[Fun2Shoot]

Everbody hears about the most popular choices in concealed carry handguns, like the S&W 642, XD sub-compact, Glock 19 or 26, or maybe a Bersa .380 and so on.

All of the above guns are good CCW choices and I have used a few of them myself, but I have come to find that an underrated or out-of-favor handgun can make a great CCW companion.

I have found that my S&W 3913 is an excellent CCW and it is what I carry everytime I need to be protected out on the streets.

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/2200/Hsw3913L.gif

It is a single stack 9mm with a decocker safety and has a stainless slide and alloy frame. It is very reliable & accurate (and was only $325 used). It replaced an XD SC & a S&W 642, so you know I must be pretty impressed with it. ;)

So what is the underrated CCW that you have used or still use?

[rantingredneck]

People poo-poo the Ruger P-series as being big and clunky. They are big, service size pistols, but reliable and accurate. I've been carrying them for awhile now. Starting with a P89 then P90 and now P345, which is much easier to carry for sure. The P345 in particular is an excellent CCW piece and I think it will be accompanying me for quite some time.

[M2 Carbine]

My carry choice is a 45 Kimber Tactical Ultra but most of the time I've just got a Kel Tec P3AT in my pocket.

I do have a couple pistols in the cars though.

[Catalina]

the toy like P3AT
or
the knock off S&W Taurus 85CH

[obxned]

I carry either the P345 or a KelTec P3at. Love them both!

[elkhuntingfool]

I am always wondering if I should buy a smaller sized handgun for days when I'm wearing shorts and a tshirt. My PT145 is small, but sometimes I feel it's a bit bulky when I am wearing just shorts and a tshirt. Maybe it's a self concious thing.

[Nomad, 2nd]

I have a Kel Tec p32 that I used to carry as a BUG before I got smart and started carrying my Smith.

I kept it around for carry in my Class A's, or Dress Blues.

[jrfoxx]

S&W 637.Most people seem to opt for the hammerless or shrouded hammer models.I happen to prefer the exsposed hammer, and have NEVER had any issues with it snaging on anything, which is the #1 reason given by people for why the get the hammerles or shrouded hammer models.Not saying their fears are unfounded about the snag issue but I always carry it OWB with something VERY loose fitting to conceal it (if I conceal it at all) like a button-up shirt unbuttoned or a light jacket, never a tee shirt or similar tighter clothes, so theres really nothing for me to snag on (and I've intentionallytried to to ake sure it wasnt going to be an issue for me.ithers tend to pockt carry or IWB ther snub-nose guns, so I can see where snagging might be more of an issue for them.I like the option of the hammer in the event I can or need to use it for a moe accurate shot. Mostly I like the hammer as I just think they look so much nicer with it, and for when I'm plinking/target shooting with it.

[parisite]

The true Makarov is very hard to beat for CCW. Just ask the KGB agents over the last 50 years.

[bakert]

Most days I carry a Ruger P97 and occasionlly a little Taurus 85. Both of these are often derided by the gunsnobs but they suit my needs. They go bang every time, are fairly lightweight, reliable and accurate. There a lot of darn good guns out there that aren't as popular as some of those most highly touted. My worries concern me, not what others might think.

[hexidismal]

I used to. Like two other posters before me, I carried a Ruger P345 for a couple years. At the start of this year I changed my primary carry to a 1911, but I still think the P345 is a highly underrated pistol. The P345 is still my bedside gun with a rail mounted light.

[TonyB]

My usual carry is a s and w 642,but I do carry the TaurusPT111 or even my Rossi 461 from time to time,both of which are excellent guns that I trust my life too and both are looked down upon by gun snobs....in the case of the Rossi I only spent $150 on it......

[armoredman]

When I started carrying CZ, people looked at me, and said "Geshundhiet!". Nobody knew of this Czech wundergun. Now CZ is becoming far better known as the high quality product it is, and it's not quite an "underrated" sidearm anymore, but to paraphrase an old country song, "I carried CZ before carrying CZ was cool."

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/PICT0242.jpg

[Mr. 16 gauge]

My primary carry gun is a used S&W M39 that I bought years ago.....the gun is great! It's accurate, shoots a variety of HP ammo without a problem, ect. The problem I had was finding a good holster for it!

I also carry a Colt Detective special that I found in the used gun case....it had a lot of blueing worn off and the timing was off as well. I bought it and sent it to the gunsmith for some work, and the gun is great.

Also, while the gun might not be 'obsolete', I'm sure there are those that feel the caliber might be.....I have a Springfield Armory in .38 Super that is very accurate. I carry mine loaded with Winchester's 125 grain STHP. I do wish Remington would offer their GSHP in this caliber as well.

[CWL]

Does the Kel-Tec P32 count?

[modifiedbrowning]

I carry a piece of crap (if some people are to be believed) Bersa Ultracompact 9mm. Mine has never had a malf in over 2k rnds and is accurate with a nice trigger. All that and I only paid $350.

[Baron357]

I carry a model 60 3" barrel, not an airweight and longer barrel so I guess it is a little under-rated. I have a Kramer belt holster and am now looking for a good IWB.

[benEzra]

The 3913 is one of the best 9mm's on the market, IMHO. I own and carry a 3913 Ladysmith; it is remarkably accurate and 100% reliable.

http://www.commongroundcommonsense.org/forums/uploads/1168567538/gallery_260_23_29637.jpg

[budney]

Does a Smith & Wesson Sigma (SW9VE) count?

[03Shadowbob]

Are you kidding? No way! I carry a $3,500 race gun because my life is worth it and someone is vioently attacked ever 6 seconds in America:banghead:
I didn't realize that my Taurus handguns and Springfield 1911 were under-rated even though neither have failed me ever. I better go trade them in immediately for a Les Baer.:evil:

[Sean85746]

I have a Smith & Wesson Model 39 that I have had for...a hundred years...or something like that.

While, I carry a Glock 99.999952134785% of the time...that old Smith, which is flatter than a pancake, and accurate as all get-out, gets packed once a year or so. Hell, I even carry a 4" K-Frame Magnum when the wheelgun mood strikes me.

I promise you this...I am in NO WAY undergunned with either.

[jjohnson]

Sure, I'd rather carry underrated than carry nothing. I don't look for trouble anyway.

My Kel-tec P40 is "down" at the moment waiting on a warranty part, so at the moment I carry a Makarov in .380. I know, I like a M1911 in .45 much better, but I can't get one into my pocket. The P40 is a wallop for its size.

I also carry a Taurus 3" .44 Special at times - depends on how I'm dressed what I'll carry. 5 rounds of .44 Special in Winchester Silver Tips is enough gun if I get cornered, I suppose.

[sm]

Pretty sure I do.

As all handguns are deemed under-rated. ;)

[CajunBass]

I'm another Smith and Wesson 39-2 fan. I alternate between one of those, a Makarov, and a Colt Commander. Just depends on which one I feel like carrying that day.

[Tomcat47]

The 39 (first generation 9) was one of the most accurate 9 mm ever made, and quite concealable. I loved mine which was nickel with walnut grips. I now carry a Stainless Taurus PT58HC .380 (19 + 1 ) most of the time, or my Baretta Tomcat 3032 .32 ACP for deep carry! Perfect of options (my opinion)

Here is a wonderful site with wonderful info on self defense, cc, and other related info concerning gun choices, caibers, ballistics, and an anatomy class for when the situation actally arises that you have to use what you carry...including legal issues and info regarding after you clear leather!...

www.internetarmory.com

[748]

My main gun for going every where form cutting the grass to the hood is my FN Fiveseven. The fiveseven is a little bit fat.
Some day soon I want to get a CZ52, they are thin and arn't to heavy.
But any day now I will be able to own a sawed off winchester 1300 12ga. I don't think it will be very easy to hide unless I ware a trench coat.

[scurtis_34471]

Right now, I carry either a Bersa Thunder .380 CC in a pocket holster or I carry an XD-40 Service in a belt holster. I have an IWB for the XD and a belt slide for the Bersa, but I don't use them much. I don't know if the Thunder CC is under-rated, but its not all that common. The vast majority of Bersas I come across are the standard Thunder.

[Jim March]

Heh. Oh yeah. Most common carry for me is my late '70s production Charter Arms Undercover. I've talked about Charters over on the revolver forum now and again, and I do NOT recommend them unless you're confident you can pick out one of the good ones.

Mine is, I believe, about the best that was ever made, and as good as a similar-era S&W J-frame 38. Action, lockup and accuracy are all downright amazing. The design is quite good, but the execution of that design has had it's ups and downs to say the least.

---

When I have the room available I pack a Ruger New Vaquero in 357 :D.

[bpisler]

Kel tec P-11 as a BUG except when i'am at
work,then it my only gun.I also have a early
44spl Charter arms bulldog that i carry,just
not very often.

