What’s the best thing about the firearm industry?
If I had to answer, I’d say it’s that they make a gun for everyone, in every size, and almost every purpose.
For example, pocket pistols!
And that’s the topic for today. We’re going to explore these small-framed handguns and get to the bottom of why you might want one in your concealed carry rotation.
I’ll lay out what pocket pistols are and then we’ll dive into some recommendations. By the end, you’ll be a pocket pistol pro…or at the very least, know which models we prefer for pocket carry.
So keep reading!
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What’s a Pocket Pistol?
Pocket pistols are excuse-free guns. Excuse-free means that you have zero excuses not to carry it.
These guns are so small, so easy to carry, and so easy to conceal that your excuses not to carry them are silly.
The name explains it all. A pocket pistol is a gun small enough to fit in your pocket without issue.
That said, you’ll still need a holster.
A good holster ensures safety when carrying a firearm in your pocket. (I prefer Blue Force Gear and Desantis pocket holsters.)
For more on how to pocket carry effectively, check out our article dedicated to Pocket Carry!
Mouse Guns vs. Pocket Pistols
Perhaps you’ve heard the term mouse gun, and thought, “What’s the difference between a pocket pistol and a mouse gun?”
Not all pocket pistols are mouse guns, but all mouse guns are pocket pistols.
Mouse guns are typically small-bore pistols in calibers like .25 ACP, .32 ACP, .22 LR, and .22 Magnum.
.380 ACP is where a mouse gun usually becomes a pocket pistol.
Since .380 ACP typically requires the gun to be a bit larger, we start to move out of that mouse gun zone.
Why a Pocket Pistol?
In the modern world, there is no reason to leave a gun at home. So many pocket pistols make carrying pistols easy.
Pocket pistols are not the best fighting pistols, but they are better than ill intentions and a sharp stick.
Convenience is the biggest reason to carry a pocket pistol.
In times where a bigger, more capable gun is tough to carry, a pocket pistol gives you options. Sometimes it’s impossible to carry anything bigger due to your clothing and activities.
Dressing formally often requires a smaller gun for maximum concealment.
Other activities like working out make it tough to pack a Glock 19 with an RMR and a Surefire X300U.
Best Pocket Pistols
1. Beretta 3032 Tomcat
Tip-up guns are so utterly cool, and the Tomcat is just the coolest.
Beretta’s .32 ACP Tomcat looks like the whiny little brother to the Beretta 92 series with an open slide and exposed barrel.
That barrel pops up and allows the user to load a single round into the “tube” without having to rack the slide.
Since all mouse guns are pocket guns, I have no problems including a mouse gun in this list.
Especially a gun this small and comfortable to shoot. An all-metal 14.5-ounce frame combined with a .32 ACP cartridge results in a rather soft shooting pocket pistol.
Soft shooting is relative, but for a gun this tiny, it’s quite comfortable.
The sights are rather nub-like, but the DA/SA trigger helps a bit with accuracy.
Popping the trigger into single-action mode delivers a lighter and shorter trigger pull that helps you out when it comes to shot placement.
The Tomcat is predictably quite small with a 3.7-inch overall height, 4.92-inch overall length. But, it’s a little wider than most with a 1.1-inch width.
Even so, it’s easy to carry in your pocket and delivers performance on par with its coolness.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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2. Ruger LCP II
The LCP series by Ruger might be the flagship for pocket pistols.
Ruger mass-produced a reliable, pocket-sized .380 ACP that was surprisingly affordable. It conquered the market, and Ruger refined it with the LCP II.
At 10.6-ounces with an overall height of 3.71-inches and an overall length of 5.17-inches, this little fella slides comfortably into nearly any pocket without a fight.
There is very little to snag on its way in and out.
Ruger did equip the LCP II with proper sights that are much better than the original LCP’s sights.
Ruger also improved the trigger, but it’s still no 1911.
You can expect a rather long pull that’s light but does have a long stacking portion before it fires. Having an ND with an LCP takes a special kind of person.
The aggressive grip texture makes the gun a bit easier to hold onto between shots.
A .380 ACP this small bucks and kicks, and you need to be ready for it. It’s not always pleasant, but it always goes bang and tends to put .380 projectiles where you want them.
As long as you do your part, of course.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Get all the details over at our hands-on review of the LCP II!
3. Sig Sauer P938
As far as pocket pistols go, the Sig Sauer P938 is one of the most comfortable I’ve ever fired, especially for a 9mm.
Something Sig did to this gun makes it very comfortable to fire and handle.
Maybe it’s Swiss/German/New Hampshire magic, or maybe it’s the all-metal frame.
