Concealed carry recomendations

[ajaxmoody]

I am leaning toward the new Ruger LCP .380 auto as a concealed carry weapon, any suggestions / input?

[Hunt'nFish]

Curious what factors brought to that choice?
If you want a recommendation.....I'd look to a 9mm of the same size.
I hate to criticize your choice, but the .380 is very lacking in stopping performance.
But their are some good 9mm personal defense loadings out there.
Hunt'nFish

[KingSlew]

Not a .380, unless you plan on wrasslin' too... (grin)

.40 Glock is pretty nifty, light and compact.

I've carried .45 ACP concealed, no problem, just heavy.

[Hawk]

Originally Posted by KingSlew

Not a .380, unless you plan on wrasslin' too... (grin)

That's hilarious!

I, too, think the 380 is light on stopping power. I have small hands which ruled out 45's, and I couldn't decide between the 9mm and 40cal. I went out to the range at Clackamas and used their guns to shoot both. I found I could put three 9mm rounds in "center mass" very quickly. With the 40 cal the first shot was center mass, the second shot was mass, and the third shot mainly scared the stuffin's out of them. I figured 3 small rounds on target was more important so I ended up with an H&K USP Compact in 9mm and love it. Nice tight little gun that conceals well, and shoots great!

[SImudBogger]

I know i wouldn't want to be shot with a .380

Walther PPK or PPKS would be a sweet carry gun. Taurus makes a decent knockoff too. A hot .380 load with hollowpoints would put the hurtin on someone.

[Scoots]

I'm considering this new toy, but carrying the muffler in the other pocket:

Dimensions: Overall length - 7.72"; Overall height - 5.75"; Overall width - 1.16"; Barrel length - 4.46"; Sight radius - 5.83"

[Im a Doughball]

I second the USP! Tought to beat an HK.

[Gus Orviston]

I got the sig 380.. and can wrestle.. so it has been known to be around at times.. but like said above, it has really limited penetration. It barks quite well though. That said if somebody on the receiving end isn't going to bring out his ballistics book and make a move based on fps and kinetic energy. for the same reason I would just rather have my 45, or get a 40 compact.

gus

[Old Goat]

I will agree that the 380 is light on stopping power...but

The Ruger LCP is a great conceal carry gun. A 45 is great, but if it is so big that you tend not to carry it...it is not there when you need it. My current philosophy is to have a carry gun that you will carry all the time. Regardless of what clothes you are wearing. The LCP is very light and packs great in a pocket. It is my favorite conceal carry gun. I even pack it to school events without fear of being spotted (legal). I will never advocate illegal conceal carry. This comes from a guy that carries a 454 cassul for hunting backup.

We might have someone chime in about the recall. The problem has been addressed and new guns in production are fixed. Older ones can be sent back for the modification.

[where's your bobber dude]

I would recommend a 1911 with a 4 inch barrel, in either 45 ACP or 9mm. I carry 45 with an aluminum frame. It's light and slim with a single stack magazine. Mine is just like the picture I attached below. I carry it with an Inside the Waistband holster. I found that double stack magazines like the glocks or the HK were too thick.

[Ifishsum]

The .380 will beat a sharp stick every time, and it's quite small and easy to conceal. More energy is nice, but it's more important that it be comfortable enough that you won't look for an excuse to leave it behind. My two carry pieces are a Taurus PT-140Pro (compact.40 cal autoloader) and a Taurus M85UL revolver in .38 special. The revolver is smaller and lighter, and I find myself carrying it more often because of that. It's not so much different in power from a .380, and only holds 5 rounds.

Oddly enough, humans don't like to be shot with anything - even a BB gun. So if the LCP is what you like and trust, go for it. See if you can get a chance to shoot one (if you haven't already) before making a final decision. Whatever you choose to buy, put at least a few boxes of ammo through it after purchase, to be sure it's dead reliable and you can shoot it reasonably well.

[Hawk]

Originally Posted by Ifishsum

Oddly enough, humans don't like to be shot with anything - even a BB gun.

