Best Concealed Handgun
I have all my paperwork done to get my concealed weapons permit here in Oregon, but I don't have anything smaller than a 357 Mag. I'm wondering what would be a good and small self defense gun. I'm looking to spend no more than 4 or 5 hundred bucks. And again, I want something small. Also, I plan on getting a laser for it. So what would be a good small gun that I wouldn't have trouble getting add ons for?
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I'd recommend something like a Ruger SP 101. It may be a little bulky for some smaller people, but it packs plenty of punch. No way to attach a laser to it, but those are largely superfluous if you ask me. 0 -
Welcome to GB. Your question is somewhat very general. I carry either a PT-22, a 38 special, a compact 45 Glock or a full size 45 Glock. All depends what I'm doing and wearing. I work alot of late hours.
Your going to get alot of different answers.
Traci.0 -
Forget the laser - it only makes the weapon a lot clumsier. It's cool for a plinker, but not a self defense firearm.
Thake a look at the small Taurus revolvers. They are a superb value.
By the way, I live in Sheridan, Orygun, between Salem & Lincoln City. Where are you??
I've had my CCW for about 17 years and have carried a number of different firearms.
D.0 -
Springfield XD
KelTec P3AT
If a big caliber is what you want, an XD is your ticket, otherwise the 380ACP Kel Tec is TINY, and is the lightest auto on the market. They are easily concealable and when you have it on you, you forget it's there.
Others to look at are the Millenium Series Taurus', availible in all common calibers 380, 9mm, 40, 45.
Or a Kahr. New will be outside your price range, but if you can find a used one for a good price.....0 -
I carry my RIA Compact .45 1911. It conseals nicely and carries plenty of punch. Great gun for the money running right at $400 (I paid $365 including shipping but prices have gone up slightly here resently).
It is the bottom one in the pic:
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viewed too many movies , laser for scare value first then shooting, if you pull it out and spot the perp w a laser, dont waste your time , pull the trigger.
walther ppk/s in 380 SS at a minimum, used will be about that.0 -
GRD you should buy stock in Rock Island. [:D] I don't think I've ever seen a better spokesman for a product. You should be on thier payroll for all the advertising you do for them. 0 -
or maybe a sig sauer in 380 ss.
both are good, dependable guns0 -
jc valid point, dyed in the wool-- RIA ALL THE~WAY --RA RA SIS BOOM BA 0 -
quote:Originally posted by jc_crazyhorse
GRD you should buy stock in Rock Island. [:D] I don't think I've ever seen a better spokesman for a product. You should be on thier payroll for all the advertising you do for them.
I just like to share the love![:D]
But really I don't mind at all shareing about the Rock's. They have been great guns for me. And many others are now realizing this same thing as their popularity is growing daily. I talk with the national rep and the president of Armscor quite often, and these guns are getting so popular that they are haveing troubles keeping up with orders for them. They are getting more machinery to step up production but that takes time. They are not just trying to step up production on current machinery because they will not sacrafice the quality of the guns by doing so. They figure by summer that the machinery will be in and running so production levels should come up to meet the demand.0 -
quote:Originally posted by git_r_done
quote:Originally posted by jc_crazyhorse
GRD you should buy stock in Rock Island. [:D] I don't think I've ever seen a better spokesman for a product. You should be on thier payroll for all the advertising you do for them.
I just like to share the love![:D]
But really I don't mind at all shareing about the Rock's. They have been great guns for me. And many others are now realizing this same thing as their popularity is growing daily. I talk with the national rep and the president of Armscor quite often, and these guns are getting so popular that they are haveing troubles keeping up with orders for them. They are getting more machinery to step up production but that takes time. They are not just trying to step up production on current machinery because they will not sacrafice the quality of the guns by doing so. They figure by summer that the machinery will be in and running so production levels should come up to meet the demand.
