Pocket pistol
Encyclopedia
A pocket pistol is an American term for any small, pocket-sized semi-automatic pistol or, less-popular, any other handgun (e.g., derringer
, or small revolver
) of (most commonly) small caliber, suitable for concealed carry in either a front or rear pocket of a pair of trousers, or in an exterior coat pocket. Some consider the term solely applicable to hammerless handguns that are striker-fired in semi-automatic blowback
configurations. However, with the advent of newer and smaller double action only (DAO) semi-automatic pistol designs, some locked breech
concealed-hammer pistol designs are now also called pocket pistols.
In general use, the term pocket pistol is not considered a pejorative
term. However, some pocket pistols, often those of lesser caliber, are referred to as mousegun
s, which sometimes is considered a pejorative term among those who prefer larger caliber pistols, although not among those who prefer smaller caliber pistols for deeper concealment.
, which developed from the Philadelphia Deringer
, is typically no longer widely used for concealed carry (except in .357 Magnum
calibers) with most preferring more rounds of small caliber cartridges in an auto-loading pistol design to provide increased self-defense capability extending beyond one or two shots. While still retaining moderate amounts of popularity, short-barreled ("snubnose") revolvers are similarly not as widely used as pocket pistols today as they were during the 1950s and earlier.
The first widely used and successfully sold pocket pistols were sold in blowback designs, such as the Raven Arms MP-25
.
More recently, modern locked-breech designs, such as the Kel-Tec P-32
and Kel-Tec P11
, have become more popular through providing an option for carrying larger, more powerful, caliber sizes, while additionally including more safety features than were included in the older blowback designs.
The typical usage of a pocket pistol is for close range self-defense, often serving as a deep concealment backup gun to a larger handgun. Pocket holsters are highly recommended for the safe carry of pocket pistols, with standard practice being to carry the holster (sometimes with a second magazine sub-pocket stitched into the holster) in a front or rear trouser pocket with nothing else carried in the pocket that could snag on the gun when drawn. The most popular pocket holster designs are typically made of form-fitted leather, with a heavy layer of leather worn outward from the body to prevent printing of the gun outline on tight clothing, although Kydex holsters are also used, especially for thicker pocket pistols for which the added thickness of a leather holster would cause an excessive overall thickness.
Pocket pistols are carried with a round chambered, and with a safety engaged (ON), for single-action designs. However, with the 5 to 6 lbf (22 to 27 N) trigger pulls seen on double-action-only long trigger pull handguns without any external safety, and with a round chambered, the use of form-fitting trigger-covering holsters prevents inadvertently discharging the gun while it is carried, in much the same way that a revolver
can be carried without an external safety. The use of moisture and vapor-barrier layers in the holster stitched closer to the body in the holster is recommended to prevent damaging the finish of the pocket pistol due to sweat. This extra layer also serves to increase carry comfort, and to prevent chapping or blistering the skin under the holster due to repetitive motion rubbing or friction that can occur while walking, jogging, or running.
Pocket pistol users include both concealed handgun licensed private citizens and police officers, desiring a self-defense gun, or desiring to carry a backup gun. Aiming is typically intended for point and shoot, only, with one-handed pistol operation, unlike the practice with small-caliber target pistols which are instead usually fired with two-handed stances, and while carefully aligning the front and rear sights. The typical effective range for pocket pistols is 3 to 7 yards (2.7 to 6.5 m). Pocket pistols are typically made with rounded edges, with few controls, to prevent snagging on the draw.
Range practice, at least monthly, is often practiced by those who carry pocket pistols to maintain proficiency and accuracy. Pocket pistols are not typically pleasant to shoot, having considerably more felt recoil than seen with more massive full-size or "full-frame compact" semi-automatic pistols.
, .32 ACP
, and .380 ACP
in older hammerless, blowback designs; and .32 ACP
, .380 ACP
, and 9 mm Luger in concealed-hammer, locked-breech designs. There are also single-stack 6+1 pistols in .45 ACP
or .40 S&W
such as the Springfield Armory Micro Compact LW and the Smith & Wesson SW990L which technically qualify as pocket pistols or holdout guns.
