I am getting a sub-compact pistol

[gordon21]

I have both the S&W M&P full size 9MM and the compact M&P 9MM. The compact one is very nice, light and runs about $500. It would keep you in the same ammo you use now. I bought the compact one for my wife because she complained the full size was too long and front heavy.

Go hold the compact 9 and see if that is still too big for what you want.

 

[Slacker]

One other upside to a wheelgun for us Southern country folk....load a chamber with rat/snake shot when tractoring. I do and I've used it on several cotton mouth encounters. Once they get excited the cotton mouth snake gets aggressive quickly. The ratshot makes them curl up in a ball. Makes the shovel treatment easier.

 

[MossRoad]

...Don't rule out a small revolver for concealed carry. ...

Very dependable. Good advice.

...Edited to claify that I carry for defensive reasons only. I have no delusions about being confronted by a gang of armed thugs. I don't need 15 rounds because I'm not above running like **** before using deadly force.

More good advice. Be aware of your surroundings and get the heck out of there if at all possible.

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.

That's kind of like asking what HP tractor you need without describing your chores that you want to accomplish. I'd get something that fits your hands well and is dependable. There is no magic minimum or maximum formula. I think the comment that someone made regarding being a good shot with your weapon is probably the most important thing.

I had some friends in that size argument. The large caliber guys were teasing a guy that carried a .22. The .22 guy brought up a good point... "If I pulled out that .22 and started spraying lead in your direction, you'd poop your pants just as fast as the next guy."

 

[Soundguy]

I sometimes carry a kel tec in .32acp in a pocket/wallet style holster due to the gun's sub compact and super small frame. I use it as a 'backup' weapon.. or in situations where i simply can't get away with a normal in-waistband holster like I normally use with my sig p-230. I know it's small.. butI figure any gun is better than no gun in a self defense situation..

Soundguy

I carry a KelTec .380 in a pocket holster and always use the same holster in the same pocket. You do not want to be in the position of wondering which pocket, ankle, belt the gun is on.

I don't recommend any of the "magic" holsters like the belly, thigh, ankle, etc. Although they allow concealment of nearly any handgun - they are less then stellar in the fast draw department.

A word of advice about carrying - 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.

 

[Soundguy]

For practical reasons.. I agree with the others.. a .380 acp with a good high performance round.. like a hydra shock.. etc is about the lightest Ilike for normal carry. That said.. there are some situations i simply don't have room for a paddle holster or there are 'printing' problems.. and I still want to be armed with -something-. I then use my keltec .32acp in a wallet holster. It's easy access, no printing.. virtually no weight.. i can carry it in ANY clothing that has a rear, hip or chest pocket without it printing.. and in the end.. it is better than nothing.

Soundguy

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.

 

[Soundguy]

Yep.. if you are in a situation where you are being.. or going to be attacked .. usually just pulling 'any' gun will avert the attack. Usually.. even stupid criminals don't want to be 'test' subjects or voulenteers to see who can withstand being shot.. vs just turning tale and running.

Soundguy

I had some friends in that size argument. The large caliber guys were teasing a guy that carried a .22. The .22 guy brought up a good point... "If I pulled out that .22 and started spraying lead in your direction, you'd poop your pants just as fast as the next guy."

 

[KubotaSteve]

That's kind of like asking what HP tractor you need without describing your chores that you want to accomplish. I'd get something that fits your hands well and is dependable. There is no magic minimum or maximum formula. I think the comment that someone made regarding being a good shot with your weapon is probably the most important thing.

I had some friends in that size argument. The large caliber guys were teasing a guy that carried a .22. The .22 guy brought up a good point... "If I pulled out that .22 and started spraying lead in your direction, you'd poop your pants just as fast as the next guy."

I disagree totally with your analogy as I clearly stated what the chore was: concealed carry. I was just curious as to what other more experienced people who carry thought. I wasn't looking for a dead set answer of XXX caliber and anything less is useless. Regardless of how good a shot you are, if you don't react well under stress and freeze up it will do you no good. How well you think/react under stress is the most important thing when carrying a weapon because that could possibly determine the outcome of the rest of your life.

 

[Soundguy]

Hmm.. I thought Moss's comment was pretty on target.. ( pun intended ).

Soundguy

 

[MossRoad]

... pretty on target.. ( pun intended ).

Soundguy

Hee hee hee.... good one!

 

[czechsonofagun]

I dont carry - yet, but for my wife I got Windicator in .38 special. It is taco bell cheap revolver, of course, but it is wife simple and small with 2" barrel. The quality is OK, if you dont expect to get Ruger or SW quality for 200 dollars.