Smaller Gun question. MAK?

[noresttill]

Im looking for a "pocketbable" (not long term pocket use) little gun to come with me while going to the store at night.

Some stuff about my situation:

-I CCW a full size pistol and was looking at the FEG PA-63 and the polish P-64
-Ive heard the FEG isnt reliable enough for CCW, but have heard nothing of the P-64. Nor have I held either.
-My price range is around $200 OTD
-nothing smaller than a .380 acp (that is even pushing it, right?)

Thanks,
Jesse

EDIT: I realized my question isnt very clear. How is the P-64 for a CCW

 

[Il Duca]

I don't know of the P-64, but I just bought a beautifil little Bulgarian Mak that is about to be put on primary CCW duty. It's lighter, thinner, shorter than the 226 I've been carrying and as it's getting close to winter time it is small enough to fit in a jacket pocket (if you can call the 2 days of relatively cool weather we get every year winter). I'm still looking for someone locally to do a trigger job though and trying to find some good sights...

 

[kirkcdl]

FEG also makes a pistol called the SMC-918,slightly smaller than the P64 with a way better trigger.They also have a model RZ40,similar to a Mak in size,caliber 40S&W...FEG makes pretty decent guns...

 

[makarovnik]

I had a PA-63 and it was cheap and nice looking but I did not like it. It jammed regularly even with FMJ and kicked like a snub nose revolver loaded with .357 magnums. The P-64 is a decent gun, but I can't remember if it has an alloy or all steel frame. I like all steel. I would gladly trade a little added weight for a more durable frame that kicks less. Makarovs are great. Another nice inexpensive pistol is the Romar Model 95. It it the size of Walther PP series, comes in .380 and is very reliable. The double action trigger is about 10 lbs though. CZ 50's and 70's are also very compact and reliable.

 

[Wesker]

Maks are hot little guns. The 9x18mm aint no slouch when it comes to power, but the gun is all steel and would be a bit heavy for pocket carry. There are better options out there for this purpose, so I would consider the things like Seecamp or kel-tec for pocket carry.

Talk to PlayboyPenguin about it, he seems to like it

 

[joneb]

I would seek a Makarov PM , CZ 82 or a Bersa. Prices will vary, best wishes

 

[Zip06]

The search for a more compatible "pocket" gun is never ending. I thought I had found the answer with the Glock 26 but its just a little fat for me. I do believe that if the G26 came out with a thinner profile and a single column stack then two things would occur in rapid order. First Kahr would go out out of business and second, I would be standing in line to purchase one of the new semi-autos for myself and several family members.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

I would seek a Makarov PM , CZ 82 or a Bersa. Prices will vary, best wishes

Of the items mentioned, none is really a pocket gun, unless we're talking huge jacket pockets.

Under $200 and fits in slacks pocket? You might find a small Taurus or Rossi revolver (probably need to remove the bulky rubber grips though). A hammerless one would be ideal (less to snag), but harder to find.

If you're a very, very good boy, you might find a S&W snubby for around $200 if it's in cosmetically bad condition.

I see small .25 ACP autos of decent make (Beretta, etc) for under $200 on occasion, but that's getting a little small.

Here's my solution for cheap grab-n-go carry: Rossi .38Spl w/ Barami Hip Grip and Tyler T-Grip. The Barami grip has a claw that holds on to your trouser waistband, so you can tuck it in your pants and have it held securely. I wouldn't carry it all day like that, or while doing calisthenics, but it's nice and convenient.

 

[Cueball]

Kel-Tec P3AT

 

[joneb]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colt_Model_1908_Vest_Pocket
This by defintion is a real pocket gun. Anything else is just a opinion

 

[Prince Yamato]

FEG PA-63

Bought one recently. Shoots fine, carries nicely, and the ergonomic handle is VERY comfortable.

 

[RON in PA]

Stay away from the p-64 unless you have the strength of a gorilla, the DA trigger is impossible. The Bersa has a good reputation and the Makarov is a bit heavy,but in a good pocket holster doable.

My recommendation: it's above your budget and it isn't an auto, get a J-frame Smith like a 642.

 

[weregunner]

Why not go over to www.makarov.com or www.gunboards.com and check over there. The makarov site has info (A FAQ) on all the various 9by18 semi-autos and the stats on ammo and there are threads recently posted by users and newbies on just this subject. Do a search on the archives for earlier info. The sponsers of the gunboards ( which can be clicked on) sell the pistols you are inquiring about. Click on the makarov forum itself if you go to the gunboards section first. If at the Mak.com research the faqs and message board. Have 2 Bulgie Maks which have given good service and can recommend them. How ever if a pocket pistol is desired the smaller P64,SMC318,and the P63 would be better choices. Triggers on the smaller autos are tough,but there are techniques or inexpensive and easy fixes without a trip to the gunsmith. Good luck and keep us posted on progress.

 

[noresttill]

Thanks for all the replies!

I finally got to the gunshop to handle a few walther PPKs and PPs, not as small as i thought. P11 is lso not as small as i thouht. Bersa thunder is the same size.

I handled the KT P3-AT and really like it for the size and capacity. I believe that it will win the prize of never being seen. I have not heard one bad thing about these thing after the first 50 rounds.

Its in stock and the shop is asking $299 for it (and he tends to be the cheapest and most pleasant shop around), how does that price sound?

Know of a place that has SD .380 round comparison?

Jesse

PS.that smc-918 looks great. Ill have to pick up some FEG stuff in the future.