In general, the newer concealed-hammer, locked-breech designs are much more resistant to accidental discharges, having modern hammerblock and other safety features that prevent pistols from firing when a round is chambered and the pistol is accidentally dropped on its muzzle.
s by those not favoring the use of such guns. Hence, pocket pistols are less popular with a larger cross-section of the general US population than larger self-defense handguns. Still, the numbers sold speak of a wide degree of popularity, with some models having been sold in quantities in excess of 3 million over 30 or more years.
and junk gun.
Derringer
The term derringer is a genericized misspelling of the last name of Henry Deringer, a famous 19th-century maker of small pocket pistols. Many copies of the original Philadelphia Deringer pistol were made by other gun makers worldwide, and the name was often misspelled; this misspelling soon became...
, or small revolver
Revolver
A revolver is a repeating firearm that has a cylinder containing multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing. The first revolver ever made was built by Elisha Collier in 1818. The percussion cap revolver was invented by Samuel Colt in 1836. This weapon became known as the Colt Paterson...
) of (most commonly) small caliber, suitable for concealed carry in either a front or rear pocket of a pair of trousers, or in an exterior coat pocket. Some consider the term solely applicable to hammerless handguns that are striker-fired in semi-automatic blowback
Blowback (arms)
Blowback is a system of operation for self-loading firearms that obtains energy from the motion of the cartridge case as it is pushed to the rear by expanding gases created by the ignition of the propellant charge....
configurations. However, with the advent of newer and smaller double action only (DAO) semi-automatic pistol designs, some locked breech
Recoil operation
Recoil operation is an operating mechanism used in locked-breech, autoloading firearms. As the name implies, these actions use the force of recoil to provide energy to cycle the action...
concealed-hammer pistol designs are now also called pocket pistols.
In general use, the term pocket pistol is not considered a pejorative
Pejorative
Pejoratives , including name slurs, are words or grammatical forms that connote negativity and express contempt or distaste. A term can be regarded as pejorative in some social groups but not in others, e.g., hacker is a term used for computer criminals as well as quick and clever computer experts...
term. However, some pocket pistols, often those of lesser caliber, are referred to as mousegun
Mousegun
A mousegun is most often considered a category of small revolver, or semi-automatic handgun intended for self defense. Typically such small pistols are of .380 ACP caliber or less, with .32 ACP and .22 Long Rifle calibers also being common. The term is used to describe a class of small handguns...
s, which sometimes is considered a pejorative term among those who prefer larger caliber pistols, although not among those who prefer smaller caliber pistols for deeper concealment.
History
The original 19th century vest-sized pocket pistol, the derringerDerringer
The term derringer is a genericized misspelling of the last name of Henry Deringer, a famous 19th-century maker of small pocket pistols. Many copies of the original Philadelphia Deringer pistol were made by other gun makers worldwide, and the name was often misspelled; this misspelling soon became...
, which developed from the Philadelphia Deringer
Henry Deringer
Henry Deringer was an American gunsmith. He invented, and gave his name to the Deringer pistol. Further development and copying of his design resulted in the derringer pistol that was generically manufactured widely by other companies.He was born in Easton, Pennsylvania on Oct...
, is typically no longer widely used for concealed carry (except in .357 Magnum
.357 Magnum
The .357 S&W Magnum , or simply .357 Magnum, is a revolver cartridge created by Elmer Keith, Phillip B. Sharpe, Colonel D. B. Wesson of firearms manufacturer Smith & Wesson, and Winchester. It is based upon Smith & Wesson's earlier .38 Special cartridge. The .357 Magnum cartridge was introduced in...
calibers) with most preferring more rounds of small caliber cartridges in an auto-loading pistol design to provide increased self-defense capability extending beyond one or two shots. While still retaining moderate amounts of popularity, short-barreled ("snubnose") revolvers are similarly not as widely used as pocket pistols today as they were during the 1950s and earlier.