[C/O]

S&W 3913 or Bersa T380CC are my daily carry, sometimes both.

[McCall911]

Do you carry an "under-rated" concealed handgun?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pretty sure I do.

As all handguns are deemed under-rated.

+1

[Lupinus]

Once i get the permit I'll be carrying a Sig 239. I've seen people complain it's to heavy or expensive but I've been carrying it around the hosue for almost a week now and half the time I forget it's there until I'm ready to walk out the door.

[JJ Hiryuu]

I've been carrying a Jericho 941 in 9mm, with an Israeli Shabak jacket over it.

Not intentionally really, I bought the jacket a long time ago because it's rather nice for hiding a large frame gun, the Jericho I picked up not long ago. The realization that it may appear I was trying to pass for Mossad or something only hit me recently.

[Thaddeus Jones]

+3 on the S&W 3913. It is perhaps the most underated of 9mm CCW pistols, IMHO. I've never understood all the commotion about Kahr pistols. The 3913 has been quietly doing all that for years, reliably.

[FotoTomas]

I consider the Makarov in 9mm Makarov caliber as the best little CCW out there that is under the RADAR. The KelTec P11 is another great choice that is inexpensive with a great reputation for reliability. Either would make me happy if I were without my GLOCK 26 or Kahr PM9

[MTS Cop]

I too vote for the S&W 3900 series. I have a 3914 as my off duty gun and I love it. You can carry it all day and never know its there. Plus its accurate and reliable as hell. I think it's pretty good looking too. I love that little gun. I encourage any one looking for a compact 9mm for carry to take a long hard look at these guns.

[Janos Dracwlya]

My primary carry gun is a Sig P-225, with my secondary being a Bulgarian Makarov. I'm thinking about going to a Browning Hi-Power since I really like mine, but that's in the future. Sometimes when I need something very small, I carry a Beretta Model 21 or a NAA .22 mini-revolver, but that's pretty rare.

[1557]

It's good to see other people that appreciate the S&W Mod 39 for what it really is.I carried a 39-2 on duty in the 70's for about 2 years.
It was light weight and a great shooter.I always wanted an all steel one,and recently picked up a pristine 539.I'm looking forward to some fun times with this pistol.
I don't really care for DA/SA,but these guns? Well,there's just something great about them. And,they are shooters.:)

[paddling_man]

642/CT almost all of the time and the new backup to the backup gun ;)...

A lil NAA 22LR revolver.

[Shear_stress]

When the heat brings out the cicadas, I sometimes take the old Iver-Johnson TP22 out for a walk. Pretty marginal caliber, I know, but it pockets like a double sawbuck, runs like a Timex, and is deadly (if that's the right word) accurate out to about fifteen yards, limited only by the vistigial sights and pinky-length sight radius.

The rest of the year it's a Smith & Wesson 940 9mm wheelgun or Kahr K9 Elite.

[KINGMAX]

My two main carries = GLOCK 21 in .45 acp, S&W 686 in .357 magnum.

[mavracer]

amt backup 45 most say POS but after I replaced firingpin spring it runs perfect is plenty accurate to 15 yards and packs a wallop.in the summer will take walther pp 32 acp for walk.it is extreamly accurate have shot lots of small game with it

[deputy tom]

Yes I do,a Beretta 950BS or Seecamp .32.YMMV.tom.

[P97]

I carry a Ruger P97.

[Steel Talon]

For me, Its my milsurp P-64 in 9x18 makarov..

Peace
Steewl Talon:cool:

[Srigs]

Sure do.

My primary is a S&W 6946 (double stack version of the 39xx).
My bug is a Kel-tec P32.

[Alphazulu6]

OH My! There are alot of flavors of CCWs out there! I can only speak from imperical knowledge which is all that counts in these forums anyway! The Kel-Tec P3AT is hands down (in my opinion) the best deep conceal pistol on the market for several reasons. I bought mine a couple of months ago and took it to the range to put the 200-250 rounds through it. I decided to do a decent "test spread" of ammunition so I picked up a box of PMC, Winchester, Speer Gold Dot, Cor-Bon, and Remington ammunition to test it out. It did great on all but the Remington ammo.

Now I know that everyone says a "little gun" is generally finicky or picky with ammo and that I am a little anal-retentive. But I do expect alot from a product and refuse to rest on anything but success (even in a $250 pistol so yes I maybe a little bit of a perfectionist but who isnt? :D ). So I called Kel-Tec the next day and they said their pistols should shoot EVERY factory ammunition well and told me to send it in immediately and they ensure that any issue will be taken care of with their pistols. I sent it in and 12 days later got it back....ok I am still grinning about that turn-around time.
They polished the feed ramp, replaced the entire upper reciever for "just in case measures", test fired it, cleaned and oiled it and put it back in its packaging with a letter stating what they did and stated that if I ever needed anything else to please let them know. I was tickled!

It is so hard these days to find companies that stand behind their product, especially to do it so willingly. I know that my findings are the same as any person that has owned a Kel-Tec but they truly stand behind their firearm. I am not going to wear a Kel-Tec t-shirt but if someone finds a truly great company that offers a great product for a great price I would want to know about it and figured that others would benefit from my experiences.

No its not my Glock 23 but its the best firearm for what it does ... a great CCW that I can take with me when in a jeans, corporate suit, or dress slacks. With the right ballistic ammunition its an amazing firearm with the .380 punch.

[DMK]

I carry a Colt CCO. 1911s aren't underrated by any stretch of the imagination, but the 4.25" barrel slide mated with the small officer's frame seems to be an underrated configuration even though it's about perfect for CCW.

http://mysite.verizon.net/dmk0210/myarms/Colt-CCO.jpg

[Mat, not doormat]

