Time for a New Gun

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mdauben

mdauben

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Sorry, but this is another one of those "which gun should I buy" threads! :p

I'm looking for a new CCW gun. I already have a Glock 17 and Glock 21 both of which I can actually conceal with the proper choice of clothing (it helps that I'm a BIG guy!). But I'm thinking I'd like something a little smaller, to make carrying easier. After lots of thought the last few months, I've narrowed my choices down to these four:

  • Glock 19 - This would be the simplest to get, all the FLGS seem to have them in stock. On the other hand, I already have the Glock 17 and its not all that much smaller.
  • Glock 36 - Now, this is I feel significantly smaller tham my Glock 21, which is a plus, but they seem very hard to find right now. None of the FLGS have them in stock, neither does Davidsons. I'd have to special order it and wait, or at least spend time searing on-line for one and getting it transferred.
  • Kahr P380 - This would fill a niche that I really don't have anything for right now, a pocket gun. The FLGS did have one of these in stock, but only the stainless slide model and I don't like two-tone guns. So, to get the model with the black slide I'm again back to special ordering or searching.
  • Ruger SP101, 2.5" - This is really different than my previous options, but in some ways the one I want the most. I have a .357 already (4-inch 686) which I love but its just too big for comforatable comcealed carry. The thing is, this is probably the hardest to find of all! No one, local or on line, seems to have these in stock new so I'd probably end up having to settle for buying a used gun on-line, which worries me a little (i'm just not comfortable buying a used gun without at least a hands on inspection).
Anyway, for the last couple weeks I've been leaning first one way, then another so I thought I'd ask what other people might think? Please, though, don't bother recomending something not on my list. I've looked at M&Ps, Springfields, etc. and I just like my Glocks. I just don't like the handling of the Glock subcompacts (G26 or 30), though. Likewise, I looked at P3ATs, Bodyguard 380s and LCPs and just like the Kahr the best. Finally, I considered teh LCR and S&W J-frame but for .357 I'm not comfortable with anything lighter than the SP101 and I'd like at least the option of using .357 and not just .38 +P.

So, any comments on my possible choices? :cool:
 
I have owned a SP in .357 since 1995 and carry it nearly every day...For OWB carry, I haven't found anything I like better.
 
I just don't like the handling of the Glock subcompacts (G26 or 30), though
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I do believe that the Glock 30 is roughly the same size as the Glock 19. They do advertise it as part of their "sub-compact" line, but I do not put it in the same group as the G26/27.

Also, the Glock 36 is the same size as the G30, just slightly slimmer. So if you don't like the G30, then you probably won't like the G36. And one other thing, the G30 is able to take G21 mags.....that is a good advantage over the G36...

I personally would go with the Glock 36 out of those on your list. I have a G19, and there is not enough difference between it and a G17 to warrant you to purchase one.
 
Thanks for all the input, this has been really helpful. At this point, I believe I am going to drop the G19 and Kahr from consideration, leaving the G36 or SP101. I just wish I could actually get my hands on both of them, to get a better first-hand feel for each.
 
I like revolvers and carry a S&W 638. I have an SP101 DAO 2", SP101 3" and SP101-4" 22. The SP101s are as solid as any revolver made. Period. They are simple to work on, Spring kits are cheap and easy to install, and they hold their resale value. They are a bit heavy for pocket carry, but in a good holster, all but disappear. Im surprised you cant find them in stock in your area. Well worth the wait IMO.
 
They are a bit heavy for pocket carry, but in a good holster, all but disappear. Im surprised you cant find them in stock in your area. Well worth the wait IMO.
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Yes, I was looking for a belt gun right now so pocketability is not an issue.

Froim what I have heard, Ruger has had a problem for the last year getting adequate stock out to retailers for many of their guns. I can't even find new SP101's at any of the big on-line retailers (Davidsons, Buds, Impact Guns, etc.). They all list them as "out of stock" or "allocated". :(
 
It may take some searching but the Glock 36 is worth searching for. The first one I got my hands on came home with me and is now my EDC gun. Worth the wait, just perfect size for the CCW 45 acp.
 
