Decisions, decisions... - The Firearms Forum

JohnK3 · 06-20-2006, 12:38 AM

Okay, I was over at the LGS to pick up the FFL info for Katydid's birthday present. I've been considering getting a pocket gun for everyday carry. Well, I looked at a Kel-Tec, a Kahr, a Bersa and some others. Then I saw a beautiful Colt Detective Special in .38 Special. Looks like it was made in 1979 or thereabouts, from the owners manual and paperwork with it. Bluing is 95%, just a bit of wear near the muzzle from the holster. Grips in good shape. They want $450 for the gun.

Only problem is, while I'd love to own it, I'd rather own it for a collectible shooter, than carry it every day. On top of that, they also had a nice Airweight S&W with the concealed hammer in .38 Special that would fit my pocket better and I wouldn't worry about messing up a nice little collector's piece.

Decisions, decisions, decisions....

Marlin T · 06-20-2006, 12:52 AM

I'm glad to see that 100% of everybody agrees with me!! Now that is uncommon and very rare. Ohhh wait, I'm the only one who voted so far!

I'm a firm believer in full frame longer barrel handguns.

Just my 2 cents, thats all.

berto64 · 06-20-2006, 02:24 AM

I went for the small semi.

My most common carry is a KelTec P32 with one extra mag. It all fits into my front pants pocket and is totally concealed.

I even wear it to church if I'm going to Boise after services.

Other times it's a trusty 1911A1.

lead · 06-20-2006, 05:40 AM

Get the Colt. 6 shots as opposed to only 5 in the Smith, smooth action, and they are only going to get more expensive.

Marlin · 06-20-2006, 08:45 AM

I agree with Lead.

Having that one additional shot could be very good insurance.
I carry a S&W older Model 60. Nice little weapon but only five shots.....

Pistolenschutze · 06-20-2006, 06:17 PM

Go for the Smith Airweight, John. Yeah, you have one less shot, but what are you more likely to be shooting, Rommel's entire Afrika Corps or a couple of punks in a Walmart parking lot? Seriously, if you're not a duty cop on the job, the likleyhood of getting into any kind of a sustained firefight is pretty remote, about like your chance of getting struck by lightning. Besides, you can always carry a speedloader or Bianchi speedstrip in case you need to reload. I do. You seem to hint that you want a nice, light, unobtrusive piece for those occasions when something larger is impractical or not worth the trouble. The Airweight fits those criteria very nicely indeed. I probably carry one of mine more than any other pistol or revolver I own. The weapon you leave at home because it's too big and heavy won't do you much good if you should need it. By all means, buy the Colt to add to your collection. The Dick Special is a fine little weapon, but you can't beat the Smith J-frame Airweight for easy, comfortable carry.

22WRF · 06-20-2006, 06:44 PM

Didn't vote because no choice for either or
Colt Detective Airweight S&W

Either a good choice as long as the Airweight is 38SPL.
The Airweight in 357 makes the hand smart a bit
Well more like damn well hurts

Forget the plastic semi crap, revolvers go boom everytime

southernshooter · 06-20-2006, 10:30 PM

JohnK3 I really am a full frame man but if you going for a pocket piece I recomend a KEL-TEC

JohnK3 · 06-21-2006, 01:03 AM

Southern, I, too, prefer full-sized. (Or, very nearly so.)

I own a Kimber Compact Stainless II. It's in my avatar.

Problem is, it's a bit difficult to carry without a jacket or a vest. Summer here in Georgia hasn't been too conducive to wearing either. Putting a smaller weapon in a pocket seems to fit the bill.

One thing I've noticed about the Kel-Tec compared to the NAA is the ease of breakdown for cleaning. The Kel-Tec has a barrel-link button, similar to the slide-release on a 1911 or similar auto. Problem is, the darn thing needs three hands to take down! The NAA was extremely simple to take down, just pull back a bit on the trigger, making the hammer release a bit of tension on the slide, then grab the slide and the take-down latch and voila! The slide comes right off, going back on the same way.