There was a Time, before I got back into 1911s, when my primary carry was a Kel-Tec P32. There were numerous times that I felt a bit undergunned, such as when getting out of the truck at 2 AM, and wandering around nasty downtown industrial areas looking for an address. Those times, I slipped on my leather jacket, and stuck one of my Super Blackhawks in each inside pocket. Plenty of firepower, as they're .44 Mag, but not most folks choice for size or weight, what with the 7.5" bbls, and the combined total of around 88 oz.

~~~Mat

[kp]

+1 on the 3913. I love its slim profile and its very accurate. I used to carry a G26 or G19 but since I purchased the 3913, the glocks have been benched.

[MCgunner]

Well, I have Ruger P guns and my P90 only weighs about what my Taurus 3" M66 .357 weighs (33 oz). I have a Sparks summer special for it and it totes comfortably, I carry that Taurus some, a M85UL Taurus snub .38 or a Kel Tec P11. Depending on whose telling the story on this site, any one of my proven accurate, reliable carry guns is a POS just because it's not a Smith and Wesson, 1911, Glock, HK, Sig, yadda, yadda, yadda:rolleyes:. So many POS opinions on this board, I've been away from it for a while to get straight. Just don't listen to 99 percent of the opinions on gun boards and buy what you want. I've been very impressed and happy with Taurus and Ruger (sp101 recent purchase) revolvers and Kel Tec and Ruger autos. They're my guns, I shoot 'em well, and they make me happy. :D I carry SOMEthing 24/7 except when I'm in bed at night and my shotgun is within easy reach.

[hemiram]

I will be getting my CCW soon and will be carrying my Astra A-75 in .40 S&W. It's 100% reliable and doesn't cost a ton of money, so I won't be worried about minor scratches it will no doubt get along the way. I'm looking for a reasonably priced one in 9mm, and would probably carry that if/when I find one.

If only the guns I've had in the past that cost 3 times what the Astra did worked as well as any of the ones I own now.

[izmarkie]

Browning Hi-Power and GP-100 3". People always say they're both too big to conceal, but I'm 5'6", 150lb, and I don't really have a problem most of the time. The right holster is everything.

I also carry a Kahr P9 IWB in the summer if I'm only wearing a t-shirt over it.

[Redneck with a 40]

Taurus PT-140 pro, great shooting little gun. Just the right size for IWB carry, IMO it has the perfect balance of size and weight to make shooting the 40 comfortable. Its been 100% reliable and surprisingly accurate, for $350 out the door, I'm very happy.:D

[beaucoup ammo]

I go with a Smith 637-2 or KAHR P9. Carry the Kahr in a Galco IWB made for a Glock 19. Need something else, because there's a minor "tug" on the slide release. The 637-2 gets a bad rap do to the trigger snag potential, however I've had no problems to date.

[Cannonball888]

I once carried a F.I.E. Titan II .380 ACP made by Tanfoglio. Most of you probably never heard of it. F.I.E. was a arms importing company in Florida that went belly up.

[McCall911]

I once carried a F.I.E. Titan II .380 ACP made by Tanfoglio. Most of you probably never heard of it. F.I.E. was a arms importing company in Florida that went belly up.

Oh, yes. I had one of these too and it gave pretty good service for a cheapy.

[Ala Dan]

How 'bout my old Smith & Wesson model 39-2 9m/m auto made in 1981~?

[JesseL]

I carry a Daewoo DH40. Very well made. Very under-rated.

[HerrWolfe]

I checked out a 10mm Desert Eagle yesterday. Never know when you will need the extra kick to blow an engine off its mounts :D. Hard to conceal the equipment in swimming trunks. Don't know what I'd do if I carried while I wore swimming trunks.

[McCall911]

Maybe This One Will Qualify As "Old and Obsolete"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How 'bout my old Smith & Wesson model 39-2 9m/m auto made in 1981~?

Oh, shucks, Ala Dan. That's not old and obsolete.
You know some of us guys over 50 have socks that were made before 1981, holes and all! :D

Me? I carry a 1935 Beretta (.32 ACP) made in 1955. I don't even use hollowpoints in it.

[Owl1024]

For 10 years (maybe 15+), I owned but never got around to using a S&W 640-1 snubbie .357 Magnum. Recently, I decided I wanted a CCW and a safer gun with less, yet still effective, power. I traded the 640-1 for my current gun, a S&W Sigma SW9VE, and I've shot a hundred rounds through it at a silhouette target. The vast majority of the shots hit the target center-mass or 'head-shots.' Yes, I like my "under-rated" Sigma 9 mm very much, especially since that was the first time I'd ever shot a pistol, impressing even the range instructor. :)

[makarovnik]

My warm weather carry is an underrated caliber. 32acp, supposedly not much better than a sharp stick. In my case 18 sharp sticks.

[Dambugg]

Just bought my first cc gun on Sat. afternoon. It is a Tuarus 85ul stainless with exposed hammer. I get the impression that this gun is regarded as the red headed step child of the smith j frame. I will be honest I really wanted a 637 but just couldn't come up with the extra dough. However the taurus is a great little gun. Mine has a great trigger, and shoots to poa with a very comfy recoil. It has less felt recoil with the stock grips than a charter arms that I've shot many times. As a matter of fact I walked out of the range yesterday wondering why people had made such a big deal out of the recoil of these things. I really like the taurus 85 line. I am sure theres a lot of bad ones out there, but it looks like I got a good one. The taurus 85 is underrated or at least over berated in my opinion. Damian

[martialartsblackbelt]

plus one for S&W Sigma SW40VE

[Chumango]

S&W 457, reliably shoots any ammo I feed it.

[orionengnr]

Folks, you are posting to a two-and a half year old thread that was resurrected today by a first time poster--see post #62 (gee, who saw that coming?) :rolleyes:

[Tallswede]

I'm some of the "new blood" too. Went to the gun show in Houston yesterday and looked at lots of stuff. I couldn't find anything I liked much better than the Reminton model 51 380 I just inherited. That pistol is so thin and shoots so well, I don't think anyone has improved on the design since. If it wasn't so rare (I didn't see any others at the show and no one had clips for it) I would use it as my ccw all the time.

Kevin

[joed]

I do have 2 guns I carry from time to time that may be underrated. The first is a Colt DS in .38 Spl, nice gun and 6 shots.

The second is a Taurus 445 with 5 shots of .44 Spl. It's about the size of a Bulldog. The only reason I feel it's not a great carry piece is only 5 shots.

[procomps]

I carry one or two of three:

Ruger P345

Taurus PT145

KelTec PF-9

[harmon rabb]

i sometimes carry either a bersa thunder 380 or a cz-82, neither of which is that common of a carry pistol.

[lev83]

My usual cary gun is FIE imported Polish P64 Makarov in 9X18MM. I also carry a Rossi 5 shot revolver mod 68 in 38 special. Both guns have proven to be reliable and accurate on a number of occasions. Best of all I got the MAK from my brother in law free of charge as he just did not like the snappy recoil and I only have $160 in the Rossi. I have several other handguns that would offer substantially more power but just too hung up on keeping them looking like new and the thought of losing a $1000+ gun in the event I had to actually use it.

[BossHogg]

Star PD very under rated for CCW. I've been trying for years to get a 3913 in a certain price range with no luck, I guess I'm going to up the ante.LOL.

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I don't know if it's underrated or not, but I think a little bit yes - the Kahr MK9. Though I'm seriously thinking of going lighter with a Taurus 738 TCP, airlight .38 spl, or even a Ruger LCP.

[Jonah71]

I seldom carry anything but my S&W .38 spec. with a 9mm Taurus Comp. (bug) It's only when I carry the Bersa Thunder .380 Del that I get a few (very few) comments. And that's always by people who have never fired one. I get kinda tired of hearing about the .380's lack of "stopping power". My usual (though not often spoken) response is "It's SHOT PLACEMENT stupid." At a short distance I'm also comfortable with my short little .22 mag for the same reason. But that being said, I'm a creature of habit and I love both of my primary carry guns.

[Fiv3r]

My usual cary gun is FIE imported Polish P64 Makarov in 9X18MM

Same here:D If it's not my G36 (redheaded stepchild of the Glock line up), the P-64 gets carry time.
I put some new Wollf springs on mine. I haven't shot it yet, but it makes that GRUGHHHH trigger pull a breeze. So much so, that I dunno if the light spring is going to give the hammer enough oomph to strike the primer. If nothing else it's a fun project;)

[19-3Ben]

I realize that this being a 2.5 year-old thread, most of the posts I'm replying to may not even be relevant but here goes:

Seriously people, 3rd gen. smith autos are NOT underrated. Nor are glocks, 1911's (with the exception of Norks, and Rock Island), j-frames etc...
I think at least half the people who have posted about having "underrated" gun really have quite well respected guns.

There's no need to be hard on yourselves guys.

[wnycollector]

My new ccw is a Keltec PF-9. I have had it for a little over a month and it has been flawless in 500 rounds. This is the 2nd keltec firearm (the other is a Sub2k rifle in .40 S&W) I have purchased, both were inexpensive, accurate and reliable.

[harmon rabb]

I seldom carry anything but my S&W .38 spec. with a 9mm Taurus Comp. (bug) It's only when I carry the Bersa Thunder .380 Del that I get a few (very few) comments. And that's always by people who have never fired one. I get kinda tired of hearing about the .380's lack of "stopping power". My usual (though not often spoken) response is "It's SHOT PLACEMENT stupid." At a short distance I'm also comfortable with my short little .22 mag for the same reason. But that being said, I'm a creature of habit and I love both of my primary carry guns.

