Carry Pistol
Looking for some advice on a semi automatic that is small and a good carry weapon. Your suggestions are welcommed
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It depends how small you want to go and where you want to carry one.
I carry a Kel-Tec P 3AT 24/7 in a back pocket holster.
When I need a serious piece it's my Kahr P-9 or P-45 in IWB holsters.0 -
Andre Terranova....welcome to the GB ATE Forum and thanks for your question. Just left a meeting with my Ruger lcp .380 in my right pocket and an extra mag in my left pocket. Warm today so wearing shorts. In my briefcase I have a Daytimer looking zipcase with my Glock 36 .45 with an extra mag. I find that the little Ruger fits nicely in either shorts or pants and I don't need a holster for it. So light you don't know it is there. The KelTech that dcs mentions is about the same weight. I also carry a titanium Taurus .38 with +p's in a crossdraw holster sometimes. Anything heavier like my Sig 226, 1911 and such I use Jackass shoulder holsters because of the weight. Anyway, hope this helps[^] 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Andre Terranova
Looking for some advice on a semi automatic that is small and a good carry weapon. Your suggestions are welcommed
The problem is that the small automatics generally aren't good weapons for new shooters, since they're hard to aim, and recoil can be unpleasant.
If you intend to carry it, you have to give some consideration as to HOW you're going to carry it (ie what part of your body. . .in a waist holster? In your pocket? On your ankle? ETC), and that will partly dictate the size/weight of the gun you can carry.
You didn't mention your budget, and that can play a factor here.
Also, if you're looking for a small concealed carry gun, I wouldn't overlook a .38 special revolver. These are more reliable than ANY of the pocket automatics, easier to use, and more powerful than any .380.
Edit: For what its worth, my preferred carry pistol is a Smith and Wesson model 637, which is a traditional 5-shot .38+P snubnose revolver with ordinary hammer and aluminum alloy frame that makes it relatively light (only 15 ounces). Many individuals prefer the 642 (silver) or 442 (black) hammerless versions of the same gun since they are more snag-resistant and the inability to cock the gun acts as a secondary safety feature.
I don't much care for it, since its both unreliable and not that powerful, but I will also carry a Kel-Tec 3AT .380 automatic. This is mainly because the gun is small and light enough to just slip in a pocket, meaning I can get away with carrying it times when I can't carry anything else.0 -
Smith and Wesson Airweight in 38 Special +P is the pocket pistol of choice in our family...models 442 and 642. 0 -
Having carried a concealed weapon for more than 35 years in law enforcement I can tell you there is no perfect answer. Each person needs to evaluate their needs and limitations, including body size, recoil tolerance, and level of experience. In cooler weathe I carry a Sig P-239 in .357 Sig with one spare magazine. In warmer weather I carry a Kahr PM-9 loaded with Sper Gold Dot 124 grain "short barrel" ammunition. The other respondents have made good suggestions as well. 0 -
The ones mentioned above are all good choices. If it is at all possible, actually try several. If you are lucky, there will be a range nearby that rents guns. If not, maybe a private gun club member would take you to his club and bring out a selection. Like everyone says, there are several excellent choices. But guns are a lot like shoes. My best and most expensive ones probably wouldn't fit YOU. Welcome to the forum. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by 1KYDSTR
Smith and Wesson Airweight in 38 Special +P is the pocket pistol of choice in our family...models 442 and 642.
+1....I carry a 442 ....38+P0 -
I personally carry light...a mustang pocketlite. I used to carry a SW 649 as a police officer back in the 90's as a backup but I never got used to the wide, bulky cylinder. Other than the comfort, I would take a revolver over a small automatic anyday...just less comfortable.
To each his/her own...0 -
Hi Andre,
You do not state what your level of experience is.
If you are not experienced, I concur !00% with the idea of carrying a .38 Specical, older, Smith and Wesson Airweight (alloy frame) or steel frame revolver, J-frame, 5-shot capacity. Revolvers are best for inexperienced shooters for so many reasons that I just don't want to cover them now, except for one...If you aren't experienced, you want least complicated, most safe (for you).
My opinion is that you do not consider Taurus guns for ccw in any configuration, revolver or semi-auto.
If you are experienced, you should still consider the older S&W J-frame, .38 Special alloy or steel revolvers (I do not trust the newer S&W's for quality issues) or any of a variety of semi-auto .380acp guns. My favorite is the older Colt Mustang (the original, short grip version) in steel. It also can be found with an alloy frame. The Colt Mustang is not being manufactured any longer, but can be found. As you must know, there is a recent spate of small, lightweight .380's, the only one of which I have fired is the Ruger...I still prefer the steel Colt.
I also suggest that you fire a minimum of 200 rounds of the same ammo you would be loading the gun with as your carry weapon through any new-to-you semi-auto pistol. This, of course, will familiarize you with the weapon and hopefully bring to light any problems specific to the gun and specific to that gun's ability to handle the ammo you want to use.0 -
Wife and I both carry S&W 642 38 spl+p pre-lock. Fit nice in the front or back pockets and fire every time you pull the trigger. 0 -
Hi,
There are unlimited suggestions here.
In cool weather, I carry a 1911 with 230 grain hollow points in a Blackhawk IWB (in waist band) at the small of my back because it conceals and carries well for me there.
In South Carolina's summer heat, my choice is a Ruger LCR loaded with 38 Special +P 110 grain hollow points. This can be carried in the front pocket of shorts without effort or annoyance.
You may have to experiment with a few combinations before you find what you like.
Heavyiron0
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