Thread: Guns Guns and MORE Guns

Originally Posted by orestes85

I keep a p238 in my truck bag. It's technically the wife's gun but I'm certain she's never actually carried it. Getting her to carry is one of those things that just won't happen. A P3AT or LCP might actually do it. Her biggest complaint is the weight it adds to her purse.

The only issue with the LCP or P3AT is that they kick like a mule. The weight does make them disappear in the pocket. I do at times carry my LCP in the summer with shorts but when a mouse gun is carried I do prefer the P238.

With guns you can have 2 of 3 and only 2 of three: small,light, and easy to shoot.

Teach your wife to shoot and she'll get over the recoil. Carry guns are meant to be carried often and shot little. When the bad guy is trying to hurt her, she won't notice the recoil.

A heavier gun shoots easier but it's heavier. Proper belt holsters handle the weight but require a dedicated person. For some reason, most people require either being assaulted themselves or seeing it happen to someone they know before they become dedicated to protecting themselves.

Originally Posted by apipeguy

The only issue with the LCP or P3AT is that they kick like a mule. The weight does make them disappear in the pocket. I do at times carry my LCP in the summer with shorts but when a mouse gun is carried I do prefer the P238.

She doesn't have an issue with recoil. She has an issue with the size/weight of a gun. She carries handbags that are on the smaller side which makes me more comfortable with her carrying in her purse because its smaller/lighter so she doesn't leave the bag anywhere and typically carries her bag cross body. Hence, the LCP/P3AT being slimmer and lighter than the 238 might work better for her, particularly if I make a kydex mold out of some scrap for the trigger well and just dummy cord it to the bottom of her bag. The trigger will be protected and it'll pop off when the pistol clears the purse. She loves her 238, but she just complains about how heavy her purse is with it and it ends up getting left on her nightstand.

Originally Posted by orestes85

She doesn't have an issue with recoil. She has an issue with the size/weight of a gun. She carries handbags that are on the smaller side which makes me more comfortable with her carrying in her purse because its smaller/lighter so she doesn't leave the bag anywhere and typically carries her bag cross body. Hence, the LCP/P3AT being slimmer and lighter than the 238 might work better for her, particularly if I make a kydex mold out of some scrap for the trigger well and just dummy cord it to the bottom of her bag. The trigger will be protected and it'll pop off when the pistol clears the purse. She loves her 238, but she just complains about how heavy her purse is with it and it ends up getting left on her nightstand.

Totally understand. Although the LCP may not be a range gun it still needs to be shot enough to gain confidence and the ability to accurately shoot it. If she has no issue with practicing, then it may just be the right gun for her. If she is then my hat is off to her, not many women find the LCP conducive to practice.

Depending on what state one lives in, 25 yards is much too far away to be involved in a shooting for any reason. Further, most concealed carry handguns would be hard pressed to display much accuracy beyond 7 yards, much less 25, depending on shooter skill which often depends on how often they practice with the same rounds they carry.

Small handguns tend to be harder to shoot well. The problem with .380 is not caliber but bullet weight. 95 grains just about maxes out weight and that isn't enough mass to reliably reach the vitals and ensure a decent chance of stopping the attack. 9mm Parabellum and .38 Special are considered "basement" rounds for this very reason.

There have been at least two high-profile cases of children getting into a purse and shooting their mothers with handguns kept there. Off body carry invites theft and "not being there when needed." But if she refuses, she refuses.

In the end, deciding to and how one defends themselves is about as personal a decision as one can make. No one can choose for anyone else. At one time I carried a .380 but I also made a lot of excuses to justify it. These days much more powerful handguns can be had in the same size as a .380. Let's hope she never has to use it.

*I trust she knows how to handle both the event and the aftermath? I just had that discussion with my aunt and I went over what she can expect from authorities and what she must tell police after the smoke has cleared.

Ive said this many times, and I will repeat it here again... While there is a truth to "Bigger is Better" that only goes up to a point. Smaller frame people like myself, at a whopping 5'5 , have a great deal if difficulty managing a larger pistol/round. To your hands the recoil of a .40 cal is no big deal, and you can shoot a 9mm all day long. But to some of us, its harder, and even downright painful, to handle. I happily carry my .380, and when occasion arises, my Seecamp .32 You may say its not enough, but I can practice with these for hours without hurting, so my aim is true. More so than I would ever be with a "real" defensive round. On the street, I will only need them in close quarters, where my small caliber will be balanced by good grouping. (PCP crazed loons not withstanding)
My dad had a shooting gallery in Coney Island, which fired puny little .22 short frangables. I know for a fact that 7 of them will kill a man.
as they say... The .22 in your pocket is better than the .45 on your nightstand !

Actually, smaller handguns recoil harsher and handle worse than larger handguns.

A friend is 5'2" and carried a full size 1911 in .45 ACP for years so I'm not buying your size argument. Get a better holster and man it up! Or do I have to come over there? LOL

What you carry is your choice of course, and no one has a right to bash you for it.

I once prevented a murder with a .22 Magnum.....the murder I prevented was my own but it was a very near thing.....I had gotten lazy and didn't carry my Kahr P9 that day which I just as easily could have.

