Underrated EDC handguns?

[Dan-O]

Kel Tec P-11.

 

[Terry G]

I carried the CZ 82 for about a year. A bit heavy but a very accurate and reliable gun with a 12 and 1 capacity and a 9X18 MM punch. They have jumped in price like every other gun and the ones I see for sale look kind of beat up. The originals that were first made available had some rack marks on some, but otherwise looked new.

 

[pairof44sp]

What about these? 12-15 rounds of 380, depending on whom you ask. And they're actually available right now for 400 online.

View attachment 982901

Also these, 15+1 of hot, hot 32 ACP:

View attachment 982589

CZ-83. These stout relics are $350 all day on Gunbroker as of lately. A person could do worse than 12+1 of 380 coming dead nuts reliable out of a 3.8-inch barrel.

I hear that Angry Inch makes all the Diff on pork shoulders



Edit: Just looked up ballistics on Buffalo Bore ammo site.

9mm ball 125g 1,037 fps -- S&W Shield with 3.1-inch barrel

.380 ACP +P 100g 1,169 fps -- Browning BDA 3.75-inch barrel

That looks like a wash to me.

 

[chicharrones]

View attachment 982552

Got in a pair of the 7-round mags today. Thanks for the heads up, EMC45!

Hyve 7-round on the left. Pearce +0 extension on the right.
View attachment 984451

 

[EMC45]

Got in a pair of the 7-round mags today. Thanks for the heads up, EMC45!

Hyve 7-round extension on the left. Pearce +0 extension on the right.
View attachment 984451

Looks AWESOME!!!

I even like the looks of the +0 on the right too.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I will put a vote in for a true I-frame Terrier in .38 S&W.

Meets soft target penetration requirements in a handy package significantly smaller than a modern J-frame.

Low levels of blast and recoil.

 

[druryj]

Vintage Walther PPK or PPK/S pistols; those stamped with either ULM, West Germany and the antler proof, or the ones labeled as Manurhins, proofed at St. Etienne, France. I have 8 total of these pistols in .22, .32, and .380. Slim, reliable, and for me , the most accurate handguns around. Of my collection, the top two are chambered in .38; the middle two are in .32; and the bottom four are chambered for .22lr.

 

[Obturation]

Agree. The 36 should have had a full grip.

Mine used to give blood blisters on the pinky until I installed the Pearce +0 grip extensions.

Wouldn't have been a problem with a full grip and a standard designed magazine baseplate. Did I say that twice? Pretty much.

Got to disagree, somewhat . the g36 would be much better with a magazine that doesn't have that goofball big base plate. It makes the grip longer than the g30 with a 9 rd mag and gives the illusion that it can provide a place for the useless pinky to hang out. I think the g30 is hands down the best carry pistol ever, I would also have a 36 if there were flush magazines. The only dimension that I'm concerned with in a carry gun is grip length, a single stack with a longer grip doesn't conceal nearly as well as a double stack with a 2 finger grip. Then you can't get pinched either. Never had a use for a pinky for shooting, it adds nothing for me and even full sized guns get no pinky pressure . Preference I guess, I did start out shooting SAA type guns, pinkys need not apply.

 

[JR24]

Got to disagree, somewhat . the g36 would be much better with a magazine that doesn't have that goofball big base plate. It makes the grip longer than the g30 with a 9 rd mag and gives the illusion that it can provide a place for the useless pinky to hang out. I think the g30 is hands down the best carry pistol ever, I would also have a 36 if there were flush magazines. The only dimension that I'm concerned with in a carry gun is grip length, a single stack with a longer grip doesn't conceal nearly as well as a double stack with a 2 finger grip. Then you can't get pinched either. Never had a use for a pinky for shooting, it adds nothing for me and even full sized guns get no pinky pressure . Preference I guess, I did start out shooting SAA type guns, pinkys need not apply.

Depends on how and where you carry, also set up and body type. My 30S (when I had it) with the 9 round mag didn't conceal as well as my Valkyrie (with a longer grip) because the fat, square, grip printed more than the longer but thinner and more rounded grip.

