Small back up recommendations?

[T3hK1w1]

lol Carlson1, you had your chance at it It's headed to the range tommorrow, y'all can expect a range report upcoming
Seriously though...a .45-70 derringer would be a great concealable gun against...grizzly bears
They should make one in .458 Win Mag

[fm2]

Seriously though...a .45-70 derringer would be a great concealable gun against...grizzly bears
They should make one in .458 Win Mag

Yep, I am waiting with baited breath for the S&W 500 derringer.

[Flatland2D]

Another vote for the P3AT.

I picked one up at the gun show last weekend and put 100 shots through it earlier this week. I had one FTE on the last round of the first magazine, but no problems whatsoever after that. I chalk that up to not being broken in yet. Granted that was only 100 rounds, but I have no worries about this gun. Before its first shot I stripped and cleaned it, then gave it a full "fluff and buff".

I was also considering the Guardian, but I heard it was quite a bit heavier (though I think it's a tad smaller). It also has a ridiculously heavy trigger pull out of the box.

The Seecamp is much more expensive and has a waiting list. And the Rohrbaugh R9 at around $900, it's way too much for me for a pocket pistol.

[goldshop]

I'm going to take mr surveyor’s advice and get a new Kel-Tec P3AT if I can find one. I looked in a couple of gun shops and online but have not been able to find one in the Houston area. I will calling a few shops tomorrow. Flatland2D if you don't mind me asking what did you pay for your P3AT at the gun show?

[stroo]

That looks just like my gun. I find it beautiful. And small. Plus it has been proven by about 100 years of experiance.

[Diode]

Pasadena Gun Show is the 28th and 29th. Caters Country has new ones but I think you'll get a better deal at the show. IMHO!

[calvinbr]

My summer type handgun with a tee shirt is my S&W 19-5 in 357 mag. For a button up it will be my Glock 23 in 40 cal or both.


calvin

[Rex B]

I have the following:

P11
P32
P3AT
NAA Black Widow .22 Mag

I always have one of the 3. Currently favoring the NAA revolver, mostly because it's so darned cute it's like wearing jewelry. And it's the smallest gun I own, disappears in the tightest pants pocket. It's also perfect for outside and working activities because it's stainless steel and you can sweat on it.
But for defense use it only makes sense to carry something that doesn't have to be cocked before each round. So that leaves the Keltecs. The P11 is too big for me to comfortably carry during the summer. The P32 is fine for low threat level areas. But the P3AT is just right for most all occasions. I don't feel lightly armed, and it's ready to go Right Now.

Shops here in DFW seem to be marking the P3AT at $259 lately. I have seen some marked $299, but I think that's wishful thinking - or good drugs.

[goldshop]

I emailed a few local gun shops for a Kel-Tec P-3AT 380 (preferably hard chrome) from work today. So far I only got one reply.

"Yes I have 3, they retail for $385.00 + tax. Cash will get you one for $359.00 tax included".

That is more than I want to pay. It looks like I will be going to the Pasadena gun show next weekend.

[Greybeard]

FWIW, I've carried both K-9 and PM-9 for at least 2 years apiece. Quite pleased with both - for what they are. K-9 mags do fit pm-9. K-9 loaded goes at 32 ounces, PM-9 at about 19.4 - and definitely more of a pocket gun. If ya shoot much, the money ya save between .380 and 9mm ammo will pay for itself pretty quick. And the 9 is a little hotter and heavier ...

[motleystew]

I just looove my NAA mini revolver in .22Mag. Mine has the fold-up Hogue grip..folds up for clip-on pocket carry and when unfolded, gives better purchase when firing.

[TEX]

I have a Keltec 380 that has been very reliable. About 300 rounds total through it and not one malfunction of any kind. It is not a real accurate gun however, I think because of the combination of sights and trigger. Mine likes the Magtech hollow points (Golden something or the other, not the solid copper ones) The Magtechs give the best group with Winchester Silver Tips as the next best group. I would prefer to carry Corbon's or Magtech's solid copper hollow points because of it penetration ability, but neither one will shoot acceptable groups in my Keltec 380 - too many flyers. I do not shoot this gun a lot because, considering the cartridge and the guns diminutive size, I don't think it would stand up to thousands of rounds like my Glock will, or has. With slow careful fire it will keep 6 rounds on a sheet of typing paper at 10-12 yards with most ammo and half a sheet with my chosen defensive load. I think the gun is capable of better accuracy than that, but the imprecise sights hinder this. Anyway, because in a situation where I might actually use the gun slow precise fire will not be an option, I consider it a 3-yard or eye socket & ear canal gun. Mine is lovingly called my "Church & Golf" piece. I can wear it in a custom ankle holster and almost forget it is there. I have even taken it jogging in a belly ban before. I have never pocket carried it, but this would seem a viable way to carry it as long as in was in some type of sock holster that covered the trigger. Keltec makes a screw on clip for the 380 and 32 (380 is a better choice because the rim is even with the case side) that allows you to hang it in a pocket or inside the waist band with dang near none of it showing, but it is a little hard to get to. There are a number very light weight revolvers to be had, but in my opinion they are too bulky and usually limited to 5-shots. The Keltec gives you 7-shots (6 in mag and one in tube), with the ability to easily carry a spare mag. There is a company that makes a very small, and expensive 9mm not much bigger than the Keltec, but the one I handled was significantly heavier than the Keltec, and I don't really know if you get that much extra performance out of a 9mm vs a 380 in such a super short barrel.

[Greybeard]

Old notes sez 124 grain factory Gold Dots chronoed at 1,041 fps out of PM-9 in 2006 ... and in 2004, 90 grain Winchester FMJs from Keltec .380 at 874 fps ...

[stroo]

If all I am carrying is a pocket gun, I carry my Kel Tec P 11 and just make sure I have big enough pockets. I just hesitate to go below 9 mm for my only gun.

[goldshop]

I'm not looking for a pistol to replace my Kahr K9 only a smaller pistol to carry when some activities makes it hard to conceal the Kahr. I have had the Kahr since I first got my CCL back in 1996. It has been extremely relievable not one malfunction in over eleven years. When I retire the K9 as my daily carry it will most likely be with another Kahr.