Carry-Ability gun

KAZ · Post by **KAZ** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 2:05 pm

Hak, like most I own/love the 1911(Kimber Desert Warrior), and a Glock 26. Both shoot well for me and have never failed. That said the one I have in my right front pocket(in DeSantis holster) ALL the time is my Ruger LCP 380. Working in the yard, watching TV, quick run to the store,checking targets at the range, the little Ruger is there. Here in the summer, and actually most of the year we wear shorts/light shirts, and the LCP is available. I don't even know that it is with me because it is so easy to carry. Once a month at the end of a range shooting session I shoot the full mag. It has never failed and is accurate at under 15 yds. Better than all the others that most will leave in the car or at home the one time in life when they need one. Regards

Hakaman · Post by **Hakaman** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 2:37 pm

Thanks Kaz,
I couldn't agree with you more. The only thing I have against buying the Ruger LCP 380 is......the #$%^ 'n hard to find, expensive ammo. I was at a gun show in Birch Run Mich and it was going for about $1.00/rd, if you could find it! I have never heard anything negative about it. Let's face it, not many carry guns have the stopping power of the .45 cal, and the comfortability of a 1911 style, but can it be concealed like the LCP, PM-9, and similars? Ans = No . I like the Ruger LCP so much that I am going to add it to my list of possibles:

KelTec PF-9 9mm =====(reliability is a question, but very concealable)
Ruger Sp101 38sp+=== (durable/reliable, but only 5 rounds, I reload 38's)
S&W 442 38sp+ ======(concealable, reliable, only 5 rounds, I reload 38's)
Kahr PM-9 9mm ======(very concealable, and reliable)
SA XDM 9mm ========(reliable, but a little large)
Glock G-26 9mm ===== (fairly concealable, reliable)
Ruger LCP 380=======(reliable, very concealable)

Thanks again,
Haka

Downeaster · Post by **Downeaster** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 3:37 pm

bigfatdave wrote:Walther PPS 9mm ===(EXTREMELY concealable/reliable, a bit pricey)

My primary carry in the summer is a Walther PPKS. I absolutely LOVE that weapon! It's older'n dirt, pre S&W, but it spent all it's life as a backup and probably hasn't had 100 rounds fired through it. Lotta holster wear, but I keep it oiled and it'll get a lot MORE holster wear before I'm done with it.

In the winter, when the ultimate in concealability isn't the primary concern, I carry my S&W 66 stoked with .357 Winchester Silvertips.

And if I'm feeling froggy, I'll occasionally carry my Combat Commander. If I got into a position where I could only own one handgun, it'd be my CC. I'm with BAOM, I'm just a 1911 kind of guy, and ornery enough to think that if you want a 1911, go with the original, go with the best, getcha a Colt...

Downeaster · Post by **Downeaster** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 3:39 pm

Hakaman wrote:
KelTec PF-9 9mm =====(reliability is a question, but very concealable)
Ruger Sp101 38sp+=== (durable/reliable, but only 5 rounds, I reload 38's)
S&W 442 38sp+ ======(concealable, reliable, only 5 rounds, I reload 38's)
Kahr PM-9 9mm ======(very concealable, and reliable)
SA XDM 9mm ========(reliable, but a little large)
Glock G-26 9mm ===== (fairly concealable, reliable)
Ruger LCP 380=======(reliable, very concealable)

Thanks again,
Haka

Haka, from the list you present, I'd go with the 422 in a Noo Yawk second. +P in a 125gr JHP is a manstopper. Also .38 SPL is not the "hot ticket, must have, round-of-the-week" either, so availabilty should be better (9mm is just starting to appear on the shelves again) and the fact that you already reload for it is a plus.

bigfatdave · Post by **bigfatdave** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 4:43 pm

Downeaster wrote:
bigfatdave wrote:Walther PPS 9mm ===(EXTREMELY concealable/reliable, a bit pricey)
My primary carry in the summer is a Walther PPKS. I absolutely LOVE that weapon! It's older'n dirt, pre S&W, but it spent all it's life as a backup and probably hasn't had 100 rounds fired through it. Lotta holster wear, but I keep it oiled and it'll get a lot MORE holster wear before I'm done with it.

Those old PPK models are supossed to be some of the best, I'd be jealous if they weren't chambered in an imaginary cartridge (or do you have the .32?). I can't stand a safe queen, all my firearms are shooters.
The PPS is about the same size as a PPK, with the flush magazine in. It also offers extended mags. I have had a number of PPK owners show interest in my PPS at the range, and they have all been impressed. Also, apparently the PPS is a lot easier to carry than the PPK, and as it shoots the 9mm round (which actually exists, while .380 does not) I have gotten the short end of the deal every time, as without fail the other range-goer's PPK is "at home" or "only has the ammo in the mag" or "didn't get brought to the range this time" ... so I have never shot one, which is a bummer.