Regardless, it’s comfortable to shoot and doesn’t beat your hand with every shot.
It’s 1911-like, but not purely 1911.
If you love 1911s, you’ll appreciate this mini fella and its ergonomics. The thumb safety is present, as is the single action only design and single-stack 9mm magazine.
The small size makes it easy to pocket carry, but admittedly the safety, hammer, and large sights have some snag potential.
Best way to deal with that is a properly fitting pocket holster.
At 16-ounces, it’s hefty, but hefty helps with comfort when the gun goes bang.
Unlike other pocket pistols, the Sig P938 comes outfitted for exceptional accuracy.
The single-action trigger, large sights, and excellent ergonomics make it easy to snap shots off at 25-yards with good technique.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Don’t believe me? We’ve done an in-depth review on the P938, too!
4. Glock G43
Glock took their sweet time getting to the single-stack 9mm market, but when they did, they did it right.
The Glock G43 just barely makes the cut for a pocket pistol.
It’s 4.25-inches tall with the magazine and a rather long 6.26-inches long. Luckily, the G43 is lightweight and thin.
With only six rounds in the magazine, you have to make your shots count. But that’s not too hard with the G43.
If you’ve mastered the Glock trigger, then you’ll do fine with the G43’s. You probably don’t love Glock sights, but on the G43, they are large and capable — and easily replaceable.
Glock keeps the simple theme going with the G43. It’s just pure Glock.
That means the gun is remarkably reliable and capable of withstanding some serious abuse. Shoot it a ton, drop it in the sand, beat it up, and it will still go bang.
Blasting away with the G43 reveals some recoil and snap, but no serious hand discomfort some pocket pistols deliver.
Ergonomically it’s a Glock. Somehow Glock found a way to copy controls from their massive pistols to their mini pistols.
If you know Glocks, you’ll have no problems switching over to the G43.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Want to know more? Catch our hands-on review of the Glock G43! (Or for the latest in the G43 series, check out the G43X.)
5. Sig Sauer P365 SAS
The P365 is another gun sitting on the edge of a pocket pistol and standard sub-compact.
It’s a bit big, and if you want the best pocket carry experience with the P365, go with the SAS model.
Sig took anti-snag to new limits with the P365 SAS and cut off the sights, trimmed the slide release, and made the takedown lever require a flat head tool to operate.
Snag-free was the idea behind the design, and a snag-free gun is often a suitable pocket carry gun.
Sig makes a variety of magazine options for these guns, and for a pocket carry experience, the flush-fitting 10-rounder is the way to go.
Keeping the gun small is a priority, so sacrifice the pinky rest if you can.
Because it’s a little on the larger side, the Sig P365 is relatively soft shooting and made to last.
The SAS model comes with a set of sights that requires some serious practice to master. They are not as intuitive as standard sights but flit flush with the frame to increase concealment.
To make the gun a little easier to control and to help maintain a sight picture, Sig ported the barrel and slide to reduce muzzle rise and keep the gun on target.
The P365 is one of the best overall concealed carry pistols out there. The SAS model makes it pocket-friendly.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Not sold on the snagless sights? We have a full review of the P365 SAS for you to check out.
6. Seecamp LWS 380
Seecamp pistols are fascinating.
When someone asked how small can we make a .380, Seecamp answered with “smaller.” That’s my headcanon anyway.
Seecamp’s LWS 380 stands a mere 3.25-inches tall and is 0.91-inches wide at its thickest point.
This little fella weighs 13.65-ounces loaded with six rounds of .380 ACP. It sports an all-metal frame.
Sights are nothing more than a trench across the top, and it’s tricky to use at anything other than belly ranges.
This little blaster truly emphasizes what a pocket pistol should be.
It conceals with ease, disappears in a pocket, and is ultimately very snag-free. As such a small gun, it tends to be rough handling recoil-wise.
Yep, it’s snappy, and snappy is as good as it gets from a gun this small.
Also, the DAO trigger is about 11-pounds. Combine that trigger weight with the trench sights, and you get a gun designed for close-range use and nothing beyond that.
Everything is about compromise, and the Seecamp is a compromise inside and out. It’s superbly light and easy to carry but can be tough to shoot.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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7. Beretta Pico
Beretta’s Pico is a fascinating gun. Beretta did their own version of the SAS configurations when they molded the Pico.
The company trimmed, cut, and slimmed down the Pico as much as possible to ensure total concealment and deep carry.
That’s inherently valuable for a pocket pistol.
The trimmed slide release, magazine release, and the take-down lever sit flush with the frame. Sliding the Pico in and out of your pocket will be snag-free by design.