wait. you're using a 9mm as a backup to a .38spl? :think:

[ArchAngelCD]

It's amazing how every time a thread is brought back from the Abyss it's from a new member just like this time. (first post) It's even more amazing there are about 17 posts already since it was reselected from over 2 1/2 years ago.

[007BondJamesBond007]

I carry a Beretta 92FS Compact L Type M. It is a great gun but hard to find Mags for it. I never had a FTF with it. Shoots great. Got it real bargain it was like new.

http://beretta-e.org/images/4/40/92FSCM_0012_sm.jpg

[Jonah71]

wait. you're using a 9mm as a backup to a .38spl? :think:
lol....I do see your point. And you're right. I just don't like keeping a round in the chamber of my 9mm with a safety that is so easy to click off. I carry it IWB. When it warms up, I won't be carrying my .38 spec in a shoulder holster and will change my set up. I don't expect to miss with the first two .38+P rnds anyway. I'm just in the habit of carrying the 9mm IWB. I said I was a creature of habit, but never have claimed be totally logical at all times. I just can't seem to ever leave my cheap little 24/7 PT Pro Compact 9mm at home. Seriously though, I honestly don't think I'll ever be in a situation where I really need a bug in the first place. (and I fully expect to be considered crazy by some people for that statement).

[BlisteringSilence]

Not so much underrated, but unique. I prefer my Para CCO in stainless with the LDA trigger.... in .45GAP... yeah.

I've actually never seen another one in person, though I hear there are others on the internets who have....

[denfoote]

It was the subject of derision from the get go.
It was reputed to self destruct upon firing the first shot killing the shooter and everyone within 20 yards of the explosion!!
It's very existence caused Lord Gaston to emerge from his Austrian castle to declare it evil!!!

What is this Satan spawn that exists to kill us all???

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v22/denfoote/SW40F.jpg

SW40F Sigma!!!

I know of no one else in all the known universes that carries it!!

http://usera.ImageCave.com/denfoote/SigmaRig.jpg

[oldgoat46]

Kahr P 45

[Rexster]

In reference to the OP, there is NOTHING underrated about the 3913, IMHO. They were the IN thing for while, after being introduced. DA/SA was just not my cup of tea, and after I bought the DAO version, the 3953, I sold the 3913.

I let a very dear friend have the 3953, which was a sacrifice, because I really liked the 3953. I intended to buy myself another one. But, I was comfortable enough with my other guns, and 3953s were always rare, and became more rare, so it never happened.

I reckon my present DAK SIG P229s are underrated by many. Heavy! High bore axis! Low capacity! Long trigger pull! Too big/wide! Well, for some strange reason, they work great in my skinny girly deformed hands, and I conceal them, often TWO of them, well enough, so leave me alone.

When I need something smaller than a P229, I avoid the miniature plastic autoloaders and rarely use J-frames, generally going with one or more of my SP101s. That is another one people love to hate, but they work for me.

There are plenty of 1911 haters, too, and among 1911 lovers, plenty of Les Baer haters, so even my TRS is underrated by some.

[KevininPa]

Sig 232SL. A lot of people wonder why I carry it when there are so many Nines the same size or pocket rockets that are smaller and lighter. The Nines don't have a hammer that I can thumb back if I so choose. And the same reason for the pocket rockets, plus a shorter barrel, robbing me of some velocity. The load I worked up for mine is 3.3 grains of Bullseye with a 100 grain FMJ bullet with an average of 950 FPS. I'm satisfied. The all stainless build also takes out some of the "snappiness" of the blowback action. It really isn't that heavy to me considering that I'm used to carrying far more weight in tools on my belt when I'm working. And the stainless is a plus when carrying IWB in the summer. In the right pants, I can even pocket carry. It has also proven itself to be Uber reliable.

[ljnowell]

I guess I do. I carry a dirt cheap 1911 officers model. A RIA. I love it. Its reliable, accurate, and cheap.

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m417/ljnowell/027.jpg

[macadore]

For me, Its my milsurp P-64 in 9x18 makarov..

IMO, it's the most underrated handgun on the market. The size of a PPK, the energy of a 38 Special, very reliable, and very affordable.

[MaricopaKid]

All of my carry guns are "underated", but comfortable.


S&W 3913

S&W 60 .38 special

Seecamp .32

[cortego]

Agree...For some reason (balance perhaps) this terrific little pistol carries very well indeed, with the added bonus of fitting perfectly into any 1911 style slide holster.

[cortego]

Agree on the MAK..Don't know why it carries so well (Balance maybe) but also has the additional benefit of fitting nicely in any 1911 slide holster.

[DocCas]

denfoote said:I know of no one else in all the known universes that carries it!!Well, I do, sort of. When working I carry the Sigma's younger brother, the M&P .40. But when not working I carry my SW9VE. :)

[moga]

For 10 years (maybe 15+), I owned but never got around to using a S&W 640-1 snubbie .357 Magnum. Recently, I decided I wanted a CCW and a safer gun with less, yet still effective, power. I traded the 640-1 for my current gun, a S&W Sigma SW9VE, and I've shot a hundred rounds through it at a silhouette target.

You did WHAT? OMG what sacrilege! Your hurting me Sir. Only if I could be so lucky as to trade with a man of your sympathies...

:scrutiny:

I have an old SS Rossi copy of a S&W M36 that has two screw frame, pinned barrel, and a hammer mounted firing pin. It's a Rossi alright but it's one of my favorite little guns, and as some one said, I stake my life on it without problem. Hell, that little gun pulls regular duty as a range toy and is every bit as solid any other I own. I think I paid the princely sum of $185 for it.

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa140/moga_/IMG_0370.jpg

You guys with BHP, Ruger GPs, 3G S&W auto-loaders do NOT have underrated guns. Not in the slightest.

[Mikhail Weiss]

Yeah. I used to regularly carry a Ruger P90. Heard many times it was a junk gun, too big for concealed carry, inaccurate, unergonomic, cursed with a crappy trigger, prone to small parts breakage, too heavy, a jamomatic, a boat anchor, made out of rusty nails and melted beer cans, doom-to-any-who-dared-use-it-for-self-defense, a cheap POS, not a very good gun, and so on.

I liked it and shot it well, and I still like it and shoot it well, even still carry it sometimes.

It's not what others think that makes the best choice for another, but what one shoots the best and enjoys the most.

[jerry4570]

I carry a naa mini-revolver in 22mag when I dont have room for anything else.

[T. Bracker]

I don't know, is a Kahr PM9 under-rated? Sometimes I carry a J-frame, I am sure that is probably under-rated!

[cleardiddion]

PA-63; boy, you think the way some people react I had a handful of pine needles and not a handgun.

[Mark F]

I guess "under rated" needs to be clearly defined, because every gun I've seen you guys list here could or would ex-sponge human life if necessary. I carry a Ruger LCR, a Taurus Ultra-Lite Model 85UL, sometimes a S&W Model 60, and I keep a S&W 329PD in the car. Under rated? I hardly think so, and I seriously doubt that anyone here would be willing to be a target for any gun regardless of its caliber.

I commend anyone that's willing to carry for the sake of defending themselves, their family, and others. If it's a .22 or a 500 Magnum, fine... whatever you are comfortable with and you can control.

[smallbore]

I sometimes carry a .380.

[earlthegoat2]

I dont really think it is underrated but probably not very prevalent. If I could find one for a decent price I would carry a Steyr S9 in a wink.

[MCgunner]

I have found that my S&W 3913 is an excellent CCW and it is what I carry everytime I need to be protected out on the streets.

God, those 3913s are FINE! Why would anyone under rate THAT?! The caliber, I guess. Don't listen to the Cooper disciples. :banghead:

Yeah, I own a much dissed, but always deadly Taurus 85UL and 3" M66 that I carry all the time as well as a "cheap junk" Kel Tec P11 with the "awful trigger" that has been drilling bullseyes for 14 years for me and gets lots of pocket carry. Love that gun. I also have a Ruger P85 and P90 that doesn't seem to measure up for the 1911 crowd. Don't know why unless they're jealous that neither gun has ever jammed or when I whip 'em at a match with my P90. :neener: They get REAL jealous when THAT happens. My 85UL, P11, and 3" 66 get the most use, the P90 occasionally because it just shoots so well, and I have a 3" 68 ROSSI if you REALLY want a "under rated" gun, but don't carry it much at all except as a .38 kit gun in the field sometimes. I have an old Grendel P12 .380 that works fantastic, but is less accurate than my P11 and I don't care much for the caliber. It's a little smaller and lighter than the P11, but it sits in the case, never gets carried much. I have had times, though, I needed to carry it for its size, but that don't happen often.

I think most bashers of a good carry tend to be either Smith and Wesson revolver snobs or 1911 fanatics. There are exceptions, of course, but they seem to be the ones that are most vocal. There are those that think you gotta spend 40,000 dollars on a gun or it's not worthy. Well, I ain't got 40,000 dollars for a gun and all my guns are quite deadly because they work and I can shoot better than 90 percent of the people I've shot against. No brag, just fact. It ain't the arrow, it's the Indian. I know what works for me and I stick with it.

