What is the best concealed carry pistol?

gun is just for a dire emergency only that I hope will never happen. Except for testing it the first time, I would not take it to the range and shoot it.
Click to expand...

The best insurance you have it to shoot your SD pistol often. Believe me, if you shoot your SD pistol a lot, then you will look back and realize things you learned that could save your life. Talk & reading will never substitute for actual practice. What ever you buy I hope you practice often.:)

From my experience with smaller .380 they are not pleasant to shoot, actually they hurt.
Click to expand...

Can be true. So look for one that is locked breech operated. They will shoot a little softer than the blow-back type. Everything is relative. Try a 2" SP101 loaded wih full power .357 mags. Now that's recoil that will get your attention.:eek:
 
Last edited:
Thanks... Do you have a specific locked breech operated low recoil pistol in mind?

The choice is not easy to make. Historically I was buying cheaper guns only to sell them later and buy a more expensive gun but the gun I really want. And of course I want a Seecamp .380 as my concealed carry. Maybe it's time to learn from my own past experience. I don't have to buy a gun this year so I may just decide to wait, save more money and buy a Seecamp or, better yet, order a Seecamp and wait anyway because they are not available.
 
Thank you... That means Seecamp recoil will be heavy. What about NAA Guardian .380 ? Will it have a better recoil?
 
The Guardian .380 is much bigger and heavier than the LCP, P3AT, or the Seecamp.
My opinion of the .380 Guardian is that it's too big for a pocket gun, and certainly too heavy.
 
Thanks for your opinion.
I just looked at the comparison chart (see link above) and yes it is heavier but it is smaller than LCP and P3AT. LCP and P3AT are polymer/aluminum and NAA Guardian is stainless - so it is supposed to be heavier. If choosing between light and unbreakable I would choose the unbreakable up to a point of course. I think even 18.7 oz empty is not such a big weight to make a big difference, especially if you carry it in a holster that sits in tight jeans/pants. If you normally wear loose pants/shorts that may be a different story - you may really need a very light 9 oz or so gun IMHO.
I am not a gun expert - just trying to think logically.

More expensive Seecamp is the winner no matter what, even though some people with big hands may not feel comfortable shooting this pistol.
 
For pocket guns I have:
1) Kel-tec P-3AT w/Armalaser in a pocket holster w/anti-print panel
2) Ruger SP101 with a round cut Mika holster
3) S&W M&P 340 CT with a round cut Mika holster

The Kel-Tec is far and away the winner as the best pocket gun of the three. It's flat, light, small, and with the anti-print panel looks like a wallet or PDA. The M&P is better than the SP101 due to weight and has a slight advantage in cylinder width but not really enough to make much difference. No matter what with a revolver in the pocket that cylinder width gives a bulge that just isn't there with the KT.

The SP101 is a surprisingly good pocket gun. It's a little heavy but with jeans and a good belt it's not noticeable after about 10 seconds. That said I prefer to carry it OWB and have some room in my pocket for other stuff.

Leaving the chamber under the hammer is done only to prevent the gun from firing if accidentally dropped. S&W Centenials don't have a hammer block because they have a transfer bar. The hammerblocks were used on the guns with the firing pin mounted on the hammer. I don't think S&W ever made a DA revolver that doesn't have a transfer bar or a hammer block. If it's S&W or Ruger DA it's drop safe with a round in all chambers. Unless you are using an old SA revolver there is no need to leave a chamber empty.

As far as accidental discharge in the pocket, use a pocket holster to keep the trigger covered and there's nothing to worry about. It also keeps the pocket lint off your gun and keeps your pants from getting cut up and developing wear patterns from the edges on the gun, as well as keeping the gun properly oriented to draw.
 
Kurbsky
I have compared them side by side, and the NAA gun is very disappointing. It's very thick and heavy. It weighs twice as much as the P3AT, and they certainly are not "unbreakable.".
 
Mine are .40s, wife's are .380 or .38+P air weight, it's what ever works for you. A .22 is a deadly cal. Go ahead and laugh, I can see you all now falling off you chairs now, in the right hands " have a video some where" a big game hunter years ago took down an elephant just to prove it. I'll take my .40s over any thing else, just my .02. :)
 
grumpybutt said:
Mine are .40s, wife's are .380 or .38+P air weight, it's what ever works for you. A .22 is a deadly cal. Go ahead and laugh, I can see you all now falling off you chairs now, in the right hands " have a video some where" a big game hunter years ago took down an elephant just to prove it. I'll take my .40s over any thing else, just my .02.
Click to expand...

I'd like to see that video. I'll bet it's fake. If it's real than the authorities in Africa would like to see it too because every country where elephant hunting is legal has a minimum caliber and 40 S&W ain't on the lists. Anyone inhumane enough to shoot at an elephant with such an inappropriate caliber deserves to spend a long time in an African prison.

40's a great round but an elephant gun it's not.
 
I have compared them side by side, and the NAA gun is very disappointing. It's very thick and heavy.
Click to expand...

You may be right here. I was looking at overall dimensions when laying flat. I was not comparing thickness. And it is definitely heavier. Hmmm... That actually doesn't give me practically any choice but Seecamp if I want to stay stainless. Right?

Regarding hunting elephants with a .22 caliber I am sure it is 100% possible to shoot an elephant with it but it has to be close range and you have to hit elephant's brain. Sounds like pretty dangerous hunting to me.
 
The elephant shot did happen. It was WAY before modern videos. I believe the bull elephant was tearing up the camp, and the shooter just had a Colt Woodsman with him. It was a have-to situation, not a hunt.
 
Walther PPS

My mind is not made up yet but I am leaning towards the Walther PPS. When I am able to get my hand on it I will be able to see if my assumption is right.
 
I am considering a pocket gun as well...On my list are the Walther PPK/S, the P3AT, and I like the S&W M&P 340.

Walther for Style

P3AT for practicality

S&W for reliability

(Generally speaking).
 
I carry a Glock 26 9mm. You can get them at gun shows or some retailers for around 450.00. It holds 10 rounds stock, but I attached a Pierce grip with the +2.
 
What do you think of Kahr KP3833 .380 ?
It is stainless, much lighter than NAA Guardian and can be purchased for $560 or so.
 
I called Seecamp today.
They don't even accept orders anymore because their waiting list is more that 2 years. They took my name and address to contact me when they will start putting people on the waiting list again.
 
The elephant shot did happen. It was WAY before modern videos. I believe the bull elephant was tearing up the camp, and the shooter just had a Colt Woodsman with him. It was a have-to situation, not a hunt.
Click to expand...

Thanks Bill. Your post made me go back and look at the original about the elephant and I see that I misread it. I thought the claim was that the 40 S&W had been used, after rereading it I see it's that a .22 was used.

I cannot imagine having to face down a charging bull elephant with a Colt Woodsman. If I survived the pants I was wearing would be going in the trash due to excessive soiling.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top