10 Best Pocket Pistols for Concealed Carry in 2024 – Expert Reviews

The best pocket pistols of 2024 are easy to use and carry, and still provide adequate protection. A good pocket pistol is also easy hide, load and shoot. Easy to shoot depends on how strong you are and how much recoil you can handle.

True pocket pistols are grouped into three categories: Auto, Revolver, and Mouse. Pocket pistols are also called subcompact pistols.

Here are our top choices by category, followed by a detailed review of each one. Let’s dive right in.

Product Reviews

AUTO

Autoloaders are the most popular pocket pistol today because you can carry more ammo than in the other two categories. They offer the fastest second shot and the fastest reload time. 

They are also less reliable than the other categories because they can jam. Semi-autos can be particular about the ammo you use.

The projectile type and how it is seated in the brass can affect loading. You need to take your gun out and try a variety of ammo to see which your particular gun prefers.

It’s worth noting that autoloaders must also be cleaned more often and thoroughly than other pocket guns; pocket lint and dirt will jam your gun.

You do need to clean your gun regularly, regardless of what it is.

1. Best Overall – Ruger LCP Max

Look at any review of the best subcompact pistols around. The LCP Max in .380 ACP is comfortable in-hand, and the recoil is manageable by nearly everyone.

The .380 is not as powerful as the 9mm, but that is the tradeoff. Less power means less recoil. The LCP Is currently only available in .380 acp. The letters stand for Light, Compact, and Powerful. While the powerful part can be debated, the light and compact parts are spot on.

Specifications: 

• Even in this small gun, the .380 is thoroughly lethal at typical self-defense ranges. Nine to 15 feet is the most common self-defense distance. 
• The LCP Max is lethal and accurate at 25 yards, which is 70 feet. If you practice with your LCP at ranges from 3-25 yards, you are covering self-defense use ranges very well.
• The gun comes with a 10-round mag. Stick one in the pipe, and you have an 11-round carry weapon.
• You can remove the front and rear sights on this gun. That makes it less likely to snag when coming out of your pocket.

Pros

• Less than an inch wide
• Removable sights
• 10-round mag
• 12-round mag with extended butt
• 10.6 ounces unloaded

Cons

• .380 is not as powerful as a 9mm
• Automatics are much more likely to jam than revolvers or derringers
• No external safety
• The safety is the inset in the trigger

Summary: When it comes to subcompact autos, this is my first choice. It is reliable, accurate, and carries enough ammo to make a difference. You just need the strength to pull the slide back to the chamber in the first round. I would carry it in a leather holster.

2. Best for Beginners – Beretta Tomcat

Beretta is synonymous with quality handguns in the gun world. The company produces a huge line of guns, with two in the pocket category. The Tomcat is the big brother to the Bobcat series.

Chambered in .32 ACP, this is not a powerful gun, packing even less punch than the .380. This does mean recoil is even less than the .380, so people with small hands who have grip problems may be able to use this one. 

Specifications:

• It has a tip-up barrel to load the first round. It functions like a break-action long gun.
• You do not have to pull the slide back to chamber a round. You can do this if you prefer. Once you shoot the first bullet, the gun cycles and self-loads the next cartridge.
• It carries seven rounds of .32 ACP in the map and one in the chamber for eight total rounds. This is not as much as the Ruger above, but eight shots should be enough. It is more than a revolver.
• The front sight will not come off but is low and has a long ramp. The front sight should not hang up in your pocket.
• It has a thumb safety on the left side, meaning this is best used by right-handed shooters.

Pros

• 14.5 ounces unloaded
• 8 rounds
• Easy to load
• Extended mag available
• Very low sights, rear removable

Cons

• .32 ACP is a weak cartridge
• Less penetration than other rounds with hollow points
• The rear sight cannot be removed without altering the gun.
• Autos jam more than revolvers and derringers

Summary: This is another subcompact I would carry. While the .32 is fairly anemic compared to a 9mm, it will get the job done in the hands of someone who knows how to shoot it. This is my recommendation to people who do not have the hand strength to rack a slide on an auto.

3. Best for Shooting- Ruger Lite Rack LCP II

Ruger returns to the lineup with a .22 long Lite Rack LCP II rifle. Many people feel the .22 rimfire is not adequate for self-defense. This Israeli secret service, Mossad, has a long track record of successfully using the .22 long rifle in close encounters. This gun is powerful and great for shooting.

Let’s look at the specifics. 

Specifications: 

• This gun weighs in at 11.2 ounces unloaded. 
• The mag holds ten rounds and one in the chamber. 
• The sights are almost rounded off. However, the front sight could use a bit more rounding. Drawing this should be no problem.
• The sights are machined into the slide.
• The gun is easy to conceal. 
• The .22 LR has almost no recoil, especially when compared to the mouse gun listed below.
• This is a good gun for recoil-shy people.

