I would like to get a gun to carry in a fanny pack, or waist pack, when my wife and I are out walking. I've been going around and around with the options, so I thought I'd throw it out for discussion and suggestions. Currently I have S&W 1911s (5", 4.25", and 3") in .45 ACP, SIGs (P220 and P239), and a Beretta 92FS. My wife has a M&P9c.

Ideally, I prefer a small 9mm for this purpose, although I won't rule out a .380 ACP. I have had a LCP and a BG380, but both felt too small to me. I've looked at the XD9sc and the Beretta PX4sc, and both are too big for this purpose, as well as is the G26 and the Ruger SR9c. The Kahr PM9 is a possibility, but it sure is pricey. I am looking at the Taurus PT709, but...well, it's a Taurus. I am also looking at the Bersa Thunder .380 ACP. Frankly, the PT709 seems to be closest to what I want, but I am just troubled by the frequent problem reports and complaints about Taurus customer service.

Any thoughts or other suggestions?

Well, I'd say you already have 4 great fanny pack guns. The 4.25 and 3" 1911s, the 239 and the M&P9c. I can see the want of a smaller gun if you were pocket carrying, since pockets are limited in size, but I don't see that restriction with fanny packs. If you're going to carry it externally, and a fanny pack belt is going to take the weight, then you can carry a bigger gun comfortably.
Out of what you have I think the M&P9c is the best choice.
Now, if you're just looking for an excuse to buy another gun, that's different

GKC all the choices that you have listed on your threard are semi automatic pistols. have you considered a s&w j frame revolver?

You've already listed out a few good candidates in what you already own, unless this is justification for buying a new gun...

Seriously I've got my "Dog walking bag". It's the bag that I grab on the way out the door when I walk the dogs, grab it drop my cell phone in it and I'm out the door. It's a medium sized Tommy's Gun Pack. Inside it's got doggie doodie bags, a small bottle of hand sanitizer, Surefire light, spare magazine and a Sig 229 in .40S&W.

I'm not overly concerned about size and weight for a gun that I carry in a fanny pack. The bag's out in the open for everyone to see, why be concerned about the size of the weapon inside? In my situation with the open desert around us and washes that run through our neighborhood, it's not uncommon to see coyotes and javelina. Even though Rick Perry used a .380 to do in a coyote, I prefer something a little larger.

Well, buying another gun is always a good idea...

Indeed, some of the pistols I have would fit into a fanny pack...I was thinking of something just a little smaller. When I said "fanny pack" I was really thinking of a small camera bag or something similar, not a lot bigger than a cell phone case, and not necessarily the traditional full size waist bag. Perhaps even pocket carry...although, I don't want to go down as far in size as the LCP and similar. We live in a rural area, and we'd like to walk our small dogs with us...and there are a lot of coyotes and big dogs roaming free. I too would prefer more than a .380 ACP. Maybe a Taurus Judge? LOL

A man needs options...

Edited to add: I have had small revolvers, including a couple of J frame S&Ws, and an LCR. I just prefer the added capacity and operation of a pistol. Plus, I don't find the small revolvers comfortable to shoot...I realize they are supposed to be comforting, and not comfortable...but I prefer a pistol.

Ok then, you want a super small semi auto but not a .380. In the small single stack 9mm area you've got the Taurus you mentioned, the Kahr, the Kel-tec, the Walther PPS and the Rohrbaugh. Only the Rohrbaugh is small enough to fit your description of the case size you want to carry it in. I've heard good and bad about all of them and I firmly believe that the best compact 9mms are the ones that are reduced in length/height from service sized guns without fiddling done to make them super thin. Like the M&P9c and Glock 26.
If you're carrying this for protection and not plinking on your walk, does it really matter if the J frames hurt to shoot?
May I suggest that you buy the Wilderness Safepacker for your J frame or M&P9c and the shoulder strap. Wear it across your shoulders. If you carry the M&P9c and something happens to you (the dogs you talk about), since your wife is familiar with it she can operate it as well.

You might want to consider a used Smith 669. When I am on the beach in Florida I carry one, phone and small binoculars in a fanny pack.

An excellent observation. I love my MP9c, it would be perfect for your walks and since you have one methinks you are searching for a solution for which there is no known problem (the government does this a lot). (o; I would not rule out a nice Bersa Thunder .380, 8 round mag, a reasonably priced pistol that shoots very well. I keep mine stoked with 95 grain Winchester Silver tip HP's and have no qualms about it getting the job done. YMMV

I think I have been compared to the government! Ouch!



Good points all...thanks. It would not be a range exercise, so it wouldn't matter if the revolver or pistol is uncomfortable to shoot...I am not recoil sensitive...and, in an emergency requiring its use, the adrenaline would cover up any discomfort attendant to whatever I was carrying. The Rohrbaugh is just too rich for my blood, especially when I have pistols that I can now see will do the job.

BUT...if I have to go buy a Bersa Thunder 380 and a Taurus PT709 and a S&W 442 just to make sure, that would be ok!

I'd rather have my Kahr P9 (or CW9) that a whole boxfull of either of those. To me, that is as small as I go and still retain good accuracy at a respectable distance.

__________________
Science plus Art

Almost any compact to mid size gun will work well for what you seek.

However, I would love to talk you and everyone else out of using fanny packs.

First off, a fanny pack screams "gun" to the perps as well as police. To the officer on the street, a legally carried gun in a fanny pack is not a problem. To the perp, they simply walk up on you in a casual fashion before suprising you with their own gun to remove you of your gun and other things. It happens often in mid to large size urban areas.

There are better ways to carry a gun than a fanny pack.

[QUOTE
May I suggest that you buy the Wilderness Safepacker for your J frame or M&P9c and the shoulder strap. Wear it across your shoulders. If you carry the M&P9c and something happens to you (the dogs you talk about), since your wife is familiar with it she can operate it as well.[/QUOTE]

I have been using the Wilderness Safepacker for my Springfield XD .40 4" and I love it. It holds one spare magazine right next to the XD. The other flap I use for wallet, or just about anything I can not fit in my pants pocket. It is very portable and you can weat it without the shoulder strap and attach it to your belt or around the seat belt of your car for instant access. They gave a video on their web site for additional carry options.

I use this one. They make sizes to fit all the guns you mentioned. Quality product.

Concealed Weapon Fanny Packs