Advice on smaller caliber pistol.

S

sumabich

Moderator
I am thinking of investing in a .25 caliber pistol for backup or serious carry purposes where most guns will get you printed. For those of you who have access to independent ratings or have owned one for a while. Which is the highest quality, safest to carry .25 out there used in the $150? I've seen several models of Berretas, Colt, Taurus, and some that I wouldn't even think about putting near the family jewels! Several years ago I ran into a Walther but decided against it because I had been taught that for defensive purposes the .380 is as small as you should go. Now I am beginng to think that something is always better than nothing! Thanks in advance for your help. :D
 
NOW, I am no longer a huge fan of the little .25s.

You now have a smaller, thinner, much lighter... .32 dependable, more accurate and far harder hitting KelTec .32 Check them out!

Soon my Beretta .25 will be for sale - as soon as I have fun shooting up all the ammo for it.

Possibly... my several Walther TPHs in .22 will be for sale. They have been my first choice small pistol since 1980 and with the QuikShok .22s they are fantastic, dependable (after several trips to the smith) and powerful with the new ammo, which is far superior to Stingers, etc.

But nothing compares to the KelTec .32 for me now. And my second choice for an always gun may soon go from Makarov to KelTec 9mm.

And if you check my previous posts you will see that I've been TOTALLY in love with my TPHs and Makarovs. Things change!
 
I'm getting a Makarov ... there are several on www.gunbroker.com for under $150.

I think it will be nice to have a mousegun with more power then .380 (if only slightly). I don't think I've ever seen an Walther PPK for under $200.

Another place to look at Makarovs is http://www.southernohiogun.com/surplus_hand.html

I had already bid on one of the ones on Gunbroker before someone postid the URL for these guys, but they have Bulgarian Mak's for $109 ($99ea if you buy two).


If you want real small but reliable I'd say a Keltec .32 would be the way to go, but I don't think I've ever seen one in that $150 range (there happens to be one on Gunbroker and the bidding started at $215).
 
I like the suggestions of the Makarov and the Kel-Tec over anything in .25 ACP.

The Bersa Thunder in .380 ACP isn't bad as a backup either, IMO, though it's a tad bit more expensive than $150.
 
I'm still skeptical about the total reliability of a KelTec 9 compared to a Makarov which is perfect by the way.

I got my KelTecs for $215 new by ordering them and paying in advance through a low overhead dealer who bought them for about $180-200
 
If price is an issue the 150$, you cant go wrong with a Beretta or most Taurus guns..If you had the funds..my fav mouse gun is an
NAA 380 Guardian...Its not as small as the tiny 25's but small enough to conceal very well. Good luck and shoot well
 
I like the suggestions of the Makarov and the Kel-Tec over anything in .25 ACP.

The Bersa Thunder in .380 ACP isn't bad as a backup either, IMO, though it's a tad bit more expensive than $150.
 
Slap yourself back into the real world and don't do it!
Any caliber is better than .25acp.You'll be sorry if you get one regardless of make.
 
I won't be protecting the President & the next gun fight I'm in will be my first so, when anything bigger just isn't appropriate, I carry my Beretta Jetfire 25acp. It seems to go bang everytime I pull the trigger, easy & fun to shoot, weighs less than a pound loaded, acceptable accuracy to about 30' and doesn't print in the pocket. :cool:
 
Kel Tec P32

Weighs about 6 ounces unloaded. About 5/8" inch thick. About $225 if you look around. Can't do better in that size package.

Good luck.
 
If there was one thing those soviet's were good at , it was making guns that reliably go bang. It's hard to argue with the Makarov. Weagle
 
.22LR vs. .25ACP?

Greeting's All,

I will take a Walther TPH in .22LR anyday vs.
any and all .25 caliber ACP's.:eek: :) :D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, Life Member N.R.A.
 
AGreeed Ala Dan. But the little TPHs are running $400 to $550 when you can find them most of the time. I bought two, or was it three, for $300 just as Interarms dumped them to S&W.

But, especially with the .22 QuikShok the TPH is a FAR greater force in a usually much smaller pistol.
 
Although I have a Guardian .32, I also have a KelTec 9mm. Big price difference. I did the fluff job on the Kel Tec (which many will say the factory should have done to begin with) and I is very dependable (1200 rounds so far). and the price will be just over $200. Had a Bersa .380..never had a problem, but it's alot heavier than my Kel Tec. If you really need to stay in the $150 price rage.....go Mak.
Stay Safe
RH Factor
 
I would also Agree with the Kel-Tec 32

There is another small pistol the The Bersa Thunder in .380 ACP
that is about the same size but a much better performing caliber.
Used it could be had for $150.00 new about $220.00. The Makarov is slightly larger then the Bersa but would also be a small lightwieght pistol. for under $150.00


Tony
 
I am thinking of investing in a .25 caliber pistol for backup or serious carry purposes where most guns will get you printed.
Click to expand...

As the others have suggested, a P32 seems to be what you're looking for (especially if you're willing to spend a tad bit more).

Anyone is free to correct me if I'm mistaken, but the P32 is slimmer and lighter than any currently produced .22LR or .25acp.


As Jody correctly pointed out, it offers a heck of a lot more punch than a .25acp as well (more than twice with some loads).


Some good advice posted to this thread, good luck.
 
Since it is the "family jewels" you want to protect, spend the
extra $50 and spring for a KelTec P32.
 
I'm just not a big fan of the P-32. Sue me.

I'm also surprised to see so many pipe up for Walther's Toilet Paper Handgun; a piece that has been, in my experience, tempermental and fragile.

I'm a big believer in the small Berettas; especially the 950BS Jetfire. Shorter in length and height than a P-32, while slightly heavier and a little thicker, they're amazingly accurate and easy to shoot for such diminutive guns, and are top of the heap in .25 ACP reliability. They also don't need a "fluff'n'buff" after purchase to make them function. ;)

(Actually, let it be said that the P-32 is a fine little gun, they just don't do a thing for me in feel, ergos, and aesthetics.)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top