Pocket pistols are great for deep concealment and everyday carry, but they’re not as simple as “just throw it in your pocket and go.” A lot of folks make small mistakes that can lead to big problems when it matters most. Whether you’re new to carrying or just switching to something smaller, here are eight common mistakes to steer clear of.
Skipping the Holster
Just because it’s called a pocket pistol doesn’t mean it should ride loose in your pocket. Carrying without a holster is asking for trouble, especially when it comes to safety.
A proper holster keeps the trigger covered and the gun oriented the right way. It also helps keep pocket lint, keys, and other junk out of your trigger guard.
Choosing a Caliber That’s Too Small
Some pocket pistols come in calibers that are better suited for plinking than self-defense. Sure, .22 LR or .25 ACP might be soft on recoil, but they don’t offer much stopping power.
If you’re serious about carrying, it’s worth looking at options in .380 ACP or 9mm—even if it means dealing with a little extra recoil in a tiny frame.
Not Practicing Enough
A lot of folks buy a pocket pistol, shoot it once or twice, and then just carry it. That’s a mistake. These guns are harder to shoot accurately because of their size and snappy recoil.
If you’re not practicing with your carry gun, you won’t be ready under stress. Make time to train with it regularly—draw, fire, reload, repeat.
Ignoring Proper Grip Technique
Small guns force you to change how you grip. You might not get your pinky on the grip, and that can throw everything off. If you don’t compensate, you’ll struggle with control.
It’s worth spending time figuring out a grip that gives you the best control, even if it feels awkward at first. That little adjustment can go a long way.
Using Cheap Ammo for Carry
Running budget ammo at the range is fine, but don’t rely on it for self-defense. Pocket pistols are already limited in power, so you want ammo that performs consistently.
Stick with reputable defensive loads and make sure your gun feeds them reliably. If it chokes on your chosen carry ammo, find something else that runs clean.
Not Checking for Reliability
Pocket pistols aren’t always known for flawless reliability—especially the super cheap ones. If you’re carrying one for defense, you need to be sure it runs well.
That means putting a few hundred rounds through it, not just five or ten. You want to trust that it’ll go bang every time without fail.
Carrying in the Wrong Pocket
A lot of people stuff their gun into a front pocket already full of keys, a phone, or a wallet. That’s asking for snags and slow draws.
You should dedicate a pocket to your gun—and only your gun. It keeps things smooth, consistent, and a whole lot safer if you ever need to draw under pressure.
Forgetting About Print and Comfort
Just because it’s small doesn’t mean it disappears. Some folks carry without checking if it prints through their clothes or jabs them all day long.
Comfort and concealment go hand in hand. Test your setup with your usual clothing and pay attention to how it feels throughout the day. If it’s not working, adjust.
Relying on the Safety Too Much
Some pocket pistols have tiny safeties that are hard to disengage under stress. Relying too heavily on that little lever can slow you down or trip you up when seconds count.
It’s better to treat your trigger discipline as your main safety. Train with your pistol until disengaging the safety becomes second nature—if it even has one at all.
Overlooking Recoil Management
Pocket pistols kick harder than you’d think, especially in 9mm or .380 ACP. Folks often assume small means manageable, but the lack of weight and grip can make follow-up shots tough.
If you can’t control the recoil, you’ll be slow on target. Practice drills that help you reset quickly and regain control between shots.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