This is true. But it stands to logic that if you have to put a round into someone it should be large enough to eliminate the threat, and not just tick them off (like a smaller round could).

I agree, practice, practice, practice...

[MarlinMark]

Glock 29...10mm- nuf said. Compact for your pleasure.

[No Fences]

I like my XD-40 Sub compact and as soon as my permit gets here, that's what I'll be packing.

[duckboy]

Great topic, and here is my answer: Get a snub nosed .357/38 SPCL revolver.

I believe that a .380 is too light for “stop em dead in their tracks” power. That is what you want in a weapon. I believe that there are some super calibers which are proven in Combat,
A 1911 45cal, or a .40 cal semi, great weapons (but in my opinion, not ideal for everyday carry (like to the minute market or the gas pump etc . I am a slender built man, and that may influence your ultimate weapon of choice) your body type.

Most confrontations in which I’d pull up and out of holster would be in situations where I was stepping in on a felony (an armed robbery) or an assault, or if someone/thing was physically attacking me.
Most of those situations are going to happen w/in 2-20 feet. (so a 4 inch barrel is not needed).
The whole idea of conceald carry “in my opinion” is to get a weapon that becomes a part of you. As much as your belt, and shoes and socks.
It is just another item you wear..

If you get something that is cumbersome (anything with a barrel longer than 2 inches) you are much less likely to carry.

Additionally, You get a bad round in a semi auto, or a smokestacked ejection .. You are a dead man.
With a revolver, you pull the trigger and get another shot.

I know, I could get about 20 shots out of that old glock .40, but it was cumbersome, and slow and tough to conceal, and it did smokestack a shucked shell on occasion.

I’ll always carry a scandium frame .357 revolver (you can practice with .38 spcl rounds to keep it cheap and easy on the body) and it is something that I can slip into my back/front pocket (literally) and no one will ever have a clue I have it….

Get something comfortable and something you can hit the target with.. those bigger semi autos are top notch in field combat or for law enforcement.
But if you are a regular guy, you don’t need 20 shots in hand to hand combat… just 1, maybe 2 …
Make em big, and dead on.
Practice with .38’s and carry with .357 in that very same gun.

And may the good lord allow you the good fortune to never remove it from the holster.

[Willis]

Originally Posted by duckboy

Great topic, and here is my answer: Get a snub nosed .357/38 SPCL revolver.

I believe that a .380 is too light for “stop em dead in their tracks” power. That is what you want in a weapon. I believe that there are some super calibers which are proven in Combat,
A 1911 45cal, or a .40 cal semi, great weapons (but in my opinion, not ideal for everyday carry (like to the minute market or the gas pump etc . I am a slender built man, and that may influence your ultimate weapon of choice) your body type.

Most confrontations in which I’d pull up and out of holster would be in situations where I was stepping in on a felony (an armed robbery) or an assault, or if someone/thing was physically attacking me.
Most of those situations are going to happen w/in 2-20 feet. (so a 4 inch barrel is not needed).
The whole idea of conceald carry “in my opinion” is to get a weapon that becomes a part of you. As much as your belt, and shoes and socks.
It is just another item you wear..

If you get something that is cumbersome (anything with a barrel longer than 2 inches) you are much less likely to carry.

Additionally, You get a bad round in a semi auto, or a smokestacked ejection .. You are a dead man.
With a revolver, you pull the trigger and get another shot.

I know, I could get about 20 shots out of that old glock .40, but it was cumbersome, and slow and tough to conceal, and it did smokestack a shucked shell on occasion.

I’ll always carry a scandium frame .357 revolver (you can practice with .38 spcl rounds to keep it cheap and easy on the body) and it is something that I can slip into my back/front pocket (literally) and no one will ever have a clue I have it….

Get something comfortable and something you can hit the target with.. those bigger semi autos are top notch in field combat or for law enforcement.
But if you are a regular guy, you don’t need 20 shots in hand to hand combat… just 1, maybe 2 …
Make em big, and dead on.
Practice with .38’s and carry with .357 in that very same gun.

And may the good lord allow you the good fortune to never remove it from the holster.

