Posted: 11/6/2005 1:42:11 PM EDT
| I am in need of a carry gun that I will carry concealed while off duty. It needs to be small enough so that it is comfortable, thus making it something I will carry all the time. I currently carry my Sig P229 in a fanny pack holster. I don't wear it, as I am no fan of the fanny pack but I carry it slung over my shoulder. I was thinking about the NAA .32 or .380, the Beretta Tomcat .32,the Kel Tec .32 or .380 or the Seecamp .32. Price is really not a problem here with exception that I am not spending $800 on a Seecamp .380. Thanks for any and all opinions here. |
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Any consideration towards a P-239? I've been carrying one for years off-duty. I also utilize a fanny pack for toting the little Sig. However, I do like you do, I sling it over my shoulder or drape it over my knee if I'm sitting at a table. My other off-duty carry weapon is a S&W 342 that is very light weight. I can drop it in my pocket and go... |
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i feel the need to point out the mother of all BUGs!! a S&W J Frame airweight!!! i have the 442-2, which is the DAO version(no hammer). the most concealable gun i own!! and since its insanely concealable you then look at ballistics and i dont know anyone who would pick a .380 or .32 over a .38 Special. especially if you are man enough to carry the 135gr +P JHP Gold Dot stuff, which im not, so i carry the 148gr Safestop Plated WC(much easier to shoot)!! Dont buy a BUG without giving S&W J Frame Airweights a GOOD look!(the 442 being my pick!) oh, and a p.s. the best means to carry such a gun is either(IMHO) a good pocket holster, a good ankle rig or if you want you can always run an IWB Good Luck! and post up with what you buy and how you like it! |
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i went with the beretta tomcat and had the same in mind when considering it. i too decided to look into a bug and had the same ones as you in mind but also thought about the j-frames and the khar as well. after handling them all i really liked how the tomcat felt in my hands along with the tip-up barrel feature. i have found some links to .32 ballistics as well and they are posted in my thread linked above. also check out berettaforum.net and search tomcat for different reviews, its been either hate it or love it from my research and that the inox(ss) version is the best since its a bit beefier. |
| eklikwhoa, I did read your thread about the Beretta before posting this. I saw that your Beretta had broken a part. Is it true that the Beretta Tomcat isn't made to fire all the time? I can't see that really being the case but I don't know. I really like the looks of it and I was thinking about getting the one with the Tritium sights. |
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I carry my NAA Guardian (.32acp) in a pocket holster daily (on and off duty). It is about as large as I can carry comfortably in my pocket (I'm 5'9" & ~175lb). IMHO, a pocket gun is a balance of several qualities: compactness, weight, shootability, reliability, power, and cost. I think the DA compact revolver is probably the most reliable option, but it's on the large size. IMHO, ANY pocket semi-auto is far more finicky than a full-size semi-auto. They require more handgun skill to be proficient and to minimize "limp-wristing" jams. There are several options available (In order of my prefference: NAA Guardian, Seecamp, Berretta Tomcat, and Kel-Tec). Another pocket-gun option is a NAA mini revolver. I like mine in .22mag and sometimes carry it. It's not as powerful as .32acp, but it is smaller, lighter, and more reliable. I also like the option to be able to use shot-shells for snakes if needed. (Our department does not authorize these for backup carry - probably too difficult to reload to pass the qualification course of fire). |
i figured out that the broken ejector was broken by me from improper handling(didnt know what i was doing when i first took it apart) and i broke the end off. beretta replaced it free of charge under warranty and even sent me the part since i told them i was capable of doing it myself. a few days later and i got the part. its a great piece and i am strectghing its legs right now, sitting at about 600rds and going. |
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Since you are an LEO I would also vote for carrying the duty weapon BUT since that isn't the question here goes, I bought a Kel-Tec P32 a few years ago for my "always" gun. It is reliable with the ammo it likes, I have over 1,000 rds through it (mostly Silvertips which it likes) and am pretty happy with it. Yeah, I know, I don't shoot it enough.  If I had to carry in a swimsuit it definately gets the nod! The 10 rd mag gives you enough to hold onto if you have big hands and with the belt clip it still disappers in your waistband with a tucked in shirt pulled slightly "baggy".This summer I bought a S&W 642 (airwieght .38 w/o an exposed hammer) and it has now become my summer carry gun, it is pretty easy to conceal, pretty lightweight and I do feel better protected with .38 +P then .32. That said the Kel-Tec is pretty easy to shoot (for a gun without sights, just point and shoot) where the snubby requires practice. If you are looking to carry in a belt holster then just carry your G27, if you are looking at pocket or ankle carry get a lightweight .38 snubby, if you are looking at running around in speedos then the Kel-Tec is a great choice with ammo you have shot at least 200 rds through and trust (my standard for ANY defensive pistol). Hope this helps! editted to read easier |
Based upon that comment alone, I strongly suggest you try the Kel-Tec P3AT. I have owned and carried all of the pocket-guns you listed in your initial post (and then some), except the Seecamp - I now carry a P3AT in a Hedley pocket-holster all-day, every-day, whether or not I'm carrying anything larger. My Guardian and my Tomcat were both reliable, but IMHO the Guardian is too heavy and the Tomcat too big (and mine had a horrible trigger) fior what they are. The P3AT is IMHO the best compromise between weight/size (esp. thickness, or lack thereof) & caliber on the market and, with proper break-in, is very reliable in my experience. Best of luck, and let us know what you decide. 
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+1 I haven't had a single problem out of mine. YMMV. ETA: If you don't like .380, then check out the Kahr P9 or PM9. |
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My BUG is a S&W TiScan 360PD. Hard to beat a 2", 12oz., 357 mag stoked with 135 gr. Winchestere Silvertips that you barely notice is in your pocket or on your ankle. It's a bit stout shooting full house 357's but I practice with 38's and carry the 357's. MadDog 
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If price is not a concern and you can live with the "stopping power" of a .32 then I would recommend the Seecamp. The trigger is much better than the Kel-tec. I carry one every day in a front pocket holster. Very comfortable and 100% reliable. You will not be disappointed with the Seecamp. You should also consider the Kahr in one of their covert models. Shortened grip - full length barrel. I have a p40 covert and like it alot. I also have the MK9 and it is also small enought to carry in a front pocket with dockers and cargo type pants. These are both significantly bigger than the Seecamp Steve |