Concealed Carry options

[David E]

I think just having the firearm on me and the 'fear' that it would provide, if ever needed, is the most important thing. I think that with CCW, the fact that it is there, is the most important thing. In the case where a CCW should ever have to be potentially utilized, I would think only in a small number of situations are shots actually fired.

"Fear" for the bad guy.....or you?

Many bad guys don't fear a gun being pointed at them. Many have been shot before, so if you think they will crumble to their knees at the sight of your mouse-fart gun, you better think again.

Sounds like you think you'd be almost as well served by carrying a blank pistol, or even a realistic toy.

The problem comes when it's time to shoot and your chosen gun doesn't have enough power to do the job.

Any gun with you bears any gun not, but that does not mean they all perform the same.

 

[Teachu2]

If all you had was a 1903 .32 S&W Long, I'd say carry it - but I sure wouldn't recommend buying one for that purpose. There are so many better choices out there.

 

[oneounceload]

I load for several 32 SWL and my low-powered loads are because my guns are old. I am not going to "hot-rod" them and potentially cause damage to them. Therefore, IMO, they would be better than nothing, but there are many good choices out there, especially in the pre-model 10 M&P 38s

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

I hate caliber wars. The only thing I can add is that we should shoot the largest caliber we can manage in fast accurate follow ups. I think if everyone trained sufficiently at a high level many would be surprised at how slow they would be trying to follow up with calibers that are large. I can triple tap 3X per second while moving with 9mm now - until last Summer and many, many hours of training move/draw/shoot while moving I could not manage it with anything bigger than a .32 or .380.

I feel strongly that moving in the face of imminent attack is more important at the outset than defending yourself and that the return attack of force meeting force must only/can only begin after moving first and quickly in a lateral direction to the attack. If a big truck comes screaming 'round the corner and can kill you, you don't take a stance/pull a gun/make a plan...you MOVE! and you move right now.

If a person attacks you with a deadly weapon you MOVE! and you draw and return fire/defend yourself while moving laterally to cover and providing the attacker with only a deflection shot. This is my philosophy and experience having been attacked and trained to defend myself and having trained others who have defended themselves in combat. I feel strongly that the biggest caliber in the world is useless if you cannot hit repeatedly and accurately with it while moving. The bigger = best/only logic only applies if you can do this while moving and shooting and, frankly, I feel that many people might do a lot more good with something they can manage than a flame thrower that kicks like a mule at the worst moment in your life.

Bigger is better if all things are equal and they never, ever are in a real fight for life. People should use what has the best chance of working for them and if that's a hand cannon then so be it and you are lucky as well as trained and large of stature. Unfortunately the most likely to be attacked are the smaller of stature and less trained among us. If the best you can do is move like a bunny and hit 'em 3X a second center mass with a .32 then that's what you use. Training (a lot) will tell you which camp you are really in and dictate the Tools of Life.

That said, opinions are excellent if they are qualified. Again, let your training and your experiences during that training guide you to the right tools and correct calibers.

VooDoo

 

[improperlyaged]

Honestly it comes down to several factors for me. Poking holes in people is always bad for them, no matter the size. You aren't overly likely to ever actually need to use a gun in self defense if you simply pay attention to your environment and leave when it doesn't look good. 95% of the time if you do draw your gun you will not have to fire it according to some study somewhere (can't remember). Even then if you have to fire it most offenders will leave at either the sound of the gun, or after being hit will immediately stop attacking you (again another study from somewhere I can't remember).

All that being said, if you like the 32 s&w long and feel confident with it, then buy it, shoot it, and carry it. Its your choice and whether or not you ever have to use it should use it don't be thinking that its too little or too weak, just be thinking of where to place those rounds. Ballistic studies mean nothing in the field in combat conditions

 

[SC Shooter]

The Colt 1903 is an iconic gun designed by John Moses Browning, and is a peerfect size for a CCW. If you want a little more puch, the Colt 1908 is the identical gun but in a .380 ACP caliber. You might also want to look for a Remington Model 51 designed by John Pederson. This is the basis for the new R51 that remington has announced. All are great oldworking collectables.

 

[torqem]

I've pointed a gun at people 5x. All of them froze in their tracks. Almost any cop will tell you the same thing. Having to fire is pretty rare, and misses have changed a lot of minds, too. Actually, the old colt .32 is big and very heavy. for a .32. The Keltec, at 7 ozs, is about right. A necklace pendent cartridge should be in a pendant- sized gun. The locked breech of the KT helps quite a bit with the recoil.

There's an old tale about a grizzled old veteran TX Ranger, who was asked what he thought of the .32. He answered" they should come with chocolate handles".

 

[Skribs]

Speak for yourself Voodoo, I love caliber wars! Arguing anonymously is what the internet was designed for!

I guess another factor is if this is a gun you'd really like, there's a greater chance you'll take it to the range more often

 

[hartcreek]

I have several 38 SW cal. revolvers. The least expensive was $100 the most expensive an Enfield was $175. My most carried CCWs are two five shots that together cost me $250.

 

[mrdeltoid]

After going through many carry guns and agonizing over caliber and round count, I came to the conclusion that a good carry gun is something you can use easily without a lot of thought AND you can hit something 6 feet away without using the sights.

If you like it, carry it. Any other fussing about is just academic.

 

[Hometeached1]

I love caliber wars! Arguing anonymously is what the internet was designed for!

I guess another factor is if this is a gun you'd really like, there's a greater chance you'll take it to the range more often

Yes, but the derail SO many threads that it gets annoying!

 

[Skribs]

This revolver doesn't have a rail system, so it's impossible to derail this thread.

Dont worry, I wont quit my day job...

 

[jimbo555]

In defense of the 32long watch the Reagan attempted assassination video and see what 6 rounds of 22 did to a group of secret service and police armed professionals. And a ricochet almost killed the president! I carry a glock 30s by the way, not as pretty as a colt but works for me.

 

[orpington]

Okay, so maybe the bullet might bounce off someone once fired, but it shoots really well!

I shot a group I could almost cover with my hand at 25 yards. Hornady No 32050 85 grain XTP bullet, 2.1 grains Bullseye.

I am impressed with the group, if not the stopping power!

 

[orpington]

I just fired a round of .32 S & W Long at a 2 x 4 (so, on its side, it is 1 1/2"). The bullet went through the 2 X 4 and just nicked the 2 X 4 behind it. This seems good enough for self defence, I should think? I can understand the virtues of a more powerful round, but a fir 2 X 4 is much denser than skin and muscle...

 

[PistolPete45]

The usual answers apply Largest caliber you shoot well . I love a 44 special . loaded a bit hot . A 45 is a great gun as well . I do understand about that carry problems thing larger guns are heavy and harder to conceal. Remember criminals come in large and sometimes XL .. Performance enhancing drugs and so on ... I love the hand cannons ....