Well said I second your choice, we got a hamerless revolver for my wife when she worked graveyard all shed had to do was point and shoot if need be.

[Flatfish]

Rule number 1-Have a gun.

If you carry a 380, but leave the 1911 at home because it's too much of a pita to hide.....then the 380 is a great choice.

The lightweight revolvers in 38sp make sense to me. As do the little semis in 9mm/40/45.

[EvilD]

I carry a S&W 340 357,mag. It's perfect for me. I can put it in my pocket for those quick trips to the corner store, or I can holster it for long days. I love my 1911 but it is so heavy it becomes a burden on the quick trips.

Like many others have said; the best gun to carry is the one that you're comfortable with.

D

[runningfox]

Originally Posted by ajaxmoody

I am leaning toward the new Ruger LCP .380 auto as a concealed carry weapon, any suggestions / input?

Of course you are going to get more stopping power out of the larger calibers but my 380 slides in my pocket every morning just like my swiss army knife.

If you like the size and feel of a nice concealed .380 (as I do)Take a look at Buffaloe Bore's website for their .380 +P ammo. Interesting info and to follow is quoted from them, followed by the link to the website.

Also take a look at the Walter PPK and the Browning BDA in 380, the
Sig 230 is sweet as well.

This is copied from their website: I found out about them when looking for 250 gr. loads for my .348 winchester, but they have some good info on the.380 as well as others.

Quote:
"The 380 auto inhabits a valuable and useful place in our society, mostly because of the easily concealable, tiny pistols chambered for it. HOWEVER, because of the very limited size of the cartridge, it is plagued with limited power and therefore most of the existing ammo in 380 auto suffers from not being reliable as a man-stopper. We’ve studied and played with nearly all of the existing available 380 ammo and find it wanting as a reliable means of self defense, especially against a large, insane, drugged up/pain free, determined attacker.
Here’s the problem. The current 380 auto frangible ammo delivers a large amount of surface trauma, but lacks serious penetration. For example, if you shot me or another sane man in the face with modern frangible 380 ammo, it would blow off a big portion of my cheek and send a few teeth down my throat, I would undoubtedly fall to the ground in shock and pain, but I would be very much alive and functional if I could get past the shock and pain as that frangible bullet would have stopped some where inside my face, never making it to my brain. However, if you shot a drugged up maniac in the face with that same frangible 380 ammo and blew half his cheek off, he would keep right on coming because he is insane and is not thinking like you or I. Plus, he is likely pain free and fear free and wont know that half his cheek is missing and if he did know, he would not care. So whatever 380 ammo you shoot him in the face with, had better go through his face and blow his brain stem out the back of his head, because only a CNS (central nervous system) hit with a 380 is going to stop him. Likewise, a torso hit to the sternum needs to penetrate deep enough to blow all the way through his spine in order to shut him down spontaneously. If you fail to shut him down instantly, you and your loved ones are going to have to find a way to survive while you wait for him to bleed out and pass out. The best chance of survival for you and your family is to shut down the attacker instantly. So, we’ve designed a few 380 auto +P loads to keep you and your loved ones alive under the worst of scenarios.


This 380 Auto+P ammo will better all American made 380 Auto ammo by 150 fps to 200 fps in all bullet weights we make. This is a serious improvement in this typically anemic cartridge.


Here is the link for all their ammo, lots more info.

http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/

He recommends loading the first shot with the hollow point followed by the solids. I would copy the rest here but the website has all the details.

• Item 27C/20 is a 90gr. Speer Gold Dot (Unicore) bullet and is the only hollow nosed expanding bullet we trust to expand reliably, yet penetrate deep enough to be lethal on a drugged up, pain free attacker. It is traveling over 1,200 fps out of my BDA (Browning Double Action) with its 3.75 inch barrel. This bullet is truly bonded and will mushroom to about .55 caliber and not lose any weight, thus penetrating quite deeply in human matter. You should expect about 10+ inches of penetration in flesh and bone. We’ve utilized the very same flash suppressed powders that we’ve used in our two other 380 auto +P loads. If you like the idea of the extra big hole this expanding load makes in human flesh, we would advise that you load this bullet in your chamber, followed by a magazine full of our non-expanding loads. So, if the first shot does not incapacitate the attacker, your magazine is full of ammo that will, if you can put the bullet in his spine or brain from any angle. Note my “real world” velocities from my personal “real world” pistols.

