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Small firearm for concealed carry

salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
edited January 2002 in Ask the Experts
I have been thinking about carrying something smaller than the KelTec P40 that I carry. I realize that the P40 is a pretty compact gun, but it has recently become a burden to carry. I also realize I am probably going to be going with a smaller caliber, but carrying a small caliber is better than carrying nothing at all(which I have been doing lately).I was looking at the KelTec P32, but I was looking for some other suggestions. I do not want to spend to much more than what I would spend on a P32.
Happiness is a warm gun
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Comments

  • idsman75idsman75 Member Posts: 13,398 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would go with the Beretta Model 21 Bobcat in .22 LR. If you are going down in caliber and size for the purpose of concealability, this is a fine firearm and there is a wallet-style holster available for it. It gives the appearance of carrying a mere wallet in your back pocket.
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  • county141county141 Member Posts: 7 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The gun I carry the most is a S&W 442. It's an airweight, with no visible hammer. I have a Glock 26, and 2 of the S&W 2213's, but I seem to prefer the 442 revolver. I keep CCI Blazer 125 grain JHP in it. The blazer ammo is good ammo and keeps the weight down. JIM
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  • oneshyoneshy Member Posts: 417 ✭
    edited November -1
    Beretta 3032 32ACP around $225, same wallet size. Loaded with Glasers or magsafe.
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  • ATFATF Member Posts: 11,683 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    P-32 is the best you can do at any price.
    ATF
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  • AdamsQuailHunterAdamsQuailHunter Member Posts: 2,022 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I realize that this is off of your current topic -- however -- sometime back you had a post to this forum about building a flintlock pistol. I never did see you come back to it. You were offered a Green Mountain barrel and Siler locks. If you do not wish to have them then, I would like to inquire about them. I do NOT wish to butt in line ahead of you -- my Southern born/raised mother and grandmothers would turn over in their graves, but if you do not want them, I would like to inquire about them to the sources that offered them to you.Many Thanks In Advance
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  • badboybobbadboybob Member Posts: 1,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    What ATF said.
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  • luger01luger01 Member Posts: 230 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    North American Arms (maker of the Mini-revolvers in .22) has a micro .380 pistol available. About the size of the tiny .32s, it uses .380 ACP ammo. Haven't seen or shot one yet, but NAA is a high quality outfit and I expect the pistol to be a top seller.Prices are around $500. Too high? You need to ask yourself, "What is my life or the lives of my family worth?". "If you could save a decent person's life for a measly $300, would you spend the money?"[This message has been edited by luger01 (edited 01-06-2002).]
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  • M.OpaliskiM.Opaliski Member Posts: 244 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Any of the newer J-Frame Smiths ... a Model 642 is my choice.
    Support your RKBA ... MatthewNRA Life MemberTalk Radio Junkie opaliski@hotmail.com TheFirearmsEnthusiast
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  • anadanad Member Posts: 88 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Don't forget that the Makarov in 9x18 is powerful, yet concealable. I'd go for it or a Glock
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  • royc38royc38 Member Posts: 2,235 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Two come to mind. I have a Colt Gov't .380 Pocketlite and the Beretta 84. For small size and concealability I would take the Colt. For firepower and still a small package the Beretta (13rd Mag). I own both and would recomend them highly to anyone wanting something small and still pack a .380 punch.
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  • JudgeColtJudgeColt Member Posts: 1,790 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It seems as if I have been posting on this subject several times this evening. Again I will say in my opinion the Kel-Tec P32 is the best choice for the smallest pistol with the most power. The Beretta M21 Bobcat .22LR is a lot bigger (mostly fatter) and heavier, and much less powerful. The M3032 Tomcat .32, which is significantly bigger and heavier than the M21, is about as big and heavy as a Chiefs Special Airweight. The NAA Guardian .380 is far from the size of the tiny .32 autos. The Guardian weighs 18 ounces EMPTY (!) and is about the size of a J-frame Smith as well. (The NAA catalog shows one in actual size so you can lay a J-frame on the picture and see just how unbelievably big the Guardian is.) None of the pistols mentioned above, except the Kel-Tec, are locked breach. The locked breach really tames the recoil. I understand the Guardian is a hard kicker because it is a blow-back.While I love the Smith J-frames, they are about the size and power you are carrying now in your P40, and you will give up four or five rounds by going to a J-frame. To go smaller, you have to go to one of the small autos. In .32, the P32 is my choice. Going up to .380, the Colt locked breach pistols are my chioce, with the Pony Pocketlite being my personal favorite. From there up in size and weight, you are back to where you are with the P11/P40 Kel-Tec. The Baby Glocks are no smaller than your P40, and are a bit heavier.I believe the P32 is your answer.
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  • salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    JudgeColt- I think you convinced me.
    Happiness is a warm gun
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  • RSLINTIIRSLINTII Member Posts: 227 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    AMT .380 DA Stainless. Best value for the money and easy to pocket. Its use in the marine enviroment has served me well. Best, Robert
    "Endurance"
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