Pocket pistols are the forgotten heroes of carry every day: small, unobtrusive, and ready when opportunity presents itself: small, unobtrusive, and ready when the time is right. They’ll never win you a match at the range, but they are made to fade away into a pocket or ankle rig and be there when you need them. These are ten decent ones for 2025, ranked 10 through 1, so you can clip them out fast.
10. CZ Model 83
The CZ Model 83 is one of those guns that just keeps finding new enthusiasts. It’s no longer being made, but when you catch a glimpse of one at a show, it’s certainly worth taking a look. Made like a tiny tank and smooth as silk to shoot, this .380 ACP pistol is known for being overbuilt in the best sense of the term.
9. Bersa Thunder 380 Combat Plus
A no-frills, budget-priced subcompact with a silky double-action trigger and good accuracy, the Bersa Thunder 380 Combat Plus is the go-to gun for cost-conscious carriers. It comes with only one magazine, but where it matters most—reliability and simplicity—it does not fall short.
8. Glock 42
Glock reliability pocket-sized arrived with the Glock 42. Chambered in .380 ACP, it offers comfortable ergonomics and reliable cycling in a phenomenally thin, light package. If you desire a Glock that bites into street clothes, this is where you should go.
7. Ruger LCP II
The LCP II was an upgrade on the original with a more reliable trigger and grip, and it’s still popular. It comes in .380 ACP or .22 LR Lite Rack, and it’s easy to carry and shoot. The minimal recoil of the .22 model means practice is less painful—perfect for getting used to a small gun.
6. Kimber Micro 9
For those who enjoy the 1911 size but require genuine carryability, the Kimber Micro 9 provides that single-action crispness in a six-shot subcompact frame. An aluminum frame reduces weight, and its traditional controls will be a plus for shooters wanting a familiar configuration.
5. Smith & Wesson J-Frame M&P 340
Revolvers are not dead yet, and the M&P 340 is the reason why: light scandium frame, comfortable dimensions, and .357 Magnum or .38 Special impact in a snag-free, hammerless package. Good choice for a primary or backup gun to carry when simplicity and reliability are paramount.
4. Sig Sauer P365 SAS
The P365 SAS is conceived to blend into clothing and be inadvertently drawn. It has recessed controls, flush sights, and a smooth slide, all of which are engineered for snag-free carry while maintaining the speed and precision needed at close quarters.
3. Ruger LCP Max
The LCP Max takes pocket pistol capacity to new levels, stacking 10–12 rounds on an incredibly small footprint with a beefier set of sights and ergonomics. It’s light and thin but provides you with more ammunition and better shootability than most of its class—ideal for those who need a real balance of power and size.
2. Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0
The Bodyguard 2.0 improved on a well-known theme: striker-fired action, better trigger, and heavy sights in a thinness. Holding 12 rounds in a pocket-sized gun, it’s the best choice for a user who wants capacity without bulk.
1. KelTec P32
Lighter than a feather and more famous for ease of carry, the KelTec P32 is the ultimate option for those who care about absolute concealability. Chambered in .32 ACP, it has extremely manageable recoil and a smooth DAO trigger to fire. It’s not tricked out with high sights, but for close-range, low-profile carry, it’s a classic.
Pocket pistols are a compromise: size vs. capacity, recoil vs. controllability. For most shooters, .380 ACP is the ideal compromise between power and manageable recoil, with .32 ACP and .22 LR for practice — but reliability is the sole certainty. They work beautifully when concealment is an issue (hot weather dressing up, formal dress), but remember their limitations: short barrels, lighter sights, snappier recoil. With steady practice and a good holster, a pocket pistol can serve as an effective last resort; the best one is the one you’ll actually carry every day.