If1HitU
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Cobar .38 Special Derringer
M&P BG 380 auto.
Mine anyway.
M&P BG 380 auto.
Mine anyway.
Mouse Guns : YOUR Definition, CCW, etc. ?
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Good Ol' Boy
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Obviously this is very subjective but for me its anything that comfortably fits in a pocket. I generally consider LCPs and the like or smaller, "mouse" guns.
However I carry a LC9s on my hip most days and I'm sure there are plenty folks that consider that a mouse gun.
To each their own.
However I carry a LC9s on my hip most days and I'm sure there are plenty folks that consider that a mouse gun.
To each their own.
Both my wife and I have Seecamp 32s for extreme social occasions when nothing else will suffice.
That being said, the last time we went to the range, I pulled mine and put 7 rounds in the target's face at 7 yards. Not to be bested, my wife pulled hers and put 7 rounds just below the belt line in a group about the size of a cigarette pack.
Nasty, nasty woman..
Most of the time she carries a Kahr 9mm, but that Seecamp is usually around somewhere.
That being said, the last time we went to the range, I pulled mine and put 7 rounds in the target's face at 7 yards. Not to be bested, my wife pulled hers and put 7 rounds just below the belt line in a group about the size of a cigarette pack.
Nasty, nasty woman..
Most of the time she carries a Kahr 9mm, but that Seecamp is usually around somewhere.
Gun Master
Member
Thanks, especially for the attachments.
bigmatt17073
Member
1. A small pocket sized handgun in.380 or less.
2. Yes, I have carried a LCPII, RM380, Seecamp 32, and Kel-Tec P32. P32 is carried most of the time.
3. Yes, Same plus a J frame.
4. Seecamp smallest, RM380 biggest.
2. Yes, I have carried a LCPII, RM380, Seecamp 32, and Kel-Tec P32. P32 is carried most of the time.
3. Yes, Same plus a J frame.
4. Seecamp smallest, RM380 biggest.
MTMilitiaman
Member
I had an aunt growing up that carried a Lorcin .25 ACP. It was shiny and my brother and I have always been obsessed with firearms so whenever we made it over to her corner of the country, we would quickly demand to see her little pistol. One time we showed up and asked to see her pistol and she said she no longer owned it. Disappointed, my brother and I inquired why should would get rid of it. Without missing a beat she replied nonchalantly, "Because I was getting too old to throw it accurately." 
Jeb Stuart
member
Mouse or Pocket. For myself, hands down is the Pico. After 4 Lcp's, I found the perfect Mild, accurate shooter. Also have the Kahr, but it is on the finicky side. Pico has it all, stainless steel construction, great sights, accuracy and total reliability.MILD Shooter, Yep, ended up buying two of them. I usually carry as a backup with my LC9S or LCR9mm, but sometimes solo. But never without!
Went to range Sat with Pico as usual, Practiced Rapid Fire Drills from Picking up from the "TABLE". Goal, to hit two targets in 3 sec. or under. Top then bottom in double taps to center mass. Or just mix it up. 8 yards with Freedom Munitions. Approx 100 rounds. 8" splatter targets.
100% reliable as usual from the Pico.
Went to range Sat with Pico as usual, Practiced Rapid Fire Drills from Picking up from the "TABLE". Goal, to hit two targets in 3 sec. or under. Top then bottom in double taps to center mass. Or just mix it up. 8 yards with Freedom Munitions. Approx 100 rounds. 8" splatter targets.
100% reliable as usual from the Pico.
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Fine Figure of a Man
Member
To me a mouse gun is a very small .22 or .25.
Very difficult to shoot accurately with any amount of speed and in a cartridge that is marginal even with precise shot placement.
Put another way, the easiest handgun to carry and the last one most would choose at the moment they really needed one.
Very difficult to shoot accurately with any amount of speed and in a cartridge that is marginal even with precise shot placement.
Put another way, the easiest handgun to carry and the last one most would choose at the moment they really needed one.
JR24
Member
1: What is YOUR definition of a Mouse Gun ?
2: Would (do) you use one for primary carry ? Which one ?
3: Same as above, for backup ? Which ?
4: Specify largest and smallest Mouse Gun you would "consider" carrying ?
Thanks for all objective replies .
1. Something really small and in a small caliber, easy to pocket.
2. No.
3. If I wanted a backup, sure. I had an LCP that would have been a nice BUG
4. I don't prefer anything smaller than a Glock 26 for a primary, I do prefer a duty size CCW as primary. For BUG only, again, the LCP seems a good size.
A small concealable pistol, primarily used for pocket carry.
Usually in a caliber smaller than .380 ACP.
Not if I was able to carry anything in a larger caliber.
I mean if mode of dress or the occasion completely prevents carrying a larger pistol then so be it, but usually that's not the case. People often pretend that's the case because they don't want to be inconvenienced in the slightest, but it's being armed to protect your family.
