[outfieldjack]

I am in the market for a conceal carry firearm. (I do have my CWP) I currently have a Glock 22 and a Browning .380 BDA but both seem to be a little to big for me to comfortably conceal carry. I have around $300 to spend on a firearm and was wondering what is out there in that price range that would be a good buy. I realize that $300 is not alot and that I should spend more..... but not buying anything at all would be worse. I have been looking at the Kel-Tec P11..... anyone one else have a suggestion? Right now I am open to auto-loaders and revolvers.

Thanks,
Jack

[braindead0]

How's the Makarov compare in size to the G22? They are kinda big for a .380 (or 7.62makarov) but relatively inexpensive and totally reliable.

[Shweboner]

The makarov in 9x18 is an excellent pistol, for the price you cant go wrong... guns costing 4x as much cant compete with the reliability. Its heavier than some of the polymer framed handguns out there, but not too bad. Accuracy is perfect concealed carry use. IIRC 90% of all self-defense shootings are at a distance of 7 feet. Makarov is a great choice, cheap ammo, available accessories, spare mags/parts, reloading supplies are abundant.

But if thats not your thing...

Check out CDNN's new catalog...

Steyr M9 or M40 is $299
Kel-Tec P11 $229
Kel-Tec P32 $199
There are a few more autos and some revolvers in that price range as well. goto cdnninvestments.com and download the catalog... if you have dial-up it will take a while... best do it when you aren't busy (or dont need the computer).

Or if you want to go crazy... raise your limit to $400 and get a Springfield Armory XD40/XD9. I've got an XD9 for carry and its by far the best all-around handgun I have encountered.

~Brain

[cslinger]

What about a used snubby. Should be able to get an SP101 or an older Smith J frame for right around that neighborhood. Extremely conceable with alot of power in .357, .44 special or even a nice hot .38.

http://gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=7599872
http://gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=7715441
http://gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=7676622

I am not slamming Kel Tecs because I know alot of you like them but I have personally seen two lock up tight and malfunction so bad that they had to be dissassebled with tools and force. Not exactly a representitive sample and I know people who swear by them but those two instances were enough to shy me away from the Kel Tecs, well that and they are ugly but one could argue I have no taste.:D

Makarov seems to fit the bill.

Taurus revolver maybe.
http://gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=7734891



Good Luck
Chris

[stevesmith7]

Jack,
I'm reading between the lines that you've recently acquired your CWP.
When I first got mine I ran out and got a P-11 as it seemed like the best
firepower/size/price tradeoff on the market. It does take a little home
gunsmithing to get it really nice, and I carry it a lot especially in the winter
when it goes in a jacket pocket or belt holster. However, it was still too big
to go everywhere, everytime. That roll is filled by a P-32. You'll get one
eventually, might as well start with one.

Steve

[Felonious Monk]

ABSOLUTE dittos to what stevesmith7 said.

Got the P11 first.
Got the P32 much later.

Get the P32 first!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did I mention...
GET THE P32 FIRST??????????? :scrutiny: :D

Even better, WAIT a month or two and get the .380 P-3AT!

[10-Ring]

For $300, I'd go the used j-frame route.

[M1911]

I'm with cslinger -- lots of good used J-frames and SP101s for that amount of cash.

[crewzer]

I carry concealed everyday. I normally carry my main firearm, usually a full size gun in a fanny pack or a shoulder bag with a dedicated holster built in. This leaves me with a backup or smaller caliber gun in my support side pocket. In the price range you are looking at you can go with a NAA mini-revolver in 22lr or 22mag, a compact 5-shot revolver (usually uncomfortable) a slender 32 or 380 such as Kel-tec 32 (nice and light:) ) or a heavier AMT Backup. The Kel-Tec P11 is a nice gun, get the pocket clip for it and a hi-cap S&W 5906 magazine and you have substantial firepower. It all depends on how you plan on carrying. Shop the local pawn shops and you can pick up a good second hand gun. Good luck

[denfoote]

I just picked up a very nice used 1911 clone for $250 and a gently broken in Kramer Belt Scabbard for $10!! Just keep your eyes open and money at hand!!! :D

[yzguy]

P-11 and P-32 (or maybe P-3AT)....

with the P-3AT there should be a lot of good used P-32's out shortly....

