"Always" Gun

J

juliet charley

New member
I have been shopping for an "always" concealed carry gun. Based on local availability, I have about three choices: a new Kel-Tec P11 @ $225, a S&W 642 @ $350, or a used Kahr K9 @$350. I need some advice from you who are experienced with these models.

The Kel-Tec advantage is the price, light weight, capacity and decent reputation for its later models. It would require purchasing an additional magazine and a belt clip raising the price slightly.

The S&W advantage is its utter reliability and have all the needed accessories (Spegel cocobolo boot grips, Kramer pocket holster, speed loaders and strips). The disadvanatge is capacity, slow reload and marginally weaker round in this size handgun (I will not shoot +P's in this handgun).

The Kahr advantage is it slimness, capacity, reliability, and quick reload. It's major disadvantge is its weight and price (I'd have to add a holster and/or clip draw.

Thanks,
 
To some folks here, the guns you mention for "always carry" may be a little on the large/heavy side by today's standards; what I mean is, many on this board mention "always carry" when they mean pocket guns. In the same breath, they usually mention something like a Kel-Tec P32.

Otherwise, while I have never fired a Kel-Tec, I do have an S&W 638, their alloy-framed .38 humpback model, as well as a Kahr K9. As for a comparison of the three, all I can say is that some other posters here have indicated that the Kel-Tec is a little harder to shoot well than the S&W J-frame. In my experience, the Kahr is far easier to hit with than either, but frankly it's heavy and it spends a lot more time sitting around in my closet than it does with me. For quality and reliability, that leaves the S&W, and besides being reliable, my 638 is very, very accurate. I don't think you can go wrong with an alloy J-frame, although to be honest even it can seem heavy in my pocket. By the way, Uncle Mike's / Sidekick makes an excellent pocket holster for this gun - at least I have found it works well, and at $8 it's all you need.
 
Hello. I cannot recommend a new S&W considering their "sell out, " but their airweight J-frames are danged near impossible to beat in my view for a gun that's always there. Perhaps you can find a nice used one or explore Taurus' versions of these revolvers. Best.
 
Of the 3 you mention the Keltec gets my vote hands down. Used with the belt clip it conceals like a .25 would in a holster (due to the extra bulk of the leather). In my experience it`s just as easy (hard) to shoot as a snubbie Smith and more controlable in rapid fire especially with +Ps. Plus it holds DOUBLE the ammo. I`m not into spray and pray shooting but twice as much capacity is hard to ignore! It`s slimmer through the grip (the important part) than even the K-9 I`ll wager, still holds more ammo,is just as reliable (mine anyway) and reloads just as fast plus it`s MUCH lighter,and smaller. For an occasional carry gun weight doesn`t mean all that much but a few ounces makes a big difference day after day,day in and day out. I had this same decision to make a few years ago. I went with the Keltec and I`ve never been sorry. Marcus
 
I'll second the Keltec. It's inexpensive, durable, simple, compact, and holds 10+1 of a good caliber. They have a good reputation. The Kahr is a nice gun but it's too heavy for something so small. Feels like a brick to me.
 
Although, I am a devoted Glock Fan, both my "always" guns are Kel-Tecs.

Specifically the P-11 in 9mm (cooler months) and the P-32 (temps above 90 and me in shorts), both with the factory belt clip attached.

I expect that until Glock makes some weapons smaller than my 26 (carried often in the cooler months) the KTs, with the belt clip, will remain my grab-it-and-go, "always" guns.

------------------
Make mine lean, mean, and 9x19!
 
The P 11 is a nice carry gun & it will do the job at 7 yards or less no problem.

Couple things to consider is fit and sights. The revolver's sights will be the poorest of the lot. Personally I don't like the Kahrs at all I would rather a Starfire or mini Glock.

So it narrows down to the J frame and the P 11. The trigger on the the J frame can be a LOT smoother and lighter if you get a trigger job done on it than the P 11.

BTW the belt clip for the P 11 is about the same price as speedloader for the revolver so that is a wash IMHO. Spare mags for the P 11 are cheap.

I went thru the same thoughts over a year ago. My final conclusions were that while the J frame, after some minor work, would probably be easier to hit with for long range shooting [in this case I mean over 15 yards. The P 11 was more powerful and had twice the number of rounds. In your case you will save about $100 by going with a P 11. And that is almost half of what you need for a 2nd P11 or a used shotgun or 30-30 or sks. Or you could get a cheap loading press or a fair amount of ammo.