Men in times past had to carry two flintlock pistols weighing a few pounds apiece and a sword and a dirk for two shots and a couple backup pieces. A Glock 26 with 3 twelve rd mags (regular mags with +2 extensions) for 26 rds really isn't that much to carry/conceal in comparison.
Glock 42 or Ruger LCP.
Yeah, for backup I'd have no problem carrying either.
Smallest I'd choose would be a .380, but I'd literally take anything better than harsh language, hostile posture or a sharpened stick if the situation demanded it.
strangelittleman
Member
There was a time when all I had was a Beretta Model 70S in .22LR. I trained with it relentlessly, and carried it condition1, without reservations.
I would confidently carry any reliable, durable, reasonably accurate; .22LR, .32ACP, .380 ACP or 9mm Makarov today, such as the aforementioned M70S, or a PPK/S, Beretta M81/84 or the excellent CZ82/83 and of course the Mak or the Polish P83, if it was all I had access to.
Nowadays, I have access to more efficient sidearms, like the S&W 386 Night Guard, and the Walther CCP, they are similar in size to the aforementioned, yet are chambered in full service ctgs, so I choose to carry them instead of lesser calibers.
As a side benefit the .38Spl & 9x19 are usually easier to find than the .32ACP and 9mm Mak...
PS: Ever since the great .22LR shortage, I feel the quality of the current production .22LR ammunition is very poor. I absolutely would not depend on any current production .22LR for anything other than range playtime or small game hunting. the .22 being made today is utterly unreliable.
I would confidently carry any reliable, durable, reasonably accurate; .22LR, .32ACP, .380 ACP or 9mm Makarov today, such as the aforementioned M70S, or a PPK/S, Beretta M81/84 or the excellent CZ82/83 and of course the Mak or the Polish P83, if it was all I had access to.
Nowadays, I have access to more efficient sidearms, like the S&W 386 Night Guard, and the Walther CCP, they are similar in size to the aforementioned, yet are chambered in full service ctgs, so I choose to carry them instead of lesser calibers.
As a side benefit the .38Spl & 9x19 are usually easier to find than the .32ACP and 9mm Mak...
PS: Ever since the great .22LR shortage, I feel the quality of the current production .22LR ammunition is very poor. I absolutely would not depend on any current production .22LR for anything other than range playtime or small game hunting. the .22 being made today is utterly unreliable.
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bannockburn
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My smallest Mouse Gun would be a Baby Browning and no, I don't plan to carry it any time soon. Next smallest would be a Keltec P3AT followed by a Colt Mustang and a SIG P238.
Deus Machina
Member
IMO, anything chambered in something with less energy than, and possibly including, .380 and that the average person can't grip with all their fingers unless you add an extended magazine or baseplate.
Much larger, and it nudges up to 'pocket gun' (of any caliber) or 'small-caliber handgun' (smaller but not always less powerful than 9mm).
Not necessarily 'wuss guns' like some people would want to believe. Just something you have to be sure of your aim, maybe best if you aim for a hole they were already born with, but if you'd be happy on the other side you wouldn't carry it, would you?
Much larger, and it nudges up to 'pocket gun' (of any caliber) or 'small-caliber handgun' (smaller but not always less powerful than 9mm).
Not necessarily 'wuss guns' like some people would want to believe. Just something you have to be sure of your aim, maybe best if you aim for a hole they were already born with, but if you'd be happy on the other side you wouldn't carry it, would you?
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Most people seem to lump .380ACP into the mouse gun category. That being said, I am perfectly comfortable with a .380 as a carry gun. My preferred carry gun for years was my .380 Colt Government Model.
I recently got a Glock 42 to replace it with; however, I never "bonded" to the Glock, no idea why. I am going to Give a Kimber Micro .380 a try soon, I have one on the way to my FFL right now. So, yes, I am comfortable with .380.
I recently got a Glock 42 to replace it with; however, I never "bonded" to the Glock, no idea why. I am going to Give a Kimber Micro .380 a try soon, I have one on the way to my FFL right now. So, yes, I am comfortable with .380.
Charlie98
Member
I consider a 'mouse gun' a sub-.38 caliber pistol small enough to fit in your pocket.
I think the idea of a mouse gun is sort of dumb, at least these days. Granted, if you are stuck carrying a pistol in your pocket, and that's all you've got, it may be dumb, but it's better than being unarmed. With the poly pistols we have these days, I don't see any reason or advantage to carrying such a small pistol vs one of the small .380's (or 9's) available today.
I used to carry an AMT Backup .380 in my pocket, I found trying to dig it out, present it, and fire it with any sort of flow was almost impossible. I moved up to a Colt Gov't .380... of course, a bigger pistol and outside the realm of my definition of 'mouse gun.'
I think the idea of a mouse gun is sort of dumb, at least these days. Granted, if you are stuck carrying a pistol in your pocket, and that's all you've got, it may be dumb, but it's better than being unarmed. With the poly pistols we have these days, I don't see any reason or advantage to carrying such a small pistol vs one of the small .380's (or 9's) available today.