The revolvers were even easier to take down. [grin]

[sigh]

She'll probably only let me buy one gun this go-'round. I may end up going with the Colt just to get my hands on that nice little piece!

Marlin · 06-21-2006, 10:53 AM

Since I must be on oxygen 24/7/365, I carry my protable heater in the small tank oxygen case. No one would ever suspect and I can carry full size or smaller. Due to the weight, I generally carry a small frame revolver, but very often a 9mm with 15 rnd mags or a 1911.

That way I don't have to worry about a shirt, jacket or accidentally showing at any time.

glocknut · 06-21-2006, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marlin

Since I must be on oxygen 24/7/365, I carry my protable heater in the small tank oxygen case. No one would ever suspect and I can carry full size or smaller. Due to the weight, I generally carry a small frame revolver, but very often a 9mm with 15 rnd mags or a 1911.

I'm not trying to be a smartalick...but is it possible that the discharge of a gun could ignite your oxygen ?
My mom is on oxygen now and home health is quite paranoid about possible ignition sources.
A necessary risk if your being threatened, i will admit....but it makes me wonder.
That would be one heck of a bang !!!!

mike
gn

Marlin · 06-21-2006, 09:21 PM

Oxygen is non-flamable, Mike. It is only a catalyst to other flamable materials.

A gun sitting in the oxygen case beside the oxygen bottle has no more chance of getting mad and attacking me or anyone else than one in a holster!!!!

Of course, the liberals will tell you that guns are dangerous since they will attack you and others......

BULL GUANO - to the libs, that is.

SouthernMoss · 06-21-2006, 09:33 PM

Mike, it's always possible that firing his gun could create a spark that could ignite his oxygen, but it would have to be a very prescribed set of circumstances, and the chances of it happening are not great.

glocknut · 06-21-2006, 09:35 PM

Are there several type of oxygen. I know "pure" oxygen is very very flamable.....

mike
gn

southernshooter · 06-21-2006, 09:41 PM

Quote:

I'm not trying to be a smartalick...but is it possible that the discharge of a gun could ignite your oxygen ?
My mom is on oxygen now and home health is quite paranoid about possible ignition sources.
A necessary risk if your being threatened, i will admit....but it makes me wonder.
That would be one heck of a bang !!!!

Mythbusters tested the Jaws "SHOOT A TANK AND IT BLOWS UP".. NEGATIVE By the way just for info they used a 30-06. The tanks on oxygen tanks are very thick due to high pressure I usually take a high power cartridge to penetrate them.

Marlin · 06-21-2006, 09:46 PM

NO OXYGEN or OZONE, a variant with another oxygen atom in it's molecule, is flamable in and of ITSELF means the oxygen itself. Oxygen DOES NOT BURN. What it does, however, is contribute to burning items being ten times or greater more flamable so it is mistakenly thought to be an item that will burn itself..... It can cause a small spark on flamable material, such as wood or plastics, to turn to a roaring flame with high temperatures generated.

Therefore, it contributes to fire by feeding it only.

BTW, there is only one oxygen with the formula O2.

glocknut · 06-21-2006, 09:50 PM

ok...

mike
gn

navyvet · 06-21-2006, 10:52 PM

that colt detective is a collectore buy it just do not carry it, the kahr is a great carry gun, however the Bersa in .380 is even better price wise and accuracy.

Marlin T · 06-22-2006, 12:14 AM

So Marlin, what would happen if you filled a shell with O2 before adding the bullet? Would it make the shell (gunpowder) 10x more powerfull???? he he he

358 winchester · 06-22-2006, 05:20 AM

IF and I say IF Marlin's O2 tank was to start burning it would only prove what women have been saying for years
MEN ARE JUST FULL OF HOT AIR

sorry Marlin just couldn't help it

southernshooter · 06-22-2006, 09:01 AM

DANG MAN

22WRF · 06-22-2006, 06:55 PM

Quote:

A gun sitting in the oxygen case beside the oxygen bottle has no more chance of getting mad and attacking me or anyone else than one in a holster

!!!!

