Are mouse guns still a useful thing to have in the modern gun era? It depends on who you ask. Mouse guns — which are diminutive little pistols typically chambered in little calibers — have enjoyed use mostly as backup or pocket pistols. Now that guns in 9mm have become smaller and more easily concealed, the question of whether mouse guns are relevant is a good one to discuss. We’re going to consider the uses of mouse guns and if they’re well suited to your own needs.
What’s a mouse gun?
Traditionally, mouse guns are micros or sub-compacts chambered in small calibers such as 22 LR, 32 ACP, and 380 ACP. Basically, they’ll be chambered in something smaller than 9mm, and the frame size should be small enough to fit or almost fit in the palm of your hand. They’re usually used as backup guns but are also popular among many gun owners as pocket pistols (both pants pocket and shirt pockets).
Something to remember about mouse guns is that their overall dimensions mean they’re going to have a short barrel and a minimal grip. And despite what some people believe, those smaller chamberings do not translate to less felt recoil. In reality, the recoil of a mouse gun or any other short-barreled or snub-nosed pistol chambered in something like 380 ACP can be rather snappy.
Are mouse gun calibers any good?
While it’s accurate to say mouse gun calibers are smaller than what many consider ideal, that doesn’t mean they’re without their uses. First and foremost, it’s important to have a gun available. If that happens to be a mouse gun in 32 ACP, use it. If you’re able to obtain and carry something larger, it’s certainly ideal, but that doesn’t entirely negate the fact that mouse guns can be useful.
Let’s consider 380 ACP. Technology has advanced enough that 380 ACP performs better on target than it once did. If you have a gun that qualifies as mouse gun size and it’s chambered in 380 ACP, it’s not a bad one to have around. Might it be more effective to have something like a 9mm? Yes, but this circles right back to the importance of having a gun in the first place.
At the other end, we have something like 22 LR. You might remember the story of Bella Twin, the woman who took down a world-record size grizzly bear using her 22 LR. This took place in 1953 and Bella had a rifle, not a pistol. Also, she was hunting tiny game the size of which fit with her having a 22 LR on hand. And thanks to her having a rifle, she got better ballistics out of that 22 LR than your average mouse gun is likely to produce. Then there’s the case of Alaska guide Phil Shoemaker, who dropped a grizzly with his 9mm. It was what he had on hand at the time, and he used it, but he’s said he wouldn’t choose a 9mm for that purpose again.
The 22 LR is among the calibers most people are least likely to recommend for defensive purposes. That’s not because it can’t work but because utilizing it when there are better options available involves risks that aren’t really worth taking. Could it work? Of course. Is it a good idea to get something bigger? Yes.
When is a mouse gun good?
If you’re in a non-permissive environment or some other situation that calls for deep concealment, having a mouse gun available can be fantastic. This is their greatest use: tiny enough to conceal in places people won’t look, or expect, there to be a gun. Using a mouse gun is a good way to make sure you have at least something available for self-defense that’s more effective than strong language. For that reason, it makes sense that mouse guns will always have a place in all our gun safes.
When is a mouse gun a bad idea?
Let’s approach this question assuming you have other guns available. That means the mouse gun isn’t the only firearm in your collection and that you have other defensive options. When it is possible to carry a larger, more effective handgun, do it. A mouse gun isn’t ideal in any situation, and when it comes to self-defense you want the odds stacked in your favor. That means having a 9mm or larger, and preferably one with a longer barrel and bigger frame that makes it easier to run smoothly.
Something to remember about mouse guns is that their diminutive size translates to a snappier muzzle rise and less manageable felt recoil. When it comes to self-defense, you need a handgun that’s good for rapid, accurate follow-up shots. It needs to be a gun that’s comfortable in your hand and easy to keep on target. Unfortunately for those who love mouse guns, there’s a laundry list of reasons not to use one as your daily carry. Although the first rule of a gunfight is to have a gun, the second rule should be to have a gun that gives you what some might perceive as an unfair advantage.
Are mouse guns relevant?
Personally, I think mouse guns have their place. While they are no longer as immediately relevant as they once were, there are still circumstances under which they can come in handy. Those are times when you require something suitable to a truly non-permissive environment or when it’s your only option. Well, those times and if you like having a backup gun, because they’re ridiculously easy to conceal. Keep in mind that while mouse guns are often seen as the gun you can simply drop in your pocket, that doesn’t negate the need for a holster of some sort. Just because a trigger is heavy and designed to take effort to pull doesn’t mean accidents can’t happen. Get a pocket holster.
But before you add a mouse gun to your collection, make sure it’s something you can get some use out of. Your hand size and skill level definitely matter, as does the fact that if you’re going to invest in a first handgun, it shouldn’t be a mouse gun. If you already have a great carry gun, consider adding a well-made mouse gun to back it up. These pistols certainly have their place and are unlikely to ever go entirely out of style.
