[RonGoode]

Since getting my CWP here in SC I've done nothing but contemplate carry guns. Full size and compact 1911s. Large caliber revolvers. Compact .45s and large frame hi cap 9mms. Sometimes I want to say to hell with it all and buy a cheap (and reliable) Bersa/Firestorm .380 and some cor-bons. I used to have one and I sold it. Damn, what a mistake. Anyone else go through this?

[russlate]

And John Moses Browning made a smaller caliber, the 9mm Browning Short, and it produced about the same energy as a snub 38 spl. And it wasn't that bad, considering everything. *

I like the J frame airweights. Or the Cobra and Agent.

But I recently started thinking that if I needed a backup, I was likely to be down and hurting, or semi-conscious. I needed a gun that wouldn't blind me from muzzle flash ( 357 mag or 357 SIG ), require a locked wrist to function ( 45 acp ), kick so hard I needed both hands to pull it back down on target ( 41 mag ), and that didn't ... etc., etc.

I still carry the lightweight revolvers for concealability.

But for back up, I have a 380 double-stack 380 that holds 13+1 and maybe 3 more magazines, in a non-threatening portfolio with me most places.

I'd look for a BDA, Beretta 84, or CZ83 and concentrate on placing my shots where they should go as fast as I could.

:neener: PS: Thank you Jim March - Rusty from the HI forum. :D :D :D

[kimbernut]

Body size an mode of dress will determine what you can conceal effectively. The small semi-autos seem to be flatter and conceal better for me . I'd go with a minimum .380(would rather have a 9mm)that will go a minimum of 200 rounds with no hiccups .

[outfieldjack]

With it being hot most of the time, you'll want to be able to conceal easily... I used to carry a Kel-Tec P-32.... then I "traded up" to a S&W 340pd (357).. it is very light and I can either go with the .38 or .357 load. You also might want to consider the new Kel-Tec P3AT. Same size as the .32 but in a larger caliber.

Jack

[scbair]

I own a P32, and there's no denying it's extremely easy to conceal, but for summer wear (I'm in SC, too), I really like pocket carry. Even in a pocket holster (ALWAYS use a pocket holster), lint and debris can be an issue. I'm afraid a full day out & about could result in a single shot rather than a semi-auto.:what:

I bought an airweight stainless .38 snub, loaded it with +P Nyclads (dunno what I'll do when my stockpile is exhausted; I heard Federal discontinued the Nyclads), and discovered it is no problem to conceal in my right frount trouser pocket. :D

If I know I'll be in a high crime area or unfamiliar area, I, too, carry a backup; either a BHP or a .45 ACP, and I dress accordingly (untucked shirt, vest or jacket, etc. Greater accuracy, higher capacity, faster reloading, and more power. I regard the "pocket" pistol or revolver as an immediate (read FAST) response to a close range threat.

[Absolut]

XD subcompact here:)