The first widely used and successfully sold pocket pistols were sold in blowback designs, such as the Raven Arms MP-25
Raven Arms MP-25
The MP-25 is a .25-caliber semi-automatic pistol developed by George Jennings in the late 1960s. In 1970, Jennings designed the inexpensive MP-25 pistol and founded Raven Arms, which was also known as the original Ring of Fire company...
.
More recently, modern locked-breech designs, such as the Kel-Tec P-32
Kel-Tec P-32
The Kel-Tec P-32 is a compact semi-automatic pistol using the short-recoil principle of operation. Chambered in .32 ACP, it is popular for concealed carry in the United States. It was designed by George Kellgren, the Swedish firearms designer associated earlier with the Husqvarna, Intratec, and...
and Kel-Tec P11
Kel-Tec P11
The Kel-Tec P-11 is a compact, semi-automatic, short-recoil operated pistol chambered in 9 mm Luger. It has been manufactured by Kel-Tec CNC Industries of Cocoa, FL since 1995.-Design & Specifications:...
, have become more popular through providing an option for carrying larger, more powerful, caliber sizes, while additionally including more safety features than were included in the older blowback designs.
Typical usage
The typical usage of a pocket pistol is for close range self-defense, often serving as a deep concealment backup gun to a larger handgun. Pocket holsters are highly recommended for the safe carry of pocket pistols, with standard practice being to carry the holster (sometimes with a second magazine sub-pocket stitched into the holster) in a front or rear trouser pocket with nothing else carried in the pocket that could snag on the gun when drawn. The most popular pocket holster designs are typically made of form-fitted leather, with a heavy layer of leather worn outward from the body to prevent printing of the gun outline on tight clothing, although Kydex holsters are also used, especially for thicker pocket pistols for which the added thickness of a leather holster would cause an excessive overall thickness.
Pocket pistols are carried with a round chambered, and with a safety engaged (ON), for single-action designs. However, with the 5 to 6 lbf (22 to 27 N) trigger pulls seen on double-action-only long trigger pull handguns without any external safety, and with a round chambered, the use of form-fitting trigger-covering holsters prevents inadvertently discharging the gun while it is carried, in much the same way that a revolver
Revolver
A revolver is a repeating firearm that has a cylinder containing multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing. The first revolver ever made was built by Elisha Collier in 1818. The percussion cap revolver was invented by Samuel Colt in 1836. This weapon became known as the Colt Paterson...
can be carried without an external safety. The use of moisture and vapor-barrier layers in the holster stitched closer to the body in the holster is recommended to prevent damaging the finish of the pocket pistol due to sweat. This extra layer also serves to increase carry comfort, and to prevent chapping or blistering the skin under the holster due to repetitive motion rubbing or friction that can occur while walking, jogging, or running.
Pocket pistol users include both concealed handgun licensed private citizens and police officers, desiring a self-defense gun, or desiring to carry a backup gun. Aiming is typically intended for point and shoot, only, with one-handed pistol operation, unlike the practice with small-caliber target pistols which are instead usually fired with two-handed stances, and while carefully aligning the front and rear sights. The typical effective range for pocket pistols is 3 to 7 yards (2.7 to 6.5 m). Pocket pistols are typically made with rounded edges, with few controls, to prevent snagging on the draw.
Range practice, at least monthly, is often practiced by those who carry pocket pistols to maintain proficiency and accuracy. Pocket pistols are not typically pleasant to shoot, having considerably more felt recoil than seen with more massive full-size or "full-frame compact" semi-automatic pistols.
Caliber sizes and safety features
Pocket pistol caliber size is typically .22 LR, .25 ACP.25 ACP
The .25 ACP centerfire pistol cartridge is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled pistol cartridge introduced by John Browning in 1905 alongside the Fabrique Nationale model 1905 pistol...
, .32 ACP
.32 ACP
.32 ACP , also known as the .32 Automatic is a pistol cartridge. It is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning, initially for use in the FN M1900 semi-automatic pistol...
