Choose a carry gun
DAMIT is looking for one and wants some help:
OK, so my ideal weapon is the size, shape, and width (very important) of a Walther PPK, comes in .45 Long Colt or .44 Magnum
We all want one of those to carry when riding our unicorns. But, seriously, give some advice.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:35 pm
No problem. He could even build himself.
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:36 pm
build *it* himself
February 3rd, 2009 at 1:54 pm
There are a thousand different answers to this question. Depends a lot on the experience level of the user, the body size and preferred concealment location and the general kind of situation one is concerned about.
If a relatively inexperienced user, then a five or six shot revolver in .357 Magnum or .38 Special ( one can use .38 Special cartridges in the .357 Mag if recoil shy ) like a S&W J frame or a Ruger SP101.
If more experienced, then a small frame semi-auto in 9mm or .40 S&W. A Glock, a Springfield XD compact, or many many other models would work there.
Be aware that you will easily spend half as much or more money in holsters as your carry gun costs. This is because everyone finds that they go through a lot of holsters trying to find one that works for them.
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I would look at a Slimhawg from Para, if slimness is your criteria.
I prefer the Warthawg myself for something small with a mean bite.
The new LCR from Ruger looks interesting too: slimmer than a Smith’s Chief Special, very light, 38 +P.
Bottom line though, is that everyone has certain preferences, and you just have to work through the variables to find the unique fit that works for you.
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:12 pm
left advise little tho mine is worth .
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Something the size of the PPK in those calibers? How would you hold onto it for more than one shot?
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Well, it does not come in either of those calibers, but the PPS is chambered in .40 short-and-weak…
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:00 pm
I bounce between 3 firearms. When it’s cold out and the clothes are bulky, I haul out the 1911. When it’s a little nicer, I use a CZ83 in .380. When I have to look purty, a Kel-Tek P-3AT does the trick.
Dunno if the Ruger LCP is actually shipping, but the KT is the same size, and adequate. However, my wife can’t work the slide, due to the stiff springs.
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
May I recommend the M-4
http://www.amderringer.com/m4.html
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I’ve been carrying a .45 ACP Kimber Compact Stainless II for three years. Officers model frame & 4″ Commander length barrel. Fitted with Crimson Trace lasergrips & Tritium night sights.
Easily concealed and sufficiently powerful a wonderful companion.
Roger
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Not the requested caliber, but I have a S&W 3913 in 9MM which long ago replaced my Interarms PPK/S for carry. The 3913 is more reliable than the PPK/S, points better, has a better trigger, better sights, better grip, and doesn’t bite.
Specs for each are:
3913 PPK/S
Bbl 3.5″ 3.2″
Sight Radius 5.5″ 4.125
Weight w/o Mag 23.4 oz 23.5 oz
Weight Loaded 29.1 oz (8+1)* 27.5 oz (7+1)**
Length 6.73″ 6.1″
Height 5.25″*** 4.875″***
Width 1.25″ 1.375″
Capacity 8+1 7+1
My Stainless Colt Officer’s ACP is (not counting the grip safety duck bill) almost dimensionally identical to the 3913. Weighs 30.7 oz w/o mag and 38.1 oz with 7+1 of 230 gr Federal Hydra-Shok JHP.
Of the three, I much prefer the 3913 for carry. As I become more experienced with carrying cocked & locked, I might change my mind. For now, DA/SA in 9MM suites just fine.
* 115 gr CorBon JHP+P
**95 gr Federal Hydra-Shok JHP
*** With pinky finger mag base.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Sort of sounds like a 2-shot over/under derringer.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Seriously, I cannot see a serious pocket-sized .44 or .45, with a decent grip and trigger, and 4″ barrel, in anything other than an external-hammer, single-action, single-shot. Kind of like a baby Thompson Contender.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:27 pm
If width is critical as your question suggests, than #7 has the answer with the Walther PPS in .40 S&W. It is about .9″ wide and light double action only. Very concealable and simple to use. Very light and with good loads very effective. The Corbon 135 grain loads are very good for personal defense.
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:31 pm
The .40S&W has a better record as an anti-personnel round than the .44 Magnum. The .44 is a hunting round and has way too much penetration. It will not transfer enough energy to a human body before exiting. The .357 Magnum with 125 grain JHP is the best round for this performance The best .40s and .45s come close, with less recoil and blast.
February 4th, 2009 at 1:19 am
The Taurus Judge which will shoot .410 shotshells and/or 45 Colt.
Apparantly they even have one now that will shoot 3 inch magnum .410 shotshells.
Awesome carry piece. And ya got to love the Gun Blast guys
February 4th, 2009 at 10:52 am
How about a Kahr P45, or PM45. Smallish, thin and makes big holes. Lotsa ammo choices.
P.
February 5th, 2009 at 3:14 am
How about cruising the auction houses for a nice Star PD?
They made them in 9mm and .45ACP, if memory serves.