Compact recomendation small caliber

[FSNTAC]

I am looking for a small caliber compact handgun.
the gun will be used on duty - bartending.
I want something easily concealable, I think ankle holster will work best?
I am leaning towards .380 cal. or similar.

Any suggestions are appreciated- again a small calibre for bartending duty that will not be seen!

Thanks boys....

[ChuckD]

A 22mag snub revolver would work nicely in my opinion, but then again, I like wheelguns
Taurus makes a nice one that doesn't cost an arm or a leg
http://www.taurususa.com/products/produ ... y=Revolver" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

But then again, by saying .380, I assume you're learning towards an autoloader

[Vortec MAX]

Ooh I know I know! A Ruger LCP! I love mine. I have it in my back pocket right now. In fact, I have carried it on me every waking minute since I bought it.

You will also want the Crimson Trace laser for it and a high quality wallet type pocket holster like this one. That is the one I have and I love it. I don't even realize I am carrying.

Of course if you have no experience with guns and are unfamiliar with the function of a semi-auto or are uncomfortable clearing malfunctions, you want a Smith and Wesson model 638, or the new Ruger LCR.

Mike

[FSNTAC]

I am leaning toward a semi-auto.
And I am a Taurus fan :p I'll look into the 22 mag revolver.
Keep em up. thanks.

[panzermk2]

Hands down the best would be a hammerless +P rated 38spl. revolver. Much more fire power then 380. Get one of the new ultra lite ones and you will forget you have it. FYI little autos get gubberd up with junk in your pockets. A hammerless or bobbed revolver can be fired from your pocket.

I have just about every kind of handgun there is. But more often then not when I throw something in my pocket it is my Wife's Colt Agent. It is an aluminum framed version of the Detective special. Small, lite easy to carry. Filled with +P HP and 2 speed loaders I am set for about anything.

[FSNTAC]

panzer,
you recomend something like the above picture without the external hammer?

Is this best as a pocket gun, or better to conceal on the ankle? thanks

[panzermk2]

Yes. You used to have to have the hammer shaved. These days there are double action only were there is no opening around the trigger. Or some that have a little button to cock the hammer.

Screw ankle carry as primary. To hard to get to.

On some of the ones below the hammer is completely concealed. On others if you look closely you will see a small button that will allow you to cock the hammer for for a single action shot.

[Vortec MAX]

If you are considering a revolver, you owe it to yourself to check out the Smith and Wesson model 638, and the new Ruger LCR. Both are small frame 5 shot 38 special +P revolvers.

Mike

[f3rr37]

One problem with the Ruger LCR, it isn't available until March 1, 2009.

[ChuckD]

I agree with Panzer here, I normally don't leave the house without my snub 357.
Its a Rossi that I got a great deal on, but it shoots fantastic and I wouldn't trade it.
I carry it whenever I'm at work, it hides easily in my strongside front pocket, can't even tell its there.
But I recommended 22mag because he wanted small caliber, but if not, I'd recommend 357, because you can still shoot 38s out of it, but just incase you wanted that extra thump, you can still have it

[gotants]

FSNTAC, One thing I'd do is check your state laws first. Here in Florida, you are not allowed a CCW in a place that sells liquor.

There might be an exception to that, if you own the bar, but like I said, might.

[romer522]

I know Jay gives a thumbs down to ankle carry, but depending on what type of bar you work at its gonna be the only way to not have any "hey look the bartender is packing heat!" situations.

[Llagoud]

I've been waiting for the chance to get touchy-feely with one of these:

Sharing all the family traits of the world-famous Magnum Desert Eagle, Magnum’s Micro Desert Eagle pistol, chambered in .380 ACP, is the ultimate in compact personal protection. Small enough to nest comfortably at home, in a pocket or in a purse, the double action only Micro Eagle is proudly made in the U.S. and weighs less than 14 oz. But don’t let its size fool you. The Micro Eagle provides big-time protection with a gas-assisted blowback system for ultimate reliability and amazing accuracy. Which only goes to prove that good things do indeed come in small packages.

I love my BE .40's (IWI Jericho) and last fall at a show the MR rep hinted that a .380 was coming soon, I just haven't actually had the opportunity to pick one up yet.
So, not a recommendation, but if one turns up in the rental line-up at the range I'll report back.

[f3rr37]

ooo now that is a sexy compact pistol :drool:

Only retails for $535, surprised its not $800+

[panzermk2]

You can easily carry one of those ultra lite snubbies in a pocket holster. Never know its there.

[fatherfoof]

Everybody can suggest countless handguns-- just make sure in a bar you are certain the ammo won't overpentrate.

[jmz5]

I don't leave home without my LCP. :thumb:

[RadCat]

Since you are allowed to carry concealed in a bar ... where some tough inhibriated rowdies could make your life span shorter ... you'd probably be more comfortable having a little bit more "umph" out of your compact/small handgun. .380 ACP normally leaves a lot to be desired in these situations, to leave its use as a primary defense weapon. Since some bigger calibers have been introduced ...



maybe something like this could fill the bill.

