Pocket Pistol for Concealed Carry

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Wait a minute!
In referance to the .380
James Bond never seemed to have a problem.

It should be noted that the original 007 used a Waltehr pp/k in .32 auto, with even LESS than a .380 ballistics. Just sayin.

Now the PP/K is made in .380, and seems to typically go for about $500+/- used.

Other than nastalgia, I'm not sure that it's really a better gun than the LCP, but I sure have to wonder when you are advised by Ruger to "file stuff down"?

I still like my S&W 442!
 
I can not understand why anyone would give weight to the practices of a character in a series of novels, or to fictional works at all. Or has there been a refinement of the definition of the word 'fiction' away from: "the class of literature comprising works of imagination in prose form, a made up story"?

James Bond doesn't matter.
 
The little mouse that roars....
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Or...the little Mustang that bangs...
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Or the little German who never jams...
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I carry the Kel-Tec PF-9. I have put several hundred rounds through it with no problem. You cannot beat the size for concealability and the accuracy is fine for a gun this size.
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I have a kahr PM9. It's pretty nice little pocket gun. I really want something smaller and lighter. Probably go with a keltec 32 caliber.

Some day, that is. When prices come down and guns are easier to find. Right now the market is insane.
 
Is the Rohrbaugh as particular to ammo selection as the Seecamps? (I wouldn't mind upgrading to a proper 9mm come tax return time.)
 
I own both a Kahr PM40 and a S&W M&P 340 .357... I carry the .357 exclusively now as a BUG on duty and as an off-duty pocket gun loaded with .357 gold dot short barrel ammo. It is accurate up to 25 yards, very light, and packs a good punch. I even load it with 180gr cast cores for bear protection while hiking.

You can't go wrong with a J-frame.
 
I carry the Kel-Tec PF-9. You cannot beat the size for concealability and the accuracy is fine for a gun this size.

Yeah, you can. See the Rohrbaugh.

As for the other questions, Rohrbaugh recommends only non +P rounds, though John Farnam uses +Ps in his with no problems. I've not tried much different ammo; I use Silvertips. You do have to hang on to it as limp-wristing is easy to do with such a dinky 9mm.
 
How many

times does this need to be said.

In SA. Kahr, PM9 and or LWS .380 Seecamp.

Otherwise get a snub nosed J Frame. Ideally a M&P 340 with CT 405 grips.
Load it up with 135 gr. plus P SGDFSB or BB and put it in a Mika Roundcut holster.
Don't forget the Bianchi speed strips JT1 style 2/2 split.

:D
 
Larry Seecamp recommends either Speed Gold Dots, Winchester Silvertips, and/or Corbon XTPs for his guns. I was curious if Rohrbaugh had such a list as well?
 
My PM-9 would be my choice IWB, but not pocket carry, it's too bulky. I'll probably get a LCP when the frenzy calms down, as it's a real pocket gun. I'd really like a .380 Seecamp, but I'd have to find a deal. The Kel-Tec doesn't appeal to me.

Rohrbaugh 9mm is classy, but $1000 and then you are told to replace the recoil spring every 100 rounds! Are you kidding?
 
I'm not an expert with handguns, but if you ask me I feel a little more at ease with a small revolver. No chance of a jam there. It seems to me the smaller the semi auto hand gun the more likely they are to fail. I have a snub nose that has been slicked up with a great trigger, chamfered, and the trigger rounded and polished. I feel totally confident with this set up.:)
 
Since the OP expressed concerns about the power of the 380acp, he might consider similar sized guns in more powerful chamberings.

