Smallest guns reasonable for IWB carry

[Shmackey]

OK, instead of trying to find the biggest gun that still might get by in your waistband... What would you say is the thinnest, smallest gun that's good for IWB (any smaller and it's no good)?

I'm thinking Makarov or Sig 232 but I might be way off. For fun, what if you limit it to no smaller than 9x19?

[22/22mag]

I find the Kahr mp9 9mm one of the smallest guns to carry , next to a snub-nose .38 11 oz S&W .My Sig 232 is one smooth .380.

[boing]

The grip is the thing. Can the gun be securely held under the belt, while still allowing a quick and positive grip on the grip? NAA Mini revolver comes to mind, but as long as the proper rig is used, I think just about anything would/could work.

P11 is my smallest. It works just fine IWB.

[Greybeard]

NAA .22 Minimag the smallest here, in little leather holster that came with gun.

Not being a mouse gun fan, I've much more confidence in Kahr PM9. 6-round mag carried for slightly more comfort than 7-round mag, which facilitates a definite improvement in feel of grip.

[Tamara]

Kahr PM9/PM40; any smaller and there's almost nothing to grab for on the draw. :uhoh:

[SirVette]

Many agents have carried the Walther TPH. At one time prices were around $1000 used.

[Shmackey]

any smaller and there's almost nothing to grab for on the draw.

Exactly. That's why I think there's a minimum.

[Jeff OTMG]

The STI LS9 and LS40 are about as thin as it gets for a full power gun. The Rohrbaugh is very thin as well, but not available just yet.

[dandean316]

Check out the Para Carry. 3" barrel, .45. I have one and find it just as easy to conceal as my Makarov. Nice thin grips, 1911 style, light double action trigger.

Did I say it's a .45?:p

[ceestand]

I think a Kel-Tec P-32 might be "too small" for IWB. Does anyone else feel that a IWB carry should "remind" you that it's there?

[bikerp97]

How about the Kel-Tec P-11 9mm. Think that is too small??

[mod12]

kel-tec p11 disappears with belt clip, don't know about holster. 9mm, 11rds. 1" wide, 19 oz. loaded. you'll forget it's there.

[mountainclmbr]

Kahr MK40 is my smallest. It is alittle bit heavy, but I prefer the added weight for a quicker follow-up capability. At times I have considered getting a PM9, but I have not had enough problems concealing the MK40 in a front pocket holster to justify the cost.

[Alerion]

Considering no other factors than small and thin it would be hard to beat a Kel-Tec P-32 with a spring clip on the outside grip. You could carry it IWB without even adding the extra thickness on a holster. OTOH, I'd want to make extra sure that metal clip was totally smooth on all edges before I ever tried to fire the little rascal.

Personally, I carry either a Kahr K-40 or a SIG P229. Neither of which is the smallest or the thinnest. I just like them! :D

Tom

[Voodoo]

I often use a Colt .380 Mustang with a Clip-Draw. Works great!

Tried the Clip-Draw on my Jetfire. Worked kinda like the P32 I had, but it, like the P32, was just too small to grab in a hurry. For handguns that small, I recommend going to pocket carry.

[sw442642]

If you go over to GT, you can read a story about a member who saved the day with a NAA 22 mag. The gun that works is what is reasonable. Carry one - if dress or expense means it isn't a $800 Kimber - carry what you can.

BTW, I saw said $800 Kimber just jam and jam last weekend.

[Chupacabra]

Personally, I wouldn't carry anything smaller than a standard compact pistol. Anything smaller and there just isn't enough grip for me to feel comfortable. Although, I would feel fine with a Glock26

Tried a Kahr PM9 once. Felt like it was going to fly out of my hand!

:D