Best Pocket Pistol For Concealed Carry? (OR Are They Worthless?)
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- Опубликовано: 11 июн 2024
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00:00 Are pocket pistols worthless?
02:00 Do you carry a back up firearm?
03:24 Why do you pocket carry?
08:48 Elements you need to know when you carry a pocket pistol
11:30 Final thoughts
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Remember, it's better to have a reliable pocket pistol and not need it, than to need it and not have one.
I don't want holes poked in me with any firearm regardless of caliber! There are countless people who reside in dirt that got there via sub-.380 calibers...
A pocket “pistol” is better is better than the one you left at home. I’ve used a S&W 442 a ruger lcp in 380 and many moons ago a NAA 22 IMHO any cc firearm is going to be somewhat of compromise of power capacity and conceal ability
I carry a sw642- feel naked when it’s not in my pocket
Bro I carry a lcp 380 and a NAA Bugout every day at work
@@misterfister7262 same here too brother from a different mother.
I pocket carry the S&W 442. Love it!
Pocket pistols might lack the firepower of larger firearms, but they offer unmatched concealability for everyday carry.
Yes in deed and the most effective tool is the element of surprice.
Shot placement is the key to self defense!
Lead posing is still posing so shoot placement is Critical.
The Ruger LCP Max is the ultimate pocket pistol for handling personal space-level violent confrontations. Locked breach, .380ACP, 12+1 capacity, shrouded hammer, front tritium sight, shelf on the face of the rear sight for emergency racking, easily conceals in a pocket & easy to draw when needed.
Agreed! Best pocket pistol design ever. But that being said, it could use some improvements. Mcarbo takedown pin and SS guide rod, for reliability. Lighter trigger springs and a heavier recoil spring, also from Mcarbo. The heavier spring cuts felt recoil significantly. Mine also has a Hogue grip sleeve for a P365; I cut off the finger separator. I some cases it is my primary, and in others it is the "NY Reload" to my P365. Depends on clothing worn. I shoot Fiocchi ball ammo because the short barrel will not do much to expand HPs.
I keep loosing faith in the LCP max every time I use it or carry it, after 800 plus rounds on it. It jammed badly at the range on the first mag the other day, before that I had noticed how the accuracy of the pistol is compromised after shooting 6-8 round an the thin barrel gets hot…starts printing all over the place.
Also when grabbing the pistol hard or placing it on a table the magazine releases from a weak spring on the mag release🤦🏻♂️ inexcusable!!!
I will be switching to a Shield Plus in 30 super carry with a flush fit 13 round mag moving forward in these cases.
@@tominmo8865 I went ahead & picked up the MCarbo takedown pin, ss guide rod & heavy recoil spring since I have about 400rds through mine now. Take a look at the Underwood Ammo Xtreme Defender 68gr .380ACP ammo. They claim it's better than HPs since it doesn't rely on expansion to perform. I've seen some pretty convincing gel tests out of the LCP Max here on YT.
Carry it every day and use it
The reliability starts to suffer and the finish wears off and it rusts. Just because it works great for 6 months doesn’t make it great
@@Mike-Olds-1 I have the 75th Anniv. model that has the polished SS slide & aluminum trigger. I updated to a 13lb recoil spring, SS guide rod & heavy-duty take down pin. I've put over 1,500rds down range. Since I carry in a Kydex pocket holster, I make sure to regularly de-lint & lube. These are things I do to any carry pistol.
I've moved to j frames for all my small gun needs. Tiny autos need a perfect grip to function but the j frame will fire regardless.
THIS!!!!
All my pocket guns are revolvers. Both S&W J frames and North American Arms mini revolvers. In all the years I've had them, 35yrs for the S&W 43, almost 40 years for the NAA, never a misfire or even a dud round. Like zero malfunctions.
I tried carrying my Hellcat every day but found myself "out of compliance" too often. I always have my KelTec P3AT and I've trained enough with it that I can hit a paper plate with all 7 shots at 25 yards.
Keltec P32 loaded with Euro mfg fmj. American 32ACP is anemic. Very controllable centerfire mouse gun. Locked breach not blowback. You are correct about the 380 mouse guns being hard to shoot. I wish Ruger would make the LCP2 in 32ACP.
My normal walk around is a Ruger LCR 38 spl loaded with 148 grain hollow base wadcutters. Very old school load that works. Very easy to control, wont clog and consistent 16" penetration in gel.
