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  #1  
Old 08-27-2016, 12:03 PM
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Default Next gun for concealed carry ?

Want something more powerful than a 380 but still be able to conceal carry.

What would you suggest ?

Thanks
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Old 08-27-2016, 12:05 PM
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I'm looking at a 442 for my next pistol. Light, internal hammer, +P rated . . .
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Old 08-27-2016, 12:17 PM
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Compact Sig P220 in .45?
Glock 26 in 9mm?

First you need to decide between steel and plastic, then sort from there?
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Old 08-27-2016, 12:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Muss Muggins View Post
I'm looking at a 442 for my next pistol. Light, internal hammer, +P rated . . .
That's a good choice.

A step up from there in muzzle energy would be a Ruger LCR 9mm.
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Old 08-27-2016, 12:22 PM
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I carry a S&W 340 pd .357 titanium.It just slips into my front pocket.I gave my wife a S&W 642 .38 and put Crimson Trace laser grips on it for her concealed carry.They're small,lightweight and concealable.I found I won't go to the trouble especially in hot weather to grab an IWB holster and strap on my Glock 17,27,22 or 30s.Also heavy and in summer heat my Colt Officers or new agent is a hassel.But a lightweight J frame slipped into a posket is simple.
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Old 08-27-2016, 12:38 PM
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Sig 938 in 9mm?
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Old 08-27-2016, 12:39 PM
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I've got these three that are about as small and light as it gets within their respective calibers.

Ruger LCP .380
Ruger LCR .38
Springfield XDS 3.3 .45
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Old 08-27-2016, 12:43 PM
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I have the 3913/3953 and like them, but kept looking for my wife, who has a Shield. So, I picked up a Sig P239 and I hope to shoot it soon. Might be just the ticket. They seem to pop up used, at a decent deal.
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Old 08-27-2016, 12:51 PM
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The LC9s would be an easy step up.

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Old 08-27-2016, 01:03 PM
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I'm really loving my new Smith & Wesson .45acp M&P Shield. It conceals and shoots great plus I have a thing for calibers that begin with 4.
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Old 08-27-2016, 02:27 PM
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For a Semi-Auto:
M&P Shield in either .40s&w or 9mm (grip on Shield 45 is too long for me...ymmv)
For a Revolver:
M&P 340 series
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  #12  
Old 08-27-2016, 03:35 PM
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I gave my wife a S&W 642 .38 and put Crimson Trace laser grips on it for her concealed carry.They're small,lightweight and concealable.

Dito, I liked it so much I'm looking for a good deal on the 640. Nice to shoot and very concealable.

Remember: Shoot, Shoot, Shoot the Shoot some more. We must all be proficient.
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Old 08-27-2016, 03:40 PM
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Default Shield, Shield, Shield....

9mm Shield would be a good step up. .380 can throw a 95 grain bullet at a little over 950 fps, while a 9mm can throw a 115 grain bullet at 1300 fps or a 125 grain at 1200 fps.

The Shield has a great trigger and is very comfortable, even fun, to shoot. It is very slim in width.

I won't know the Sigs and others that people are suggesting, but I'd expect a lot more turnout for the Shield.

Note: Better bullets have given the .380 acp better standing as a serious SD weapon. Of course this carries over into other calibers, too.
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Old 08-27-2016, 04:16 PM
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No more next for me.

I got myself a 396 with a titanium cylinder and installed a bobbed hammer. Super light, small enough and packs 5 44 specials and weighs in at 18 oz. Less than a steel J frame. Of course 5 200gr bullets with cases and powder probably add near an oz more than 5 125gr +Ps, but, they pack a lot more wallop.

Happy camper.
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Old 08-27-2016, 04:24 PM
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I also have a 340PD and like it very much. Great w/.38+P but I'd avoid .357. It doesn't get carried much only b/c I prefer my LCP due to its lighter weight, smaller profile and higher on board amo capacity.
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Old 08-27-2016, 04:24 PM
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Been carrying a 3913/14 since 1990.........................
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Old 08-27-2016, 10:31 PM
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Thanks guys. Now I have some ideas on which guns would be conceal carry and at the same time more powerful than my S&W 380 Bodyguard.

Plan on purchasing another gun within the next 2 weeks.
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Old 08-28-2016, 08:06 AM
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J-Frames are my favorite. I usually carry Two daily.
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Old 08-28-2016, 08:11 AM
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Glock 26 (9mm) and/or 33 (.357 Sig). Unloaded, they're 21 oz.
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Old 08-28-2016, 11:13 AM
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Good, comfortable concealed carry is more a product of holster, belt and wardrobe rather than the gun. Why limit yourself?
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Old 08-28-2016, 12:15 PM
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I'd go with a Glock 43 or a Shield.

