CCW Options

[Red Tornado]

I've been looking at CCW weapons and I love the size of the Keltec P3AT, but I would really like something in DA/SA with a manual safety. Is there such a beast, and if so, is it reasonably small for concealed carry.

I'm mostly a rifle guy, so any help would be appreciated.
TIA,
RT

 

[ZeSpectre]

Do you have a particular caliber you are interested in?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I like my S&W J frame. You should take a look at a snub nose .38 Special, I think you just might like one.

 

[Red Tornado]

Oh yeah, caliber. I would prefer to keep it at .380 or up. My Mak in 9x18 is going to be my default until I get something specific, but I'd consider a .32 if it fit all the other requirements.

AA, I've got a .38 snub, but prefer an autoloader for CCW. Wheelies just seem so bulky.
RT

 

[strat81]

CZ 2075 RAMI and Taurus Millenium Pro both have external manual safeties.

 

[Geronimo45]

PPK/PPKs or Mauser HSc.

 

[ezypikns]

How about a.....

Sig P 230 or P 232?

 

[kir_kenix]

beretta tomcat fits all the requirements, except it is in .32. good little guns.

 

[Red Tornado]

Thanks everyone. I'll look at all of the suggestions and see if one calls my name.
RT

 

[AirForceShooter]

.380 Bersa
Da/Sa manual safety.
Reliable, accurate and cheap.

AFS

 

[Anna's Dad]

+1 on the Tomcat. I have the INOX and its a great little gun.

Honestly, though, I think you're better off with the little Kel-Tec despite its DAO trigger. Its soooo much lighter and thinner. I stopped carrying the Tomcat the day I bought the P-32 (and have bought a 2nd P-32 since then).

If you're OK with a larger gun, there is the SKYY CPX-1 in 9mm. Its smallish and does have a manual saftey unlike the similar Kel-Tec P-11. I have never owned a CPX-1 so I can't provide real world feedback. From reading their forums, I know that they had some reliability issues early on but the general consensus among their owners is that they are now quality guns with great customer service and a lifetime warranty (similar to Kel-Tec).

 

[Ala Dan]

The Bersa Thunder .380 would be the next up, and a good choice~!

 

[Red Tornado]

Thanks guys, several great suggestions. I've been looking at these all afternoon, and the Tomcat, PPK/s, and the Bersa all look very interesting. Now I need to get to a gun store and see how they feel compared to the Kel-tec.

I could live with DAO, but a manual safety would be a bonus. I figure that in the grand scheme of things, due to my lifestyle and location I'm more likely to shoot myself in the rump than I am to ever need it for defense...so more safety is a good thing.

Too bad I don't have unlimited funds, I'd get one of each and try them all extensively.
RTT

 

[TC-TX]

A most Excellent Choice

Red Tornado - a most Excellent set of Choices awaits you...

I have First Hand knowledge of what I speak (I carry the P-3AT as well - GREAT B.U.G.)...

I have TWO Platforms to strongly suggest. EITHER:

The NEW Taurus Mil Pro Series in 9mm (PT111), .40S&W (PT140) .45ACP (PT745) or .45ACP (PT145). Great SA/DA trigger (SA is the default and preferred mode with DA second strike capabilities) - VERRRRY Sweet Trigger System, AND and external Safety. VERY reasonably priced at around $300 NIB. I purchased all three (111, 140, 745) in a matched set and have been VERY Pleased! LightWeight, Great Size, Great Capacity, Great Accuracy and Great Price!!!

OR

The New XD-SC (compact) Series (again, in 9mm, .40). GREAT Shooter, Striker-fired, single-action-like trigger pull, flawless trigger system, grip safety and VERY Accurate! LightWeight, Great Size, Great Capacity, Sub-$400 price point and Fun To SHOOT!!! I own the XD series in 4 calibers - the XDSC in .40 - and have been Very Pleased!


Gotta love the Choices!!!

 

[Red Tornado]

Thanks TC. I liked the Taurus from what I could tell, but they look kind of blocky. I haven't heard anything bad about the XD, but again, kind of blocky. The way I dress, smaller is probably going to trump most other factors.

The Taurus is on my list for when I make it to the gunstore, and I'll see if I can pull it off. However, since you're overloaded, you can send me a couple of yours for testing.
Thanks,
RT

 

[TC-TX]

Anytime!

The Taurus are NOT blocky though... VERY slim and Great Feeling in the hand... it is THE MOST Under-rated Great Platform out there (IMHO)

AND

It has a LIFETIME WARRANTY!!!

 

[TC-TX]

Almost forgot...

OH - and NEVER OVER LOADED!!!

I prefer Nicely Equipped!

 

[TC-TX]

One more - if THIN Must be IN...

You might look at the KT PF-9

I think all of the teething pains are over...

I bought mine as the 4th in Dallas and a sub-100 SN...

I have OVER 650 rounds thru her and not a single hiccup...

 

[Red Tornado]

Wow, I wasn't even aware of the PF9, I was thinking about a PT11, but the new one's even thinner. Still not quite a P3AT, but definitely on the list.

I'm going to have fun the next time I get to a real gun store.
RT