I am old and slow but I do practice. Any confrontation I get into will most likely be 10' or less. Rule of 3 = 3 yards, 3 shots, 3 seconds???
Great choices! I too use a Keltec P32 w/73gr Euro ammo...and an NAA 22mag revolver! Pocket pistols are so easy!
Love my LCP II and .38 S&W snubnose revolver ultralight.
My preferred way of carrying is pocket carry with my P365 with a Vedder Holsters pocket holster. Flush mag with 10+1, super comfy, can't beat it
Sometimes I feel like traveling light. So, I leave my usual EDC at home and opt for my "pocket pistol" (Canik Mete MC9). Anything I carry, I train with regularly.
Beretta Tomcat 32ACP. It does the job. You don’t even have to rack the slide either. Tip up barrel DA/SA. Just awesome. 🙌🏼🇺🇸🇮🇹❤️💪🏼👍🏼. 500 Years of Perfection.
The tip up barrel Beretta's lack of extractor make them far from perfection and adequate at best for self defense.
@@1957robertjohnson The Tomcat 3032 does need a break in period. After 300-400 rounds it no longer has that issue. I will say they say the new one has resolved this small issue from the beginning.
I will say on another note, I would never carry any pistol in concealment without shooting it for at least 1000 rounds anyway with the ammo I’m going to carry.
Having gone through a lot of thought and trying several. My opinion an original Sig P365 with flat 10 round mag works in most pockets. Also you can carry an extra mag with 17 rounds in it and be pretty well prepared.
Ruger EC9 good size for the pocket has ben my go to for the last 5yrs or so. Works for me.
Good review.
Carry one all the time my 25 acp gets the job done or a 32acp seecamp
Love my Colt 1903 and matching 1908 Vest pocket.
RUGER LCP WITH 7 round ruger magazine and using standard for back up is the best option , with the 7 round mag ,that’s 8 total with 1 in the head in a very compact pistol.
I carry Sig P365 or Ruger LCRX 9mm with Crimson Trace. I'm a petite size person. These fit my body, IWB in a fitted Kydex holster. Only concern with slide going out of battery in body on body contact. Hence the revolver. Great show!
Charter Arms undercover loaded with 110grain Critical Defense lite is my go to
I can't pocket carry, because drawing from the seated position is next to impossible for me. My small carry, for maximum concealment, is either my LCP2, or my little Taurus. I carry either of those in my deep concealment bellyband. I'll be attending an event this evening, and I'll be going and returning to my parked vehicle alone. I may be bending some venue rules this evening.
I gave my son a Taurus 380 and my sister a Ruger 380. I have a 9 mm and miss the 380's. So easy to stash one in your front pocket. Hard trigger pull like a revolver for added security.
My pocket guns are a G42, NAA mini revolver 22LR, and Beretta 21A 22LR. When I jog, I carry the NAA in a baggy in my hand (I jog at 4a.m.) Most of the time, I carry the 21A holstered in right front pocket.
Local listings😃: Mississippi requires any carried firearm to be in a holster or sheath- even if carrying in a pocket
My EDC is a Ruger Max nine loaded with Underwood Xtreme defenders backed up with two LCPs.The original and the LCP MAX,used at different times,both loaded with Underwood defenders and penetrators.
"Pocket Rocket"
SIG P238
My favorite gun to take to the range.
My back up gun was a Walther PPK/S in 380. I carried and trained with that gun over 30 years. Now retired and EDC a Sig P365XL. But I still pocket carry my PPK/S at times.
I have a Kahr cm9 for pocket carry. It goes into a soft pocket holster to protect the trigger. It's small but has enough grip for me to shoot well. It's definitely not my primary carry but in certain clothing it gives me an option.
I find the CM9 to be surprisingly comfortable and accurate, too.
I carry a glock 26 9mm in a plastic , pocket locker holster, i made some cuts outside the holster to modify fit in my pocket ,so that i can withdraw fast without gun getting stuck , it works good for my Glock 26 because its a small gun.
The training limitations of trigger slap by the LCP have been mitigated with the LCP Max model. The double stack mag swells into your palm creating more friction. The difference is huge.
I can only put 2 mags of light target ammo through my LCP Gen 2 before trigger slap has me walking away from the bench.
On the flip side, I have been to the range several times and put 175-200 rounds through my LCP Max before my hand BEGINS to feel strain. And I have tiny wrists.
