recommend an inexpensive Con-Carry handgun

[SPYD1]

I have had two Taurus automatics handguns and will not buy another. They both had workmanship issues that caused complete failure and had been sent back to Taurus several times. I bought a Beretta Tomcat in 32 cal SS for the wife and I have several Rugers and Walthers. My two cents worth...

 

[Bob Denman]

The Seecamp in .32 are very compact; about the size of a Beretta Minx! :thumbup: Slip them in your pocket and you barely know that they're present....But I still prefer "Old Slabsides" (Colt 1911-A1) in my Galco S.O.B. holster

 

[bruiser]

When I was stationed in England they gave us .38 revolvers to carry during combat exercises and real world situations. Now when I was in southeast asia pilots were issued that same weapon. However, some carried their own side arms. My side arm of choice was a Colt .44 mag. (I was not a pilot).

 

[PrairieSpyder]

... The greatest selling point for women is the ease of the slide. Nothing else like it. Worth every penny.

I totally agree. I have had trouble with grip strength, but I can rack the slide on the LCP. I had a beautiful Kimber .45, but had to sell it because I feared I'd never be able to use it effectively. I also have small hands and itwas uncomfortable to fire very much.

At Cabella's a while back I handled a Wilson Combat special edition 9mm made for women. It was really easy to slide. Too bad I couldn't afford the $2500 sale price.

 

[budro]

kel-tec 380---great weapon-----Budro

 

[bruiser]

Doesn't anyone carry a 10? I've been looking at some myself. The Glock 29 comes to mind.

 

[safecracker]

I carry from time to time, my XDM 5.25, 9mm. I really like this pistol. It is not very eay to conceal in the summer time. Winter time with a jacket no problem. My nephew has 2, 9mm pistols. one is a s&w and the other is a very compact S&W, 5 shot. After shooting that little pistol thru 20 rounds, I had enough. I could only put 2 fingers(index and ring finger) around the grip. I did not care for it. It did shoot well. Hi Point, 9mm shoots ok. you just can't use cheap(real) ammo. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[spyder3]

Waiting for nj to get off its a@@ and approve my permit to buy. CCW in nj just doesn't happen.....the glock 21 gen 4 .45 acp has got my attention right now-)

 

[PrairieSpyder]

I think the Wilson Combat 9mm I held was a Ms. Sentinal. Has anyone here used one? Whaddya think?

 

[Bob Denman]

The Missus tried one out; It's scary what she can do with a sidearm! :shocked: If I turn up leaking from several well-placed ventilation holes; you'll all know two things: First; I deserved it! Second: she did it! :yikes: (She still prefers her Glock 19... :thumbup: Or for VERY concealed carry: her Beretta Minx.)

 

[muonwhiz]

Those home invasion stories are scary. If anyone is idiot enough to try and get in my house, he would face 2 large, angry adult dobermans first. They are great watch dogs and will not let anyone on the property without my OK. If necessary (and anything was left) I always have my trusty Glock!

 

[currin20fan]

Pistol

I've been looking for the Ruger 38 LCR-5401. It seems like a popular revolver and everywhere I've checked they seem to be on backorder. I've been to the range several times and have my CW license. Just gotta find that Ruger.

 

[Bob Denman]

Take a look in gunbroker.com

 

[mowin]

Ive got a Keltec 9mm thats a b***h to shoot. Its got a 8lb trigger pull, and LOTS of travle. Cant hit the broad side of a barn
even if I was inside it.

 

[bruiser]

I've been looking for the Ruger 38 LCR-5401. It seems like a popular revolver and everywhere I've checked they seem to be on backorder. I've been to the range several times and have my CW license. Just gotta find that Ruger.

I can look up here for you. I think they may have one at the Base Exchange. I'll PM you if I find one.

 

[cjackg]

cpmpact .45

Waiting for nj to get off its a@@ and approve my permit to buy. CCW in nj just doesn't happen.....the glock 21 gen 4 .45 acp has got my attention right now-)

Take a look at the new very compact Springfield Arms XDS .45 ACP. Weighs just 20oz or 26oz loaded with mag & big bullets yet small enough for a pocket. Has nice safety features and is a very accurate shooter.

 

[ulflyer]

Bottom line is, its gotta be something your wife will be comfortable shooting...not just carrying. The very small light ones kick the crap outta your hand and most people then don't shoot them enough to become reasonably proficient.

Another thing to remember is ease of handling. My wife had never fired anything but decided she needed to learn. Tried her out on a Walther P22 semi-auto since i figured anything bigger to start would intimidate her. She didn't like a semi-auto...."too fussy"....was her reaction to putting in mag, racking slide, taking safety off, etc.

I'd begun carrying an LCR 38+P as its so light I hardly know its on my side, and also because it has one of the best grips I've ever encountered on a light weight. Still has a good kick and not much fun to shoot a lot even with reg 38's.

I let her try that and after a few shots she turned to me and said "whats the big deal?"...referring to the kick! Said she wanted one so I got one for her.

If you can, find some place to rent a couple for her to try.

Even an LCR in 22 cal is better than no gun at all and you can load it with Velociter (sp?) ammo that is more high powered than reg 22 ammo.

 

[serf]

I like my wife's bersa thunder .380. Can be had for around 300 New.... big upgrade from a hi point.

since i'm home i will add that she looked at several guns online before i bought it for her. she had a taurus picked out online, so i took her to a local gun shop, and she didn't care for it much. we didn't want to spend much so when a second gentleman showed her the bersa she fell in loves. its a bit heavy (about as heavy as a full size m&p or glock) but its got more metal. the gun is very accurate and reliable.

that being make sure you see the guns in person and get to handle them (try one out if possible).

 

[dave711]

I have come across HiPoint and Taurus and Keltec. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. Or any experience with the ones mentioned. probably a 380 but I am up for suggestions. my wife will be the primary one to carry it.

Sig p238 (colt mustang design) if you can't afford a kimber or sti 45. the hipoint and taurus are junk, but the keltec is very reliable but too light.

try all of them and you will see why!

 

[KCPete]

The wife picked up a nice little Smith j-frame Ultralight .38 Spl +P a while back. Added a $15 Hogue grip just a bit longer than the factory one, and now she's putting 5 shot groups inside a 6" circle at 15 yds with Federal JHP. She had a Ruger LCP .380 but had trouble with racking the slide with her small hands & lack of finger strength. The RUger likely to end up being my pocket gun, though the Smith is a really sweet shooter for a DA-only. (Fully shrouded hammer, nothing to snag)

I generally carry a Taurus PT 1911, a Rock Island Armory 1911 Officers, or a Taurus PT145 Millenium, (all in .45ACP) depending on the occasion. :doorag: