A
pocket pistol is an American term for any small, pocket-sized
semi-automatic pistol or, less-popular, any other handgun (e.g.,
derringer, or small
revolver) of (most commonly) small caliber, suitable for
concealed carry in either a front or rear pocket of a pair of trousers, or in an exterior coat pocket. Some consider the term solely applicable to subcompact, single-stack, hammerless handguns that are striker-fired in semi-automatic
blowback configurations. However, with the advent of newer and smaller
double action only (DAO)
semi-automatic pistol designs, some
locked breech concealed-hammer pistol designs are now also called pocket pistols.