[CRFPILOT]

I am new to the board and soon to have a CCW liscese so I am looking to add the right auto loader to my collection for occassional carry, possibly in a briefcase. I am not new to shooting or guns in general but there seems to be so many nice choices out there.

The three guns that are comfortable, concealable and within my target budget are: Sub-compact Sprinfield XD in 9MM, KAHR CW-40 and the Bersa Thunder .380.

I really like the feel and size of the Bersa for a CCW pistol but am concerned about the caliber.

I also really like the KAHR's size and like the larger caliber but have read a lot about feeding issues.

The XD is a very nice overall offering but seems a little bulky for a concealed carry.

I am a larger guy with many years of shooting experience and am comfortable with all of the above three rounds, so recoil/controlability are not deciding factors..

Your comments are apprciated.

[Friendly, Don't Fire!]

revolvers~!

[Marcus L.]

If you like the Bersa best, go for it. The .380acp will be fine so long as you use the right ammunition. The .380 isn't appropriate for police use such as shooting through windshields or car doors, but with the right ammo it is pretty capable for shooting people with and without heavy clothing. Hornady probably makes the best performing .380 loads at this time. Most other makes usually expand too much and have shallow penetration. Hornady engineered their 90gr XTP load to only expand to about .45-50" which allows it to consistantly penetration to good depths. Hornady has a new load out called the Hornady .380acp FTX 90gr Critical Defense which looks like it will probably be the top load for personal defense for the .380acp:

http://www.hornady.com/story.php?s=786

[geronimo509]

also, don't rule out a compact 1911. there are a few that make them in a 9, not sure about a 40cal, and def. 45acp! Good luck in your decision, let us know. Dont forget to practice a lot with what ever gun you do decide on. i read somewhere that you should, "make it an extension of your arm."

[bluemalibu]

Don't let stories parroted by web trolls that have never owned or fired these guns spook you away from the Kahrs. Go to a range and rent the three firearms that you've narrowed your choice down to. You have to be comfortable with your own selection.

I'm not exactly sure just how many rounds I've put through the three flavors of Kahrs that I have; (9mm/.40/.45) But I have never had a single FTF. So, for what it's worth, our family is contented in the reassurance that the Kahr in the waistband delivers.

[lefteyedom]

If like the Bersa Thunder .380 you should love what is a copy of... Walther PPK, more money but better weapon.

[moooose102]

I have a couple of 380's. I am really not certain how well they would do as far as actually stopping someone. The only sure way to know is by fireing into someone. Which i sincerely hope none of us ever has to do. But if it were not for the small size of the two i have, i would carry a larger caliber. And to be honest, in the winter months i usually do. It mostly depends on what clothing i am wearing. If i can hide a larger pistol, i will. If i can not, then out comes the lcp, or p3at. If you are going to carry in your breifcase. Size insn't going to matter much. However, if you decide to do a iwb carry, it will. With somethings, bigger is better, at least until you reach the level of power you are able to comfortably control. Get to a range and fire some weapons. That way you will know how much is to much. And then find a pistol that will fit your hands, and or iwb.

[Robert]

I agree about the compact 1911. I carry a full size everyday with ease and I am only 5'9" 210ish. So a Commander or similar compact 1911 would be even easier to haul around. My only grip about mine is the dang spur hammer digging into my side from time to time. But at the end you the day it's up to you.

[Ala Dan]

if you are interested in the Kahr CW-40; there have been some
reported problems in at least one instance here, where the slide
was eating away the polymer frame. I realize this is an extreme
example, but I would look at the same companys CW-9 instead;
as its much more pleasant too shoot. I own an carry a Kahr CW
9 on occassion; and its a good CCW piece~! ;)

[owlhoot]

It doesn't make sense to carry a .380 Bersa when you can get a 9mm in a smaller package.

I carry a Kahr in 9mm, and I prefer it to anything else available. Mine didn't even have a failure during break-in.

[gitnsige]

If like the Bersa Thunder .380 you should love what is a copy of... Walther PPK, more money but better weapon.

Why not go all the way and buy a Sig Sauer P232 380acp which also resembles the PPK ? More money but better than both the Bersa and Walther.

[ArchAngelCD]

If you're looking for something small and light but more powerful than the .380 Bersa take a look at the Kel-Tec PF-9. It's small, light and it's slim because of the single stack design. A friend got one a few months back and he now carries it as his primary all the time. I've shot it several times and it's reliable and accurate at SD distances.

The Kel-Tec PF-9 (http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/pf9.htm) is a 9mm instead of .380 Auto and the price is right. Give it a look...

[CRFPILOT]

Thanks for all the feedback. I am going to a gun show this weekend and I will be sure to take a look at all the suggestions.

[Orange_Magnum]

fnp-9 or fnp-40. The fnp-357 is probably not built strong enough for that potent caliber. fnp comes in at least two sizes, compact and medium.