, and .380 ACP
.380 ACP
The .380 ACP pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since...
in older hammerless, blowback designs; and .32 ACP
.32 ACP
.32 ACP , also known as the .32 Automatic is a pistol cartridge. It is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning, initially for use in the FN M1900 semi-automatic pistol...
, .380 ACP
.380 ACP
The .380 ACP pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since...
, and 9 mm Luger in concealed-hammer, locked-breech designs. There are also single-stack 6+1 pistols in .45 ACP
.45 ACP
The .45 ACP , also known as the .45 Auto by C.I.P., is a cartridge designed by John Browning in 1904, for use in his prototype Colt semi-automatic .45 pistol and eventually the M1911 pistol adopted by the United States Army in 1911.-Design and history:The U.S...
or .40 S&W
.40 S&W
The .40 S&W is a rimless pistol cartridge developed jointly by major American firearms manufacturers Winchester and Smith & Wesson. The .40 S&W was developed from the ground up as a law enforcement cartridge designed to duplicate performance of the FBI's reduced velocity 10mm cartridge which could...
such as the Springfield Armory Micro Compact LW and the Smith & Wesson SW990L which technically qualify as pocket pistols or holdout guns.
In general, the newer concealed-hammer, locked-breech designs are much more resistant to accidental discharges, having modern hammerblock and other safety features that prevent pistols from firing when a round is chambered and the pistol is accidentally dropped on its muzzle.
Popularity
Pocket pistols are typically derided by gun enthusiasts who claim that they provide inadequate self defense. Likewise, pocket pistols, due to their typical low cost, often are lumped with Saturday night specialSaturday night special
The phrase Saturday night special is pejorative slang used in the United States and Canada for any inexpensive handgun. Saturday night specials have been defined as compact, inexpensive handguns with low perceived quality; however, there is no official definition of "Saturday night special" under...
s by those not favoring the use of such guns. Hence, pocket pistols are less popular with a larger cross-section of the general US population than larger self-defense handguns. Still, the numbers sold speak of a wide degree of popularity, with some models having been sold in quantities in excess of 3 million over 30 or more years.
Similar gun-related terminology
Similar terms include Saturday night special, mousegun, and junk gun. The term pocket pistol typically encompasses a superset of most all of these handguns, without the pejorative issues often seen with the terms Saturday night specialSaturday night special
The phrase Saturday night special is pejorative slang used in the United States and Canada for any inexpensive handgun. Saturday night specials have been defined as compact, inexpensive handguns with low perceived quality; however, there is no official definition of "Saturday night special" under...
and junk gun.
Blowback operation
- Beretta 21 BobcatBeretta 21 BobcatThe Beretta 21A Bobcat is a small pocket-sized semi-automatic pistol designed by Beretta in Italy. Production began in late 1984, solely in the Beretta U.S.A. facility in Accokeek, Maryland. It is a further development of the Beretta Model 20, whose production ended in 1985.-Design:The Beretta 21A...
(.22 LR and .25 ACP.25 ACPThe .25 ACP centerfire pistol cartridge is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled pistol cartridge introduced by John Browning in 1905 alongside the Fabrique Nationale model 1905 pistol...
) - Beretta 3032 TomcatBeretta 3032 TomcatThe Beretta 3032 Tomcat and Beretta 3032 Tomcat Inox are semi-automatic pistols designed and manufactured by Beretta. They are chambered in .32 ACP and are small pistols, designed for concealed-carry and use as backup weapons.-History:...
(.32 ACP.32 ACP.32 ACP , also known as the .32 Automatic is a pistol cartridge. It is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning, initially for use in the FN M1900 semi-automatic pistol...
) - Bersa Thunder 380BERSA Thunder 380Introduced in the late 1990s by Argentine firearms manufacturer Bersa, S.A., the Thunder 380 is a lightweight, relatively small semi-automatic pistol chambered in the popular .380 ACP caliber.-Development:...
(.380 ACP.380 ACPThe .380 ACP pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since...
