On the hunt for a BUG

[AustinMRH]

I love my 9mm Sig 239. It is beautiful to shoot, carrys well, and has always performed flawlessly at the range. But in some situations it is a little big and bulky. So I am in the market for something smaller as a BUG and a more svelte CCW. I should say, I am trim/athletic, so IWB/OWB tends to buldge out unless carried at 5-7, which is a less than ideal location. I'm also keen on the idea of a slight beater gun. One that I can throw in my backpack (safe and secure) and take out camping for a few days.

So I guess first question is SemiAuto or Revolver. Then comes caliber, I'm a good shot, but don't want to worry about small caliber shot placement, rather I want damage, wherever I hit. Last is price, which is already pretty set for me, cheap (less than 400). I'm fine with used.

This weekend (weather permitting) I am headed out to Pearland to shoot with friends, one of whom has a small .357 I can try out. From there I would love to also try out one of the little 380 autos, maybe a Walther or a Bersa. Alternatively there is also the Keltec 9, to keep everything chambered the same (though my hog gun is a .357 lever, which means I always have .357 around).

So what are your thoughts?

[A-R]

Lightweight, snub nose .38 +P revolver ... S&W, Ruger, Taurus ... take your pic

For what you want, this is a no-brainer.

[function12]

I have a Bersa Thunder and a S&W BG 380. S&W BG 380 hands down is the winner. Nowhere near as snappy as the Bersa. I did the same thing. I normally carry a G30 (45 acp) in a Comptac Mtac. I know often carry the BG 380 in a recluse front poket holster and I am out the door in a flash.

[USA1]

Lightweight, snub nose .38 +P revolver ... S&W, Ruger, Taurus ... take your pic

For what you want, this is a no-brainer.

+1 on that.

I've been so happy with mine. It goes everywhere I go.

The other day my wife noticed mine in the pocket of my
bathrobe and said "You even have your gun when you're wearing a robe? ".

I said "Of coarse, crime doesn't take a vacation just because I'm lounging around the house".

[Mastodon]

Love my snubby as a BUG.
Whether .38 +p or .357, will be able to share ammo with the lever-action. I like my 1894 as well.

[74novaman]

Love my snubby as a BUG.
Whether .38 +p or .357, will be able to share ammo with the lever-action. I like my 1894 as well.

[RECIT]

I agree on the wheel gun in .357. It just works, but be sure you can shoot it before taking the plunge. .38spl +p or not +p is no big deal even in a snubbie. The main thing is you can hit what you are aiming at with the snub. If you don't want to be as concerned with shot placement then forget the .380acp. I don't think is enough power to STOP the threat in its tracks unless put in just the right spot.

[Dan20703]

Everyone should own at least one snubnose revolver. It's just the right thing to do. Depending on your budget there are a wide variety of options. In my humble opinion the best choice would be the S&W 340 (TAM has one). Light weight and able to use the .357 magnum or 38 special rounds but they are costly.

[Mr.ViperBoa]

I miss my 239. It was to this day my favorite pistol. I loved carrying it concealed. I dont think I ever shot another pistol that was as easy to shoot as that one. I wish I never sold it. It was a .357sig I bought it brand new when they first came out for like 490.00 bucks. Try getting one at that price now. lol

[RAM4171]

Lightweight, snub nose .38 +P revolver ... S&W, Ruger, Taurus ... take your pic

For what you want, this is a no-brainer.

+1 on that.

I've been so happy with mine. It goes everywhere I go.

The other day my wife noticed mine in the pocket of my
bathrobe and said "You even have your gun when you're wearing a robe? ".

I said "Of coarse, crime doesn't take a vacation just because I'm lounging around the house".

My 642 is IWB @ 3:00 in my jammies as I sit here watching "Bait Car" with Mrs. RAM. She really thinks cute that I have my 92AFS in the medicine cabinet when I shower

[shootthesheet]

I am going to move up to 9mm from .380 for my BUG as soon as I find what I want at the right price. http://ruger.com/products/lc9/features.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[A-R]

I am going to move up to 9mm from .380 for my BUG as soon as I find what I want at the right price. http://ruger.com/products/lc9/features.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Noticed this the other day. Not sure if these are actually available yet, or just a place holder on their web site.

http://www.cabelas.com/semiautomatic-pi ... ol-1.shtml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[The Annoyed Man]

Lightweight, snub nose .38 +P revolver ... S&W, Ruger, Taurus ... take your pic

For what you want, this is a no-brainer.

+1 on that.

I've been so happy with mine. It goes everywhere I go.

I agree, although make mine a .357, but a lightweight snubby is a must have. Simple, reliable, powerful, concealable, pocketable, light. What's not to like?

[A-R]

Lightweight, snub nose .38 +P revolver ... S&W, Ruger, Taurus ... take your pic

For what you want, this is a no-brainer.

+1 on that.

I've been so happy with mine. It goes everywhere I go.

I agree, although make mine a .357, but a lightweight snubby is a must have. Simple, reliable, powerful, concealable, pocketable, light. What's not to like?

This guy says you're wasting .357 Magnums in a snub-nose.

http://ammo.ar15.com/project/Self_Defen ... /index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I dunno what the truth is, but I know my hand (especially my thumb) thank me for firing only .38s in mine

[rdcrags]

I agree with light weight 38 J-frame 5-shot revolver. Mine weighs 12 oz empty, only it's never empty.