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Best Revolver
Table of Contents
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Best Mouse Gun Comparison Chart
| Caliber | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Weight | Capacity | Price | |
| KelTec P32 | .32 ACP | 2.7″ | 5.1″ | 7 oz | 7+1 | $270 |
| Beretta 3032 Tomcat | .32 ACP | 2.4″ | 4.9″ | 15 oz | 7+1 | $549 |
| Sig Sauer P238 | .380 ACP | 2.7″ | 5.5″ | 15 oz | 6+1, 7+1 | $699 |
| Seecamp LWS 32 | .32 ACP | N/A | 4.25″ | 12 oz | 6+1 | $549 |
| North American Arms 32 Guardian | .32 ACP | 2.2″ | 4.38″ | 16 oz | 6+1 | $446 |
| Ruger Lite Rack LCP II | .22 LR | 2.8″ | 5.2″ | 11 oz | 10+1 | $333 |
| North American Arms 22M-R | .22 WMR / .22 LR | 1.6″ | 5.16″ | 7 oz | 5 | $427 |
How We Chose the Best Mouse Guns
To find the best mouse guns, we consulted the entire Pew Pew Tactical team of writers, editors, and freelance contributors.
Our picks span a range of cartridges, prices, and intended uses. Everyone is looking for something different, so we included everything from polymer-framed .22 LR pistols to steel-framed revolvers. Maybe you’ll end up with more than one mouse gun!
For guns we have reviews on, we’ve linked to those so you can read even more.
Best Mouse Guns
1. KelTec P32 – Best Overall
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Ultra lightweight
- Low recoil
- Very affordable
Cons
- Sights aren't great
Specs
- Caliber: .32 ACP
- Barrel Length: 2.7″
- Overall Length: 5.1″
- Weight: 7 oz
- Capacity: 7+1
Is the KelTec P32 the ultimate mouse gun? Possibly!
Mouse guns have to be tiny. The P32 is 5.1 inches long and weighs just seven ounces with a mag full of .32 ACP. It’s only 0.75 inches wide, for crying out loud!
For such a tiny pistol, the P32 is surprisingly shootable. It doesn’t try to squirm out of your hand, the recoil is minimal, and follow-up shots dependably land on target.
The sights are part of the slide, so you won’t be swapping these out if you don’t like them. Like all mouse guns, this one has a sight radius shorter than a toddler’s attention span. That’s going to magnify shooter error in a major way.
But you’re here because you want an ultra-compact pistol, right? The KelTec P32 might be just what you need.
And at this price, it’s easier to add to your collection than something that costs as much as a compact 9mm pistol but lacks the performance.
Want more? Check out our full review on the P32!
What do you think of the KelTec P32? Rate it below!
2. Beretta 3032 Tomcat – Best Tip-Up
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Tip-up barrel
- Mild recoil
- Steel frame
Cons
- Heavy trigger
Specs
- Caliber: .32 ACP
- Barrel Length: 2.4″
- Overall Length: 4.9″
- Weight: 15 oz
- Capacity: 7+1
The Beretta 3032 Tomcat Inox stands out from our other picks because of its tip-up action.
This feature allows you to load a round directly into the chamber without racking the slide. It’s great for people with hand strength or dexterity challenges.
The Tomcat measures a scant 5.4 inches long and 3.7 inches tall. Despite its small size, the pistol weighs just under 15 ounces thanks to its steel frame.
That extra heft, combined with the mild-mannered .32 ACP cartridge, makes this mouse gun shoot like a pussycat.
With the gun’s seriously short slide and lackluster sight quality, getting solid sight alignment can be an exercise in frustration. It also has a frustratingly heavy double-action trigger.
The Tomcat is one of the few mouse guns that will accept replacement sights, though, so upgrading the rear sight is an option.