If you want more power, go with a 3 1/2" M1911 in .45acp.
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Old 08-28-2016, 12:30 PM
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This is the S&W forum so the obvious answer is the M&P Shield. Personally, I'd go with the 9mm version because ammo is readily available and inexpensive. Furthermore, it's more like your Bodyguard 380 than the other options. I've got both and like how much alike they are (other than the trigger).

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Old 08-28-2016, 02:42 PM
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Glock 43 9mm. Shield 9mm

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Old 08-28-2016, 02:52 PM
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I know that we're on the S&W boards but for me the sweet spot between concealment and firepower is best exemplified by the Glock 26.

With the JM Custom Kydex "George" holster I can also conceal the Glock 19 as need dictates.

That said, for most any occasion the 26 just works for me.
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Old 08-28-2016, 05:34 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vettecor View Post
Thanks guys. Now I have some ideas on which guns would be conceal carry and at the same time more powerful than my S&W 380 Bodyguard.

Plan on purchasing another gun within the next 2 weeks.
Like you I too have a S&W Bodyguard .380, which pretty much stays in my car. While I have many other options to choose from, it's my 9mm Shield that is my edc. Lightweight, good capacity, adequate caliber, and reliable as can be. That would be my recommendation.
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Old 08-28-2016, 06:08 PM
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I know the S&W 442 with Crimson Trace LG-305 grips shooting Speer 135 GR +P GDHP Short Barrel ammo holstered in a Mika Round Butt Pocket Holster works.

The 442 over the 642 because it doesn't "Shine" and won't have clear coat peeling problems.

CT LG-305's so you have something that's adequate to hold on to. A red dot because bad things happen after dark.

Speer 135 GR +P GDHP Short Barrel ammo because it works as advertised and was specifically designed to perform out of a 2" tube.

Mika Round Butt Pocket Holster because you can wear it in your front pants pocket without printing.

IMHO
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Old 08-28-2016, 06:17 PM
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I just picked up a CZ 75D Compact (Euro version of the sp-01). I've got a holster on order and will let you know how it goes..

14+1 of 9mm. Single, double with a decocker..

Just put 100 rounds through and love it.



on a side note I sold a M&P 9c to my brother in law that I really liked carrying....

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Old 08-28-2016, 06:39 PM
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I recently transferred my S&W 442 to my wife, whom finally got her carry permit!

I replaced it with a S&W 640 for myself. I like the added weight, and choice of .357 over .38 spl, if I desire. The additional weight was not a problem with jeans/pocket carry. Hides well, as does any j-frame.
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Old 08-28-2016, 06:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vettecor View Post
Want something more powerful than a 380 but still be able to conceal carry.

What would you suggest ?

Thanks
I would suggest a S&W 638-3,i'm like you I wanted a little more powerful concealed carry and not so big.

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Old 08-28-2016, 08:43 PM
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Since you want to go BIGGER, why not just take the jump now, and go for the M&P 9c, double stack. Lots of bullets, and maybe the ultimate carry gun (concealed). Black stainless, 12+1 in small dress, and bigger mags fit, if wanted. Good size, dependable, accurate, and still reasonably priced.

You still have the little .380 for when hiding is hard, and can always find a single stack 9mm if you really need bigger and smaller together. It'll be easier to buy a middle gun later, than a bigger smallish gun later. MHO.
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Old 08-28-2016, 10:10 PM
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Default Recoil in 9mm

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ransom View Post
This is the S&W forum so the obvious answer is the M&P Shield. Personally, I'd go with the 9mm version because ammo is readily available and inexpensive. Furthermore, it's more like your Bodyguard 380 than the other options. I've got both and like how much alike they are (other than the trigger).
Recoil in 9mm is also more comfortable. A .40 is kinda like two steps up from a .380.
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Old 08-28-2016, 11:08 PM
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If I wanted more than a 9MM (and I don't think that's necessary at all, but I do think it is desireable) I'd go the .45 ACP, and I would look no further than these calibers in an S&W Shield.

There are lots of good guns, but for me, since any concealed carry gun is going to require some compromises, I choose what's best for me that fits my hands best, that is easiest to carry, and that I can shoot the most accurately. It goes without saying that the gun must also be very reliable and with all these things in mind, it must also be cost effective. My personal experience with the Shield 9 and to a lesser degree with the Shield .45 has shown them to be the most acceptable choice that meets all of the criteria listed above. I've got (with my wife's help ... she has a Shield 9MM) well over a thousand trouble free rounds through the 9MM's and over 500 rounds through the .45. I've carried the 9MM almost daily (except for the days I've carried my S&W M640 J Frame) for about three years. We've had my wife's Shield for about two years. Mine was bought used and her's was bought new. They have given us no reason to consider retiring them as our personal protection weapons. They carry very easily and they are big enough to properly hold and they are plenty accurate and have been very reliable. The 9MM ammo is a bit cheaper, and the premium stuff is plenty effective enough to satisfy our requirements. Both my son's own Shield 9MMs, and they have also been very pleased with them.

