Need help selecting the right CCW...

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Prosser,

That is a very light weight piece? Any problems with rust?

Also, it's so damn expensive I would worry about ruining it! But nice things do have their place.. Think it would keep it's value over the years? I like knowing I can get my money out of things.
 
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It's scandium, so rust isn't a consideration.
Buds' has 5 S&W snubbies 15 oz. or under, starting at around 361.00 and up.
.357 is semi-stupid. Most can only shoot .38 Special Plus P max out of that weight gun anyway. I bobbed the hammer on mine. Probably go for a completely shrouded, or partially shrouded hammer if I had it to do over.

Also look at minimum 9mm Kahrs, like the PM9. I have one, it's very accurate, just not as much power as the snubby.

Taurus has a bunch of even cheaper lightweight snubs, but, they can be hit and miss on quality.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_885/Buds+Spectacular+Snubbies/

Also if you live in a free state, there are a lot of small pocket autos that would fit the bill. My only thing is out of that small a gun, like .380, or even
9mm, I'd be looking for a Flat point bullet.
Keltec makes a 9MM that weighs 12 oz.:what: You know it won't be legal in Kali. Kel-tec has ZERO guns approved for sale here.
 
Kangaroo makes a holster for under your arm. It's not easy to get into, but, it does hold the gun well for jogging. I would be concerned that the straps might print after running a bunch. Around here, I would be wearing a sweatshirt, so it wouldn't be an issue.
Kangarooand357.gif
 
Kahr has a cm9 that is small and alot cheaper than the pm9.

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Momano, no I have not. I am looking at it now, online. ..under $400 OTD sounds mighty appealing :)
 
What I would start doing is looking at potential loads, what you think you can shoot, and what is adequate for your situation.

I carry pepper spray or bear spray as a first option, since dogs are most likely my running problem. The gun is only for a bad owner, if the pepper spray doesn't work.

For .38 Special Plus P, and that weight gun, I use either buffalobore's LSWCHP, 1040 fps, 158 grains(they expand like crazy, so perhaps not the best dog round, or, Fioochi 147 grain 1131 fps .357 HP's, also expand well, not great dog rounds: giving serious thought to the Keith style BB just offered, 158 grains).

Then compare those to what you can get in 9MM and make sure you compare them to the .357.

I would look at Kahr's web page, and Buffalobore's, to get some ideas of real velocities out of short barreled guns.

Then pick a holster design, and try out different guns in the holsters.
Running really cuts down what actually is useable.

Some of the little autos, like the Beretta 950, in 22 short and 22lr are
also up for consideration.
 
I may have missed it but..

I have not seen anyone recommend the LC9 yet. I currently own or have owned all the guns mentioned so far including the SP101, several J-frame smiths, Glock's and two LCP's. Of all the guns mentioned so far I would pick a lightweight J-frame like the 642,637-2 or even a Taurus 85UL in stainless or the LCP. I would give the edge to the LCP for the two extra rounds and its compactness. They are great guns. If you can afford a little extra weight and size I think that the LC9 may be the perfect gun. I bought one for my daughter and am having a hard time giving it up. Great gun in 9mm that is small and light and goes bang all of the time. You can get them for under $350 and with a laser for under $400. If you do decide on the LCP, take alook on gunbroker and look for the Lonestar Coyote Protection. I think it is a hoot but is a good looking gun to boot.
 
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I have not had a chance to fire the nano. If you go to the Beretta forum, you'll see the frustration some nano owners are having with FTEs. I've shot the LC9 alot-- it weighs the same as the nano and is less expensive. If you sweat alot; I think you might be happier with stainless steel. Gov. Perry runs alot and carries the LCP-- and is deadly with it -- as far as coyotes are concerned anyway. I love my Smith 442 and my wife loves her 642. Good luck!
 
Thank you for all the help, men. I have purchased a pistol, but it may not be the one for CCW. Btw it is an old beat-up Smith Model 36. Got it cheap and runs good.

In short I am still all ears on suggestions.
 
I currrently carry a ruger LC9 when I go running. It is only marginally larger than the LCP, and carries 7+1 of 9mm. I wipe it off once a week with a Remoil wipe, and it still looks brand new. Don't asume you need a tiny little gun just because you are going to be active. With a good carry system (holter, fanny pack, etc) and a little effort in wardrobe choice, you can carry a respectable fighting sidearm. In Afghanistan, I used to run with some Army SF guys, and they carried CONCEALED M9A1s. Said they didn't want to dirty up their kitted out .45s. So it can be done, just takes a little effot.
 
If you haven't tried one, these are some of the best CCW holsters ever for running.
Believe it or not, they just about make a full sized 1911 disappear. Also, they are tight enough to keep it in place while running, or working out.

http://www.pistolwear.com/index.htm
 
Thank you for the post.

The big one is a tight fit for a full sized 1911, and it doesn't come out real easy.
That said, the 2, the little one, is perfect for a compact. Does need someplace
to carry extra mags, but, the bigger one works for that.

Very well thought out, and well designed.

Have to play with some different combinations.
I REALLY like the neoprene covering all the sharp edges of the gun.
Makes it very comfortable. So comfortable you almost forget it's there. Easy to run, sit, etc. with the gun in place.

I was wearing the full sized number One with a Full sized Kimber last night around the house. Very comfortable.
 
JoNate,

As someone who was also recently in the market for a little .380 (and who also has a little M36!), I have to chime in and cast my vote for the P238. Yes, it is a bit heavier than the Ruger LCP, but you can't beat the accuracy and ease of handling. The extra weight makes it a very fun gun to shoot. I put 150 consecutive rounds through mine on Tuesday, no hitches, and no hand fatigue.

I've shot a Ruger LCP (20 rounds) and the snap was unpleasant enough to disqualify it from my collection. In my opinion, you want something you'll love to shoot enough to practice with. But then again, I do shop more for what I'd enjoy shooting (so I'm comfortable with it if, heaven forbid, I actually have to use it), and perhaps not entirely for ease of carrying, especially while running.

Good luck on whatever you decide! And congratulations on your new M36. :)
 
I prefer the Ruger LCP. It's not the most pleasant pistol to shoot, but that's not the reason I carry it. This gun disappears in my pocket.

Another option is the Beretta Tomcat in .32 ACP. This is a great little pistol with a lot of features for one-handed operation. Here's a review I did of the Tomcat: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_a_3hOs7Xc
 
I see no advantage in a p-238 over an LCP for CC
Click to expand...

I will take a P238 over an LCP any day, but that is just me. I like the 1911 manual of arms, and I like the accuracy of the P238. Recoil is more moderate and the sights are much better with the P238.
 
Sweat and my Keltec

I used to worry about sweating in the Texas heat and my CCW. Bought a new Keltec 3AT when they first came out for $190 and never looked back. Mine has been reliable and has held up well. I put the clip thing on the side and typically carry it against my body inside my shorts or jeans, so it has seen its share of sweat and grime in the past 4 or 5 years. No rust. Wipe it down occasionaly, shoot it often. Fits great in my pockets, too. I regularly take the slide off and wipe it down, but it stays clean mostly inside. I find the wipedown with the silicone cloths work the best. My 0.02
 
Be careful small guns are often snappy and unpleasant to shoot which means people practice a lot less with them.
 
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