The whole point of a pocket pistol is to be small enough to carry without drawing attention. But some of these so-called “micro” pistols don’t hide as well as they claim. Between thick slides, odd shapes, and oversized controls, they print worse than you’d expect—especially in real-world carry positions like front pockets or light summer clothing.
Some guns are compact on paper but feel bulky in practice. Here are the pocket pistols that tend to give themselves away a lot more than folks think—plus a few notes on why that happens.
Glock 26
The Glock 26 gets called a subcompact, but it’s still pretty chunky. The double-stack mag gives it more capacity, sure—but it also makes the grip fat and harder to hide in anything other than a proper holster setup.
In a pocket, it’s boxy and tends to outline hard. It also doesn’t help that the slide is thick and the rear sights are prominent. It’s reliable, no doubt—but “pocket pistol” is pushing it.
Sig Sauer P365 XL
The P365 XL shoots great and carries well with the right setup, but drop it in a pocket and you’ll notice it immediately. The longer slide and taller grip are harder to conceal, especially if you’re wearing fitted pants or thinner fabrics.
It works great in an IWB holster, but pocket carry? Not so much. It’s just big enough to catch attention and wide enough that it can’t really disappear unless you’ve got deep, loose pockets.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus
The Shield Plus has a great grip, solid capacity, and good shooting manners—but it’s not built for pocket carry. The grip is long, and the slide doesn’t exactly scream “slim profile.” You’ll feel it—and probably see it too.
It’s a solid everyday carry gun, just not one that vanishes into your jeans or shorts. It tends to print worse in seated positions and doesn’t disappear like true micros can.
Springfield Hellcat
The Hellcat gets close to pocket size, but the squared-off slide and aggressive texture make it stand out more than expected. In a proper holster, it’s a solid option—but carried loosely, it’s bulkier than it looks in ads.
The high-capacity mag makes the grip feel boxy, and the sharp edges don’t help. In light fabric or athletic wear, the Hellcat doesn’t exactly disappear—it prints more than you’d expect from something its size.
Ruger Max-9
The Max-9 is compact and affordable, but it’s still a bit thick for pocket carry. It has a chunkier slide than some realize, and the external controls aren’t exactly streamlined. In looser clothing, it might work—but it won’t vanish.
It’s a nice entry-level micro carry gun, but if you’re looking for a pistol that won’t show up in your front pocket or leave a clear outline, this one might come up short.
Kahr CM9
On paper, the CM9 should be a good pocket option—but the chunky slide and longer-than-expected grip can make it harder to carry discreetly. It’s also a bit heavier than most true micro options.
It prints less than a Glock 26, but it still doesn’t disappear. The grip tends to show through thinner clothing, and without a pocket holster, it can shift around more than you’d want for discreet carry.
Walther PPS M2
The PPS M2 is slim and accurate, but it’s also longer than most of the other guns in this category. The grip length—especially with extended mags—sticks out and makes pocket carry less practical.
It works well inside the waistband, but in a pocket, it can be awkward. The flat-sided slide also tends to create a noticeable blocky outline. It’s a nice shooter, but not a great fit if you’re trying to stay low-profile in a pair of jeans.
Bersa Thunder .380
This one gets recommended to new shooters a lot because of its size and price, but it’s heavier and bulkier than it looks. The steel frame adds weight, and the controls—like the safety and slide stop—stick out more than ideal for pocket carry.
It also doesn’t help that the grip is on the larger side for a .380. If you’re wearing cargo pants or a jacket, maybe it works—but in anything else, it’s more noticeable than people expect.
Beretta Pico
The Pico looks small and sleek, but once you actually pocket it, you might be surprised at how much it shifts and imprints. It’s got sharp lines, and the narrow profile can actually make it sit oddly in the pocket.
The long trigger pull and awkward ergonomics don’t help either. It seems like it would disappear—but depending on how you carry, it often doesn’t. It’s smaller than many on this list, but not always better at staying hidden.
Kimber Micro 9
The Micro 9 looks sharp and feels great in the hand—but it’s got a chunky slide for its size and a grip that tends to print through light clothing. Add in the weight of an all-metal frame, and you’ve got a pistol that’s a little harder to hide.
It’s not huge, but it’s not the most discreet option either. For pocket carry, it’s right on the edge of what’s reasonable—and often crosses that line in tighter-fitting clothing.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
