B.U.G.s

[neviander]

I started looking at .22 magnum ballistics and got to thinking that it would make for a good back up round. Those little NAAs look very petite for around the ankle. Then I saw that the Kel-Tec P32 comes very highly recommended by near everyone on here and other places.

My question is, is there, say, a 5 round .357 revolver out there that might be comparably sized to the kel-tec? Also, would the P-3AT be a better choice, because it uses the .380?

 

[Drgong]

I guess I am the only one who does not like the Keltec P-3AT, neat idea, but I don't like it for a number of reasons.

a 5 round .357 - nope, then again, the .357 is a much more powerful round then the .380. I know there is a .357 Derringerthat is for sale that might be that size. The revolver that would be closer to the 3AT would be .38 special snub noses in the small frames.

 

[kingpin008]

Indeed, pretty much the smallest .38 revolver you're going to find is the S&W 642 and similar. Not nearly the same size as the Kel-Tec, but not huge by any means. Most definitely easy to carry.

DrGong is correct - there are a few companies that make derringers in .38 Special/.357 Magnum. One of them (and the best, IMHO is Bond Arms. I'm planning on picking one up for myself as soon as finances allow. Another nice thing about the Bond Arms guns is that all you need to do to switch calibers is change out barrels.

 

[DaleA]

Then there's the new kid on the block - the .327 mag Ruger is selling.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firea...ngth&work=Yes&imagefield.x=23&imagefield.y=11

But who knows if this one will catch on or die out.

 

[Nate C.]

Duplicate post. Technical issues. See below.

 

[Rmart30]

Ive had a P32 for about 5 years, its been flawless shooting and it makes no more of a print in my pocket than my car keys do.
If your wanting something a little larger a PF9 keltec 9mm will conceal a little better than a 642 it carries more rds and is flatter.
My P32 gets carried more than my 642 or any other gun I own just because it conceals so easily and provides me a weapon in certain social situations where anything larger wouldnt work.

 

[Nate C.]

I agree that those NAA derringer/revolvers are cute, but I wouldn't use them or any other .22 for anything more than a belt buckle. (There actually is a buckle that integrates the fully functioning little revolver into it.)

.32 was all the rage a while back, but what's the point with .380 readily available? I'm a big fan of Kel Tec in general and the 3AT in particular. 380 ain't ideal, but its better than a sharp stick.

As for small 6 guns, I don't know of anything as small as a Keltec. The Ruger SP101 snubby in 357-(although it is technically a 'five-gun') is pretty compact--small enough to fit in a boot. Now that Ruger is offering the SP101 in .327 (a true six gun) that might be worth mulling over, if you can stil find 327 ammo in a couple of years.

 

[The_Sheriff]

If I were you, I would stay away from any derringers and just get a J-frame or a Taurus 85 if you really need a BUG.

 

[The_Sheriff]

Bersa .380's are really nice too.

 

[Drgong]

Will have to check out the SP101 in .327... as I am considering the sp101 as a CCW...

 

[coyotehitman]

If you want a BUG that is light enough and small enough that you actually forget you have it on, until you need it, go with the Keltec.

IMO, there is no reason to go with the .32 over the .380. That said, I have owned both and they were reliable. Prior to ever shooting them, I detail stripped them, did the fluff and buff, and a little massaging here and there.

I consider them last ditch defense and compromise guns. I would feel like an underdog if I got into a gunfight with one, but it carries anywhere/anytime and beats using my knuckles.

 

[neviander]

beats using my knuckles.

Amen to that.

 

[Fleetwood_Captain]

Well I wouldn't neccessarily sneer at a .32, it was the bullet that started WWI, but the .380 is definitely an improvement in stopping power with almost 32% more bullet surface area. There's very little size difference between a Kel-Tec P-32 and P-3AT. The .380 magazine does hold one less round than the .32, but I don't think this is a major issue in a mousegun.

Gunblast.com has a pretty good article comparing the two pistols.
http://www.gunblast.com/KelTec_P3AT.htm


Of course, you can't go wrong with a .38 revolver though. A little snubby might not be as compact as the Kel-tec, but you'll always have peace of mind knowing that it will work when you need it to.

 

[C96]

Assuming you want this BUG for carrying, the only really correct answer is a 642.

For a bit of information on the firearm you may wish to visit Handguns:Revolvers area and take a look at 642 Club Part Deux.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=314422

 

[maestro pistolero]

I love my Ruger LCP. so far 200 rounds flawless, no issues. Shot it again yesterday. It's more accurate than it has a right to be (one, 7 round hole at 15 feet with Hydra Shoks, no kidding)

 

[LightningJoe]

there are a few companies that make derringers in .38 Special/.357 Magnum. One of them (and the best, IMHO is Bond Arms.

If you can pack a Bond Arms derringer, you can pack a snubnose.


I think .32 Auto is better for a gun as light as the Kel-Tec, but if you want the Ruger version, you're going to have to go with .380 Auto.


As for the NAA mini-revolver, they're interesting guns (I've got a .22 LR one), but they're not for serious business.

 

[Cacique500]

Take a look at the Ruger LCP - love mine and it's been flawless through about three hundred rounds with all different types of ammo. You can't beat it for the size. When I need to throw a gun on quick, I just put it in my pocket.

If you want to go larger and heavier, consider the S&W 642. Personally, I'd stay away from the derringers or the tiny .22 magnum "belt buckle" guns.

 

[MICHAEL T]

the 22 mag from these short barrels isn't that hot.
I carry a 32 KelTec in my pocket all the time. As a main carry or back up. I have 380 but 32 gets more carry. Both have been 100% relieble.
My wife has a KT 32 also She doesn't like the 380 recoil. She also doesn't leave home with out it.

 

[guntotinguy]

as I am considering the sp101 as a CCW

Smart idea...I have a 2" SP-101 loaded with the 357 mags,shoots great and recoil is manageable.As for the Kelteks I prefer the P3AT (and I have a Bersa 380 also)but only use the 380's as a BUG.

 

[KelVarnson]

a 5 round .357 - nope, then again, the .357 is a much more powerful round then the .380.

Well, a Smith 340 is a J-frame 5-shot .357, but they are hella expensive. Next best thing in a revolver from S&W would be the 642 (although I prefer a 638).

 

[un_lucky]

I started looking at .22 magnum ballistics and got to thinking that it would make for a good back up round

Were you looking at rifle ballistics or handgun?

 

[neviander]

Were you looking at rifle ballistics or handgun?

Handguns primarily, but I compared the 2. Brassfetcher has some nice info. It seems like expansion for a .22 JHP is a non-factor, I guess they have better cavitation?

 

[un_lucky]

For what its worth I ve seen cottontail rabbits take 3 or 4 rounds a 22 mag and keep going. It just doesn't inspire much confidence in me.

 

[elsullo]

Guardian .380

DO check out the North American Arms Guardian .380! It is even smaller than the Keltec 3AT or the Ruger .380, but it is all stainless steel, so it is heavier and thus absorbs more recoil. It is also easier to hold on to. It is just beautiful, and all metal and more weight means that hotter .380 loads can be used, and there are some out there that nearly equal .38 Special. You can even get Crimson Trace Lazergrips! I have a few hundred rounds through mine and it has never failed..................elsullo

 

[mkonops]

At least look into the Seecamp. One of the best investments (they aren't cheap) I've made. Its a top quality pocket pistol with amazing manufacturer support. They are available in both 32 and 380.