[David E]

If you're going to "carry" it in your briefcase "occasionally," then pick the one you want.

However, while .380's may have their place, in a gun that is heavier and larger than a 9mm, .40 or even .45 is not that place.

.

[DarkSoldier]

Another vote for a compact 1911 ,45 ACP (if you are willing to commit to the level of training they require). When I carry auto-loaders it will usually be a full size Springer TRP with a 3 inch Micro compact BUG, both in .45. I can conceal both under a sport jacket with no problem and I'm not a big guy. Carrying the Micro alone would be pretty easy. Whatever you choose, shoot it a lot. Good luck.

Respectfully,

DarkSoldier

[hinton03]

I like the Kahr K9 for carry IWB, Colt Commander in my car in a fanny pack and use a S&W M 49 for my coat pocket.

I realize it isn't what you listed but believe that ultra small pistols are past the line of diminishing returns; can't find much practical use for anything smaller than a compact pistol.

[Coltdude84]

1911 Commander 45 would be my choice... But If you are wanting a polymer gun have you looked at S&W lineup of M&P's or Heckler & Koch?

[zx12rider]

I think the CW-9 as stated is a better option. I would also recomend the M&P 9C or my CS9 Smith for a small CCW. You are right about there being a lot of good choices, the main problem is buying them ALL. Oh the sig 232 or 230 is a great gun as others have mentioned.

[jackie treehorn]

"Why not go all the way and buy a Sig Sauer P232 380acp which also resembles the PPK ? More money but better than both the Bersa and Walther."

Because the P232 is just a copy of the PPK / S. I'll put my Walthers up against any Sig any time. Sorry, the P232, I owned and sold because it was just silly to have a copy of a gun when I already had the real thing. Sig owners / fans can't even budge on the P232 being the EXACT SAME GUN as the PPK / S but $150 more!

[kashton]

I have owned about ten different pistols including a Glock 27, Glock 23, Glock 19, Kimber Ultra Tactical II, H&K P2000SK .40 LEM, S&W 640, S&W 642, etc... my favorite rounds are .45, .40 S&W, and the .357 Magnum.

I have sold most of them and now own four pistols: Kahr MK40 Elite 2003, HK45C V1, HK P2000SK .40 LEM, and a Colt Python 2.5" .357 Magnum.

I love shooting the HK45C. It reminds me of a 1911 except it is just a different style altogether with light weight and a nice Delta Force feel too it. I saw a picture of one with a suppressor fitted onto it and it was niceeee... anyways... the magazine extension on the Kahr gives me a good grip on it if the regular clips make the gun awkward to grip, and the extra round is nice (5+1 v. 6+1). It is every bit as accurate as the HK45C. The Comp-Tac 2-O'Clock works wonderfully with the Kahr. The VMII is a great holster and I have noticed that my pistol rides higher, whereas with a nice Tucker leather "The Answer" IWB (also in the picture), it fits much lower and is slightly more comfortable. It covers the entire trigger guard.

I just acquired the HK45C a few days ago and got a chance to shoot it. It is easily the nicest pistol I have ever shot in my life. The kick is reduced considerably (advertised 30% recoil reduction on their website)... I mean it is really noticeable in person. It is smooth, accurate, and very reliable. I also love how it can be holstered cocked with the safety on.

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww37/kashton/12-5-2008022.jpg

[kashton]

Kahr MK40 Elite 2003:

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww37/kashton/12-5-2008018.jpg
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww37/kashton/12-5-2008010.jpg
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww37/kashton/12-5-2008014.jpg
http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww37/kashton/12-5-2008015.jpg

[kashton]

I use three different holsters: the Milt Sparks Versa Max II, the Tucker Leather "The Answer" IWB, and the Comp-Tac Infidel 2 O'Clock. Notice how the Tucker Leather holster rides lower than the VMII, which I find makes it more concealable and is actually more comfortable IMO.

P2000SK .40 LEM in a Tucker Leather "The Answer" IWB

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww37/kashton/12-5-2008011.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww37/kashton/12-6-2008003.jpg

P2000SK .40 LEM in a Milt Sparks VMII

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww37/kashton/12-5-2008012.jpg

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww37/kashton/12-6-2008008.jpg

[kashton]

To sum it up,

Kahr has had some trouble with quality control issues, but I have found my MK40 to be a fantastic pistol. It is accurate and reliable. I believe the problems lie in the polymer models that are now being produced. The kick is snappy but I find fairly accurate followup shots to be easy.

The H&K P2000SK is just great. It packs a huge punch for its size, 9+1 of .40 S&W Gold Dot Hollow Point at about 360 ft*lbs (slightly higher than that of a 4 inch barrel .45 ACP - when compared with the SPEER information manual). I used to own a Glock 27, but I have sold it and adopted the P2000SK instead. It is just as easy to take down, despite what some people may say... they are both pretty damn easy to take down and clean. The pistol is very fine aesthetically, and is a pleasure to shoot. It does have a decent kick to it because it is a .40 S&W, but I find it more controllable than the Glock 27, IMHO, and I've owned both. It may just be how the pistol fits in my hand...

