[Old Sarge]

I have a BHP 9mm, and a Milt Sparks Versa Max 2 on order. But, this seems to be a little on the larger side for CCW, in my humble opinion. Have been doing some serious thinking of purchasing either a small auto, such as a Kel-Tec PF-9, or a Smith & Wesson 642 revolver. I'm on a limited budget, and don't want to break the bank. Am confused as to which way to turn. What are your recommendations? :)

[Zeke/PA]

I recently wanted to change to a smaller pistol for my CCW.
I settled on a S&W 638.
Five shots in .38 Special and it fits in the front pocket of my jeans with ease.
Zeke

[tntwatt]

The BHP is a wonderful full sized pistol. Have you considered any of the medium sized 9mm's.. xd9,glock 19? Smaller but still large enough to get the job done. Polymer so they're fairly light weight. Both less than 500 new. Good used, easy to find. tons of holsters available.

[Dismantler]

I recently bought a Model 442 with custom walnut grips for $389. I just got back from my dealer and he had a really nice Model 38 Bodyguard, nickle plated for $329. There are some snubbies that may fit your budget. (Both really nice, used.)

[Old Sarge]

In my part of the country, there aren't a large selection of revolvers. Everyone seems to lean towards the Glocks, of which I have never been that fond of. Guess I may have to expand my horizons and travel a little to find what fits.

[BlindJustice]

Take a look at the S&W 640 - all steel but hammerless like a 642

You might also think about a CZ 75B Compact in 9MM

-or- the German LEO surplus Sig P6 are available for
$300 - single stack 9mm looks like a scaled down P220

[skinewmexico]

I'm really happy with my XD9SC.

[The Lone Haranguer]

CZ 75 Compact or PCR Compact
Glock 19
S&W M&P Compact
Kahr K9
S&W 3913 (used)

I can endorse any of these, because (except for the CZ Compact) I own them. :)

[jddssc121]

S&W M&P compact

[elsullo]

There are endless opinions on this question, and lots of debate about the reliability of small automatic pistols across many firearm messageboards.

For a small 9mm pocket pistol, the steel frame Kahr MK9 is the only one never mentioned somewhere as being unreliable. I have read many boards for years now, and all other brands and models have somebody saying they had reliability or repair issues. Slightly larger is the very reliable S&W CS9, the new "Chief's Special 9mm, though it is no longer made. Both of these are expensive.

On another board that I most respect, populated by real cops and agents, for pocket carry the S&W snubby revolver is universally respected and carried---but never inexpensive, unless you are lucky and find a good used one. Some issues: the .357 is PAINFUL to shoot and thus rarely practiced with, and your hand may become afraid to shoot; even the .38+P Special is painful in "Airweight" and "Scandium" snubbies, so stainless steel is probably a better choice as the extra weight absorbs more recoil. Many of the .38 Specials are said to be remarkably accurate for such a short barrel. The "Centennial" model keeps lint and dust from pocket carry out of the internals.

Now, I'll plug my personal choice! I feel that bullet placement is more important than power, and so controllability and shot recovery is the most important issue. The hand must not be afraid of the gun, and shooting it should not hurt, allowing practice and successful aim! I carry a S&W snubby in .32 H&R Magnum; it is a very light Airweight model for easy carry, with SIX shots with the ballistic equivalent of most non-Plus-P .38 Specials. Macho men sneer at this "Lady's" caliber, but I'd rather put two into the target while they try to recover from the recoil blast and pain from their bigger bullets!

In my opinion, it is about saving your life, not trying to scare someone with the big bore of your gun!................elsullo

[elsullo]

There are endless opinions on this question, and lots of debate about the reliability of small automatic pistols across many firearm messageboards.

For a small 9mm pocket pistol, the steel frame Kahr MK9 is the only one never mentioned somewhere as being unreliable. I have read many boards for years now, and all other brands and models have somebody saying they had reliability or repair issues. Slightly larger is the very reliable S&W CS9, the new "Chief's Special 9mm, though it is no longer made. Both of these are expensive.

On another board that I most respect, populated by real cops and agents, for pocket carry the S&W snubby revolver is universally respected and carried---but never inexpensive, unless you are lucky and find a good used one. Some issues: the .357 is PAINFUL to shoot and thus rarely practiced with, and your hand may become afraid to shoot; even the .38+P Special is painful in "Airweight" and "Scandium" snubbies, so stainless steel is probably a better choice as the extra weight absorbs more recoil. Many of the .38 Specials are said to be remarkably accurate for such a short barrel. The "Centennial" model keeps lint and dust from pocket carry out of the internals.

Now, I'll plug my personal choice! I feel that bullet placement is more important than power, and so controllability and shot recovery is the most important issue. The hand must not be afraid of the gun, and shooting it should not hurt, allowing practice and successful aim! I carry a S&W snubby in .32 H&R Magnum; it is a very light Airweight model for easy carry, with SIX shots with the ballistic equivalent of most non-Plus-P .38 Specials. Macho men sneer at this "Lady's" caliber, but I'd rather put two into the target while they try to recover from the recoil blast and pain from their bigger bullets!

In my opinion, it is about saving your life, not trying to scare someone with the big bore of your gun!................elsullo