| Author | Message | ||
     Tbolt98 |
As the title implies I'm trying to decide on a new concealed carry pistol. These are the two that are on my short list... anybody have experience with either or have something else in the price range (300-450) I should check out? Unfortunately I'm in NY and its kinda slim pickings out there... these are both available to me now. | ||
| Johnnylunchbox |
I have and carry a PF9, also in NY. Some thoughts in no particular order.: The 7 round mag is legal in NY so that is a non-issue. It conceals really well, and is probably one of the slimmest pistols out there. I have about 200 rounds through it, and it functioned flawlessly, only one FTF where I didn't seat the mag properly. My fault. It kicks like a mule, due to its low mass. This not a range gun. After 50 rounds your hand is sore. I took some 1000 grit sandpaper and lightly smoothed the polymer on the grip and trigger. This made it a lot more comfortable. There was a little metal nub (probably from the casting process) on the inside of the takedown pin. It was gouging the inside of the slide. I filed it down and now no problem, but be aware of some quality control issues like this. I gave it a "fluff and buff", but haven't taken it to the range yet. Accuracy was good, but this is a point and shoot gun and should no trouble finding its mark at most realistic or likely engagement distances. Double action only trigger may take a little getting used to if you are accustomed to a single action pistol. Lifetime warranty for any part whatsoever forever. Any customer service is reported to be good. There was a bad run of barrels that simply exploded, so do your research on years of manufacture. I don't recall it being a widespread problem. I don't know anything about the S&W so I cant help you there. However, I hope my thoughts were helpful. | ||
| Swampy |
I carry a Keltec P11 in the waistband with a Crossbreed holster...some of the time I carry a Keltec P380 in my front pocket ALL of the time. When I carry the pocket gun it is there all of the time and I think that is what counts, comfort to be able to carry it as much as you can. | ||
| Nukeblue |
i would also throw the kahr cw-9 into that ring. thin, single stack, stainless, and mine has never failed. fondle one if you get a chance | ||
| Tbolt98 |
Thanks... I did look at a Kahr 9mm today but forget what model, it was larger and a bit more than my other choices. Slightly leaning towards the Bodyguard, I carry a Glock 40 daily and have other range tools so this addition will be strictly C.C. | ||
| Tbolt98 |
Add the Sig P238 to the list! | ||
| Johnnymceldoo |
I've got the bodyguard and had a keltec p3at in the past so I can't use the pf9 to compare. The bodyguard is high quality compared to keltec products I've had. It has a last round slide lock that a lot of .380's don't have. Its slightly bigger than other pocket pistols partly because of the integrated laser but sits well in the pocket. DA trigger is heavy but smooth and there should be no worry's about it accidentally going off in your pocket or holster. The safety is hard to actuate because its stiff and low profile to the frame but the heavy trigger makes up for the safety aspect IMO. In other words buy with confidence. | ||
| Macbuell |
Might by too big for what you are looking for but the Ruger SR9C is a nice pistol. The S&W M&P Shield is nice too but that might be out of your price range. IMO, I'm not a big fan of sub-compact pistols. They are too small and too light, IMO. Which is why I like the Ruger SR9C. Many carry that gun as a carry gun but it is bigger and heavier than a sub-compact. | ||
| Nillaice |
why would you get a .380? .380 ammo is Friggin EXPENSIVE! even 2 years ago it was expensive. and the .380 caliber ballistics aren't that good especially when it's so close in size to the 9mm. IMHO with the overall size and weight of the pistols avaiable chambered in 9mm out there, you might as well get a 9mm. what are you gaining by chosing such a diminutive chamber? that being said, i personally prefer my Ruger LC9 over the Keltec PF9, although the PF9 has it's advantages. having disassembled (as in stripped to the bare frame, not just feild stripped) them both, the RUGER seems to have copied the PF9 and jazzed it up. alot of similarities, but the Keltec PF9 is a bare-bones gun while the ruger has a loaded chamber indicator, mag safety, thumb safety and a key lock. to me; all this is unnecessary and just complicates the gun by adding more moving parts. and it's probably why it weighs more ... but the wife seems to feel better about carrying it because it has a thumb safety. to me the DA trigger alone is safer than anything with a thumb safety i like the ergonomics of the LC9 better. it