Lightest handgun available (for CCW while running)

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You might try a holster shirt like one from 5.11. Never tried one myself, but they seem like they would be good for a run. Might allow you to carry a bigger gun.
 
I wouldn't get a lightweight gun. I'd recommend a better holster. If you're worried about getting shot, then get a Ballistic vest...or run on a treadmill.
 
Wow guys, lots of feedback, thanks! First let me clarify a little bit. The neighborhood isn't quite as bad as I apparently made it sound. It features regularly on the police blotter for drug arrests, solicitation, etc. and the the occasional violent crimes (of which my buddy Ian being shot is one of the more extreme examples). It's not like I'm living in Harlem in the late 80's, but certainly what I'd call a rough neighborhood.

As for some people suggesting I should not carry and just plan on fleeing the situation: that is always my general plan. Even when I'm not running, and carrying a hi-capacity .40, .45 or 10mm with one or more extra mags, my philosophy is if there is any exit route that allows me to not suffer harm and exit the situation, I will take it. I'm no hero and if I can walk away without pulling my gun, I'll do it every time. I carry for the very small chance I am put in a situation where that is NOT an option. I will do the same when I am running for the same reasons. Even though we have a "stand your ground" law in FL, I don't plan on ever using it (we see how well that works out for some people). I have no problem tucking tail and leaving my pride behind me if it means I get to live another day. I still want the security of a firearm in case the option of running away isn't available to me. And for the treadmill suggestions, that's not a bad idea, but I do don't do well with treadmills. For anything over a half hour or so, I start getting a little motion sick. I guess it has something to do with having proprioception telling my brain I'm moving, but having a stationary visual field.

I think I've already decided to get one of those pistolwear holsters for whatever i end up getting (came across them earlier) or that activeprogear one... like the chest rig idea, and looks like it has room for a few other essentials. Also, thanks for recommending the S&W 360, I'm not familiar with those, I'll have to try and handle one at the shops or a gun show soon and see how it feels.

Thanks again guys, all the suggestions and advice are welcome (even if I don't end up following it). I come here for advice for all the diverse opinions, I'm a firm believer that we learn as much (more?) from the opinions we don't agree with as those we do. You've certainly opened my eyes to some things I hadn't considered. So thanks, and keep 'em coming!!

P.S. for those who made comments about 3 miles being a long run: GET OFF YOU BUTTS! :D My 11 year old niece runs 5ks (a gnat's ass over 3 miles). I used to weigh 250 lbs (I'm only about 5'9", current healthy weight of about 175) with knee and back problems, so I know how hard it is to get started. If you can manage to work your way up to even 1 mile every other day, you'll be amazed at how much more energy you have, how much better you sleep, how much weight you lose, and most importantly (at least to me) how much your sex life improves :eek:
 
My first thought was s&w 340. My second thought was the s&w351c, which is the 22mag lightweight revolver.. Couple ounces lighter than the 340 empty, and the advantage should be magnified when fully loaded (5 rds 38spl weighs more than 7 rounds of 22mag). Total package should be 12oz or so, which is pretty damn respectable.

If those are both out, I GUESS an lcp would be my next option. The size of the lcp (so small in the grip i can't seem to hold it comfortably) and lack of sights and long trigger make me glad I don't have one. If I could get a revolver close to the lcp in weight (fully loaded I think the 351c would be within an ounce or so of the lcp) I absolutely would without a second thought.

Full disclosure: I'm not a fan of the "carry often, shoot rarely" mentality. If I'm carrying it, I want it to be what I'm MOST comfortable and proficient at shooting. So my answer will be clouded by my desire for an easily shootable carry gun. If you're planning on buying something, putting a couple hundred through it to break it in and never shoot it again, then what I see as the sw snub's shootability advantage isnt that important lol
 
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CDR_Glock said:
I wouldn't get a lightweight gun. I'd recommend a better holster. If you're worried about getting shot, then get a Ballistic vest...or run on a treadmill.
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No offense, I mean this honestly... why did you even bother to reply to this thread? I mean, I specifically said that if your only input was to say something snarky about me needing a bigger gun, to save your breath (see below).
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.
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I truly wonder what kind of person takes the time and energy to click on 'reply to thread' and type out a response, then click on the post reply button, knowing full well that their comment is immaterial to the topic of discussion. Would you do this in real life? If a group of co-workers were having a discussion about which porsche is best, would you waste the time to interrupt and tell them that a GMC 1/2 ton pickup is the best porsche? Maybe I'm assuming too much, and you are so drastically removed from the concept of exercise, physical fitness and exertion that you honestly don't realize that your suggestions to wear ballistic armor, or carry a 20+ oz. gun on a 20-30 mile run is impractical. I'm going to go with that assumption, as the other alternative is to assume you're just a troll.