My choice 4 O'clock carry:

The HK 45 Compact (HK45C) is a very unique pistol because of it's recoil reduction system. It is a pleasure to shoot and it is my favorite for 4 O'clock carry in an IWB Tucker Leather "The Answer" holster. The .45 ACP is a devastating round and I like to walk with a big stick on my hip.

My choice 2 O'clock carry:

H&K P2000SK LEM .40 S&W in a Comp-tac infidel. The .40 S&W is also a very powerful round. I used to carry the Kahr MK40 at 2 O'clock but I have recently ordered the same holster for my P2000SK. I'd rather 10 rounds over 6-7.

They are all nice weapons so get your hands on them and make a decision that feels right to you ;)

[punkndisorderly]

I carry a Glock 26, Gold Dot 115gr +P's, one or two full size G17 mags for reloads, a tac light, and a pepper blaster (for aggressive dogs and bums).

Generally speaking, carry the largest caliber in the largest gun that a) you can shoot comfortably, b) that you can conceal, c) that you're willing to carry all the time and d) has proved itself totally reliable with your chosen carry ammo.

The Glock fit the bill for me, since I live in an area of the country where less clothes is better 10 months out of the year. I'm willing to lug it around every time I leave the house, I shoot it better than I do my 1911, and I don't have any manual safety to remember under stress. It's never failed me after a few thousand rounds of carry and practice ammo.The only thing I want to cahnge are putting some TFO night sights on it.

[FoMoGo]

Another vote for a 1911 officers model.
My wifes EDC is a High Standard Crusader Compact... GREAT pistol.
http://www.gunblast.com/HighStandard-Compact1911.htm


Jim

[DawgFvr]

well PD...I too CCW the Glock 26 but in a MTAC holster. I just carry one more clip...hell, if 21 hollow point 9mm rounds are not able to solve the given social situation, I'll just move to the woods and tote my rifle.

[Guitarslinger46]

I only own one handgun at the moment. My Browning Hi-power was stolen some years ago. Anyway, I like the "extension of your arm" comment as far as a pistol feeling comfortable. That Hi-power was incredibly comfortable, and controllable. 9mm doesn't kick too bad anyway. It took me no time at all to be comfortable with the Hi-power, both in grip & funtion. 2 hands, one hand lateral shots, or straight forward....very controllable weapon in any shooting situation.

My only handgun currently is a Ruger GP100 .357 magnum with 6" barrel. Again, very comfortable for me. 2 hands, one hand, it doesn't matter. Easily controllable for me, and I pack it as CCW now & then in my shoulder rig, and have never had a problem concealing it with a jacket. If I feel I absolutely must, I can pack it in summer as well in a waist bag. Bit large for that application, but it works. Anyway, for that reason, I am looking at a more practical CCW pistol in .45 ACP semi auto soon.

Point being, if it does not feel comfortable (as an extension of my arm), I am not going to buy it. An extreme example of a weapon I'd never buy is the Desert Eagle in 44 magnum. That thing is ridiculously large to hang onto, even for me at 220 lbs. with fairly large hands. I handled one in a pawn shop just out of curiosity. I recently was handling a Taurus 24/7 OSS .45 ACP, and that thing felt incredible in my hand...almost as good as the Hi-power, even with the double-stacked magazines. I can get a preferred vendor discount on any Taurus through my work, so I am seriously considering the new model 845, which is a variant of the OSS with exposed hammer and shorter barrel.

[obiwan1]

Don't worry about a compact gun "not concealing well". you're going to have to dress around the gun anyhow. Bluemalibu was right. go out and rent what you like and buy what you like best.

By the way, my normal carry gun is a P2000. I like my Kahr K40 for "low profile" carry.

[kashton]

obiwan - where do you usually carry (ex. 4 O'Clock) and what clothing do you use in the summer time to cover it up?

[Glockman30]

I CCW a Glock 36 with a lasermax or a sig 239 in .357 sig. Both are great shooting reliable guns.

[grizz5675]

I carry a llama micromax in stainless compact,nice small accurate and dependable,at least mine is.

[Boba Fett]

Had a Bersa 380 and hated it. Not that it wasn't a sturdy gun or anything, but it just felt awful to shoot.

Haven't shot the Kahr yet, but have heard really good things about it and I like the feel of it better than the Bersa.

If you can, shoot all three you are considering before buying. Look for ranges that rent them. Well worth the rental cost in the long run.

[2075 RAMI]

Anything that you can point and make go boom should do the trick. :neener:

Personally, I like the CZ 2075 Rami. :eek: I bet you didn't see that coming, eh? :p