 

[chicharrones]

Got to disagree, somewhat . the g36 would be much better with a magazine that doesn't have that goofball big base plate. It makes the grip longer than the g30 with a 9 rd mag and gives the illusion that it can provide a place for the useless pinky to hang out. I think the g30 is hands down the best carry pistol ever, I would also have a 36 if there were flush magazines. The only dimension that I'm concerned with in a carry gun is grip length, a single stack with a longer grip doesn't conceal nearly as well as a double stack with a 2 finger grip. Then you can't get pinched either. Never had a use for a pinky for shooting, it adds nothing for me and even full sized guns get no pinky pressure . Preference I guess, I did start out shooting SAA type guns, pinkys need not apply.

There are at least two individuals that created flush mount 5-round magazines for the 36.

https://www.glocktalk.com/threads/my-g36-5-round-mag-project-lots-of-pics.1520306/

https://www.carolinashootersclub.com/threads/the-glock-36-5-round-mag.179286/

Looks nice, but going down to 5+1 would make me simply want to carry a small 6-shot revolver like a Ruger LCR in .327 or a Taurus 856 or a Kimber or a classic Colt or classic S&W.

 

[Obturation]

There are at least two individuals that created flush mount 5-round magazines for the 36.

https://www.glocktalk.com/threads/my-g36-5-round-mag-project-lots-of-pics.1520306/

https://www.carolinashootersclub.com/threads/the-glock-36-5-round-mag.179286/

Looks nice, but going down to 5+1 would make me simply want to carry a small 6-shot revolver like a Ruger LCR in .327 or a Taurus 856 or a Kimber or a classic Colt or classic S&W.

I like that

 

[bikerdoc]

Not my front line carry guns but I have had

2 Bersa thunders in stainless for a long time
They have a place, work great and the customer service is fantastic.

Thunder 380 cc



Thunder 22

 

[pairof44sp]

I think a snubbie loaded with .44 special is an excellent alternative. That round has ballistics similar to .45 ACP and if you have to shoot without hearing protection it's probably not gonna cause hearing damage like the high pressure rounds might.

And it’s less likely to crap out on you when you’re on the ground getting stomped by your assailant.

at least that’s what I’m hoping

 

[pairof44sp]

I carried the CZ 82 for about a year. A bit heavy but a very accurate and reliable gun with a 12 and 1 capacity and a 9X18 MM punch. They have jumped in price like every other gun and the ones I see for sale look kind of beat up. The originals that were first made available had some rack marks on some, but otherwise looked new.View attachment 983487

Did you see my response?

There is a flood of CZ 83 right now

good looking shiny gunz

It’s the CZ 82 in .380, iydk

 

[Terry G]

Did you see my response?

There is a flood of CZ 83 right now

good looking shiny gunz

It’s the CZ 82 in .380, iydk

Yes, and looking good. Thing is 9X18MM is generally cheaper than .380 and it does have a bit more energy.

 

[pairof44sp]

There are at least two individuals that created flush mount 5-round magazines for the 36.

https://www.glocktalk.com/threads/my-g36-5-round-mag-project-lots-of-pics.1520306/

https://www.carolinashootersclub.com/threads/the-glock-36-5-round-mag.179286/

Looks nice, but going down to 5+1 would make me simply want to carry a small 6-shot revolver like a Ruger LCR in .327 or a Taurus 856 or a Kimber or a classic Colt or classic S&W.

Wow I’m intrigued.

I want to get a 36, but if they ONLY make extendo-mags and those don’t even do their job rite, then I’m out

So would a g39 be the same thing as a g36 with a flush fit, more or less?

If you’re ok with GAP that is

 

[pairof44sp]

Got to disagree, somewhat . the g36 would be much better with a magazine that doesn't have that goofball big base plate. It makes the grip longer than the g30 with a 9 rd mag and gives the illusion that it can provide a place for the useless pinky to hang out. I think the g30 is hands down the best carry pistol ever, I would also have a 36 if there were flush magazines. The only dimension that I'm concerned with in a carry gun is grip length, a single stack with a longer grip doesn't conceal nearly as well as a double stack with a 2 finger grip. Then you can't get pinched either. Never had a use for a pinky for shooting, it adds nothing for me and even full sized guns get no pinky pressure . Preference I guess, I did start out shooting SAA type guns, pinkys need not apply.

Gonna ask you too: would getting a g39 solve the golf ball baseplate issue?