Sorry, I realize this is a little harsh, but I REALLY hate it on forums when people ask a specific question, and others reply with snarky comments that do nothing to promote discussion on the desired topic.
 
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My vote for a PF9. It may not be the lightest of the options, but if it wasn't light enough for me, I'd find a better way to carry it so that it doesn't beat and chafe me while running. That way you can keep a respectable caliber and still be lightweight. You can also get a .45 that only weighs 12 ounces (Heizer defense). That's a couple ounces less than the light PF9, but only 2 shots at the ready. The keltec .32 weighs a little over half that. You have to calculate the weight of the rounds in the mag to give a more accurate idea of what each will weigh when you carry.
 
Yet another vote for the P32. I carry a PF9 as an EDC, but went with the P32 for those situations when I need "truly light, ready, and hidden." The reasons I chose it over the P3-AT include the extra round, last-shot slidelock, and faster follow-up when shooting due to the gun being so much more controllable.
If you've never shot one, try to find someone with one to try out. They really are easy to shoot, even in rapid-fire.
The thread below describes my first impressions with mine:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=599654

If you do go this route, then stop by www.thektog.org/forum and read about the P32 and, in particular, management of "rimlock".
 
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DefiantDad said:
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.
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Based on the OP's neighborhood and time of day description, I second the treadmill idea.
 
I was once handed a Scandium Smith and Wesson revolver just to feel the weight. I do not know any specs about it but it was extremely light.

Just did a search and found that a S & W M & P 357 magnum in scandium with a titanium cylinder weighing 13.3 ounces.
 
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Check out a Ruger LCP (My carry weapon)
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I second this. I do about a mile every morning and usually carry my LCP. It's a pleasure to carry and I can barely even feel it. By contrast I occasionally open carry my Speed Six instead of the LCP and that thing really weighs me down. It really makes a difference in the difficulty of the run.
If you can manage to work your way up to even 1 mile every other day, you'll be amazed at how much more energy you have, how much better you sleep, how much weight you lose, and most importantly (at least to me) how much your sex life improves
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I agree 100%. Ever since I started running, it's done wonders for my health--both physical and mental. Best decision I ever made. I'm a firm believer that a mile a day keeps the doctor away.
 
Not the lightest of the guns suggested (but still very light) I would consider a Ruger LCR due to it's ergonomics. It is a very personal decision weight is one consideration but so is the ability to deploy it in an emergency. As it comes out of the box the LCR is very easy for me to draw while securely concealed -YMMV.
 
Smallest and lightest gun I've found that i like is the NAA in 22 magnum. The 22lr was smaller and lighter but just too tiny for my hands.

I carry mine in pocket everywhere and usually forget its there.
 
Its all in HOW you carry it.

I usually carry a Ruger SR9 when I'm running (if I'm carrying) but today, I opted for a pocket carried LCP. The LCP is a much lighter and smaller gun, but it was much less enjoyable than the larger gun carried IWB.

I'd look into the LCP, or an equivalent .380. Maybe you can find a small 9mm.

If the area is as bad as you make it sound, it may be worth carrying the extra weight of a larger gun, if you feel you're going to be likely to need it.

Hope this helps:
Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson
 
kayak-man said:
Its all in HOW you carry it.

I usually carry a Ruger SR9 when I'm running (if I'm carrying) but today, I opted for a pocket carried LCP. The LCP is a much lighter and smaller gun, but it was much less enjoyable than the larger gun carried IWB.

I'd look into the LCP, or an equivalent .380. Maybe you can find a small 9mm.

If the area is as bad as you make it sound, it may be worth carrying the extra weight of a larger gun, if you feel you're going to be likely to need it.

Hope this helps:
Chris "the Kayak-Man" Johnson
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What holsters do you use? I was just curious.