has a smooth finish polymer frame with 'melted' or rounded corners. i was having issues with uninentioanlly dropping mags on the PF9 because i have huge hands. no such issues with the LC9, despite the similar size. the LC9 has a longer grip so i can fit my pinky on it. the PF9 even with the pinky extension will not. i haven't tried the keltec +1 mags, but i would imagine this would solve my grip issues but create a NY mag capacity issue. the LC9 has a little longer trigger reach, and this fits my hand better. the PF9 has an awesome belt clip (available from keltec) but the LC9 does not have such an awesome accessory from ruger. the closest i've found is a techna-clip and it not only costs more but more importantly puts pressure on the trigger bar and inhibits proper function. the LC9 has a bigger trigger guard. the internal space is bigger (for winter-gloved fingers?) but the plastic guard is wider and this will make it not fit into some holsters. a good friend of mine carrys his PF9 in his 1911 holsters, but my LC9 won't fit because of the trigger guard. i'm not big on rail-mounted acessories, but the PF9 has a rail and most others don't. i guess you could file it off if you really don't like it. a new plastic grip is like 35 bucks if you mess it up Keltec has AWESOME customer support. they basically will send anyone who calls every spare part except the frame, barrel and slide. you don't even pay a cent for shipping. Ruger is not willing to send you an entire 'parts kit' on the house, but if you can stand being without the gun for a week or 2; they'll pay to receive it, fix it and send it back to you, should you have issues. another gun to conisder is the DB9 from diamondback firearms before you buy anything; shoot it if you can or at least hold it to feel how it fits your hand. hickock45's youtube channel reviews are long, but thorough and unbiased unlike NutnFancy or MrColinNoir. | ||
| Johnnymceldoo |
A .380 caliber pistol that you can comfortably throw in your pocket and carry everyday is more effective than a bigger pistol you may not carry everyday due to the logistics of concealing a bigger pistol. | ||
| Tbolt98 |
Thanks for all the input, I've pretty much settled on a 380 which I think is a pretty good balance of size and power. I could get the bodyguard for 425. Or splurge and get a P238 for 550. Which is a steal in my neck of the woods... a little more than I was planning but I think its a much better quality piece! | ||
| Reepicheep |
A Taurus PT-22 won't slice the webbing of your hand, takes cheap ammo, is fun to shoot, is light, is easy to conceal, and costs $200 out the door. Everything but stopping power is great. Many won't take that trade off, some will. Shoot one with high velocity rimfire before you dismiss one as a "toy". It isn't 9mm or 45acp ballistics, but it will put a 1/4" hole several inches deep in most things it hits (like a 6" long screwdriver pounded all the way in). | ||
| Nillaice |
A .380 caliber pistol that you can comfortably throw in your pocket and carry everyday is more effective than a bigger pistol you may not carry everyday due to the logistics of concealing a bigger pistol.} Agreed, the best pistol in the world is no good if it's at home. sometimes the best pistol is the one you have on your person and can use, should the need arise. take a look at the differences in size and see how those sizes interface with your hand. and if you can; try before you buy. happy gunning! | ||
| Loki |
I have a BodyGuard 380 and love it. Fits perfect as a pocket pistol! The integrated laser was a big selling point to me. The fact that is fits the wife's hand was the other. That being said... We have had only one issue with it. It was common to the first ones that hit the market. The laser lasted only three rounds before it failed. Smith & Wesson knew this was an issue and mailed me an upgraded replacement for it. | ||
| Blake |
Ruger LCP and later production Diamondback DB380.  DB380 next to 30 round .45 ACP mag for Glock 21. Their owner no live in fascist nanny state. | ||
| Tbolt98 |
I've decided to spend the extra and go with the Sig P238 in dual-tone finish. Seems like a better quality and more reliable piece than some of the other offerings. As a side note I'd like to add that you know you picked a good wife when she doesn't question why one needs more bikes or guns!  | ||
| Tpoppa |
Build quality and reliability of the SW Bodyguard is much better than anything from kel-tec and it's not even close. Kel Tec does have good customer support, and you'll need it. | ||
| Rick_a |
You chose wisely...though I like the Colt Mustang Pocketlite better...if you can find one. | ||
| Dcc46 |
I've been carrying a Ruger LCP for a while now and I'm happy with it. |
