Which gun is better for the money? ( For CC )

Status
Not open for further replies.

Josh45

Member
Joined
Jan 22, 2011
Messages
1,140
Hello everyone,

I have been looking up pocket guns and compact guns for CC. I know that I need to consider weight and length of the pistol. Also, How much am I willing to give.

I also know, Its best to do some research before anything and shoot if you can before you buy but I can;t shoot before I buy where I am...To small of a town. Anyways, I would like to ask the opinions of THR for those who have or still own these guns in question.

I would like to also know of the reliability, The warranty, If any problems, Please mention. I prefer personal exp. But research of websites never hurts!

Also, How is the .380 for SD?Im not looking to spend more than $3500 really, But im willing to spend a few more if the reliability is worth it.

1.Accu-Tek HC-380
13 round cap. Loaded weight is 30.2. Barrel Length 2.8 Price $288.00

2. Bersa Thunder Plus (380)
15 round cap. Barrel Length 3.5 Price $350.00

3. Cobra Patriot ( 380 )
10 round cap. Loaded weight 23.2 Barrel Length 3.3 Price $260.00

4. Walther PK380
8 round cap. Loaded weight 22.0 Barrel Length 3.66 Price $362.00

Im also considering a 9mm. I have my eyes on Springfield Armory XD SubCompact. The barrel is only 3.0 inch and it has a 13 round cap and weighs in at 31.7 loaded! Also costing about $434.00

I got all this information from the sticky at the top about Comparison of compact guns. I think it was called that.

Anyways, If you have something better for the money for a conceal, Let me know.

My price is around $350.00 I prefer the 9mm version but would really love to replace my .45ACP. Thinking of Glock but to pricey at this time.

So just let me know of your opinions, Your exp with these guns and any other recommendations!
 
At 350 you are kinnA limited I'd go ruger lcp they've sold so many parts and things will always be around. 380 isn't ideal but several armies have carried less
 
I know $350 is limited but like I said im willing to pay that extra few bucks if its worth it

What really matters to me is

Reliability
Accuracy
Rep of Company and Warranty ( You never know )
Accuracy
Field Strip

Its only think I can think of now, But Like I said if you have anything else that would be just as good if not better and Im not set to one caliber. Just looking for a reliable CC
 
You might consider a Kel-tech P3at or PF9 in 380 and 9mm, respectively. The P3at is very similar to the Ruger LCP and may or may not be less expensive than the LCP. The PF9 is a fairly small, fairly thin, single-stack 9mm.
 
I have both the Walther Pk380 and the Bersa Thunder 380(7+1). I have had no problems with either, but the Bersa is the best made and deal in my opinion. Walther cost $330, Bersa BT380(7+1) duotone $280.
 
I definitly am thinking of the Bersa. I always heard about Bersa from family and friends. Im thinking to go with the higher capacity magazine tho.

If my local shops don't have anything I want, Then I will be willing to crank out $400-450.00 I don't mind buying online I just prefer to do it in person
 
I would seriously look at the Kahr line.

The CW9 is just under $400 the CM9 is just over $400. Both are in 9mm. For small CC guns it is hard to beat Kahr. They are slim good shooters which have a proven track record.
 
Last edited:
Bersa's have 9's right?

Ruger LC9 if you are unsure of Keltec Pf9

A subcompact xD, M&P, or Glock, but as stated, they will be too thick for pocket carry.

Never tried a Kahr, but from what I hear, you can't go wrong.

Ever consider any wheelguns? S&W 442 or 438 come to mind.

Lately from what I hear, .380acp is adequate SD ammo, personally I don't like anything smaller than a .38spl. But a .380 can stop somebody and or kill, might take a few more shots. I only have experience with one .380 but it's designated 9mm kurz, an HK4 and it's reliability was sub par, til I finally found a certain brand/type of ammo.
 
Given your price range I would suggest getting a Kel Tec PF9 or P11. That way you will have some money left over to get a holster and some ammo.

If you can stretch your budget by another 75 or so the Ruger might be a good choice. It basically a size expanded LCP.

I don't have experience with any of the other pistols mentioned.
 
Best ain't about money. There's alot things to look at when selecting a CCW. $$$ should not be one of them. (With-in reason)

I'd take a look at the Kahr P380, PM9, P9, Mk9, K9 for extra small subcompact CCW's.
 
Hard to beat the Bersa for price and performance. Bought my middle kid a Thunder 380CC for Christmas, and it has worked flawlessly.

It's still a bit large for me on days when I have to dress up. If I have to go really small, I'll carry a S&W Bodyguard 380.
 
Kahr cm9 439.00 cw9 439.00 Keltec pf9 289.00 the Kahrs are the better of these but the pf9 will do the job fine.These prices were as of today at my LGS.All of these are smaller and lighter than the Bersa
and 9mm.
 