I've never fired one. To tell the truth, I don't know of any dealers in my area either. They "look" nice.0 -
quote:Originally posted by git_r_done
I carry my RIA Compact .45 1911. It conseals nicely and carries plenty of punch. Great gun for the money running right at $400 (I paid $365 including shipping but prices have gone up slightly here resently).
It is the bottom one in the pic:
I like the bottom & middle one.0 -
The middle one is the mid-sized (same as the SA Champion). Those are not being made anymore at this time. They may start again with them some time but no word on when. The bottom is my Compact that I carry with me where ever I go. It also came from the factory with the beaver tail and hammer on it. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by git_r_done
The middle one is the mid-sized (same as the SA Champion). Those are not being made anymore at this time. They may start again with them some time but no word on when. The bottom is my Compact that I carry with me where ever I go. It also came from the factory with the beaver tail and hammer on it.
Sweet. I'll have to look around town and see if anybody deals in them.0 -
quote:Originally posted by jc_crazyhorse
quote:Originally posted by git_r_done
The middle one is the mid-sized (same as the SA Champion). Those are not being made anymore at this time. They may start again with them some time but no word on when. The bottom is my Compact that I carry with me where ever I go. It also came from the factory with the beaver tail and hammer on it.
Sweet. I'll have to look around town and see if anybody deals in them.
I got all but my mid-sized from Bellshire Guns right here on GB. If you use his but it now price he pays the shipping to your FFL. His prices are great and with the but it now price you actually save money as it is usually only $15 over the starting price. And they are great to buy from and very quick on their shipping.
My mid-sized I got from a local shop because nobody had any of them, so I paid about $40 more for it, But it currently is worth alot more as many want them and they are not avaible.0 -
I like this one.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=65598458
I had a Colt 38 Super, buy sold it. Man I wish I still had the gun.
I do have 70 series .45 & 9mm Combat Comaders. But I would like to get another .38 Super. Colt mags will fit right?0 -
quote:Originally posted by jc_crazyhorse
I like this one.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=65598458
I had a Colt 38 Super, buy sold it. Man I wish I still had the gun.
I do have 70 series .45 & 9mm Combat Comaders. But I would like to get another .38 Super. Colt mags will fit right?
Colt mags do fit the .45, I can't speak for the .38 super. But I can ask Ivan for you today if you'd like. But I am useing Colt mags in all my Rock's.
I have thought of getting a .38 super myself but I do not reload yet and I don't like the cost of the ammo. But those I know with them enjoy them just as well.
I will ask Ivan for you later today and let you know for sure on those mags.0 -
Ammo cost is a bummer with the .38 Super. I don't reload either. Don't know why, I got 2 Dillon presses just sitting there collecting dust.
Thanks for checking too.0 -
hey J.C. Crazyhorse, do you want to unload those Dillon's? Let me know! 0 -
quote:Originally posted by munky871
I have all my paperwork done to get my concealed weapons permit here in Oregon, but I don't have anything smaller than a 357 Mag. I'm wondering what would be a good and small self defense gun. I'm looking to spend no more than 4 or 5 hundred bucks. And again, I want something small. Also, I plan on getting a laser for it. So what would be a good small gun that I wouldn't have trouble getting add ons for?
Back to the original question munky, I personally like the hammerless .38 police special. Mines a Tarus. Their relatively inexpensive, ammo is cheap, can be pocket carried without getting hung up on clothing, reliable and in most cases, a confrontation is going to take place up close. This is plenty of punch with 5 shots, use them all, to knock down the adversary. Also I have the combat grip for my large mitts. Just my opinion.0 -
quote:Originally posted by jbc23060
quote:Originally posted by munky871
I have all my paperwork done to get my concealed weapons permit here in Oregon, but I don't have anything smaller than a 357 Mag. I'm wondering what would be a good and small self defense gun. I'm looking to spend no more than 4 or 5 hundred bucks. And again, I want something small. Also, I plan on getting a laser for it. So what would be a good small gun that I wouldn't have trouble getting add ons for?
