Typical usage Of A pocket pistol is an semi-automatic pistol

The typical usage of a pocket pistol is for close range self-defense, often serving as a deep concealment backup gun to a larger handgun. Pocket holsters are highly recommended for the safe carry of pocket pistols, with standard practice being to carry the holster (sometimes with a second magazine sub-pocket stitched into the holster) in a front or rear trouser pocket with nothing else carried in the pocket that could snag on the gun when drawn. The most popular pocket holster designs are typically made of form-fitted leather, with a heavy layer of leather worn outward from the body to prevent printing of the gun outline on tight clothing.
Pocket pistols are carried with a round chambered, and with a safety engaged (ON), for single-action designs. However, with the 5 to 6 lbf (22 to 27 N) trigger pulls seen on double-action-only long trigger pull handguns without any external safety, and with a round chambered, the use of form-fitting leather holsters prevents inadvertently discharging the gun while it is carried, in much the same way that a revolver can be carried without an external safety. The use of moisture and vapor-barrier layers in the holster stitched closer to the body in the holster is recommended to prevent damaging the finish of the pocket pistol due to sweat. This extra layer also serves to increase carry comfort, and to prevent chapping or blistering the skin under the holster due to repetitive motion rubbing or friction that can occur while walking, jogging, or running.
Pocket pistol users include both concealed handgun licensed civilians and police officers, desiring a self-defense gun, or desiring to carry a backup gun. Aiming is typically intended for point and shoot, only, with one-handed pistol operation, unlike the practice with small-caliber target pistols which are instead usually fired with two-handed stances, and while carefully aligning the front and rear sights. The typical effective range for pocket pistols is 3 to 7 yards (2.7 to 6.5 m). Pocket pistols are typically made with rounded edges, with few controls, to prevent snagging on the draw.
Range practice, at least monthly, is recommended to maintain proficiency and accuracy. Pocket pistols are not typically pleasant to shoot, having considerably more felt recoil than seen with more massive full-size or "full-frame compact" semi-automatic pistols. Shooting more than 70-80 rounds will often cause a blister to form on the trigger finger, even with extremely smooth triggers and trigger guards. Additionally, the web of the thumb, particularly the basal bone, can experience significant punishment after prolonged firing. For proficiency, firing roughly 50 rounds monthly through a pocket pistol is typically adequate to maintain one's accuracy, while avoiding getting trigger-finger blisters