3. Sig Sauer P238 – Best Trigger
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Great 1911-style trigger
- Good sights
- Fairly powerful
Cons
- Expensive
Specs
- Caliber: .380 ACP
- Barrel Length: 2.7″
- Overall Length: 5.5″
- Weight: 15 oz
- Capacity: 6+1, 7+1
If you like the idea of a shrunk-down, ultra-concealable 1911, we’ve got you covered. The Sig Sauer P238 is a micro pistol with everything we know and love about the classic pistol, including all-metal construction, the familiar thumb safety, and gorgeous aesthetics.
It also field strips just like a full-size 1911, so there’s no learning curve at all as long as you’re familiar with the platform.
As you’d expect from something inspired by the 1911, the P238 has a very good single-action trigger (even if it’s a little heavy at around 7 pounds).
The SIGLITE sights help set this mousie apart from the hordes, too. Most pocket pistols have marginal sights, but this pistol comes with tritium sights from the factory. These things really pop — day or night — and help compensate for the short sight radius that makes every mouse gun hard to shoot accurately.
I also love that the P238 is chambered for .380 ACP, which packs a more serious punch than most mouse gun cartridges. It almost puts this pistol in the realm of primary self-defense guns. Almost.
Check out our full review of the Sig Sauer P238 for all the details.
4. Seecamp LWS 32 – Best Deep Concealment
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Stainless steel frame
- Snag-free shape
- Short, even for a mouse gun
Cons
- 11.5-pound trigger
Specs
- Caliber: .32 ACP
- Barrel Length: N/A
- Overall Length: 4.25″
- Weight: 12 oz
- Capacity: 6+1
It doesn’t get much tinier than the Seecamp LWS 32 in the world of miniature guns. This munchkin measures less than 0.75 inches wide and a scant 4.25 inches long. It barely tips the scales over 13 ounces with a fully loaded magazine and a round in the chamber.
Despite its almost microscopic size (my keyring and keys take up more space), the Seecamp LWS 32 is surprisingly ergonomic and easy to shoot, even with some pretty jumpy recoil.
This is a last resort, point-and-shoot option for self-defense, and its only safety is a hefty 11.5-pound double-action trigger pull. It doesn’t even have sights — you don’t need to aim at the engagement distances this gun is intended for.
The lack of sights also makes the LWS 32 wonderfully snag-free, so you can fluidly draw from just about anywhere.
5. North American Arms 32 Guardian – Best Minimalist
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Intuitive to use
- Weight helps absorb recoil
- Good grip texture
Cons
- Rudimentary sights
Specs
- Caliber: .32 ACP
- Barrel Length: 2.2″
- Overall Length: 4.38″
- Weight: 16 oz
- Capacity: 6+1
North American Arms, inspired by Seecamps’s ultra-tiny LWS 32 design, put together the 32 Guardian.
Like the LWS 32, NAA’s micro pistol features stainless steel construction. There aren’t a bunch of bells and whistles on this one — NAA kept it simple on purpose.
Aside from a traditional grip-mounted magazine release and a take-down lever, there are no other controls. It does have sights, but they’re barely there.
At 4.38 inches long, the 32 Guardian is smaller than the average hand. However, its relatively substantial weight (almost a full pound) soaks up quite a bit of recoil, so it handles more like a subcompact than a pocket pistol.
6. Ruger Lite Rack LCP II – Best Capacity
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- Slide is easy to rack
- 10-round magazines
- Minimal recoil
Cons
- Low power
Specs
- Caliber: .22 LR
- Barrel Length: 2.8″
- Overall Length: 5.2″
- Weight: 11 oz
- Capacity: 10+1
Yes, the Ruger Lite Rack LCP II is chambered in our favorite rimfire cartridge! Critics will rant about the lack of stopping power, but there are legitimate reasons why someone might want a self-defense pistol in .22 LR.
There are factors, like age and physical disability, that could prevent an individual from handling anything more powerful. Those people deserve a defensive firearm, too.
Another bonus is that .22 LR is far less expensive to shoot than any centerfire ammunition. That means it’s easy on the wrists and the wallet, so you can practice to build proficiency.
If you want more stopping power, read our review of the .380 ACP Ruger LCP II!
7. North American Arms 22M-R – Best Revolver
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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Pros
- High-quality materials
- Compact and lightweight
- It's a magnum!
