I'm a cheapo, and this will be a concealed carry weapon only, on my person or stuffed in the glovebox, luggage, etc. I was initially thinking .380 'cause that's what folks from my dad's generation carried concealed, but now with the 9mm's getting so small I want to go that route. Looking for something cheap as it won't live a life with a lot of rounds put through it, occasional trips to the range to stay in tune but I prefer to plink with target guns designed for the task. Recoil pain and chipped up hands from slides & poly triggers never bothered me much (you're firing a GUN for cripes sake, it's supposed to be somewhat violent) so that's less of a factor for me than other items. Here's what I've narrowed it down to so far: 1. Kel Tec PF-9 (ugly little gun but folks seem to like it based on the value) 2. Taurus PT-111/ti (decent, step up in quality and price from the Kel Tec) 3. Kahr PM9 (Nice gun all around, not so cheap) For any of you who may be bigger gun nuts than me, what would be your recommendation?
Ha! Okay I'll add that to my research list, I haven't looked at the Glocks 'cause I was looking at the super-tiny gun range. I'm going to a gun show this weekend so I'll get to fondle them all in person, so that's good.
I carry an HK P30 9mm as my daily carry. Love it so far, only complaint is the price tag I held a lot of them before I made my purchase and as soon as it hit my hand I knew that was the one. Really fun to shoot and 9mm ammo is relativly cheap. I get 50 target rounds for $8 and a box of 50 HST hollow points OR Hydra shocks 147 or 135 grain for $19
That's just what I have, but they do make a sub-compact that is much smaller. I just like the feel of the compact and it is still easily concealable.
The Ruger LCP is a .380, but a sweet little gun. Very light, very small. For a deep cover pistol, it would probably be my choice. Better quality than the Kel-Tecs. The PF-9 is on my short list too, though, just because it's a 9mm. I'd get it before the others on your list. I currently have a Glock 19 and 26 - both are concealable well enough, but they're still too wide to really hide well. That's why I'm looking at the super small autos.
Great recommendations guys please keep them coming. Like I said I'll see all these in person this weekend so this will give me a better idea what to look for. Otherwise I always seem to end up over at the .50 caliber handgun section trying to figure out a way to justify ownership of one of those things for something. Anything.
Kahr pm9 is a great little unit. Not exactly cheap though. My wife has a Taurus pt-111 pro 9mm, and has over 3000 rounds through it with no issues. I would also check out Springfield XD's as well. $450 for a 9mm with holster and clip pouch. Ruger also makes the lcp .380 that fits in your front pocket and is great for carrying.:up:
I carry (depending on attire) my Sig P250 compact 9mm or my Bersa Thunder .380. The .380 round is still quite capable of killing you no problem, dont let these guys deter you from that round. You can get a Bersa Thunder for aounrd $200 if you look in the right places. They are very very reliable and have excellent customer service if needed. :thumbup The Sig P220 stays home most of the time, although I do take it on trips where its not as important to conceal (glove compartment, suitcase, etc)
Dude I'm digging that Ruger LCP. I saw the ads for that thing but sort of shrugged if off due to the .380 caliber. The key with something that small is that I'd actually carry it. Concealed weapons usually work better when you have them with you. This thing would be perfect for the wife too. Hmmn.
You know the .380 is a 9mm bullet just with a shorter casing than 9mm Para... In germany its even called the 9mm Kurz (kurz means short).
I carry the Kel tec 380 everyday in my front pocket its great never jams when i take it to the range and is very easy to conceal i even carry it wearing shorts. i would have gotten the ruger lcp but you cant find them around here at all. both are great guns for what you are looking for. the biggest thing is its worthless unless you are carrying it so dont be afraid of getting a 380 to fit in your pocket it beats that springfield 911 i have in my drawer at home any day. because i can carry the 380 everywhere. just my 2cents.
If you can't hit the right spot with a .380 and have it do the job then using something bigger will not give you any better results.
I like Glocks, but I can't see myself trying to carry one concealed. I'd almost certainly have to carry a single stack gun. So, if it were me, and I wanted a non-small gun, I'd get a 1911. If I were going to stay small, it would likely be the Kel-tec.