Mouse/Compact as Primary, Full-Size BUG?

[justice4all]

In wintertime in Colorado, one usually has sufficient layering to carry a full-size handgun. For me lately it has been a 4" S&W M66. But I still usually put the Kel-Tec P32 or P11 in the front pocket of my trousers. And I would probably go to that gun first in most SD situations, because I can have my hand around the grip if something causes me to feel threatened, then draw/not draw as required. This is why I am currently shopping snub nose revolvers.

I see the full-size guns as protection against more remote threats, and things I can react to with a little more warning, such as threats to everyone in the bank/supermarket, rather than to me personally.

I wanted to hear what you all do this time of year, and your comments on my gear/mindset.

 

[Kamicosmos]

At first I smirked at this, but then realized that your idea is a good one.

I shot an IDPA style match once when the range's heat was out. Trying to dig through my big ass parka to get to my Beretta 96 was more trouble than it was worth. Makes sense to move my little Beretta Mod 21 to one of the big pockets on it during the winter...

That is...once Missouri gets around to passing CCW

(Edited to correct spelling...Since instead of sense. Dang cold medicine!)

 

[PATH]

I carry the Mod 36 J-frame and I still put the p32 in my pocket as an afterthought. Not a Rambo type but I like the thought of having both and their is no real downside that I can see.

 

[sanchezero]

I agree to some extent...

I carry a Jframe in my weak side pocket and if I'm around people I don't know well, I usually have my hand on it (... they're all out to get me ...).

If I have to shoot tho, that'll be coming out immediately and if my dominant hand is free, I'll be going for my primary as well.

I just don't shoot DAO guns nearly as well as SA, so its almost more of a jumpstart gun than a BUG.

 

[Trisha]

A sage said, "Beware of the man who only carries one gun - he likely knows how to use it well!" (I've probably paraphrased the exact quote...)

justice, I see no reason not to carry my favorite Kimber of HK USP Compact. Snubbies are great for unaimed fire accross the bar (or in a store parking lot, I suppose), but if they're within 10' when the guano hits the high-speed impeller, then you had a brain fart and dropped your guard - and will need some skill in unarmed CQB, yes?

In honest-to-Goddess parka weather, there's always the American Derringer in the lined front pocket - weak hand, certainly.

I hate to bring up the obvious, but: as I always plan for the worst possible scenario, I see any potential goblin wearing a parka as potentially having a whippet and a level 3A vest. I plan on taking head shots first - and that necessitates controlled, aimed, fast fire.

I'll make good use of the dual reversing zippers on my parka and be sure I know how to do a one-handed draw from a shoulder rig with the parka on. I practice exactly that in the worst weather at the range at least once a month (providing the Pass is open).

And, my ASP baton is always handy for CQB...

Hugs!

Trisha

 

[Kahr carrier]

Mouse guns are cool ,Its better to have little gun with you than none at all . Plus the element of surprise is on your side.

 

[denfoote]

Here in Arizona, winter means 72deg, so it's still shorts and t-shirt. That's why I have no winter gun per se. I carry the same set of guns all year long. My MG was my KT P32. Then I discovered the Kahr MK9!!!! Hello!! New mousegun!!! It fits in the front pocket and is designed to fire 9mm +P+ ammo on a regular basis!! It beats the heck out of any small revolver round, except for the .357 MAG, of course!! But, have you ever shot .357MAG out of a snub?? I have and needless to say, it took about a week for my hand to heal!!! The MK9 is flatter and holds 6+1 with a 7 rd spare included. 8 round mags are currently available too.
It just might become your primary!!!

 

[sixgun_symphony]

IHO, the Walther PPK sized pistols and snubbie revolvers are one size too big to be considered as "mouse guns". These are certainly pocket guns, but not mouse guns.

A mouse gun would be a small Derringer or Browning Baby .25 auto. Were talking something small enough to hide if your only wearing swim trunks.

If you want a snubbie, then I recommend the Colt Detective Special and the Colt Cobra revolvers. You get six shots and the option of SA fire is nice for any long shots that might present themselves.