With that said…swapping magazines and dropping the slide prove to be a challenge.
I don’t think most people packing pocket pistols concern themselves with a reload anyway.
It’s also a Beretta, which is a name that carries weight.
Like any Beretta, it’s reliable, accurate, and well made.
The Pico is a standout from the days of mini .380s and is an under-appreciated option for concealed carry.
Interestingly enough, users can remove the chassis and swap the grip frame to vary the color. Who doesn’t want to swap black to FDE or bright pink?
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Have you tried the Beretta Pico? If so, give it a rating below!
8. Trailblazer LifeCard
Pistol usually refers to a semi-automatic autoloading pistol. However, this is a wildcard.
The Trailblazer LifeCard is literally a card.
As in, it’s a folding handgun that is the approximate height and length of a credit card. Obviously, it’s a good bit thicker, but still quite small.
The card unfolds into a more traditional gun when it’s ready to be fired.
As such, it’s a single-shot .22 LR or a .22 Magnum that is striker-fired and a single-action design.
The LifeCard requires users to manually cock the weapon prior to firing.
As a single-shot rimfire weapon, the LifeCard has limited use defensively.
No one wants to get pegged by a .22 of any kind, but admittedly I’d prefer something a bit bigger for defensive use.
However, the LifeCard offers you a firearm that doesn’t look like a firearm until it’s ready to be fired.
This makes concealment superbly simple in every kind of pocket. It fits in a shirt pocket, a jeans pocket, and even a dress pocket.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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Conclusion
There are only a few things that you can pocket carry for defensive use: a knife, some pocket sand, and a pocket pistol.
Clearly, the pocket pistol is the most capable weapon; it just barely beats pocket sand as the true winner.
Pocket pistols are a compromise in size and shooting capability. They don’t have the same fighting capability as a Glock G17, but they can be carried day in and day out without issue.
Nothing’s perfect, but pocket pistols offer you a hidden stinger for the worst situations imaginable.
What’s your pocket pistol of choice? Let us know below! Looking for how to concealed carry in your pocket? Check out our guide on Pocket Carry. But if you’re after something a bit bigger, see our list of Best CCW Guns.
46 Leave a Reply
My favorite pocket pistol is the Ruger EC9S. Although not the best shooting pistol, it is good enough. (It is a bit snappy.) But where this gun shines is that it is very reliable and very thin. I pocket carry it with a Sticky Holster model MD2, which is slightly too big to hold the gun snugly As a result of that, and because the gun is so thin, it slips right out of my pocket easily, with no trouble. In fact, if I extend my leg forward all the way, I can pretty easily get it out of my pocket while sitting in the car!
It's big enough to handle 9MM with no trouble. And it is small enough to slip easily out of my pants pocket. Best of all, you can get it for under $300 new! But it comes with only one magazine, so you'll want to buy at least one more.
I have a KelTec P32 and P3AT. I was surprised to see that the Seecamp is physically smaller than my P3AT, but a tad heavier and a lot more expensive. But, I'll hand to Seecamp, they made a little beauty with the LWS-380. Since I have been carrying my P3AT for several years, it has become part of me when I'm out and about, so I see no need to "upgrade" as it were. Nice article.
I have the Ruger LCP 2 and the Beretta Tomcat both great but how is the Kel Tec p32 or 3AT not on here? I would say that the Kel Tec p32 is a dead rival for my Ruger LCP.
I have both the Tomcat and the Keltec P32. The P32 is very reliable and quite a lot thinner than the Tomcat which makes it easier to conceal, but the Tomcat is easier to shoot and more fun to shoot as well. That tip up barrel on the Tomcat is also a big plus in loading it.
My go to for pocket carry is my Bersa Thunder 380 CC. For pocket carry, I prefer a traditional safety. Their CC models have a bobbed hammer, low profile sites that are easy to puck up, and are snag free. Bersas are also known for their reliability, accuracy and performance. They are DASA and operate just like the old Beretta 92s. Resembling a PPK, they fit nicely in my big paws, and 8+1 capacity gives me ample rounds. Drops in a coat pocket for Kojak style or vanishes in a suit pocket like Bond.
As a pocket carry gun, why not the Tarus Spectrum 380?
I had an original LCP and it was the only firearm I was ever glad to get rid of. It constantly had feed/ejection issues. Sure, Ruger remade the gun with the LCP II but the taste in my mouth was too bad to try it. Now I alternate between a G42 and my Sig P938. No more issues, just boring reliability.