• • BDA-3.75 inch barrel----1218 fps
  • Walther PPK-3.5 inch barrel-----1200 fps
  • Colt Mustang Pocket Lite-2.75 inch barrel---1123 fps
  • Keltec---1100 fps
    

[sidewinder]

I've always wanted a sig 230. I concidered it for a carry gun. The 380 is a bit small, but not as small as a .22lr. Thats what I carry now. A 317 airlite in .22lr. I keep it stuffed with cci stingers. I'm under gunned, but you can slip a s&w airlite in your pants pocket and hardly know its there. I look at it as its better than nothing. Which is becoming more the case these days.
A liteweight 38/357 would be a much better choise.....

[BrianMaguire]

I find it interesting the choices are based on stopping power. I too subscribed to it but I now think it is irrelevant. I have a CWP and have for 10+ years, and good thing too, I had to pull out once on a guy and this is rare. Most CWP holders never have to pull out into someone. What I will say is this, to the guy I had to pull out on, it did not matter a single iota if it was a Glock 40 cal or a 22lr, he got the message. IMO, its not what you carry, its that you carry. No one calls a bluff on a firearm, 45acp or 22 lr, it just does not happen. If you are the 1 in 100,000 of the CWP holders that actually have to pull the trigger does it really matter?

IMO, pick something you will carry vs. something that will kill. If you have to use it, you will not need the actual use just the threat. Actually carrying is more importatant than having the lic but your gun is too big so you don't actually have it on you.

[snowdriver]

Originally Posted by BrianMaguire

I find it interesting the choices are based on stopping power. I too subscribed to it but I now think it is irrelevant. I have a CWP and have for 10+ years, and good thing too, I had to pull out once on a guy and this is rare. Most CWP holders never have to pull out into someone. What I will say is this, to the guy I had to pull out on, it did not matter a single iota if it was a Glock 40 cal or a 22lr, he got the message. IMO, its not what you carry, its that you carry. No one calls a bluff on a firearm, 45acp or 22 lr, it just does not happen. If you are the 1 in 100,000 of the CWP holders that actually have to pull the trigger does it really matter?

IMO, pick something you will carry vs. something that will kill. If you have to use it, you will not need the actual use just the threat. Actually carrying is more importatant than having the lic but your gun is too big so you don't actually have it on you.

i agfree with brians comment,if you actually have to pull the gun out,it will make no difference what caliber it is,the dynamics of the whole situation will change greatly,but there is a chance one could come up against a drugged up physco,where one may want alot of stopping power,but you also want a gun you can hit your target reliably with while you have a adrenalin rush going thru you,i lean towards a 9mm,but i think a .22 could be a great deterrant,and any of us could pump alot of lead into someone pretty quik,another place for info on personal defense weapons is northwest firearms,check it outb

[Beginners luck]

If you like the Ruger and you will carry it. Get it with some quality ammo like described above and PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

A .22 in the head beats a .44 in the foot hands down.

[Cliff D.]

Originally Posted by KingSlew

Not a .380, unless you plan on wrasslin' too... (grin)

.40 Glock is pretty nifty, light and compact.

I've carried .45 ACP concealed, no problem, just heavy.

I put 1 to 7 rnds. center mass with a 380, i can out-wrassle any drug crazed, insane superman out there !! The 11oz. toy will be carried, while the shoot through engine block,mow down forest in a single round super guns will be riding a peg in the safe.

[baltz526]

a weapon in your pocket works better than one left in your nightstand

[PIR8 Hook]

.380 may be light but more people are killed in this country with .22 lr than any other.....I shot a 75 pound halibut in the knoggin with .380 Gold Dot ammo.....sure took the fight right out of him.

If ya like it and will carry it don't be disuaded.

