Sub compact pistol.

[cjgemm]

Ive had the itch latley to purchace a sub compact/pocket pistol. I was wondering if any one had any suggestions on caliber ie 32 vs 380 etc. I also (and this is just personal preference) would like a model with and external hammer. Thanks ahead of time.

[papajohn]

I have been dancing around getting a Bersa 380 for twenty years, and think I may finally get one this year. My locall FFL guy keeps trying to talk me out of it, and I'm not sure why. He claims they aren't reliable, but can't base that on anything resembling personal experience. All the forums I've been on have spoken of how reliable they are, and when I posted a question asking if anyone had any bad experiences with them, no one piped up. Maybe I'll check with Gun Tests Magazine and see if they have tested them.
What my FFL likes is the little teeny Kel-Tec auto, he has a 32 he loves, and now I hear they have a 380 that's only a little bigger. The price is right, and it's as concealable as it can be, it just disappears in your hand! Great for pocket carry.
I'm working on a new carry gun, a three inch 357 Taurus round butted and slicked up, with a Craig Spegal Boot Grip on it, that would be the little brother to my duty gun. The little autos are smaller, but I shoot revolvers a lot better, after carrying them for 20+ years. Just my two pennies worth.
PJ

[punchie]

Colt Pony, Mustang, Government 380 all come immediately to mind. In todays world I would have to give very serious consideration to the KelTec P-11 9mm or most any of the Kahr polymer line for a posket pistol. Why go with a 32 or 380 when you can get a 9 or 40 in virtually the same size.

[cjgemm]

Thanks for the responses. The Kahr sure does look nice, but 6-7 hundred WOW. I'm not sure how I feel about DAO pistols though. I would prefer a PPK type acton.

[adaman04]

If you want really small, go with a Colt Gov't .380. I would highly recommend a Glock 26 as well.

[txfyrguy]

I didn't like the Khar that I had, recoil was painful. I do have a ppk style CZ thats nice, and it was only $300.

[cjgemm]

Well I decided to go with the Kahr PM9. I shot 50 rounds through it at 10 and 20 yards and all I can say is I LIKE IT A LOT :D ! I did have 2 malfuctions though. The last round failed to feed. I'll have to clean it and get ome more rounds though it to see if I still have problems. I think some day I would still like to have a PPK in 380. Thanks for all your replies and sugestions.

[benji]

like the 380 govt is smaller than the Mustang, or what? The PM kahr is the epitome of ccw pistols available today, or for the foreseeable future, except for extremely expensive, custom "chops" of larger autopistols, anyway. soon enough, you will see the PM"s for sale, used, in the $350-$400 range, just watch. Good idea to practice with a steel 9mm Kahr, save the wear and fouling on the 10 oz lighter, polymer framed PM.

[Mini144me]

Looking into a 380 pistol myself and have broken it down to the following two

Colt Mustang
Walther PPK

The Glock subcompacts do look very tempting though but I already own a G19 & 20. I'm also considering a Glock sub later down the line.

Best! :blink:

[cjgemm]

I went with the Kahr because its smaller than the PPK, the glock, heck just about everthing out there and its 9mm or you can go with a 40sw if you want. The polymer model only wieghs about 20 ounces loaded. Its a pretty sweet shooter as well.