Lightest handgun available (for CCW while running)

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FlaBoy

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Hey all,

Due to a recent change in my home address and work hours, I now find myslf going for my daily run in a somewhat sketchy neighborhood (had a friend shot and killed on his front porch 3 blocks away) often after dark. Needless to say, I now carry on my runs. My poblem is my current carry piece (Kahr CW40) is just too dang heavy. For slow short runs of 3-4 miles its tolerable (barely) but anything longer or faster causes it to pull my shorts down and the weight starts causing back/leg twinges from being imbalanced. So I'm in the market for something to carry while I run.

As I sometimes go for looooong runs, I am basically looking for the LIGHTEST WEIGHT handgun out there, weight is my primary concern. For instance I first looked @ .22 magnum derringers figuring they'd be lightest. Yes I know that's substandard for personal defense, but 2 shots of something is better than nothing (which is my alternative). Surprisingly, the lightest gun I could find so far was a keltec pf32 semiauto (.32 cal), @ 6.6 ounces unloaded (lightest derringer was about 10 oz).

Basically, I'm wondering what other lighttweight handguns are out there, is there anything lighter than a pf32? Or similar weight with something more powerful than a .32? And please, if your only input will be to tell me how a .32 or .22 mag isn't big enough for self defense, please save yourslf the effort unless you can suggest a similar weight gun chambered in something bigger. Thanks guys!


EDIT: Also I'm not limiting this ti semi-autos. If there are revolvers out there in the same weight range, i'd be interested. Just haven't looked into them much. I know ruger makes the LCR, and S&W have some super fancy alloy & titanium wheel guns. Not sure where they line up, weightwise though.
 
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Kel-Tec PF 9
Click to expand...
I have a PF9 and a P32. The PF9 is substantially heavier: 18.2 oz. loaded vs. 9.4 oz. -- almost double the weight. Not only is the pistol itself considerably larger, but the weight differential of 9mm rounds vs. .32 is significant. Sometimes I pocket-carry the P32, and I will literally forget that it's there. (I hope that I'll remember in case I should ever need it. :uhoh:)

You need to decide what your minimum caliber requirement is. If you really want a 9, you'll pay a weight penalty. I would recommend the P32 over pretty much any derringer. Not only does it give you eight rounds instead of two, but it's also not that hard to shoot it accurately at short range with a little practice.

The Kel-Tec P3AT gives you a little more oomph (.380 vs. .32), but one less round and 11.1 oz. total weight. Also, it doesn't lock open after firing the last round -- that's important to me, but YMMV.
 
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KelTec PF-9: 12.7 oz

I've already discounted pretty much any 9mm pistol I could find, they're all way too heavy (though please correct me if there's one in my weight range I'm overlooking). As for the others:

KelTec P3AT: 8.3 oz
Ruger LCP: 9.4 oz

The two .380s are possibilities, but even the lighter KelTec is still 25% heavier than the P32. And I know 2 ounces doesn't sound like a lot, but trust me, after 20-30 miles, 2 extra ounces rubbing on your skin and bouncing on your hip is definitely noticeable.

I guess the question becomes is a .380 THAT much of an improvement over a .32, that its worth the extra weight? Also, with the .32 you get one extra round.

And the only reason I was originally thinking derringer was I assumed they would be waaaaay lighter than any semiauto I could find. I was surprised that even one chambered in .22 was so heavy. Not considering them anymore.
 
What about a S&W 360PD in .357? Weight is 12 oz. Only 5 rounds, but in a much better cartridge performance wise.

YMMV
 
Just thinking out of the box. If the neighborhood is THAT dangerous, the money you spend on a new gun + ammo, could be used for a treadmill. I train on a treadmill (at the gym) mostly because I hate having to stop at street crossings, etc. and partly the safety factor (not just crime but wayward cars). I remember seeing some basic treadmills for less than $200 at a fitness store sale.

I am no expert but a low-powered gun (sub-9mm), that you need to pull out and threaten the attacker(s) with (who has a gun(s), in your scenario, and the element of surprise), could make the situation worse and give you a false sense of security/firepower.
 
Another OOTB thought. Sounds like you're in great shape, and I bet your top speed is pretty high. Since you'r already running, why not run away rather than get involved in a shooting?
 
Is there some way you can chest carry, like a bellyband holster but higher, or a running shirt with an elastic pocket or pouch on the chest?
 
If, and thats a big IF, you can find one that works, as mine didn't, a Diamondback 9 is pretty light. It weighs just over 12 oz. unloaded, plus you have 6+1 rounds of 9mm too. These light, small 9mm'ers have some issues, but some have been good too. Just wish I had got one of the good ones, as I am still waiting to get mine back for the second time. LM
 
If your neighborhood is that dangerous I really would not go for the lightest gun. I would go for a full size whatever w/2 mags and just throw all that into a small backpack or even a roomy fanny pack.
 
The problem I see is, if this is the kind of neighborhood where his friend gets shot on the front porch, it is also the kind of place where you are running, some guys pop out from the corner with guns pointed at you. Now what are you going to do? No matter what firearm is in the pack, you still need to reach into it. I am not sure the criminals will let you do that. Most like they will either shoot you without warning, or tell you to freeze, and get on the ground while they search you for your wallet (and the firearm would be a bonus).
 
FlaBoy said:
And please, if your only input will be to tell me how a .32 or .22 mag isn't big enough for self defense, please save yourslf the effort unless you can suggest a similar weight gun chambered in something bigger. Thanks guys!
Click to expand...

I wouldn't completely discount 22mag. It's a right nasty little cartridge that never quite gets it's due in the SD world. And there is new ammo out that makes it even nastier.

NAA makes a 5 round 22mag revolver called the "Black Widow" that is my daily carry when I'm in shorts and tshirt (which is about 8 months+ of the year here in SC). Taurus and S&W both make 22mag revolvers (8 and 9 rounds I seem to recall), and Taurus has an "ultralite" version that comes in at just about 18 oz.

You might have to switch to shorts that you can put a good gunbelt on, or go to some kind of belly band holster.
 
Another place - my vote

Run someplace else and AVOID a possible confrontation.

that is THE way to win a 'contest'.

But to answer your query,the S&W 360 weighs 9 ounces and do NOT try .357 loads in it.

The 316 S&W is at least as light in .22 rimfire w/ 8 rounds in it.

They have the size to "possibly" stop an attack with a visual [ if that is possible ].

they are both a 'J' frame revolver and I own and shoot both.
 
There are watches that weigh more than that Keltec, maybe you could carry one in a band on your wrist.
Put a similar band on the other wrist and people would think you are wearing sweat bands.
Better yet, carry two like that.
 
I have my watch in my left hand and my loaded KT P32 in my right and frankly I can't tell the weight apart, so the above post is correct. It's my BUG, but also my "everything" gun. It's on me whenever I'm dressed, even when I haven't yet donned my primary. It would definitely be my suggestion.
 
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