Trading in the full size for pocket or another sub

[nmartine]

I own a PX4 full size 9mm and back in November I purchased the PX4 in a subcompact 9mm. Love em both but I have more fun shooting my subcompact rather than the full size. I've been thinking since I really don't have too much of a need for a full size right now I was thinking about getting a pocket gun or a smaller piece maybe a wheel gun for summer carry. What do you guys think?

I was thinking of getting snub 38 anyone carry these during the summer?


Nick

[57Coastie]

I own a PX4 full size 9mm and back in November I purchased the PX4 in a subcompact 9mm. Love em both but I have more fun shooting my subcompact rather than the full size. I've been thinking since I really don't have too much of a need for a full size right now I was thinking about getting a pocket gun or a smaller piece maybe a wheel gun for summer carry. What do you guys think?

I was thinking of getting snub 38 anyone carry these during the summer?


Nick

I do. I carry either an S&W Airweight or Ruger SP101 depending on my attire at the time. While I own, and have owned several SA handguns, when push comes to shove I turn to my revolvers.

Jim

[A-R]

Yes, I have both a S&W J-frame and a Ruger LCP for various modes of pocket carry. Also have a "mid-size" Glock 23, a "subcompact" Glock 27, and a "subcompact" Walther PPS 9mm. I suggest you keep your larger PX4 for your first-line home defense handgun. I keep my G23 with a Streamlight attached on my bedside table. Don't carry it much anymore. Just sits there ready to go and goes along to the range with the others as often as possible.

As for snub revolver vs. a 380 or smaller pocket semi-auto. I (obviously) see the benefits of both. There are times when even the snubby is too big for how I'm dressed to pocket carry effectively. The LCP is definitely the better pocket gun for long-term carry in public - with the right pocket holster it just looks like a wallet or smart phone in your pocket. That said, the snubbies have their own unique way of "hiding" their outline because the large cylinders are so pronounded it doesn't "look like" a gun in your pocket to the average person. Most people - even those who don't know/care much about guns - instantly recognize the signature "print" of a semi-auto. A revolver sort of breaks up it's own outline well in the pocket. And I love a snub-nose revolver for just tossing in your pocket while your in your own house, working in the garage, whatever. Definitely wins in the "reliability" category too, IMHO. Not that I've ever had a problem with LCP (other than the recall), but I just have more confidence that no matter what the wheel-gun will go bang. I traded an old Charter Arms Undercover on a Kahr PM-series gun years ago. Kahr had problems; sold it and bought a S&W J-frame. Swore no matter what I'd never be without a 5-shot snub nose revolver ever again. I really missed not having one.

The last thing you'll pull out of my cold dead hand will be my snubby, right after you take my Glock from the other hand.

I also much prefer the way a snub-nose draws from the pocket (assuming you take care of the hammer spur - either it's covered/cut, or you cover it with your thumb on the draw) to a SA mouse gun. And I"m a bit more comfortable with a .38 vs a .380 as far as defensive stopping power, and that's just straight up comparison. If you carry +P .38s then it's a more stark difference in snubby's favor.

Still - there are times when only the lil Elsie Pea will do. And a brand-new LCP costs less than a quality used S&W j-frame and less than a new Ruger LCR revolver.

I think pocket carry is something everyone should have in their repertoire. So I say go for it. If you're anywhere near Austin, GT Distributors has S&W J-frames for less than $400 new (lowest I've ever seen) and Ruger LCRs for about $365.

[Dan20703]

Summer pocket carry with a S&W 642 is great. Cargo shorts and a loose tee shirt are perfect attire. Just make sure the pockets are deep enough. I use a Mika pocket holster that keeps any moisture away from the gun.

Do it!!! Everyone should own at least one snubbie!

[DrBillC]

I carry a S&W 638 every day in my pocket along with two speedstrips on my belt (130 gr Winchester PDX1 +P). The only time I don't carry the snubbie is when I'm going to a mall or a bad area of town, then I go with a S&W Sigma 9 plus two extra magazines. It's comfortable, reliable, and easily concealed. And, after lots of practice, I've become quite proficient with it; practice is key if you're going to carry a snubbie.

[A-R]

practice is key if you're going to carry a snubbie.

I agree. Couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with my first snubby. But am now comfortable enough that I would use it to qualify for CHL if doing so didn't preclude me from carrying a semi-auto.

[karder]

I love snubbys, but the PX4 is a sweet gun. It would be a shame to trade it in IMO. Unless you just don't care for it, I would keep it and save up to add a snubby. Like austinrealtor said, a full size pistol is good to have around the house or in your truck. Back to the snubbys, I have fallen in love with the Ruger LCR. Take a look at that one when you get ready to buy. Good luck.

[57Coastie]

Good points, all, Realtor, and I had similar concerns early on about the likelihood of the cylinder printing. I eliminated that concern two ways.

For pocket carry of either the SP101 or the Airweight I use an Uncle Mike's "Sidekick" Very little additional bulk in the pocket, and the cylinder is a no-show.

For IWB carry of the SP101 my Crossbreed "SuperTuck" puts the cylinder right behind my belt, and it is again a no-show. There may be unintended consequences here, though. With the cylinder resting where it does I have to back off a hole in my belt, and I do have some britches which time has shrunken the waist somehow, and I have to be selective in choosing what to wear.

Jim

[RECIT]

Not the best video but just a glimpse of what too maybe come with the LCR.

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[joe817]

Not the best video but just a glimpse of what too maybe come with the LCR.

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wow! That is just plain scary! Makes a good argument for an all steel gun. Thanks for posting.

[UpTheIrons]

On that YouTube LCR vid - I remember someone somewhere (likely another forum) looked more closely at it and determined that the guy had to be shooting hot reloads. I can't believe that Ruger would let something like that out of the factory. I've got 200+ rounds of factory ammo (regular and +P) through mine, and it still looks brand new. Maybe he got a bad one, but I'm just sayin'...