I have a S&W 6906 that is my usual carry. It's about 32 oz loaded. I am looking for a comfortable gun for carry, particulalry since I see my new neighbor has a pitbull that doesn't look friendly. I'm out in the yard with my kid all the time. I prefer a safety on a semi auto, so Glocks are out. I had a S&W 642 that was great to carry, but I never liked shooting it and I'd rather stick with a semi auto. I looked at the S&W CS45, but it's nearly the same size and weight as my 6906. Opinions would be appreciated.
Smallest good caliber gun for carry?
- Thread starter Homerboy
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pythagorean
Moderator
I like the Colt Cobra. This one's a .32 N.P. (.32 SW Long)
It's a 98 gr lead nosed at 701 fps.
There are a lot of discussions about "minimum caliber" but when a handgun needs to be small and light we are in the .38 Special/.380/.32 Auto/.32 SW Long territory.
The difference in "stopping power" is relatively insignificant compared to where the bullet goes in this category.
The choice should be between revolver/auto and what one feels most safe with.
It's a 98 gr lead nosed at 701 fps.
There are a lot of discussions about "minimum caliber" but when a handgun needs to be small and light we are in the .38 Special/.380/.32 Auto/.32 SW Long territory.
The difference in "stopping power" is relatively insignificant compared to where the bullet goes in this category.
The choice should be between revolver/auto and what one feels most safe with.
Is your yard or your neighbors yard fence so that the dog can't get on your property?
Have you talked to your neighbor about introducing you and your family to the dog.
Unless the dog is truly a red zone animal, you and your family should be able to have a peaceful relationship with it.
The smallest .357 that I feel comfortable with is an S&W Model 60. Steel J frames in .38 special are easier on the hands. While the .32 is passable at close range or in skilled hands, the package is the same size as the .38
The Seecamp .380 is a fine semi-auto. There are plenty of sub-compact 9mm to pick from.
Have you talked to your neighbor about introducing you and your family to the dog.
Unless the dog is truly a red zone animal, you and your family should be able to have a peaceful relationship with it.
The smallest .357 that I feel comfortable with is an S&W Model 60. Steel J frames in .38 special are easier on the hands. While the .32 is passable at close range or in skilled hands, the package is the same size as the .38
The Seecamp .380 is a fine semi-auto. There are plenty of sub-compact 9mm to pick from.
I think Buzzcook touched on an important idea. If you're comfy doing so make sure that dog knows your family. And pay attention to how your neighbor is training his animal. I'm of the ideology that bad dogs are primarily an outcome of bad training.
Another thing to consider is this; use the proper tool for the job. As Buzzcook stated, if the pitbull is a "red zone" type of dog and it has any size to it, it will have to be hit HARD to be knocked off track.
Another thing to consider is that if you choose a smaller caliber it can't be used like you would a larger caliber. Meaning that if center mass hits with a 45 will so the job then a smaller caliber may require you to have the skill to make multiple head shots count. And if you feel you may need to reload it may be easieer and quicker to have 2 small caliber handguns instead.
Here's something else. If a 2 legged predator is within 20 feet you'd be lucky to be able to draw in time to get a shot off. I'm sure a 4 legged predator will be even quicker.
I recently watched a force on force scenario where the knife attacker easily got a few pokes in before the handgun armed defender got off a shot. I really think an evasive manuever would have been the better way to go and then get the shot off if necessary.
All that being said I also agree with Buzzcook that a good sturdy fence may be the best defense to start with if you truly feel threatened.
Just my .02 and then some.
Jim
Another thing to consider is this; use the proper tool for the job. As Buzzcook stated, if the pitbull is a "red zone" type of dog and it has any size to it, it will have to be hit HARD to be knocked off track.
Another thing to consider is that if you choose a smaller caliber it can't be used like you would a larger caliber. Meaning that if center mass hits with a 45 will so the job then a smaller caliber may require you to have the skill to make multiple head shots count. And if you feel you may need to reload it may be easieer and quicker to have 2 small caliber handguns instead.
Here's something else. If a 2 legged predator is within 20 feet you'd be lucky to be able to draw in time to get a shot off. I'm sure a 4 legged predator will be even quicker.
I recently watched a force on force scenario where the knife attacker easily got a few pokes in before the handgun armed defender got off a shot. I really think an evasive manuever would have been the better way to go and then get the shot off if necessary.
All that being said I also agree with Buzzcook that a good sturdy fence may be the best defense to start with if you truly feel threatened.
Just my .02 and then some.
Jim
HoraceHogsnort
New member
500 Wyoming Express
Trigger Finger
New member
I carried a 6906 for many years and found it comfortable with the right holster.
Against a pitbull or person I think I would stick with it.
Against a pitbull or person I think I would stick with it.
Kreyzhorse
New member
It's hard to be a .38 snubnose. If the Airweight was a bit too much to shoot, how about a Ruger SP?
If you are going auto, the .380 is the smallest round I'd carry. Lots of great, small guns out there like the Seecamp and Ruger LCP among others.
If you are going auto, the .380 is the smallest round I'd carry. Lots of great, small guns out there like the Seecamp and Ruger LCP among others.
Tactical Jackalope
New member
The S&W Bodyguard .380 (6+1) has a frame-mounted thumb safety (and built-in laser)... only weighs 12 oz. ($400 range).
^^^^^ Agreed.
But my personal preference is a full sized gun, even for carry.
^^^^^ Agreed.
But my personal preference is a full sized gun, even for carry.
Donaldjr1969
New member
If defense against a vicious dog is paramount when you are in your yard, I would basically stick with a magnum revolver. 357s should provide the required stopping power to end an attack from a pit bull. The Ruger SP is a good choice but consider the S&W Nightguards if funds permit it. They come in 7 and 8 shot models. The 8shot 357 only weighs 27.6 ounces and should help tame the recoil enough for a quick follow-up.
If you prefer a semi auto like you mentioned, I would go no less than 40S&W if the pit bull is a concern. 10mm auto would be better if you can handle the recoil enough for a fast follow up.
To the OP. I assume you want a handgun that you can use for protection against the pit bull as well as carrying anywhere else? Or is your primary need for protection against the dog?
If you prefer a semi auto like you mentioned, I would go no less than 40S&W if the pit bull is a concern. 10mm auto would be better if you can handle the recoil enough for a fast follow up.
To the OP. I assume you want a handgun that you can use for protection against the pit bull as well as carrying anywhere else? Or is your primary need for protection against the dog?