"Works straight out of the box." Bought a New S&W PC .357 magnum with a 5inch barrel. One of the seven chambers will not fire and will lock up the cylinder, trigger, and hammer.
google the term anecdotal....
Sig P938 in a Blue Force Gear Pocket Holster
Neo Mag with a 7 Rnd mag reload.
My Beretta 21A is in my pocket whenever I walk out the door. CCI Mini-Mag 36 gr hp, in a size 1 Sticky. I also carry an H&K USP C .357 Sig in a Belly Band w/ a spare mag. It's a comfortable carry rig, and I have never had an issue with snagging. Probably, sheer dumb luck there. But regardless of anything else, that little Beretta is always there. Just in case. FWIW, when I practice with one, I practice the other, too.
I have my grandfather's Colt 1903 chambered in .32ACP. He gave it to my mother when my parents got married and moved to Chicago in 1952.
My pocket gun is the Taurus 605 357 mag stubby
The change/watch pocket on a pair of jeans makes a pretty good holster for most semi auto mouse guns like the LCP.
Bingo! Put that bullet where you want it to be. Training and shooting needs practice. I both conceal and pocket carry. However in the summer pocket for me is done more often. Biggest take away - be aware of what is going on around you!
My Carry Gun's Are The:
Ruger LCP MAX In .380,
In My Front Pocket & The S&W 442
In .38, Appendix Carry...
Ruger LCP Max .380 with tritium front sight loaded with Underwood Extreme Penetrator... NAA Guardian .32 BUG with the same Underwood ammo...
You ever had ftf with the max? I had it happen so much that I just made it my range gun and I went back to my lcp 2 as my deep concealment when I can’t normal carry
How is the recoil on the Max? I know it's pretty snappy with the original LCP. Any improvement?
@@tomd6103 I wouldn't shoot it for fun! I have a MAX and an LCP II and neither is a pleasure to shoot - add adrenalin in a self defense situation and I imagine I won't mind...
Bond Arms derringer in 45 LC / 2.5 410. Fits perfect in your pocket with very little profile. A little heafty but it will definitely get the job done.
Reminds me of the time I was carrying a .22 pistol. A relative said "What do you think your going to do with that piece of crap" To which I said "So you don't care if I shoot you three times with it". He changed his idea of what I was carrying. Never underestimate the damage the smallest mouse can do.
PS: I have a carry gun plus my pocket pistol is an Astra Cub in .22 short.
Great discussion. As mentioned, I think the terms "Pocket Pistol" and "Pocketable Pistol" might not mean the same thing to everyone.
My Ruger LCP is probably considered a "pocket" pistol, and it's my most concealable, but I easily carry it in a small, innocent-looking belt pouch. When I am comfortable carrying something a bit larger, it's a Sig P365, also carried in a (slightly larger) belt pouch. A Ruger LCP Max would also be a good "pouch gun."
I'm in the "at least .380" camp. and IMHO, unless one is actually going to put a pistol in their pocket, there is no reason to carry any smaller caliber.
As you guys said, training and practice are the most important aspects to this subject.
Depends on the outfit BUT mine varies between a g42 g43 and a Taurus 605 1.8” barrel.
@4;30, I agree, a revolver with hammer cut down for no snag.
So my at home gun is a Taurus G2C but my carry gun is a Ruger LCP max and I love it. I can’t carry a big nine. It’s just too heavy and uncomfortable. I’ve tried. I got my 380.
The LCP is a really nice one.
@@rebchizelbeak5392 agreed the max is big enough for my hands, but light enough for me to carry without without feeling weighted down or bulky
I'm sorry I love the size of my lcp max but I can shoot accurately but not with that gun
@@desperadopharaoh2361 fair enough
Depends on the pocket. I have pants with pockets deep enough that I can pocket carry a Shield Plus.
You bringing back the MC Hammer pants?
@@farstrider79try 5.11 they have large deep pockets
I can carry my 9mm Sig in some circumstances (must have correct conceal attire and not be physically doing something that could reveal it). I can carry my 380 Ruger in all cases. So I actually carry the smaller pistol more frequently.
I hand load my rounds, so ammo is not an issue. They will fire, every time. The only exception are 22LR & 22 Mag. but plinking is not an issue for that. Thank you for your videos.
If do, .38 spl airweight, hidden hammer, and 147grain. But as primary.
