Questions, might be getting a carry gun...

[Drgong]

Alright, I know that I been asking a question it seems like each 3-4 days

I am looking at a carry gun, I have a BHP and a Nagant for now, both are fun little guns. I enjoy both, but I am now thinking of getting a CCW and then a carry gun, and unless it is the winter, The BHP is not going to be a good conceal weapon.

I don't want to spend a ton of money, so lets say $500 is the limit, saving a little would help as that means i can buy more ammo!

So here a few questions for those who have experience carrying.

Option 1 - getting a ruger revolver, say a GP-100 or the SP. I DO like the DA/SA revolvers a lot, and they have the advantage of being good for SD (no racking and no safeties.) However I do know they are a bit heavy and large.

Option 2 - getting a Makarov or another 9 x 18 guns. as I do like the whole former Eastern block guns (I have a Mosin, a Nagant revolver, and a CZ rifle out of the five guns I own). Also how good are the other nations guns in the 9x18 mak round? (FEG and the like).

option 3 - something else.

Decided that getting a CCW and a carry gun is more important then say, a Ar-15.

The advantage of the Makarov and its ilk is that I could get one in September while the GP-100 would be October or November.

 

[belus]

Why aren't you willing to carry your BHP? It's probably the easiest full size gun to conceal since it's so thin.
I can understand your concern if it's special or impeccably finished and you don't want subject it to summer sweat.

By the time you buy the revolver for summer carry, you're already into BHP season too.

(I'm slightly biased, if you can't tell)

I'd look at a S&W 638. It's small enough to fit in your pocket and you won't have excuses to leave it behind. If conditions allow you to take the BHP you can do so.

 

[km5or]

I do not care for the 9x18 for personal defense and would choose something with a little more power........The GP 100 is a fine gun and would serve you well. A $500 dollar limit does have a few options...............Used (Glocks; Smith and Wesson; Springfield XD).
You can also pick up a new S&W 442 for less than $500. I have a Smith and Wesson Sigma 40VE and love it. You should have no problem picking up a new one for less than $400 out the door. Since you don't mind double action revolver triggers you should have no problem with a Sigma.

 

[Drgong]

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my BHP, but it is my first handgun, and from what I have seen most of the carry options for the gun for me at least would require a jacket or sweater to cover up. That and I DO sweat like the proverbial pig and I like it (the BHP) too much. Once I find out what JHP feed well in my BHP it will be my home defense gun, as when I bought my BHP I did not plan to carry, as I cannot carry to work by law and policy. Now I decided to change that but I need more of a "Beater" gun to carry, exp. for the summer, so a revolver or Eastern European came to mind.

 

[belus]

How about an FM (Argentine) or Charles Daley Hi Power? Same manual of arms for both defense weapons, but they're about half the price.

I seem to be pointing out this website a lot recently
http://www.hipowersandhandguns.com/My Personal Carry Hi Power.htm

 

[Drgong]

I will look at those belus, don't worry, once you get a Hi Power, it is hard to shake the love of those guns off

How similar is the Tokarev to the Hi Power? I guess you would have to carry one of those in condition 3...

 

[irishvet]

You ARE talking about a carry gun, correct?? The question is, what is the best you can buy and practice with. Wheel gun or auto is up to you. Simple controls or more. Go to your gun range, try different weapons; and shoot, shoot and shoot!!! Then you will know. Hope this helps.

 

[woad_yurt]

Go for the Makarov in 9x18. They are reliable, simple, small, accurate, rugged, cheap to feed, etc, etc, etc. I think a Makarov is about as reliable as any revolver. They take 30 seconds to break down. I have a PA-63 and they seem good, too. Replace the hammer spring with an 11 lb. one and the DA trigger becomes very nice. The Mak is much more enjoyable to shoot; the Feg kicks a bit.

 

[Drgong]

irishvet, I will be testing ANY gun that I am considering, I just need to make sure I am not missing a good gun that meets my needs before it goes though me handling and shooting.

I will now be quiet and allow folks to make recommendations on guns that I need to check out in the next few months.

 

[Rmart30]

642 S&W and XD9 sub compact would be two worth checking out.

 

[Guns and more]

I'd get something small for CCW, but one that uses ammo that is readily available (like Wal-Mart available) So, I'd say 9 x19 or .45 acp. or .38. Look at the Kahr's with metal frames (just to keep the cost down.) Or a Kel/Tec-LCP.
I'm sure some will disagree, but to me there is carry, and then there is CARRY. Any gun can be carried with enough clothes over it, but to me concealed carry means small enough to disappear. And weight is a factor too.
Less is more.

 

[jasonguerard]

Check Keltec's 3AT (.380) or Taurus' PT145(.45ACP) or PT111(9MM). In your range, simple, no fancy stuff, CCW.

 

[alex9328]

My suggestion, Find a range that will rent you a gun and shoot a few and then consider limiting your choices. Or maybe a good friend will let you try his gun. But remember that there are always deals to be found if your patient. I have purchase a majoity of handguns as used, all work well and saved a lot of money. Semi or revolver?, A Semi-Auto easier to hidden / contours to your body

Thanks, Alex Longoria

 

[DWARREN123]

A SP-101 in 357 mag, S&W J-Frame, any of the numerous sub-compact semi autos. As long as it fits you and you can shoot it accurately. Ammo should be fairly easy to find.

 

[yeti]

I'd do my damnedest to make that High Power work for me. strikes me as a better choice than .38 or .357 snubbies, nice high cap mags, pretty slim little piece it is. Then I carry a full size 1911, so take it for what it's worth. A good gun belt and holster, that Browning won't be to bad to conceal. Less, of course, you are 6'5" 110 lbs, then any thing is going to print........or blend in with all the other sharp edges.

 

[bragood]

I was lucky to have a friend who owned many different guns when I was looking and after all the fun I finally decided what many do, that a S&W J frame was for me. More specifically I carry the 642. Its light and easy to use and easy to conceal even with shorts and a t shirt.

 

[Elvishead]

my pick 2

 

[Drgong]

Thanks folks

Right now I have options to look at include
S&W .38 specials and small .357s
the Ruger Sp-101 (think the GP-100 will be too large)
Makarov and variants
Hi Powers and variants
someone recommended me a CZ-52

That is plenty of gun to look at for a while

 

[Drgong]

Just as a note, visited a local gun store and the P-3AT is out, I just don't like it at all (nothing personal vs. the gun, I can see why it was made)