) - Bryco ArmsBryco Arms/Jennings Firearms/Jimenez ArmsJimenez Arms, also known as "J.A.", is an American firearms manufacturer based in Henderson in Nevada. The company was started in August 2004 using the molds and machinery from bankrupt Bryco Arms and currently makes four models of firearm.-Bryco Arms:...
P-38 (.32 ACP.32 ACP.32 ACP , also known as the .32 Automatic is a pistol cartridge. It is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning, initially for use in the FN M1900 semi-automatic pistol...
and .380 ACP.380 ACPThe .380 ACP pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since...
) - Raven Arms MP-25Raven Arms MP-25The MP-25 is a .25-caliber semi-automatic pistol developed by George Jennings in the late 1960s. In 1970, Jennings designed the inexpensive MP-25 pistol and founded Raven Arms, which was also known as the original Ring of Fire company...
(.25 ACP.25 ACPThe .25 ACP centerfire pistol cartridge is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled pistol cartridge introduced by John Browning in 1905 alongside the Fabrique Nationale model 1905 pistol...
) - Walther PP (.380 ACP.380 ACPThe .380 ACP pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since...
, .32 ACP.32 ACP.32 ACP , also known as the .32 Automatic is a pistol cartridge. It is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning, initially for use in the FN M1900 semi-automatic pistol...
, .22 LR, and .25 ACP.25 ACPThe .25 ACP centerfire pistol cartridge is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled pistol cartridge introduced by John Browning in 1905 alongside the Fabrique Nationale model 1905 pistol...
) - Ortgies semi-automatic pistol (6.35 mm, 7.65 mm, and 9 mm)
Locked-breech operation
- Taurus TCP (.380 ACP.380 ACPThe .380 ACP pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since...
) - Ruger LCPRuger LCPThe Ruger LCP is a subcompact, .380 ACP pocket pistol announced by Sturm, Ruger at the 2008 SHOT Show. The pistol lacks certain features required for sale in California or Massachusetts.-Overview:...
(.380 ACP.380 ACPThe .380 ACP pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since...
) - Ruger LC9Ruger LC9The Ruger LC9 is a 9mm caliber, recoil operated, locked breech, double action only, semi-automatic pistol announced by Sturm, Ruger at the 2011 SHOT Show...
(9x19mm) - Kel-Tec PF-9Kel-Tec PF-9The Kel-Tec PF-9 is a 9 mm caliber, recoil operated, locked breech, double action only, semi-automatic pistol based on Kel-Tec’s earlier P11 and P3AT models. Kel-Tec claims the PF-9 is the flattest and lightest 9 mm pistol ever mass-produced. It was designed as a concealment and backup weapon for...
(9x19mm) - Kel-Tec P-11 (9x19mm)
- Kel-Tec P-32Kel-Tec P-32The Kel-Tec P-32 is a compact semi-automatic pistol using the short-recoil principle of operation. Chambered in .32 ACP, it is popular for concealed carry in the United States. It was designed by George Kellgren, the Swedish firearms designer associated earlier with the Husqvarna, Intratec, and...
(.32 ACP.32 ACP.32 ACP , also known as the .32 Automatic is a pistol cartridge. It is a semi-rimmed, straight-walled cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning, initially for use in the FN M1900 semi-automatic pistol...
) - Kel-Tec P-3AT (.380 ACP.380 ACPThe .380 ACP pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since...
) - North American ArmsNorth American ArmsNorth American Arms is a United States company, headquartered in Provo, Utah, that manufactures small pistols and mini-revolvers.The company was originally named Rocky Mountain Arms...
Guardian (.25 NAA.25 NAAThe .25 NAA was introduced by North American Arms company for their smaller & and lighter .32 ACP Guardian model. It is simply the .32 ACP necked down to accept .251" diameter bullets....
, .32 ACP, .32 NAA.32 NAAThe .32NAA is a cartridge/firearm 'system' designed and developed by the partnership of North American Arms and Cor-bon Ammunition. The cartridge is based on a .380 ACP case, which is necked-down to hold a 32 caliber bullet with the goal being an improvement in ballistic performance over either the...
, .380 ACP.380 ACPThe .380 ACP pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since...
