Pocket guns range meet

[markthenewf]

Guys,

The missus is figuring on getting her CHL soon, but she would like to have a small pistol. I personally use a compact 1911, but she wants a pocket gun.

We've been looking at several 380's, including the Ruger LCP, KELTEC P3AT, and the S&W bodyguard. Personally I like the look/feel of the S&W pistol but it's the most exspensive and largest of the bunch. The Keltec feels cheapie. The Ruger seems ok, but those sights look like mosquito bites!

I've read many reviews, but nothing beats actually shooting them. We've tried locating any of these to rent at a range, but no luck. Is anyone here who owns these pistols open to a range meet so that we can actually look/see/shoot these mouse guns? I'm a Bayou Rifles member and would be happy to have you along as a guest at either the pistol or rifle range for a couple of hours. The ammo would be on me for your pistol and I'd bring a few of my full clips as well (I've got a couple of 1911's, XD9, Garand, LAR-8 308).

I'm a working man, so it'll have to be on a weekend though.

[longtooth]

Long drive but I have a 3AT & my Mom has a LCP. Pick a Sat I am not teaching a class I you can shoot both of them at my range.

[gigag04]

Im an hour from and have a Kahr P380 (probably the best out of the group mentioned) that I can bring in. Does this weekend work?

Also is she a seasoned shooter? Pocket guns are not for beginners IMO. They need solid basics to cycle right.

[RPB]

did I hear .380?
Someone said "sights?
want a "good" .380 with "good" sights and your familiar with 1911s and a thumb safety?

http://www.advantagetactical.com/store.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
ATS “Micro Sight” for Sig Sauer P238
I highly recommend those sights, others highly recommend the Sig

The sights come with 5 inserts for each front and rear; I prefer Yellow Front, bright orange rear.

I know the sig wasn't in your list of guns she checked out .... you might want to. I know it isn't the cheapest, but my philosophy is , you want cheap, or you want good? ... ( I got rid of my pot-metal Davis, Jennings etc cheap guns years ago)

http://www.advantagetactical.com/colors.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Try the color selector to get an idea of the 25 possible color combinations. User interchangeable if you decide to change them later. I tried them all online, after getting them I tried most on the guns, for all light situations AND background colors (criminals' shirt colors may vary), I prefer Yellow Front, bright orange rear... you'll see when/if you get them.

They published my review here: just above where I signed Ron in Texas
http://www.advantagetactical.com/reviews.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


She can even get her sig "customized" like you'll do with your 1911 http://www.sigsauer.com/CustomShop/SpecialCTU.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
DISCLAIMER: I'm not affiliated with any company, not associated with anyone, not even a girlfriend currently, but I put those sights on everything I own now that they make them for, and am only buying guns they fit, and selling the rest of my collection.
(Also, not accepting girlfriend applications ... saving money for more stuff ... well, so far anyway, conditions subject to change without notice)

[function12]

I like my new S&W 380 bodyguard. I carry it in a Recluse front pocket holster. MSRP is now $399 I believe. So gun shows should start having them chear than that.

[LongHairedRedneck]

I'm booked up for the next few weekends but I'll gladly let you try out my Sig P238 in several weeks or whenever I eventually get another free weekend.

[zero4o3]

while its probably a longer drive then I could make, I will cast my vote for trying out the p238, great little gun, dont think I have ever met anyone who has shot .380 that didnt like it.

[markthenewf]

Guys,

Thanks for all the offers!

Looks like a few of you all are down south of Houston, so meeting at the Manville range (288/HWY6 area) might be reasonable.

I hear lotsa good things about the LCP, but I've only 'handled' a S&W bodyguard at a shop. I do not like the manual laser. By comparison both my 1911 and XD9 have crimson trace grips which operate instinctively without the need of an on/off switch.

The P238 looks very interesting. Though I'm an ok shot, I've always felt the 1911 was better ergonomically for shooting. I've read several reviews and everyone thinks it's as good or better than anything out there (for accuracy/dependability). I've also looked at a Karh P380 and PM9. A friend of mine has a PM9 and he thinks it's the best.... perhaps I need to take him up on a test.

