We've been on a really tight budget and Christmas was nil, at least monetarily, but we are doing better in that department. I've been wanting/needed a carry gun and have been window shopping and thinking about what I can use. Do I go .380 or 9mm? I prefer 9mm but .380s are smaller and less expensive. I saw some dandy used Shields on GB. Kahr, Keltec, Ruger? I prefer DAO but I'm not stuck on it. Plastic or metal. Aesthetics are not important, nor is outside wear as long as it's reliable. It would be nice if my wife could use it. Anyway, I was out shopping and I felt like if i saw something priced right. I'd buy it but I should hold off a few months. I think my best bet would be to peruse pawn shops and LGSs. It's just so much easier on the computer. I'm breaking down fast.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

My last purchase was a Sig P238 Equinox .380.
Single action, some don't like that idea, no problem here.

Well made firearm.

Selling rather well in this neck of the woods, LGS keeps getting in shipments and selling out quickly.



Night sights are fantastic on this little guy.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

Glad to hear life has taken a turn for the better. I've seen the Kahr CW 9 at around $300 new. Small, light and not .380. I would like one if I was in the market. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

Just get yourself something like this;

And off you go.

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Keep on Chooglin'

You ought to be able to find a good used affordable KelTec P3AT . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

I managed to get a 938 a few months ago. It's a great little gun!

RW, I'd probably go with the Ruger in your situation.

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Even older, even crankier....

Two thoughts come to mind: 1) the right 9mm might recoil less than a .380 due to most .380's I'm aware of being operated via blowback, and 2) the last time I priced ammo, 9mm was cheaper than .380.

I think your best deals will be found in person. There's no telling what you might find at your local gun emporium. 3rd-gen S&W's aren't terribly expensive, and the metal frame would lessen felt recoil.

Best of luck,
Herk

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Where's my dad's America?

I'll probably go with a 9 then, if .380s are less comfy to shoot. I'd LOVE a Sig, but finding one in my price range will probably be more than hard. The Ketlecs and Kahrs sound like a good possibility.

Thanks for the ideas. Keep the ideas coming, I'm starting to feel a little more optimistic, We had to bail a guy out of jail and we are supposed to get that money back soon since it's all been cleared up. It's $620 and I'll steal a portion of that to make my purchase.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Don't give up on Sigs. I saw a police turn-in P228 and a pretty nice P239 both in the $450-475 range. It doesn't happen every day, but deals are out there.

I feel like I should qualify my earlier remark. Not ALL .380s are uncomfortable. The blowback ones seems like it to me. Something like a Colt Mustang or a Sig P238 isn't straight blowback, but they are small pistols. Smaller and lighter weight will transmit more recoil than a larger and/or heavier firearm. Everything's a trade-off.

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Where's my dad's America?

The Sig 380 is a locked breech design IIRC. I know for sure the Kel-Tec 3AT is built that way, as is the larger Walther PK380.

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Release the Kraken

Well maybe I will get me one of those 938's also.

Was up at the Sig Academy store in Epping, NH 3 weeks ago with my niece and her husband. Great Eye candy.

They really make some great firearms, had all the different 938 and 238 models, I wanted one of each.

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Doesn't hasta call me Johnson

Were I to buy a single stack 9mm it would be a Shield. The Shield can be had for under $400, has an acceptable trigger, and and can be had with or without a safety. A safety on an auto is a must for me. I had a Shield six months ago and let it go in a trade. Not a thing wrong with it but I'm primarily a revolver guy and the Shield was least loved of my gun children. I have a Glock 26 and highly recommend them. But since it has no thumb safety I don't carry it much.

Are you adverse to a 6906? Robertson Trading Post has a bunch of 6906 for 359 + 15 to ship on Gunbroker and Guns America. Better yet they have a 20% down, 90 day layaway. I picked up a really nice one this way.

I have a Glock 42 I love it. They can be had for less than $400.00 if you look around.

RW, I gotta say, when I read your thread title, my first response was, "And I'm wearing khakis."