Or you could get a Spyderco Delica or Endura with the change as a backup to the P 11 :D

I would recomend getting the trigger shoe for the P 11 if you pick it.

[This message has been edited by Glamdring (edited August 05, 2000).]
 
I've got a P11 and 2 J-frames (a titanium .38 and a stainless .357). I'll give the nod to the Kel-Tec.

Nice gun. Easy to carry. It has a good kick to it, and is tough to shoot very accurately due to the DAO trigger (though easier than the J-frames with the DAO trigger).

Quite frankly, once I find an ankle holster for the P11 (which has been tough), I doubt I'll carry the S&W's around much
 
To me a pair of NAA minis make most sense as true 'always' guns (because I try to have at least one big gun at hand).

------------------
"All my ammo is factory ammo"
 
Should have added that it hangs nicely on a lanyard, and one slips in any pocket or hand.

------------------
"All my ammo is factory ammo"
 
A few years ago, I would have voted for a J-frame Smith as the 'always' gun. I bought an M-60 when they first came out in the late 1950's, and with a Tyler T-grip or Herrett's Shooting Star grips, the little snapper has always been a comfortable companion in pocket or a high-ride strong-side holster.
A few years ago, I got a chance to test the then-new Kahrs. I liked them so well I kept them...the K9 is now my cold-weather carry gun. It is a dense little piece, and needs a holster or a pretty sturdy pocket for carry...but I do like the three extra rounds of ammo and quicker reload that the auto provides. Mine is blue, which has advantages (subdued visibility) and disadvantages (shows wear, and rusts easily in deep cover.)
You will be well protected, with proper choice of ammo, with either of these guns.

------------------
If they take our guns, I intend to let my hair grow long and acquire the jawbone of an ass.
 
My always "noisemaker" is a litlle Beretta Jetfire 950. It hasn't failed me yet.

Ben

------------------
Almost Online IM: BenK911
ICQ # 53788523
"Gun Control Is Being Able To Hit Your Target"
 
I have 3 guns on my carry license. M36 Smith, 9mm Hi Power, Glock 30.
What is always with me? The 36.
 
Hard for me to not endorse the P-11. I carry one when I can get away with having my shirt un-tucked. I carry CorBon 115+p and an extra mag. I also did some fluff & buff, and added some shooter friendly enhancements. I never feel undergunned, but it will surely take time for you to get used to the long, heavy trigger pull. I really like mine, and fwiw, I have never had a burp with the hollowpoints I have tried. Mine rides in a DeSantis iwb and is easy to carry all day. I want to try an ankle holster as well. I am not fond of the P-11 belt clip.

All that said..............

As an "always" gun I picked the P-32 with the belt clip. I have not run into a situation where I could not carry it except when I was in the nude
(what a great phrase that is). I am small in stature, and the P-32, IMHO, is the ultimate in a deep concealment pistol.
Sure, you have to trade off a little in power, but like I have said before, I don't want shot with a .32 just like I don't want shot with anything else.
Just my thoughts.


------------------
"Any world that I'm welcome to.....Is better than the one I come from"
 
I picked up a KelTec P11 for my 'always carry' gun. I'm very happy with it. I paid about $25 more for mine than you quoted.
 
When not packing a 1911-variant .45, (and sometimes when I am) I always have either an old Airweight Chiefs Special or Colt Agent in an Uncle Mike's ankle holster or side pocket. Win or Rem 158 LSWCHP +P--No preference.

At home: A 4".38 or .357, the above .45 auto, and an ancient Colt .380, strategically stashed.

Need it be said? No, I would NOT purchase a new S&W of any type--I have my standards. But I will not sluff off the pre-sellout S&Ws I already own. If I didn't have the Model 37, I would pack a Kel Tec P-11 and be happy with that.

Best,
RR

------------------
---The Second Amendment ensures the rest of the Bill of Rights---
 
Colt DS as stated in another post. If I was just starting out I`d probably go for a small auto. Heck, I just might anyway but when you think you`re going to absolutely, positively have to put some lead downrange, the DS is hard to beat.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top