7 Best Pocket Pistol Choices [2025 Updated]: Are They Right for You?

Size matters, and it goes in both directions. Sometimes you need a big gun. Sometimes you need a small gun. Small guns come in various sizes, and we have subcompacts, pocket pistols, and mouse guns. Today we are going to be talking all about pocket pistols. We’ve gathered the very best pocket pistols, and we are going to break down what a pocket pistol is and leave you with a little advice on how to best use your pocket pistol. 

What is a Pocket Pistol?

The name explains it, right? A pocket pistol is small enough to fit in your pocket! As such it has to be very small, relatively lightweight, and thin. If it’s hard to draw from your pocket, it’s going to be tough to call it a pocket pistol. Pocket pistols can be found in calibers like 25 ACP, 22LR, 32 ACP, 380 ACP, and 9mm. 

What’s A Pocket Pistol Good For?

Why would you ever want such a small gun? If you’ve handled firearms before, you know that small guns are often more challenging than large guns. However, there is a time and a place for everything, and small guns fill a certain niche. 

• Deep Concealment: When hiding the gun is the most important consideration, then a small gun is the best option possible. Pocket pistols print less and are easier to conceal in tuckable holsters, belly bands, on the ankle, and of course, in the pocket. 
• A Backup: Some people carry more than one gun. Carrying one decent-sized firearm can be tough to do. Carrying two is a major hassle. Choosing a pocket pistol as your backup gun ensures you have a spare rod, but you don’t need to be weighed down by a second Glock 19. 
• Convenience Carry Guns: Let’s admit, sometimes you have to run a quick errand, and you don’t want to strap on a proper-sized holster and gun. A pocket pistol allows for the convenient carry of a small gun for those quick errands. 

How I Chose The Best Pocket Pistols

When it comes to choosing the best pocket pistols, I bring more than just a passing interest to the table. I’ve clocked in hours at the range, scrutinizing and testing these compact guns, ensuring they pack a punch in performance while fitting snugly in your pocket.

My journey in selecting these pistols didn’t start at the counter. It began with an understanding—having a reliable, easily concealed firearm matters. I’ve handled a variety of models, delving into their features, ergonomics, and most importantly, their reliability when it counts the most.

But expertise doesn’t flourish in isolation. I didn’t just rely on my own experiences. I sought insights from my peers in the field, tapping into their preferences and putting their recommendations to the test. Anything I hadn’t laid my hands on, I made sure to acquire, because a comprehensive review demands no stone left unturned.

After meticulously examining and firing these pistols, I’ve distilled the top contenders. These aren’t just numbers on a spec sheet; they’re the ones that impressed me with their accuracy, ease of use, and ability to maintain precision in critical moments.

So, rest assured, this list isn’t a shot in the dark. It’s a result of hands-on experience and collaboration, ensuring that when it comes to selecting a pocket pistol, you’re getting the insights of someone who’s walked the talk in the world of concealed firearms.

Best Pocket Pistols

• Glock 42
• Ruger LCP Max
• S&W Bodyguard 2.0 
• Taurus 22 TUC 
• KelTec P32 
• Ruger LCR 32 H&R Magnum 
• NAA Guardian 32 ACP

Best Pocket Pistols

1. Glock 42		Glock Brand Glock Reliability Full-Size Sights Easy to Find	Check Price
2. Ruger LCP Max		1.5 Stack Magazine Pocket Sized Easy-to-See Sights	Check Price
3. S&W Bodyguard 2.0		Striker Fired 10 to 12-round capacity Easy-to-See Sights	Check Price
4. Taurus 22 TUC		Tip Up Barrel DAO Trigger Large Integrated Sights	Check Price
5. KelTec P32		Super Small Snag Free Smooth DAO Trigger	Check Price
6. Ruger LCR 32 H&R Magnum		Powerful Cartridge Smooth Trigger Modern Revolver Option	Check Price
7. NAA Guardian 32 ACP		All Metal Frame Smooth Design DAO Trigger	Check Price

Best Pocket Pistol Specs

Best Pocket Pistol Reviews

In the following section I will be reviewing each individual product listed above and discussing the pros, cons and pricing of each pocket pistol.

