..........I like the 380 Ruger. It’s 13 ounces fully loaded, no recoil and fits nicely in any pocket.
Whatever you decide on you will need to practice practice practice or it all is just a waste of time.
Really can’t beat 9mm for effectiveness, capacity, and cost.
Old standard 9mm carry: Glock 26
New standard 9mm carry (MAYBE): SIG P365
NEVER .32.
Ever.
You would be better off with a .22 LR.
For pocket carry, .38 snubby is a long term favorite.
A friend showed me a micro-380 Kimber he carry’s around the house. Great trigger nice size and very smooth looking. I like Barnes XTP or Federal Hydro shock. Also check out Springfield’s XD micro. Get what feels good to you above all else or you won’t carry it. Be safe.
I don’t carry anymore, as my diabetes is way out of control since going on this pump (so I don’t trust my judgement at times), but my wife regularly carries an older Walther PPK on her person. (I think it’s because she is still sweet on Sean Connery...).
She started with a Lady Smith, but changed a few years ago.
I recommend the Ruger LCP or LCP2. The Glock 42 is also excellent for pocket carry, but a bit bigger.
Ruger LC9 and Glock 43 (both in 9mm) are at the upper end of comfortable pocket carry for me.
44 Mag Auto!
Personally I prefer a small 9mm - a Kahr PM-9, a Kimber Micro 9 (I own and carry those) or a Sig P938, the latter two if you like the quasi-1911 controls. These are a little bulkier than their .380 counterparts but I do like 9mm. All of the above I have experience with; there are lots more in that very popular category. YMMV.
For me... a .22LR auto filled with CCI Stingers.
I gave a S&W but any will do. I like the zero recoil. Basically feels like you can put 3 in the same hole.
Great CC weapon, but don't take my word for it; just read the multitude of user reviews and watch any of the numerous YouTube review videos.
Between the two, only .380 is a serious contender.
Keeping in mind that you said pocket pistol, you need to ask some questions:
1) Do you feel comfortable with a loaded semi-auto in your pocket and a short, fairly light trigger pull like that on a Glock 42? Remember that unplanned things might go in a pocket and get inside the trigger guard.
2) Do you want to trust the safety on a cocked-and-locked Kimber or Sig pocket single action?
3) Do you mind the heavy trigger pull of a DAO like a Ruger LCP or S&W Bodyguard 380?
I own or have owned all those guns (except the Kimber), along with some pocket 9mms such as the Glock 43 and Sig P290RS.
Because of MY answers to the 3 questions, I only carry the Bodyguard in my pocket. I’ll carry the G43 in a hard IWB and the P290 in a soft IWB.
I’m not attacking the others, so people don’t need to flame me for being cautious and pragmatic.
It’s not really about caliber. Its about what you will comfortably and confidently carry because a 380 in the pocket beats a 45 ACP that you left at home every time!
My favorite is my S&W 332ti revolver, J-frame, 2”bbl, 6-shot, .32 H&R Magnum, 10.5oz empty. Very small and hides well in my right front pocket (in a sticky pocket holster).
Ruger LC9s Pro (9mm)
Springfield XDs 3.3” (.45 ACP)
Since you said this:
“Not looking for this to be primary concealed carry weapon.”
I’m assuming you’re looking for a backup - perhaps ankle holster type.
If so the Ruger LCP is a good fit. Kimber’s Micro 380 would be good for more $$$
Ammo:
https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/handgun/380-auto-90-gr-ftx-critical-defense#!/
It has the ‘flex tip’ that prevents clogging (of clothing) a possible problems with hollow points.
bkmking...
I have teeny tiny hands (matching the rest of me) so the words “no recoil” always merit a bookmarking. :)
I bought a Ruger LCP2 380 as a pocket pistol and found carrying in a pocket not ideal at all. For one, it’s nearly impossible to get at when sitting, such as in a car.
I came up with a shoulder holster for it that fits between my T-shirt and outer shirt. Very easy to get at in the sitting position. It’s so small you can’t tell its there.
Regardless of what holster type, it takes practice to effectively get it out and running in short order.
S&W J-Frame revolver. 5 shots, very effective cartridge.
.32 is a toy - DON’T USE IT.
The S&W 642 is a .38 +P firearm. Add a Crimson Trace Laser Grip to it, and you now have a very accurate gun, unlike the base gun that has crappy, short sights in order to not snag on anything. The 642 conceals VERY well in a pocket holster (I use Uncle Mike’s, YMMV).