This "little" package comes in at 20 oz. and it will hold 6+1 .45ACP nasty "big" pills.

It has a titanium frame, mainspring housing and grip safety. The rest is "whittled" down stainless steel. It is very thin. It has a 3" barrel and a Detonics size chopped down frame. (smallest sized 1911 )

Personally I would have my own in 10mm and 7+1 rounds.

The clip is a nice touch that lets you hang the little darling anywhere you want. :thumb:

So, there you have it small and powerful !!! Who said you had to go wimpy ??? :laugh:

[FSNTAC]

What make and model is that radcat?
ANyone have any opinions on Kel-tec or Ruger 380's.
I do like those pocket holsters, I will probably go with one of those.

[RadCat]

What make and model is that radcat?
ANyone have any opinions on Kel-tec or Ruger 380's.
I do like those pocket holsters, I will probably go with one of those.

That one ( a Radical Precision ) I built it for a guy that owns a supermarket and needed something along similar lines as you. If you want specifics send me a PM.

I have been selling those Kel-Tec's and Ruger's since they started to come out. The only complaint I have about the Kel-Tec is the barrel and some components rusting, but that can be resolved with hard chrome plating. I can't get enough of the LCP's to sell. Have fired both and they feel/handle very similar. Good choice for second gun, or if nothing else is available. :thumb:

[t1210]

+1, on the hammerless revolver. The chances of being in physical contact when having to use it would be pretty good. An automatic will need a good grip and room for the slide to cycle in order to work. Somthing that can't be garrantied in close contact.

[Cyberfly]

If you decide to go with a smaller auto, the Tomcat is really small. True, its a .32 auto, but it's 'shot placement' that truly counts, right?

[Grantness]

I have a little 1907 FN pocket pistol in .25 ACP that I keep as a backup gun. Its really reliable and pretty accurate for a 2.5inch barrel... although I have my doubts about the mighty 66 ft/lbs bullets it puts down range :laugh: . Its all about shot placement right? I could easily put someone's eye out with it....and thats got to hurt like hell :lmao:

Get one, their cheap....and more importantly... availabe unregistered at gunshows everywhere

It looks kinda like this : http://www.armsbid.com/8webpix/20.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Vortec MAX]

I could easily put someone's eye out with it....and thats got to hurt like hell :lmao:

If you want to put an eye out, consider the Taurus Judge loaded with .410 bird shot.

The Judge is probably not all that easy to conceal, however.

As for the Tomcat... I used to own one of those. I thought it was rather bulky for a .32. I now have a Seecamp .32 (which is about half the bulk of the Tomcat) and a Ruger LCP. I prefer the LCP over any pocket pistol. I also have a Smith and Wesson model 638 airweight 38 special +P revolver, which I would not hesitate to recommend.

Mike

[johngfj60]

Seecamp makes one of the lightest, smallest, quality
CCW auto pistols in .32 and .380 cal. They also made
a .25 cal. now discontinued. Check out their forum and
the link below shows a great configuration that has a
laser and fits in your pocket like a billfold and looks like
A billfold. The .380 is high and 1 year waiting list.

http://seecamp.com/LaserAimer2.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jmz5]

I really like my LCP, almost 1k rounds though it without one hiccup. I plan on getting a second one soon. :thumb:

http://fivesevenforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=149" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jmz5]

I could easily put someone's eye out with it....and thats got to hurt like hell :lmao:

If you want to put an eye out, consider the Taurus Judge loaded with .410 bird shot.

The Judge is probably not all that easy to conceal, however.

As for the Tomcat... I used to own one of those. I thought it was rather bulky for a .32. I now have a Seecamp .32 (which is about half the bulk of the Tomcat) and a Ruger LCP. I prefer the LCP over any pocket pistol. I also have a Smith and Wesson model 638 airweight 38 special +P revolver, which I would not hesitate to recommend.

Mike

I have a tomcat. I bought it a long time ago with the intentions of carrying it, but the damn thing is heavier and bulkier than my kahr PM9.

[johngfj60]

I forgot to mention that I do have an original
model 42 S&W Centennial NIB. This pistol was
discontinued in 1974 and really ahead of its
time. Many "new" models have been copied
off of it. Too nice & collectible to shoot but
would make a great CCW or pocket pistol.



http://i12.tinypic.com/4gt3b05.jpgol" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[f3rr37]

I forgot to mention that I do have an original
model 42 S&W Centennial NIB. This pistol was
discontinued in 1974 and really ahead of its
time. Many "new" models have been copied
off of it. Too nice & collectible to shoot but
would make a great CCW or pocket pistol.



http://i12.tinypic.com/4gt3b05.jpgol" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Totally off topic, but did you just stop using a typewriter?

[Grantness]

my guess is some sort of PDA...