Glock 42 Review

When Glock finally released the 42, I knew I had to get my hands on it. This was their first single-stack .380 ACP, and as a die-hard Glock fan, I couldn’t wait to try it out. The Glock 42 takes everything I love about their pistols and shrinks it down into one of the best pocket rockets for self-defense.

The Glock 42 is the smallest Glock out there, just 5.94 inches long and .98 inches wide. It’s lightweight too, weighing only 15.87 ounces when loaded. Its compact size and light weight make it ideal for pocket carry.

One of the things I appreciate most about the Glock 42 is its safe action system. It doesn’t have a manual thumb safety, which means fewer steps when you need to draw it quickly. I’ve found it incredibly easy to carry in a Kydex pocket holster, even with a small red dot sight attached.

Glock took their time with this single-stack .380 ACP, but they got it right. It’s one of the few pocket rockets that doesn’t sting or hurt when you shoot it. It’s comfortable to fire, though I do get some slide bite with my larger hands. Even with that minor issue, the Glock 42 is a fantastic pocket rocket that I trust for self-defense. You can read my full review here.

Pros and Cons

Ruger LCP Max Review

The SIGification of handguns has effectively eliminated the single-stack design. Everyone rushed to shove more ammo in their gun as fast as possible. The LCP wasn’t spared, so Ruger chopped it up and put it back together with a ten-round flush-fitting magazine. They managed to do this without significantly growing their footprint. It’s impressive that Ruger could shove ten rounds into such a small gun. 

The LCP Max made every other .380 pocket pistol feel dated, much like how SIG’s P365 made every single stack 9mm feel dated. The micro-sized .380 ACP packs a wallop with ten rounds on tap. The LCP Max isn’t much different from the LCP 2 except for the magazine capacity. It still features the improved trigger pull that’s still somewhat long and heavy. 

The LCP Max still suffers from the same pocket .380 recoil many of us find to be a bit much. However, the gun does feature much more effective sights than the older LCPs. These sights make engaging out to 15 yards easy with excellent accuracy. 

The LCP Max keeps things fairly simple, and like most Ruger firearms, it won’t break the bank. The LCP Max offers a higher-than-average capacity in an affordable pocket pistol package. The LCP Max has revamped the expectations of pocket pistols, and if you don’t mind the recoil, you’ll enjoy the capacity.

Pros and Cons

S&W Bodyguard 2.0 Review

S&W took the Bodyguard .380 to the drawing board and completely revamped it. The original Bodyguard was a DAO gun with nubs for sights, a grip that barely fit your hand, and a simple single-stack six-round magazine. The new Bodyguard, the 2.0, revamps all of that. It’s a welcome remix that might be the best pocket pistol on the market. 

The Bodyguard 2.0 ditches the hammer for a striker-fired design, which gives us a much better trigger. We also have decent sights across the top with a nice big and bright front sight. The Bodyguard 2.0 also embraces the stack-and-a-half magazine and gives us a ten-round flush-fitting magazine and a slightly extended 12-round magazine. (Although loading 12 rounds takes some real hand strength.) 

The Bodyguard 2.0 handles extremely well. Unlike most other pocket-sized .380s, this gun offers you a nice full grip that maximizes control and minimizes recoil. The BG 2.0 handles extremely well and works like a charm. I’m able to make consistent hits out to 25 yards on a ten-inch steel gong, which makes this one of the most accurate pocket pistols I’ve ever shot. 

The Bodyguard 2.0 doesn’t handle like your typical pocket .380. It’s more akin to a SIG P365 but smaller, thinner, and easier to tote in your pocket. The Bodyguard 2.0 is the most effective pocket pistol I’ve ever encountered. My biggest problem is the nasty slide bite I get with this little gun. A magazine is in, and my hand is bleeding. If you have big hands, I’d find something else.

S&W Bodyguard 2.0 Pros and Cons

Taurus 22 TUC

A lot of folks will automatically discount the .22LR as a carry cartridge. It’s easy to understand why. The little .22LR has some downsides one has to deal with if they choose to go the .22LR route. Most super-small guns tend to be difficult to control, and .22LR does offer very light recoil in the smallest of platforms.

The new Taurus 22 TUC aims to fill your pocket with a rimfire option designed for duty purposes. The 22 TUC features a tip-up barrel that makes it easy to load and clear without having to work the slide, which can be massively beneficial to folks with a lack of hand strength. The TUC takes the tip-up design to the next century.

