Pocket pistols have always had a place in the world of concealed carry. Whether it was tucked inside a jacket in the 1930s or dropped into a front pocket today, these little guns are built for convenience and close-quarters defense. They’re not designed for long-range accuracy or mag dumps at the range—they’re meant to be small, simple, and ready when you need them. Here are the pocket pistols that made a serious mark over the years.
Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket
The Colt 1908 was one of the earliest pocket pistols that actually lived up to the name. Chambered in .25 ACP, it wasn’t a powerhouse, but it was small enough to disappear into a vest or coat pocket without a second thought.
It came from a time when deep concealment meant tiny guns, and back then, .25 ACP was considered good enough for self-defense at bad-breath range. You’ll still see these pop up in gun shops and auctions—usually more collectible than practical now.
Ruger LCP
The Ruger LCP kicked off a modern wave of pocket .380s. When it came out in 2008, it was instantly popular because it was slim, lightweight, and didn’t cost a fortune. People were finally able to carry something they’d actually take with them every day.
It’s not the most comfortable to shoot, but it’s manageable. And let’s be honest—most folks aren’t planning on running hundreds of rounds through a pocket pistol at the range anyway.
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380
The Bodyguard .380 came with built-in laser options and decent ergonomics for a small-frame gun. It was Smith & Wesson’s answer to the growing .380 pocket market, and it’s been a steady seller ever since.
Some people love the double-action trigger, others can’t stand it. But it’s snag-free, it’s reliable, and it slips into just about any pocket holster without much fuss.
Kel-Tec P-32
Kel-Tec made a name for itself by pushing the envelope with polymer-framed guns, and the P-32 was one of its early hits. Weighing next to nothing and chambered in .32 ACP, this little pistol proved that deep carry didn’t have to be bulky or expensive.
It’s not the most refined gun out there, but it works. People who want the lightest possible carry gun still look at the P-32 like a go-to option.
Beretta 21A Bobcat
The Bobcat is tiny, reliable, and easy to load thanks to its tip-up barrel. That design makes it a favorite for folks with weaker hands or those who just want a .22 LR for backup or training.
It’s not going to win any stopping power contests, but it’ll go bang when you need it. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about shooting a tiny Beretta that fits in your palm.
Seecamp LWS 32
The Seecamp LWS 32 is one of those pistols that built its reputation quietly. It’s sleek, well-made, and often considered the original “premium” pocket pistol. Chambered in .32 ACP, it’s surprisingly small—even by today’s standards.
What really stands out is the build quality. It’s solid stainless steel, and despite its size, it feels like it was made to last a lifetime. Definitely not a budget gun, but people who own them rarely let them go.
North American Arms Mini Revolver
This one breaks the mold a bit. It’s not a semi-auto like the rest—it’s a tiny single-action revolver, usually chambered in .22 LR or .22 Magnum. And yes, it really does fit in your pocket.
It’s not exactly quick to reload or easy to aim under stress, but it’s about as low-profile as it gets. Folks love them as a last-ditch backup or just a cool piece to keep around.
Glock 42
When Glock finally released a .380, people had mixed reactions. Some thought it was too big for a pocket gun, others were thrilled to finally have Glock reliability in a smaller package.
The Glock 42 isn’t the tiniest .380 out there, but it’s easier to shoot than most pocket pistols. And for folks who already carry a Glock 19 or 17, the controls feel familiar right out of the box.
Walther PPK
The Walther PPK made its mark decades ago and never really went away. It was sleek, reliable, and for many years was considered the standard for concealed carry—especially in .380 ACP.
It’s heavier than today’s polymer guns, but some folks still prefer that. Plus, thanks to James Bond, the PPK has a little extra cool factor that few other pistols can match.
SIG Sauer P238
SIG’s P238 took the idea of a pocket 1911 and made it work. It’s a .380 with real sights, a nice trigger, and enough heft to keep recoil manageable.
People who carry it like how shootable it is compared to other pocket guns. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s well put together, easy to conceal, and feels like a real firearm—not just something you carry because it’s small.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
