Opinions on .38 Special +P for self defense...
Opinions? Comments? Debating between a J-Frame type revolver or a .40 S&W or 9mm subcompact auto for carry in WARM weather. Think pocket carry...
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No, I don't feel that any of the posts have wandered too far from the subject. I'd rather find out as much as possible before I plonk my money down. Right now, I feel in the summer I'm limited to pocket carry because my body shape as it is now is a tad *ahem* unflattering, and it seems like it makes a belt or IWB gun stick out like a sore thumb. Right now in Michigan, with my baggy coat, I could probably carry a pistol grip shotgun and nobody would be the wiser, but the summer is going to be a bit harder. As for the Kahr, I've heard both good and bad things about them. If I could find a range willing to rent one, I'd just buy about five hundred rounds of ammo and take along a few friends. Pretty hard to beat a revolver for reliability though. Maybe I should just have a "Detroit reload" in the other pocket LOL.
But really, any CCW type of advice, I'd be more than happy to hear about in this thread. I'm learning about lots of new things, such as the DPX ammo, Kahr reliability problems, etc. It's all good, so keep 'em coming.0 -
I suppose I should also mention I've been looking at the Glock 27 and the XD-40 subcompact. I just feel that these two are a little too blocky for me to conceal well with pocket carry. Also looking at the Taurus Millenium Pro in .40. (PT-140, I think). Anybody carry any of these for pocket carry? 0 -
I'd say your weight limit should be around 20 ounces tops... with the gun fully loaded. And that's going to feel heavier than 13 ounces. A revolver cylinder is going to stick out more than a thin profile semi auto such as the Kel Tec P3AT
My advice would be the Kel Tec P3AT. A new one can go for as little as $250...0 -
I'll assume by 'pocket gun' you are referring to one that is easily concealable with a short barrel. Personally I've found that ultra short barrels like a snub-nose chambered in both 357/38; it actually works better with 38+p. With 357 loads in a short barrel you will find that not all the powder is burnt before the bullet exits the barrel. So you will find that a more complete burn will come from 38+p loads.
With 3in or longer barrels it probably will be ok for 357 loads, however for real shot barrels or snub nose revolvers I would recommend 38+p ---- you will even have better control over recoil and be able to put more on target than more expensive 357 loads.0 -
Speaking of Kel-Tec, anybody like the P-11 or the new PF-9? 0 -
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quote:Originally posted by theboogeyman
I suppose I should also mention I've been looking at the Glock 27 and the XD-40 subcompact. I just feel that these two are a little too blocky for me to conceal well with pocket carry. Also looking at the Taurus Millenium Pro in .40. (PT-140, I think). Anybody carry any of these for pocket carry?
I carry the PT111, 9mm version of the 140. It's not quite a pocket gun, but very concealable and nice to carry.0 -
I really like my S&W 60 with Uncle Mike's boot grips, but given a choice I rather carry a Glock 26 or 27.. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by mateomasfeo
I like....especially the Crimson Trace. Nice. [:)]0 -
quote:Originally posted by theboogeyman
I like....especially the Crimson Trace. Nice. [:)]
I have never regretted purchasing this gun for deep cover.0 -
I think the P-11 is too big for pocket carry (unless you have really baggy pants). So are pretty much all of the PT Mil Pro series (either that or too heavy). Haven't tried the PF-9
There are other options for summer time weather. Concealment T, phanny packs, etc... Some of the slightly heavier, larger models could be carried in other fashions. I just think they'd be a little uncomfortable and priting for a pocket gun.0 -
Of course a bigger hotter catridge is better at stopping people, but the 38 will do fine, be it +p, or special. 0 -
Could be, as I haven't tried them yet. I've tried a Kahr P-40 and that didn't print much. As for my pants, they are a little on the baggy side, and no, I'm not a wannabee or a gangbanger. After a couple injuries, I've put on a little weight, but it's all gone to my lower belly, where I do my insulin. I basically have normal sized legs and hips for a guy who's 6", with a size 40 waist. That means I have almost no chance of concealing a belt or IWB gun in the summer, but I have plenty or room in my pockets. I'm strangely attracted to the Kel-Tec PF-9 - same size as the P-11, just narrower. However, I have yet to actually handle or fire one, or find someone who has experience with it. That and I really don't trust anything less than a .357 SIG or .40 S&W to be "enough gun", but that's just me. 0 -
My so many people have strong opinions of what is "da best". I think the best self defence handgun is the one U have with U one time in 20yrs U need it.
I met an old gentleman is Sun City a few yrs ago and he had a S&W snubbie (I don't know what the # is) but it was either aluminum with a steel insert on the barrell or titanium. Very small and .22LR cal. It weighed a very diminutive 9oz and I bet he didn't even know he had it in his pocket.
There R times carring a gun and it is just a burdan (no pun intended
here). I can guarantee the feel of a .22 in my hand that I have practiced with would be a comfort to me if my life were theatened.
Bonus the goal is to wear it out carrying it for 20 yrs and never needing it. U can't do that with a SS gun, it just gets shinier and shinier so go with the alloy.
Now my confession, I have a S&W 60, and someone said it best; I let it get dirty and I don't lube it up often enough, but it always runs!0 -
I often carry my Keltec P-11 in my front Wrangler jeans pocket in a desantis holster. Fits just fine and you don't even notice it is there. In fact, it actually sits lower in the pocket than my J frame does. And when I go out to dinner or somewhere, I wear dress type pants and it fits fine in the right pocket of those also. And I do not wear baggy pants. As for the "best" gun, I agree it is whatever you have with you. But there are definitely better ones to choose than others. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by PC800
I often carry my Keltec P-11 in my front Wrangler jeans pocket in a desantis holster. Fits just fine and you don't even notice it is there. In fact, it actually sits lower in the pocket than my J frame does. And when I go out to dinner or somewhere, I wear dress type pants and it fits fine in the right pocket of those also. And I do not wear baggy pants. As for the "best" gun, I agree it is whatever you have with you. But there are definitely better ones to choose than others.
Perfect! I wear either denim or khaki Wrangler Cargos 99% of the time. In the summer, I have the exact same thing in cargo shorts. This would be the pockets that I tried the Kahr in. Now I'm thinking either a P-11, PF-9, or J-frame with a decent quality holster. I might end up getting one of each flavor (auto & revolver). Start out with whatever's cheapest, eventually get both, and see what works best. Any time I'm wearing a bulky jacket, I'll just carry my Beretta......0
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