I had a friend buy a P11 and after using my P3AT swears he wishes he had bought the .380 instead. The 9mm, on paper, doesn't look that much larger but when you try to conceal it you really notice it. In my neck of the woods the P3AT is the choice of LE as well when they off duty or as a backup. If I wasn't worried about size I would just carry my Beretta 8045.

 

ill look into it

 

Not sure what you would like, depends on your hand size and caliber. I carry a Beretta 9000s 9mm, nice concealability, low recoil, holds 12 in the magazine. It was beretta's first polymer framed semi auto. They are discontinued due to their PX4 Storm polymer being made in 3 sizes now. One of them the same size as the 9000s. You can pick one up on sites like Gunbroker.com for a little over $300. Can email you a picture of mine if interested...I cant post pics.

P.S. for the movie buffs, this handgun was featured in the movie "Minority Report" with Tom Cruise. It was his weapon in the movie, has a very ergonomic shape compared to some.

 

My faviort is a 1911 style there flat not bulky you could get a Springfield base model(GI) for around 3-4 bills check out the EMP from springfield its the smallest 1911 ever maid. Or if your not a 1911 fan look at the XD its sound like it could give the Glock a run for its money. I have a AMT Backup in 45 and my 92F in 9mm. If you are thinking of a Revolver go S&W and forget the rest. A revolver will never jam or miss feed. If your not looking to spend a big chunk of money look for something used from a reputable shop.also depending on the type of carry rig and clothing you wear you might want to think hammer less and maybe DA only (double action) lots of police departments are going to DA only because you have to want to pull the trigger(as it hads a heaver pull 7-9) as 3-5 on single action. might want to look at something with rounded corners blends in to the clothing better and also tougher to get snagged. sorry Ill sht up now I love guns and could talk till I go blind...

 

thanks sp for the tips
im lookgin at the Kel Tec PF9 right now..
its only 279$ .. holds 8..
9mm.. only 18 ounces loaded..
5inch long, 4 tall, .88 wide

 

Most bang for the buck...

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=121744413

 

A lot of people do like the hammerless revolver for concealed carry because it's a easy gun to do so with. I prefer the semi-auto pistol however.

I prefer it to a revolver mainly for capacity and reloading. I don't know if you have ever tried to reload a revolver, but it's much quicker to reload a semi-auto, even if you have speed loaders for the revolver.

I have both a revolver and a semi-auto. SW .38 Special +P, and an HK USPc .45. I will always carry the USP over the .38, the .38 is more of a backup gun IMO.

A 1911 is typically a nice slim gun. You won't find much of one for under $400 but you can get XD's and Glocks for under $400 used and many revolvers for under $400 as well. I would say a .357 or larger for a main carry gun if you went revolver. You can actually get a .380 or .357 semi-auto from Glock. According to many self defense experts (some will agree some won't, let's get that straight now) a safe action pistol, such as the glock, is the best personal concealed carry gun out there. With the USP I would have to disengage the safety, but I do that as I draw so it's normal for me. With the Glock, if it's chambered it's ready to roll. There is a trigger safety, but if you chamber it and pull the trigger, it shoots. My USP, if you chamber it and pull the trigger, nothing, until you turn the safety off. Go hold some, shoot some, and see what you like. It has to feel right for you. I would never buy a gun I intended to use for concealed carry without holding it first, never.

 

Goto Defensive Carry for more info.
I carry a .38 snubby S&W hammerless that I purchased slightly used for $350. Eventually put the Crimson Trace grips on it. Awesome and reliable. Not real easy to shoot but dead simple to operate.
For fun I bought a Walther PPK/S .380. Easier to carry wearing shorts and it fits my hand really well. Would trust a wheel gun over a semi anyday...

Do lots of research, lots of discussing, and know your local laws.

And welcome to the club. Glad to have you around.

JIm

 

Well dear, I would have to say that you are 100% correct on this one! Your man has told me repeatedly how I must have $$ to buy my LED tailights, the fact is..I don't have $$, and I sure as hell would not spend it on handguns. Now, before everyone jumps all over me about this gun thing, let me inform you all, I grew up in the south, we hunted, we killed, we ate what we killed. I have never hunted with a handgun, I have no use for them. If you feel you need ONE for protection, then so be it. If you have a collection of them, I do not need to hear about how poor you are. Todd (Uma)

 

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