Having something always beats nothing. I’ve had 3 pocket pistols. Ruger EC9s, Glock 42 and LCP 2. Nice little guns for when I don’t wanna carry anything heavy and don’t plan on being out for that long
Mine is a Taurus TCP after assessing the feel of every other option at the time. I prefer something with a fairly "heavy" (not incredibly so) first trigger pull and it has a good one. In my opinion.
I’ve got a .25 cz it fits under my belt in my change pocket! And easy to draw either with expanding bullets.
I’ve pocket carried a lightweight J Frame or LCP .380 for years. As a retired senior citizen my orbits are pretty tame and a pocket gun is the most comfortable.
sig p365 - sticky holster
I survived a home intrusion. A drug addict walked in high and comepletely lost at 4pm on a random summer Thursday. The lcp2 in my pocket was far more important than the shotgun in the living room. My brother drew his airsoft pistol and the intruder was completely unfazed. With the comfort of a pocket pistol, i mustered the confidence to work with my brother to push her out of our house. No shots fired. You're welcome lady. 😡
Remember... doors have locks. Or did she kick down the door?
@@fleatactical7390 When you live with other people, you can be religious about locking the door behind you while others are lacking that level of discipline.
I always have my ruger lcr 357 in my pocket even if I’m carrying my Glock 19….I sometimes will switch out for the kahr p380 when going to doctors appointments and such just for capacity reasons because I leave my 19 in the car
S&W 380 bodyguard for me with Hornady Critical Defense ammo!!😊
If it wasn't for a Ruger lcp2 22 that I could shoot accurately to my standard, carry discreetly comfortably all day to my standard, and eventually make reliable to my standard,I'd still be looking for a gun and a holster to carry every day 3 years later. The conversations I've had and continue to have with my buddies and complete strangers sometimes about the far superior ballistics of their 9's,40's,and45's in their glove box, nightstands,and gun safes over my 22 on my person is hilarious.
Whatever you carry, don't use it. USCCA will roll over on you and call it premeditated.
You bored eh?
Word!
Can you give an example?
Any lawful act of self defense not otherwise excluded can trigger the policy benefits.
That is also not exclusive to self defense with a firearm.
Backup pocket carry gun is for options - just like developing a good left hook or a front leg kick.
I love my 38spl airweight, but it is not the most comfortable gun to shoot or train with. But it is easily concealable in almost any clothing type.
What has become my main carry gun is a Sig P238 with one reload. I carry it in my pocket in a pocket holster and have never had any of the 'problems' you two talk about and I shoot it well. As for size, here in Texas with open carry, I could strap on my .454 Casull Super Blackhawk. Just the size of that six shooter can make someone stop, then cross over to the other side of the street. However, it is just a tad impractical for a carry gun in public. Carry gun #2 is my Sig 365.
Love my P238. Amazing piece.
Do you carry that in a pocket holster of some kind, or a different on/off body position?
@@USCCAOfficial I carry it in a Remora pocket holster.
The smaller you go, the more _niche_ they become for carry/concealment and the more difficult to control, and might be harder to draw in a stressful situation.
I'll take the Clint Smith from Thunder Ranch approach _"Always carry the biggest gun you can conceal."_
No replacement for shot placement. The gun you have with you…is better than not having one…
Practice Practice practice. I have a 380EZ and a 9mm. I practice with both when I go to the range
I purchased a Beretta Bu9 Nano in 9 luger, I find it comfortable and reliable, I think it is an excellent pocket pistol.
I carry lcp max but in aiwb holster.
Funny enough, I convinced my mother to FINALLY enter firearm ownership with a small .38 special J frame... She actually enjoys shooting it (granted, my mother isn't recoil shy), and she likes the comfort of being able to easily check to see if the gun is loaded or unloaded.
For those with minimal experience and/or grip strength, revolvers are a very safe carry option for those that simply want something capable of stopping a bad guy or two. It wouldn't be a great choice for a gunfight sure, but it'll definitely stop a would-be kidnapper or mugger in their tracks.
Just my opinion and experiences.... do with them what you will
For me the best pocket pistol is the Ruger LCP MAX 380 acp. It is reliable, small, light weight it holds 12 + 1 or 10 + 1. It is easy to shoot. That is hard to beat I.M.O.