I love my revolvers, but the Shield is just a bit easier to carry daily and it allows a few more rounds of ammo on board with easier, faster reloading capabilities. Bonus is that getting the Shield into action is basically no different as compared to my favorite revolvers. It took me nearly 50 years to make the change to semi autos, but I have given up nothing but my nostalgic preference for the revolvers for this duty. You've gotta choose what suits you best, but choosing the S&W Shield is as good, and I say better!, choice from among what is available. There are not many bad choices, but the Shields have been the very best compromise for us!
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Old 08-29-2016, 08:53 PM
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I like the XDs 9mm. It works for me and conceals well
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Old 08-31-2016, 05:41 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vettecor View Post
Want something more powerful than a 380 but still be able to conceal carry.

What would you suggest ?

Thanks
Conceal where, hip, pocket, off-body ?
From there as mention you decide semi-automatic or revolver.
The sky is the limit.

I'm going back to two gun carry because I need that front pocket quick draw I miss.
I carry a hand cannon in revolver platform that I am going to move to off-body in my back-pack that goes everywhere with me.



I was thinking about going back to the 642 but don't want to spend the money so I'm gonna get me a Ruger LCP. Just something for the weekly garbage take out and the half block run to the post office. And always on me.

When I do my daily long walks the cannon is always with me.
But I need that quick draw to get them off of me than if need be I go to the heat.
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Old 08-31-2016, 08:47 AM
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I swapped for my "next gun" at the last gun show. I had a 1982-vintage nickel-plated, round butt S&W Model 37 with sights I couldn't see. I swapped it for a 1963-vintage, shooter grade, 2 inch S&W Model 12-2 with the original grips. With a vintage Tyler T-Grip, it rides in a Bucheimer Concealer, replacing a 3 inch Model 13-3 that was starting to drag my pants off my hips.

The 12-2 weighs 18.9 ounces empty and 22 ounces with six 158 grain JHPs. S&W need to bring back the 12-4 or a Scandium framed version.
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Old 08-31-2016, 09:27 AM
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If I want more horsepower than my LCP, it's using a 642/638 or a Glock 43.
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Old 08-31-2016, 09:54 PM
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I have two that I am very fond of, a 2 1/2" model 66-5 and a Glock 27 with night sites. The Smith gets more use, but I do like the little Glock during the hot summer months.
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Old 09-01-2016, 01:14 AM
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I carry either a Berretta PX4 Sub Compact or a S&W Compact in 40 IWB .. both have adjustable back straps to fit the pistols to your hand instead of trying to fit your hand to the pistol like the Shield ..

This winter when OWB carry is easier with a cover shirt I will carry my new Sig Legion P229 in 40 .. which is just about broken in with 450 rounds with out a failure .. usually like at least 600 rounds before carrying ..
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Old 09-01-2016, 05:47 AM
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i too love my 442/642... that said, i am mostly carrying a 9mm shield these days. bit more punch, few more pills, and an easier re-load. wont EVER let my 442 go, but it only does the garbage run and mail duty these days. down here in the durdy souf, you are much more likely to deal with packs of idiots rather than the single dude...
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Old 09-01-2016, 03:44 PM
joel0019 joel0019 is offline
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Originally Posted by Muss Muggins View Post
I'm looking at a 442 for my next pistol. Light, internal hammer, +P rated . . .

I like my 442 but needed to have the barrel replace because i bought it new from buds and its had a rusted barrel with sharp edges but s&w replace barrel and ive been carrying it ever since



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Old 09-01-2016, 04:38 PM
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Originally Posted by fdw View Post
.........I just picked up a CZ 75D Compact

on a side note I sold a M&P 9c to my brother in law that I really liked carrying....
Maybe someone else will enjoy carrying your brother-in-law for awhile?
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Old 09-02-2016, 10:45 AM
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Since no one else has mentioned it, if you are O.K. with single stack 9 I would definitely take a look at the Sig P225. I have the P6 which is the same pistol only German markings and it is one nice shooting pistol. However the CZ 75D someone else had posted looked really sweet too.
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Old 09-02-2016, 11:42 AM
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A J Frame .38.
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Old 09-02-2016, 01:21 PM
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"Something more powerful" is a little vague. Your preference in budget, semi or revolver, action type, fame material, manual safety or no, and round amount, could all help in narrowing down your decision and ruling out some guns completely.
With that said, this is what I prefer.
Glock G26 9mm or G27 .40, OWB, one spare mag.
Its a smallish, light double stack whose capacity can be stretched using larger Glock mags, which can easily put you well north of 20 rounds with one spare in either caliber.
If you need to work on or replace something on a Glock, with just a small punch or nail, you can have it completely stripped in a couple of minutes. There's also a bazillion companies that sell anything you could possibly want for it.
Also with the 27, you can get a conversion barrel and some mags for about $150 and shoot 9mm if you want, and have a 2fer.
I went this route, and am falling in love with the lower recoil, and accuracy of the 9mm.
Good luck with your decision. Have fun and be safe.

