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Post by 5ontarget on Apr 27, 2004 8:27:36 GMT -5
T-shirt and shorts weather is approaching where I live. I'm looking for a small handgun that I could conceal easily. My mid and large frames are too big for summer atire. I like the size and weight of the Kel tecs, but I have not been impressed with many of the reports I've read on them. Most seem to send them back to the factory, or require a lot of polishing, and modifications. They seem easy enough to do, and I probably should not expect more than that from a $200 gun. Once the modifiactions are done, the owners seem to rave about the little guns. I've shot the .380, and it had some problems after about 30 rounds. I cleaned it and it worked fine for another 30 or so rounds.
What other "pocket guns" are comparable in size and weight that you guys like? I'd like ot stick to something .380 or larger.
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Post by tptplayer on Apr 27, 2004 11:04:34 GMT -5
I usually carry a Kahr PM9. It or the PM40 both weigh less than a pound and are very small. The Kahrs are quality handguns. They conceal very easily in a pocket or IWB holster. The cost is not low but they are worth the money. www.kahr.com |
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Post by XavierBreath on Apr 27, 2004 12:21:56 GMT -5
I have carried a KelTec P32 at times. I trust the gun, but I don't really trust the .32ACP. I often wondered if I would be simply marking an attacker for later apprehension after my death.
I recieved a Paraordnance C6.45LDA as a prize, and began to carry it last Summer (after running 1000 rounds through it to establish reliability of course.....). I used a SmartCarry holster, kind of like Thunderwear, but made better. I ended up liking the pistol so much that when Winter came along, and I could wear a cover garment, I stuck with it. I simply carried it in a Don Hume JIT at 4:00. Before that, I had tried quite a few different pistols under a cover garment.
There is really nothing else to compare to the KelTec P32 and P3AT. The closest is a Kahr, and it's a heavyweight by KelTec standards.
You might want to consider one of the new S&W J frames in scandium. Recoil is significant, but it's a light gun. Consider the weight of a full cylinder into the equation.
Glock makes a mimi 9mm and .40S&W, but they are fat. Tough to conceal a fat gun in summer clothes.
Most people can conceal a Commander sized 1911 if their shirt is untucked.
I believe the real trick in hot locales (I live in Louisiana) is not so much the gun you carry, but how you carry it and how you dress. I like to have a tucked shirt, and it gets way to hot for a jacket, thus i settled on SmartCarry. I just wear shorts a size larger than needed, with an elastic type belt.
edited to add, you can read my reviews of these pistols in the critiques section of this forum.
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Post by TA on Apr 27, 2004 21:30:32 GMT -5
If you can be comfortable with the 9x18mm ( somewhere between the .380 and the 9mm), don't overlook the Makarov. You can get them for about $150 and they are accurate and reliable. Being all steel, they are heavier than alloy frame guns, but very concealable.
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Post by MLB on Apr 27, 2004 22:10:08 GMT -5
I've been carrying a PPK/S quite easily, and I like it, but the Kahr or Makarov are probably better choices. They are as small, as light or lighter, and are chambered in more potent calibers.
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Post by Callahan on Apr 28, 2004 0:02:47 GMT -5
I have the same hot weather problem as XavierBreath and I also like to keep my shirt tucked in, which means a Smart Carry, a small pistol in a pocket holster, or a rig inside the shirt that does not provide quick access because the shirt is tucked in.
I find I can always carry the Kel-Tec, no matter what. I can often carry a Walther PPK-sized pistol, and, from what I've seen, I could usually carry a Kahr PM9 or PM 40, too.
Very hard in hot weather and the way I like to dress for me to carry anything bigger than the pistols listed above.
Smart Carry-Thunderwear gives you the option for the largest pistol. You really do need to wear baggy shorts though!
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Fobos
Gold Member
Posts: 202
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Post by Fobos on Apr 28, 2004 9:32:30 GMT -5
My Glock 27 has served me well. No matter what I am wearing, it conceals very easily.
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Post by Callahan on Apr 28, 2004 11:32:41 GMT -5
Concealed carry is such a personal thing; what carries well on some people does not work on others. I've learned that, for me, concealed carry has forced me to buy clothing that is looser (and lose some weight!), plus buy different types of clothing and colors, especially for warm weather when I have the most difficulty concealing a pistol. I go for loose cottons and rayons that drape and don't cling in either a dark color or pattern. Pants have to be one-half to a full size bigger in the waist for an IWB. I wear light, tank-top style undershirts to keep the pistol off my skin.
I think the warm weather is what keeps me reaching for the Kel-Tec so often. It's so easy to carry. The problem of course is the caliber is as light as my clothing. Not sure anyone would want to volunteer to step out if front of it, either. ;D
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Post by michael t on Jun 16, 2004 23:38:57 GMT -5
I carry a PPK/S but foe around $200 you can get a Bersa in 380 I have not seen one that didn t work 100% out of the box.  |
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Post by TBT on Jun 17, 2004 18:50:50 GMT -5
I've not had a problem concealing my Ultra Carry II in an Uncle Mike's IWB holster. Loose T-shirt and jeans do the trick.
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Post by denfoote on Jul 10, 2004 3:00:26 GMT -5
Here in the vast Sonoran desert, it's hot most of the time.
The temp got up to 113 degrees today. Usually, I wear shorts and a t-shirt year round!!
While I usually carry IWB (you have a better selection of pistols with that option), I do carry in the pocket sometimes.
The most potent pocket carry weapon I have is a J-frame .357 MAG revolver followed by the Kahr MK9 Elite 98.
I would give serious consideration to the J-frame revolver!!
I have a Taurus 605 that I feed with 5 rounds of 158gr Gold Dot!!! Two speed loaders in the lower pocket and I'm ready to rock!!
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Post by Misfit on Jul 11, 2004 9:30:26 GMT -5
TA already mentioned what I was thinking. A Makarov holds 8 rounds, three more than your standard snubbie .38, and is actually somewhat smaller. Due to its fixed barrel and all steel construction, it is remarkably accurate and controllable for a 3" barrel auto. With rubber Pearce grips, it is even more comfortable to shoot. I have medium-to-small sized hands, and it fits me like a glove. For a person with larger hands, it could be troublesome.
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Post by Flipper on Jul 14, 2004 19:50:01 GMT -5
Been carrying my Kel-Tec P-11 for months. It practically lives in my right front pocket no matter the weather or the wear. It has been 100% reliable except when I got my hand in the way of the slide a few times. They definately seem to require some attention to detail with your grip. Perhaps that is even more important then all the stories about modifications.  |
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