TexasCHLforum.com

CaptWoodrow10 wrote:Welcome to the forum!
I would have to agree with TAM. A good snubby in .357 or .38 is always a good option, though I can't make myself carry anything other than a 3'' Kimber. I love me some .45 1911s. Call me a discriminator, but you just can't beat the 1911 design. (Not trying to start a 1911 vs. other gun debate here.)

No argument out of me. There are lots of good gun designs, but only a couple approach perfection — the 1911, and a good revolver.

My principle carry weapon is a 3" Kimber in .45 ACP, but at 25 oz with an empty magazine, I consider it too heavy (and really, too big) to pocket carry. It gets worse when you add ammo. And then there's the spare magazine, etc. However, when only pocket carry will do, I have a S&W M&P340 in .357 magnum. It weighs 13 oz empty; it is tiny; and although it is "only" 5 rounds, when it comes to hitting power, I'll put a .357 up against a .45 ACP any day of the week — and I love me some .45 ACP. And a speed loader with another 5 rounds doesn't weigh much and you can toss it in a cargo pocket for "just in case." This one is my 3rd pocket revolver, the other two being a 642 Airweight in +P .38 Special, and a 640 all stainless (and heavy) .357 magnum. I own a Keltec too, and like you, I hate that thing. I don't even know why I hang onto it, except maybe it conceals more easily than even my revolver. But I never feel quite comfortable with it. And even if you carry a .38 Special, with +P ammo, you're far exceeding .380 for power.

All of that is to say that you theoretically can pocket carry a .45... I can get my Kimber into a pocket... but it is not even close to an ideal solution because of the weight. I'm a 1911 guy at heart, but I really like a 5 shot pocket revolver in a good self-defense caliber. Other pocket sized pistols like the Glock 26 may work well in a pocket, but even those weigh a lot more than a good lightweight revolver.