I had the same experience. There was a recall on my Ruger gun but I was never informed even though I was the original owner. When I finally found out, they said the recall exchange time period was over and offered me nothing for my brand new defective Ruger.
I have a Kahr pm 9. I’ve toyed with getting a 380 like the Ruger, but I’m not willing to go to a smaller round. Surprised it wasn’t listed nor it’s less expensive version the cw9.
I have a Ruger Max 9 and a Bond Arms Bullpup. Both pocket carry well
Where did you purchase your bull pup I need to see up close I can’t relate to pictures I’m in northeast mass
You left out the Kimber family of Micro's. I dropped a SS 380 Micro into a Sticky case and put it in my pocket last night to complement my Ultra Carry II that rides on my hip unless I'm not able to cover it up. Comes with night sights for $600. Pretty gun, too.
LifeCard is useless and it’s asinine that it’s on this list. It’s a novelty gun, no more.
I have a DB9 from Diamondback. It is ok but I need to take it to the range a bit more to really get the hang of it.
I have a older Colt mustang.380. It is always in my pocket and is much better than sand. Lol
i use the PICO as a backup CCW MP shield 45.
I can see why someone would want to pocket carry but from a defensive aspect I think it's a mistake. Years ago I pocket carried a. 32 on occasion, that ended the day I actually had to use it. I went with my full size glock 22 from then on out where ever I went.
I prefer the Ruger lc9s, with dayglo sights and Trijicon green laser. Truly pocketable ... in a Sticky sleeve for safety. Started with the lc380, found the lc9S was just as controllable. Thought the lcp was too small for my hand. Ruger doesn't make the lc9S anymore but one can still find them for sale.
Springfield 911 should be 7p there thats my pocket carry its an awsome little shooter to nice grips great sights pretty light recoil for such a small gun
They went straight to the glock 43 but passed on the glock 42?? It's even more comfortable to conceal.
Although I carry the G43, the high cap Springfield “Hellcat” should definitely be on this list. A little wider or not as thin, you have 11 rounds in a package that is easy to shot, great sights and 9mm knock down power.
If the Hellcat is included, so is the Ruger 9 and Shield Plus - which are also double stack. Hence my surprise at seeing the P365. It would seem that a refinement of "pocket pistol" would be single stack only. Move to double stack and it's a tad bigger - enough so that a shoulder holster I use for a Kahr .380 won't safely hold a P365. I had to order a bigger one.
Having sold a P938 recently and move to a 365, I can say they are more comparable - using 9mm forces things to get bigger. Perhaps the better comparison would be the SIG P238, in .380. That is generally considered pocket territory, which then adds to the definition of "pocket" as being not only single stack, but also .380 or smaller. As .25 and .32 are included, it then asks the question why not a .32 in this review?
I sometimes wonder if lists and ratings are slightly tilted just to get comments. Otherwise we'd all nod our heads in agreement with the sage advice and move on.
When I have to pocket carry, it is a Kahr PM9 for me with a spare mag in my back pocket.
7 in the gun and 7 in my pocket gives me 14 rounds of 9mms hollow point STFU to unass the area.
I prefer a 45 but sometimes you can't
My poor Diamondback DB380 never makes the list (probably because it's a hunk of junk)...I picked mine up despite mostly bad reviews because it was super cheap and I was feeling adventurous and so far it's proved pretty unreliable and picky about feeding certain types of ammo, but it's getting better as I figure out what it likes. But for convenience, it rules! Super tiny and light, it'll fit anywhere. But the size leaves my slightly larger than average hands pinky hanging WITH the mag extension and my ring finger barely hanging on without it.
I carried the P938 but switched to the Kahr PM9 because I shoot the DAO Kahr better. I pocket carry in a samll Maxpedition pouch that doesn't print, covers the trigger and holds a second mag.
NAA mini mag is a great little gun. It will do the job.
I second that. I’ve got the grip that folds into and looks like nothing but I pocket knife in my pocket
I'll third that, Discrete in suit, no one can tell when I'm in the pulpit on Sunday morning..
Great recommendations...I personally use a Rock Island .357 as a "pocket pistol" with a two inch barrel. Being 6'3" 250lbs gives me the advantage of slightly bigger pockets. Lol.
My favorite pocket carries are the Bersa Thunder 22 and the SS P365. The Bersa is very accurate and easy to use single-handed. the P365 gives me the confidence to pocket carry and know that it will be effective at close ranges.
Highly recommend the Diamondback DB9 Gen 4. Good luck finding a smaller/lighter 9mm. It has a long but light, consistent, and crisp trigger, good sights, slide stop, good textured grip, and mag options. I normally carry a P365 SAS, but the DB9 provides a true pocket option, and at roughly 1/2 the price, and I've never had any stoppages.
