So I'm going to go get my CCW next month (been putting it off too long) and I need a good small pistol that would be comfortable for concealed carry and not feel like a brick on my back (I plan on small of back carry). I've got a young family so I can't dish out a ton of money (will pay up to $350 maybe $400 for a really sweet deal) but want to get a good quality piece that will go where I go. Any suggestions.

I like the size, round capacity, and price of the Kel Tecs but I personally think they're uglier than sin. I would really like a little 38. special S&W but I'd like to be able to carry more than 5 rounds. What do you think??? Is it necessary to have more than 5 rounds, should I just look pass the ugliness of the Kel Tec??? Should I be looking elsewhere altogether??

I bring this question to the yard because I see that a lot of you guys are just as big of gun nuts as you are knife nuts. I look forward to your advice. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

-Ron

My knee-jerk responce is a .50 AE Desert Eagle in an ankle holster.

I'd be walking with a limp. Think small people small. Although I would like a Desert Eagle anyways, those things just look wicked.

Ron,
the polymer-framed Kahr PM9 (sp?) pocket pistol is highly regarded among folks who with CCWs.

Most folks caution against small of back carry.. forget why. fall and get hurt?

I tend to carry IWB holster or belt slide holster strong side right with untucked shirts, a Glock 23 .40s&w, which is compact variant of the full-sized Glock 22 .40
Summertime or when i'm just wearing shorts i'll carry in a shoulder bag.

Some also caution against the really small Sub-compacts, they tend to favor reliability of the full-sized pistols.

Once you get it you can experiment with different carry modes.. see what works best for you.

On my CCW i can specify 3 guns.. how bout yours?
G'luck.. let us know what you get!

hey bro

it all depends on how much shooting you HAVE done and in what enviroment you plan on carrying


In hot weather I ccw my KT P-32 in a rear pocket holster

In warm weather and "cool" weather I will wear my KT PF9 once I get it through the breakin period (KT P-32 in rear pocket as well)

In Cold weather I will wear a 1911 Govt model (KT P-32 in rear pocket)

once I get it through its break in period I plan on switching my P-32 to a P3at


notice a trend?? that Glock that the gunshop ninjas tell ya to get is nice and all, but the weapon you can ALWAYS have with you is a good choice

My suggestion?? Get yourself a KT P-32 or P3at for a "always" gun and THEN get something slightly larger

you have to learn to dress around your EDC bro

nah.. stay away from any Desert Eagles.. they Jam more then they go Bang!
junk.

But if the Magnum Research road is too big... I think Kahr has many ccw options (I but I don't know if they fit in described buget). See if you like the Subcompact Springfield XDs, I think that they are in that price range(?). I know not all the Kel-Tec are presentation pices but, the important question is do they fit the bill(money, size, your hand, the small of your back, the needed job etc.)

Really? do you have one? or a buddy with one? I honestly don't know a thing about them execpt they are FRECKING HUGE and look delightfuly evil.

I wouldn't say that I've done a ton of shooting but enough to know what I'm doing. I have a S&W 686 that I try to shoot as much as possible but its just too big to carry all day everyday, maybe in the winter when I'm wearing heavier clothes.

As far as weather is concerned it'll mostly be hot to mild weather being here in Northern Arizona but the winters do get cold enough to wear a sweater and a good down jacket.

I'm thinking you're right Leatherface and Bond, for the price, round capacity, and size of the Kel Tec I'm probably just going to have to look pass the appearance. Chances are it would grow on me anyways.

Avoid small of the back. Retention is an issue as your back is to the gun. You cannot tell if you're printing because your back is to the gun. In addition drawing is a close quarters situation may work against you as the bad guy can now twist your arm around behind you especially since your arm is already behing you.

As far as your gun choice, it's highly personal. What caliber do you want to carry. Do you want a revolver or a pistol? Don't forget to add in extras like a holster, spare magazine/speed loader, dependable light (80% of all self defense shootings occur at night), and a good belt.

I've never heard about those issues with small of back carry so I'm glad you guys made me aware of them, just seemed like the most comfortable to me.

I've heard that revolvers are the most accurate so that appeals to me but at the same time I'd sacrifice a little bit of innacuracy for more rounds in a self defense situation. I understand that most situations occur within 5 feet so I don't think a pistol will sacrifice enough accuarcy to make a big difference in a situation like that.

what does this mean?