BTW, I carry ALL the time, in the house, in the shop, not just "on the streets. I'm carrying 24/7. You just never know. And, nice bring back, BTW. I missed this thread, I guess, in 2007. Don't recall it anyway and if I answered it, I ain't tumbin' through to find out. LOL

[sparkyfender]

I often carry a S&W 3913 LS.

Though they are becoming harder to find. I believe a lot of the 3rd Gen Smiths are becoming more sought after.

[Al LaVodka]

9x18 6+1 P-64.
Al

[DC3-CVN-72]

My first handgun was a Browning Hi-Power that I foolishly traded off a long time ago. I bought this FEG,PJK-9HP new when they first came out fore $225.00. It is just as good in fit & finish as my Browning, and goes bang every time. I saved the origanal cherrywood grips & 1 mag. from my browning and installed them on my FEG. It rides in a Galco SCT212 IWB.http://i970.photobucket.com/albums/ae185/mikeyplays/th_001.jpg

[LeontheProfessional]

Glock 27, underrated because it is that good :).

[JLaw]

In the past - Bulgarian Makarov.

Presently - S&W 908, Taurus 85 or Taurus 65.

Funny how these 'underrated' handguns (especially the Taurus 65) have gone bang every time I've asked them...

JLaw

[martywj]

Like the previous poster I also carry a S&W 908 9mm that I bought used at pawn shop for $400. I have run over 200 rounds and it performs flawlessly.
It shares the duty with a Taurus PT140 .40 cal that I bought used at a gun show for $285. I have put close to 500 rounds through it and it hasn't missed a beat.

I carry both in a Don Hume J.I.T. Slide OWB holster. The holster was bought for the Taurus, but it works well enough for both. Just got a Kholster IWB for the Taurus and I like IWB so well I ordered a all-leather IWB holster from DM Bullard in Azle, TX. I also have a Fobus paddle holster for the Taurus. This is like my Weekday EDC holster setup since I can't carry at work and leave the weapon in my truck. The holster comes off easy.

My 2 underrated guns work well enough for me. I also have a mid 1970's J-frame model 36 3 inch nickel plated. I will be working it into my CCW line-up probably in IWB holster also, might get another DM Bullard

[RonBernert]

Because I am usually in a low to mid-level threat situation, my primary CCW has been an old Colt model 1903 in .32ACP. I like that one because it is nice and smooth, comfortable to wear all day, and relatively light. Otherwise, the P-64 that I also carry is a fantastic gun! I have done the Wolff spring kit, and recommend it. If the threat level goes up, or for when I go camping, I take either a S&W SW9VE or SW40VE. All guns equiped with Clipdraw.
I have been involved in a self-defense justifiable homicide, and what most people don't understand is that they TAKE THE GUN and alot of times, you DO NOT get it back. I will not spend $2700.00 on a CCW weapon only to lose it to the Feds. I carry cheaper, dead reliable guns (the S&W Sigmas are reliable) because I don't want to lose an expensive custom gun.
One other point that people sometimes overlook is that you should not use a custom gun for CCW. Talk to a lawyer about this, but it turns it from a deliberate action (factory trigger) to an accidental discharge (light trigger).

[OldCavSoldier]

S&W M39-2......a very nice carry piece when I'm in the mood for 9mm....

[Evil One]

My BUG is a taurus model 445 snubby in .44 special.
I have been told SO many times that the .44 spl is a POS round.
I just laugh... I reload and know how that old .44 can push lead downrange.


Jim

[okespe04]

Yeah, .380 LCP 24/7, but a lot of the time I carry a 9mm or .45 too.

[JHK94]

I like seeing all the P-64's people are carrying. I love mine; its a great value in ccw's.

[DHass]

Walther PPK

[Mp7]

i think like the AK for battle... the Makarov is
the most underated pistol for the pocket.

[carbuncle]

Out of all the guns I've owned and carried, my Taurus 85 spent more time on my person than any other weapon. Riding in an Uncle Mike's pouch holster and accompanied by an HKS speed loader or two bumping around in an offside pocket, I never felt like the 85 wouldn't do the job if I needed it to. And it never failed in any way, despite the fact that I almost never shot anything other than +P defense loads out of it.

[makarovnik]

Yeah, but I'm overrated so I guess it evens out.

[woad_yurt]

My ex-girlfriend has carries an old Iver Johnson Hammerless .32. I know it's a small step above a .22 but at least she has it with her 24/7. It's tiny (very convenient,) reliable and she's comfortably proficient with it. It'll do as a good "get off me!"

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee150/woad_yurt/DSC00987-1.jpg

[UniversalFrost]

i carry a Taurus 709 SLIM. best darn subcompact I have shot. glock features and trigger, but combines a thumb safety as well. also, the sights are nice and the gun is very accurate at 25meters and under (haven't shot past that really). fits most glock 26 and similiar holsters (I just use a generic blackhawk IWB super thin holster for sub compacts). 7+1 rounds of 9mm works for me. only complaint is that mags are hard to come by and around 30bucks (luckily it came with 2 mags). also with full power 147gr +p loads this is still controllable. no bite like other subcompacst (pf9, p11, etc...) also field strip and maintenance is identical to glock. this thing is super light, super concealable (could use a nemisis pocket holster if you wanted).

[Avizpls]

P3AT

hate all you want haha I like it! (its not my primary piece, but its the one I never leave home without.....cuz its in my truck)

[Erik M]

I actually carry a Bersa .380 and a Walther 'pk' .380. I havent had an encounter yet where an assaliant stopped thier attack to inform me that my weapon of choice was an inferior caliber.

[m2steven]

I carry a Taurus 709 a lot. It's a great pistol. I also carry a Bersa 380, but i don't think it's underrated, but perhaps underappreciated by those who don't own one. I think my Kahr PM9 is underrated. I've never had a problem with it, ever. I just got one of those new Taurus 380 teensy pistols and I'll carry it. i've got 200 or 250 rounds thru it and it's great with clean ammo or about a box with really dirty stuff. I got some remmington 380 and it's the dirtiest stuff I've ever shot. This was not the case a couple years ago. Maybe just a bad batch, but I noted 2 very light poppers out of 100, maybe 3. One of them I swear I could see it come out of the barrel, like a pellet instead of a combustion powered projectile. Anyway...

The 709 is a great pistol.

[David E]

I made Master in IDPA with my 3914 (which was my backup gun in another life)

Great, accurate gun. Highly underrated.

[batjka]

RonBernert,

Did your "justifiable homicide" involve the 1903 Colt in .32 ACP? If it did, how did the .32 perform? There are a lot of different opinions as to the performance of the .32 ACP round. Would like to hear from the horse's mouth.

[MCgunner]

Been thinkin' of getting a Mak. Not sure why. I have a more powerful, lighter, smaller 9mm. I just think they work well, neat little guns, and are so affordable. My SIL has one and the danged thing is accurate. It puts 'em right to POA. I ain't into 9x18, so I guess I'll have to get dies and a mold. That's okay, though.

[MedWheeler]

I routinely carry either a Bersa 380, or a Charter Arms Undercover 38. Both have been "underrated" by members here, either for caliber, make, or both.

[SOUTHPAW]

Another P3AT here. :o On a clip draw @ 4-5 o'clock position.

Although I recently picked up a cheapo IWB holster for my Makarov... It's just so much bulkier than the tiny Kel-Tec, but i've yet to pack it outside of the house...

I would really love to carry my SP101 though! If I can keep it from printing so bad... :(

[EHL]

Occasionally I carry the wife's P3AT, but I usually carry my "under rated" S&W Walther PPK/s. Mine's never failed me at all.

[WIGunCollector]

I bought a Taurus PT709 SS hoping that some day Wisconsin passes a CCW law. My father is a Private Investigator and even he can't get a permit and he has been shot at. I can say with the size of the PT 709 and the reliability I have had at the range with multiple different brands/types of ammo, this would be an excellent CCW firearm.

[Nushif]

Man ... I'm a bit of a n00b when it comes to guns and I swear I've heard of all but like .... three of these guns touted as ultimate carry pieces. So far the only real underrated ones I've seen are the funky .32s. (that tiny full sized-looking revolver looks like something the wife would carry. >.< ) Calling a 1911 underrated and saying how you carry it really just means you wanted to whip out that e-peen and say what you carry.


... which incidentally I am having a really hard time not doing right now.

[joeq]

I typically carry my S&W 442. Buffalo Bore 38 spcl 158 gr LSWCHP +P doesn't feel underrated to me. Of course I carry a Bianchi speed strip with five more rounds. I figure a 158 gr bullet moving over 1000 fps out of a snub is perfectly suitable for a carry load. I just can't find anything more comfortable than the 442.

[Nasty]

LOL...*Most* of what I carry is popularly considered "underrated". My Kel-Tec PF9 is most frequently the number one choice, sometimes my Charter Arms Pug, for certain duties a PA63 and occasionally my P32 as a bug.

You know what though? They all function 100% *and* I know how to use them. That's the *real* issue...

I've never been overly concerned about opinions.

[JLaScala]

I used to carry a Ruger P95, which was a good gun. Mine was just getting a little old, so I traded it in on an xd45. Now I am looking at 9mm again, and I might just get a new P95. Recently I have been alternating between my XD45 and RIA Tactical.

