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newbie needs help choosing a CC weapon

callktulu
OK, I thought I had narrowed down my choice to a S&W Sigma .380, and I even placed a few bids, but never met the reserves. Then someone tells me that I should discount that particular firearm anyway b/c it has reliability problems.

My second choice was a Kel Tec .380. I guess I should have asked around here first, huh? Please help a newb and give me your advice. I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks.
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Comments

12 comments

Date Votes
  • William81
    The Sigma's reliability problems were bad enough to where I think I would pass unless I had the opportunity to fire one extensively before buying it.

    I liked the Kel Tec's I have fired but IMHO, with the advent of the small 9mm, .40 S&W and Mini .45's out there, the .380 is no longer a consideration.



    Guns only have two enemies: Rust and Liberals....
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  • callktulu
    quote:Originally posted by William81

    I liked the Kel Tec's I have fired but IMHO, with the advent of the small 9mm, .40 S&W and Mini .45's out there, the .380 is no longer a consideration.


    Well, as much as I like the idea of carrying something with larger calibre, at least .40, I wasn't aware of any as "just-stuff-it-it-your-pocket" small as the Kel Tec. If there are some that small, by all means, please point them out to me!

    Thanks!
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  • forthhorseman
    Have you considered a snub nose .357MAG revolver? The Airweight Smith & Wessons are "just-stuff-it-in-your-pocket" small and light and you can't really argue with .357MAG power.
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  • callktulu
    quote:Originally posted by forthhorseman
    The Airweight Smith & Wessons are "just-stuff-it-in-your-pocket" small and light


    Actually, I own a Airweight .38 Special, and I carry it in my car and on my person in my Thunderwear holster. I'm very pleased with it.

    It conceals great in my work clothes (slacks and shirt & tie). It also conceals great when I wear shorts all summer. However, winter is coming and I know it won't conceal in my jeans. I need something a bit smaller and flatter than a revolver. Thus my search for a small, thin auto.
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  • William81
    I have no problem with the Glock 26 or 27....They are bulkier than the Kel-Tec. Another favorite for me is the S&W 3913TSW. Not as bulky as the Glocks, but heavier.

    Guns only have two enemies: Rust and Liberals....
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  • K
    Another VERY good choice are the goofy Bulgarian Maks. 9x18 Mak is a DEADLY round (LOVE THEM HORNADY loads). All steel but well made and balanced and USUALLY around $200 for a GREAT ONE (hunting can make them happen for $125-$150).
    I use mine as a carry OFTEN in summer when I dress light.
    Just my 2 cents.
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  • allechalley
    The KelTec 3AT (.380) is about as small as it gets and still have reliable fire power. You do want to shoot it some, as they had some problems early on but seem to have that fixed now. As far as a front pocket type gun, this is as good as it gets. I am confused as to wanting a smaller than your present concealed .357 as we here in the People's Rep. of MN wait for cooler weather to carry the bigger stuff, as it is much easier to hide under jackets, sweat shirts, ect in cool weather than hot when you dress as thin as possible. The Kahr PM9 or PM40 is also an excellent choice.
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  • kingjoey
    quote:Originally posted by K
    Another VERY good choice are the goofy Bulgarian Maks. 9x18 Mak is a DEADLY round (LOVE THEM HORNADY loads). All steel but well made and balanced and USUALLY around $200 for a GREAT ONE (hunting can make them happen for $125-$150).
    I use mine as a carry OFTEN in summer when I dress light.
    Just my 2 cents.


    I'd have to agree there, it's a little more potent than the .380 and tends to be rather explosive on impact, especially with XTP's or Gold Dots. Some folks will disagree with me on the Mak, but if I had to pick one gun out of my collection that I needed to go 'bang' everytime it would be my Russian Makarov, probably fired 15,000 rounds with ZERO problems or FTF's

    Love them Beavers
    info_EB.gif
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  • callktulu
    quote:Originally posted by allechalley
    I am confused as to wanting a smaller than your present concealed .357 as we here in the People's Rep. of MN wait for cooler weather to carry the bigger stuff, as it is much easier to hide under jackets, sweat shirts, ect in cool weather than hot when you dress as thin as possible.

    *puts on flame suit*

    OK, I know I'm opening up a big can of worms here by saying this, but here goes....I'll be honest with you, the search for this particular type of pistol is also to conceal from my wife. She knows I want to carry, and that I do carry, but she doesn't like it. She thinks there's no need. I said I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. She says, "I'd rather you not have it or need it." I told her I can't control the need, only the have, but that didn't convince her.

    So I want something that I can conceal from her at the same time. Just keep it in my pocket and no one is the wiser, but I have a my backup. I know, I know....go ahead and bash me, but it's more difficult than you might think to convince her that crime isn't something that ONLY happens in bad neighborhoods and/or ONLY to other people.

    Anyway, my flame suit is on, so if you're gonna yell at me, go ahead. I still would like to hear y'alls advice on the pistols. So far I'm very appreciative, and the Kel Tec seems the way to go. Thanks.
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  • cbxjeff
    call,

    I'm not getting into this wife thing but I can tell you that I love my Kel-Tec 32. I bought it before the 380 was offered - I probably will get one in a while. Yeah, I know, the 32 can only stop a 70 lb 5th grader. Well we have 5th graders in Indy carrying!

    I'm a small guy and in the summer there is no way I could hide anything much larger. Now in the winter, in scenic IN, I could hide a Tec-9!

    cbxjeff<P>It's too late for me, save yourself. <br>
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  • dbarale
    Well then, it seems like you already know it. KelTec .380 or even .32 is the way to go. The .32 is not the ultimate man stopper but it's better than nothing...(and easy to "conceal" from your wife).

    Daniel.
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  • acdodd
    I understand your situation. My wife would rather I didn't carry, so like the military. She don't ask and I don't tell.
    I have a S&W 637 that I really like. With a pocket holster you would have to be looking really close to see it and nobody wants to look at me that close.
    AC
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