What's the smallest pistol you'd trust?

[greyhound]

Obviously in MD we can't carry, but once I get my CCW in AL (dang the 6 month residency thing for Jefferson County!) I'll be re-buying a S&W Model 60 .357 (I foolishly traded for a .45 Ruger P97.)

I guess some of us are just revolver people.....

 

[one45auto]

I guess some of us are just revolver people.....

Join the club, because apart from my namesake the rest of my collection consists of revolvers.

By the way, congratulations on your impending relocation! If it weren't for my family and my daughter, I'd be out of here myself.

 

[Tom Servo]

To be honest, I didn't expect alot of the responses I got to this.

I come away with this thread with a newfound respect for revolvers and a feeling that perhaps I've been missing something by passing them over.

 

[Plinkerton]

Being a 21 year old, I always loved the "cool" look of autos, and still really do. I love 1911's and will definitely get one someday. When I started thinking about getting a handgun, I started looking at autos. Then, as I started reading more about revolvers, and looking at pictures of them, and handling them in gun stores, I really started liking them. I still think autos look cooler, and have an overall "cool" factor. When it came down to the time for me to get one though, I only had enough money to buy one gun. I ended up getting a S&W 686, and am really happy with my choice. I still love autos, but I am glad I glossed over the "cool" factor, for something that seems to make more sense in my applications.

 

[magsnubby]

I'd recommend a 9mm. There is some fairly small reliable 9mm's out there. I couldn't see carrying a .380 when you can get a 9mm in the same size as a 380.

 

[Brass Balls]

Kahr PM9, it is small and light yet it still shoots an adequate defensive cartridge imo.

 

[SteelyDan]

Interesting question, the smallest pistol you'd trust. I'm assuming we're talking about bad guys, probably at relatively close range, and not bears or laser-throwing zombies at distance. Hmmm, personally I definitely would trust a 9 mm., I definitely would not trust a .22, and I probably would not trust a .32. So the "gray area" is somewhere around the .380s and .38s. It's tempting to say that it depends on what you expect to encounter, but the problem is that sometimes you can encounter a little more than you expect. All things considered, I'd probably go as low as a Makarov 9x18 in an area where I didn't expect any problems. The stopping power is, depending on cartridge choices, somewhere between a .380 and a .38 Special, and I could live with that. I hope.

Needless to say, I'd prefer something a little bigger, but that wasn't the question.

 

[Treylis]

Probably 9mm. (I prefer .45ACP.)

 

[mete]

I find it very interesting that in three pages of postings I am the only one who has based his comments on actually shooting live things. But then ,I try to live in the real world.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

To clarify my post from a page or so ago:
Full power 357 is my minimum caliber, the minimalist platform for this is my ruger sp101.

And mete, plenty of critters have fallen to several of my 357's, from the snubby, up to the lever gun. In fact I could hunt deer here with 357(just have to have 5" of barrel and 500 ft.lbs. @the muzzle), in fact if I worked in to 75 yards or a little closer, I wouldn't hesitate if given a good shot.

Note he asked minimum. I would prefer carrying my 44, but it's a power/size vs. concealment/comfort thing.

Not picking a fight with anyone here, just clarifying my earlier post and giving some background as to why that's my minimum.

 

[Zeus]

marshall,
I have one that pretty much looks just like that 232. I bought a new in box 230 recently with a Don Hume holster for $300 from a local store. Very accurate and easy to carry. I personally would prefer not to be shot by anything. I have a various array of handguns and it seems that the two that I always have are the Keltec P3at and the Sig 230 SL. I don't see why I should feel undergunned with a well loaded 380. Most situations are going to be up close and personal so range is a moot point. yes, there is a chance you will have a little distance in between but usual confrontations are done within close proximities. My 357 Sig is an awesome round to see its effects on inanimate targets but with it, I'd be afraid of too much penetration and hurting a bystander. That is my #1 fear. Hurting someone not even involved in the situation. I am VERY confident in my shooting and I'm aware that in that situation, you pretty much run off of adrenaline and training. I think that 8 rounds or so of 380 through the boiler works should give you some time to get away at least. A .22 that draws blood is better than a 44 over the head. If dress allows larger calibers, great but I don't feel undergunned with a 380. Not the biggest and baddest but is enough to help you get your butt out of a pinch. Just my opinions. GS

