When it comes to concealed carry, there are times when a larger handgun simply isn't practical. Maybe it's the clothes you're wearing, your daily routine, or just a matter of wanting something more discreet. That's where pocket pistols come in. For many women, these smaller handguns offer a convenient way to carry without the added weight and bulk of a traditional compact or full-size pistol.
Before making a purchase, be sure that you're confident in your choice, even if that means searching out a means of giving one a test run before running your credit card at the local gun shop. Often, smaller handguns often have limited capacity, sharper felt recoil, and a shorter sight radius that can make accurate shooting more challenging. Still, their size and portability make them appealing for everyday carry. The following five pocket pistols each offer something a little different, depending on what matters most to you.
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0
The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard has been a favorite go-to for years. The Bodyguard 2.0 improves on the original in several areas. This gun is chambered in .380 ACP, with a slim profile making pocket carry a viable option. The new iteration of the Bodyguard features updated controls, a noticeably smoother trigger press, and an improved grip texture for a more secure hold during use. That's especially helpful on a lightweight handgun, where even modest recoil can feel snappy. Low-profile sights help prevent snagging on clothes when drawing from a holster. For those who liked the original Bodyguard but wanted better handling and ergonomics, the 2.0 addresses several of those concerns. smith-wesson.com
Beretta 30X
Anyone who's spent much time shooting pocket pistols knows they aren't always the most comfortable guns to take to the range. The Beretta 30X, however, does a good job of making the experience more enjoyable. Chambered in .32 ACP, it offers a surprisingly comfortable shooting experience for a handgun of its size, complete with a crisp trigger that breaks consistently with each and every shot. Much of that comes down to the grip, and how it fits the shooter's hands without the cramped feel common in some smaller pistols. Beretta also kept the edges rounded and the overall profile slim, helping the pistol come out of a pocket holster without catching on clothing. Add Beretta's long history of building dependable firearms, and the 30X has plenty going for it beyond its small footprint. berettausa.com
Ruger LCP Max
The original Ruger LCP helped make pocket-sized semi-autos popular in the concealed-carry realm. With the LCP Max, Ruger packed more capacity into a pistol while keeping it remarkably compact. Chambered in .380 ACP, it uses a 10-round magazine while staying small enough to fit comfortably in most pockets. Capacity isn't the only improvement. Earlier LCP models were known for their small sights, something Ruger addressed with larger, easier-to-see sights on the Max. They're quicker to pick up when bringing the pistol on target, while the improved grip texture gives shooters better control during follow-up shots. Despite its light weight, the LCP Max has earned a reputation for reliability and can be easier to shoot accurately than its size might suggest. For women who want more rounds without stepping up to a noticeably larger handgun, that's a big selling point. ruger.com
KelTec P32
The KelTec P32 is chambered in the soft-shooting .32 ACP. It's among the lightest semi-auto pistols available. This alone makes it especially appealing to those who want to keep things as lightweight as possible. Its mild recoil is another reason the P32 has maintained a loyal following. For those with smaller hands, or those who find larger calibers unmanageable, the softer shooting experience can make a real difference. The polymer frame keeps weight minimal, while the straightforward, no-frills design eliminates unnecessary bulk. The P32 may not have all the features found on newer pocket guns, but its simplicity and long-standing reputation for reliability have kept it popular over the years. keltecweapons.com
SIG Sauer P938
Most pocket pistols are chambered in smaller calibers, but the SIG Sauer P938 gives shooters another option. Chambered in 9 mm, it appeals to those who prefer a larger cartridge but don't want to carry a typical compact handgun. The P938 design shares familiarities with the classic 1911 platform, including the single-action trigger and familiar controls. An all-metal frame gives it a more substantial feel than many polymer-framed pocket pistols and helps absorb some of the recoil you'd normally expect from such a small 9 mm. Its sights provide a more distinct sight picture than other similar options within this category. With a suitable pocket holster, it offers a way to carry discreetly without stepping down to a smaller caliber. Fans of the 1911 platform will likely appreciate how much of that familiar design SIG managed to fit into a smaller package. sigsauer.com
Final Thoughts
While pocket pistols aren't for everyone, they certainly have their place in the concealed-carry market. When clothing or other circumstances make concealing a larger handgun difficult, the ability to do so within the confines of your pocket makes everyday carry not only more practical, but much more likely to happen in general. One thing that is important to remember is that just because a gun is small doesn't necessarily mean that it is going to be easy to shoot. Regular visits to the range to practice are essential, particularly with handguns of this nature. These five handguns all bring something different to the table, whether it be an increase in capacity, shaving a few ounces off their weight, or even having a surprising lack of muzzle flip for a gun with such a compact footprint. Regardless of what prompted you to explore the world of pocket pistols, we can all agree on what matters most: finding one that fits comfortably in your hands, that you can safely and effectively shoot, and that you ultimately feel comfortable and confident carrying.
