gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. - The Firearms Forum

willywonka · 10-24-2010, 10:13 PM

Hi, very much a newbie, and I wanted to look into conceal carry options. I recently checked out a few compacts, but I was thinking of going smaller. Does anyone know what the smallest conceal carry firearm might be?

oscarmayer · 10-25-2010, 04:31 AM

the smallest might not be the best option. a naa mini is very small as are derringers. while they'll do in a pinch and better than no gun at all , it's really not a good first choice. you have to ask yourself, what caliber will i settle on, and go from there. experts will tell you a 380 is the smallest you should go . but now adays there are 9mm's the same size as 380's and you can always go with the tired and true 38 snub nose. anyway you slice it you need to investigate and try out as many guns as possible at a range that rents in order to make a informed choice. remember opinions are like belly buttons every one has one, one other consideration what is the threat level you might face ? if you live in or visit the "hood" i would suggest ( besides a life style change ) a couple of 45's or hi- cap 9mm's.things also to consider besides threat level, and caliber, are you going to practice alot, is the gun a hand full ? example simmerling is a small 45 acp , cute gun , handy as they come but painfull to fire , ( too large a caliber in a smal package ) so again don't go with advice from seasoned shooters, go with what is best for you. for newbies i always suggest a revolver, easier to learn and plety of firepower in most situations. but again rent a few different models and see what fits you best....

willywonka · 10-25-2010, 08:54 AM

all very good points, and thank you for them. But I suppose I should have given a little more info here. I'm a big fan of the NAA mini revolvers. But I was thinking of the smallest semi-auto available. I don't think my threat level is very high, but I'd rather be safe than sorry, and be able to easily conceal something on my person. This would be used more as a backup, something I might be able to put around my ankle or just drop in my pocket. I'm looking at a Beretta PX4 or S&W as my primary conceal carry, and it will be 9mm, but I'm just looking for additional options.

old semperfi · 10-25-2010, 08:55 AM

so far you have been given some good advise,i carry a north american arms mini revolver in 22 mag if i am wearing shorts and a pull over t shirt.i also carry depending on clothing,anything from a full size 45 government model to a 38 special model 85 in 38 special and everything in between.i would also advise carring a good knife,the same applies as far as size.hope this helps old semperfi

oscarmayer · 10-25-2010, 09:51 AM

given the new additional information i'd consider the naa guardian in 380 or if you're comfortable with a 32 the 32 acp with winchester silver tips will get you out of a jam, as will the beretta tomcat in 32 acp

group17 · 10-25-2010, 10:20 AM

Try a Kahr CW-9 single stack.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i02ZrwKddxg

RunningOnMT · 10-25-2010, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by group17

Try a Kahr CW-9 single stack.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i02ZrwKddxg

Dittos on the Kahr. Lately they've been on sale for around $400.00...an excellant buy in my opinion. That's 7 shots of 9mm in a very small package.

hogger129 · 10-25-2010, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willywonka

Hi, very much a newbie, and I wanted to look into conceal carry options. I recently checked out a few compacts, but I was thinking of going smaller. Does anyone know what the smallest conceal carry firearm might be?

try out a compact or sub-compact glock. lots of people i know like them. my choice would be a smaller 1911.

johnlives4christ · 10-25-2010, 06:02 PM

might check out the ruger LCP and the kel tec p32 semi autos

SARG · 10-25-2010, 06:18 PM

I second oscarmayer's suggestion to look at the small 38 spl. J frames.... especially for a beginner seeking a dependable protection piece. Reliable and easy to carry.