Pros

• Cheap ammo
• Very low recoil
• Easy to shoot
• Lightweight

Cons

• The manual safety is on the left side

Summary: I just like safeties on autoloaders. Some people do not. This push-forward design of the safety makes it easy to shoot. This is another one I would only carry in a holster. Some holsters will make the slide safety hard to manage. 

4. Best for Defense – Ruger LCR

The Ruger LCR is available in .38 Special and is +P rated, 9mm, .357 Mag, 327 Mag, .22 Mag and .22 LR. The .357 model has a serious kick and should only be carried by advanced shooters.

It’s great for defense as well. 

Specifications: 

• The LCR has a fluted cylinder to shave a few ounces. Even so, it still weighs 13.5 ounces in the .38 Special model.
• The rimfire models have an aluminum frame. The centerfires have a steel frame. You need steel to handle the pressures of the centerfire.
• The cylinder release is almost flush against part of the cylinder shield. It will not hang up.
• The front sight is replaceable. The factory sight could be a little better, but it should not hang up on a draw.
• The cylinder release is a bit higher in profile than some other snub revolvers. A gunsmith can replace this with a slimmer release.
• You can also easily swap out the grip for something that fits you better. I find the factory grip works just fine. Some grips come with an integrated laser as well.
• While the trigger pull is stout, it is not as bad as some revolvers.

Pros

• Up to. 357 mag
• Changeable grip
• Laser grip available
• Replaceable front sight
• Common ammo

Cons

• It takes longer to reload than an auto
• The front sight is a bit too high for me
• Limited to 5 shots
• More expensive than some others

5. Best Budget Pistol – Derringer BOND ARMS HONEY-B SS

The Derringer is usually an over-and-under double-barrel pocket pistol. Some are single shots. The most common calibers are 9mm, .38 special, .380, .32 and rimfire. The recoil is directly related to the caliber.

Specifications: 

• These are sometimes called boot guns because you can get a holster that clips to boots, making this even more hidden.
• Depending on the caliber and the maker, these are the cheapest guns in the list. They are also the hardest to learn to shoot and in the middle when it comes to reloading speed.
• My problem with a derringer is the size of the gun and the size of the bullet, both of which directly affect recoil. If you get a big enough bullet, say a 9mm, you are dealing with a lot of recoil. 
• If you reduce the bullet size, you also reduce the power and the effectiveness of the gun. A .22 LR derringer has a kick most adults can handle. However, its stopping abilities are seriously far short of a 9mm.

Pros

• Low price
• Variety of calibers
• Easy loading
• Easy to conceal

Cons

• Limited to 2 shots
• Limited all-around capability

Summary: Small caliber derringers are fun to shoot but lack stopping power. Higher calibers get increasingly difficult to shoot as the power goes up. They are really last-effort guns and should be a backup to your backup or something you have just to shoot now and then.

6. NAA-32

North American Arms is best known for its line of mouse guns (see below), but they also make autoloaders. The NAA-32 is chamber in .32 NAA in stainless steel frame

This is NOT a .32 ACP, but a proprietary cartridge from NAA. As such, it packs more punch than a standard 32 ACP and is close to the .380 ACP, thanks to the smaller projectile.

Specifications: 

• The mag holds six rounds of the cartridge for an effective load out of 7 with one in the pipe.
• At 15.6 ounces unloaded (almost a pound), this is heavier than some other options. NAA makes most of the guns from steel. The only polymer on this pistol is the grips.
• Stainless steel means it has superior rust resistance when compared to blued steel guns. That matters if you pocket carry in humid climates or you sweat a lot.
• The sights are fixed. The rear, in particular, has a steep angle and could hang up on something in your pocket. The front sight is less likely to hang up. 
• If you want the sights changed, you must go to a gunsmith who can reshape them.
• This is very easy to conceal because of its small size.

Pros

• Quite small, almost mouse gun sized
• Easy to conceal
• Chrome steel

Cons

• .32 ACP is a weak cartridge
• Automatics are particular about the ammo you use
• Sights cannot be adjusted
• Limited ammo capacity
• Finding the .32 NNA ammo is difficult

Summary: If the 32 NAA was commonplace, then this gun would easily slide into first place because of the bullet performance. However, the major objection I have to this gun is finding ammo. 9mm, .380, and .32 ACP are found all over the place. You are limited to finding ammo online or in big gun stores.

REVOLVER

The revolver is as reliable as a handgun as you can get, short of a single shot. If you can get the cartridge into the cylinder, it will work. 

