Best Pocket Carry Gun in 2025

Choosing the best pocket carry gun is a deeply personal decision that hinges on striking a balance between concealability, firepower, and ease of use. The ideal pocket pistol should be small and light enough to comfortably carry in a pocket holster throughout the day, yet potent enough to provide reliable self-defense in a critical situation. This often means choosing a compact firearm in a suitable caliber, with a design that minimizes snagging and allows for a quick, smooth draw. The world of pocket carry guns is vast and varied, with options ranging from tiny .22 caliber revolvers to more powerful subcompact semi-automatics chambered in 9mm or .380 ACP.

This article will delve into the world of pocket pistols, exploring some of the top contenders on the market today. We’ll examine factors such as size, weight, caliber, capacity, and reliability to help you make an informed decision. We’ll also discuss the importance of choosing the right holster and practicing regularly to ensure you can safely and effectively deploy your chosen firearm if the need arises. Whether you’re a seasoned concealed carrier or considering your first pocket pistol, our goal is to provide you with the information you need to select the best pocket carry gun for your specific needs and preferences.

Best Pocket Carry Gun in 2025

1 Taurus GX4 Carry: A Deep Dive into a Popular Pocket Carry Option

The Taurus GX4 Carry is a micro-compact 9mm pistol that has quickly gained popularity among concealed carry enthusiasts. It builds upon the success of the original GX4, offering increased capacity and new features while maintaining a small footprint. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this pistol a contender in the crowded pocket carry market.

Notable Features:

• Micro-Compact 9mm: Combines concealability with substantial capacity.
• 15+1 Round Capacity: Provides ample firepower for self-defense.
• Taurus Optics Ready Option (T.O.R.O.): Supports popular red dot optics.
• Picatinny Rail: Allows for mounting accessories.
• Interchangeable Backstraps: Enables customized grip fit.
• Crisp, Flat-Faced Trigger: Contributes to accurate shooting.

The Taurus GX4 Carry is a strong contender in the best pocket carry gun market. Its combination of high capacity, optics-ready capability, affordability, and ergonomic design makes it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable and versatile concealed carry pistol. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as limited holster availability and noticeable recoil, its overall performance and value proposition are hard to beat. If you’re looking for a compact 9mm with ample firepower and modern features, the Taurus GX4 Carry is definitely worth considering.

2 Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 19 Carry Comp 357 Mag Revolver: A Potent Pocket Carry Option?

The Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 19 Carry Comp 357 Mag Revolver is marketed as a compact and powerful option for concealed carry, particularly pocket carry. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s delve into a detailed review of this intriguing wheelgun.

Notable Features:

• Potent .357 Magnum Caliber: Delivers substantial stopping power, also compatible with .38 Special.
• Recoil-Reducing PowerPort Barrel: Effectively mitigates muzzle flip for faster follow-up shots.
• Enhanced Visibility: Tritium front sight ensures quick target acquisition in low-light conditions.
• Smooth Action: Performance Center tuning results in a smoother double-action and lighter single-action trigger pull than standard models.
• Choice of Grips: Includes both attractive wood and practical synthetic grips.

The Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 19 Carry Comp is a powerful and well-featured revolver. However, its marketing as a “”pocket carry”” gun should be taken with a grain of salt. It’s more realistically a compact belt gun. If you’re looking for a potent .357 Magnum revolver with features designed for concealed carry and are willing to invest in a premium product, the Model 19 Carry Comp is worth considering. However, if true deep concealment or pocket carry is your primary need, you might want to explore smaller, lighter options.

3 Beretta APX A1 Carry: A Compact Contender for Pocket Carry

The Beretta APX A1 Carry is a striker-fired, subcompact 9mm pistol designed for deep concealment and everyday carry. As an optics-ready, single-stack pistol, it enters a crowded market of micro-compacts. This review will delve into its features, performance, and suitability as a pocket carry option.

Notable Features:

• Optics-Ready Slide: Designed to receive a variety of optics plates, including Burris, C-more, Shield, and Holosun Series (plates not included).
• Improved Trigger: Shorter and lighter trigger pull than its predecessor, with a clean break and quick reset.
• Modular Chassis: Allows for customization with interchangeable grip frame colors: Flat Dark Earth (FDE), OD Green, and Wolf Grey.
• Aggressive Slide Serrations: Enable easy manipulation in any weather and lighting conditions.
• Compact Size: With a 3″” barrel, 5.63″” overall length, and 0.9″” width, it’s designed for concealability.
• Reversible Magazine Release: Accommodates both left and right-handed shooters.
• Capacity: Comes with one 6-round magazine (with pinky extension and flush baseplate) and one 8-round extended magazine.
• Weight: 19.8 oz unloaded.
• Striker Deactivator: Enables disassembly without pulling the trigger.