Cons
- Tedious to reload
Specs
- Caliber: .22 WMR / .22 LR
- Barrel Length: 1.6″
- Overall Length: 5.16″
- Weight: 7 oz
- Capacity: 5
This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one wheel gun, and our pick is the North American Arms 22M-R.
At just over 5 inches long and 1 inch wide, the 22M-R vanishes inside a waistband or pocket like David Blaine’s disappearing playing cards.
The 22M-R’s cylinder holds five rounds of .22 WMR or .22 LR. Reloading this revolver is more complicated than it is with a semi-automatic pistol. It can take some practice to master, and replacing those tiny spent casings can take some serious focus.
It also features unique notches cut into the cylinder to lock the hammer away from a chambered round to prevent accidental discharge. Usually, toting a single-action revolver with a loaded chamber is a no-no. This feature allows you to confidently and safely carry the 22M-R fully loaded.
To top things off, it has an attractive bead-blasted finish and a rosewood bird’s head grip that’ you will want to show off’s almost too pretty to conceal.
How to Pick the Best Mouse Gun
I’m not sure if the term “mouse gun” refers to the adorable appearance of these dainty pistols or to the notion that they are only fit for shooting tiny rodents.
Cartridge Selection
Mouse guns are typically ultra-petite pocket pistols chambered for calibers lighter and less potent than the 9mm. Most mouse guns run .22 LR, .32 ACP, and .380 ACP, and while those cartridges provide pretty paltry ballistic performance, they are meant to be as a last-ditch, close-range, get-off-me means of defense.
Deep Concealment
The minuscule size of these handguns teensy also makes them suitable for situations where spy-level deep concealment is a must.
When you need to carry a firearm and nothing else will fit, a mouse gun is more than willing to go along for the ride. Remember, the mouse gun you’re carrying is better than the full-size pistol you left at home.
Challenges with Mouse Guns
Mouse guns might look all kinds of adorable, but don’t let their size fool you.
Pocket pistols are almost always a bear to shoot. Sure, most of them are chambered in softer shooting calibers, but their ultra-low weight and short grips don’t help tame recoil.
They can be pretty snappy, muzzle rise can be hard to manage, and they tend to slip around in your hand when you shoot. Honestly, a slimy, wriggling catfish is easier to hold. You’ll need a solid stance, a steady hand, and a firm grip to keep these rodents in line.
It’s important to be realistic. Don’t expect a mouse gun to do the job of a full-size handgun in a substantial caliber.
Meet the Experts
This article comes to you from Pew Pew Tactical contributor Alice Jones Webb. Alice is a writer, life-long hunter, experienced shooter, and mother of four up-and-coming shooting and outdoor enthusiasts. She grew up flinging arrows and bullets at Virginia whitetails, turkey, and game birds, but her favorite hunting experience is chasing bull elk in the Colorado backcountry. Never one to sit still and look pretty, Alice is also a self-defense instructor and competitive archer. She lives in rural North Carolina with her children, husband, and a well-stocked chest freezer.
Editing this article is Scott Murdock. Scott is a Marine Corps veteran who competed and qualified as a rifle and pistol expert while in service. In addition to shooting, Scott has written for a variety of publications, testing, researching, and evaluating guns and gear. He brings that knowledge and skillset to this article, editing and fact-checking for accuracy.
Editor-in-Chief Jacki Billings runs our experienced team of reviewers. She is a National Rifle Association Basic Pistol Instructor as well as a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, ACES: Society for Editing, and the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Jacki has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has worked as a media professional for close to 20 years, specializing in gun media for almost 10 years. With 2,000+ articles to her name, she uses her professional journalism and editing experience to set testing protocols and editorial standards for Pew Pew Tactical.
Final Thoughts
Tiny, ultra-concealable mouse guns may look cute, but carrying a mouse gun is always a compromise.
We usually stuff them in a pocket holster or strap them to an ankle because we need to keep a low profile. Sometimes, we use them as a backup to our primary self-defense pistol.