I pocket carried the P938 for years and loved it. But traded it for the P365 and I carry that in a pocket carry holster with no problem. I also have a P238 in .380 that is actually better/no recoil than the P938 and is actually about 3/16" shorter in length than the P938. Glock's 43x also fits in a pocket holster along with their .380 Glock 42.
Left out the Diamondback DB9. You won't find a smaller 9mm. The Gen 4 has a long but crisp and fairly light trigger, good sights, and a slide stop. I normally carry a P365 SAS or G43, but the DB9 comes in as a true pocket pistol, and at nearly 1/2 the price.
Definitely different than what my list would be but but that’s fine. I can’t understand though how you can leave out the kahr pm9 / 380. They are super small and super light and very high quality. Fit and finish are much nicer than a lot of the guns on this list as well.
So you put on the list a couple of pistols that aren't really pocket pistols and the Life Card .22 and leave off the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 380? I know there are way to many choices to consider them all and I'm fine with letting the non pocket pocket pistols have a pass, but the LifeCard .22? Everything about it goes against goes against what most firearm and shooting professionals say is needed in a concealed carry pistol. You even point out the flaws that make this thing useless. I'll start with the caliber because that's the easiest to argue against, as any caliber pistol is better than no pistol. Now, the round count, especially because it's in .22. A single shot? Yet the reason you have a few of these other pistols on the list is due to their round count. Round count matters. Then there's the fact that you have to manually cock it. This might not be as bad until you add it to the third reason why this pistol is a gimmick and not a self defense pistol, which is you have to unfold the thing to be able to cock it and then shoot it. The reason most people carry one in the chamber is because it's been proven that even racking the slide takes up too much time in most self defense scenarios. You can't really believe the "cool" factor of how concealable it is makes it worth having to unfold it like a transformer, manually cock it, only to shoot one round of .22. I bet you wouldn't let your wife or daughter carry it as their concealed carry pistol.
Look, I'm honestly not trying to be disrespectful, but we could be talking life or death here. Thousands of newbie and soon to be new gun owners, who trust this website's opinions, will read this article, with the title is "8 Best Pocket Pistols for Concealed Carry". They might actually buy this pistol to carry, thinking they will be able to defend themselves and/or loved ones in the "worst situations imaginable". This, to me, is irresponsible. Even has stated the LifeCard .22 is “not a pistol that is designed for nor should be relied on for self defense.” and it's “for recreational shooting.”, which should be more than enough for it to not be put on any concealed carry list, let alone a best of list.
The LifeCard .22 is a joke in terms of defense. How anyone could recommend it for defense is beyond me.
In my opinion based on person experience, small gun pocket carry is a mistake for defense. But yo each their own i guess.
When checking out pocket carryable pistols (I think .380 is bare min caliber), I would suggest a test drive. Actually test-fit and draw from the type of pocket you actually intend to carry it in. My P365 is a slow draw, barely-fits kind of pocket carry in the most of the jeans I wear. Prints a bit also. Type of pants/pockets mitigate somewhat, but virtually zero chance I could get it out faster than someone could get the drop on me at typical self-defense distances (bad situational awareness happens.) My TCP 738 is smaller, lighter prints less and is easier to draw, but still nowhere as fast as a waist holstered pistol. Plan accordingly.
Glock 42 also not mentioned; I have both 42 and 43, tactical pants or good jeans gets the 43; other pants/shorts may only handle the 42 comfort.
What about the Ruger LC9S / EC9S? It’s 7 rounds of 9mm, and fits well in most of my pockets even with a laser and a pocket holster. Admittedly I’m a guy who generally wears jeans or cargo shorts.
You left out the Keltec P32 that I hide under my tux, And the Ruger LC9s Pro model I carry inside my waistband SOB holster anytime I leave the house...point shooting practice with the Keltec is necessary, of course.
What, no revolvers?!? The Ruger LCR is a great pocket pistol. Utterly reliable and if 5 rounds of .38 HP won't get the job done you've gotten yourself in a heck of a mess.
I like my LCR much more than my 360 SW! LCR comes with a great action.
I have an old Star .45 ACP that just feels "right" It's a tad bit heavy but not as clunky as a Glock.
What about the M & P Bodyguard 380? Smaller, cheaper, reliable and just as functional as a couple of your more obscure choices.
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380 with Crimson Trace laser. Solid choice after replacing my Ruger LCP which I did not care for. I was disappointed the Bodyguard didn’t make your list!!
North American Arms guardian .380 w/ 12 round extended magazine... Solid!