Posted on 01/25/2010 10:40:58 AM PST by scottdeus12
Hi all - I posted a few weeks ago about obtaining a Carry/Conceal Handgun - thanks for the helpful info. I have not purchased yet, but I'm in the 9mm or .360 Kahr camp right now. I like the fact that I can carry the .380 (P380) in my pocket, and even the 9mm (PM9) might be to large to carry (side holster). I do not want to leave it at home.
Next question I have is ammo - I'm concerned about getting ammo for either the 9mm of the .360...I'm hearing that it's really scarce and expensive right now. Does anyone have any solutions or info to offer? Where are you getting ammo from?
Thanks,
Scott
I’ve shot a Kahr P380, very nice, snappy but not painful to shoot. It is pricey though.
If you don’t mind single action, look at the sig 238’s, a couple hundred less, about the same size.
Which ever you choose, both are nice.
The NRA magazines aren’t concerned about trends, which guns are in which video game or movie.
I’ll take the American Rifleman’s advice over any magazine that gives four stars to any product that paid for a full page advertisement.
A carry gun needs available ammo (stating the obvious). As 9mm is MUCH more available than .380, I would go with the 9mm.
It’s not just the fact that you need to fill a magazine or two with ammo. You will will need to practice with your carry gun regularly. I have shot about 2500 rounds through my Kimber over the past year to get and remain proficient with it. This is a very important but overlooked point. I could never have done this with a .380 caliber. And the situation does not appear to be getting much better for the forseeable future.
“As 9mm is MUCH more available than .380, I would go with the 9mm.”
Well, I’m going online to see how much .380 is available...but seriously - for me - the .380 is a much better size. Even the smallest 9mm will be a carry problem for me - I don’t want to use a shoulder holster...either pocket or hip (inside).
Appreciate your advice...where in PA are you? I’m originally from NJ - 35 miles east of Philly.
FWIW, I do have a .380 (Ruger LCP) but am in favor of 9mm largely because of the ammo shortage. I also took it out to the range a few weeks back and was amazed at how far off I was. I had not practised with it for awhile (because of the ammo shortage) and so forgot about the longer and heavier trigger pull. I like it as a pocket gun for summer carry, but honestly, have little confidence in it because of the long trigger, and because of the light ammo.
Would much rather have 230 grains on my hip than 95 grains.....also would much prefer a 5 lb trigger. But in the summer, the LCP is almost the only option. Thankfully, in PA open carry is perfectly legal so if I have a belt on I can still carry my Kimber.
Find a dealer who carries the Rohrbaugh R9.
For carry, I choose to stick to known reliable models with a record behind them rather than jump on the hypewagon every time some second rate firearm manufacturer presents a new model to bump their income and impress the shareholders.
How much do you think manufacturers have to pay to get their product on the cover of American Rifleman and a three page color spread inside?
Don’t try to argue with him. If the NRA ever has a Jonestown, he will be first in line for the punch.
“I hear you all on this....BUT.....the difference between the size and weight of a 9mm leads me towards the .380....its so small I know Id always carry. If there was a sub compact 9mm that had the footprint of, say, the Kahr .380 - Id probably get the 9mm...unless any of you know of one like that?”
Sorry. I recommended that between the 2 choices YOU listed, but it’s not what I went with for myself. I chose .40 because it’s remained available - not necessarily cheap, but available. I’m afraid you’re at the mercy of those who are argueing over it, LOL. My pocket guns are a Titan .25 and Taurus Millineum .40, depending on manner of dress/concealability. I have 4 very different guns that shoot .40, one of them that I load w/ 10mm for heavy defense (hand cannon that is not concealable).
Had to shoot 75 rounds today to figure out why my new Bersa Thunder failed to feed on the last round of every magazine. You've got to hold it like your strangling someone. (and yes I know it's "junk".) Only have 625 rounds left.
Hmmm...I never had problems with my Bersa once I broke it in. I really liked that pistol and wish I hadn’t traded it away. On the flip side, however, I’m also kinda glad I did considering the lack of ammo. How many rounds have you put through it?
275. It's all been White Box. You can understand why that is.
search ebang.com
I got my Ruger LCP about a year ago. I had to get on a list to buy one. I was #105 on the list.Some people must’ve dropped off the list because I got mine in about 4 months.It’s high quality, shoots fine, and very concealable.
As for ammo, it’s scarce, but I find it occasionally, and buy 2 or 3 boxes at a time. You aren’t going to use an LCP as your primary range gun, for the most part, but keeping in practice means you only go through a few mags at a time.
Everybody who sees the LCP likes it around here and many say they want one.
Oh, now...
The KelTecs and the Ruger, among others, are very recent and modern designs. The .380 becomes a true pocket pistol, the holster looks like a billfold from the outside, if it prints at all. But the newer KelTec 9mm is pretty small itself, although quite a bit heavier, but not so much larger, than their .380.
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