For activities such as these, I go with a balance of a Galco Stow and Go with a gun that won't be too awkward to bounce off of my P.T. Gear like my Ruger LCR 38+P. I have a Supertuck but that only works with belts, really.

A belly band if I need deep concealment. I see concealment shirts are also helpful if I'm dressed in a fitted/tailored suit, since ankle carry is pretty obvious to me (big bulge).
 
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I actually walk. Don't laugh, I walk rather fast and you'll get there eventually also. Beauty of walking, even briskly like me, is that you don't have to change what you normally wear for CC. My normal EDCs are with me on all walks. And I've lost 15 pounds in the last 4 or 5 months and that's good because it will probably stay off.
 
FlaBoy
Lightest handgun available (for CCW while running)
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P-32, P3AT, & LCP are the guns that will offer a good balance between weight & power. I carried the P-32 for about a year on a regular basis. Didn't even know it was there half the time.

The PF-9 is too big IMO. I'm wearing one right now, and it's pretty much the same size as my P-11. I might as well carry the P-11 and have an extra 5 rounds.

My suggestion would be to go with an armband type of holster and go with a LCP or P3AT.
 
What holsters do you guys sue running? I was lookign for maybe an arm-band style or I've seen a few belly-band style one out there. Any suggestions on specific makes/models that you guys have experience with? I don;t like the idea of a fanny pack, I've tried using those before to hold powerbars, etc on my longer runs, and they flop around way to much, I imagine it'd be much worse with a loaded boom-stick in there. Basically I'm looking for something that holds it tight to my body and would allow for reasonably quick access. I think anything that clips to my running shorts is out... they are super flimsy, and the style with the built-in underwear, so pretty much no room inside the waistband for a gun. Thanks again guys.

And here I figured I might get one or two responses to this thread. Glad you guys managed to surprise me :)
 
Running is weird. I've found that with my LCP in a blackhawk IWB holster I can just clip it into the elastic band of my shorts at about 4 o'clock and it is totally fine, although my runs max out at 5 or 6 miles. However 3:30 or 4:30 and it bounces up and down like crazy.

I have also noticed that my typical jogging pace works for this method of carry, but when I do bursts of speed to catch a light or something, it starts to bounce up and down a lot more. It is still secure, just a bit uncomfortable to have the 12 oz or whatever it weighs fully loaded bouncing up and down on your butt.

There is probably a better more secure way to carry it, and if I were to employ a belly band or something I could maybe carry more comfortably, but my thought is that (male) runners aren't often attacked for the simple fact that they usually don't have anything worth taking except maybe an iPod (which I don't run with, for the whole "situational-awareness" thing). There is still the chance of unprovoked random acts of violence, gang initiations or something so I still try to carry, but I think .380 is plenty.

Also from a ST&T perspective, make sure to mix up your runs and routes. Don't do the same thing at the same time every time. If I wanted to get the jump on an unassuming runner and I knew he ran past this same corner every day at the same time, I'd be using that knowledge to find a nice hiding spot and wait for you to stroll past.
 
The NAA .22mag black widow is 6.2 oz, I would expect the .22lr version to be even lighter yet. I have carried an LCP in an armband--kind of looks like an Iphone in an arm band, on my longer runs. I can tell you with certainty that after 10 or 12 miles, it was definitely an issue. Any imbalance really becomes noticeable to me at that point.
 
I use this:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/64...automatic-revolver-30-to-34-waist-elastic-tan

And a big old glock 26.

Do I like it? Not really. It stays put if I wear it high, but it makes the draw very, very awkward. Nothing flops around, very tight and secure. If I wear it with a dryfit shirt, you can definitely see something is there on my body shape, unless I wear a really loose dry fit shirt which sort of defeats the purpose. I do a little more than running, I typically run around the block (1 mile) and throw in some strength training at the local playground...monkey bars, climb the fire pole with only my arms as well as bicep and shoulder pullups to failure. Wash, rinse, repeat for three miles. I never have to check it, it always feels tight and secure against my side. However, if anyone catches a glimpse, they'll poke fun of you for wearing a girdle. :neener:

Honestly, it is a quiet neighborhood and I only carry when I'm running near dawn or dusk. If it is midday, I'll forgo the hassle and not carry.

I think I'd be happier with what holdencm9 mentioned, I just haven't got around to buying one, yet. I'd probably be more inclined to carry more often while running.
 
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