Hmmm, what do I need next?

[chaim]

My deal on the S&W 908 that I thought I had 2 months ago fell apart (no real fault of mine or seller, things happened- no hard feelings). Now I am left without a good CCW sized semi-auto in a full caliber. However, I live in MD so it is rare that I'd actually need such a thing. I may occasionally get up to VT or a couple times a year go to a state where a FL non-residents permit would be valid, but usually I can't carry (MD).

For that occasional use I do have a few revolvers that would work- a Colt Police Positive Special, a 3" S&W 65LS, a 4" S&W M19 (though I'd hate to mess up the bluing) and a Taurus 85. I also have a Bersa Thunder in .380 as well as a couple thinner full-sized autos that could occasionally work when dressed appropriately (a 1911 and a CZ 75).

Given that I would only occasionally use this, and I have other alternatives (just not a "perfect" sized and chambered auto) do I really need to rush out to get a single stack, 9mm or greater, CCW type gun? I don't yet have a true pocket pistol (though the Taurus 85 and Bersa are pocketable). Should I be looking more along the lines of a Beretta Tomcat or Kel-tec P32 to cover a completely new catagory? Since I have things that will work, and won't need them for this much anyway, should I just look for a nice range gun (Taurus PT92, Beretta 92, Ruger P90, SA Mil-spec or another CZ 75 variation)? Should I look for something sized in the mid-range (and maybe a double stack) that is a good range size but will be a little more suitable as a CCW than the CZ 75B or 1911 (Taurus PT911, S&W 910, CZ 75 Compact, CZ 100)? Should I forget a handgun altogether and just get a carbine and a shotgun (home defense)?

These are all options that I am looking at seriously. Whichever I choose might be my last gun purchase of the year. What do you guys think?

 

[DMK]

Instead of spending money to buy another gun, get a really good IWB holster and belt for that 1911. You'd be surprised how easy it can hide with a decent cant to keep the grip from poking out.

 

[Ladybug]

Oh to be buying a gun again...

You probably don't NEED this, and it sounds like the caliber might be too small for what you want, but for a "pocket" gun you might look into the Sig P232. I have one and LOVE it. It's pretty tiny, but accurate and a joy to shoot.

I want another gun.... waaaah.

 

[JCM298]

IWB holster

Take a look at Wild Bill's Covert Carry. I have one for a Smith 340 and it is the best IWB that I've ever had:

http://www.wildbillsconcealment.com/index.html

For 4 years, I carried a Sig 220 in a Bianchi IWB holster with no problem,

John

 

[chaim]

So far I guess 2 to 1 the vote is a good IWB (how about the Galco NSA II) for the 1911 instead of a CCW size gun (I already own a decent belt- my daily belt is a 1 1/2" Bianchi dress belt/holster belt). In that case I guess the vote is for whatever gun I'd prefer, needs not considered (in which case I'm still stumped since everthing listed is about equal on the list).

You probably don't NEED this, and it sounds like the caliber might be too small for what you want, but for a "pocket" gun you might look into the Sig P232

Hmm, a .380 in the same relative size as my Bersa...It is another pocketable gun but not a pocket gun. I'm not sure I want a P232, however I'd love a used P230 eventually. Right now though it is another "in between gun" (not quite a pocket gun, not a 9mm or more CCW), a good gun but it doesn't quite fit neatly into any particular need/niche.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Got a Beretta 92 I'm thinking about letting go.

Rough exterior, very good interior, shoots great, early model, straight 92, safety on frame, no decocker, magazine release on left-side grip near bottom, either 4 or 5 15-round magazines...

 

[chaim]

Mike, if I decide to go with the full-size I'll probably have to give you a PM. I wouldn't mind a Beretta (understatement), however I'm not a big fan of the slide mounted decocker/safety. I'd love an older Beretta 92 in the old, safety on the frame, configuration. Unfortunately, since you are in VA I think BATF rules require an FFL transfer (I think that normal face to face sales are illegal even for private individuals if out of state). I'll check w/ MD state police to see if MD's usual private transaction process can be done if the seller is from a neighboring state (horrible process though- must take gun to state police barracks, fill out my background check form, you hold gun for 7 business days, then when you get the paperwork showing I am "not disapproved" you can give me the gun). I'll also double check BATF rules, and if I'm wrong then maybe I can go to you.

 

[Mike Irwin]

Chaim,

I'm pretty certain that it would have to go through an FFL.

This Beretta does NOT have a decocker -- just a straight safety that can be applied with the hammer in any position.

 

[Spot77]

You did seem fond of Norton's USP9f at the last MD shoot

You could always go with the compact.......

 

[chaim]

Yup, I did like that HK. Perhaps though I should rephrase to "What should I get next, that isn't going to cost an arm and a leg". Unfortunately I can't really afford something right now that is going to run me in the $700 range (local prices).

I think I may have made my choice (though I'll look a little first). I love my Charles Daly 1911. I know some haven't been as lucky as me, but it is a good gun. I've wanted a small 3-3 1/2" 1911, though I know the reputation is that they aren't particularly reliable. Given that, I'd rather spend the $450 for a Daly then spend $800 or so for the cheapest (local prices) Kimber or SA in that size. If it is a bad short barrel 1911 I'm out less money. Well, a local dealer still has a Charles Daly with the 3" barrel. I just might give it a chance (and it is a 1911 style so if I do get a lemon it shouldn't be that hard to get fixed up).

If I do go this way I guess you'll be hearing about it within the week. I have to decide relatively soon, they only have one and with no built-in locks, no more new Charles Dalys can be brought into MD. However, at $450 that is a little more than I had in mind right now. Also, a small pocket gun or a lever rifle in .44mag or .357mag are calling to me quite strongly as well (or maybe an M1 Carbine, or a .41 magnum Taurus Tracker). I'll try to make my seach quick (maybe I'll decide by Wens) so this one should still be an option.