Okay, My local gun shop has The Ruger LCP for 325.00 + tax. Its very light and seems good for pocket carry

He also has a Colt Govt Model .380 Mark IV/ Series 80. The iron sights needs to be replaced in the back. Hes asking $495.00 plus tax. What do you guys think of it?
 
Last edited:
The LCP appeals to me because it is light and easy to conceal plus, Its a Ruger. To what I understand, Great customer service and great gun.

The Kahrs are very nice and would like to add them to my collection. I have thought of it but like I mentioned in another post and a new thread, Im also looking at a Colt

I did say I would be willing to spend the extra money if the gun is worth it
 
rellascout said:
I would seriously look at the Kahr line.

The CW9 is just under $400 the CM9 is just over $400. Both are in 9mm. For small CC guns it is hard to beat Kahr. They are slim good shooters which have a proven track record.

Rella, We agree once again! I just picked up a CW9 and wow.. The Kahr line is top notch. The CW line is suppose to be a "budget" line but I dont see anything budget about it. Machining is top notch, has an excellent trigger, and looks damn good! Id look into the whole Kahr line-up including the CM9, PM9 and CW9. The CW line is the perfect concealed setup for me. I am just in love with how slim it is. I cant imagine how the PM9 would conceal knowing its smaller then the CW9. It would just disappear!

And just so I dont sound like a fanboy the Bersa's are also very nice guns. I havent got my hands on the compact but the normal version is very nice as well.
 
I had a Kahr CW 40 but traded it. The only person I encountered that didn't really like it was me. I just couldn't get the hang of shooting it accurately. Everyone else did just fine so I know it wasn't the gun, it was the old one eyed, out of shape owner that was the problem. you may want to try one of them.
 
Ruger LC9 if you are unsure of Keltec Pf9

Right........if you're unsure of the one that's been out for 5 years and had the kinks worked through, buy the one that just came out, is a copy of the other, and is having issues..............:scrutiny:

Josh45:

You have quite a few options in your price range, many of which have been mentioned. But steer clear of the Accutek and Cobra. They may save you a few dollars vs. a Kel-Tec or Ruger, but the quality and customer service you sacrifice is huge.

I recommend the Kel-Tec, either P3AT or PF9, both of which can be had right around $300. They are the lightest and thinnest in their class, and KT is second to none for customer service. They have sent me free replacement parts, no questions asked, even when I told them I lost (Not broke, LOST) the part.
 
Jonah, your not the only person I heard that had some trouble with the CW40. Maybe its due to the fact that its so darn light and the .40 has just to much punch?
 
Okay, My local gun shop has The Ruger LCP for 325.00 + tax. Its very light and seems good for pocket carry

He also has a Colt Govt Model .380 Mark IV/ Series 80. The iron sights needs to be replaced in the back. Hes asking $495.00 plus tax. What do you guys think of it?

I would go LCP over the colt. I don't think I would trust any 1911 style smaller then a commander size. Reliable ones are certainly out there but I think you stand better odds of reliability with the LCP.

Please keep in mind my opinions on this are not based on personal experience with these two small pistols, only on things I have read and observed.
 
You mentioned that you like the LCP, Ruger just came out with the 9mm LC9, which looks similar to the LCP but a little larger and heavier. It should interest for people who like the LCP want more power. Don't overlook the small five shot revolvers for conceal carry either. Smith-Wesson makes a bunch of nice ones in .38/.357 of varrious material types. Ruger offers three nice ones too in the SP101 .38/.357, LCR .38 and LCR .357.
 
I prefer the 9mm Kahr line over the 40. I have not shot the 45 ACP. I am not 40 S&W guy but I did not like the flip of the little Kahrs in 40. Remind me of .357 snubs. Effective but not fun to shoot. :what:
 
Thanks everyone for the input. I appreciate it and the extra options as well. I have not ruled out revolvers but Im not a fan of them to be honest. I know that has nothing to do with it but it's just me.

So far, I'm thinking of the Kahr and the Ruger as well as Bersa. I wouldn'd mind the .40 version really. He also had a Glock 26 and Glock 23, for $525. I would be interested in those as well for layaway at least.

Sadly, They don't have any Kahrs available nor Bersa in stock. I know I can alway's order online. All he actually has for great CCW would be the Glock I mentioned as well as the LCP and a Walther he has.
 
You could just go with a Glock 26, a little bit heavier than some people like to carry, but for those of us who like to carry a service-type pistol, they are unbeatable and are very small. If you can't shoot it well it's because there is something horribly wrong with your technique that needs fixing.

A little more expensive than the other guns you are thinking of, but in a different class as far as reliability, accuracy, and durability goes.

Oh and they are basically a full-on service gun, not a .380. For better or worse, .380 is as .380 does, and it doesn't push a heavy bullet or a fast one.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top