Which of these two only would you rather have for concealed carry defense?

[Mike Franklin]

If I'm carrying a gun, I always do, I want plenty of gun.
Glock 22, because my Boss says to.
Colt SAA .45 Colt when I'm on my own time.

 

[tiger rag]

Kinda tough totin that saa concealed Tex . I like the MAK

 

[Cactus Jack Arizona]

There is a belief that there are no 9x18 Makarov hollow point rounds that are of modern development. I must politely take issue with this as there is the Hornady JHP/XTP hollow points made in 9x18 Makarov, and made in America.


For those who don't know:
9x17 (.380)
9x18 (Russian Makarov)
9x19 (9mm Luger)

The Makarov is a bit more powerful than a .380, but not quite as powerful as a full-blown 9mm.

Without a doubt, the Russian hollow points that can be found lack the shiny prettiness found on American made hollow points. Their openings are not quite as clean and as uniformly cut as American hollow points. However, they are still quite capable of getting the job done. And that's all that matters in my self defense book.

 

[gbelleh]

Personally, I would prefer to carry the Mak because it's flatter (easier for me to conceal), has 4 more shots than a j frame, and I shoot Maks better than j frame snubbies. When I have carried a Mak, I've loaded it with 115 grain Silver Bears that seem to pack quite a punch.

 

[fastbolt]

Colt SAA .45 Colt when I'm on my own time.

I used to do the same thing, except I carried a 4 5/8" Ruger Blackhawk chambered in .45 Colt. Also carried a similarly short-barreled Blackhawk chambered in .44 Magnum for a while.

The fellow in charge of the firearms unit back then didn't care for me carrying a SA revolver off-duty. It didn't help matters that I was fast and accurate with it when running through the courses of fire. Couldn't argue about the reloading speed, though. He was right.

It didn't come as much of a surprise when it was later announced that SA revolvers were no longer authorized for off-duty usage.

I must politely take issue with this as there is the Hornady JHP/XTP hollow points made in 9x18 Makarov, and made in America.

It might be useful if the available choices included something from the Golden Sabre, Gold Dot, T-series, HST (or even Federal's Premium Personal Defense line) or Barnes XPB solid copper hollowpoint lines, though ...

Folks are entitled to make their own informed choices ... except, of course, if it's a matter of policy.

 

[HisSoldier]

The Mak is large and heavy for a .380 (Or the 9X18 for that matter, not much difference), and there are many smaller lighter .380's. I don't own any revolvers and probably never will.

I like the Makarov, but I like the S&W PPK/S much better. It's extremely accurate, and it's still heavier than it needs to be.

 

[jad0110]

The fellow in charge of the firearms unit back then didn't care for me carrying a SA revolver off-duty. It didn't help matters that I was fast and accurate with it when running through the courses of fire. Couldn't argue about the reloading speed, though. He was right.

That may be, but that is what a BUG as a NY reload is for. I know a guy who routinely carries a Ruger Vacquero in 45 Colt, but he also carries a Kel-Tec P32 as a BUG.

I don't know how he does with the P32, but I pitty the dumb butt who would mess with him when he's got his SA.

 

[woad_yurt]

Why do people say the Mak loses out due to parts and ammo unavailablity? Mak parts are common, dirt cheap and very, very easy to install. There are many more people who can disassemble and reassemble a Mak than those who can do the same with a J-frame. A modern revolver is a fairly tricky mechanism; it's not simple. Plus, 9x18 ammo is plentiful & cheap, cheap, cheap. Order some, that's all.

 

[tinygnat219]

Feh,

Use whichever one floats your boat. The 38 SPL alone has more defensive loads available than the 9MM Makarov will ever have. That alone makes it a better choice IMHO.

 

[mavracer]

I have no problem carrying my Mak, it is plenty accurate and 9X18 has enough power IF i do my part.
that said I carry my M&P 340 way more.

 

[un_lucky]

Put a J-frame in your pocket and a mak on your hip.

 

[Loomis]

38 snubbie.

I hate oddball calibers. If you had said 38 or 9mm , then I'd have said the 9mm.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Here's a pic of the two in question, along with the "gold standard" (for me) in the middle - a gun both smaller and more powerful than either. But the Kahrs are pricey, and of course a lot heavier than an alum. or titan. j-frame.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

P.S. .38 special ammo is now MORE than 9mm - a lot more! Win white box 100 rounds is $39 for 50 rounds at Walmart, compared to $29 for 100 rds of 9mm! Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.

 

[cookekdjr]

In general, I prefer an alloy .38 b/c I know I'll always have it with me. The Mak is such a brick I may leave it in the car. The only time I'd prefer the Mak is when I'm on round 4 with the snubbie and I know there's only 1 left. With the Mak those extra 3 or 4 rounds would be welcome at that point...
David

 

[Catherine]

I would choose # 1 between your 2 choices.

Quote:

1. A snub-nosed, 5-shot, small frame .38 special revolver.

Catherine

 

[denfoote]

 

[fiVe]

Had a Mak, but switched to S&W 642

If I recall correctly, there is a 12oz difference between the heavier Mak and the lighter J-Frame. My East German was a tack driver, but I'm glad I switched. Ammo purchase is easier, and with a Mika round-cut pocket holster, my 642 is very easy to carry.