Suggestions for CCW holder?

[5ptdeerhunter]

My dad took his CCW class a few weeks ago and now he looking at which pistol he wants. He shot a .380 revolver a little while ago and he really liked it. So today we went to a few places to take a look. At one shop the guy told him they don't make revolvers in .380 anymore. So now he doesn't know what he wants. I know nothing about handguns so if you guys can give me a few ideas for him on what calibers, makers, and whatever else he may need to know. I don't think he minds buying used. But he doesn't want to spend a lot. I mean he wants to keep it under say $700.

 

[Konza]

They may not make revolvers in .380acp but they certianly make .38, .38Specials and .357Magnums.

 

[P95Carry]

5ptdeerhunter - first off . suggestion. Go do a search such as ''What and CCW'' .... ''Which and CCW'' .. things like that. (making the search Boolean and so hopefully more precise)

Not to be lazy but ... it is a common question and there is a mass of info here already.

Thing is .. I and many could about write a book on suggestions .... pro's and con's etc!... and we'd all come up with different recommendations.

$700 tho as a budget is a great starting point .... and also a pre-owned option widens the field. Don't however spend all that on the piece .. keep cash for a rig or two .... ammo etc.

Preferred mode of carry alters choices ... and this includes dealing with seasonal probs ... like thin clothing etc. Many would suggest a 1911 ... either full size or compact . but I'd personally recommend a revo as a first carry piece ... something like an SP-101 from Ruger would suit well .... or if much lighter wanted then a Smith lightweight.

The list is long ... but if you provide more info ..... such as revo/auto pref for your Dad ... and mode of carry he might envisage then .. we could narrow things down better.

If he is thinking .380 BTW - and could find an auto acceptable, he could do worse than aquire a Bersa Thunder .380 . or even a 9x18 Makarov ..... both guns excellent value and carriable too.

 

[DMK]

The best thing is probably to identify his requirements:

Does he want something small and light? Easier to carry, but hard to get a good grip on and short sight radius makes it harder to shoot acurately. Low weight makes recoil more apparent.

Does he want a semi-auto or revolver? Semi autos have slightly more complex controls, sometimes they are finicky about ammo, they can jam if dirty. However, semi-autos can be very thin and usually have a higher ammunition capacity.

How does he plan to carry? In a holster, perhaps inside the waistband? In a pocket? In something like a belly band?

Narrowing down his needs will make choosing a gun easier. Remember, a gun is a tool. To get the proper tool, you need to identify the tasks it will be required to do.

Everything is a trade off with a CCW. I could never find one gun that will do it all. I have three different guns specifically for CCW. A full size 1911, a compact 1911, both for IWB carry and a lightweight J-frame revolver for pocket carry. When I leave the house, I choose the proper tool for the task, attire and environment of the day.

 

[Josey]

I suspect he had a 380/200 or short 38 or 38 S&W revolver. They were made for the standard British revolver cartridge and in small frame breaktops and for WWII LendLease. A S&W Model 10 6 shot revolver is closest to that form today. For $700.00, he should be able to buy used skinny barrel Model 10s in a pair. Holsters, ammunition (not +P), speed loaders and some grips. I suggest looking for a older Model 36 or 60 S&W revolver in 38 Special too. The Model 10 is a 38 Special also.