Revolvers are also less likely to jam. Hammerless revolvers have even fewer parts of the gun open to the elements than traditional revolvers.

This closed-in construction means they pick up less pocket lint and dust. It does make them harder to clean if something gets stuck therein.

I’d recommend getting a hammerless or shrouded hammer. A hammer with a spur absolutely will hang up on your pocket.

7. Charter Arms Off Duty

Charter Arms makes a line of snub nose revolvers. The CA Off Duty is the hammerless version. Even though printing is an issue, this pistol is lightweight and allows you to maintain a low profile if necessary. 

Specifications:

•  It is a light 12 ounces. Weight matters when carrying a pocket pistol. You do not want to lean to the side.
• Where the hammer would normally be is a straight line housing the internals. This makes the revolver easy to slide into a holster.
• It is a .38 Special, carries plenty of kick, and it is loud. It may be more than some people can handle.
• The front sight has a ramp, but it should not be enough to hang up in a pocket.
• The cylinder slide is low profile, so it will not snag either. It does take some strength to push the release, though.
• It is a 5-shot double-action revolver, so you have limited ammo. The trigger pull is also extremely strong. If you get one of these, ensure you have enough strength to shoot it.

Pros

• Very reliable
• .38 special has moderate recoil
• Inexpensive compared to others
• 12 ounces unloaded
• Common ammo

Cons

• Horrible trigger pull
• Limited ammo
• It takes longer to reload than an auto

Summary: This is my EDC, or everyday carry gun. It is my second hammerless .38, in fact. I’ve carried my current one so long that it is showing real signs of wear on the metal. I plan to get another one!

8. S&W 642

The S&W 642 is often called the Airweight because it was introduced as a lightweight snubnosed revolver or a snubbie.  It makes the list because it has such a long and distinguished history. The 642 served as an ankle backup for law enforcement around the world for years.

Specifications: 

• Metal and polymer advances now mean it is not a true lightweight as it weighs 14.6 ounces unloaded.
• It is accurate. It is concealable. It is affordable.
• The biggest drawback is the high front sight that has an almost hook on the end. This will snag if you pocket carry without a holster.
• I carried one in a thick fabric holster for about a year, and the sight tore the holster. It also did not draw well from that holster. I switched to a leather holster, and the problem disappeared.

Pros

• Long-proven design
• Common ammo
• Very reliable
• +P ammo related
• Stout trigger pull

Cons

• Limited to 5 rounds
• Not lightweight anymore compared to other guns
• Slow reloading

9. S&W M&P Bodyguard

The M&P Bodyguard in .38 Special model is rated for +P ammo, so you can increase your firepower when carrying. At 14.4 ounces empty, it shaves some weight by using a lot of polymer. Still, it is not as light as some other guns in the list.

Specifications: 

• The gun has a cover-up on top of the hammer area. Some people want to put a thumb over that, so the grooves in the cover will help.
• The front sight is tall and grooved. It probably will not hang up on a draw, but I’d still like to see a lower profile.
• It comes with a laser integrated into the grip. The on-off button is on the top.
• A top switch makes more sense than a side switch which could be activated by the holster pressing it. Running out of battery when you really need that laser is not good.

Pros

• Middle of the road price
• Common ammo
• Laser makes aiming easier

Cons

• Limited to 5 shots
• It takes longer to load than an auto
• High front sight
• Grip is not as comfortable as others with finger grooves

Summary: The biggest advantage to this one is the +P ammo rating. I am a fan of +P ammo in a .38 Special. I am not a fan of plastic on pistols anywhere.

MOUSE PISTOLS

Mouse pistols are called that because people think they have very little power, about enough to stop a charging mouse or rat. Depending on the caliber, that is true. Small calibers in tiny guns have little terminal punch. Bigger calibers will pack a wallop on the target but give the shooter a huge amount of recoil.

10. North American Arms Revolve

North American Arms is the company to use if you want a mouse pistol in a revolver. NAA revolvers come in 22 LR, which also shoots Long and Short, and the .22 Mag, which is more powerful. The recoil on these guns is very light because the cartridge is also very small. The very short barrel means you are not getting a lot of pressure to propel the bullet down the barrel. 

Specifications:

• These guns are used in self-defense, and some people carry them to shoot snakes and other small varmints. Their effectiveness on someone wearing very heavy winter clothes is marginal.
• NA sells a folding grip that also acts as a holster. The gun slides into the polymer handle. Fold it back, and you have a nearly full-sized grip, making shooting these diminutive revolvers much easier.
• When you draw the gun, you do need to put your thumb over the hammer to keep it from snagging in your pocket. You can do this easily after some practice.
• This is the hardest gun in this review to reload. You have to remove the cylinder for a full reload completely.