 

[pairof44sp]

Got to disagree, somewhat . the g36 would be much better with a magazine that doesn't have that goofball big base plate. It makes the grip longer than the g30 with a 9 rd mag and gives the illusion that it can provide a place for the useless pinky to hang out. I think the g30 is hands down the best carry pistol ever, I would also have a 36 if there were flush magazines. The only dimension that I'm concerned with in a carry gun is grip length, a single stack with a longer grip doesn't conceal nearly as well as a double stack with a 2 finger grip. Then you can't get pinched either. Never had a use for a pinky for shooting, it adds nothing for me and even full sized guns get no pinky pressure . Preference I guess, I did start out shooting SAA type guns, pinkys need not apply.

Gonna ask you too: would getting a g39

I would say "current fashions" rather than standards. Whenever the subject of a mouse gun or an "inadequate" caliber comes up someone points out that those who denigrate them are never to stand in front of them. The RNL bullet is another example. Revolvers seem to be somewhat out of fashion, people cite their limited capacity, slowness in reloading, somewhat more difficult to conceal. The late great Bill Jordan said the 38 Special is the most powerful caliber the average man-i.e. most of us-can hope to master and Jeff Cooper spoke of the Combat Mindset. Which to me is to go from Joe Ordinary to Charlie Askins in a flash.

re: RNL

Ive been wondering if the RNL/HP thing is overblown.

It seems like punching holes in someone would be plenty, but I’ve noticed that cops especially make a big deal about how it’s gotta be HP for them

actually , just now as I was typing I recalled a client who shot his elderly neighbor in the chest at close range with an AR-45.

Running FMJ that penetrated ribs, lungs, shoulder blade, and kept right on going

the elderly man walked away and drove himself to the hospital and was out within a day or two

tru story

 

[Obturation]

Gonna ask you too: would getting a g39

re: RNL

Ive been wondering if the RNL/HP thing is overblown.

It seems like punching holes in someone would be plenty, but I’ve noticed that cops especially make a big deal about how it’s gotta be HP for them

actually , just now as I was typing I recalled a client who shot his elderly neighbor in the chest at close range with an AR-45.

Running FMJ that penetrated ribs, lungs, shoulder blade, and kept right on going

the elderly man walked away and drove himself to the hospital and was out within a day or two

tru story

G39 size looks good but presents other struggles I'm not willing to volunteer for. G30, 9 rd mag. it's the Bee's knees in my book.

 

[WisBorn]

I will put a vote in for a true I-frame Terrier in .38 S&W.

Meets soft target penetration requirements in a handy package significantly smaller than a modern J-frame.

Low levels of blast and recoil.

I don't think I have ever held an I frame.
Would S&W ever reintroduce them again?
Maybe in 327 mag?? Nice little 5 shooter!

 

[.455_Hunter]

I don't think I have ever held an I frame.
Would S&W ever reintroduce them again?
Maybe in 327 mag?? Nice little 5 shooter!

Grip is shorter and cylinder window smaller than the J-series, especially the current Magnum-capable frame guns. I believe the rare Baby Chief production run allowed for .38 Special chambering with essentially full use of the small window. If you are a fan of oversized hand filling grips, the I-frame is not for you.

 

[Offhand McFlan]

CZ82 or 83 in 9x18 (12+1).
+ Good ol' Charter Arms Bulldog.

 

[Tallball]

I didn't look way back to see if it had been mentioned before OHMF, but I carry a Charter Arms sometimes.

 

[pairof44sp]

I don't think I have ever held an I frame.
Would S&W ever reintroduce them again?
Maybe in 327 mag?? Nice little 5 shooter!

Here here

I don’t even know what an i frame is, and I’m nodding in agreement

there are so many carry revolver configs that no one is making

revolver r and d is stalled out and autos are starting to catch up

ha ha but seriously, Let’s go to Turkey and walk right into Alfa Proj with our list of gun fantasies and set them boys to work

that’s what I’m bout fixing to do

When I close my eyes tonite

 

[Broccolis]

Overrated: HK's simply because of the price for what you get, even though I would like to have a HK45c (if they'd lower the price about $350).

Underrated: Walther P99. For a little over $500, I have a perfect sized handgun, that never malfunctions (well 1 in over 4,000 rounds) and has the sweetest DA/SA trigger. The only thing I've had to replace in about 4,500 rounds is the recoil guide rod assembly. OK, the stock sights could be better, but I'd rather put my preferred sights on anyway.