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2013-08-10 -Land of the Free

This Week in Guns, August 10th, 2013

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Posted by badanov 2013-08-10 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11129 views ] Top

#1 Okay Rantburg regulars, need some opinions. I got my wife a Walther PK380, which she loves but soon she's planning on a carry permit and she wants something in 9mm now. I'm looking at 2 pistols for her to try if I can find them Ruger's LC9, probably with crimson trace laser on it or Smith & Wessons M&P Shield in 9mm.

But if you can think of any other ones she might like and are good carry, please post em. We want something small so 8 rounds is fine. Besides, both those pistols are relatively cheap so when I get my next gun, H&K45C with the "ergo" grips, I won't be out too much.

Posted by Silentbrick - Oil Rig Insanity Division 2013-08-10 00:39|| 2013-08-10 00:39|| Front Page Top

#2 Now also checking if she likes how Sig P239 looks. But again, any suggestions are helpful.

Oh and no, she can't have my .45, she already shoots enough of my ammo in that caliber as it is.

Posted by Silentbrick - Oil Rig Insanity Division 2013-08-10 01:09|| 2013-08-10 01:09|| Front Page Top

#3 Nothing says love like a Sig Sauer P938 Nightmare.

Posted by Besoeker 2013-08-10 02:24|| 2013-08-10 02:24|| Front Page Top

#4 The best firearm is the one you will keep with you and use. Go with that, be it 380 auto, 9mm, 357mag, 40S&W the venerable 45ACP, or a .454 Casull.

Get that gun, and practice practice practice.

Posted by OldSpook 2013-08-10 03:40|| 2013-08-10 03:40|| Front Page Top

#5 Oh and since my surgery on my strong side shoulder (3rd one in 10 years, im getting too old), I've settled in on a lighter round and a highly consealable pistol - my S&W Guardian in 380 Auto. I still miss my Glock 23c, but after 4-5 rounds, I may as well be throwing the bullets at the target (be more likely to hit it), my shoulder simply doesn't have the strength if I have to go one-handed strong side.

That being said, even a smaller caliber is better than nothing at all. 380 is the lightest/smallest I go. And a .22LR is not much at all, but if it goes bang and they hear the bullet coming, its enough to give most would-be thugs a good enough reason to run away.

Posted by OldSpook 2013-08-10 03:45|| 2013-08-10 03:45|| Front Page Top

#6 Hear it coming = hear it crack by

Posted by OldSpook 2013-08-10 03:46|| 2013-08-10 03:46|| Front Page Top

#7 She loves her .380 and unfortunately, she also likes .45 but she wants something between for carry. And if she didn't know I'd whine about coming home and finding all the ammo gone, she'd practice all the time.

The PK380 is a little odd so I'm thinking it's partly a desire for something smoother. None of the gunsmiths will touch it though really. I'm really hoping I can find a range with a P239 for her to try, I think she'd like that. Not sure about the 938, but I'll have her take a look.

Posted by Silentbrick - Oil Rig Insanity Division 2013-08-10 03:51|| 2013-08-10 03:51|| Front Page Top

#8 IMO....reliable revolver in 357 Mag like a Ruger SP-101.

True, only five shots, but small, reliable, easy to carry, and you can shoot 38 PSP to practice or if the 357 is more than someone can handle.

Posted by no mo uro 2013-08-10 05:22|| 2013-08-10 05:22|| Front Page Top

#9 Well, in 9mm, I think the Smith 940 is hard to beat. Reliable, small, fully-shrouded hammer, DA only, and full moon clips for amazing reload times. Did I mention reliable?

Downside is 5 rounds/clip.

Posted by WhiskeyMike173 2013-08-10 07:09|| 2013-08-10 07:09|| Front Page Top

#10 I've got a LC9 for carry. I like it. It came with the laser. I like it too. I did have the battery go dead because a have a soft pocket holster and the little plunger switch keep getting activated. I removed it until I change to a hard shell type. Depending how you carry that might make a difference. Otherwise it has flawlessly fed every round. Its light and fits in my pocket (it's roughly the same as putting my hand in there). They also have a little plastic pinky extension for the magazine that I need. Some of my friends don't like the double action only trigger (paper target bigots) but I thinks its part of the safety with its long pull.

My2cents

Posted by BrerRabbit 2013-08-10 07:41|| 2013-08-10 07:41|| Front Page Top

#11 My Daughter has a .380 It's a beautiful gun, she says she'd rather have a gun she can use.

(I'm proud of My Daughter, 5'-8 1/2" and beautiful, Might weigh 120)

Those of you who cringe at that, It's a 38.

Posted by Redneck Jim 2013-08-10 10:19|| 2013-08-10 10:19|| Front Page Top

#12 As OldSpook says; if it's not on you it is of no use. I have all calibers from 444 Schafer to a 22 Short. I carry a Ruger LCP. Much more useful if it's in my pocket than on the dresser.

Note: at 5'6" even a Colt Officers, Ruger SP-101 or Kahr 40 will print on clothing and as a male a purse just doesn't look right ;-). The new 380's are very much preferable and in a real situation you won't even notice the heavy double action.

Posted by tipover 2013-08-10 12:02|| 2013-08-10 12:02|| Front Page Top

#13

Posted by junkiron 2013-08-10 17:33|| 2013-08-10 17:33|| Front Page Top

#14 Take a long, hard look at the Kahr series from the very small PM9 to the larger K or T series.

Posted by Chantry 2013-08-10 19:09|| 2013-08-10 19:09|| Front Page Top

#15 Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to see how many of the various types she can try out at the local range that has alot of rental guns.

She loves to shoot and she liked my brother in law's 9mm, so we'll find one she likes and make sure it's small and easy to carry.

I really like the .380 myself, so I've carried it at times. It's a good gun, especially with the Hornady ammo.

Posted by Silentbrick - Oil Rig Insanity Division 2013-08-10 19:13|| 2013-08-10 19:13|| Front Page Top

#16 Apropos of this topic I led a sanctioned work "team building" event this week at a very nice pistol range.

A great time was had by all on the range but the most important consequence was we had four never before shooters see the light and sign up for basic handgun courses at the end of the evening.

Three of them were women.

Posted by GORT 2013-08-10 19:32|| 2013-08-10 19:32|| Front Page Top

#17 I carry a .22 , I also have a .38 in the car,(With reloaded hollow points) I'm a dead shot and feel well protected, a .22 is easily concealed, but it's enough,(8 shots If you're concerned) I feel well protected. (

Posted by Redneck Jim 2013-08-10 23:42|| 2013-08-10 23:42|| Front Page Top

#18 Dammit repeating again, moderators please delete the extras, thanks

Posted by Redneck Jim 2013-08-10 23:44|| 2013-08-10 23:44|| Front Page Top

23:45 USN, Ret.
23:44 Redneck Jim
23:42 Redneck Jim
23:34 Redneck Jim
23:28 Redneck Jim
23:19 Redneck Jim
23:17 Redneck Jim
23:15 Redneck Jim
23:12 Redneck Jim
22:57 Scooter McGruder
21:48 Zenobia Floger6220
20:51 Skidmark
20:31 trailing wife
20:26 Skidmark
20:19 Skidmark
19:38 mojo
19:32 GORT
19:13 Silentbrick - Oil Rig Insanity Division
19:09 Chantry
19:08 Barbara
19:04 gorb
19:03 Airandee
19:00 AlanC
18:43 James