Do you still live in NY? If so, are you able to carry there?

Originally Posted by AnglesMatter

Depending on what state one lives in, 25 yards is much too far away to be involved in a shooting for any reason. Further, most concealed carry handguns would be hard pressed to display much accuracy beyond 7 yards, much less 25, depending on shooter skill which often depends on how often they practice with the same rounds they carry.

Small handguns tend to be harder to shoot well. The problem with .380 is not caliber but bullet weight. 95 grains just about maxes out weight and that isn't enough mass to reliably reach the vitals and ensure a decent chance of stopping the attack. 9mm Parabellum and .38 Special are considered "basement" rounds for this very reason.

There have been at least two high-profile cases of children getting into a purse and shooting their mothers with handguns kept there. Off body carry invites theft and "not being there when needed." But if she refuses, she refuses.

In the end, deciding to and how one defends themselves is about as personal a decision as one can make. No one can choose for anyone else. At one time I carried a .380 but I also made a lot of excuses to justify it. These days much more powerful handguns can be had in the same size as a .380. Let's hope she never has to use it.

*I trust she knows how to handle both the event and the aftermath? I just had that discussion with my aunt and I went over what she can expect from authorities and what she must tell police after the smoke has cleared.

I'm confident in a .380's ability to stop a threat from inside 21 feet. Obviously I'd be thrilled if she came to me and asked if she could carry my g19 and I'd know she had a +P loading of Federal HSTs on tap, but she's not at all into gun culture. My jaw almost hit the floor when she asked to get her Weapons Carry License and went with me to the LGS to pick out a pistol. I pushed for her to get a Walther CCP or P938, because I know from experience they're soft shooting. We don't have kids which is why I'm fine with the gun sitting in a purse/nightstand at home. I've been over what to do if she ever has to use her pistol, but she's pretty mouthy so that'll all probably go out the window.

Unrelated note, I took out some of my mouse fart loads for 9mm and ran through 100 draw then emergency reload drills from a new holster. I picked up the T Rex Arms Sidecar Appendix holster. I've been behind enemy lines in California for 3 months and haven't been able to get my unloading therapy in since January. Felt good to get out to the range and test some new kit kit while I was at it. Blew out the center of an IDPA target. I also picked up a ton of once fired brass, so now I have something to do for today.

Originally Posted by orestes85

I'm confident in a .380's ability to stop a threat from inside 21 feet. Obviously I'd be thrilled if she came to me and asked if she could carry my g19 and I'd know she had a +P loading of Federal HSTs on tap, but she's not at all into gun culture. My jaw almost hit the floor when she asked to get her Weapons Carry License and went with me to the LGS to pick out a pistol. I pushed for her to get a Walther CCP or P938, because I know from experience they're soft shooting. We don't have kids which is why I'm fine with the gun sitting in a purse/nightstand at home. I've been over what to do if she ever has to use her pistol, but she's pretty mouthy so that'll all probably go out the window.

Unrelated note, I took out some of my mouse fart loads for 9mm and ran through 100 draw then emergency reload drills from a new holster. I picked up the T Rex Arms Sidecar Appendix holster. I've been behind enemy lines in California for 3 months and haven't been able to get my unloading therapy in since January. Felt good to get out to the range and test some new kit kit while I was at it. Blew out the center of an IDPA target. I also picked up a ton of once fired brass, so now I have something to do for today.

At least she is taking her self defense responsibility seriously and for that, I am thankful too! As a SWAT team member I was fortunate enough to meet told me "the more good people that are armed the safer the country."

CA? Eek! Godspeed on your return to our lines sir! LOL

Last night I ordered two boxes of Hornady Critical Defense 110 grain standard pressure.....I want to try that out in my current carry weapon as it is not +P rated (my aunt has my normal .38 and my usual backup .38 is at the gunsmith). If the stuff shoots well in this weapon and my father's .38, I'll order a big case of the stuff. I also want to get a speed loader pouch from Andrew's Leather.....I've been carrying a speed strip but reloading is very slow with that.

Originally Posted by orestes85

I'm confident in a .380's ability to stop a threat from inside 21 feet. Obviously I'd be thrilled if she came to me and asked if she could carry my g19 and I'd know she had a +P loading of Federal HSTs on tap, but she's not at all into gun culture. My jaw almost hit the floor when she asked to get her Weapons Carry License and went with me to the LGS to pick out a pistol. I pushed for her to get a Walther CCP or P938, because I know from experience they're soft shooting. We don't have kids which is why I'm fine with the gun sitting in a purse/nightstand at home. I've been over what to do if she ever has to use her pistol, but she's pretty mouthy so that'll all probably go out the window.

Unrelated note, I took out some of my mouse fart loads for 9mm and ran through 100 draw then emergency reload drills from a new holster. I picked up the T Rex Arms Sidecar Appendix holster. I've been behind enemy lines in California for 3 months and haven't been able to get my unloading therapy in since January. Felt good to get out to the range and test some new kit kit while I was at it. Blew out the center of an IDPA target. I also picked up a ton of once fired brass, so now I have something to do for today.

That sig 938 is a real hard one to beat. SHoots dirty and straight