Basically, mouse guns are reserved for situations that already suck, which is appropriate because their handling and general performance are, shall we say, compromised.
But sometimes mouse guns are just what the doctor ordered. Even a tiny, low-powered gun is better than no gun at all.
Did we miss your favorite pocket pistol? let us know about it in the comments. Looking for moron deep concealment? Check out our guide to all things Pocket Carry!
Latest Updates
May 2025: Added comparison chart. Updated supporting content.
46 Leave a Reply
Jackie, although no longer in production I recommend that you and your team check out the Taurus TCP 738. A fine little .380. Taurus really messed up by dropping it from their lineup. It’s dependable and a nifty little shooter.
Thanks for the heads up!
Maybe I'm just old but I love my colt .32 auto
That answer would make more sense if there were any other 9mm guns on the list or if you didn’t already have another .22LR on the list.
Appreciate the feedback. I'll talk it over with the team so we can make sure to include more 9mm on the next update. Thanks for reading!
Like many others I can't believe there wasn't a 9mm on your list especially the Sig P938. I had one and it's better than anything you listed, but if you want the best mouse gun cost no object, I have to nominate the Kimber Custom Shop Micro 9 CDP. The fit and finish is much better than the Sig and the accuracy is truly amazing. It shoots much better than many longer barrel semi auto's I've owned. Every time I shoot that gun I'm impressed.
The 938 is an awesome gun, I totally agree. We only have so much space and it's tough to cram everything we love in. That said I'll talk it over with the team so we can make sure to include more 9mm (and maybe the 938) on the next update. Thanks for reading!
I noticed there weren't any 25 caliber guns on the list. Wouldn't that have been a tad bit better than jumping down to a 22 caliber?
Fair point. I'll talk it over with the team so we can make sure to include more calibers on the next update. Appreciate the feedback!
Concur.
If you are going to throw in a 380 with the Sig 238 why not include the Kel Tec P3AT?
The P238 is what we went with for this round of updates. We do update these articles periodically and swap guns in and out. I will make sure to note the P3AT so the team can talk it over when updating next time. Thanks for reading!
If the 238 then why not the Sig P938? Same size as 238 but 9mm. Got one... shoots well. Like any of the micros it takes a bit of practice to gain competency.
The P938 is a solid gun as well. We just wanted to offer a few calibers for people to choose from.
I think a Beretta 81 should be included, if you are including the sig p238, with only a single stack. It is a Double stack, with 12+1, very reliable, good trigger since Da/Sa, etc. You can pick one up for under $400 in good condition. Except for the Sig and maybe the Ruger, the others are POS!
Thanks for the suggestion!
This episode was kind of risqué haha
I think the Bodyguard 2.0 should have been included in this list. It’s.380 with a much improved trigger than the original.
The Bodyguard has appeared on our best .380 ACP pistol list so we wanted to shake this one up by not having the exact same pistols. But I agree that the 2.0 has a much better trigger than the original.
Sig 238 by far the best. Most of the others are junk.
Love the P238! Bought it 6 or 7 years ago and it's so good.
No mention at all of the S&W Bodyguard 2.0? Tiny, up to 12+1, more power, low bore height and very concealable. I found the LCPs to be less comfortable.
We have the 2.0 in our Best. 380 ACP Pistol article so we wanted to offer something different in this one -- just so it wasn't super redundant. We've reviewed the 2.0 and think it's much better than the original. Definitely a viable option for this list too, we just had to keep things concise.
My BU is a S&W 38+P airweight holds 5 rounds and on a ankle holster you never know its there . primary is my old colt 1911 on a shoulder rig
The Airweight is a solid one! Had one for a bit and really enjoyed it.
NO mousegun compares to the Keltec; (mind you, NOT the .32 acp), but the .380! If you compare, the Keltec .380 is ALMOST as small and light as the .32 (maybe an eighth inch difference in length and height ), but with Fiocci .380 hardball loads compares favorably with even 9's and .38 specials and is still smaller and lighter than MOST mouseguns. A double tap of .380 Fiocci WILL do the job.
