Yes, we all want to carry the most defensive pistol we can possibly carry, and carry it whenever and wherever we can. This means we need to balance our gear with how well we blend into the crowd. For those times when more discretion is called for, many people (including myself) like to go with a “pocket pistol” as their primary defensive firearm.
Pocket pistols are very easy to carry and very easy to keep away from prying eyes. However, they are lacking in firepower, being limited in both the power of the cartridge they use and probably the amount of rounds they carry. These deficiencies can be somewhat overcome, though, with the right accessories.
Ammo Considerations
Let’s start with the most obvious shortcoming, ammunition. Pocket pistols are usually chambered in something smaller than 9mm that can both expand upon impact and pass the FBI ammunition testing protocols. As a result, it’s best if we prioritize penetration into the target over bullet expansion, as getting to a critical part of the body and stopping the fight is a priority for any defensive round. Some good choices for ammunition that meets these needs are Hornady’s Critical Defense in.38 Spl, Federal’s Hydra-Shok Deep round in .380 ACP and the .22LR Punch round, also from Federal.
Power and penetration aren’t the only issues that pocket pistols have with ammunition. The smaller size of a pocket gun means they usually carry fewer rounds, which means having spare ammo on you is a higher priority than normal. With a semi-automatic, like Ruger’s Lite Rack LCP II, that means carrying a spare magazine. Where you carry that magazine, though, is somewhat of a question. Remember, these are pocket guns, so most-common location, a magazine pouch on the belt is a no-go, and carrying a spare magazine loose in your pocket leads to it getting bounced around and lost in the jumble of car keys, wallet and whatnot.
One solution that I’ve found to this problem is the Elite Survival Systems Pocket Magazine Pouch. This nifty (and inexpensive) little pouch keeps my spare magazine orientated correctly and protects it from excess wear and tear.
Speed strips are an excellent ammo storage solution for those of you who run a wheelgun as a pocket pistol. Speed strips, like those made by Bianchi, are an excellent choice. A slightly larger (but even quicker) option is the K-Pak speed strip from Zeta 6. These stagger the rounds so it’s easier to load your cylinders after you run dry, allowing you to get your gun back into action even faster.
Sight It In
Now it’s time to think about getting those rounds on-target. The sights on most pocket guns are minimalist at best, and at worst, non-existent, which places severe restrictions on their accuracy. Adding bright, fluorescent paint pen, nail polish or plastic model paint is one way to make whatever front sight post you have stand out and be seen.
Another way to get your hits on-target is to augment your iron sights with a laser sight that projects an aiming spot on the target. Crimson Trace was a first-mover in this field, and their Laser Guard series combines a bright red or green laser with easy activation, giving you and your target a clear indication of where your rounds are going to land.
Putting The “Pocket” In “Pocket Pistol”
Just because your gun fits into a pocket doesn’t mean your pocket is a holster, so carrying in a holster in your pocket is an absolute must. A good pocket holster will keep your pistol oriented the right way so it is ready to go at a moment’s notice, and more importantly, protect the trigger and keep your gun safe while you’re carrying it.
Some pocket holsters that stand out from the crowd are those made by DeSantis, like the Nemesis and Superfly lines, as well as the Galco Pocket Protector or Elite Survival Pocket holster.
Pocket pistols let your fulfill the #1 rule of a gunfight, namely, have a gun, but a gun by itself is only part of the equation. The largest part of a successful outcome comes down to your skill and mindset, something that relies on what’s in-between your ears, and not in your pocket.
