Inexpensive Conceal Carry Gun

[mtnbkr]

If you like the 637, but are afraid of hammer snags AND aren't married to the silver finish, there are still some 37-2 models available on the market with factory bobbed hammers and no ILS. I paid less than $400 for mine in 2005 IIRC, but I've seen them in the mid $400s as recently as this summer. Otherwise, I'd get something from the x42 series (042, 442, 642, etc).

Chris

 

[Webleymkv]

I'd agree that if you like the exposed hammer of the 637 but want the smooth draw of the 642, the 638 with it's shrouded hammer may be your best option

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=14772&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y

Also, if you search the used market you may be able to find an older M38 "Bodyguard", Colt Cobra, or Colt Agent relatively inexpensively (the Colts are often encountered with hammer shrouds installed).

 

[Hkoch]

Kahrs!!!!!!!!!

Hands down for me the best gun for that money is Kahr cw9 cw40. I now own both as I purchased the cw9 2 days ago. I already have 400+ rounds through it and NO malfunctions as with my cw40 that has over 4000 rounds through it. The one thing I do recommend with the CWs is to go ahead and purchase the stainless guide rods. I have done so for both of mine at a total cost of 55 bucks. However on the Kahr site you can buy the original guide rods for $3.30 each. I love my Kahrs. I group les than 8 inches at 25 yards with both!!!!! I love them as much as my H&Ks.

 

[Playboypenguin]

Yes, the polymer Kahr's are turning out to be amazing little carry guns. I am impressed with the two I just bought (CW9 and PM9).

 

[bulldawg042]

I went today and bought my gun. I couldn't bring myself to buy the 637 b/c the capacity was too small and it wasn't powerful enough. I ended up getting a XD-40 SC. I must admit that it is a bit heavy when loaded with some nice DPX ammo. I appreciate everyone's suggestions, they kept me quite busy since I'd research each one on the net.

thanks,
Brad

 

[Playboypenguin]

I couldn't bring myself to buy the 637 b/c the capacity was too small and it wasn't powerful enough.

Uh-oh...here we go.

 

[Hkoch]

XDs are to big to conceal.

 

[vito]

Anyone else looking for a less expensive carry gun should consider the Ruger LCP. Its a 380 that holds more rounds than a revolver, and is extremely small and concealable. Mine cost me $260 new. If you like a 2 in revolver, consider the S&W 640. It has an internal hammer so you can only fire double action. It is not the lightest of the snubbies at 23 oz but the stainless steel won't rust and the weight clearly helps with recoil. You can load it with 357 mag or 38+. The only drawback is the 5 round capacity. While my little Ruger LCP has been totally reliable (so far) with not a single FTF or FTE, I KNOW that the S&W 640 is totally reliable (I have a newer model that contained the internal lock, which I have removed.)

 

[LightningJoe]

If you're intending to carry a gun in you pocket (which I recommend for tactical and practical reasons), then you could hardly do better than the 642.


A small automatic pistol can be wedged into your pocket without printing (as a gun) if you use a really good holster such as the DeSantis Superfly I use for my Bersa Series 95, but you will look like you have a Spanish-English dictionary in your pocket and your draw may resemble a circus act.