[SImudBogger]

you anti .380 guys need to watch a few more james bond movies, all it takes is one shot and the guys always drop!

[Teeb]

Originally Posted by SImudBogger

you anti .380 guys need to watch a few more james bond movies, all it takes is one shot and the guys always drop!

Yep, and Jimmy-boy gets the gorgeous girl .... everytime! Can your significant other stand the potential for competition?

Anyway ...... back to reality ........ another vote for picking one that you'll actually carry, and not leave at home. Carrying is a big responsiblity, so please be responsible.

[Sixes]

The Glock 27 which is the .40 cal version is nice. It is a little big but atleast you have a little hight capacity 9 rounds and it's .40 cal. You can also use your Glock 22 magazines in it for even a higher capacity of 15 rounds

Keltec is ok but a cheaper handgun, it is very light weight.

[PaPa Jon]

The best gun for concealed carry is one that you will carry.
If it's a bit big and uncomfortable to take with you and you leave it at home it's not going to help.
I also think a 380 is a bit on the small size and a 9mm is not right for me either. I have a Taurus Millenium pro in 40S&W but I leave it home most of the time as it's a bit of a pain to carry. If I had a 380 such as the new Ruger I would most likely carry it most of the time.

[duckboy]

I see back and forth about how the caliber does not matter, it is merely the visual (the wooden carved gun to rob the bank) effect.

I may be looking at things from a different angle, but if I am under gunned (like sporting a .22) and I draw, and the bad guys have .40's I'm in a world of hurt.

(don't bring a knife to a gunfight)

Any tool you can use to defend yourself is better than none (heck, a can opener if it is all you've got).

I have been really happy with my S&W scandium 357/38 spcl (all 12 oz of her).. Fun to shoot and you can keep it under your hat.
I'll be glad I've got it in case i should ever need it.

Another consideration is that when the semi auto is banned (and it will be banned)
and the law abiding folks of the USA are required to turn theirs in to be destroyed

(just like in the U.K. and in Australia).

Hopefully the long gun and the revolver will be the last to be off limits..

I am certain that when that day comes (semi autos will be the first to get yanked from our hands).

[Hard Cast]

Originally Posted by duckboy

I am certain that when that day comes (semi autos will be the first to get yanked from our hands).

Good luck on that!

[blacktail hunter]

my bestfriend in high school was shot in the chest point blank with a 25 auto and thats all it took he was dead, so size is not a factor a 380 is fine

[Twodogs]

my carry gun most of the time is a XD40 compact with speer golddots loaded hot i've used this load on two very large dogs at close range both hit the ground without a wiggle.

[bigbuck2008]

Originally Posted by BrianMaguire

I find it interesting the choices are based on stopping power. I too subscribed to it but I now think it is irrelevant. I have a CWP and have for 10+ years, and good thing too, I had to pull out once on a guy and this is rare. Most CWP holders never have to pull out into someone. What I will say is this, to the guy I had to pull out on, it did not matter a single iota if it was a Glock 40 cal or a 22lr, he got the message. IMO, its not what you carry, its that you carry. No one calls a bluff on a firearm, 45acp or 22 lr, it just does not happen. If you are the 1 in 100,000 of the CWP holders that actually have to pull the trigger does it really matter?

IMO, pick something you will carry vs. something that will kill. If you have to use it, you will not need the actual use just the threat. Actually carrying is more importatant than having the lic but your gun is too big so you don't actually have it on you.

id have to agree,i own a 1911 45 cal and its to heavy for daily use,i carry a colt goverement featherweight 380 and the threat or a well placed shot or shots will do the trick.

[Klamath_King]

I don't think anyone else mentioned or asked, is this just a carry gun around town? Or are you going out in the woods where you can encounter things other than humans? Would you want a .380 or .22 against a bear/mt lion cuz i don't think a small metal thing in your hand is much of a deterrent for them.

Also, i mention this because most people can't afford to have a gun for every single activity they plan on doing so i would get an all-around gun.

