Small auto aesthetics

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You're in luck that one of the best portable pistols is also good looking. I wouldn't look any farther than a Kahr 9mm. No need to.
 
buckhorn_cortez said:
My question is why not get a revolver if you don't like the looks of automatics? My wife has a number of automatics, and she carries a stainless steel, .38 caliber, 5-shot, S&W, Chief's Special (Model 36). She loads it with +P .38's.

The pistol is small enough that the whole gun fits in the palm of my hand. If you don't like autos - why not a revolver?
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I'm a revolver guy, so that's my usual train of thought. I was just under the assumption, from those that I've considered in person (Taurus 85, S&W "Ladysmith" DAO) that they were all going to be larger than any auto in it's comparison. There's a Ladysnmith for $300 locally, may just have to grab it.
 
I'm a revolver guy, so that's my usual train of thought. I was just under the assumption, from those that I've considered in person (Taurus 85, S&W "Ladysmith" DAO) that they were all going to be larger than any auto in it's comparison. There's a Ladysnmith for $300 locally, may just have to grab it.
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The automatic will be thinner when compared to the revolver because of the cylinder on the revolver.
 
Ash, an Aesthete eh?

As a kid, I liked the lines and proportions of Lugers, Whitney Wolverine, Mauser's Hsc, Nambu 14s and Ruger's Standard (aka MkI after the MkII came out)and Walther PPKs. I still appreciate their design.

Then Dad bought a Colt 45 auto!!! (I never called them a 1911 until a second mfgr started making the darned thing)

Hey now. It was like a light turned on; I was heretofore blind but now could see. Martial as all getout, T'was... Manly. The others suddenly became, I dunno, a little less "masculine" in appearance.

If I could find a little Colt Govt in .380 that didn't cost an arm and leg and if it was in 9mmx19 in lieu of the 9mmKurz and if frogs had wings and I was born rich instead of good looking...:rolleyes: I'd be sitting pretty. But alas and anon. I did inherit Dad's 1908 which is pleasing to the eye (or my eyes at least) so I got that going for me.

Look for a small pony, dig deep into your pockets, tolerate the .380 for what it is. Might be right up your alley. Then again it might not. Beauty, eye, beholder... all that jazz.

Walthers PP series, SIG 230 or 232. Makarov, CZ 82/83. Beretta's 80 series. Check those out as well. Tres Chic. Nice lines. Small round. Trade offs and/or European designer styling ("I just needed to shoot him a little. In America they feel the need to shoot him big.")

But they're still not Colt or S&W wheelguns... are they? :D
 
This is one of the most compact, reliable carry guns you can buy. Another poster has shown you the stainless steel version (MK9). They are both fine guns. In my opinion the MK9 is not as easily carried in a pocket but it's more comfortable to shoot on a regular basis. (Free translation: I'm envious of the MK9...LOL.) I've had my PM9 for almost 5 years now, and I've put over 3000 rounds through it. I routinely change recoil and mag springs to avoid some of the issues with short action semi-autos.

Yes, I'm aware Kahr's are a little pricey. As an alternative you might look at the new Ruger LC9. I personally can't vouch for it but if you can believe anything you read about them they should be another good choice.

I've also owned the Bersa 380 and it too was reliable. I'm not a huge .380 fan so I stick with the 9mm or .40 S&W.
PM9_CloseUp4_LR.jpg
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"If I could find a little Colt Govt in .380 that didn't cost an arm and leg and if it was in 9mmx19 in lieu of the 9mmKurz..."

That's why I bought a 9mm EMP.
 
There's a Ladysnmith for $300 locally, may just have to grab it.
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For $300? What are you doing typing and not driving down there???

As for the auto's, there are many good looking concealable guns that will function, but Davis/Lorcin/Jennings/Bryco/Raven/Etc. aren't among them. Leave that junk for the 'bangers.
 
That's why I bought a 9mm EMP.
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My lust knows no bounds... but those puppies cost 2 arms and a leg... ya know? :D

And if you put up a photo I might become guilty of coveting my neighbors gat, because those are not too big, not too small... but is it "just right"? Only seen one in a LGS case. One!

