Crystal Ball Poll

[Ivan B]

Ok, you decide to put a pocket pistol in a “time capsule” so you will have one for self-defense when you are in your 80’s (in my case about 30 years from now). Your selection criteria are reliability, size, weight, easy to shoot, easy maintenance, ammo availability and stopping power. For the sake of argument assume that you agree that shot placement is more important than stopping power. Comments on long term storage of ammunition in a controlled environment (say a bank safe deposit box) are welcome. Your choices are:

1. S&W 332 6-shot 32 H&R magnum titanium.

2. S&W 351PD 7-shot 22 magnum scandium.

3. S&W 342PD 5-shot 38 Special titanium.

4. Other (please specify).

 

[Waywatcher]

Well, I certainly wouldn't choose a rimfire, so the 351 is out.

Theres a lot more ammo choices for the .38, so I would pick that over the .32.

But to be honest I'd rather have a Glock 26 with 11 rounds of 9mm.

 

[jlh26oo]

But to be honest I'd rather have a Glock 26 with 11 rounds of 9mm.

And someone lets you know that one is too big for your pockets in 3, 2, 1...


have a pm9, would probably vote mk9 or g26

 

[Rick O'Shea]

S&W Model 36.

When I'm 80 I'll be more worried about arthritis than pocket weight (no scandium for me...).

 

[spacecoastguy]

S&W386PD in Fanny pack S&W 638 pocket

 

[Brian Williams]

S&W 60 or 642.

 

[DogBonz]

Colt 380 GOV'T

I love that little gun, and since they are outrageously priced now, I would hate to think of what they would cost in 50 years

 

[seeker_two]

Model 10/63 w/ a 2 1/2" or 3" barrel.

Weight will help a lot in controlling recoil and shootability, and I like having that sixth shot....

 

[trickyasafox]

i voted S&W 342PD i just can't see 38spl ever not being abundant in the next half century.

 

[md7]

SW 642

 

[Ivan B]

I was leaning towards the 32 H&R magnum as more managable than the 38 special but will there be any ammo available in 30 years. S&W, Taurus and Ruger no longer make anything in the round. Maybe the steel frame 38 is the way to go. Taurus made a nice steel frame 9mm 5-shot for a few years with a smaller profile than a j-frame. Maybe a little more weight is better; strong belt, reinforced pockets.

I thought about a Glock 26 but it is too big for pocket carry. They will never import anything smaller or thinner; the 26 barely qualifies under the 1968 Gun Control Law. If they expand their US operations we might get a single stack, short barell 9mm but I'm not sure I would want it when I am 80-something. But it would be nice to have now. Ivan

 

[glockman19]

I picked other and would have the same gun I have now for pocket carry. A S&W 642/442. Small, reliable, ammunition should still be here in 20, 30, 40 years.

 

[WolfMansDad]

F***-it, 1911! When you're 80, will you really care if you get made?

 

[Ivan B]

At 80 I probably won't care if I get made, unless CC is no longer a legal option. The anti-gunners aren't going away anytime soon. I really prefer pocket carry; if your hair goes up on the back of your neck you can put the weapon in your hand without being obvious. 1911's are a tad too big. A chopped 3 incher will kinda sorta fit in my pocket, like a brick. Ivan

 

[Jiml3]

A Kahr PM. Light, accurate, very slim, no unecessary controls to engage in an emergency and a smooth double action trigger. Just point and shoot!!!!

 

[foghornl]

Probably not really in the "Pocket Pistol" category, but I'm thinking 2" Mdl 10 S&W, or maybe the Bersa .380.

Of those listed, the 5-shot .38Spl revolver in most flavors. The SP-101 is a tad heavy for "Pocket Pistol", IMO

 

[Vern Humphrey]

If I were 80, the last thing I would want is a hard-recoiling mousegun. I'll stick with my M1911.

 

[Ivan B]

Hard recoil was why I was considering the 22 and the 32 H&R. 1911's just don't make it for pocket carry. I've read a lot of good things about the PM9 but I'm not sure I want to deal with stripping and cleaning a small auto when I'm in my 80's; and I am not bigoted or prejudiced but I don't care to do buisness with the Moonies. Ivan

 

[Vern Humphrey]

1911's just don't make it for pocket carry

Is there a law that says when you turn 80, you're limited to pocket carry?

Hell, I've got an original saddle boot for my M1 Garand. I'll just strap that on my wheelchair.

 

[Ivan B]

Unless you are a LEO, I feel that pocket carry has advantages over all other modes. Ivan

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Unless you are a LEO, I feel that pocket carry has advantages over all other modes.

Everyone's entitled to his opinion.

But I'll bet I can access that saddle scabbard faster than you can get to your pocket when sitting in a wheelchair with restraining harness.

 

[Ivan B]

I guess I"ll have to reconsider when they put me in a wheelchair. Weight won't be a problem, as long as I can lift it!! Ivan

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I've been carrying a .45 for almost 50 years now, and never had a problem with it.

 

[Ivan B]

My 3 inch 1911 (C&S Adventurer) is the best pistol I own. Will never give it up. I just can't dress for it in 100 degree summer weather. Open carry is allowed here (New Mexico) just not common and some buisnesses don't like it. Besides, if I open carried the Adventurer someone might bushwack me just to get the piece. I'm glad it works for you. Ivan

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I carry a Kimber Classic in an IWB of my own design. In summer, I simply leave my t-shirt untucked.