[bigbuck2008]

Originally Posted by Klamath_King

I don't think anyone else mentioned or asked, is this just a carry gun around town? Or are you going out in the woods where you can encounter things other than humans? Would you want a .380 or .22 against a bear/mt lion cuz i don't think a small metal thing in your hand is much of a deterrent for them.

Also, i mention this because most people can't afford to have a gun for every single activity they plan on doing so i would get an all-around gun.

i carry a 45 cal in the woods with a tactical leg holster,or sholder holster always at my side and perfect reach.

[Klamath_King]

Originally Posted by bigbuck2008

i carry a 45 cal in the woods with a tactical leg holster,or sholder holster always at my side and perfect reach.

I just bought a 1911 45 for that exact reason and am getting the same leg holster.

[RidgeRunner]

Need to go with what is the most comfortable for you. Be sure it is something that you will carry and not leave in the vehicle or at home. Anything that makes a loud noise when being fired is a good caliber. We just all have different hearing levels.

[tdspence]

Ruger just came out with the LCR. It is a .38 spl +P. i believe it is only 9.4oz. I haven't seen it in a gun store yet, but I really haven't looked to much. You can go to Ruger's website to check it out.

[Cliff D.]

Originally Posted by tdspence

Ruger just came out with the LCR. It is a .38 spl +P. i believe it is only 9.4oz. I haven't seen it in a gun store yet, but I really haven't looked to much. You can go to Ruger's website to check it out.

LCP, and good luck actually seeing and touching one. Beginning to think the folks @ Ruger are funnin' with me.

[PIR8 Hook]

against a bear/mt lion cuz i don't think a small metal thing in your hand is much of a deterrent for them.
.[/quote]

My PH for Africa has killed TWO wounded leopards off clients with his KNIFE!!!!!

When I heard that & saw the picture of him with his leg bleeding, I said, "That's my PH"!

[shrimpy]

If you think the .380 is small you'll get a giggle out of the .32 seecamp I carry, It's so small it's easy to carry around town, I carry a .357 when out in the woods and a .40 SIG Sauer when Iam wearing a heavy coat. Any gun is better than no gun, but keep in mind the last thing I would like to do is shoot someone.

[KingSlew]

Originally Posted by shrimpy

If you think the .380 is small you'll get a giggle out of the .32 seecamp I carry, It's so small it's easy to carry around town, I carry a .357 when out in the woods and a .40 SIG Sauer when Iam wearing a heavy coat. Any gun is better than no gun, but keep in mind the last thing I would like to do is shoot someone.

Excellent advice there! Save your gunslinging for live or die times. Waving a gun around can get you in a lot of expensive trouble and even criminal charges. I always have firearms handy at home and in the field. For me it's not a matter of one gun over another, it's which one better suits the occasion.

[Willis]

Something else not talked about is the ammo for said gun whatever it is, I prefer hollow points....if you do FMJ be aware of what is behind your target a friend of mine had to shoot and several of the bullets ended up in the apartment behind the guy.

[mpmax]

In the earlier James Bond flims, he carried a .32acp (Walther PPK).

[dynarider]

.380 is to lite a round and your attacker will most likely be high on something go with the largest round you can accurately put center mass and conceal properly. 7 .380 rounds in chest is better than 0 .45

[tdspence]

Originally Posted by Cliff D.

LCP, and good luck actually seeing and touching one. Beginning to think the folks @ Ruger are funnin' with me.

I have seen the LCP at the gun show and at dual smoking guns in Beaverton. I still haven't seen a LCR though.

[PIR8 Hook]

Originally Posted by mpmax

In the earlier James Bond flims, he carried a .32acp (Walther PPK).

I agree it was a PPK but I BELIEVE it was in 9mm kurtz aka .380

[PIR8 Hook]

Originally Posted by PIR8 Hook

I agree it was a PPK but I BELIEVE it was in 9mm kurtz aka .380

OK I spent a LOT of time looking this up & you seem to be correct, sir. 7.65X17 = .32 though many sites talk about the PPK as a 9mm Kurz...but not Bond's Shortly before the publication of From Russia with Love in 1956, Fleming received a fan letter from an author and gun collector, Geoffrey Boothroyd. He told Fleming that he admired the Bond novels apart from the hero's choice of weapon. Boothroyd felt the Beretta 418 was "a lady's gun" with no real stopping power......