Kahr .380 ACP (Polymer Frame Model)
Model P380
Caliber .380 ACP
Capacity 6+1
Operation Trigger cocking DAO; lock breech; "Browning - type" recoil lug; passive striker block; no magazine disconnect
Barrel 2.5", Premium Lothar Walther Match Grade Barrel
Length O/A 4.9"
Height 3.9"
Slide Width .75"
Weight Pistol 9.97 ounces (w/o magazine)

Kahr (9mm Polymer Frame Model)
Model PM9
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 7+1 (magazine with grip extension)
Operation: Trigger cocking DAO; lock breech; "Browning - type" recoil lug; passive striker block; no magazine disconnect
Barrel: polygonal rifling; 3.0", polygonal rifling; 1 - 10 right-hand twist
Length O/A: 5.3"
Height: 4.0"
Slide Width: .90"
Weight: Pistol 14 ounces


Kahr (.40 S&W Polymer Frame Models)
Model PM40
Caliber: .40 S&W
Capacity: 5+1, 6+1 (magazine with grip extension)
Operation: Trigger cocking DAO; lock breech; "Browning - type" recoil lug; passive striker block; no magazine disconnect
Barrel: 3.0", polygonal rifling; 1 - 16 right-hand twist
Length O/A: 5.35"
Height: 4.0"
Slide Width: .94"
Weight: Pistol 15.8 ounces

You have a 10oz, a 14,oz and a 16 oz gun.
You have a 380acp, 9mm para, 40S&W.
All of them are about the same length, height and width.
Is weight more of a concern than bringing enough gun to a gunfight?

What makes you comfortable?

Personal preference.

I have no personal experience with Kahr guns.
 
I have and they are supur super semi's desinged for the best concealment money can buy.
 
What about a Taurus Mil Pro? I havent checked one out yet, but its on my radar screen. I now carry an LCP in my right front pocket, that I take w/ me like Im takin my car keys. Im thinkin of a Mil Pro, for "winter weight" type of gun, but I dont know how bulky the gun is. Its priced right thats for sure.

BTW I think the LCP is a pure stroke of genius for Ruger, I love mine, and have had no issues w/ the gun. I am waiting for the "recall package" from Ruger to send my gun in, I would've ignored the recall, but they giving me a free magazine for it. I am very suspicious of reports of accidental discharges, but Im suspicious by nature
 
I'm going to throw in a +1 for the Bersa Thunder .380... Although slightly larger than the P3AT and the LCP, and slightly heavier, I never had an issue with the one I owned from `03-`04. It went bang every time, never jammed, and fit nicely in my pocket or IWB. It's all metal (aluminum frame), and has very little recoil.

The first shot double action can be mitigated by pulling back the hammer manually, and the safety is also a de-cocker. The newer models also come with a built in trigger lock.

I think the price speaks best for this gun though, it has everything you could ask for in a little gun, and sells for less than $350 (Satin Nickel version sells for $338 M.S.R.P.)

Weight: (unloaded): 20 oz. (560 g)
Length: 6.61 in (168 mm)
Barrel length: 3.54 in (90 mm)
Action: DA (First shot) SA (Continued fire)
Mag Capacity: 7

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BERSA_Thunder_380


They also make a "Concealed Carry" version of this gun, that is lighter, and has a form fit grip, but I'm not sure of the exact weight on that one... I believe it's mag only holds 6 however.
 

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Here are my thoughts. Bear in mind I do not have my permit, but will be taking class soon. As such, I have been looking for a carry piece. For me it comes down to 3 models: Bersa .380, Kel Tec PF9, Kel Tec P11. All are about the same size, cost is similar, etc. I have held all 3 and they all fit well in my mits. I like the weight and size of the Kel Tecs, but I like the all metal frame of the Bersa. Also, the only negative on the Bersa, is the 380 part. Not because it's not a good SD round, but I would prefer (at this point) anyway to only have to buy one type of ammo (practice and SD). I also own a Sigma SW9VE. That one is small enough to carry IWB, but the Kel Tecs can be pocketed with ease (maybe the Bersa well). Right now I have them ranked: PF9, P11, Bersa 380.

JM.02
 
380 Kel teck

I like the P3at with Power ball at 1,100 fps or extream shock ammo
 
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