I'm wearing down

[rwsmith]

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.

 

[labworm]

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.

 

[pharmer]

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

 

[snubbyfan]

Just get yourself something like this;

And off you go.

 

[Muss Muggins]

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

 

[A10]

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.

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.

 

[Herknav]

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

 

[rwsmith]

Keep it coming guys.....

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.

 

[Herknav]

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.

 

[LVSteve]

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.

 

[labworm]

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.

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.

 

[JcMack]

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.

 

[dswancutt]

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.

 

[Wyatt p. Tato]

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

 

[vigil617]

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.

 

[pineappleshooter]

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

 

[rwsmith]

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

 

[rwsmith]

Sure...

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.

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.

 

[Bugkiller99]

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.

 

[Lt JL]

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.