[GraphiteZen]

This is what you need:



Pretty good size for 10 rounds in 40s&w eh? As soon as I find the right avenue I plan to go for a carry permit as well and I'm absolutely certain this choice will serve me well for the class, testing and later when I start to carry.
I got 9 and 12 round clips, cleaning rod, speed loader, holster, a hardshell case and slide lock for just over $400 new. Love it.

[Jakiedog]

That's what I have except in 9MM. It fits my small hand better. Aims great. Good capacity. Wear it all the time.

Originally Posted by GraphiteZen

This is what you need:



Pretty good size for 10 rounds in 40s&w eh? As soon as I find the right avenue I plan to go for a carry permit as well and I'm absolutely certain this choice will serve me well for the class, testing and later when I start to carry.
I got 9 and 12 round clips, cleaning rod, speed loader, holster, a hardshell case and slide lock for just over $400 new. Love it.

[ajaxmoody]

Thanks for everyone's input. I love this place for just that reason ! Your suggestions have helped my decision making. I was leaning toward the LCP .380 because of its small size and easy concealment factor. I do agree with many of your statements about its lacking ability in regard to knock down power, I am a true believer in one shot to a critical area will stop an attack (and I dont plan on going Grizzly hunting with it).
I want to carry a pistol without having to dawn a vest or other specialty clothing article. Essentially I dont want to make an extra effort to conceal. And I agree I am in no way an advocate for illegal concealment.
Anyhow, thanks again everyone.

[Breck]

I have a Springfield Armory 1911 .45. It's full-size and heavy. It's by far my favorite shootin' iron, but impractical as an everyday carry weapon. I went with the Magnum Research Baby Eagle compact in .45. You hardly know it's there. Well made & affordable.

I, for one, am a big fan of the .45 acp round. I feel that anything less just doesn't have the knock-down power..

[salty dog]

Lots of good comments. I have a .380 Walther PPK that is fun to shoot and a Browning 40. The Walther is the much lighter gun and much better for concealed carry IMO but it really matter which feels best to you. Either one is good for protection if you can place the rounds on target where you are aiming.

[huntinwithlabs]

S&W 442
perfect size, always goes Bang. No exposed hammer to snag, can dissapear in a front pocket. You can find one for around $425 or so.

[duckboy]

Well, I suppose that if you get a device to protect yourself, become proficient with it.

Guy could totally incapacitate a human with a fold up bobcat Wristrocket (used to be about $10 at bi-Mart) and a 3/4 oz lead ball at about 20 feet or less (if there was a felony you were aiming to prevent).
the guy would hit the dirt.. and if he wasn't dead, then he'd be do knocked so far sideways that you could probably take your time getting in a few words with him to say what total losers they are and let them know that next time will be the last time.
Then you could hand them their teeth... wipe your hands clean,
pay for your big gulp
and drive away

Remember,

David used a stone.... from a sling ...

If that is all you've got, then round up some solid stones and practice with the sling you've got

[Quaka Wacka]

I guess it depends on what you mean as far as concealed. To me, the best concealed pistol is the one you take with you every time. Thats why I've gone to the pocket pistol idea. My .38 +p Airwieght and subcompact Glock are both easy enough to conceal in the the winter with a coat or heavy shirt, but shorts or jeans and tshirt are a different story. And the bigger guns get left at home. I just bought my fiance a LCP and after shooting it, will be getting one for myself. It is a gun that is small enough to keep concealed and take with you everyday. Not the most powerful pistol. But I'd rather have a .380 in my pocket, than a .45 in my truck... Especially when you need it.

[Cliff D.]

Originally Posted by tdspence

I have seen the LCP at the gun show and at dual smoking guns in Beaverton. I still haven't seen a LCR though.

Built on the 1022 platform in .380 acp.

[sundaze]

Originally Posted by baltz526

a weapon in your pocket works better than one left in your nightstand

or in your glovebox, or the trunk of your car