I dreaded practicing with my LCP Max until I put a Hogue LCPII grip sleeve on it due to having XL sized hands that had trouble holding the tiny grip to control muzzle snap. Pinching when firing caused my finger to hurt after just about 10 rounds. The solution is to use a sharp hobby knife or fingernail file to remove the sharp edges on the trigger, trigger safety, and opening in the frame. The models with black oxide finish often rust. Gun oil will not prevent it. I now use WD40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor sold at Home Depot and Amazon to prevent the slide and barrel from rusting again. Ruger will replace rusty parts but the replacements may rust too unless a corrosion inhibitor is used. I now really like it for carry and do not mind shooting it at the range for practice. Many recommend using Underwood Xtreme Defender ammo as fluted bullets are effective while HP bullets do not reliably expand in such a short .380 ACP barrel.
Do u also carry an extra mag ?
@@pjm0621 John at Active Self Protection said that while police should carry 3 to 5 mags for their work defensive usage by citizens does not require a 2nd magazine. The defensive shooting is resolved with first mag with either criminal on the ground or they or the defender got away. One can carry a spare mag to make them feel better or in case they is an malfunction with first mag. But better to train on fast, safe draw of firearm and train to get all shots on target. The number one reason to need to load 2nd mag is missing the target.
@@pjm0621It depends on where I'm at. Most of the time I carry it is on my farm, no spare meg needed. If I'm going any where I carry a different gun.
@@raykettel1837 thank you for answering. My edc is 7+1 and I’ve heard some people say that I need to carry an extra mag & some say basically what you said that in most cases extra mag is not needed.
I have a NAA 22mag. I have a 22lr cylinder for it and I train with it. I can hit a 5 inch circle at 10 yards with a second to aim. Quick shot it’s a get off me gun. I’ve carried it for 40 years and it’s been where no other gun can go. That said I’ve got lots of pocketable guns. The LCP max is the largest pocket gun I’m comfortable with. I train with a LCP 22. I’d prefer to carry my sig 365
Pants/pocket configuration is a huge factor. I'm not a very big guy, being 5'8" with a 32" waist. Small pants tend to have small pockets. I could never pocket my P365 when I'm wearing jeans. But I can easily (and safely) pocket carry it in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster when I'm wearing dress pants with slash pockets. I'm very comfortable with that rig, firearm, and caliber. But I can't really pocket carry anything when I'm wearing jeans, since the draw is REALLY impeded. When a waistband holster just isn't going to work, and I'm wearing something that really restricts access, (like when I'm bicycling), I carry my Beretta Pico .380 which carries with the greatest of ease, is incredibly accurate, is smooth and tiny and doesn't snag on anything. And the trigger pull is stout enough that I don't worry about accidental discharge, even if it's just in my pocket, and not in a holster. There are always options, you just have to find what works.
A question for all--In a situation where one must choose between the two, which is better, carrying in a way that facilitates quick drawability, but risks not being adequately concealed (for example, printing, or revealing the butt of the gun if your jacket flaps open), or complete concealability that makes being able to quick-draw impossible (for example, carrying in a zippered jacket or vest pocket)?
642 air weight hammerless in 38 special or the lcp 2/max.
Pocket pistol is LCP. When you want to minimize showing.
Facts that’s what I carry
Especially with a DeSantis super fly holster.
Love my LCP max!
@@Bar1putt same!
Max
Glock 43x or Hellcat is my pocket pistol depending on the pants or if it’s cold and I have a jacket
I carry one gun. A Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 380. It's a pocket pistol ...but, I carry it in a IWB tuckable holster. I've never carried "pocket", lol.
I usually carry a 9mm. But there are times when I dress with no jacket so I pocket carry the LCP Max. Also great for gym wear or a quick walk to the mailbox.
My AMT Backup in 45ACP( pre cross bolt safety) is small enough and hits hard enough.. Recoil is stiff. The only things i don't like are the bottom mag catch. and the lack of last round slide lockback.
It’s all in where you put that first round , as a officer I’ve had to use my gun several times in my time and both times was just ware I put those rounds . And my gun is a 380. Off duty, Of course when I was on road on duty it was not the 380.
Ruger got it right with the LCP MAX. Often carry mine (front pocket) in a De Santis G3 pocket holster.
It’s funny I just so happen to randomly look this up, and it just so happens to be uploaded today 🤔
Involved in a self defense last summer. Pocket Tarsus 380. Each perp got a round from 5 ft. Threat neutralized Retired Navy. Keep calm and maintain training..
Kahr PM40 3 inch. Best pocket pistol in my book.