Longtooth: Not a big deal if we could do those and a couple others. In fact, my wife wouldn't fight a trip up there as she went to SFA in Nacogdoches (I can't believe the spell-checker here is confused at that name!) and still has friends in Lufkin.

We had a bit of an incident last night (neighborhood pit bull took a run at my dog, wife, and friend), so I can't do it this weekend. HOWEVER, I'm definitely interested in taking up the offers. Lemme talk to the wife and look at a calender and I'll get back to you guys.

[KahrGuy]

I'm not able to meet, but own both an LCP and a Kahr PM9 - both with CT Lasers. I'd strongly recommend consideration of the Kahr PM9 - if she's strong/comfortable enough to rack the rather tight slide. The PM9 is much, much easier to shoot, larger caliber, same 6+1 round capacity, night-sites possible (great plus), and solid feel in hands. It's expensive, but is the favorite 9mm of all I've shot or owned.

I have not seen (in person) this new Ruger LC9 model, but I certainly wouldn't rule that out either. Since I have the PM9, no need to consider this now - but, the LC9 size & weight is similar and quite a bit cheaper than Kahr... Not sure if/when it's out, but that would certainly be on my short list of possible pocket weapons to consider.

http://www.ruger.com/products/lc9/models.html

The LCP is great to carry in pocket, but I'm seriously finding it even more comfortable to just carry the PM9 IWB with even a lightweight DeSantis holster. Frees up my pockets and is more comfortable in when shorts/jeans/slacks have smaller pockets.

[bigred90gt]

For a pocket gun that can carry more punch than a .380, I vote for a Kel-tec PF9. 7+1 of 9mm sure beats 6+1 of .380, and it really isnt much bigger. I had a Diamondback DB380, which is the same size as the LCP, p3AT, Bodyguard, etc. When I was considering the PF9, I held it up to an LCP, and the difference in size, while certainly there, is not great. I carry it in a Desantis Nemisis holster in my front pocket quite frequently, and very comfortably. In more than 500 rounds, I've not had a single malfunction of any kind, and it is plenty accurate. It also has a decent set of 3-dot sights.

If you are interested, I'm open to coming to Katy to let you and your wife try it out. I live in Baytown, and it would most likely have to be on a weekend.

[longtooth]

Guys,

Longtooth: Not a big deal if we could do those and a couple others. In fact, my wife wouldn't fight a trip up there as she went to SFA in Nacogdoches (I can't believe the spell-checker here is confused at that name!) and still has friends in Lufkin.

Be glad to help. You will be welcome to shoot any we have here. Be in touch to schedule it so as not to conflict w/ a CHL class.
LT

[markthenewf]

Well, we went to a couple of local gun shops yesterday and today and it appears that the wife has become smitten with S&W 638 (38 special revolver). Dunno why (she's shot nothing but her XD9 and my 1911's), but we did go to a range and rent one to try. I don't particularly like it, but it'll be her pistol.

I'm not familiar with the 38SPL caliber (I do 45ACP), but it didn't seem to have any worse a kick than 9 mm. From what I've read, if a modern round is used, it'll be pretty much as effective as a 9.

I believe the collectors gun show is here in Houston this weekend at the Reliant complex. It's where I got my Garand and I was generally quite impressed with the selection and tables & displays. I think we'll be attending and perusing the wares.

[SecedeTX]

Im an hour from and have a Kahr P380 (probably the best out of the group mentioned) that I can bring in. Does this weekend work?

Also is she a seasoned shooter? Pocket guns are not for beginners IMO. They need solid basics to cycle right.

+1 (plus P of course)

Really happy with Kahr, little more $$ than the rest, but worth it. The sights on this gun set it above most of the competition straight out of the box. NO LIMP WRISTING with this one.

Pay the extra once for quality that lasts.

[SecedeTX]

Oh, also, I do not own the 380, but do have the Kahr MK9 Elite that you or she is more than welcome to try. Once you see the difference between the two, you just may lean toward carrying a 9mm. The size difference is not THAT huge, plus you get the extra power of the 9mm.

PM me if you want to try it out. I am in South Houston also.

I have tried the Kel-tec and the Ruger LCP. If it was between the two, I would go with the LCP any day. Neither are very comfortable to shoot on a regular basis. I belive that the Kel-tec and Ruger are not Plus P rated also.