Downeaster · Post by **Downeaster** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 4:51 pm

bigfatdave wrote: Those old PPK models are supossed to be some of the best, I'd be jealous if they weren't chambered in an imaginary cartridge (or do you have the .32?). I can't stand a safe queen, all my firearms are shooters.

I have gotten the short end of the deal every time, as without fail the other range-goer's PPK is "at home" or "only has the ammo in the mag" or "didn't get brought to the range this time" ... so I have never shot one, which is a bummer.

I've never seen/handled a PPS, so I couldn't say, but I can't imagine anything easier to carry than the PPK.

Mine's a 380, but I had a rare fit of foresight and bought a coupla hundred rounds before they disappeared. I shot it enough to get comfortable with it right after I picked it up, and put maybe a magazine full through it a year just to keep it limbered up, so I don't go through much ammo.

Downeaster · Post by **Downeaster** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 5:03 pm

Just surfed around a bit and looked at the PPS.

I LIKE it...

Hmmmmmmmmm

Hakaman · Post by **Hakaman** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 5:05 pm

New amended list
KelTec PF-9 9mm =====(reliability is a question, but very concealable)
Ruger Sp101 38sp+=== (durable/reliable, but only 5 rounds, I reload 38's)
S&W 442 38sp+ ======(concealable, reliable, only 5 rounds, I reload 38's)
Kahr PM-9 9mm ======(very concealable, and reliable)
SA XDM 9mm ========(reliable, but a little large)
Glock G-26 9mm ===== (fairly concealable, reliable)
Ruger LCP 380=======(reliable, very concealable)
Walther ppk/pps 9mm===(reliable, very concealable)
SA Micro-Compact 1911/.45==(reliable, heavier/less concealable)
Haka

smokey · Post by **smokey** » Sat Jul 11, 2009 6:01 pm

In cooler weather I usually carry a S&W M&P40C. It is very concealable under a sweatshirt or jacket in a IWB holster or high ride hip holster. It is definitely not a pocket gun. In warm weather while wearing shorts and T-Shirt I carry a Ruger LCP in my back pocket with a pocket holster so the print looks like a wallet. It is so comfortable that you will forget it is there. It goes everywhere. My girlfriend carries a Walther PPS. It is small, lightweight, and well made. She usually has it in a purse.

bigfatdave · Post by **bigfatdave** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 12:36 am

Downeaster wrote:Just surfed around a bit and looked at the PPS.
I LIKE it...

Wait until you have one in your hand ... hard to put down, makes haggling sort of hard when you obviously want THIS ONE and RIGHT NOW.
Luckily I had MrsBFD helping, and I got it down about $50 from the shelf price with an extra mag thrown in.

Downeaster · Post by **Downeaster** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 6:40 am

bigfatdave wrote:Wait until you have one in your hand ... hard to put down, makes haggling sort of hard when you obviously want THIS ONE and RIGHT NOW.
Luckily I had MrsBFD helping, and I got it down about $50 from the shelf price with an extra mag thrown in.

If you don't mind my asking, what did you wind up giving for it? MSRP seems to hover around $700 but can't find a street price on it.

bigfatdave · Post by **bigfatdave** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 9:01 am

Downeaster wrote:If you don't mind my asking, what did you wind up giving for it? MSRP seems to hover around $700 but can't find a street price on it.

I think I dropped about $650 that day, but there was a 100-pack or two of WWB 9mm in the bag as well, and I got a cash discount from a LGS.
$700 would be a bit steep, particularly if there was only one mag in the box, but if you found a 3-mag set in there, $700 would be a good deal, at least I think so.

Hakaman · Post by **Hakaman** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 9:48 am

You know, it's been a good 3-4 months since a purchased a new hg. I think it's time to fall off the wagon. This week is looking good? We'll see.
h

smokey · Post by **smokey** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 9:55 am

I think we gave about $650. The problem I had with negotiating was there were none in the area to be had. The one we found had just arrived and the dealer knew we had been looking for one.

Hakaman · Post by **Hakaman** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 7:56 pm

Well, I appreciate all the input from you folks, helping me create the list below:
****************************************************
KelTec PF-9 9mm =====(reliability is a question, but very concealable)
Ruger Sp101 38sp+=== (durable/reliable, but only 5 rounds, I reload 38's)
S&W 442 38sp+ ======(concealable, reliable, only 5 rounds, I reload 38's)
Kahr PM-9 9mm ======(very concealable, and reliable)
SA XDM 9mm ========(reliable, but a little large)
Glock G-26 9mm ===== (fairly concealable, reliable)
Ruger LCP 380=======(reliable, very concealable)
Walther ppk/pps 9mm===(reliable, very concealable)
SA Micro-Compact 1911/.45==(reliable, heavier/less concealable)
******************************************************
I have put in a verbal agreement with a fellow from our club who works a gun shop. The gun he is selling me is :
http://www.kahr.com/PA-1_9mm_pm.html
Model PM9093N
He is getting me a good deal on it, being a club member and all, so it looks like the list here will come to an end, but it was very helpful.
Any input on this gun will still be appreciated.
thank you , Haka