[ozmosis]

A few years ago the P-01 was a red headed stepchild when I started to carry it. Going on five years with it, no issues and its stock because it did not need anything. Prior to the P-01 I carried a custom built 1911 that cost 3 times as much as the P-01 in parts alone. Current load is 124grain Gold Dot +P which is the same load as the local PD. IWB Blade Tech kydex holster and spare magazine completes my rig.

[MCgunner]

I've found on these boards that virtually ANY handgun other than perhaps a high end 1911 or a Smith and Wesson revolver is going to be "under rated" IE called a POS by somebody. Nothing affordable can escape the bashers, even Ruger. I'm not sure of the reliability of the Rohrbaugh, gets a pass from a lot of folks because it tears up a grand. It can't be unreliable, right, at that price. :D

But, I own Rugers, a Kel Tec, 3 Taurus revolvers, a couple of Rossis, couple of NAA minis, an old Grendel P12, a few other off beat guns that work very well for me, thank you, but most call junk. Well, that junk will kill a man just as dead as a 642 Smith. In the case of my .45ACP Ruger P90, maybe will kill him deader, if that's possible. :D

Hey, I'm not a gun snob, or much of one. I do draw the line at carrying zinc guns, but I just think Hi Points are fugly. That's okay, some think my P90 is fugly. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, pretty is as pretty does, all those cliches. I'm sure they work for somebody. They sell well, it seems. I'll keep my assorted junk, though, thanks. :D

[Jonah71]

I don't really concern myself with so called "under powered" guns much. I worry more about practice and shot placement. That doesn't mean I don't go big when it's practical or neccessary. I'm just more comfortable with a gun I can get on target quickly and accurately.

[Jbabbler]

I like that this thread was brought back from the dead. It's interesting to see what was considered to be "underrated" just 3 years ago. People listed CZ's as underrated and now they are one of the hotter guns on the market. Additionally the 3913 has seen a huge resurgence in popularity recently and the prices on GB reflect that change. My father carries one that he paid $250 for 10 years ago. With his holsters and magazines he could sell it for $500-$600 now if he was so inclined.

I would like to see how many people are still carrying the gun they posted about in this thread.
How many have switched?
How many left and came back to this gun?

[whoyouknow]

I've seen quite a few people call the P3AT junk. But those same Kimber/Sig/etc nuts never seem to want to eat a .355 Corbin DPX to the face to prove it wrong. :)

[Fiv3r]

I'm carrying a Nagant revolver today because I'm making a new holster for it as well a dump pouch for some ammo, so carrying it on me just makes fitting the gun easier. Would I better off with a .45 or 9mm or whatever? Sure. I just don't plan on getting jumped by ninja bears at work today.

7 dinky shots of .32 is fine for one day;)

[Jbabbler]

Sure. I just don't plan on getting jumped by ninja bears at work today.


Oh sure, you say that now but just wait... It could happen. I'm just sayin..........
http://www.subspecies.org/images/blog/0608/ninja-bears.jpg

[jonboynumba1]

I think most handguns are really over rated! Bersa is a fine shooting lil gun for the $$ owned one years ago...2 of my buds wives shoot them. I sell a LOT of them and have NEVER sent one back for a repair yet!...ever! I have replaced a few broken rear sight blades on used ones before resale...they are cheap or free if you get the right person on the phone at Bersa though. Good budget gun...shoots well!

.380...ehhh but I carry a +P 9mm (124 Gold Dot +P) and a LOT of people would call me undergunned to...if you shoot it well and it works for you run with it! Especially if it carries well....for the money those are STILL a value leader in their price class....those or revolvers comprise probably 1/2 of my new/first gun sales to women...plenty of guys like em to!

COMPARED TO A LONGUN...they are all pea shooters! ;)

[christcorp]

Under-rated is such a subjective word. One of the guns I carry is a Walther PPK or an FEG AP-MBP. Both are chambered in 32acp. The only people who classify that as "Under-rated" are people that don't know what they are talking about. Therefor, I don't consider them or the cartridge as "Under-rated".

[FoMoGo]

I carry a .44 special a lot of the time.
I have all kinds of people telling me how ineffective the round is... while talking up their .45 acp.
Talk about your similar ballistics...


Jim

[jonboynumba1]

yeah really...almost identical! That's how I usually describe a .44 special to someone asking about it in fact

[pcg8r]

Yes, P3AT

[FruitCake]

I have a 9mm and a 45 cal and a P32 and I always end up carrying my P32. Most confortable pocket gu that I have ever owned. 8 well placed shots should do the trick.

[harmon rabb]

I'm carrying a Nagant revolver today because I'm making a new holster for it as well a dump pouch for some ammo, so carrying it on me just makes fitting the gun easier. Would I better off with a .45 or 9mm or whatever? Sure. I just don't plan on getting jumped by ninja bears at work today

LMAO. you have got to be the first guy i've ever heard of to carry a nagant revolver :D the trigger on mine is so stiff that pulling it qualifies as lifting weights.

well, on the good side, if you do have to use it in self defense, you won't really care when the cops take it. yeah, go ahead, take my $75 gun. ohnoes.

on the topic of this thread.. i've carried my cz-82 on occasion, loaded with wolf fmj.

[SOUTHPAW]

Well today I ordered a LEFT side clip draw for my P3AT... Soon it will go from being my primary, to my BUG. Time to practice my left-hand draws! :)

[GaryP]

For me a Charter Arms first generation Bulldog .44 spl fits the bill for an excellent CCW piece. :)

:evil:

[Johnny Lightning]

TCP - small, dependable, and accurate at 15yrds. Yea its only a 380 but i always carry it because of its size. Better to have a gun then no gun ;)

[winchester '97]

The makarov pistol. I'll take 9x18mm fmj rounds over any 380 loads every time.

[JR47]

I think that under-rated is slightly different from under-powered. Caliber determines power. Under-rating would, to me, mean a brand of model of gun that is not normally considered as the first choice for the job. This could be because of it's being long discontinued, of unconventional appearance or action, or just a brand/model that has been around forever, and isn't the "latest, greatest, whiz-bang death-ray of the week".

I carry a Model 39 S&W (the original Model 39). Other times I'll stuff my Astra Model A75 in a holster. I have a Randall 1911 that's a dream to shoot, but, it IS a 1911, which has become more of a species than an individual manufacturer. I also have Star BMs, Super Bs, a PD, and a .40 S&W Firestar. All have been pressed into duty.

There's been a series of Taurus pistols and revolvers, which I still own, Rugers, especially my Security-Six. My Sig P6, and an HK P7M13. Probably the oddest that I've carried was issued to me by the State Department 40 years ago. It was a Colt Model 1903 Pocket, in .38 ACP. Long story, took place behind the Iron Curtain, and they had the gun, a shoulder rig, three mags, and a box of ammo older than me!!:)

[Mini30]

Typically one of the three: Firestar M43 (9x19), Hi Std 2-shot 22WRM, or NAA 22 Mag revolver.

Occasionally I've borrowed the daughter's 431PD; in this case, the cartridge is a bit under-rated, not the pistol.

Past CCW have included a Star PD, an AMT .45 Backup, Vz 82, and an AMT Automag II

[Jonah71]

Today....the only practical concealable carry for me is my Taurus 24/7 PT Pro C. 9mm. It's the one gun I have that isn't obvious with IWB. And today it has to be CCW. This particular pistol has given me no problems after 2500/3000 rounds. I have seen some bad reviews and complaints, I just haven't had any. As far as dependability, it's performed better than my Bersa Thunder.380, or the Kimber Pro BP 10 II.

[792mauser]

Back in the day when I first got my CCW I only had a Tokarev in 7.62 and a Webbley revolver in 38 S&W.
I now have a Glock 26, CZ 75b, Detective Spec, M-9, Ballester-Molina, 3 RIA pistols and several other pistols to choose from now. And my little PAF SA .25 acp pistol that goes everywhere with me now.

[hemiram]

When I get around to get my permit, I will probably carry my Astra A-75 9mm. It's been absolutely perfect since I got it, just like the .40 S&W one I had before. People say all kinds of bad stuff about Astra guns, but I've owned 2 A-80's, an A-90, and 2 A-75's and all of them were just about perfect out of the box. One of the 80's would drop the mag every shot with the one that came with it at first. It was the mag, the slot needed a little clean up.

[medic-rod]

in My ccw class first "rules of a gun fight" bring a gun bring ammo Never use a gun without a 4 at the start of it's cal. I like 45 Aguila IQ ammo in my ruger p90 hides better than my 44 super blackhawk 7.5" bbl but the 7.65x25 cz 52 works also. I like the 45 best.

[ATBackPackin]

in My ccw class first "rules of a gun fight" bring a gun bring ammo Never use a gun without a 4 at the start of it's cal


Wow. Simply wow!

[napjerk]

I sometimes carry an old Star PD alloy-framed compact .45acp. I know lots of people think they're junk but I've owned 2 of them and they both ran great. Not a range toy, because full power loads will batter the aluminum frame if shot too much, but it conceals better than the gold cup.

[IMTHDUKE]

Carry this lil o pop gun. Short barrel and not much power, but ye gota carry something. After all it's better that harsh words.

