CCW: "The Gun Thread"

Okay, so I finally got my CCL in. I can now carry a concealed handgun. Now, I don't want this to be a "political and civil ramifications of giving Magoo/DeTrevni a handgun" thread, but I mentioned I wanted a PPK in another thread, and people weren't so keen on that idea. I didn't want to hijack that thread, so I started my own.

I have an FNP-9. I love that gun tremendously, but due to the width of its frame, it's not easily concealed. So I'm using that as an excuse to get another gun. I'm looking for something .380 or similar. I want something small, but not "micro." Really, I see nothing wrong with the PPK, and indeed I've heard more good than bad in regards to it. The new models have an extended beavertail, so the slide-bite that haunts older PPKs has been reduced. What makes it "underpowered?" Especially if I'm looking for a .380.

Just some thoughts I'm tossing out there. That, and I like gun threads.


Edited by Magoo - 29 June 2010 at 9:24pm

I saw those. I wasn't too impressed...

Really, I like the design of the PPK. Bersa Thunders, Makarovs, P-64s, etc. Of all those, however, I just like the looks, feel and features of the PPK the best.

9mm is a popular caliber, if you go for a 9, consider some specialty ammo for it, something in hollow point.

Try the G26 and XD9SC

My dad had a PPK in 380. Nice little gun. He traded it for a 38 Special.... Fail IMO. I loved the PPK, very reliable and easy to maintain.

ammolord wrote: You like glocks? My dad CC's a G17.

Not particularly a Glock fan. Price is right on 'em though.

My concerns stem more from .380 Auto and 9mm "kurtz" than from the PPK. The platform of the PPK is fantastic, I have a slightly larger version with my PA-63, but the ammo is simply unreliable when it comes to stopping an assailant. Of course, the trade-off is that anything chambered for a more powerful round is going to be bigger, and thus limit your concealment options. Also, you should take into consideration that the PPK is heavier than most LCP style pistols out there right now.

American Rifleman has a really nice article which compares the different .380 Auto conceal-carry weapons out there right now. Most, if not all, are going to be a lot less expensive than the PPK as well.

However, if you can swing it with your body type and clothing choices, I'd shoot for something with a little more "oomph" even if it means going to a revolver. Remember, revolvers are more reliable when it comes to conceal carry as they simply do not jam, and there are fewer moving parts to get caught, especially with shaved/hammerless designs.

Well, revolvers did come to mind. I really like the S&W Model 642 as well. .38 special +P, reliable, covered hammer, and about $200 cheaper than the PPK.

Revolver = Taurus Judge

Magoo wrote: ammolord wrote: Revolver = Taurus Judge   My buddy has one, and im thinking about picking it up. Ugh...Man, I'm tired of the hype those things have developed. Unless you live on a farm or are worried about being jumped by wild dogs, these guns are just not good! The rifling is too shallow for the bullets, and the .410 shotgun shell is a joke for defense on anything bigger than a dog. The gun itself is too big to effectively carry, and it's just not that great.That said, I kinda want to go clay shooting with one...

Clay shooting would be better done with the Circuit Judge than the Judge.

And I wouldn't even trust .410 for a wild dog, snakes yes, anything bigger than that? No.