Why a tiny gun?

[truetopath]

I carry my Bodyguard 380 as a BUG to my Glock 27, but there are times when I can't conceal the 27 and the Bodyguard is the only thing I can carry. I load it with Critical defense and have no doubt it would stop a bad guy if needed, and I'm a firm believer in a small gun is better than no gun.

 

[JcMack]

I carry a G26 with a NY2 trigger in a holster in my back pocket. I used to carry an Oly AR15 pistol slung under one arm but the strap chafes my delicate dermis.

 

[Titan]

I doubt any ( or a teeny tiny percentage) non LEO on this forum or most any forum has ever had the need to draw and actually shoot a bad guy out in public. If they have I also doubt it was more then 2-3 shots or lasted more than a few seconds. You have a better chance of getting hit my lightning or run over by a bus.

No, I do not live in the crime ridden inner city of a major metro area, I have not seen any Zombies yet (but one of the original films was made right here) Most meth and crack heads do not weigh in at 250 lbs and I have not seen too many of them either.

So my 9 or 380 in my pocket is better than my 45 or 44 mag at home. (since we are throwing cliche's)

The LEO comparison isn't exactly informative. You don't find too many people trying to mug, rob, or rape police officers. I think it has to do with the uniform, the way most folks were raised, and the resultant respect for authority.

I don't have much authority with the general public, and as I age, feel a lot more vulnerable than the guys in the uniforms.

 

[squidsix]

Having been in a defensive shooting, I will tell you that the SMALLEST gun I will ever carry is a 3" steel J-frame. I greatly prefer a bigger pistol, but this is as small as I will go. You may do what you will, of course, but given the choice, I will carry the biggest handgun I can conceal, not carry the smallest thing I can find.

 

[OKFC05]

Isn't it wonderful that most of us live in areas where we can discuss WHICH gun we carry, as opposed to which gun we WISH we could carry!!

Teaching total beginners to shoot, as I did last weekend, I have a chance to show the "cute little guns," "belchfire magnums," practical carry and house guns, and inform about such concepts as "caliber," "mass" and "recoil." At the end of the class, they can shoot any or all of the available guns.
Most make good decisions after learning to shoot, picking as much power as they can handle, in a platform that fits their lifestyle. If they never have it with them, then what's the point?

Of course, when I first see them, they have already made the good decision to learn to shoot several guns before buying.

I never get a chance to help the ones who don't learn how to shoot, but buy a gun and carry it as a talisman to ward off evil.......

 

[Rule3]

What do all the poor defenseless folks that carry 45"s do?? They only have 8 or 9 rounds.

Well if I didn't mention LEOS or Military persons in Combat than they would all chime in that they had to shoot someone., so how many folks have actually had to draw and shoot someone????

 

[smithman 10]

Having been in a defensive shooting, I will tell you that the SMALLEST gun I will ever carry is a 3" steel J-frame. I greatly prefer a bigger pistol, but this is as small as I will go. You may do what you will, of course, but given the choice, I will carry the biggest handgun I can conceal, not carry the smallest thing I can find.

I have a nice 3" Model 36 I just lucked into - see the thumbnail. I'd like to carry it but I figure if I am going to carry something in a holster why not at least a K-frame? One more round and a lot easier to hit with.

Seriously, most of the time I carry a 2" Model 60 in a front pocket, often without a reload. Thats because subconsciously I really don't expect to ever have to use it.

But the one time I got concerned, after a local family was brutally murdered in their home a couple years ago, I went out and bought a 4046. Big bullet, extra rounds. Heavy like an anchor.

Like a dummy I sold (or traded it). Now I'm thinking again like some of the posters. If you really think you'll ever need to use a gun, larger caliber and higher capacity is ALWAYS better.

So now I'm thinking again of my options in .40 or .45, revolver or semi.

 

[venomballistics]

there are mouse guns then there are mighty mouse guns ... Kahr does ream em for 45.
I too question the choice of a 380 as a primary, I even question 9MM as a primary weapon. the smallest Ill bank on is a 40 in this role and if I deem fit to pack a backup I might make some concessions.
I do understand the appeal of the mouse guns 22 on up to 380 ... small unobtrusive packages of utter convenience describes them quite well. I wouldnt want it to be the only thing for my hands to grab in time of need though. My primary is a 1911A1.

 

[David LaPell]

Both times where I nearly shot someone (and it is not a fun experience I darn well promise you that) were long before I was an LEO. I live in an area where violent crime is non-existent, that does not mean it cannot happen. We have a shooting once a year on average, and few violent crimes. But how often have we seen where there have been shootings or a violent crime that no one had seen, and what was the first thing everyone said "I never thought it could happen here." Guess what in this day and age, crime can happen anywhere, to anyone LEO or average Joe. Ten years ago the closest city where I live was fairly quiet, now its over run with gangs and drug crime from NYC. No one even the local law enforcement saw it or was prepared for it. If they can't see crime coming with all the intelligence they have, how can anyone else?