True. I have one and it is a good, easy to conceal, easy to shoot and 10 + 1 is a big advantage.
The NAA Pug is great. There are great neck holsters as well as pocket holsters.
Total drop of the ball.
Ruger Lcp Max is incredible. For caliber, size, shoot ability, concealment and price, it beats everything on your list. Not a dig. Just the truth
I agree, but I think they were going for the smallest tiniest baby hand size pieces of kit out there
I own and enjoy the NAA revolver, but mine is a fold up NAA-22MSC, with both a 22LR and 22WMR wheels. It folds up to become a VERY deep concealment backup, or even primary carry in some situations! However, like most guns in the review, one would be lucky to hit "the broad side of a barn" at 21' with this tiny firearm. Projectiles tumble and rarely fly straight, but it was never intended to be a competition gun! I love mine, and it often resides DEEP in my pocket!
I have the NAA Pug with the laser sight and find it accurate at 5-6 yards.
Someone keeps showing the Gen 1 P32. The Gen 2 is an improved version of the Gen 1 and holds 7 plus one. The P3AT in 380 ACP holds 6 plus one and is no longer in production. I will never part with my P32 due to it's weight and comfort to carry. It is a great shooter although not pretty. For around town it's this or my LCP. On the highway it's a 9mm. While the 32 ACP is a less powerful option, no one wants to be shot by any pistol. Having it on your person is much better than your canon left in the vehicle.
P238, wife has had one now for few years, had to replace the extractor at 3600rds, with carpel tunnel in both hands it was the only one we could find, at the time, that she could rack. (before the M&P EZ) now apporaching the 5000rd milestone.
I've owned my Sig P238 for years. That thing is actually very accurate, in fact I used it for my initial CCW training and blew out the bullseye with it. The instructor was surprised, but also owns one herself. Of course I keep my hollow points in there for self defense and I never leave the house without it. I have other pistols... my Glock 19 G5 and a Springfield Hellcat (fits well in my CC jacket), but this little P238 is my fave for on body concealment.
Any comments on the .380 ACP Micro Desert Eagle?
Bought my wife a Glock 40. Too big and hard to rack.
Bought her a Glock 9mm. Same problem.
Her brother passed and she inherited a Beretta 32 that he used to carry in the city because he got tired of lugging around a .357 Python.
She carries the Berreta 32 because it's light and she can operate it.
Diamondback DB9 under 16oz with 6 rounds of 9mm. I've run over 500 rounds thru mine with all types of ammo, no issues.
Alice Jones Webb - when you have to draw and shoot fast - with any pistol - you’re not bothering with sights. I use a Glock 17 in combat matches and there’s no time to use the sights. So to criticise these small guns for poor sights is laughable.
Why no mention of the Ruger LCP Max?
All the Ruger LCP's, how about the EC9s still fits in your pocket carries 7 9mm if you need more a couple mags in your back pocket, and I picked mine up for under 2 bills. I have others for more serious times, but my everyday around town don't have to worry about a holster I got it covered it works well and functions when and where I want it. It's not my Combat Commander 45 with Crimson Trace but, it's my light duty around small town, 45 is going to the city worry about car jackings .
Been very happy with my Kimber K6xs .38 Special +P with enclosed hammer and 2" barrel. 15-ounce dry weight and essentially unnoticeable in a pocket.
+1 for the LCP MAX. Comfortable to shoot for gun its size and 10 or 12 rounds +1 in chamber depending on your choice of magazine. It’s a short range option as are most this size. However with practice, you can be combat accurate at 30-40 feet. Also has decent tritium sights. Much better handling than the Kahr CW380 I tried.
Diamondback DB9 Gen4 is a sleeper (and cheaper). The earlier generations were crap. I have over 250rnds downrange in a Gen4 with 115gr-147gr, FMJ & Hollowpoints with a single stovepipe on the second round fired. Snappy recoil though. 50 rounds in a session is enough for me.
What about the LCP Max?
LCP Max with the 12 rounder. Mag dumping mayhem !