What’s the best thing about the firearms 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!
Summary of Our Top Picks
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Best Snag-Free DesignA little big but will fit in larger pockets, snagless design so easier to draw
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Table of Contents
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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 when 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 and a 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 actiononly 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 G43s. 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 fit 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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9. KelTec P32
A great alternative to the Tomcat is the KelTec P32, another .32 caliber offering. This pocket pistol is hammer-fired and also features a double-action-only trigger.
Despite the small size, the P32 is easy to shoot, utilizing a short recoil operation instead of direct blowback. This helps tames the recoil impulse that can make smaller pistols difficult to handle.
The P32 tucks away easily, being just over 5 inches long and .75 inches wide. It only weighs 6.6 ounces too. This makes it fairly close in size to an iPhone.
While this KelTec isn’t going to win any beauty contests, it’s very functional and affordable. Being compact, easy (and fun) to shoot makes the P32 a perfect addition to this list.
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Prices accurate at time of writing
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For a detailed look, check out our full review of the P32 here.
Final Verdict
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.
82 Leave a Reply
I’ll say this… I can’t always carry a midsize gun/compact but I don’t think I’d consider carrying any of the guns on this list.
On top of that- pocket carry, it’s nonsense, either commit to carrying an effective firearm properly or stay home.
When I need to carry the smallest possible gun that I am willing to trust my life with I go with a P365x (12+1) with optic AIWB or G43x (SA 15+1) AIWB.
If I have to rely on a gun that shoots 22LR, 32cal, even 380 is pushing it, with marginal sights and rely on drawing it from my pocket I would rather not leave the house.
I prefer to dress around my firearm, my life is more important than my appearance. Friends and family have said- you should probably tuck your shirt in, I reply… gun. Not another word uttered.
A pocket gun is better than no gun. But you do you. I have to say you give off a poser attitude listing the need for the flavor of the month optic sight on a damn carry gun.
Any J-frame, preferably in .357 (I know, technically, "pistol" implies a semi-automatic action).
I started with a Beretta Tomcat . 32. Then moved to a Ruger LC9 with laser and an LCP, depending upon pocket size or fitment of the pants or shorts.
I'm sure there are newer options, but my Rugers are comfortable and familiar. I always carry in a holster, most are DeSantis. Also carry extra mags as well on the left side.
Currently rocking a hellcat. Every handgun seems to prints like a MFer on me 5 foot 11 inches and a 165 pound dude at this point I'm strongly considering just carrying a full size if the printing is unavoidable
Get a Ruger EC9S with a Desantis Nemesis. Prints no bigger than a cellphone.
The only one I would half way consider as Pocket pistol is the beretta tomcat. The others are.to big or too cheap. No revolves which shows a complete prejudice. Autos are finicky with all the dust and dirt in you pocket. Revolvers are.reliable. super reliable pocket pistol is a derringer. Rule of 3's dominates in civi's firefights.
You failed to mention that for the Pico beyond being able to swap out the body for other colors there is also a body with a built in laser and one with a built in light (although I see only the body with light on their website right now). I have the laser body and the swap is easy.
Do you all at Pew Pew Tactical recommend a Taurus G2S or G2c for this category/style of ccw?
What? You completely left out the North American Arms Guardian pistols? Shame on you Travis LOL.
Available in .32 ACP and. 380 ACP. I don't know if they still make their proprietary .32 NAA version, but "that" was is a unique cartridge with very impressive velocities for a "Mouse Gun."
A stainless steel, made in the USA DAO with a set of sights that beats the trough of the Seecamp any day.
Though not a caliber I'd prefer other than as a backup, NAAs line of Mini Revolvers are also an option. A few years back, my wife was unable to sorry her S&W model 36, during to its printing in the uniforms the Dentist Office she worked for required staff to wear. As the office was located in a rough part of town, she was upset about not being able to carry. On a whim, I picked her up one of the Mini's in .22 LR and. 22 WMR, and she loves the wee gun. Modified a nylon ankle holster for her to carry it, and she's had no printing issues at all. She can keep all 5 shots in a 3 - 4" circle at 15' with it as well. Loaded with Hornady's Critical Defense .22 WMRs, it's definitely better than no gun at all.
How about less emphasis on foreign brand guns and more on Made in the USA?
well i like my big beautiful Jewish girl so plenty of reviews online try googling American made guns and you wont have to read what you dont want to oh and stfu i do have a israli made Jericho so this is what i was looking for
I agree with Denny...I like my Ruger LCP Max...perfect for me and my arthritic hands...
Obviously, an old article if it mentions the LCP 2 instead of the LCP max---an excellent upgrade.
