I am getting a sub-compact pistol

[LMTC]

Ditto on the Taurus 85. I have that and the 605 in CH. The 605 is ported, and I don't like it. Most folks never shoot at night, and everyone should. If not, when forced to do so the flash and sound will reduce some folks to absolute incompetence. The ported barrel just makes for worse flash up in your line of sight. At 10 yards I can keep all 5 on a body-size target pretty easily. It's a relatively quick reload with a Safariland speed loader--I have found no others as easy to use. When I travel on the road, or must go someplace I consider a higher risk I take my Glock 22 as well. I have used a Glock 27 and find the grip way too short...the gun tends to roll in my hand. The small Taurus does not do that. I keep Remington or Federal 110 grain HPs in the Taurus. Very easy load to handle.

Would love to continue to read about what folks like (or don't) and why. I am in the market for several carry guns, as my sons and DIL are about to go through the course here for CC and will need to make that decision. Momma and I are planning on paying for the course and the firearms in lieu of Christmas, birthday, and anniversary gifts this year.

 

[Jaybr]

I also carry a Kahr PM9, small and light and fits easily into my pocket.

I'm not generally a fan of polymer frames, own multiple steel framed handguns. When shopping for a carry gun the light weight of the polymer framed PM9 was perfect.

 

[hudlow]

I don't need 15 rounds because I'm not above running like **** before using deadly force.

just because you are armed does not mean you are OK to go marching any old place in the world at any time. In other words, be vigilant of your surroundings. Vigilance is more likely to save your life than the handgun.

Some very good advice being given in this thread.

One of my favorites is....when you're carrying a gun, leave your middle finger at home.

hud

 

[GaryM]

Gary, how do these two guns compare in overall size & weight to each other? You stated you had one problem with the XD40, have you ever had a problem with the Kahr?

I meant to say that I never had any problems with the XDs. I didn't quite come out that way though.

I had one issue with the Kahr. New out of the box after about 20 rounds, the spring on the magazine release broke and the magazine would not stay in place. The gun was returned to Kahr and repaired with no issues since. But it's not shot a lot either. It's carried most days. I usually only carry the XD when my clothing allows easy concealment. The kahr on the other hand could probably be concealed in your boxers.

The XD40 SC is 6.25" long by 4.75" high and weighs 26 oz.

The Kahr PM40 is 5.35" long by 4" high and weighs 15 oz.

Doesn't look like much on paper, but one fits in your front pocket and the other doesn't. Price difference is/was significant too. IIRC, my Kahr was about $600 and the XD40SC was about $480. And that was with the light too.

 

[KubotaSteve]

Not trying to hijack a thread, but what is the smallest size (caliber) one should consider for concealed carry. It seems like .380 is the smallest.

 

[GaryM]

I'd put it another way. Carry the largest caliber you can handle with confidance. Folks are killed with .22 rimfires and not killed with .45 ACP

.380 is probably about the smallest I'd go with though. Be sure to have a good bullet and a heavy load.

I carry .40 S&W myself.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

Not trying to hijack a thread, but what is the smallest size (caliber) one should consider for concealed carry. It seems like .380 is the smallest.

My personal opinion is that a .380 is the minimum. It could probably be argued that a .32 Magnum in a revolver would be as good? The reality is that is not a very common round, so of the commonly found ammo, I'd say the .380 is a safe minimum. However, there are now some 9mm handguns that are as small or even smaller than many .380 handguns so the 9mm is now a very viable small gun. No 9mm is going to be as small as a little pocket .380 like an AMT Back Up (available in either SA or DAO configurations) or the North American Arms DAO back up.

Below are photos of my AMT DAO "Back Up" pistol. The Kahr pistol is not much bigger than this. A small revolver like a Ruger SP101 is also not much bigger but can handle up to a .357 magnum round. Several years ago when I bought this gun the current breed of small 9mm polymer guns were only dreams in gun designer's minds.

So to me the question is not how 'weak' of a round is the acceptable minimum, the real question is with technology now available, what is smallest gun that is reasonable to carry with a full power round?

 

[hudlow]

I'd rather be a good shot with a .22 than a fair shot with a .45.

If you can't make the shot count, the caliber doesn't matter.

hud

 

[Marine1]

Some good advice here. Don't discount the H&K P2000SK or the Sig 239. Both are very concealable, accurate, and fun to shoot. Both come in 9mm also. The Sig 229 while a bit bigger than the 239 is quite concealable too. Very good guns in my opinion.

I would not go any smaller than the .380 for self defense. As for .380 I would stay away from the Walther PPK. Very finicky about what it will feed. Mine would only take ball ammo ( semi reliably) so I got rid of it. I have heard the same of other walthers also.

Check out the H&K and Sig. You'll be glad you did. Try to rent some of these before you buy also.

 

[Ifixcars]

I have the K40 Kahr 40 cal. All steel, which I prefer. Still fairly light but not as light as plastic. Shoots nice, very accurate and reliable. Feeds hollow points fine. I have ran 1000's of round through it with only 1 feed jam, and that was when it was very new. I also own and like the featherlight revolvers from Smith. Very light, never fail reliability, available in 38 and 357. Very nice personal defense gun imo. Not much for target shooting though. I actually like target shooting with the Kahr. The 40 cal round has plenty of power, I feel it kicks a tad less than a 45 of the same size frame, but more than a 9mm and 380. The lightweight revolvers have some kick, especially with heavy loads. But you never have to worry about a feed jam. As long as you don't think you are going to get in a gun battle, the revolver is more than adequate. I load mine with hollow point 38+p's, which is enough for me.