I got the P-11 first, and months later got the P-32.

http://www.1bad69.com/keltec/index.htm
http://www.ktog.org/vbulletin/

[BobK]

I agree with Denfoote! Shop around in a lot of shops. You can
find some "buys" out there if you keep your eyes open, and your
credit card ready!
I recently got a S&W M-36 snubby for $200. It had some holster wear and needed some TLC. It was a police trade in. Carried
alot, but shot little! Mechanically it was great.
I cleaned it up in 2 hours. Now, I have a great CCW gun in .38spl.! It's light and with the 2" barrel, it's easy to conceal.
I got a Uncle Mike's IWB holster for under $10. Add a box of ammo.... and you're good to go! For under $225! :D It may not
be the ultimate rig for CCW.......but it sure beats carrying a
pocketful of rocks! Bob

[dairycreek]

A Makorov with enough left over for a decent holster. Good shooting:)

[sanchezero]

Another for the J frame. Pocket carry is cheap and simple, too.

:)

[Akurat]

FireStorm Mini 9/40/45.

[Frankly 45]

Buy a J frame S&W snubby - new or
used (as your budget dictates) first, and don't look back.

A decent caliber, in a most reliable platform that will fill most of your concealment needs. It will always be a keeper.

I wish someone told me that a long time and $$$ ago.

You can always add more of the other fine firearms available later on, but I bet you'll always have use for that snubby.
Shoot safe,

[JamisJockey]

Nobody mentioned Taurus! Taurus makes a fine little revolver! I bought my Model 85 for $220.
For $300 you can get a fine little revolver by S&W, Taurus, or Ruger. Go .357. Good luck.

[DeltaElite]

Sell the Browning 380 and use the additional money to buy a Glock 27. :D

[Tropical Z]

1.Kel-Tec P32
2.Feg PA-63 (weight saving-rust proof alloy frame!)
or
Kel-Tec P11;)

[longeyes]

I hear good things about the Bersa Thunder .380. Personally, my choice would be a J-frame.

[chaim]

Good and concealable guns for $300 or less (in no particular order):
-Bersa Thunder- I love my little .380, very accurate and reliable and I bought it for only $215.
-Makarov- a slightly more powerful cartridge than .380 and a gun with a good reputation.
-Taurus 85- a good snub for under $300 new. Most people seem to find .38spl about the most powerful that can be controllable in a snub.
-Taurus 82- if you are willing to go a little bigger you can have the 4" barrel (longer sight radius) and 6 shots in this medium frame revolver- new for under (in some areas well under) $300.
-Taurus 65- medium framed .357 for around $300 new.
-S&W J-frame- you could get a nice used J-frame in your range. These are the standard all other snubs are judged by.
-S&W K-frame- Again the standard. If you can conceal a medium framed gun well this gives you one more round than the J-frame and more weight and controllability (making .357 an option for the majority of people). With a short barrel (2 1/2" or 3") it should be concealable for most people. You can probably find a good clean .38spl for $200-230 fairly easily and a good .357 for $250-300.
-Colt- used you can get one of their various models of snubs in your range. They are just a tad larger than the J-frames yet have 6 shots. The Police Positive Special is the same frame size as the snubs (and very light) but has a 4" barrel.
-Ruger- the SP101 has very good press and should be available used in your range.

There are, of course, others but these are the ones that most easily come to mind and that are all proven, reliable designs.

[Dr.Rob]

With only $300 to spend and wanting something smaller than your Browning I'd look at a Taurus revolver in 357, or the aforementioned Pa-63.

I would NOT choose anything smaller than a 380 as a primary defensive weapon.

[Sportcat]

I know what he bought today :p (I'm OutfieldJacks' brother). I'll wait and let him tell y'all.