) - Kahr P380, P9, P40, P45Kahr P seriesThe Kahr P series is a product line of double action only hammerless, striker-fired, short recoil operated, semi-automatic pistols manufactured by Kahr Arms in Worcester, Massachusetts....
(.380 ACP.380 ACPThe .380 ACP pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since...
, 9x19mm, .40 S&W.40 S&WThe .40 S&W is a rimless pistol cartridge developed jointly by major American firearms manufacturers Winchester and Smith & Wesson. The .40 S&W was developed from the ground up as a law enforcement cartridge designed to duplicate performance of the FBI's reduced velocity 10mm cartridge which could...
, .45 ACP.45 ACPThe .45 ACP , also known as the .45 Auto by C.I.P., is a cartridge designed by John Browning in 1904, for use in his prototype Colt semi-automatic .45 pistol and eventually the M1911 pistol adopted by the United States Army in 1911.-Design and history:The U.S...
) - Kahr K9Kahr K9The Kahr K9 is a 9x19mm Parabellum semi-automatic pistol manufactured by Kahr Arms in their Worcester, Massachusetts small arms facility. The K9 was introduced in 1995 and features a double action only trigger mechanism with a Locked breech recoil operated action...
(9x19mm) - Kahr CW9 (9x19mm)
- Kahr MK9 (9x19mm)
- Kahr PM9, PM40, PM45Kahr PM seriesThe Kahr PM series is a product line of double action only hammerless, striker-fired, short recoil operated, semi-automatic pistols manufactured by Kahr Arms in Worcester, Massachusetts....
(9x19mm, .40 S&W.40 S&WThe .40 S&W is a rimless pistol cartridge developed jointly by major American firearms manufacturers Winchester and Smith & Wesson. The .40 S&W was developed from the ground up as a law enforcement cartridge designed to duplicate performance of the FBI's reduced velocity 10mm cartridge which could...
, .45 ACP.45 ACPThe .45 ACP , also known as the .45 Auto by C.I.P., is a cartridge designed by John Browning in 1904, for use in his prototype Colt semi-automatic .45 pistol and eventually the M1911 pistol adopted by the United States Army in 1911.-Design and history:The U.S...
) - Kimber Solo (9x19mm)
- Glock 26, 36, and variants (9x19mm, .40 S&W.40 S&WThe .40 S&W is a rimless pistol cartridge developed jointly by major American firearms manufacturers Winchester and Smith & Wesson. The .40 S&W was developed from the ground up as a law enforcement cartridge designed to duplicate performance of the FBI's reduced velocity 10mm cartridge which could...
, 10mm Auto, .45 GAP.45 GAPThe .45 G.A.P. pistol cartridge was designed by Ernest Durham, an engineer with CCI/Speer, at the request of firearms manufacturer Glock to provide a cartridge that would equal the power of the .45 ACP but was shorter to fit in a more compact handgun, and with a stronger case head to reduce the...
, .45 ACP.45 ACPThe .45 ACP , also known as the .45 Auto by C.I.P., is a cartridge designed by John Browning in 1904, for use in his prototype Colt semi-automatic .45 pistol and eventually the M1911 pistol adopted by the United States Army in 1911.-Design and history:The U.S...
, .380 ACP.380 ACPThe .380 ACP pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since...
, .357 SIG.357 SIGThe .357 SIG pistol cartridge is the product of Swiss-German firearms manufacturer SIG-Sauer, in cooperation with the American ammunition manufacturer Federal Cartridge. While it is based on a .40 S&W case necked down to accept bullets, the .357 SIG brass is slightly longer...
) - Rohrbaugh R9Rohrbaugh R9The Rohrbaugh R9 is a semi-automatic pistol produced by Rohrbaugh Firearms of Long Island, New York. It is chambered in either 9x19mm Parabellum or .380 ACP, and was designed to be a lightweight, compact self-defense weapon....
(9x19mm) - Sig Sauer P238SIG Sauer P238The SIG Sauer P238 is a compact .380 ACP caliber, single-action pistol announced by SIG Sauer at the 2009 SHOT Show. It is a version of the Colt Mustang pistol with a classic SIG Sauer scalloped slide and finger relief under the trigger guard...
