Looking for a smaller CCW

[Just One Shot]

I have a number of pistols with the smallest being the Bersa Thunder .380. I am totally satisfied with the Bersa but it isn't the smallest pistol out there.

I'm looking for something that is as short and narrow as, but with a slightly longer grip than the .380 Ruger LCP and the Kel Tec that will be easier to conceal when I'm in an environment that prevents the use of a jacket or an untucked shirt.

Any Ideas?

 

[kokapelli]

I have replaced the floor plates on my P-3AT magazines with Bersa extended floor plates and they work very well.

Here is my Bersa, P-3AT and P-3AT magazine with the Bersa floor plate installed.

 

[Girodin]

A mustang +II would be very close to what you are describing but they are spendy and hard to find.

Do you want something longer than the KT/LCP grip its self or longer than what the magazine with the grip extension provides? If it is the first then you might simply consider those pistols with the grip extension mags.

 

[Just One Shot]

I haven't handled the Ruger with the extension. The one I did handle didn't have them and I could only get 1 finger on the grip. Even with the extension I will only be able to get 2 fingers max on the grip. This is why I was seeking a slightly longer grip then the LCP or P3AT.

 

[Lonestar.45]

I have a Kel Tec 3AT and I put on Bersa mag extensions, and a Hogue Handall JR. grip (upside down and trimmed, super glued in place). Makes all the difference in the world.

Next up in size would be my PM9 with, or without Pierce mag extensions. For concealability I like the mag in the gun w/out the extension, and the spare mag with.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Ket tec with finger extenion made a world difference when shooting Corbon
Mustang fine but looking at around 700 ontodays market KT better idea.

 

[gglass]

I carry my LCP with pierce mag extensions. Even with large hands, I can easily shoot the LCP accurately. I wear a tie and dress shirt for business with my LCP in a custom holster between my arm and chest. With a non-fitted shirt, there isn't the slightest chance of printing. The best part of the tie is that I can leave one chest level button undone for quick and easy access to my LCP.

Here is my LCP with the pierce extension.

 

[Five of Clubs]

I have gorilla-sized hands. My hands hang off the bottom of a full size 1911 with a magwell in place. That said, I never have had any trouble shooting my Ruger LCP. The mag extension others have suggested would be a nice thing to try before you write off the LCP. Plus, Hornady is now making some hotrod .380 PD ammo that really makes the LCP a viable defensive option.

 

[wrs840]

...That said, I never have had any trouble shooting my Ruger LCP. The mag extension others have suggested would be a nice thing to try before you write off the LCP. Plus, Hornady is now making some hotrod .380 PD ammo that really makes the LCP a viable defensive option.

I ran into my handgun and CCW trainer and advisor in a gun store Monday and was asking him what compact auto would be lighter than my 442 for summer-wear pocket-carry, with the prime consideration being reliability, without sacrificing too much stopping power. He pulled his Ruger LCP out of the back pocket of his shorts. This really surprised me that he would carry a .380. I've known him since I was in the ninth grade, he's retired LE and a big Glock .45 fan. He said the new higher-juice .380 rounds had enough oomph to make the LCP a reasonable SD weapon, and that he and the guys at the FOP range had found the reliability of the LCP to far surpass all other compact autos. I think I have a new pistol to buy. If I can find one.

Les

 

[mrt949]

KEL TEC makes a plus one mag extension .

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Kahr K9. Too heavy? Try a P9. Still too big? PM9.

 

[benderx4]

Seecamp LWS380

or

Rohrbaugh R9

Expensive and worth every dime.

 

[LT1coupe]

I've owned a few pocket Kel Tecs & have replaced them with the Ruger LCP. We have a pair of them & although neither one is fun to shoot, they have been flawless. The 1st was an early model, the second a later model. Both were recalled, Ruger sent prepaid envelopes & had them back within a week. Fully updated with a free mag. Buy a used one that needs the recall & you'll wind up with the latest version & an extra mag. The quality of the finish work is better than either of the P32's or P3AT's I had.

 

[MICHAEL T]

The quality of the finish work is better than either of the P32's or P3AT's I had.

I didn't buy for the looks A 3 of my Kel Tec have been relieable and 2 get carried every day . Their a pocket SD pistol not a show gun, Enjoy your LCP but looks alone would not cause me to trade .

 

[IMTHDUKE]

Here's what I do....pocket carry....holster of course...either one of these....dealers choice.

 

[LT1coupe]

Quote:
The quality of the finish work is better than either of the P32's or P3AT's I had.

"I didn't buy for the looks A 3 of my Kel Tec have been relieable and 2 get carried every day . Their a pocket SD pistol not a show gun, Enjoy your LCP but looks alone would not cause me to trade"

I didn't swap for looks silly. My comment was about the quality of the Ruger vs what I've seen in the 5 different KT's I've owned. I was a machinist by trade & a mechanical analyst for the past 20 years. There is a very definate difference in quality between the two Rugers we own & the 5 Kel-Tecs I've owned in the past. I'm not bashing KT, in fact I have a Sub 2000 on order.