[spankaveli]

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976323037.htm

[megatronrules]

I vote for a used J-Frame Smith. Small, potent, and a Smith!
A revolver can be had for less than an auto. Ammo for 38special is as cheap as 9mm. Lots of practice. Model 36's are everywhere,smooth quality little guns. Load up with some 158grLSWC and you have a great carry package IMO :D

[Kahr carrier]

Go the used route ,for $300 you can find a lot. Like a J or K frame snubbie or Ruger Sp101 or Naa Guardian or a Beretta Tomcat.:)

[rich e]

I have been carrying CCW for only 11 years and this is how it evolved for me. 1-Colt 45, 2-Sig 220,3-Sig239[40], 4-Sig230, 5-Glock19. Last and current Taurus ultralight 38, priced around $279.00 brand new and lifetime warranty! This has turned out to be my favorite carry piece. All the others are now lazy safe queens.
I carry with a small fanny pack, I carry in the waist band. Sometimes I carry in a coat pocket. No worry about lint causing jams. No lube to worry about. Completely reliable and one speed strip for a reload. 10 rounds of 38 hydra-shok is nothing to laugh at. Get one you will love it.
Rich

[Jack19]

I just got the Spring SOG flyer, lots of used S&W autos and revolvers at decent prices.

640 (.38)- $329
6906 (9mm) - $287-329
6946 (9mm)- $259
3913 (9mm)- $299
439 (9mm)- $239
5904 (9mm)- $265-279
4013 (.40) - $339

[Mike Irwin]

For $300 I have gone the J-frame .38 route.

And I doubt if I'll be going any other route any time soon.

There's a world of good used handguns available in the $300 range, both revolver and semi-auto.

God Bless the Gun Culture. :)

[22luvr]

I currently carry a Smith 340SC in the right front pocket but even it seems a little bulky at times and it tends to make me a little nervous about being detected.

I carried a P32 in the right front pocket for 3 years and pronounced it the absolutely best concealed weapon I've ever owned. Why did I sell it? To get funds to buy the 340, which didn't come cheap.

Do I miss my P32? Yup, sure do! Am I going to buy one of the soon-to-be-released P-3AT's? Oh, for sure!

Two things I've learned after carrying a dozen pocket guns over the years:
1. If you think it might be too heavy for pocket-carry, it's TOO heavy for pocket carry
2. If you think it might be too big for pocket-carry, it's TOO big for pocket carry.

Size and weight are absolutely paramount for completely undetectable and comfortable pocket carry.

Saying all that, go forth and get thee a P32 and an extra mag. 15 rounds available in the pocket are nothing to sneeze at.

[ruger357]

Count me in for the J-frame. I picked up a used lnib 649 last month for $240.00.

[outfieldjack]

I finally decided to put some $$$ down on a P-32. After taking everyones comments into consideration I decided to go the Kel-Tec route. I'm sure all the other guns out there that were suggested are good ones, but I'm trying the P-32 first.

I got the back one, paid $249. Took it to the range, put about 150 rounds thru it..... no jams. I'm really pleased with it so far. VERY small.... fits in my jeans pocket with very little printing and when I'm wearing slacks..... you can't tell at all.

Any ideas on a good round for it?

Thanks,
OutfieldJack

[smooth operator]

I use hydrashocks in mine at least that's what I think Federal calls them. I don't think you can go wrong with a KT I own 2 of them & haven't had any problems once they are broken in in. In fact I went to the range last Friday nite. I put 10 rds thru my p-11 & some older guy was raking thru the brass looking for an extractor that flew off his sig. My p-11 just get shooting. I'm not slamming sigs but even they can have trouble.
Jerry

[Felonious Monk]

Jack,

Let me give you the quick run-down on Kel-Tec info:

http://1bad69.com/keltec/newownerinfo.htm

http://www.goldenloki.com/ammo/gel/32acp/gel32acp.htm

http://www.ktog.org/vbulletin

Those 3 websites will link you to all the info you'll EVER need.

You asked "which ammo"...
check that Golden Loki site for some tests in ballistic gel.
Short answer:
Most stick with FMJ to avoid rimlock (http://1bad69.com/keltec/rimlock.htm).

Start with FMJ and get comfortable with the gun.
Try out a few of the more premium self defense rounds:
Winchester Silvertips, Federal Hydrashoks, and Speer/CCI Gold Dots.

See you over at KTOG!
Regards,
FM