This is very true. o2 is just one leg of the fire triangle and only supports combustion that said o2 and oil are a dangerous combination

JohnK3 · 06-22-2006, 11:23 PM

Okay, to bring this thread back on track....[grin]

I am now leaning heavily towards the Colt. Why? Because I may not get a chance to get one in such nice shape again. I can carry it, as it will be a good, serviceable carry piece. If, later on, I decide I want a lighter piece, I can always buy a new or used Airweight without much difficulty. It doesn't look like S&W will be discontinuing that model for quite some time.

The little Kel-Tecs and Bersas and NAA are all nice and all, but I'm really leaning towards a wheel-gun for this go-'round. I own two semi-autos, both full-size or reasonably so. Both classics in their own way (1911 and CZ-75). The Colt is beautiful. It's calling my name. I need to go put some money down on it to make sure it doesn't walk off while I'm getting the rest of the money together for it!

[sigh]

Decisions, decisions, decisions....

glocknut · 06-23-2006, 07:27 PM

Well, if its calling your name...go for it !!!! Passion is a good thing.

And a gun will never devorce a feller.

mike
ggn

berto64 · 06-23-2006, 07:36 PM

Don't nag either!

View Poll Results: Which pocket gun?
Buy the Colt Detective and carry it!	9	36.00%
You'd be crazy to carry the Colt; buy the S&W Airweight.	4	16.00%
Just get a little pocket semi-auto.	6	24.00%
Get bigger pockets.	6	24.00%
Voters: 25. You may not vote on this poll

06-20-2006, 12:38 AM	#1
JohnK3 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,636	Decisions, decisions... Okay, I was over at the LGS to pick up the FFL info for Katydid's birthday present. I've been considering getting a pocket gun for everyday carry. Well, I looked at a Kel-Tec, a Kahr, a Bersa and some others. Then I saw a beautiful Colt Detective Special in .38 Special. Looks like it was made in 1979 or thereabouts, from the owners manual and paperwork with it. Bluing is 95%, just a bit of wear near the muzzle from the holster. Grips in good shape. They want $450 for the gun. Only problem is, while I'd love to own it, I'd rather own it for a collectible shooter, than carry it every day. On top of that, they also had a nice Airweight S&W with the concealed hammer in .38 Special that would fit my pocket better and I wouldn't worry about messing up a nice little collector's piece. Decisions, decisions, decisions.... -->

06-20-2006, 12:52 AM	#2
Marlin T Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Mexico Posts: 7,857	Re: Decisions, decisions... I'm glad to see that 100% of everybody agrees with me!! Now that is uncommon and very rare. Ohhh wait, I'm the only one who voted so far! I'm a firm believer in full frame longer barrel handguns. Just my 2 cents, thats all. __________________ "But the simple truth--born of experience--is that tyranny thrives best where government need not fear the wrath of an armed people." Judge Alex Kozinski - United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from its government. - Thomas Paine Did you read todays GOOD shooting? >>>KEEPANDBEARARMS.COM <<<

06-20-2006, 02:24 AM	#3
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,385	Re: Decisions, decisions... I went for the small semi. My most common carry is a KelTec P32 with one extra mag. It all fits into my front pants pocket and is totally concealed. I even wear it to church if I'm going to Boise after services. Other times it's a trusty 1911A1. __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God.

06-20-2006, 05:40 AM	#4
lead Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,522	Re: Decisions, decisions... Get the Colt. 6 shots as opposed to only 5 in the Smith, smooth action, and they are only going to get more expensive. __________________ The best things in life, are not things.