Now that I have that bit of smart-aleck out of the way, have you thought about carrying a revolver instead? You can get a brand new Smith and Wesson .38 Special for less than $400 that will be light enough to carry comfortably (even in a pocket, if you choose), reliable, easy to find ammo for, and for self-defense purposes is all you will need as an armed civilian unless you are in the habit of seeking out dangerous places and situations (which I don't think you are ).

A pocket holster or good IWB rig, and you're all set.

Just think about it; it's a great way to go. I was a semi-auto carry guy but I've switched over for EDC.

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

iammo.com has several models of 3rd gen Smiths in the $300-$400 range.

I'm 'verse' to a 6906 rather than adverse.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

My first choice was a revolver. But the prices of a good semi is a lot lower than that of a good revolver nowadays. I'm sure my wife would be able to use it, too.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

If you are opposed to the various online auction sites, there are online retail sites that sell used guns. This has the advantage of having an established retailer to fall back on if you are not satisfied.

I have purchased a Model 10 police trade in that I am very happy with. Has some holster wear, but is a great shooter. Good price.

And, your wife should be able to shoot it.

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Reg. Magnum wants/Rossi wallet

A used cop turn in glock, S&W, or Sig can be had pretty cheap. watch our classifieds and GB. Get a 9. A Shield, a Glock 26, a Sig 225 or 228.

I got my 686 from GB and sold my mod 10 (sad day). The only problems is that the shipping and fees. In fact I saw some on GB last night that I was ready to push the button on, but it would have been irresponsible given our financial state.

I'd like to get another mod 10 one day, but it's a little heavy for carry, especially for my wife.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I want my $600.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

1) I am a hopeless 9mm advocate. I would not volunteer to be hit with a 380, but I would rather fight for my life with 9mm, and 9mm handguns.
2) Consider a revolver, the complication of the safety and magazine loading as well as the racking of the receiver on automatics make them prohibitive for my wife. Yours may be different.
Best Regards, Rick

I do know that she likes revolvers, but hasn't shot a semi. I think I can get her to try it, but it will take time. I don't want to push or hurry her. I've been working on developing 'soft' loads for her introduction to semis. I think I have the right combination now, but I have to test them out and see if she'll want to try it. Whatever I get will primarily be for me as a stopgap solution to needing a carry gun bit it I could find a suitable revolver, I'd hop on it in a second.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Sent you a PM on a 6906 I saw at a great price.

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Ukraine -- now more than ever

....it sounds like the cravings for a fix to me. Don't you think it just might be your S&W addiction whispering in your ear?





We all know those little voices that urge us into the gun shop.

My carry gun (actually it goes in my bicycle handlebar bag) is a S&W Model 60 loaded with .38 Spec +P Remington Golden Saber or Winchester PDX1. I carry two extra speed loaders. Small and compact, it replaced the 686 I had been carrying (and now does occasional range duty.

I was looking at the Sig P290 line. A basic model looks fairly affordable. Anybody have experience with these?

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

You need to find a good deal on a 940.

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-Roger

I have a Sig P290. It is just OK. I considered carrying it but the DAO trigger was maddening and the mag release button stood out far enough to make the mag pop loose while in a holster. It has sat in the safe ever since.

I also have a Springfield xDS-9 and there's no comparison. Great trigger, accurate and could shoot it all day at the range. It is now my primary EDC.

I also occasionally carry a S&W .38 snub or a S&W Bodyguard 380.

My local gun store has some used S&W SDs in great condition for $229-$249. The 40. cal is the cheaper one and the 9m/m is more expensive. If you want to spend less I have had a couple of the Taurus TCP .380s that are $199 new and were perfectly reliable and quite accurate. There are not many defensive handguns you can find under 175 bucks that I would feel comfortable trusting.

If you are looking for a .380, you need to give this one a try. Slightly larger than some out there but when in your hand it is just right.

Plus if you have moved over to the dark side at all and ...own... a Glock, you will be right at home. Glock left a 19 in the dryer too long and when they took it out...ta da.....you got a Glock 42.

I've got a M&P 40 compact I'm looking to get rid of.

I'm averse (to continue with the theme) to the idea of picking a carry gun based on size. If you can't shoot it well, why carry at all? While I have no issue with .380Auto as a caliber, most of those guns are tiny and many have trouble shooting well with them. And, as has been said, 9mm is much, much cheaper.