The TUC holds nine rounds of .22LR in a single-stack magazine. The weapon has almost no recoil. It’s incredibly light and just a joy to shoot. We get these great big sights that are easy to see and fast to engage with. Combine the sights with the limited recoil, and you can put rounds right where you want them.

The TUC uses a heavy double-action trigger to help ensure you get good primer ignition. It’s not the best trigger, but it’s adequate for a pocket pistol. I think it will likely clean up nicely with heavy use. The gun weighs a mere 10 ounces and will be incredibly comfortable for daily pocket carry. Without a doubt, this is a niche option that is best suited for shooters with poor hand strength.

Taurus 22 TUC Pros and Cons

KelTec P32 Review

I know, a KelTec on any best-of list seems nutty, but hear me out. The lads at R/OneTrueCaliber convinced me to give it a try. Now I’m on my second since I gave my other one to my father-in-law. KelTec has produced a very small, lightweight, and thin pistol that disappears into your pocket. 

While the .32 ACP isn’t known for its power, it’s an adequate cartridge for self-defense with the right ammo selection. The .32 ACP has half as much recoil as the .380 ACP, which makes a huge difference in a small gun. With a 73-grain FMJ, you have a round that can adequately penetrate deep enough to matter and has very little recoil. Follow-up shots with the P32 are easy.

The P32 weighs less than seven ounces and provides seven rounds of .32 ACP. The gun is incredibly thin and small, and you’ll often forget it’s in your pocket. Different folks have different-sized pockets, and the P32 will fit in near any of them. It takes compact to the next level and provides a slim pocket pistol for any shooter. 

The little P32 has tiny nubs for sights, and a dash of fingernail polish spruces them right up. The sights are small but adequate enough to hit a threat at fifteen yards where it counts. The DAO trigger is long but surprisingly light and nice. The long reset and small trigger guard take some getting used to, but you’ll learn to manage it quickly. 

KelTec P32 Pros and Cons

Ruger LCR .32 H&R Magnum Review

There has been this small revival with the .32 H&R Magnum. The .32 H&R Magnum is an 80’s baby that amped up the .32 S&W Long cartridge. The little cartridge is the ultimate pocket revolver cartridge, and the Ruger LCR is one of my favorite pocket revolvers. The LCR comes in .327 Federal Magnum, and that gun can also shoot .32 H&R Magnum, so what’s the point? 

The .32 H&R Magnum allows for a much lighter weapon. The .32 H&R Magnum version of the LCR is four ounces lighter than the .327 Federal Magnum. Weight is important for pocket-carried guns. The LCR uses a good mix of polymer, which also helps reduce weight and cuts costs compared to other revolvers. 

The .32 H&R Magnum allows you to carry six rounds of .32 H&R Magnum in a compact package. The triggers on the LCRs are absolutely fantastic. It’s the smoothest DAO stock trigger I’ve ever experienced. The LCR in .32 H&R Magnum has mild recoil with very little concussion and flash from the muzzle. It’s much softer shooting than the .38 Special, but it still penetrates deeply. 

Revolvers are fantastic for pocket carry. Once you drop it in your pocket, the cylinder pushes the gun away from the body and centers the grip. This makes it super easy to grab the gun, draw it, and get to business. The Ruger LCR .32 H&R Magnum is an excellent option if a pocket revolver is more your speed. 

Ruger LCR .32 H&R Magnum Pros and Cons

NAA Guardian .32 ACP Review

A lot of people will claim the NAA-32 is a copy of the Seecamp LWS-32. While the two guns have a lot in common, the NAA-32 has some notable differences. Like the LWS-32, it’s incredibly small and easy to toss in your pocket. It’s an all-metal gun, one of the smallest pistols on the market. The NAA-32 fires the .32 ACP cartridge, which makes for light recoil and easy control. 

The NAA-32 uses a simple blowback design, which keeps the price low and construction simple. The .32 ACP is one of the smallest centerfire cartridges and doesn’t generate rough recoil by any means. It’s a smooth shooter that feels and sounds like a firecracker but handles like a sleepy kitten. 