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww2/imthduke/GUNS/pix572081172.jpg

[medic-rod]

"I sometimes carry an old Star PD alloy-framed compact .45acp. I know lots of people think they're junk" I am not a "brand name guy" my feelings if it works for you it's good. :) stay safe

[napjerk]

"I sometimes carry an old Star PD alloy-framed compact .45acp. I know lots of people think they're junk" I am not a "brand name guy" my feelings if it works for you it's good. :) stay safe
Yeah, but I've found in the online gun community, there's lots of people who think if a gun isn't one of the "big 3" brand names or isn't on the cover of the latest gun magazines, it's junk. It doesn't bother me much, I also have a Taurus .357 that's been flawless for me.

[medic-rod]

My wife has a Taurus 38 4 inch and 25 acp at 10 yards ypu can cover all rounds (25*30 most of the time) with 1 hand like I said I use cz and ruger old ones most of the time none of her or mine have failed so why spend a grand for a name? glad there are a few of us here!!!!!! ;)

[Smith357]

Yup, folks under rate wheelguns all the time.

[jad0110]

Yup, folks under rate wheelguns all the time.

Especially ones in .38 special.

[Deltaboy]

I carry a Old Charter undercover !

[Pyro]

A .25 automatic.
Sometimes a .32 S&W-L.

[wofat226]

pf 9 thats it

[towboat_er]

CZ75b or CZ 82

[malakili]

EAA Windicator .357!!! Despite the less than stellar rep, it's a sweet little sixgun.

[Dnaltrop]

Thread of the Undead! at least it's a good subject.

.38 spl, it was fine for the feds till they had to shoot through car doors.

my test loads on 158 grain LRN + trail boss was a snappy combo this morning at the range in the snubby.

Model 10 is a bit big but you'll hit what you're aiming at.

CZ-82, stellar gun, very controllable, not one misfire/misfeed to date.

[wow6599]

in My ccw class first "rules of a gun fight" bring a gun bring ammo Never use a gun without a 4 at the start of it's cal. I like 45 Aguila IQ ammo in my ruger p90 hides better than my 44 super blackhawk 7.5" bbl but the 7.65x25 cz 52 works also. I like the 45 best.

.357 Mag doesn't work for ya, huh.........

[WaltonS]

Taurus .38 spl. One of the guys @ my local range actually gave me grief for carrying an "obsolete Brazilian piece of junk" that I proceeded to outshoot him and his Kimber with.

[I_Am_NOT_Lost]

"My ccw class first "rules of a gun fight" bring a gun bring ammo Never use a gun without a 4 at the start of it's cal. I like 45 Aguila IQ ammo in my ruger p90 hides better than my 44 super blackhawk 7.5" bbl but the 7.65x25 cz 52 works also. I like the 45 best."

.357 Mag doesn't work for ya, huh.........

Well said sir!
I'll take anything that ends in "caliber" as long as I can have it on me at all times, it will fire reliably, and I can hit something with it. I happen to use the LCP for that purpose.

[calaverasslim]

does a 3" Charter Arms, 44 special, loaded with Speer GDHP or Winchester STHP count?

Sure does with me.......

[trlhrv]

I sometimes carry my S&W 9mm (pre-sigma) pistol that fits fine in a front or coat pocket. They were only made a couple of years in 380 and 9mm. The frame is plastic and the gun is light plus holds 8 rounds. No safety but has a heavy double action pull. I guess they had problems with them but mine has been great.

[Contrarian]

I like the CZ 82 as well...'cept for getting the last two rounds into the magazine. :-)

[GCBurner]

I have an Iver Johnson TP-22 .22 semi-auto in my fishing and camping kit. It's fairly reliable, and more accurate than you'd think, and handy for the occasional water moccasin or tin can that comes along. The frame is alloy, so it's rust resistant, it's lightweight, and if it falls overboard and gets lost, I paid less than $80 for it, so I'm not out too much money.

[I'm3rd]

My primary carry gun is a used S&W M39 that I bought years ago.....the gun is great! It's accurate, shoots a variety of HP ammo without a problem, ect. The problem I had was finding a good holster for it!

I also carry a Colt Detective special that I found in the used gun case....it had a lot of blueing worn off and the timing was off as well. I bought it and sent it to the gunsmith for some work, and the gun is great.

Also, while the gun might not be 'obsolete', I'm sure there are those that feel the caliber might be.....I have a Springfield Armory in .38 Super that is very accurate. I carry mine loaded with Winchester's 125 grain STHP. I do wish Remington would offer their GSHP in this caliber as well.
There's nothing obsolete about the .38 Super in my opinion, obsolescent maybe, but not fully obsolete. If you compare it's ballistic data to a 125 grain .357 magnum round fired in a 2-1/2" barrel there's not a lot of difference. The downside as a SD round is that it's only loaded with FMJ bullets as far as I know.

[mrt949]

Seecamp 32 or berretta 21 a in 22lr

[Big_John1961]

I sometimes carry my S&W 9mm (pre-sigma) pistol that fits fine in a front or coat pocket. They were only made a couple of years in 380 and 9mm. The frame is plastic and the gun is light plus holds 8 rounds. No safety but has a heavy double action pull. I guess they had problems with them but mine has been great.
That's a cool looking gun.

[Ray P]

I sometimes carry an old Star PD alloy-framed compact .45acp. I know lots of people think they're junk but I've owned 2 of them and they both ran great. Not a range toy, because full power loads will batter the aluminum frame if shot too much, but it conceals better than the gold cup.

Loved my PD, (also had 2 over the years) great carry gun, fit the hand beautifully with wrap-around pachy grips, and accurate as anything else I've ever owned at the range.
Still, the scarcity of factory or good aftermarket buffers meant I started slamming the frame too much at the range. Finally switched to my two current favorites for concealed carry; Firestars in 45 & 9mm. Small, compact, and full-steel frames.

[Lucky 7]

I belt carry a Witness (Match .38 Super or Poly .45) or a pesky "unreliable, always breaking, jams-if-dust-looks-at-it" Beretta 92FS at work. For CCW I often carry an equally unreliable Rossi .44 Special and heavily modified S&W 6904.

I have an affinity for unreliable guns, it appears, and my Boss (a Glocker) reminds me at every turn. Just let the naysayers smack their gums then out-shoot them every chance you get!

Regards,
Lucky

[Jonah71]

I don't know about under-rated, but I do carry a Mod. 36 Chief's Special in my pocket on some occassions such as funerals, weddings and church activities. With a jacket it doesn't print and is accessable enough.

[napjerk]

Loved my PD, (also had 2 over the years) great carry gun, fit the hand beautifully with wrap-around pachy grips, and accurate as anything else I've ever owned at the range.
Still, the scarcity of factory or good aftermarket buffers meant I started slamming the frame too much at the range. Finally switched to my two current favorites for concealed carry; Firestars in 45 & 9mm. Small, compact, and full-steel frames.
FYI: I finally found a guy who's reproducing the PD buffers, his email is jim-dawg@comcast.net I bought 10 of them just to have some on hand for the future. They work great and swap out in like 30 seconds.

[JackCrow]

My Kel-Tec P32 is my "always" gun. It is so small and light that I always have it with me. I often carry a larger gun, usually my 2.5" M19, but regardless of anything else I carry the P32 is always there.

[thedrewcifur]

i carry a hi point c9 everyday... but i think the uglyness of my gun scares the criminals away.....

[AZ Chuck]

I carry a S&W 940 ( J frame 9MM moon clip) I belive it is more of a question of can you shoot your under rated carrry gun. Fine a B U G match and start shooting. We have run one for 7 or 8 time now. Nice to see people shooting a lot better with these small guns & most important of all they handle them a lot better. By the way app. half of our shooter are women.

[orionengnr]

Thread born 14 June 2007. Passed away peacefully and laid to rest on 24 June 2007.

Raised from the dead for the first time by a first time (and one-time) poster Jan 2010. Remained on life support until 03 June 2010, where it passed away a second time.

Ripped from the earth once again by a new poster on 10 July 2011.

This would almost be comical if it were not so cliche. What is it with new posters and Necro Threads?

[TwoWheelFiend]

1942 Colt Police Positive .38 SPCL. Get my Kimber ultra carry fri tho

[JackCrow]

"...Ripped from the earth once again by a new poster on 10 July 2011.

This would almost be comical if it were not so cliche. What is it with new posters and Necro Threads?..."

What difference does it make? At least it is still a relavent topic and the newbie found an existing thread to post in instead of starting yet another thread on the same topic.

[macadore]

"...Ripped from the earth once again by a new poster on 10 July 2011.

This would almost be comical if it were not so cliche. What is it with new posters and Necro Threads?..."

If they post a new thread on something that's been covered someone will criticize them for not using the search function. Damned if they do and damned if they don't.

[Strykervet]

Thread born 14 June 2007. Passed away peacefully and laid to rest on 24 June 2007.

Raised from the dead for the first time by a first time (and one-time) poster Jan 2010. Remained on life support until 03 June 2010, where it passed away a second time.

Ripped from the earth once again by a new poster on 10 July 2011.

This would almost be comical if it were not so cliche. What is it with new posters and Necro Threads?
Well, it is just that you have transcended the rest of us. Perhaps it is time you found a site worthy of your observances... Perhaps a forum about forum etiquette?

