Don't know if they make an Ultra Lite model but I'd check out Taurus CIA version of their little 38/357Mag snub. It'd be perfect for pocket carry since it has a fully enclosed hammer so it's DA only and can even be fired from the pocket.
http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=268&category=Pistol

 

The LCP will pocket better, but I prefer the revolver. I would also suggest you look at the Ruger LCR. I bought one because the trigger was much better than any 642/442 I had ever shot. I might have to get a second LCR since my wife is trying to claim the current one.

 

the j frame definitely carries much larger in the pocket, very similar to a pm 9.

 

for shorts carry go with the LCP.
No matter what the revolver lovers say, no way is a revolver as small in a pocket as the pocket autos.
BTW,the keltec is an ounce lighter still, and they have it down pat. Very reliable, and if 7 shots of 102 grains bullets doesn't help you escape then your time is up.
People have carried .32's and .22's for a hundred years, and gentlemen carried single shot derringers in wild west cities and felt quite comfortable.
In Today's video game world people feel uncomfortable with 7 shots of .380.
It's ridiculous. Its a Self defense shorts gun when all other options fail, you ain't storming the beaches of Normandy or using it as a primary home invasion gun.
Get whatever you want of course, but
1, the odds are astronomical you will ever use it
2 if you do hit the "lotto" and have to shoot it at someone, I think you will be
fine with the .380.

 

I would go with a J frame myself.

 

I have both, but prefer the Keltec Pf9 and a spare mag.

Much better power to weight and bulk ratio, when I can't conceal a G26 or better.

And I also prefer my little P32 with the optional 10 round mag to my S&W 642, because 5 shots is a lot less than 10.

 

The LCP is easier to carry, but I find the 442/642 easier to get a good grip on while pocket carrying, and it's a more powerful and far more reliable weapon.

 

The LCP is easier to carry, but I find the 442/642 easier to get a good grip on while pocket carrying, and it's a more powerful and far more reliable weapon.

FBI loads are better than any .380 round on earth. Also, I've never heard of a snubby jamming on a piece of pocket detritus.

 

LCP for me.

 

I have an LCP and a S&W442. I pocket carry the LCP all the time. The 442 is not that pocket friendly for me. I shoot both of them terribly.

 

The Ruger LCR is a bit lighter than the 642, comes with an XS night sight, and a awesome DA trigger. I'd go with that. I've looked and looked. The only thing coming in 2nd, and 1st for looks, is the M&P 342 that is no longer offered. The more I think about it, .380 without sights just won't cut it. If of course you plan on only having a threat lay on top of you, its a non issue of course.

If you wear pants that fit, the LCR will be fine. If you wear form fitting spandex or something, you will probably want the kel tec .380/LCP.

 

If I can't carry a G26 or S&W 442...I carry a NAA Guardian .32. I know there are lots of folks on GT who have shot millions of rounds through their LCPs...but...I have seen enough problems with them that I'm not willing to carry one for SD.

 

It may just be me but, I flat frigen refuse to trust my life to the 380 round. I don't care if the new ammo is finally the new wonder bullet we have been looking for. I will not carry less than 357 or 9mm+P. I can carry either in any climate.

 

It really boils down to preference.

Having owned multiple snubs and the LCP and P3AT I PREFER to carry a snub. In my experience they were nowhere near the reliability I want from a carry gun and I am not a fan of .380 either.

 

Two things weighing against the LCP:

1. The round. .38 beats .380. You may never need or notice, but I think it's a meaningful difference.

2. If you ever need to fire FROM a pocket, or with any chance of interference, the snub is best. The slide of the LCP may not cycle if clothing or etc gets in the way. A snub, without the exposed hammer, will be fine.

 

I've got a S&W 642 and pocket carry it in a DeSantis Nemesis holster. Although bigger than an LCP, it still carries well in jeans or even cargo shorts in warm weather. Definitely prefer .38 Special power, especially the 158 grain +P LHP loading.

 

The LCP is easier to carry, but I find the 442/642 easier to get a good grip on while pocket carrying, and it's a more powerful and far more reliable weapon.

Two things. If you add the finger extension on the mag of the LCP it makes it a lot easier to get a correct hold of in your pocket. And my LCP and my P3AT and my 642 all have the save number of malfuctions, ZERO! I give the 642 a slight advantage in power but five shots isn't much if you are defending yourself against more than one perp. On reloads the advantage definately goes to the semi auto.

 

I have a 342PD and a kel-tec P3AT, not exact as yours but close enough for comparison.

In the clothing you describe, it's the 380 for me. Even in tighter jeans, the 380 does not print.

JMO,
Rik

 

Two things. If you add the finger extension on the mag of the LCP it makes it a lot easier to get a correct hold of in your pocket. And my LCP and my P3AT and my 642 all have the save number of malfuctions, ZERO! I give the 642 a slight advantage in power but five shots isn't much if you are defending yourself against more than one perp. On reloads the advantage definately goes to the semi auto.

I agree the finger extension baseplate ( and the Agrip) make the P3AT easier to use from the pocket and MUCH easier to shoot.....but you also lose some of it's attractive concealability.
As for malfunctions, the odds of the small polymer .380's having a jam of some sort are exponentially higher than the J frame, and the reload really isn't that big of an improvement IMO, since the tiny size really works against speed with the .380's.

 

Have a 642 with a CT laser, a KelTec and a PM9. Carried J-frames around for a long time, until I got the small autos. Both carry well. The KelTec in the front pocket is best and more frequently carried. They all have functioned without failures

 

I've never pocket-carried a semi-auto pistol, so please correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to me that for pocket carry a snub revolver would have a better balance than a pistol. The bulk of the pistol's weight is in the grip frame, which would make the pistol somewhat top-heavy, while the revolver's cylinder carries the weight lower, thus a little more stable in the pocket. I suppose a good quality pocket holster would take care of that issue. Or is this something that isn't worth worrying about?

BTW, I would choose the revolver, for the reasons cited previously, plus if you weren't able to draw the gun before the attacker got on top of you and you had to make a contact shot, the semi-auto could be pushed out of battery and not fire; I don't think that would happen with a revolver.

 

What kind of shorts are you wearing? Are we talking about cargo shorts or basketball shorts? In cargos you can pocket a J frame easily but the J is still too heavy for workout shorts.

If you're still open to other options you might want to try the appendix position with a J frame or LCR. For me it is a whole lot more comfortable and accessible than a pocket. Plus you get .38 or .357 instead of .380.

 

my p3at carrys a lot better then my jframe.

 

BTW, I would choose the revolver, for the reasons cited previously, plus if you weren't able to draw the gun before the attacker got on top of you and you had to make a contact shot, the semi-auto could be pushed out of battery and not fire; I don't think that would happen with a revolver.

And the same goes for the revolver. If you can get your hand on the cylinder you can stop it from firing too.

 

I have both and tend to carry the 642 a little more often.