(.380 ACP.380 ACPThe .380 ACP pistol cartridge is a rimless, straight-walled pistol cartridge developed by firearms designer John Browning. The cartridge headspaces on the mouth of the case. It was introduced in 1908 by Colt, and has been a popular self-defense cartridge ever since...
) - SIG Sauer P290 (9x19mm)
- Diamondback DB9 (9x19mm Luger)
Revolver
- Velo-dogVelo-dogThe Velo-Dog was a pocket revolver originally created in France by Charles-François Galand in the late 19th century as a defense for cyclists against dog attacks. The name is a portmanteau of "velocipede" and "dog"....
(.22 Velo-dog cartridge) - North American ArmsNorth American ArmsNorth American Arms is a United States company, headquartered in Provo, Utah, that manufactures small pistols and mini-revolvers.The company was originally named Rocky Mountain Arms...
Mini-Revolver (.22 Short.22 Short.22 Short is a variety of .22 caliber rimfire ammunition. Developed in 1857 for the first Smith and Wesson revolver, the .22 rimfire was the first American metallic cartridge....
, .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HM2.17 HM2The .17 Hornady Mach 2, or .17 HM2, is a rimfire cartridge introduced in 2004 by the ammunition manufacturer Hornady, following the successful launch in 2002 of the .17 HMR...
, .17 HMR.17 HMR.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire, commonly known as the .17 HMR, is a rimfire rifle cartridge developed by the ammunition company Hornady in 2002. It descended from the .22 Magnum by necking down the .22 Magnum case to take a .17 caliber bullet, and it is more costly to shoot than traditional .22...
) - Ruger LCRRuger LCRThe Ruger LCR is a compact .38 Special caliber revolver built by Ruger and announced in January 2009. The LCR acronym stands for 'Lightweight Compact Revolver'. It incorporates several novel features such as a polymer grip and trigger housing, monolithic receiver, and constant force trigger...
- Smith & Wesson 442Smith & Wesson CentennialS&W Centennial is a family of 5-shot revolvers made by Smith & Wesson on the "J-Frame". Centennial's feature a fully enclosed hammer, which makes them Double Action Only firearms. Like nearly all other "J-frame" Smith & Wesson revolvers, they have a swing-out cylinder...
Pocket pistol comparison chart
See also
- DerringerDerringerThe term derringer is a genericized misspelling of the last name of Henry Deringer, a famous 19th-century maker of small pocket pistols. Many copies of the original Philadelphia Deringer pistol were made by other gun makers worldwide, and the name was often misspelled; this misspelling soon became...
- MousegunMousegunA mousegun is most often considered a category of small revolver, or semi-automatic handgun intended for self defense. Typically such small pistols are of .380 ACP caliber or less, with .32 ACP and .22 Long Rifle calibers also being common. The term is used to describe a class of small handguns...
- Philadelphia DeringerHenry DeringerHenry Deringer was an American gunsmith. He invented, and gave his name to the Deringer pistol. Further development and copying of his design resulted in the derringer pistol that was generically manufactured widely by other companies.He was born in Easton, Pennsylvania on Oct...
- RevolverRevolverA revolver is a repeating firearm that has a cylinder containing multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing. The first revolver ever made was built by Elisha Collier in 1818. The percussion cap revolver was invented by Samuel Colt in 1836. This weapon became known as the Colt Paterson...
- Saturday night specialSaturday night specialThe phrase Saturday night special is pejorative slang used in the United States and Canada for any inexpensive handgun. Saturday night specials have been defined as compact, inexpensive handguns with low perceived quality; however, there is no official definition of "Saturday night special" under...
- Semi-automatic pistol
- Cavalry pistol - heavy 3-feet long armour picercing wheel-lock pistol, used by reitars and cuirassiers
External links
- Smallest Guns A useful and unique website listing a good deal of information and links about many pocket pistols.
- Defining A True Pocket Pistol