The gun has a six-round magazine and a standard magazine release button. There is no slide release or safety. Just a trigger and magazine release, and that’s it. The simple design allows it to be easily carried in your pocket and forgotten about. The small guns have small sights, but they are useable and allow shooting beyond belly gun distances. 

The downside to the NAA-32 is that they can be hard to find. NAA mini-revolvers are everywhere, but it feels like they hardly produce any of these awesome pocket pistols. If you can get your hands on one, the NAA-32 is an awesome option for daily carry that combines capability and stainless steel style.

NAA Guardian .32 ACP Pros and Cons

Pocket Pistol – Buyers Guide

Below I want to unpack some thoughts on what to consider when you’re looking for a pocket pistol, the benefits, and what else you might want to pick up. I’ll also cover why you need a holster in a separate section.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Pocket Pistol

Size and Weight: A pocket pistol needs to be compact and lightweight for easy carry. You want something that fits comfortably in your pocket without adding bulk. If you can carry it every day without hassle, that’s a win.

Caliber: Pocket pistols usually come in smaller calibers like .22 LR, .380 ACP, and 9mm. It’s crucial to choose a caliber that balances stopping power with manageable recoil. Think about what you’re comfortable shooting and what you might need for self-defense.

Reliability: Trust is key in a pocket pistol. Look for models known for reliability and positive reviews. A firearm you can depend on is essential in critical situations.

Ease of Use: The pistol should be easy to operate under pressure. Consider the controls, trigger type, and safety features. Simplicity can lead to faster access and better handling when it matters most.

Comfort and Ergonomics: Comfort plays a significant role, especially if you plan to carry regularly. A pistol that feels good in your hand will enhance your shooting experience. Ensure the grip is secure and feels natural during use.

Holster Options: A pocket pistol should fit well in various holsters for effective carry. Look for options that accommodate different methods, allowing you to choose what suits your lifestyle best.

You Still Need a Holster

Oh yeah, your pocket isn’t a holster. Do not trust your pocket to safely carry a firearm. You need a holster for pocket carry to ensure the pistol is safe. A holster envelopes your weapon, including the trigger. A covered trigger is a must-have. An exposed trigger could lead to a negligent discharge when your pants, or any object, gets caught against the trigger. 

Also, if you want to ensure your handgun functions when you draw it, you need a holster. Pockets are natural points of collection for all sorts of stuff. It can be lint, dirt, and lord knows what else. If you toss a gun in that same pocket, it’s now exposed to all that gunk and grime. It’s a quick way to make sure your gun doesn’t go bang more than once. 

Finally, a holster makes drawing a handgun much easier. A dedicated pocket holster will allow you to grab the grip consistently each and every time. It allows you to draw your firearm with ease and to do so quickly and smoothly. 

A good pocket holster ensures your gun is protected, you are safe, and you can draw it with ease. Which holsters, you may ask? Check out my list of the best pocket holsters here.

Pocket it!

Pocket pistols provide you with an ultra-small and lightweight firearm. It’s amazing how small guns have gotten and how they remain a reliable option for concealed carry. They aren’t perfect, but when your option is to pack a small gun or no gun at all, then they make a lot of sense. Just keep in mind the increased training they require. If you can do that, then you’re golden. 

Best Pocket Pistol – FAQs

How many rounds can a pocket pistol hold?

Most pocket pistols hold between six to eight rounds, depending on the model and caliber. While some offer a standard capacity, others may have options for extended magazines to increase ammunition availability.

Can I carry a pocket pistol in my jacket pocket?

Yes, pocket pistols are specifically designed for convenient carry, including in a jacket pocket. However, it’s crucial to use a proper holster to ensure safe handling and prevent accidental discharges.

Are pocket pistols semi-auto?

Many pocket pistols are semi-automatic, meaning they automatically cycle the action to chamber the next round after firing. This feature allows for quicker follow-up shots compared to revolvers, making them a popular choice for concealed carry.

How do you safely carry a pocket gun?

Always use a suitable holster designed for pocket carry. The holster should cover the trigger guard to prevent accidental discharges and protect the gun from lint or debris that can affect its function.

What should you do with an empty magazine after use?

After using an empty magazine, it’s essential to properly store it for reloading or maintenance. Avoid leaving magazines exposed to moisture or dirt that could affect their function.