06-20-2006, 08:45 AM	#5
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: Decisions, decisions... I agree with Lead. Having that one additional shot could be very good insurance. I carry a S&W older Model 60. Nice little weapon but only five shots..... __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

06-20-2006, 06:17 PM	#6
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Re: Decisions, decisions... Go for the Smith Airweight, John. Yeah, you have one less shot, but what are you more likely to be shooting, Rommel's entire Afrika Corps or a couple of punks in a Walmart parking lot? Seriously, if you're not a duty cop on the job, the likleyhood of getting into any kind of a sustained firefight is pretty remote, about like your chance of getting struck by lightning. Besides, you can always carry a speedloader or Bianchi speedstrip in case you need to reload. I do. You seem to hint that you want a nice, light, unobtrusive piece for those occasions when something larger is impractical or not worth the trouble. The Airweight fits those criteria very nicely indeed. I probably carry one of mine more than any other pistol or revolver I own. The weapon you leave at home because it's too big and heavy won't do you much good if you should need it. By all means, buy the Colt to add to your collection. The Dick Special is a fine little weapon, but you can't beat the Smith J-frame Airweight for easy, comfortable carry. __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter)

06-20-2006, 06:44 PM	#7
22WRF Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pea Ridge, FL Contributor Posts: 4,251	Re: Decisions, decisions... Didn't vote because no choice for either or Colt Detective Airweight S&W Either a good choice as long as the Airweight is 38SPL. The Airweight in 357 makes the hand smart a bit Well more like damn well hurts Forget the plastic semi crap, revolvers go boom everytime __________________ NRA GOA CCRKBA Happiness is a warm barrel

06-20-2006, 10:30 PM	#8
southernshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep South Mississippi Posts: 5,943	Re: Decisions, decisions... JohnK3 I really am a full frame man but if you going for a pocket piece I recomend a KEL-TEC __________________ Only you can see this

06-21-2006, 01:03 AM	#9
JohnK3 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,636	Re: Decisions, decisions... Southern, I, too, prefer full-sized. (Or, very nearly so.) I own a Kimber Compact Stainless II. It's in my avatar. Problem is, it's a bit difficult to carry without a jacket or a vest. Summer here in Georgia hasn't been too conducive to wearing either. Putting a smaller weapon in a pocket seems to fit the bill. One thing I've noticed about the Kel-Tec compared to the NAA is the ease of breakdown for cleaning. The Kel-Tec has a barrel-link button, similar to the slide-release on a 1911 or similar auto. Problem is, the darn thing needs three hands to take down! The NAA was extremely simple to take down, just pull back a bit on the trigger, making the hammer release a bit of tension on the slide, then grab the slide and the take-down latch and voila! The slide comes right off, going back on the same way. The revolvers were even easier to take down. [grin] [sigh] She'll probably only let me buy one gun this go-'round. I may end up going with the Colt just to get my hands on that nice little piece!

06-21-2006, 10:53 AM	#10
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: Decisions, decisions... Since I must be on oxygen 24/7/365, I carry my protable heater in the small tank oxygen case. No one would ever suspect and I can carry full size or smaller. Due to the weight, I generally carry a small frame revolver, but very often a 9mm with 15 rnd mags or a 1911. That way I don't have to worry about a shirt, jacket or accidentally showing at any time. __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

06-21-2006, 09:21 PM	#12
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: Decisions, decisions... Oxygen is non-flamable, Mike. It is only a catalyst to other flamable materials. A gun sitting in the oxygen case beside the oxygen bottle has no more chance of getting mad and attacking me or anyone else than one in a holster!!!! Of course, the liberals will tell you that guns are dangerous since they will attack you and others...... BULL GUANO - to the libs, that is. __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

06-21-2006, 09:33 PM	#13
SouthernMoss Admin Tech Staff Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: SW MS Contributor Posts: 10,651	Re: Decisions, decisions... Mike, it's always possible that firing his gun could create a spark that could ignite his oxygen, but it would have to be a very prescribed set of circumstances, and the chances of it happening are not great. __________________ My Second protects your First "I declare to you that woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself, and there I take my stand." - Susan B Anthony