I recently saw a series of tests of RIMFIRE ammo. 22LR vs 17HMR vs 22WMR
Except for price, the recently engineered rifle round, 17HMR, offers the best power and smallest size.
17HMR penetrated ballistic gel, more deeply, and with greater damage, than either of the .22 caliber rounds.
Is the counter-intuitive 17HMR round, something to consider for concealed carry, self-defense purposes?
Banana 🍌 ballistics? 🤔 Very informative comparison.
Is a Sig P365 considered a pocket pistol? That is my primary carry, and I have a couple of pocket holsters for it (one for front, one for back).
I had 642 S&W airweight 38 snubbed nose for years. easy to carry not necessarily a pocket pocket gun and miserable to shoot. 380acp is perfect for civilian self-defense pocket carrying.
I own the tiny kahr CW 380 and a Lil Glock42 both fantastic small pistols.
For me it's an LCP Max or an S&W 637.
Being a fun-sized human makes the small jump up in size to a P365 a full sized handgun for me.
I like the P365 a lot. But it just does not conceal well on my little body.
380 small pocket pistol is best for me because in a crowded room you can’t shoot with a large caliber pistol but a 380 at 10 feet civil defense round will only penetrate 1 foot at 10 feet. when the bullet comes out of the barrel at 1500 ft./s
I personally use the Ruger Max9. It has 12+1 and I use 124 grain hydro-shock rounds and Crossbreed IWB holster. If I carry different it is my SP 101. I do practice with both frequently. I’m a big believer in shot placement is the most important factor, and you need the proper firearm for the job you need it to do.
I don't trust myself with shot placement because I can't practice shooting while being shot at
@@AshGreen359 to improve shot placement under stress, practice with left hand and it will help. Sounds crazy but it works, left brain vs right brain sort of thing. Helps in accuracy and if primary hand is disabled.
@@larkules I'm already an ambidextrous shooter.
I pocket carry a Sig 938. 7 round mag with one in the chamber. Practice , practice, practice. What good is a 20 round mag if you miss. It's not spray and pray.
I've had several women express an interest in learning to shoot, and almost invariably they didn't like or couldn't rack a slide on a semi-auto (this was before S&W came out with the EZ line). Even if I felt they were capable, they didn't want to learn the extra steps for a semi-auto. A J frame revolver seemed to be a good option for them.
I've gone back to carrying revolvers. I always carry at least 2 (NY reload) J-Frames. They do take a lot of practice. Like you, I would never recommend a j-frame for a beginner, K-Frame maybe.
IMHO, the best "weapon" one can have is "situational awareness". The best gun fight is the one you never have to get into because you were aware of your surroundings and saw what was coming. This allows you to either extract yourself from said situation or time to get physically & mentally ready for what's about to happen. Next, shot placement (a.k.a practice). I'll just paraphrase Tom, would you rather hit the bad guy in the thumb with your .44 mag or the heart with your .22? And, with accurate shot placement (at a legitimate self defense distance/situation with modern ammo), caliber almost becomes irrelevant.
Last, if we're talking "pocket pistols", by definition, "conceal- ability" should not be an issue.
'nuf said.
Bingo
I may or may not have worked at a non-permissive environment (fired if caught carrying). Wearing scrubs limited possible options. I found a small zippered pouch that held a NAA mini-revolver. Quite a slow draw, but better than using a pen. Never needed it, thank G-D.
I use a pocket pistol when I'm wearing shorts. Which is often, considering I live in South Florida.
Lcp 380, NAA Bugout 2 for work every day. Also a TQ and quick clot. I carry a G19 when not at work. The NAA is my underwear gun. If I'm out of bed, I'm strapped 😂
For my tools, I use Factory-loaded Extreme Defender rounds. If they pass through, there is one heck of a wound cavity. Bullets that pass through easily leave tiny holes, leaving the purp very able. The Military learned this the hard way. The enemy was indeed getting shot, but they kept firing back at the Americans.
When talking caliber, there are many factors..
IF you are in Alaskan winter, and people are wearing 4 to 5 layers of clothing, including leather, you are going to need a bigger caliber than if you are carrying during the day in August in Miami Beach.
Which five .32 Cals would you most recommend?
the .38 snub used to be recommended because you could use the very mild .38 wadcutter match loads in it, but all you got was 150 ft lbs, and very little penetration. The 450 ft lbs of a pocket 9mm is 3x as likely to suffice as such a 38.