Last edited by mustangman; 09-02-2016 at 01:38 PM.
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Old 09-04-2016, 09:08 PM
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Sig 938. Only slightly bigger than a .380, but I prefer 9mm. Very easy to carry, 7+1, and there's a lot of holsters available, even with a laser. Only thing I'd change is the trigger; I've already replaced the original (plastic) with an aluminum aftermarket. For the price, Sig really should have made it with a aluminum one, a'la the Ruger LPC.
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Old 09-26-2016, 01:31 PM
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My 340PD AirLite is always there because it is the most concealable and lightest to carry.

I prefer AISW as quickest presentation plus great retention (out of my cold dead hands)

Last resort for the little J frame is ankle holster when dress dictates. Favorite back-up or substitute is 3914 LadySmith when in light clothes.

Best carry weapon to have in hand if SHTF is my 411 .40 with 11 ads. Prefer belt holster in 8 o'clock carry. Might carry my Shorty Forty in shoulder holster with it which gives me two more magazines w/ 11 more in each.

Next gun for concealed carry? I'm looking for a 4040PD AirLite anybody got one?

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  #47  
Old 09-26-2016, 02:56 PM
Lee's Landing Billy Lee's Landing Billy is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steelslaver View Post
No more next for me.

I got myself a 396 with a titanium cylinder and installed a bobbed hammer. Super light, small enough and packs 5 44 specials and weighs in at 18 oz. Less than a steel J frame. Of course 5 200gr bullets with cases and powder probably add near an oz more than 5 125gr +Ps, but, they pack a lot more wallop.

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Whittled on a Charter Arms Bulldog a while back. There's a picture of it on here somewhere. Cut the barrel of even with the ejector rod and put on a pair of grips from CA 38. Man is it ugly!! With 5 rounds of 240gr LSW and 7.5 of Unique it is a game changer. NOT NEAR as classy as your outfit, but pore people have pore ways! Loaded weighs 19oz.
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Old 09-26-2016, 03:01 PM
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.38 Special has about the same muzzle energy as your .380 ACP, a little more if you jump to +p. The revolver is larger, which may be easier for you to shoot.

"Concealed" takes in a broad territory. I can (and do) conceal a 3" 629, .44 Magnum N-frame, at times, as well as a full sized 1911 or SIG P220. Dillinger concealed a 12 ga shotgun, hanging on a shoulder strap under a coat. All you need is a good holster that supports the gun and keeps the butt up tight to your side, and a cover garment.

The LCP can be concealed in a front pocket. For that matter any snubbie J-frame or pistol up to a Springfield XDs is good for pocket carry. The XDs or S&W shield are about the same size, and come in 9mm, .40SW and .45 ACP. A Glock 36 would be just outside the pocket-carry envelope for me, buy YMMV. Pocket carry is nice because you can do it in nearly any kind of clothing for any occasion, even formal (legally, of course). The downside is small pistols are harder to shoot and have very limited capacity.

J-frames can have vicious recoil, even with .38 SPL. A 9 mm pistol has twice the muzzle energy with much less felt recoil, which is absorbed by the action. There's little difference in recoil between 9mm, .40 and .45.

Someone mentioned a SIG P239, which is 9mm, 357 SIG or .40SW. It is heavy at 26 oz but very easy to shoot and accurate. It is tapered, which makes it come out of an holster very easily and quietly. As a single-stack, it has limited capacity, but enough for self defense, IMO.

Massad Ayoob suggests you select the largest, most powerful handgun you are willing to carry and can shoot proficiently, for self defense.

Last edited by Neumann; 09-26-2016 at 03:02 PM.
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Old 09-26-2016, 03:06 PM
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A very open ended, ambiguous question to say the least.

You wish to go bigger, but gave no details.... To 9mm, or 40cal, or 357, or 45 or what.

How do you wish to carry to go bigger?

There are a hoard of single stack 9's that conceal well
There are a hoard of double stack 9's that conceal well
There are a hoard of 40, 357, and 45's that conceal well

Do you want a revolver, or semi-auto.

There are a hoard of both to choose from....

Can't answer your question for you.....you have decisions to make first.
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Old 09-26-2016, 03:08 PM
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Now that I've figured out how to fix the recoil problem, I'm thinking about a Glock 23.
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