JoeV · 10-25-2010, 07:06 PM

I agree with trying out different guns. I made the mistake of buying a Kel-Tek PF9 before shooting it, and it sits in the safe today because the trigger guard is too close to the trigger for my not-so-fat trigger finger, and since it is DAO, the trigger will not reset fully unless I only use the tip of my finger on the trigger. Not so good for me, but if you have slender fingers, it's a good ankle gun. I replaced it with a Taurus TCP which is even smaller than the PF9, and is a true 7-shot .380 pocket gun or ankle gun. Good luck as there are a lot of viable choices out there today.

dualsportrider · 10-25-2010, 10:38 PM

Answer this first, what kind of climate do you live in? What do you usually wear? This can have alot to do with your choice. What kind of work do you do? Some folks can get away with carrying bigger guns and some can't. I go with 38 snubs pocket carry.

willywonka · 10-26-2010, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dualsportrider

Answer this first, what kind of climate do you live in? What do you usually wear? This can have alot to do with your choice. What kind of work do you do? Some folks can get away with carrying bigger guns and some can't. I go with 38 snubs pocket carry.

I live in Virginia. I'm a big enough guy that I don't usually wear a coat in the winter. Usually a good sweater or hoodie will do me fine.

willywonka · 10-29-2010, 04:47 PM

I've never been much of a glock fan, but I'm beginning to think that something like a glock 19 is the way to go as a primary carry. I'm also looking at the kahr cw9. I might go with a kel tec or a ruger LCP as a back up gun.

one thing I keep thinking though is that those little NAA revolvers are so tiny that it would be so easy to carry. I know they're only 22LRs, but an itty bitty gun is a gun that I'm more likely to carry on my person without thinking about it.

What do you guys think of something between that and something like a ruger LCP?

johnlives4christ · 10-29-2010, 06:46 PM

i have an NAA mini. it is pretty small and easy to carry. you cannot shoot it rapid fire though, it recoils in such a manner that follow up shots are very slow. the suggestion of a j frame smith is a good one. course i do have a smith 642 so i am partial a tad. but it carries well, and shoots well. i've been able to hit a man sized target out to 75 yards with mine. while i dont have an LCP or a keltec i would love to have one because of the thinness. it would be easy to slip in a pocket.

for a larger gun there are a lot of choices, glocks and 1911's are at the top of my list. i carry a glock 22 most of the time, although i have had a full size, commander, and compact 1911's.

dont suppose you have any friends with various guns that might let you carry them a while to see how you like each one. i'd let you try my 642 if you lived around here

user · 10-29-2010, 06:48 PM

Take the NRA pistol course - there are two, and I'd suggest the extended version that includes actual shooting - before you do another thing.

hogger129 · 10-30-2010, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willywonka

I've never been much of a glock fan, but I'm beginning to think that something like a glock 19 is the way to go as a primary carry. I'm also looking at the kahr cw9. I might go with a kel tec or a ruger LCP as a back up gun.

one thing I keep thinking though is that those little NAA revolvers are so tiny that it would be so easy to carry. I know they're only 22LRs, but an itty bitty gun is a gun that I'm more likely to carry on my person without thinking about it.

What do you guys think of something between that and something like a ruger LCP?

Try out the Glock 23 also. It's basically the same gun as the 19, only it's chambered in .40 S&W instead of 9mm Luger.

carver · 10-30-2010, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willywonka

I've never been much of a glock fan, but I'm beginning to think that something like a glock 19 is the way to go as a primary carry. I'm also looking at the kahr cw9. I might go with a kel tec or a ruger LCP as a back up gun.

one thing I keep thinking though is that those little NAA revolvers are so tiny that it would be so easy to carry. I know they're only 22LRs, but an itty bitty gun is a gun that I'm more likely to carry on my person without thinking about it.

What do you guys think of something between that and something like a ruger LCP?

Another big guy here. I usually carry a 1911A year round, and don't have any problems with carrying it. Sometimes I carry a small .38 in my pocket as a BUG (back up gun), but when in light shorts I carry the NAA in .22 Mag. Like you I'm not much of a Glock fan, but the guns do work well. I just like what I grew up with; what I'm used to. Take a closer look at the NAA in .22 Mag.

rentalguy1 · 11-18-2010, 11:27 PM

If you carry a large enough primary with a few reloads, you don't have a need for a backup...jmho

carver · 11-19-2010, 04:25 AM

California reload?