Back to the original question munky, I personally like the hammerless .38 police special. Mines a Tarus. Their relatively inexpensive, ammo is cheap, can be pocket carried without getting hung up on clothing, reliable and in most cases, a confrontation is going to take place up close. This is plenty of punch with 5 shots, use them all, to knock down the adversary. Also I have the combat grip for my large mitts. Just my opinion.
+1 on the hammerless .38.
I carry a S&W 640 on my ankle loaded with +p gold dots when I,m off duty. I also carry a Kel Tec p3at loaded with gold dots in my pocket. Both are extemely reliable and well worth the money.0 -
I agree you cant go wrong with a revolver. Pretty much the only way to get a miss fire with a revolver is a bad primer in the ammunition. So if yer lookin for Reliability,Power,Low Cost id gow with a used snub-nosed 357. that you can get at just about any pawn shop, but some would argue over ammo capacity of six rounds to a revolver. But 1 well placed round from a 357 is better than 14 rounds of semi auto fire from a 9mm ANYDAY. besides if the guy or guys your shooting at stick around after they hear that little snub nose burp off a 357 round...they diserve to get shot[8D] 0 -
I occasionally carry a .380 (Walther PPK/S, but my thoughts on this are changing. Generally, I now carry either a snub .38, or subcompact .45 auto such as my Para Ordinance "Carry". Carried the Para Warthawg a lot, but it is a bit chunky in the grip for comfortable concealment.
If you are looking for something even smaller and lighter there are lots out there, but consider the ultimate moment, if you actually need to use it, and let that reality be the judge of your choice.
Do you want a .22, .380, or other small marginal caliber defensive handgun, or something that has a reasonable chances of taking the bad guy out and not jamming?0 -
Another vote for the hammerless snub. Look at a taurus. Great value for the money, warranty and reliability. I tote a Smith 340sc (12oz job) and think it's the cat's pajamas for ccw, YMMV. Taurus makes a similar ultra-light animal for a little less scratch.
I've carried a few "mouse guns" in the past; NAA guardian in .32 and .380, a kel-tec, and a NAA mini revolver when I couldn't go bigger, but the snub is so easy to pocket and conceal, I got rid of most of the other ones.
I hear good things about the Bersa line up, but can't give you any direct feedback on them as I have never owned one.0 -
Sig 229 or Berretta Cougar 8357 in 357sig.
Will not miss feed ever!!!0 -
quote:Originally posted by jc_crazyhorse
Ammo cost is a bummer with the .38 Super. I don't reload either. Don't know why, I got 2 Dillon presses just sitting there collecting dust.
Thanks for checking too.
Which model presses, and would you sell them?0 -
I really like my Smith 642 for pocket carry. Compact,, near rustproof, light, never fails, holds 5 rounds of 38+P. Cost $350 new a couple of years ago. You can get Crimson Trace grips for it if you like.[:)] 0 -
quote:Originally posted by dlrjj
I really like my Smith 642 for pocket carry. Compact,, near rusrproof, light, never fails, holds 5 rounds of 38+P. Cost $350 new a couple of years ago. You can get Crimson Trace grips for it if you like.[:)]
Excellent choice for all-day concealed carry in a pocket IMO. You actually forget it's there. Although the .38 SPL +P is not as powerful as a .357, I'm told by many that it's got enough oomph to do the job. Plus, it's about half of what the super-light S&W 340 .357 costs.0 -
I agree with the Taurus 38 spl. Carry one a lot when I wear a sports coat. Prefer it to my 1911s for comfort. The other one that I find even handier is a Black Widow 22 mag 5 shot revolver. Since I wear tight clothes, wranglers & western shirts, most of the time, concealment is less easy with a larger weapon. I believe that I first heard from Paco Kelly that "the most important thing about a gun in a gunfight is have one."
Good luck.0 -
http://ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdResults?function=famid&famid=9&variation=Satin%20Stainless&bct=Yes&type=Revolver
you can find them used in your price range0
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