Pros

• Small
• Easy to carry
• Easy to conceal
• Easy to shoot

Cons

• Very limited power
• Very limited range.
• Hardest to reload of all guns in this list

Summary: It is called a mouse gun for a reason. You either shoot very small targets or be right on top of the target. At 25 yards, these guns are ineffective both in accuracy and penetration compared to other guns you could carry. The .22 Mag is a better choice than the 22 LR.

Buying Guide

Let’s look more closely at what goes into buying a pocket pistol. 

1. Use

How are you using your pocket gun? What do you need to do? Which is the best choice? Here are my answers.

• Hunting 

None of these guns are really suited for hunting. They are all good for a coup de gras, and I have used pocket guns for that in the past.

• Self Defense

For self-defense, any of the revolvers are good. The .22 LR is marginal unless you are a very good shooter. The .22 mag is a better choice. All of the auto loaders are a good choice for defending yourself or others, with the same caution on using the .22 LR.

If you need self-defense from snakes or four-legged critters, all these guns, including the derringers, are good if you are fending off something coyote size and smaller.

For most small creatures, the first shot will send them running, except for the snakes, which are deaf. Most snakes will leave you alone if you leave them alone.

Bigger animals mean you need bigger guns than what is listed here. For instance, the smallest caliber I’d carry in bear country is a 10mm.

• Plinking

If you just want to go out plinking, avoid the derringers. They kick too much unless you get a rimfire cartridge. Otherwise, all are great for punching paper.

If you get light loads, the revolvers are the most fun. Autoloaders may not cycle with very light hand loads but work fine with light factory ammo.

I practice with Smith & Wesson .38s in my revolver. There’s light recoil, less noise, and I still get all the practice I need for using heavier self-defense rounds.

2. Fit

The gun has to fit, sit and ride well in your hand. You will not be accurate if you cannot keep a good grip on it. Follow-up shots will be a problem. 

Scott DeShield demonstrates the problem of recoil combined with a gun that does not fit a hand very well in this video. You can see how the gun actually slides in his hand. In this case, getting an accurate second shot is well nigh impossible.

3. Size

Will the gun fit in your pocket? If you carry a clutch purse, will it fit in there? You need a gun that stays fully concealed in your pocket. If the grip sticks out where it can be seen, that defeats the purpose of concealed carry.

It needs to be small enough to hide.

4. Printing

Printing is directly related to size. Printing means what kind of image the gun presents through your pants pocket or wherever you carry it. Again, if it looks exactly like a pistol, this defeats the purpose of pocket carry.

The DeSantis Pocket Shot holster is a good way to carry semi-autos that fit in the holster. It prints like a wallet in your pocket. When you pull the gun, you pull the holster, too, and you shoot with the gun still in the holster.

5. Draw

The best pocket pistol on the planet is no good if you cannot get it out of your pocket in a hurry. The gun and the holster are both important here. 

A big front sight will hang up no matter what holster you use. A squared-off front sight will also hang up. The rear can hang up, too, especially if it is large and square. Ideally, you want a front sight that has a low profile and a gradual ramp with no sharp or 90-degree angles. The rear sight should be low and beveled.

The holster, except for the DeSantis, must stay in your pocket when you draw. Fabric holsters will not catch on anything and will come out with the gun. Pocket carry leather holsters have hooks that catch on the inside of the pocket when you draw your gun.

6. Ammo

You have an expensive paperweight if you do not have ammo for your gun. Recently gun makers have come out with new cartridges that are supposed to meet or exceed the capabilities of much older rounds. They may be right, but finding ammo for those guns is difficult.

Stick to common and widely available cartridges. They are: 9mm, .38 Special, .357 Mag, .380, .32, .22 Mag and .22 Long Rifle.

FAQS

Conclusion 

If I had to pick from this entire list, then I choose a chrome .357 Mag hammerless snub nose as my EDC. Here are my reasons.

It is reliable. A revolver will shoot whatever ammo fits in properly in the cylinder. Autos sometimes have issues with different ammo brands and loads. For instance, some automatics will not feed aluminum hull ammo very well. I like being able to buy any old .38 Special or .357 Mag and know it will run.

I do have fewer shots than with an automatic, but I also know my capabilities with my snubbie. 

The 357 has a good bit more recoil than a .38, but I can handle that additional kick. Some people cannot.

However, if I am going to someplace where I am not familiar with the territory and the people and it has a higher crime rate, I will get one of my autos out of the gun safe just for that trip. Most of the places I go are quite safe.