BernMan · 11-19-2010, 09:29 PM

Try eigther one of these.Bersa T-380 7 round mag.
or Bersa t-9 UC Pro 10 or 13 round mag.
Both are great CC guns.

theammobroker · 11-22-2010, 11:02 AM

Would recommend at least a .380 and personally carry the Ruger LCP.

cluznar · 04-26-2012, 01:15 PM

Either a Beretta Tomcat .32 acp for pocket or a Bersa Thunder .380 using a IWB holster.

Brass Tacks · 04-26-2012, 02:18 PM

some have a phobia concerning carrying a 1911 cocked and locked. if the OP does then the Springfield Armory EMP is not what he's looking for. It's easy to conceal, accurate, and very dependable. I have no problem carrying in condition 1.

10-24-2010, 10:13 PM	#1
willywonka Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 49	gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. Hi, very much a newbie, and I wanted to look into conceal carry options. I recently checked out a few compacts, but I was thinking of going smaller. Does anyone know what the smallest conceal carry firearm might be? -->

10-25-2010, 04:31 AM	#2
oscarmayer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Contributor Posts: 2,387	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. the smallest might not be the best option. a naa mini is very small as are derringers. while they'll do in a pinch and better than no gun at all , it's really not a good first choice. you have to ask yourself, what caliber will i settle on, and go from there. experts will tell you a 380 is the smallest you should go . but now adays there are 9mm's the same size as 380's and you can always go with the tired and true 38 snub nose. anyway you slice it you need to investigate and try out as many guns as possible at a range that rents in order to make a informed choice. remember opinions are like belly buttons every one has one, one other consideration what is the threat level you might face ? if you live in or visit the "hood" i would suggest ( besides a life style change ) a couple of 45's or hi- cap 9mm's.things also to consider besides threat level, and caliber, are you going to practice alot, is the gun a hand full ? example simmerling is a small 45 acp , cute gun , handy as they come but painfull to fire , ( too large a caliber in a smal package ) so again don't go with advice from seasoned shooters, go with what is best for you. for newbies i always suggest a revolver, easier to learn and plety of firepower in most situations. but again rent a few different models and see what fits you best....

10-25-2010, 08:54 AM	#3
willywonka Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 49	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. all very good points, and thank you for them. But I suppose I should have given a little more info here. I'm a big fan of the NAA mini revolvers. But I was thinking of the smallest semi-auto available. I don't think my threat level is very high, but I'd rather be safe than sorry, and be able to easily conceal something on my person. This would be used more as a backup, something I might be able to put around my ankle or just drop in my pocket. I'm looking at a Beretta PX4 or S&W as my primary conceal carry, and it will be 9mm, but I'm just looking for additional options.

10-25-2010, 08:55 AM	#4
old semperfi Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: i live in southern indiana,old country boy at heart Posts: 1,506	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. so far you have been given some good advise,i carry a north american arms mini revolver in 22 mag if i am wearing shorts and a pull over t shirt.i also carry depending on clothing,anything from a full size 45 government model to a 38 special model 85 in 38 special and everything in between.i would also advise carring a good knife,the same applies as far as size.hope this helps old semperfi

10-25-2010, 09:51 AM	#5
oscarmayer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Contributor Posts: 2,387	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. given the new additional information i'd consider the naa guardian in 380 or if you're comfortable with a 32 the 32 acp with winchester silver tips will get you out of a jam, as will the beretta tomcat in 32 acp

10-25-2010, 10:20 AM	#6
group17 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 98	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. Try a Kahr CW-9 single stack. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i02ZrwKddxg

10-25-2010, 06:02 PM	#9
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. might check out the ruger LCP and the kel tec p32 semi autos

10-25-2010, 06:18 PM	#10
SARG V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Northeast Posts: 307	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. I second oscarmayer's suggestion to look at the small 38 spl. J frames.... especially for a beginner seeking a dependable protection piece. Reliable and easy to carry.