The Beretta APX A1 Carry is a solid contender in the subcompact 9mm market, offering a good balance of features, performance, and price. Its reliability, accuracy, and optics-ready capability are definite strong points. The improved trigger is a welcome change, though its length and break might not satisfy everyone. The aggressive grip texture is excellent for control, especially in a small, snappy pistol. However, the potential for early finish wear and the long trigger pull are drawbacks to consider. While marketed for pocket carry, its size might push it towards IWB carry for some users. Ultimately, the Beretta APX A1 Carry is a worthy option for those seeking a reliable, optics-ready subcompact, but it’s essential to weigh its pros and cons against individual needs and preferences, especially regarding the trigger and size for pocket carry.

While it is a very good gun, there are better guns in the same price range for pocket carry. If you already owned this gun and forced to use it, you will not feel under-equipped. But if you are looking for a new pocket carry gun, you may want to buy other guns.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Pocket Carry Gun

Selecting the right pocket carry gun can be daunting. There are many factors to consider, and what works best for one person might not be ideal for another. This guide will walk you through the key considerations to help you make an informed decision.

1. Size and Weight: The Foundation of Concealability

When it comes to pocket carry, size and weight are paramount. The gun must be small and light enough to fit comfortably in your pocket without printing (creating a visible outline of the gun through your clothing) or causing discomfort during everyday activities.

• Overall Length: Generally, pocket pistols should have an overall length of under 6 inches. Anything longer can be difficult to draw quickly and may print noticeably.
• Height: A height of around 4.5 inches or less is ideal for most pockets. A shorter height also helps reduce printing.
• Width: Thinner is better. A width of 1 inch or less will minimize bulk and ensure comfortable carry. Single-stack pistols are generally slimmer than double-stack models, though double-stack pistols often offer increased capacity.
• Weight: An unloaded weight of under 20 ounces is a good target. Remember that a loaded magazine will add a few more ounces. Lighter guns are more comfortable to carry but can have more felt recoil.

2. Caliber: Balancing Power and Control

Caliber selection for pocket carry is a constant debate. You need a caliber that offers adequate stopping power while remaining manageable in a small firearm. Here are some popular choices:

• .380 ACP: A popular choice for pocket carry due to its relatively compact size and manageable recoil. It offers a good balance of power and shootability in small guns.
• 9mm: Generally considered the minimum caliber for serious self-defense. 9mm offers more power than .380 ACP but can have snappier recoil in smaller, lighter guns. Modern 9mm defensive ammunition has significantly improved its effectiveness.
• .38 Special: A classic revolver cartridge suitable for small-frame revolvers. Offers decent power but can have more felt recoil than .380 ACP. +P loads are available for increased power but should only be used in revolvers rated for them.
• .22 LR / .22 Magnum: While these calibers are generally not recommended as primary self-defense cartridges due to their lower power, they can be considered for those who are extremely recoil-sensitive. They are also a good option for practice, and to increase your firearm proficiency.

Ultimately, the best caliber is the one you can shoot accurately and confidently. Consider renting or borrowing guns in different calibers to determine which one you handle best.

3. Capacity: How Many Rounds Do You Need?

Magazine capacity is another important factor. Pocket pistols typically have lower capacities than larger handguns.

• Single-Stack Magazines: Most subcompact semi-automatics designed for pocket carry use single-stack magazines, which typically hold 6-8 rounds.
• Double-Stack Magazines: Some newer micro-compacts offer double-stack magazines, increasing capacity to 10-12 rounds or more. However, they may be slightly wider and harder to conceal.
• Revolvers: Small-frame revolvers usually hold 5-6 rounds. They offer simplicity and reliability but have a lower capacity than semi-automatics.

The ideal capacity is a personal preference. Consider how many rounds you feel comfortable carrying and how that balances with the size and weight of the gun.

