Compact/sub-compact auto to replace J-Frame

I made the transition from a m36 to a pistol a few years ago with a Beretta 84b. Very similar in size and loaded weight to my all steel J frame but much easier to shoot and 13+1 vs 5 rounds. I never felt under gunned while carry my Beretta. Loaded with quality XTP SD ammo the Beretta is a fine ccw.


I think the OP may be well served with an older 380 Beretta since they can be carried cocked and locked or DA/SA.
 
Maybe youre looking at this wrong. Have you considered changing "how" you carry the gun, instead of trying to make the gun fit how you "think" you need to carry it? You dont have to go smaller, or even "small".


I'm willing to consider a .32 Auto, and I think all that's available here is the Beretta Tomcat.
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What? No Seecamps? :eek:
 
How you plan to carry can go a long way in determining which to go with.

Pocket carry - i won't carry cocked and locked there, that would be the Kahr PM9 (i bought that before they came out with the more economical CM9, naturally!) I can carry my 442 in pocket, but the PM9 is a little skinnier. DA/SA or DAO is best in pocket IMO

Holster - Sig 938 cocked and locked. I have both the regular flat bottom mags and the ones with the pinkie rest, like the pinkie rest the best. Also use the 442 here as a change up.

Ankle - not used as much - 442 all the way. PUll -point - shoot
 
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The P938 with the rubber grip with palm swells and finger grooves makes the flush magazine easy to shoot. Easier still with the 7-rnd extended magazine.

The P938 is a very soft-shooting 9mm pistol for its size/weight.

Andy
 
I'll check out the Sig 938 and 238 - They look like there's not too much to hold on to
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I've had both, the P938 did not last long before it was sold, very snappy compared to the P238. The extended magazine helped, just not enough.

The P238 on the other hand, was a joy to shoot(standard or extended magazine). One of the few pocket guns I've owned, that I also consider a range gun.

I could put 200 rounds through it in a single session without any initial or delayed discomfort or pain. I have arthritis and carpal tunnel, so for me to be able to shoot it well, and not regret a range session with it says a lot, JMHO of course. I sold it when a friend was looking for a limited edition P238 that was out of production "dead man's hand" IIRC.

I have bought, shot and sold quite a few guns over the years, and that P238 is one of the few I regret selling. Gold inlay, rosewood grips, it looked as good as it shot.

I did find a 1911 style .380 that I will never part with, early 70's Llama IIIA. It's a little heavier with a steel frame and 3.75" barrel, but that also makes it a lower recoiling pistol than the P238.

HTH
 
A Kahr MK9 might be worth a look.

It's a 9mm with a steel frame almost exactly the same size as a Colt Pocketlite. It doesn't have safety, but the trigger is basically a very good double action. It weighs 22 oz, though, due to the steel frame.

There's also the Kahr K9, which is the same thing except one size larger.
 
I'm surprised nobody suggested the Walther PPK. It's not a pocket gun, but it must be one of the smallest metal 380s out there. According to the specs I read, it is the same weight as a J frame, empty.

I switched from a J frame to a small metal 9 (S&W CS9) that, although about the same weight as the J, still felt like a brick on my belt. I seriously considered a PPK when I came to accept 380 as a viable defense round. But that opened the door to the really tiny plastic 380s, and all of a sudden the PPK seemed a bit big for the cartridge.

David
 
Thanks all. Right now I'm leaning toward a 3913, CS9, or 3953 for the entirely logical reason that they appeal to me. Now I just need to find them :(

If I can get my hands on a RAMI to check it out I'm definitely interested.

My local gun shop also has a Sig P238, Kimber Micro .380, and a Kimber Solo, all of which are intruiging. With the extended mag, the Sig was actually quite grippable.

My wife used to have a Kahr MK9, which she replaced with the Colt. We both find the Colt more pleasant to shoot and easier to shoot well.

The CZ70s are certainly cool. I love surplus stuff, and they do fit most of my requirements.
 
I have a CS9 and it is an appealing gun. I bought mine to replace my J-frame. It spec'ed out at about the same weight and size, but it seems a lot heavier and bulkier on my hip. I still have it and like it, but never carry it now since I got my 380.

The 3913 seems to be a very popular gun with quite a following over on the Smith and Wesson forum. But it's bigger and heavier still.

The 3rd generation S&Ws are great guns. You can find them. There are two CS9s for sale on Gunbroker right now, although one is listed for $700.

Go over to the S&W forum and hang out a little bit with the 3rd gen enthusiasts.

Good luck!

David
 
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