10-25-2010, 07:06 PM	#11
JoeV V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: N.E. Ohio NRA Life Member Posts: 318	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. I agree with trying out different guns. I made the mistake of buying a Kel-Tek PF9 before shooting it, and it sits in the safe today because the trigger guard is too close to the trigger for my not-so-fat trigger finger, and since it is DAO, the trigger will not reset fully unless I only use the tip of my finger on the trigger. Not so good for me, but if you have slender fingers, it's a good ankle gun. I replaced it with a Taurus TCP which is even smaller than the PF9, and is a true 7-shot .380 pocket gun or ankle gun. Good luck as there are a lot of viable choices out there today.

10-25-2010, 10:38 PM	#12
dualsportrider Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Phoenix Az Posts: 23	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. Answer this first, what kind of climate do you live in? What do you usually wear? This can have alot to do with your choice. What kind of work do you do? Some folks can get away with carrying bigger guns and some can't. I go with 38 snubs pocket carry.

10-29-2010, 04:47 PM	#14
willywonka Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 49	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. I've never been much of a glock fan, but I'm beginning to think that something like a glock 19 is the way to go as a primary carry. I'm also looking at the kahr cw9. I might go with a kel tec or a ruger LCP as a back up gun. one thing I keep thinking though is that those little NAA revolvers are so tiny that it would be so easy to carry. I know they're only 22LRs, but an itty bitty gun is a gun that I'm more likely to carry on my person without thinking about it. What do you guys think of something between that and something like a ruger LCP?

10-29-2010, 06:46 PM	#15
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. i have an NAA mini. it is pretty small and easy to carry. you cannot shoot it rapid fire though, it recoils in such a manner that follow up shots are very slow. the suggestion of a j frame smith is a good one. course i do have a smith 642 so i am partial a tad. but it carries well, and shoots well. i've been able to hit a man sized target out to 75 yards with mine. while i dont have an LCP or a keltec i would love to have one because of the thinness. it would be easy to slip in a pocket. for a larger gun there are a lot of choices, glocks and 1911's are at the top of my list. i carry a glock 22 most of the time, although i have had a full size, commander, and compact 1911's. dont suppose you have any friends with various guns that might let you carry them a while to see how you like each one. i'd let you try my 642 if you lived around here

10-29-2010, 06:48 PM	#16
user Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern piedmont of Va. and Middle of Nowhere, West Virginia Posts: 1,013	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. Take the NRA pistol course - there are two, and I'd suggest the extended version that includes actual shooting - before you do another thing. __________________ ===== Daniel L. Hawes - 540 347 2430 - HTTP://www.VirginiaLegalDefense.com By the way, nothing I say on this website as "user" should be taken as either advertising for attorney services or legal advice. Everyone having a question regarding the application of law to the facts of their situation should seek the advice of an attorney competent in the subject matter of the issues presented and licensed to practice in the relevant state.

11-18-2010, 11:27 PM	#19
rentalguy1 Former Guest Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: The mountains of NE TN. Posts: 884	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. If you carry a large enough primary with a few reloads, you don't have a need for a backup...jmho

11-19-2010, 04:25 AM	#20
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,527	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. California reload? __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

11-19-2010, 09:29 PM	#21
BernMan Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 18	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. Try eigther one of these.Bersa T-380 7 round mag. or Bersa t-9 UC Pro 10 or 13 round mag. Both are great CC guns. Attached Images __________________ My guns

11-22-2010, 11:02 AM	#22
theammobroker Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 3	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. Would recommend at least a .380 and personally carry the Ruger LCP. __________________ The Ammo Broker, www.theammobroker.com Discount ammo online.

04-26-2012, 01:15 PM	#23
cluznar Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 70	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. Either a Beretta Tomcat .32 acp for pocket or a Bersa Thunder .380 using a IWB holster.

04-26-2012, 02:18 PM	#24
Brass Tacks Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: NW Arkansas Posts: 557	Re: gun newbie looking for conceal carry options. some have a phobia concerning carrying a 1911 cocked and locked. if the OP does then the Springfield Armory EMP is not what he's looking for. It's easy to conceal, accurate, and very dependable. I have no problem carrying in condition 1. __________________ The Second Amendment, America's Original Homeland Security I don't know how I got over the hill without ever getting to the top.