 

[Onslaught]

If you're talking about a .22/.25/.32 mousegun, then I think you're gambling with your safety. Once you find that snubbie, or for anyone who calls their MK9/PM9/P11 a mouse gun, then that's a very good idea in some situations.

Its better to have little gun with you than none at all

I HATE it when people use that as an excuse to carry nothing but a wimp-caliber 95% of the time... BUT, since your username is Kahr Carrier, I"m going to give you the benefit of the doubt, and assume you're carrying an MK as your "little gun".

P.S. - Until I saw that my "posts" is only at 1, I completely forgot this wasn't TFL

 

[Kentucky Rifle]

Ah..winter in Kentucky

One day you're freezing your 'nads off, the next day it's in the 60's. Very recently though, I found the joy of an ankle holster that doesn't hurt my leg or ankle. I'm delighted, as this is the FIRST ankle holster that I've EVER found that is totally comfortable for me. It's called the Galco "Ankle Glove". I just switched my S&W 331, .32 H&R Magnum revolver to the ankle and replaced it with a 336 Airweight "Bodyguard" .38 Special on my hip. Perfect for "winter". (Such as it is.) I can still use the same set-up in the summer, but I have to wear my shirt "untucked". I still like my pocket pistols though, and have great holsters for the little jewels. Sometimes in the summer, a pocket pistol has to do.

KR

 

[Mannlicher]

I have no use for mousy guns. I eschew the warm and fuzzy feelings they generate, and carry a serious gun instead. I am able to get to it, as needed, at any time. Dress for success. You only get one shot, so to speak, at saving your butt, I do not intend to use a marginal handgun at that time.

 

[telewinz]

All factors considered I'd carry a Keltec P11 concealed or otherwise. For me it's accurate, has good magazine capacity(10), lightweight, compact, it shoots a good self-defense round, and it is reliable. Its about as "perfect" a ccw pistol available at any price.

 

[CatsDieNow]

For those of us with very little hands, a mouse gun is full size. I can comfortably fit all my fingers on the grips of a P11.

denfoote,

I have not been able to find a gun store that has an MK9 for sale. Care to report on yours?

 

[WESHOOT2]

THIS IS NOT ADVICE

My primary carry guns are mice. I observe the first rule. I do not consider them to be 'correct', but they are better than no gun.
I no longer plan for the worst possible scenario.
I on occasion wear BFGs.
I am a realist.
I live in the safest place in America.
But I still always have a gun (or two or three).

 

[Tamara]

My two "always" guns are carried in such a fashion that I can unobtrusively stroll along with a hand on the gun, which is exactly what I do if walking through a dark parking lot. So, yes, it's entirely possible that in a surprise situation, my Jetfire will be the first gun into play, instead of its bigger companion(s).

 

[justice4all]

I brought this thread back, because I did buy a snubnose, a 642, which I tend to carry in my coat pocket, even when I have a bigger, more accurate gun on my belt or in a shoulder holster. It is so much faster into action than the fullsize could ever be, and I can have it in my hand and it looks like I'm just trying to stay warm. If any theat actually materializes, I figure I've got five shots that I can use as I scramble to find hard cover, then the K-frame or P94 can come into play.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Mouse guns are cool. Mice think so. Unlike deer guns, nobody hunts with mouse guns.

Yes, a mouse gun is better than nothing at all, but then again, the standard of nothing is about as low as you can go. Because "nothing" is a noun, the statement gives the impression there is something to be compared, but the value is zero.

If your primary is a mouse gun, by the logic most follow, nothing might well be your backup. So if you are going to go with a mouse for a primary, I think it would be most prudent to go with a full-sized and bigger caliber for the backup.

Clint Smith and his followers are fond of saying you use a pistol to fight your way to a rifle. Maybe in Colorado you can use your P32 to fight your way to your full-size backup?

Oh, and I love the "beware the man with one gun." As opposed to used it as a warning, people use it as a justification for not getting more training or getting more or better guns. Sorry, but the logic flow, like with comparing to nothing, is in the wrong direction.