06-21-2006, 09:35 PM	#14
glocknut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: THE FORUM MASCOTT... Posts: 12,482	Re: Decisions, decisions... Are there several type of oxygen. I know "pure" oxygen is very very flamable..... mike gn

06-21-2006, 09:46 PM	#16
Marlin TFF Admin Staff Chief Counselor Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: At SouthernMoss' side forever! Contributor Posts: 13,853	Re: Decisions, decisions... NO OXYGEN or OZONE, a variant with another oxygen atom in it's molecule, is flamable in and of ITSELF means the oxygen itself. Oxygen DOES NOT BURN. What it does, however, is contribute to burning items being ten times or greater more flamable so it is mistakenly thought to be an item that will burn itself..... It can cause a small spark on flamable material, such as wood or plastics, to turn to a roaring flame with high temperatures generated. Therefore, it contributes to fire by feeding it only. BTW, there is only one oxygen with the formula O2. __________________ *The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.* *The only criminal class native to the United States is Congress.*

06-21-2006, 09:50 PM	#17
glocknut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: THE FORUM MASCOTT... Posts: 12,482	Re: Decisions, decisions... ok... mike gn

06-21-2006, 10:52 PM	#18
navyvet V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Nashville Tn. Posts: 61	Re: Decisions, decisions... that colt detective is a collectore buy it just do not carry it, the kahr is a great carry gun, however the Bersa in .380 is even better price wise and accuracy.

06-22-2006, 12:14 AM	#19
Marlin T Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Mexico Posts: 7,857	Re: Decisions, decisions... So Marlin, what would happen if you filled a shell with O2 before adding the bullet? Would it make the shell (gunpowder) 10x more powerfull???? he he he __________________ "But the simple truth--born of experience--is that tyranny thrives best where government need not fear the wrath of an armed people." Judge Alex Kozinski - United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from its government. - Thomas Paine Did you read todays GOOD shooting? >>>KEEPANDBEARARMS.COM <<<

06-22-2006, 05:20 AM	#20
358 winchester TFF Admin Staff Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Pensacola Fl. area Posts: 7,335	Re: Decisions, decisions... IF and I say IF Marlin's O2 tank was to start burning it would only prove what women have been saying for years MEN ARE JUST FULL OF HOT AIR sorry Marlin just couldn't help it __________________ Administrator & Owner RangeDay.com Proud, White, Heterosexual, Gun Owning, Southern American, Christian. Any question about where I stand?

06-22-2006, 09:01 AM	#21
southernshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep South Mississippi Posts: 5,943	Re: Decisions, decisions... DANG MAN __________________ Only you can see this

06-22-2006, 11:23 PM	#23
JohnK3 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 1,636	Re: Decisions, decisions... Okay, to bring this thread back on track....[grin] I am now leaning heavily towards the Colt. Why? Because I may not get a chance to get one in such nice shape again. I can carry it, as it will be a good, serviceable carry piece. If, later on, I decide I want a lighter piece, I can always buy a new or used Airweight without much difficulty. It doesn't look like S&W will be discontinuing that model for quite some time. The little Kel-Tecs and Bersas and NAA are all nice and all, but I'm really leaning towards a wheel-gun for this go-'round. I own two semi-autos, both full-size or reasonably so. Both classics in their own way (1911 and CZ-75). The Colt is beautiful. It's calling my name. I need to go put some money down on it to make sure it doesn't walk off while I'm getting the rest of the money together for it! [sigh] Decisions, decisions, decisions....

06-23-2006, 07:27 PM	#24
glocknut Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: THE FORUM MASCOTT... Posts: 12,482	Re: Decisions, decisions... Well, if its calling your name...go for it !!!! Passion is a good thing. And a gun will never devorce a feller. mike ggn

06-23-2006, 07:36 PM	#25
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,385	Re: Decisions, decisions... Don't nag either! __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God.