I used to carry an AMT Backup .380 in my pocket, I found trying to dig it out, present it, and fire it with any sort of flow was almost impossible. I moved up to a Colt Gov't .380... of course, a bigger pistol and outside the realm of my definition of 'mouse gun.'
herrwalther
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Smallest firearm I would ever carry is a NAA in .22 Mag. Which is pretty much as small as you could get and still be a firearm. The only times I would consider a mouse gun that small to be primary means of defense is when it is impossible or impractical to carry something larger. Example, going for a 3 mile run.
The Colt .380 government is quite simply the most comfortable gun I have ever shot. If that was your carry gun I don't know how you would replace it with something else and feel as connected to the replacement?
I carry an LCP and also feel comfortably armed with a .380. I did just buy a Kahr CM9 and have started carrying it some times. I like the more punch from the 9mm but the CM9 isn't as comfortable to carry as the LCP. As far as feel and feeling connected to the gun the LCP doesn't come close to the Government .380... neither does the CM9... even though they are both fine guns.
Charlie98
Member
Colt .380 vs Kahr CW9... that was the choice I made, and I'm glad I did. Yes, the Kahr is slightly bigger than the Colt... it's not as svelte, but it makes up for it with 9mm power and no external safety. Weighs less, too.
JeeperCreeper
Member
1: What is YOUR definition of a Mouse Gun ?
probably .380 or smaller... but maybe .32ACP, .25ACP, and .22LR are the small ones most commonly referred to
2: Would (do) you use one for primary carry ? Which one ?
Yes, I've carried .380 and .32... LCP currently, I've looked for the KelTec .32
3: Same as above, for backup ? Which ?
Yes as well IF I needed a backup, but I normally don't carry a backup
4: Specify largest and smallest Mouse Gun you would "consider" carrying ?
I'd carry anything... bird in the hand, ya know... a .22 short in the pocket is better than the .44mag on the dresser at home
probably .380 or smaller... but maybe .32ACP, .25ACP, and .22LR are the small ones most commonly referred to
2: Would (do) you use one for primary carry ? Which one ?
Yes, I've carried .380 and .32... LCP currently, I've looked for the KelTec .32
3: Same as above, for backup ? Which ?
Yes as well IF I needed a backup, but I normally don't carry a backup
4: Specify largest and smallest Mouse Gun you would "consider" carrying ?
I'd carry anything... bird in the hand, ya know... a .22 short in the pocket is better than the .44mag on the dresser at home
1: What is YOUR definition of a Mouse Gun ?
2: Would (do) you use one for primary carry ? Which one ?
3: Same as above, for backup ? Which ?
4: Specify largest and smallest Mouse Gun you would "consider" carrying ?
Thanks for all objective replies .
1. The line to Mouse Gun is somewhere around a Glock 42. A 9x19 that holds 6 or more is never a mouse gun. A .32 is always a mouse gun. A .380, it depends on the size and capacity of the gun, they could go either way.
2. Nope. Do not and would not, not when I could go with a G43 or a Shield, if I can conceal and carry any gun, I can do so with a G43 or Shield size.
3. Backup? There are a hell of a lot of things I can think of that would be far more valuable for me to carry than a BUG. Medical gear makes a hell of a lot more sense than a second gun, for example. I'd carry pretty much anything that's reliable as a backup gun and not worry about, including way down at P3AT level Mouse Gun. But even though, why not a Shield or G4?
4. Smallest, Shield 9mm or G43. And that's if I really really have to conceal.
bannockburn
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Charlie98
I had pretty much the same experience with my AMT Backup .380, along with no sights and a very heavy trigger pull made it a less than favorable choice as a pocket carry "Mouse Gun". Ended up selling it to finance a much better Mouse Gun: a Colt Mustang.
I had pretty much the same experience with my AMT Backup .380, along with no sights and a very heavy trigger pull made it a less than favorable choice as a pocket carry "Mouse Gun". Ended up selling it to finance a much better Mouse Gun: a Colt Mustang.
Beretta Pico .380 for me. I never expected to own one after the poor initial reviews but after scouring the market I realized it had the features most important to me in small pistol. I have not regretted my purchase and considered a 2nd one at current prices. However, it is rather small to hold and even my medium-small hands found it a struggle to grip reliably without additional traction. There's no way I could carry anything smaller.
Even when I was a kid I don't remember 22lr ever being reliable. We always had perfectly good rim strikes that wouldn't fire a round or perfectly fine hit that would result in a small case split and powder getting blasted into the action (or the face with my 22/20g over under). There's got to be high quality stuff somewhere...
As for mouse gun...I have a keltec p3at that's just too picky with ammo.
I don't like to carry it as it hurts to fire it. I'm seriously considering just carrying pepper spray as a secondary instead of a BUG, having something less than lethal seems like it might be a wise option.
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