How Low Would You Go?

I can't imagine defending myself with anything less than a .380 but I'd rather have a Micro9 Kimber...

While one could stop a bad guy with a .32, I would think you would have to fire a mag full to be sure...

Tony
 
IMO the ballistics of the 380 has come a long way in defense ammo. I believe it can be a proficient and deadly round. I started shooting the LCP when they first came out and shot them heavily. Why? because I carried it every day and it is a gun that requires diligent shooting to become proficient at shooting. Burned through 4 of them. Later moved to the Pico and never looked back.
However, this said, I do feel the 9mm to be the best choice. The goal was to find one that could be Carried every day, all day. I started shooting the LCR9mm about two years ago.
Con-Small barrel snubbies require a skill set which require a lot of training to be totally proficient. I will pat myself on the back on this one. After much taining week and week, I am proud in the fact that I have to that level. And the gun is fun to shoot. It carries well.

I also have owned the Ruger LC9 since they first came out. (later given to Brother) And now the LC9S since it first came out. A very fine slim 9mm. Lovely shooter but IMO Too Dangerous to carry. the trigger is just too light. It has bugged me for a long time. (And mine has a safety of which I am trained for)

The LCR and the Pico have been good choices. However I still wanted a single stack 9mm. So yesterday after much research, I ordered a Beretta Nano. It has every thing I am have been looking for in a CCW.

So IMO 380 is ok, 9mm better. Nothing less would suffice unless of course that is all I had. The Pico was a great choice for me. Top quality, slim, and ultra Reliable. Mild shooter with a great CCW trigger. If the Nano proves to be half as good, then I will be totally satisfied. JMO


Yes, the 380 is the farthest down I would go given a choice. However I also have a LCR22 which I use to train with. A fast 8 rounds of 22.cal to the face of someone would not be something that would be called pleasant to get hit with. And that is one reliable 22.
 
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When I go to work, store, errands, ....
I have a 1911 IWB with at least one spare mag and a Glock 43 in my weak hand front pocket.
I don't want to bet my life on anything less than 9mm, so the 2nd option gun in pocket is 9mm, if I needed a bit smaller package my Kahr PM9 would be it.
Perspective: I've been carrying concealed about 25 years.

I work where casual attire is okay, so I have options for carry.
If I worked in a "non-permissive" environment and had to tuck in my shirt and wear dress pants (been there before, it sucks) pocket PM9 would be my first choice, if that would not work, them I would pocket carry a LCP 380 but not be content with its ASAP stopping potential, could also wear a Smartcarry with something in a decent caliber.
Some people carry 380 (or smaller) when they could carry something bigger, I aint one of them.

Like the OP, I see merit in a 2nd option gun.
-Can put my hand on it without revealing I'm carrying, comforting if approached by someone "shady" in parking lot, for example.
-If something happened to dominant hand (use your imagination) I can draw pistol with weak hand.
-I had an extractor edge break on Glock during practice causing demonic jam, not quick to clear and gun had broke part (revolver could break part, firing pin for ex).
-I had a squib "premium" factory SD load lodge in barrel (could happen with revolver) gun was disabled until I could pound bullet from barrel.
 
As long as I can carry my S&W Bodyguard .380 in the front pocket of either shorts or bluejeans, which I do, that's the lowest caliber I will carry. Modern SD ammo make it a viable round for defense.
 
380 is as low as I'll go anymore. I have a .25 and used to carry it in summer attire. No more though. I wouldn't even consider a .32 unless it was a BUG.
 
.22 Mag NAA mini is as low as I go currently. I don’t carry a BUG, so when I carry the mini, that’s all I’ve got.

Can’t conceal anything bigger while working, and don’t like leaving it in my car while at work. While .22 Mag isn’t the equal of a .44 Mag, it is till lethal and nothing to laugh off, and 5 rounds of .22 Mag is better than my bare hands. It sits nicely in my front pocket, without worry of it becoming visible in a very physical job.

Weekends or after work, my usual carry is an SP101 in .327 Federal, or a 5” 1911.
 
I've walked around a lot with nothing more than a NAA .22lr or a Seecamp .32. I know they are last ditch and up close but they still meet the first requirement of a gunfight. Bring a gun and they both beat a sharp stick. I now have a LCP which helps with when you can't be detected and a P290RS when a little more leeway is allowed.
 
I started shooting the LCP when they first came out and shot them heavily. Why? because I carried it every day and it is a gun that requires diligent shooting to become proficient at shooting. Burned through 4 of them. Later moved to the Pico and never looked back.
Click to expand...

I'm curious how many rounds it took to burn through each one? I've got about 1,500 rounds through my LCP, and its certainly more loose than it used to be and I'm starting to consider replacing it with either a Pico or a CW380.
 
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