 

[Coffee357]

As an anti-personnel round I would trust a .380 and nothing smaller (though you use what you got). That being said I don't use anything other than 9mm. This is due to the fact that the guns are just as small, the pistol is generally of a locked breech design that lessens recoil, and the ammunition is much cheaper. Just can't seem to find any reason to downgrade to a .380. I have considered picking up a few revolvers in .38/.357 but they don't match the size efficiency of the S&W 3913's, Glock 26's and 19's, Springfield Armory XD-9, or the Sig P239.

Just my thoughts...

Coffee

 

[lee n. field]

If I were old enough to carry

Interesting meme. Hmmm.

"In Illinois, noone is old enough to carry." ie., we're treated as children.

To the question at hand: I had a chance to shoot a micro-Glock in.40 (I forget the exact model) a couple Saturday's ago. I think that would do nicely.

 

[La Pistoletta]

Snubby .357mag? Or Sub-compact .357SIG?

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I regularly carry a NAA Guardian .380. I recently bought a Kel-Tec 3AT that might replace the Guardian. Most often I have my 642 (.38+P) or Glock 26 with me.

 

[rappa]

I recently switched my carry from a Glock36 to a S&W642. I've been an auto guy since the day I became legal to buy a handgun (12 years ago). I wanted to try something different, considering the heat and humidity down here and my mode of dress (shorts and Tshirt). I fully trust the 642 to do it's job as long as I do my part and put the lead where it needs to go! I wouldn't go any smaller than .38.

 

[rappa]

Tried to delete. Won't let me.

 

[rappa]

Server barfed.

 

[45R]

A Ruger SP101 in the .357Mag variety would be nice.

I also have a XD9Subcompact. Both are nice for hiding.

 

[MyRoad]

Used to be my P232/.380 until I got a Kahr PM9 - now I feel like there's no reason to go with less than a 9mm +P.

 

[Missouri Mule]

My first choice is a Compact 1911 in .45 "ACP". I can cover it fairly easily with a moderately loose shirt. The only problem I have is when I sit or have to bend over. Then the butt prints slightly.

That being said, I just purchased a new PM9. To me this particular pistol appears to be the perfect blend of size, weight and caliber.

I have never liked the 9mm in a large frame pistol.

also I am in the process of buying a P3AT.
This time of year and my typical style, or lack of style, of dress normally makes it difficult to conceal much more than a pocket pistol.

I will have one of these fine little pistols with/on me any time I am not at work.

 

[ducktapehero]

I guess a lot of it depends on where I'm at. In my town I would be content carrying something smaller than if I were in Downtown Kansas City. Where I live I would carry a NAA 22mag or a 32 but in KC I want at least a 38.

The most dangerous thing I would probably face where I live is maybe a copperhead, or possibly a psycho squirrel. LOL It's a little dull around here, just the way I like it.

Missouri passed its CCW but I haven't gotten it yet. I will but it's not a top priority. My better half has a list of things she wants 1st and if Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. Also I tend to stay away from places where I am more likely to need one.

 

[BowStreetRunner]

.380 would be fine for me

BSR

 

[sevenpoint62mm]

I agree, most guys aren't going to stop and check your caliber. They see a gun they going to gauge how close they are and how many shots you can get off into them. Then, if its worth it to them, they might charge or return fire if they can or flee. In the panic of a battle a brief flash 22 revolver with a 3 inch barrel looks alot like a 357 magnum.

But I think he means smallest caliber, not smallest frame.

 

[MICHAEL T]

380 works for me Some times I carry my 38 undercover but I don t feel any better armed with a 38.