Sounds like you;re up to your ears in Glocks, and I know the SP 101 is a fine handgun, so that would be the way I go. As a side note, if given the choice of an SP 101 or a 3" S&W Mod 60, I would go with the 60. It's not as wide for concealment purposes.
 
I have 2 J Frames and 3 SP101s. The SP101s are slightly larger and a little heavier. They are built to last forever. I doubt I will ever have trouble with my J frames, but I KNOW the SP101s will be handed down to my grandchildren. Ive never heard a complaint from anyone about durability.
 
Sounds like you;re up to your ears in Glocks, and I know the SP 101 is a fine handgun, so that would be the way I go.
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That's kind of the way I'm leaning right now. I'm going to hit the local shops this weekend, though, and see if I can find either gun this time. I really hate to order a gun without ever having handled it.

As a side note, if given the choice of an SP 101 or a 3" S&W Mod 60, I would go with the 60. It's not as wide for concealment purposes.
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I really like the shorter barrel though, even though I know the extra 3/4 inch could only help with velocity and possibly handing.
 
You make valid points, but I would be more interested in the adjustable sights. The link below will show you two carry guns and an engraved one. Yes, they are pricey.
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I actually saw the middle one (with the tapered barrel and wooden grips) in a local store not too long ago and aaaaalmost bought it. While it wasn't exactly what I was looking for, its a darn handsome gun. Unfortunatly I decided to think about it over night and the next day it was gone. :(

As far as the adjudtable sights, I don't see that as such an issue. The ruggedness and snag resistance of the fixed sights on the SP101 (or most J-frames for that matter) have a definite appeal
 
The SP101 is a fine gun. I had one for a year or so, but somehow my daughter ended up with it.

I'm thinking of getting another one in .327 Fed Magnum. I do like my six shooters. The only problem I'm having with getting one is every time I have the disposable funds for one I find another old K Frame.
 
How about a 3 inch SP101 in .327 magnum? Six shots instead of five and it falls between .38 and .357 in power. A 2 inch snubbie in .357 is nasty to shoot, due to muzzle blast and flash, and you lose much of the power with such a short barrel.
 
You will not be disappointed with the SP101. They are the "Timex" of snubbies. Your hand will take a licking before they stop ticking.

I have owned a SP in .357 since 1995 and carry it nearly every day...For OWB carry, I haven't found anything I like better.
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What a coincidence. The same year I got mine, but probably under different circumstances. When I first met my wife, I was driving her truck and heard something rattling around under the seat. I reached under the seat and found this. :scrutiny:

Instructions.gif


She said her dad bought it for her to keep the creeps away. Well....I guess things don't always go as planned. :D
 
Definately the SP 101, the reason for my pick is I have small hands, and the SP just fits them better. Not to mention all the different loads you can use in it from .38 wadcutters to buffalo bore .357s makes this an easy pick.
 
Opinion really seems to be favoring the SP101, and I admit I am leaning that way too. That said I would probably like to get both the SP101 and the Glock 36 at some point, so it may come down to which one I can find a good deal on, first.
 
Well, I visited several of the local gun shops last weekend and while I didn't see any SP101s anywhere I did run across a nice used Glock 36. After fondling it for a while and comparing it to a Glock 19, 26 and 30 I decided to pick it up!

a3e6a9e4.jpg

I immediately ordered an IWB holster for my new gun but I also found that the belt slide holster I originally bought for my Glock 17 fits the 36, too!

2a4uve6u.jpg yguqydys.jpg

I've run a box of 50 FMJ through it already, along with 20 rounds of JHP I had handy with no problems. I'll probably still keep my eyes open for a new or lightly used SP101 but for now I'm very pleased with my new primary carry gun. ;)
 
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