My CCW class is coming up soon, and my interest in pistols is also at a high point. As some of you know, i bought a S&W M&P .40 a few months ago, and i love it. But for a small framed guy like myself, its a little too big to carry. Im looking at the Walther PK .380's. If anybody else here has a few pistols, post up some pics and give em some opinions...
I don't have pics of mine but I like my Bersa Thunder .380. http://www.bersa.com/bersa-firearms/thunder-series.html
I bought a Para Ordnance 14-45 a couple months ago. Its definitely bigger than what you would want for concealed carry every day, but I'm still getting a CC permit. I'm a bigger guy though, 6' 240 lbs, so I should be able to conceal it good enough for what I will use it for.
I carry the XD 9mm 3.8 inch with the 10 round magazine in the Crossbreed IWB Super Tuck and a backup spare magazine in the Safari Land Horizontal Pouch from Masters Of Concealment Website for $19.00. I've found these to be totally adequate. With the proper dress No one can tell you are carrying a weapon. I've been around police officers either they know and never asked or they just didn't see it it's the best way to go. I also carry a Beretta Cheetah 85 13 round and the spare mag fits the Safari Land Beautifully. Match with the Crossbreed Super tuck. If you go with the Crossbreed Super tuck for a smaller gun a .380 get the (combat cut in horse hide). With smaller guns without the Combat Cut in the Crossbreed. Too much leather will extend over the smaller guns preventing a proper draw as the leather begins to break in. It will literally fold over smaller guns.
Daily carry is Kimberly pro carry 45 acp with a Galco small of back or a yaquii holster. Pistol for road trips is berretta cougar in 40 s&w with a Galco paddle holster - I like larger capacity for longer outings. I may post pics later.
guy i work with just picked up three bodyguard 380's. for him, his wife and daughter. pretty sweet looking and they dont break the bank either. http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57892_757752_757751_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y
My father in law has the Bodyguard, it's a nice little pistol for sure. The only thing I don't like about it is that the laser is pretty much useless in a real world gun fight scenario.......it's kinda a pain to hit the switch to get it turned on. It does fail to feed once in a while though.......and is kinda picky about what it shoots and cycles well. I'm still waiting on my regular pistol permit, but when I can get that in a year I can apply to have the concealed carry restriction removed. When that happens I'll probably end up with a Glock 26 Gen4. It's a bit bigger than a lot of the recommendations you will see, but not much and it absolutely will go bang every time you pull the trigger. With a good IWB holster most guys should be able to carry it with no issues.
When I was at the range at the academy I was able to look at and handle at least 20 different handguns of varying sizes. When I can scrounge up enough cash I will more than likely pick up a Glock 27, .40 cal. It packs a good punch and is pretty small for a 40 cal. as it has a reduced magazine and sleek overal width.
http://www.gunblast.com/Bersa_380CC.htm I think the one pictured here is stainless... mine's all matte black. I've got other carry pieces, but this one comes along with me 99% of the time.
X3, well, had one. I don't regret much but, I wish I had this gun back. It was the perfect CC gun. Light weight, compact, and reliable. Top that with you can pick one up for around $250 here. I don't know how many rounds I blasted through that thing and I was never really nice to the gun and not a single jamb. I am 5'-10" and 200lb. I don't have crick hands either and it fit great!!
I also really like the Rugger 801 revolver chambered in the .357. It is compact and has plenty of knock down power. I stand by my belief that if you are in a situation where you need more than 5 or 6 .357 rounds, you need more help than a hand gun is going to give you anyways.
What makes you like the .40 cal over the 9mm? (G23 vs G19) The way I see it, they are comparable rounds damage wise but the .40 cal makes follow up shots more difficult. That is just my take. Am I missing something? Help me out.
I don't think its hogwash. My personal take is the .40 has a little more power and the 9mm is probably a little more controllable. The 9 is also probably a little cheaper to shoot....unless you're bumming ammo from your dad. But I also think the difference in power and controllability are minimal between the two and both are good calibers.
My sentiments exactly. Thanks. The 9mm is just better for me. The only thing it won't do is take down an angry black bear sow that I happened to get too close to her cubs. Which a 0.40 is not enough either. Wolfs, Yotes, humans it's plenty.
Another vote for the small 380's that are easily concealed on skinny guys. Keltec & ruger lcp are the ones I'm familiar with. I don't have to worry about what to wear. Anything bigger & I have to plan things out too much. It's a pain.