An M&P 9c is my first choice for what you describe as what you want.

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Freedom isn't free.

quote=Rastoff;138319988]I'm adverse (to continue with the theme) to the idea of picking a carry gun based on size. If you can't shoot it well, why carry at all? While I have no issue with .380Auto as a caliber, most of those guns are tiny and many have trouble shooting well with them. And, as has been said, 9mm is much, much cheaper.

An M&P 9c is my first choice for what you describe as what you want.[/quote]

Well, size and weight are a bit of a consideration with a carry gun. I feel that I can learn to handle most any 9mm though I may like the feel of some better. I have held a 9c, very nice and I wouldn't mind having one but I thought it was a bit large and heavy for me to carry around comfortably for a long time and if it's not, I may not carry it. I'd like to hold/try it out first but on good advice I may just try it and if it's unsuitable, I'll trade it in.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I've been carrying the P290RS for about a year, and I love it. IMO, the DAO trigger is similar to a stock S&W DA revolver. It's more than accurate for SD needs, and heavy enough to absorb recoil easily for follow up shots.

I've heard some folks had issues with the earlier P290 model, but the most recent RS model has given me no problems. I qualified on our PPC with the little 9mm out to 25 yards my first time with it at the range. Regarding the magazine release, it doesn't protrude any more than any other release buttons on other semi autos I own. I have never had the mag release pop in the holster, nor have I ever heard of that problem with the P290RS prior to what Radar posted.

I carry mine in an OWB strong side leather slotted holster, or crossdraw in a kydex paddle holster. My experience has been good, and I'd recommend it as a great bargain at $400. Mine came with standard sized Sig Nite Sights, and two 6-round and one extended 8-round magazine. Happy shopping!

Certainly, but down the list.

A handgun is a compromise in protection tools. If we could get away with it, a rifle would be better. It's just that handguns are more convenient.

Therefore, we need this inferior tool to be as effective as it can be for us. The first consideration is functional reliability. Face it, if it doesn't work, then it's completely useless. Second is the ability to put shots on target. If you can't hit the target, the gun just becomes a noise maker. Granted, even as just a noise maker it can prevent crime. The most hardened criminal will think twice after hearing a gun shot. Then comes weight and size.

I have a friend who has a Ruger LCP. He got it because it fits in his pocket. We went shooting together one day. At about 5 yards he couldn't put a single shot on a 12" square target. Remember, this was without the pressure of his life being on the line. Do you think this is a good defensive tool for him? Would you be happy with your gun if you couldn't shoot it any better than that?

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Freedom isn't free.

Another thing...

You have limited funds, who doesn't? My whole point here is to help you find the right tool for you. It makes no difference to me which gun you get. I just want to try to help get the right one the first time. In other words, don't "wear down", find the gun you want on purpose.

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Freedom isn't free.

RW;
I've read this whole thread carefully, paying special attention to your comments above all others. There are a couple observations that struck me.

You have owned and been very fond of revolvers in the past.
Your wife is familiar with revolvers.
You're not certain your wife will transition to an auto.
You want her to be able to 'share' the handgun.
Reliability and accuracy are paramount.
Size and weight may be worthy considerations.
Cost is a strong factor.

This all adds up to a set of very responsible and respectable considerations. I'm not familiar with your local market so far as availability and prices, but it seems to me that an early post by "snubbyfan" should have generated quit a bit more thought.
Around my neighborhood, prices for a decent used 442 or 642 run around $350 to $400. If you find it quick, an SP101 is about the same. I've not seen an LCR in the used case, and we don't have any decent pawn shops. Maybe you can find a nice little K or J frame with 3" or less of a barrel on it. There may be (shudder) some (cough) acceptable Rossi, Charter, or Taurus options around. I would encourage you to more strongly consider the choices offered in revolvers.

Although not as inexpensive or currently available as the 9mm, the .38 Special is still a reasonable & effective defense round, and very popular in it's many target/range loadings. Mild and pleasant WC loads, hot & snot +P loads. Pretty much whatever circumstances dictate.

I know there are some advantages to an auto as a CCW, but there as many for the revolver. Don't give up on them yet.