 

[squidsix]

I was not in the military when I had to use a gun to defend myself. (I have used a gun in the line of duty since, but I was a civilian the first time)
I did not go looking for trouble, and I am from a quiet town.

 

[venomballistics]

PCP- Angel dust - YouTube
if ever this is the reason you must draw an arm... even a 44 magnum feels kinda small

 

[RightArm]

I didn't carry a maglite when I was throwing drunks out of bars. I reasoned that if I had one in my hand, I would have to use it because my hand was no longer free for defense or restraint. I only carry a firearm if I am dealing with large sums of money or merch., or am driving somewhere that it seems like a good idea to have one. Other wise, I have a knife or two tucked away if I really need something. I recognize my temper and would rather not go to prison.

 

[35Rem]

I can shoot my Kel-Tec P-11 WAY better than I could an Airweight J-Frame 38. I figure 10 rnds of a hotter than 38 Spcl CTG's is better than 5. Especially if I can put 'em where they need to go!

 

[gregintenn]

I make an effort to steer clear of places I'll likely need a gun. There may come a time where I just can't avoid trouble. That is why I carry. If I'm not able to neutralize the threat with a 380, there's likely not much I could have done with any other handgun. If I carried something to be "comforting", I'd sling my AK 47 over my shoulder.

In other words, I've spent a lot of time carrying, and zero time shooting people. Being comfortable is important to me.

 

[Storm40]

Pocket rockets and single stack 9's are all the rave now days. Many folks feel content with a pocket 380 for carry like an lcp, bodyguard, Kel Tec, ect.

The single stack 9's are going like hot cakes now. The sheild, LC9, karh, beretta nano, walther pps to name a few.

My edc is a G19 in a supertuck and I've never had a problem with it! I browse on some other gun forums and see so many say a fullsize or compact gun is just to big or thick, I want something tiny or smaller that's comfortable to carry.

Last time I checked carrying a gun isn't Spose to be comfortable but comforting! As for me I like the bigger guns because I shoot them better and they don't lack capacity compared to the single stacks. I'd rather have more rounds on my side plus more rounds in my reloads than than what these tiny guns offer.

Another thing that gets me is folks worrying about printing! I have many story's regarding printing, my shirt riding up on my pistol, people bumping into me saying sorry I hit your cell phone ect.

I'm convinced general society is lost in there own little world and are to stupid to realize you have a gun.

Your thoughts?

I like variety. Recently, I was best man at a wedding and the Tux was custom fit to my proportions. I was fortunate to have my Taurus PT 40 Slim which was perfect for the evening given the restrictive nature of the Tux. I had no printing with it when most of my other firearms would have. The groom was not able to carry his M&P because of his Tux and was glad that I was armed. Most times I dress for the firearm but sometimes that type of clothing is not appropriate and I appreciate something smaller.
As far as printing, I live in a State that hates guns and their owners. Printing can be embarrassing or bring you legal problems depending on how the local PD's feel. It can even mean a revocation of your Permit.

 

[old bear]

I've always believed, that if I am going somewhere I may need a high capacity auto loader with a reload, I probably don't need to go there.

 

[daledut]

Personally I would not be able to carry all the time if it weren't for my pocket gun.
I normally carry my Sig P238 when I need my shirt tucked in and not wearing a jacket. And carry my S&W 6906 when I can have my shirt untucked. Both guns suit me as they are all metal, NOT DAO and I can hit what I aim at.
Between the 2 guns I carry all the time... well I take the pistol out and lay it on the nightstand at night.
Just remember that free advise is usually worth what you pay for it.

 

[StatesRightist]

Just to add to the conversation..the old 3 shots in 2.8 seconds myth is no more true that the Brady Study showing by carrying a gun you are more likely to get killed. Both studies were done with a predetermined conclusion in mind. The Brady study was done using drug dealers in Philly as their test subjects. The 3 shot deal is taking into account shootings where no gun was drawn by one party, suicides etc. It is true most gunfights, 80%, are within 20 feet.

I've seen a shooting scene where 70 plus shots were fired by a store owner and a perp standing on opposite sides of a store shelving unit....no one got a scratch. Leading to the one primary rule of guns, carry something you shoot well. Rule Two, carry the biggest gun, you can shoot WELL. Training time, frequency etc are key, but so is having the items to do the job with/preparation.

I respect many of you guys personal freedom, but let's say it for what it is, you are willing to go under or completely unprepared to deal with a life threatening situation based on playing the odds and convenience. That's the bottom line, but it's your choice, not mine so I support your right to do what makes you happy. JMO.

 

[W.E.G.]

Did somebody say "pocket rocket?"

 

[Poodle Soup]

Its better than nothing. Some places are difficult to carry a full sized gun and keep it hidden. Especially if your going to be close to people for a long period of time. Ive had several occasions where someone ambushes me with a hug and they put their hand on my gun. (And a more comical one my girl friends sister tried to punch me in the side, and bruised her hand on the slide of my fnx9)
Dress around the gun, but sometimes you need to carry for the situation.