Nope. Observations at the range distinctly indicate that the cheap, little semis provide a false sense of security.
... ah.. cheap [fill in the blank] provide a false sense of security. Millions and Millions and millions of pocket type guns are out there on patrol and in the ranges every day, and a search of the internet has revealed no disproportionate plague of failures *of the gun*. And just to be clear because I don't think I said, I'm talking about sub compact 9's and 380's.
Failure of the shooter, can't argue that. Stupidity reigns, and a failure to practice no matter what the weapon can lead to bad results.
The gun you have in your pocket is way better than the full size service pistol one left at home.
I am well protected by my pocket pistols, and so are millions of others. Are these pistols best for all possible scenarios? Probably not. Will they get the job done in the majority of scenarios, yes.
But the great thing about the choice of weapon is we all have a choice. So each of us can carry what suits them. When my pocket LC9S starts giving me a problem (its several years old and hasn't hiccuped once), I'll replace it. Until then, it is a weapon I can depend on.
I think it depends on RealGun's definition of "cheap" as that can mean Jimenez or Cobra cheap or LC9s, SCCY, etc. cheap. I've yet to have a failure with any of my LCP's, the Taurus PT-22 seems uber reliable so long as the magazine is in good shape and the right ammo is used (which is a big factor as people tend to buy the cheapest ammo they can), so I'm lead to believe that the inexpensive, sub $300 pocket semi autos are fine... with the right ammo.
Having said that, I did wonder years back if the .327 LCR w/ 6 rds vs an LCP with 7 rds was a better choice for self defense given the capacities are about the same, but the .327 chucks a smaller diameter, yet equal weight bullet at higher velocities which make expansion much more consistent and deeper, not too mention easier to shoot accurately at distances over 10 yards.
I did conclude that the .327 LCR was better than a pocket .380 or .32 ACP, but there are just times where you can't effectively carry an LCR concealed, so it's not as tho those pocket semi autos have no place and there's always those who can't afford a near $500 LCR vs a $250 semi auto.
Now I wonder if the 9mm LCR isn't better than the .327 LCR, but then it becomes a question of is 5 shots better than 6 shots, which is better than 7 shots?
At some point we've over thunk things. If you shoot 9mm LCR better than .327, go with 9mm. If shooting the cheapest, most common centerfire ammo available is important to you, go 9mm. If capacity is what matters most to you, get .327. If limited ammo options doesn't bother you and you don't mind being spoon fed what Federal/Speer makes, go .327.