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Virtute et armis

Things have calmed down around here and I was able to pursue gun shopping in earnest. I searched around and found a used Kel Tec P 11. Seems to be a decent choice and the price was right. It's all cleaned up and ready to take to the range to try out. If it's reliable, I'll keep it. If not, I'll trade it in. If my wife won't cotton to it, I saw a hammerless revolver in a pawn shop today, but there was some kind of rush going on and after a while I left. Range report coming soon.

PS: The used gun market around his is pretty awful. Many shops closed down. There are new stores that sell all new stuff. I'll range out and keep looking.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I have a Kahr CM9. One of the biggest mistakes I ever made.

The used market can be ok, if you are careful. This eariler 'canoe' gun came in the box with a couple magazines and the stocks had been added. Has already taken an 'underwater' trip, but does fine.

What in the world?

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

RANGE REPORT Keltec P 11

1) It works

2) It seems reliable with the right ammo. JHPs, and round nose practice ammo. It doesn't like SWCs at all nor lighter loadings. I'm not planning on running lead through it, but I wanted to test all the different ammo that I have for 9mm.

3) Better keep one in the chamber because it's hard as hell to rack.

4) I'm used to long, DAO triggers but this one is really long and hard. It will take some getting used to. Pulled my shots a little to the right at 5 yards, right on at 3 yards. I think the pistol is accurate, but controlling it will take practice.

5) It ain't no 'fun' gun. The grips felt good until I shot it then i felt how squared off they are in the back. Mid range defensive, (125 gr XTPs at about 1100 fps) rounds hurt, but I don't care about that. It say to use +P 'sparingly' but the mid range defensive rounds were enough for me. I had to adjust my grip than how I use my 3rd gen because the slide kept knocking a hole in my thumb. I kept getting 'reminded' now I have a bloody thumb knuckle.

6) Will my wife cotton to it? I wouldn't ask her to even try with this gun. I'm definitely going to get her a little revolver when the time comes.

7) Will this work as a defense gun? I think so but it will take some work to get there.

8) Ergonomics, controls and sights etc. are good and practical. Light but not too light.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

I bought a new Kahr PM9 back in the 90's when they were arguably the smallest 9mm on the market. After the usual break-in period of 200-300 rounds, it became 100% reliable with anything I put in it.
Since then, the market has been flooded with small 9's, but I've seen no reason to switch from my Kahr.
It's my warm-weather pocket carry gun. Downside of the PM9? It was way too expensive for a daggone little poly-frame pistol. (That's why Kahr HAD to come out with the more price-friendly CW9)
I'll never get my money out of it.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

S&W needs to come out with an SD model of the Shield. Naw, probably not. The M&P Shields are well priced for what you get.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Called Kel Tec and they said it had a lifetime warranty no matter if I wasn't the original owner if I had proof of purchase but I had to ship it to them. Cost nearly $50. I sent it and nothing happened for a little over a week. Got a call, I didn't include proof of purchase. OK I'm absent minded. Faxed the receipt to them and called, they got the fax and they said they'd send it right out. I asked them how much for shipping. The guy said, "No, you don't owe anything." Well, I thought I was going to have to pay to get it shipped back (Another $50. Well hallelujah.) got it today. They replaced the slide and some internal parts and polished the feed ramp and it seems great. I feel like I've got a new pistol. Can't wait to try it out.

Rating: Kel Tecs customer service is top flight.

PS: It appears I didn't explain what happened. When re assembling the slide locked up but good and I had to send it back. Wouldn't pull back or move forward. They knew what the problem was, said they had changed the design a little since then.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Sometimes even a Revolver guy gets that 9 mil itch.
Just like some of the others guys, I got a runt Kahr.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

I use a model 59 for serious carry so I went with a Shield in 9mm for light carry. The 59 is tough to hide in shorts and a polo shirt but the Shield fits nicely in my waistband. I have both size magazines should I desire extra rounds. To me, a 9mm loaded with JHP's should be more than adequate for most defense situations.

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James Redfield
LM #497

The 642 and 442 are fine little guns, but your wife might be more comfortable with a steel J-frame. The weight difference isn't that great but it makes a J nicer to shoot with realistic SD ammo.

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Oh well, what the hell.