The whole point of these things are to discuss, to talk via type. If I wanted to read, I'd go find a book, one of those paper things that used to have well thought out ideas and were gone over by editors before publication and what not... What I will NOT do is go read through internet forums regarding light questions such as these.

[CMUnderWoody]

I own a SW380 I got for helping a guy out in a jam. I was told (and read) that it was the biggest mistake to ever have S&W stamped on it. I was told it would have all sorts of problems especially as used as it is...HOWEVER! I keep it in a stash box in my jeep or in my tool box and shoot it EVERY time I can cause it preforms for me no problem and fits damn near everywhere

[chrisnoel27]

I'll help this thread survive and cast my vote for the Taurus, any Taurus.

[searcher451]

I'll often carry a Beretta Jetfire as a BUG, but it's not my primary carry piece. That role would be reserved for a Walther P99C.

[Pyro]

A two shot derringer
a .25 automatic w/ HPs
a 100+ year old .32 S&W-L
take your pick

[PT92]

Everything is subjective in regards to over-rated/under-rated.

I just do my research using valuable forums such as this one where there is a ton of knowledge (I even read some of the gun rags as well as watch most of the gun shows on the Outdoor Channel, Discovery, History), rent the gun at a range or borrow a buddies gun, and then base my CCW, trap gun decisions etc. on that.

What's over-rated for me may be under-rated for you.

-Cheers

[303tom]

YES !

[Eb1]

Yes, by many "expert's" opinion, but I wouldn't take one from it to verify that.

[marv]

In the Summer a TP738 or a P3AT is in my pocket. In holster weather I might slip a PF9 on my belt.

[bigmike45]

Depending on my mode of dress my under rated carries include my:
Taurus 415 in 41mag
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/mike_seale/HPIM2214.jpg

or my KelTec PF9
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/mike_seale/KELTEC_PF9.jpg

or my PT-145
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/mike_seale/PT145STLS.jpg

[CTPhil]

Why yes, yes I do.

[thedrewcifur]

i carry a ria 1911a1 tactical .45acp. my mother carries a beretta 21a, and one of my sisters carries a russian makarov.

[IdahoSkies]

"Why yes, yes I do."

+1 :)

[Monkeyapeman]

My first post!

When I'm not rocking my favorite little piece (Kahr Mk9), I'll go with my super thin, super reliable, and super comfortable KelTec PF9 in a Remora IWB holster.
:evil:

[davidatcs]

Charter Arms .44 pug.

[9mmforMe]

Ruger P95. Beautifully "chunky", accurate, reliable...love it.

[flaman]

I hear some criticism of the effectiveness of 38spl, but I love my j-frame anyway...;)

[Squid6]

davidatcs,

Love your sig line. Just too many of them out there, and some running for office, again.

[ArchAngelCD]

Wow, an over 4 year old thread still going strong and brought back from the dead for a third time.

Really??? :confused:

[medic-rod]

:confused:and whats wrong with new folks using old threads???

[Buck Kramer]

BG 380, under-rated caliber, under-rated gun. But I love it. The first rule of a gunfight is to bring a gun.

[waidmann]

There days when all I can get-a-way with is an LCP. On better days its a BUG.

[Shoot66]

I carry a Grand Power K100 Mk 6, also known as STI GP6. Underrated? Who decides? I have much more expensive and "proven" guns too, but my K100 is my workhorse.

[Kendal Black]

This is a good and worthy topic, but I made up my mind forty years ago. The best small gun I could find back then was the .38 snub. Everyone carried those back then; it was the small gun that worked every time. I have found no reason to change my mind since.

The largest animal killed by a standard velocity .38 is the polar bear. The circumstances were unusual. If it had not happened in New York I would not have believed it.

[chrisnoel27]

+1 on the Keltec PF9. Kendal, my wife carries a j frame .38, never ran into any polar bears though.

[QUICK_DRAW_McGRAW]

Keltec P3AT
S&W Sigma 40ve Allied Forces
Taurus PT1911

they all do just fine

[JohnBT]

Not only is mine under-rated, it's over-priced. :)

[harmon rabb]

i've carried various 9x18 pistols at times. that count?

[Legionnaire]

Yup. EDC is an LCP. And like the OP, I favor a single-stack 3913 (or its .40 caliber big brother 4013) over many doublestack polymer pistols when I'm carrying something bigger than the .380.

[BrennanKG]

Why yes, yes I do.
Obviously a lot of parents with fans of Phineas and Ferb in here!

My only concealed carry option right now is my Kimber GC stainless, however I would certainly supplement it with a pocket pistol if I had one!


B.

[tshaw]

taurus tcp 738
sigma 40

[okc-zee]

PF9 alternate w/ S&W 640...New Kahr CM9 added as of late...

[jeepnik]

I march to the sound of a different drummer. Always have. One of my most often carried.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f271/Jeepnik/GUNS/AMTBackup-1.jpg

[flip888]

I have been carrying a ruger p95 and ithink its great. Its a perfect beater/carry weapon for me.

[PaulKersey3]

Anyone who calls ANY gun under-powered has never been shot at. I've carried many different guns and some have been and still are underrated. The first gun I carried as a kid was a 9 shot H&R .22lr revolver with a short barrel. Great gun, still have it! A few years ago I carried a Beretta Tomcat, but ended up giving it to my sister for a purse gun. Currently I've been carrying a Lock-Breech Llama .380 from the early 1970s. It's a true mini 1911 part for part and thin enough for an ankle holster. I keep it loaded with some hot 95gr ball. I also sometimes carry my WW2 Beretta 1935 in 7.65mm. It's tight as a drum after 67 years and was made for war. The Germans actually preferred the .32acp to the .380acp. In my Nazi issued M1935 loaded with hot steel jacketed Geco fmj, I'd have to agree!

[PaulKersey3]

Anyone who calls ANY gun underrated has never been shot at. I've carried many different guns and some have been and still are underrated. The first gun I carried as a kid was a 9 shot H&R .22lr revolver with a short barrel. Great gun, still have it! A few years ago I carried a Beretta Tomcat, but ended up giving it to my sister for a purse gun. Currently I've been carrying a Lock-Breech Llama .380 from the early 1970s. It's a true mini 1911 part for part and thin enough for an ankle holster. I keep it loaded with some hot 95gr ball. I also sometimes carry my WW2 Beretta 1935 in 7.65mm. It's tight as a drum after 67 years and was made for war. The Germans actually preferred the .32acp to the .380acp. In my Nazi issued M1935 loaded with hot steel jacketed Geco fmj, I'd have to agree!

[PabloJ]

Everbody hears about the most popular choices in concealed carry handguns, like the S&W 642, XD sub-compact, Glock 19 or 26, or maybe a Bersa .380 and so on.

All of the above guns are good CCW choices and I have used a few of them myself, but I have come to find that an underrated or out-of-favor handgun can make a great CCW companion.

I have found that my S&W 3913 is an excellent CCW and it is what I carry everytime I need to be protected out on the streets.

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/2200/Hsw3913L.gif

It is a single stack 9mm with a decocker safety and has a stainless slide and alloy frame. It is very reliable & accurate (and was only $325 used). It replaced an XD SC & a S&W 642, so you know I must be pretty impressed with it. ;)

So what is the underrated CCW that you have used or still use?
The 3913 is hardly underrated. Badly beat up ones around here start at about $400.

[camsdaddy]

I agree while the 3913 may not be as popular as some.I think few would rate it anything but excellent.

[Autolycus]

I only carry 9mm Glocks and don't plan on carrying anything else. I would not call them underrated nor overrated. They are just guns that are of good quality that I enjoy and feel comfortable with.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

While many state that the .380 is too small or not powerful enough, I have found my LCP to be the most common gun I grab to put into my Mika Pocket Holster! It is small, so it is easy to carry wearing anything but my just my undershorts -- actually, I could find a way to even carry in them with a little ingenuity and a sewing machine!

What good is a large gun and holster arrangement if the gun and holster end up staying home in a safe?

[tshaw]

Taurus tcp 380 in my pocket 24/7 400 rds 0 issues

[Jeb21]

A Beretta Model 81 in 32 ACP. I have bigger guns that I carry but in the last 6 months I find that I carry the Beretta more often. In fact, it has replaced my Smith 649 as my deep carry gun. I use the Fiocci fmj ammo as it is bit hotter than most other brands and with this small bullet I really want penetration.

I took it the the range the other day and found that I could put 12 aimed shots in the head of a IDPA target at 10 yards in just over three seconds.

[tx_pistolero]

Taurus PT-709 Slim. Have put hundreds of rounds through it, more accurate than a compact has any right to be. The thin-nesss of it makes it really comfortable to carry, but it still fits my large hands nicely - with one caveat. I grew up shooting single actions, so I am used to doing the pinky under grip, the caveat is that you pretty much have to use that grip style that with this pistol unless you do get a grip extending mag.

[chieftain]

In February I finally parked the Springfield Professional from full time CCW. I went to the much lighter and shorter Colt Commander.

Got a Colt 21st Century (Wily Clapp model) TAOS LtWgt Commander then had Eric Zinn work on it for the final touches. Use Virgil Trips Cobra Mags, and carry it in one of Milt Sparks HR-LTD (think slim VMII) and am really happy with it.

Just my way, good luck.

Fred

[smallbore]

Sig P232 in a Fobus paddle holster.