I'm thinking of getting a pocket pistol, the kind with no protrusions, so that it can be carried in a pocket.
Since I'm a revolver girl, it seems as though the best choice may be a S&W Airweight. It'll have to be blued, for I don't like shiny guns for concealed carry purposes.
Thoughts?
Monday, July 7, 2014
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12 comments:
I suggest either a S&W 442 or Ruger LCR. My preference being the 442. FWIW though the Ruger LCP 380 ACP has been a good pocket carry pistol for me.
Smith and wesson Model 442 is a great choice. I have the 642, which is the same pistol in a matte finish that's not shiny at all.
The Ruger LCR's a nifty little critter too. I have an LCP and it's not exactly a joy to shoot nor is it terribly accurate at anything past lunging distance. My preference in .380 semis is the venerable wather PPK. Pretty much the same size at the LCP but a joy to shoot.
I have a S&W .380. If I had to do it again, I'd go with the revolver .38, the Bodyguard. Not impressed with the .380's accuracy, tho it's a great pocket gun.
Ann Richards: "Honey, there isn't a woman in Texas that could find a fun in her purse in under 5 minutes"
You, of course, are not a Texas girl...
I have a S&W 442, a S&W 642, and a Ruger LCR. All make excellent pocket revolvers. The Ruger is new on the market, but has a pretty decent trigger for a snubby (better than any current-production 442 or 642 out of the box), and it costs a little less at local gun shops. On the other hand, the 442/642 has the S&W label, meaning it'll retain its value better, and an older example can be had for about the same as a new Ruger LCR.
I carry the S&W's for preference, and use the LCR as a training gun, but that's only because the lighter trigger on the latter is easier for novice snubby shooters to handle. I'd carry the LCR 'for real' without hesitation.
The 442 is a modern classic.
Don't buy into the hype surrounding the 438, that shrouded hammer is just one more place to collect lint and dirt.
Always heard the suggestion that a small pocket revolver could be placed in the amputated foot of a set of pantyhose and the open end knotted. The material kept crap away from the gun without interfering with use, especially if tossed into a bag/pocket. Doesn't do much for the old sight picture thou...
Stewart, for purse carry, I'd get a 3" Model 10 or 60 with a bobbed hammer. Easier to find.
CP88, That could work, I guess. one "knee-hi" would do it, too.
Anon 7/7 10:31, agreed.
Peter, SP and Murphy, I guess I just like S&Ws. I've sort an LCR, it was OK, but it doesn't speak to me the way that a Smith does.
I'll have o start haunting the LGSs.
Thanks for everyone's thoughts.
Oh - one essential accessory is a set of Crimson Trace laser grips. I have them on all my pocket guns. I think they're just as essential as ammunition. If you have to pull the gun in a tight spot where you may not be able to extend it at arms length to get a decent sight picture (e.g. you've been knocked down, or the bad guy is too close and will be able to grab the gun if you extend your arms - that sort of thing), the laser makes all the difference in the world.
Peter, I concur. The only pocket gun that I don't have them on (that I carry) is a Colt DS, for they don't make them. My usual CCW gun and my nightstand gun have them.
Once the new gun comes in and I test-fire it, CT grips will be ordered.
If you end up looking at an older 442, know that the early ones are NOT +P rated. I don't know at what -dash- number that changed. If you can't practice with it, don't carry it that way.
I brought this up at the S&W booth at SHOT Show a few years ago, mentioning the often repeated gunwriter's "just do some occasional +P practicing, so you can carry it for real". Their response was basically to "kiss it goodbye" if you did. The metallurgy of the early aluminum frames couldn't deal with the forces generated by +P, and it stretches and doesn't rebound.
Checking for frame stretching would be indicated, on a used one.
I shoot 125gr practice ammo since I carry Ayoob's original recommended load of Federal Nyclad in my 442-0.
I have recently discovered that the size of the grips has a measurable effect on group size. The original boot grips doubles it at 40 yds, compared to a slightly larger, more hand filling grip. This probably differs from person to person due to hand sizes, and I suspect hot ammo would magnify this somewhat.
Will, I haven't seen Nyclad in a gun shop in ages. I've read tests of it and agree that it'd be damn near perfect.
I can get a 442-2 in two days, so I've ordered one.
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