pocket semi auto with external safety
What would be a good choice for a pocket gun with an external safety? I looked at the ruger lcp and the kel-tec .380...but I kinda want something that I have to take off safety to fire. Is there a gun about this size that fits my description? Thanks in advance for any advice.
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The Beretta Tomcat would work as it has an external safety--but it is available in .32acp only. Buffalo Bore offers a .32 acp +p round that boosts the energy level to that of a standard .380. http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=132
The Tomcat is a true pocket size gun. Stepping up a little would be a Walther PP or PPK but they are not so light for a regular pocket.
Other options include the out of production Colt Government .380's and Mustangs, and the new SIG P238--but these are single action autos that usually would be carried cocked & locked or hammer down on an empty chamber--I do not know if they have a firing pin block that would be safe to carry with a hammer down, safety on with a loaded chamber.
Lastly you COULD carry one of the old Colt 1903 Pocket Models as they have an external safety and a grip safety. They are old guns but there are versions out there that would make a fine defense gun.0 -
Colt Mustang/Sig P238: 
Edit: Ultimately, the only 'safety' on a gun is the brain of the operator.
While its usually harder to shoot them accurately, personally I consider guns with a heavy double-action only pull to be SAFER than guns with an external safety and a light single-action pull.
The problem with external safety guns is that while they can help prevent a gun from going off when you don't want it to, they can also prevent the gun from going off when you DO want it to (either by being engaged accidentally under stress, or not being properly disengaged under stress).
More than once I've been at the range and tried to pull the trigger on a gun with a locked safety, where either I forgot to disengage it or (worse) inadvertently locked it. I'd personally rather NOT have something like that happen if/when the chips are down and I may have only a few seconds to take a shot "or else".0 -
I carry a DAO revolver but man I sure like that little SIG. 0 -
H&K 4 0 -
+1 for the sig.
alot cheaper than a new mustang and basically the same gun. lots of aftermarket grips available as well as various holsters.
i carry the sig IWB in a tuckable galco USA holster or a smartcarry.
buffalo bore makes a +p JHP in .380 or use Hornady CD. both feed well in the sig
p238 and mustang0 -
I also suggest a Star auto. If you can find a good one. They are fairly light for a steel gun, and you might find a deal.
However I agree the Kel-tec type DAO is my choice.0 -
Sure do like my Bersa Thunder .380 - 100% reliable! 0 -
+1 for the Sig here too.
Just bought one for my wife the other day. Borrowed a friends to let her shoot first prior to buying. We both fell in love with it. Especially with the extended grip mag. Cool thing is that Colt Mustang mags will fit too. Versatile little gun with an external safety.....AND it looks like a miniture 1911. How can you go wrong with that.0 -
As the other poster said, the ONLY safety is between your ears. I'm wondering why do you want a "safety" to disengage before firing? Crooks aren't intimidated by a tiny "clik" when small guns come out, and if you don't constantly practice carrying safety on/draw/safety off/shoot you'll draw and be be pulling and pulling a trigger with the safety on when presented with a threat.
The Sig/Colt's are single action autos, which need to be cocked before firing (or carried "cocked and locked" with hammer back/safety on). The Kel Tec/Ruger LCP/Kahr are long trigger pull, no safety, no external hammer guns. The PPK style is a double action auto with a slide mounted hammer block/drop safety etc...I have, or had, them all; the safety on all of them, honestly, was never engaged unless it was a cocked and locked type pistol.
Whatever you normally shoot, or are trained on, should be the type of action you should carry in your pocket. (If you're a 1911 guy, the Sig/Colt will be second nature.) Under stress, you're going to revert to what, if any, training or experience you have learned. Example, I carry a Glock 17 daily at work, Ruger LCP off (because even compact Glocks are too big for shorts in 100 degree summers). Both have no external safeties, both trigger activated (striker and internal hammer) actions, so they're somewhat similar in function. I have seen video of an off-duty Southern California officer killed in a grocery store hold up, he was pointing his gun at the armed crook and trying to pull the trigger on a Beretta M-92. Safety was on, gun unfired when the responding officers found him dying by the dog food at the front of the store.
I shoot (at minimum) monthly, so each gun I carry is one I am somewhat familiar with under differing situations. Honestly, whatever type/caliber etc..you choose to get, practice with it and learn the quirks to make yourself proficient.0 -
Riomouse911, I agree with your reply.
I will add one more 380. The AMT backup single action. It is very small but a bit heavy.0 -
Kahr now makes their PM9 with an external safety, don't know if that qualifies as a pocket pistol but I have the stailess version and it is small, very light. About the same size as the AMT - 9mm in a 380 package. 0
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