"Belly Guns"

A

Ala Dan

Member in memoriam
In the past, history tells us that "belly guns" were considered to be small, snub-nose,
lightweight revolver's; either chambered for
five or six rounds. Some past examples are:
the Smith & Wesson Chief's Special Model's
36, 37, 60, Smith & Wesson Bodyguards Models
38 and 49, Smith & Wesson Centennial Models
40 and 42; or Colt's Agent (old model). In
today's society, and the switch to sub-compact autoloader's such as the Glock's,
NAA Guardian, SeeCamp's, PPK/PPKS, Sig Model's P230, P232, and P239, and Smith & Wesson's new Chief's Special (auto's); I would like to know what your favorite "belly
gun" choice would be? Keep in mind, this is
the ONE gun that you never, ever leave home
without. You may include the NAA mini's also.
All caliber's from .22LR thru .38 Special may
be included.

Thanks In Advance,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
How 'bout a Taurus Titanium Model 445? I'd rather have 5 shots of .45 Long Colt than five .38s, and the titanium evens up the weight issue. Even if the bullet doesn't expand it still makes a big hole.
 
Good topic, Dan :)

Originally, "the ONE gun that I never, ever left home without" was the Kahr MK9 -- now it is the Taurus 85UL/UC model. It is about half the weight of the MK9 and while seven rounds of 9mm beats five rounds of .38 special, I like the fact that every time I pull the trigger on the 85, the hammer will fall. Whereas, with the MK9, the striker has to be primed first. In the event of a misfire, a majority of the time (75-90%) a second strike will fire the round -- this can be an important factor in up close situations when only one hand is free. Soon the 85 will also be replaced by a S&W342 -- it's smaller & lighter than the 85 and the barrel isn't ported on the 342 the way it is on the 85 (I think that ported barrels on defensive guns should be avoid IF POSSIBLE).

Just as a side note, I have the older 3913TSW which is about the same size as the CS9 and while I PREFER it and carry it whenever I can, I find that it's too big to be "the ONE gun that I never, ever leave home without" -- I wish it was though :(

Based on your last message, I assume that you WILL be shooting round 5?

By the way, have things been UNUSUALLY slow around here lately? Has anyone else noticed.

[This message has been edited by FUD (edited October 04, 2000).]
 
Colt Pocket Nine would have been a good alternative to the Kahr MK9 (heavy trigger pull, concealed but external hammer, repeat striker capability, etc.) however, when I tried the Pocket Nine, they were a piece of sh!t -- I was going to wait until Colt got the bugs out of it because I actually liked it's design & features better than the MK9 and thought that once fixed, it would be the ultimate CCW but then Colt pulled it from the shelf :(
 
My belly guns are actually ankle guns. The three I alternate between are the S&W model 60 in .357 (most power), the S&W model 342ti in .38 (lightest), and the Walther PPK (best shooter). I will add my Kel-Tec to this list when I find a suitable ankle holster.

However, my KBI PSP-25 (copy of the Baby Browning) is my true "last chance" gun. Under 10 ounces, and holds 6+1 rounds of .25. It was the best thing arount until the Kel-Tec P32 came out (on my list of things to buy).
 
To me, a true gut gun is one which cannot be relied upon, accuracy-wise, to hit its target beyond extremely close range (say 1 to 1 1/2 yards), like the NAA mine-rev .22. In the case of these true gut guns, I would much rather have a 4-5", or even smaller, knife - you have to be just as close, but the knife is more reliable to do more damage. My front pocket holster, OTOH, a KT P32, is reliable to hit COM at 3-5 yards, even rapid fire. Therefore, I don't consider it a gut gun, as it could drop an attacker weilding a contact weapon BEFORE they got in range to use the contact weapon on you. I consider this my tertiary weapon (third). Primary is G30 in .45 in paddle strong side holster. Secondary defensive weapon, which I don't actually have yet, will be a Steyr S9 or S40 or Kahr MK9 in a left ankle holster. Fourth weapon to grab would be my 3" folder.

[This message has been edited by Futo Inu (edited October 04, 2000).]
 
FUD:
Sorry to hear your bad experience with the Pocket Nine. I must have gotten lucky because mine is very reliable unless the ammo is loaded too long (oal).
 
Folks, I forgot to mention that I often alternate "belly guns"; from my often
carried Smith & Wesson Model 60 .38 Spl.
to my Glock Model 27 to my NAA .22 Magnum.
Sometimes, you will find me with a combination; too always include the NAA
mini, as a backup!!! :) Being a 20 year
veteran LEO; I can't leave home without
them. It's called, "LIFE INSURANCE"; and
I got the policy!!! :p

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
My 442 is with me all the time, regardless of what else I carry. In the right front pocket when by it’s self, in the left front when it’s a back-up. After six years, the finish is starting to wear through (blued) but it is still tight (and the action is smoother than ever).
BTW – I have a friend that can shoot 3” groups at 25 yards on demand with his Model 60.
 
acp Mikey, I'll trade ya a Kahr MK9 for ya Colt Pocket Nine ;) Don't get me wrong -- there's nothing wrong with the gun (and it's got night sights) ... I just prefer a heavier trigger pull and the repeat striker capability that the Pocket Nine offers. FUD.
 
Ruger SP-101 2.25 inch barrel, hammerless, DAO, .357 magnum. It is a bit heavy, but I like it. Had the trigger done by a 'smith in Dallas and it is really nice.
 
Sorry FUD. I was intent on getting a Kahr MK9 until I picked up the Pocket Nine. While I prefer my CCO when I can get away with it, I never have a problem putting the Pocket Nine and a spare mag in my pants pocket!
 
Maddock - What load do you carry in the 442? Also, do you carry it in a holster? I wrap a handkerchief over the snout. Load is Triton QuikShoks.
 
S&Klinton Mdl. 60, for many years. Both as a back up to my S&Klinton Mdl. 15, then as a backup to my Beretta 92FS.

As I type this, it's in my pocket in a Milt Sparks pocket holster and I always carry an additional six rounds in a Bianchi Speed Strip.

Where I go, the Mdl. 60 goes.

J.B.
 
For many years my "don't leave home" gun was an S&W Model 36 with a square butt and 3" barrel. Easy to carry, heavy enough to keep down recoil some, and, with the 3" barrel, usable at longer ranges (up to 100 yds) if necessary.

Jim
 
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