I like my Colt 380 Pony Pocketlite. Similar to the Colt Mustang Pocketlite. Fits in my back pocket and looks like a wallet when I pull it out in a nylon pocket holster... no printing.
I got the original LC9 way back, it's not a fun gun to shoot, horribly heavy long trigger pull, which for self defense means you're really intending to pull the trigger. But it does what it was intended for a very small light pocket carry and mine always goes bang.
Frankly, I prefer my S&W CSX. It has gotten bad reviews, that I disagree with. Inaccurate? The shorter the barrel, the less accurate. I'm not that accurate either? It is not a plastic gun. It is hammer fired (no striker fire sloppy trigger with lots of take up) It carries enough bullets.
I have a number of 380's but always gravitate back to the Beretta Pico's. Totally reliable and the most accurate 380 I've had. Super easy takedown method and the flat little 380 just oozes quality. The slide can be a little difficult to work in the early version but that was corrected by Beretta. It is the perfect gun for pocket and ankle carry. I was disappointed by some of the reviews which were by some of the top guys with YouTube channels who either didn't understand it, didn't fit their physical limitations, and didn't read the owners manual about dry firing damaging the firing pin. I think their faulty opinions helped sink the little wonder as I believe that Beretta has discontinued it.
The Taurus Spectrum .380 is an affordable little pocket pistol that is easily concealed.
The textured rubber makes it easy to grip, and the long trigger pull double action acts as a safety. The sights leave a lot to be desired, making it a point and shoot handgun, but the design makes it relatively snag proof. It's also available in several color options for those who want more personalization.
It's a capable option in a small size and caliber.
kahr pm9
The Kahr P380 (not the CM380) is a grossly underrated pocket gun. Well built, highly reliable and sized right for pocket carry. At 13oz loaded, it’s weight is good to go. Most men and WOMEN can easily conceal the gun in a pant/short front pocket. A preowned P380 can be had for $300. Great value for a true pocket pistol.
I agree with the other post about the Glock 26. If I was 6’ tall and 230lbs or bigger, it would be in my pocket.
Yes, been carrying a P380 for over two years, great pocket gun.
Shame on you, you omitted the Glock 26 .
I love it , carry it in my front cargo pants pocket in an inside the pocket hollister .
For the past three or four years, my edc pocket pistol has been the Kahr CT380. At about 12 Oz. unloaded, it is slighter larger than some, but still easily pocketable. With a slim single stack 7 +1 capacity, it has a more generous grip, better for large hands. I have several Kahr pistols. They are all well made and dependable after the factory recommended break in.
To leave the S&W Bodyguard out of the top leaves you without as much credibility as that NY D.A. Silliness,
I think a under rated and overlooked 380 in the Taurus 738. Very shoot able really good trigger easy for one hand point shooting at 21 feet
Guys, don’t forget the Sig P238. Super Sig Sauer quality and softer shooting being a 380. 100% reliable, especially appreciated by smaller folks and ladies. I love mine.
Thanks Steve for your input. I will check it out. I am carrying Ruger max 9mm right now. So far it is the easiest to conceal. However not the most accurate. Will do for close range thou.
The Sig p238 is small, soft shooting and accurate. But remember, like most Sigs, it has “combat” sights. So you cover the target with your front sight, you don’t bisect it in half.
The Ruger is an absolute dogturd, with the Beretta, keltec, seecamp close behind it as guns that should be thrown in the river. I do private firearms lessons as well as CCW qualifications at a very busy range and these guns never fail to shit the bed.
I have owned quite a few Kel-Tec guns, and have come to like most of them, but not without some degree of aftermarket upgrades and some tuning. (By the way, their customer service is STELLAR!) However, the ONE Kel-Tec you could not give me, and I really wanted to like, was the P3AT. It appears to be a clone of the Ruger LCP (or vice-versa). They both are nearly impossible to NOT limp wrist, and in the process screwing up your grip dynamics. I have never owned or fired the Kel-Tec P32, but if it is anything like the P3AT (other than caliber), you can keep it! The Sig Scorpion is gorgeous, and I can't wait to give it a try! The trigger LOOKS like it may be good (1911'ish) but I will have to see.
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
I’d like to hear more about your experience with the bullpup…
Heard it’s selective with ammo but how is recoil, reliability and Customer Service?
Live in TX so am thinkin’ I need to make a road trip!
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.
I agree with you, the Kimber micro’s are pretty guns. I have the Kimber micro 380 and micro 9 and love them both. I wouldn’t trade either one of them with money to boot for a Sig 938.