I await a long term range report and wonder about the spring longevity, part wear and/or replacement thereof, etc on SA's EMP once they've been shot a few thousand rounds.

I will say, they do look "just right" to moi.
 
"There's no need for a lecture, please."

Someone else could benefit from it, you never know who will read a thread. Threads take on a life of their own sometimes.
 
HisSoldier said:
That's funny. That's how I feel about revolvers. Just sayin.
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Yup. Hardly a dig at anyone. Just preference, as is all this stuff. Some people have seemed incredibly offended, to the point of acting rather rude, for opinions and preferences. To each their own, man. At least you like something.
 
JohnBT said:
"There's no need for a lecture, please."

Someone else could benefit from it, you never know who will read a thread. Threads take on a life of their own sometimes.
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I just get a little tired of the safety talks and people telling others that they don't know their own business. I see it very little in any other hobby that has a consumerist edge to it (music, videography/photo, computers, collecting), it just starts to get rather irritating, is all. You should treat people as if you don't need to assume that they have no idea what they're talking about and are lesser than you in taste and intelligence.

I don't mean to be rude, and I hope this doesn't come off as harsh, just an observation I see in the gun community more than anywhere else.
 
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My lust knows no bounds... but those puppies cost 2 arms and a leg... ya know?

And if you put up a photo I might become guilty of coveting my neighbors gat, because those are not too big, not too small... but is it "just right"? Only seen one in a LGS case. One!

I await a long term range report and wonder about the spring longevity, part wear and/or replacement thereof, etc on SA's EMP once they've been shot a few thousand rounds.

I will say, they do look "just right" to moi.
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I found one barely used in a local gun shop at a reasonable reduction in price from new - otherwise I probably would not have one either. Sales person showed it to me after I told him I wanted a small 9mm. He said it was the only one that he had ever had in used. The shop sold it to the original owner and took it back in on trade for a different gun.

I've shot over 1,500 rounds through it 115, 124, 147 grain bullets in both FMJ and hollow point. It has never malfunctioned. Have not shot any +P through it. Recoil spring needs replacing at about 2K rounds, so I need to order one.

It is easy to shoot and accurate. I have never had anyone shoot it who did not like it and want one. Had one friend who shot it and went out the next week and bought a new one. It is, in fact, a 9mm that is "just right."
 
For aesthetics in the pocket I like the looks of the Walter PPK but it's not 9mm.

If it has to be a sexy 9mm I would be looking into that Springfield EMP.
 
Don't know how small of a gun you want but I think the Colt New Agent is a darned good looking gun with its blued steel and wood grips, and they come in 9mm (or .45 if you want to step it up). I LOVE my Springfield EMP-9 too, but it's a bit more expensive and a bit more modern looking (for a 1911).
 
I just get a little tired of the safety talks and people telling others that they don't know their own business. I see it very little in any other hobby that has a consumerist edge to it (music, videography/photo, computers, collecting),
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Think it might have to do with the risk factors? There aren't too many dangers involved with musical instruments, cameras, digital electronics or postage stamp/coin/baseball card/etc. collections. Mistakes with most hobbies have only a monetary pricetag; Mistakes with firearms can be far more costly.

Buy a cheap guitar, you get crappy sound. Buy a cheap camera, you get crappy pictures. Buy a cheap gun, you could wind up missing fingers or eyeballs, or even get someone killed.

it just starts to get rather irritating, is all. You should treat people as if you don't need to assume that they have no idea what they're talking about and are lesser than you in taste and intelligence.
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When you profess fondness for a gun that is universally know within the shooting subculture to be absolute junk, we (reasonably) deduce that you could use a little enlightening. It is not intended to be condescending. Constructive criticism.
 
If you knew these forums you'd know better than to actually expect much help here. Many of our members are actually wearing eye patches and typing one handed right now because of cheap guns if you go by what you'll hear around here. ;)
 
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