LCP or ???

[sneakerd]

Just how small does it have to be for you? My Sig 230 is super accurate and super reliable. I consider it a modern Walther PP, but better. I'd say have a good look at a 230 or a 232- then maybe rocktot can sell you his! They are GREAT 380s and need nothing but to be shot. The more you shoot it, the smoother the action gets.

[milwaukeeshaker]

PF-9 is a great pistol, kind of a handful when firing, but not uncontrollable. Is very reliable, and concealable. Never have had a failure to feed, or any other problem, with several hundreds of rounds out the pipe.

[sneakerd]

The PF9 looks to be about the same size as a Sig 238. Hmmmm.

[68Charger]

Here's a great PDF that will give you lots of ideas in "pocket pistols"

http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf

Look for SA/SAO type actions if you don't like the long heavy trigger pull... I thought I would hate it, because I prefer rifles to have a very light or 2-stage trigger... but for a self-defense type pistol, once I got the technique down, my Kel-Tecs don't bother me, and I can be quite accurate with them...

Don't try to "stage" a trigger on a DAO, you'll wind up shaking, and don't jerk the trigger... just a smooth, even pull while keeping the sights lined up... in many self-defense situations, you'll be point-shooting anyway. There may be no time to line up sights and get a perfect sight picture... if you try to, you'll get shot first.

Whatever pistol you choose, most important is to shoot it... until you're comfortable with it, then shoot it some more. For example, Kel-Tecs are finished rough, they will take some rounds to break in, and perform better after a "fluff-n-buff", polishing certain areas... see a gunsmith, or choose a higher-end pistol if you don't like this (I enjoy working on my guns)

[sneakerd]

Great post 68Charger.

[tonantius]

I carry an LCP all the time. It is much easier to shoot with Pearce Grips on the magazines. I also have the Crimson Trace Laser on it. That helps a lot.

I agree it is not a lot of fun to shoot, but I shoot it and it works at close range. It is easy to hide.

I also prefer the Bersa .380. Wonderful gun to shoot. Very accurate.

In the winter time I carry a Bersa Thunder .40 Ultra Compact. Not as much fun as the .380 to shoot, but still is very nice.

If I could hide it I would carry my XD.

I also like the LCP as a backup gun. Your CCW does not limit how many guns that you can carry.

Ed Head at Gunsight recommends carrying two of them. It is faster to pull out another gun than reload. He demonstartes pulling out two at once from the pockets and shooting them simultaneously. He says no foe will stand in front of that.

[Fly Fisher]

I have and love the p238. Great for sliding in the pocket and heading out . Very reliable , I read about all the problems so I ran 400 rds thru mine to get peace of mind. 1 FTF and it was ammo related.
I held the Sig 290 and it felt awful. I shot the lcp and smith and wesson bodyguard. Between those to I would go S&W bodyguard 380.

If money is not an issue P238, if it is the

S&W or the LC9

Then again I am usually in cargo shorts or jeans so the M&P compact or Glock 23 is what I carry most if the time. When fly fishing the big stuff comes out.

Taurus tracker 44 mag.

[leatherneck448]

if it were me I would definitely go with an LCP or a kel tec P32 on this one. I dont really enjoy the P3AT that keltec makes, just because of the recoil. Both the LCP and the P32 are easily concealable in something like a pocket holster, and can easily pass as a wallet. Both are pretty darn accurate from the examples that I've fired. That said, I havent fired other ultra sub compact in the same class (diamondbacks, bersas, sig's etc.) so I kinda have a biased opinion. But by all means if youre looking for an LCP go for it. AND, of course, if you can deal with a little bit bigger of a gun, the LC9 is a great option for a concealable carry gun as well.