4. Action Type: Semi-Automatic or Revolver?

Pocket carry guns generally fall into two categories: semi-automatic pistols and revolvers. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

• Semi-Automatic Pistols:
  • Pros: Generally offer higher capacity, faster reloads, and are often slimmer than revolvers.
  • Cons: Can be more complex to operate, more prone to malfunctions if not properly maintained, and may be more sensitive to ammunition type.
• Revolvers:
  • Pros: Simpler to operate, more reliable with a wider range of ammunition, and less prone to malfunctions.
  • Cons: Lower capacity, slower reloads, and can be bulkier than semi-automatics.

If you are new to firearms, a revolver might be easier to learn. Experienced shooters may prefer the higher capacity and faster reloads of a semi-automatic.

5. Ergonomics and Controls: Handling and Operation

Ergonomics refer to how the gun feels in your hand. A good pocket pistol should have a comfortable grip that allows for a secure hold and natural pointability. Controls such as the safety (if present), magazine release, and slide stop should be easy to reach and operate, even under stress.

• Grip Texture: A good grip texture is crucial for maintaining control, especially with smaller, snappier guns.
• Trigger: A smooth, consistent trigger pull is essential for accuracy. Consider whether you prefer a heavier trigger for safety or a lighter trigger for easier shooting.
• Sights: Pocket pistols often have small, basic sights. Consider upgrading to higher-visibility sights if necessary.

6. Safety Features: Manual Safeties and Trigger Safeties

Safety is a top priority. Some pocket carry guns have manual safeties, while others rely solely on trigger safeties and a longer, heavier trigger pull.

• Manual Safeties: Provide an extra layer of safety but require additional steps to disengage before firing.
• Trigger Safeties: Integrated into the trigger and prevent the gun from firing unless the trigger is intentionally pulled.
• Internal Safeties: Many modern firearms have internal safeties, such as drop safeties, that prevent accidental discharge if the gun is dropped.

Whether you choose a gun with a manual safety is a personal decision based on your comfort level and training.

Regardless of the safety features, always follow the four fundamental rules of firearm safety:

1. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
2. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you have made the decision to shoot.
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

7. Holster Selection and Carry Position: Safe and Effective Concealment

A quality pocket holster is essential for safe and comfortable pocket carry. A good holster will:

• Completely cover the trigger guard to prevent accidental discharge.
• Keep the gun oriented in a consistent position for a reliable draw.
• Break up the outline of the gun to prevent printing.
• Stay securely in your pocket when drawing the gun.

The most common carry position for pocket carry is the front strong-side pocket. Some individuals may prefer other positions, such as an appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB) holster, which allows for a faster draw but requires careful holster selection and training.

8. Training and Practice: Proficiency is Key

Owning a pocket carry gun is just the first step. Regular training and practice are crucial to developing the skills necessary to safely and effectively use your firearm in a self-defense situation. This includes:

• Dry-Fire Practice: Practicing your draw, grip, sight alignment, and trigger control with an unloaded firearm.
• Live-Fire Practice: Regularly shooting your chosen firearm at the range to maintain proficiency and familiarity.
• Defensive Shooting Drills: Practicing drawing from concealment, shooting from different positions, and reloading under stress.
• Professional Instruction: Consider taking a concealed carry course or seeking instruction from a qualified firearms instructor.

By following this guide and carefully considering your individual needs and preferences, you can choose the best pocket carry gun and carry system for your self-defense.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best pocket carry gun for you depends on your individual needs, preferences, and priorities. Throughout this article, we’ve explored a variety of excellent options, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. However, one firearm stood out for its exceptional balance of features: the Taurus GX4 Carry Compact 9mm. With its compact size, impressive capacity, reliable performance, and budget-friendly price, the Taurus GX4 Carry is an excellent all-around choice for concealed carry, especially for those prioritizing pocket carry.

If you’re looking for a revolver, the Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 19 Carry Comp offers superior craftsmanship and potent .357 Magnum firepower, albeit at a higher price. Meanwhile, the Beretta APX-A1 Carry provides a reliable and ergonomic option for those who prefer a striker-fired pistol with a strong track record. No matter which gun you choose, remember that proper training, a quality holster, and consistent practice are paramount. Your pocket carry gun is a tool, and like any tool, it’s only effective if you know how to use it safely and proficiently. We hope this guide has empowered you to make an informed decision and find the perfect companion for your personal protection needs.