The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Handguns => Topic started by: brushmore on December 06, 2013, 04:44:46 PM
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I am relatively new to the world of concealed carry. I started off simple with a North American Arms Mini-Magnum. The problem I have is that I can't shoot it accurately or constantly. I am lucky if I can hit the paper at 10ft let alone get any kind of pattern going. So I am looking for suggestions on what to upgrade to. My requirements are that it I can carry in my front pocket dressed in business casual wearing something like khaki Dockers, be easily to operate, and be accurate enough for me to at least hit the paper at 10ft.
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I have a Ruger LCR that fills that roll nicely!
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My Ruger LCP does also!
Richard
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Can't go wrong with a S&W J-Frame .38 Special+P. For packet carry holster selection is critical, not just to hold it safely and keep it clean but to make sure people can not see it print in your pants pocket. I do not own a Kahr but am thinking about it given that it is a nice and small package for a 9mm.
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I carry a Glock 27 for a large variety of reasons. And, on occasion I have carried it in an Uncle Mike in my front pocket. But, I recognize this is not a perfect solution for everybody.
The little Rugers are reliable solutions that should meet your needs. You can get .380 and/or 9mm and I'd go with 9mm.
If you have a range available where you can rent guns by the hour, spend some time and a few bucks to sort out what works for you.
It will be cost effective in the long run as you will get something you really want.
Let us know what you end up with and enjoy your search.
Crusader Rabbit
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My experience has been with PPK/s, the Taurus TCP, Ruger LCP and the S&W Shield 9mm.
Got to say the Ruger LCP is the handiest for pocket carry. PPK/s is heavy and long for what you get compared to the LCP.
I'd sold the the Taurus TCP because of the quirky reset which can leave you hammer down on a live round.
The S&W Shield (as well as others it's size... Ruger LC9) do give you a step up in stopping power, but also a step up in weight and size.
I carry the Shield IWB, but keep the LCP for when I want to carry in my pocket.
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For in the pocket the LCP is my favorite. I have a J Frame, which would cross with the LCR, and they are great guns. However, in the pocket thinner is better.
Let us also go back to the fundamentals of choosing a gun:
1. It must fit you;
2. It must be comfortable for you to shoot it;
3. You must be able to hit the vital zone of an adult being from 7 yards;
4. And finally is the consideration of budget, ammunition availability, reliable, etc.
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Also look at the Sig 938.
Richard
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i prefer the colt detective, or if you can find one a cobra. ( same gun only steel and al) 6 shots, both make j framens seem like cap guns. the trigger pull is so much better its not even funny. my grand father can hit 8" ballons at 100 yds 6 out of 6 times and about 3 out of 6 at 300 with his 2 detective. i miss my cobra very much, damn thiefs. 13 oz empity for a 6 gun is just nuts.
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i prefer the colt detective, or if you can find one a cobra. ( same gun only steel and al) 6 shots, both make j framens seem like cap guns. the trigger pull is so much better its not even funny. my grand father can hit 8" ballons at 100 yds 6 out of 6 times and about 3 out of 6 at 300 with his 2 detective. i miss my cobra very much, damn thiefs. 13 oz empity for a 6 gun is just nuts.
I just bought a 1966 Colt Agent (same frame size)...... I have tried it for pocket carry and it does OK..... just a little bulkier than a small semi-auto.
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A semi auto is always narrower than a comparable revolver .
I would go with a Kel Tec, or Ruger LCP for pocket carry.
I can carry my Kel Tec in the waist band of my skivvies when I get up to pee at 2AM.
Lets see you do that with a revolver.
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Please, let's NOT see that. ;D
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Please, let's NOT see that. ;D
What he said........x10!!!! :o :o
I carry a NAA .22 in my right pocket loaded with two rounds of CCI shot for snakes (yes it works for that, as I have dispatched several), and three rounds of Aguila Hyper velocity hollowpoints just in case I run out of ammo for my EDC gun.
I have carried my Colt .380 Gov't, which is slightly larger than the Mustang, but does carry well. I saw a guy last week OCing a Colt Mustang in a belt-slide......first thing I thought was "Dude, I'd just carry that in my pocket." The holster was bigger than the gun.
I am thinking of swapping the NAA out for my Baby Browning .25.... but just thinking.
I am also planning to use the Colt .38 revolver for vest/jacket pocket back-up duty in the upcoming months if it gets a little cooler.
Nice to have options.
Considering the OP, if I were purchasing a new gun for pocket carry, the LCP or LCR would be my top choices based on what I have seen while fondling them at gun stores.
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I'm finding my LCR fits nicely into the inside breast pocket of my Carhardt jacket with no holster as well. Almost like it was designed for it...the pocket, not the revolver!
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I'm finding my LCR fits nicely into the inside breast pocket of my Carhardt jacket with no holster as well. Almost like it was designed for it...the pocket, not the revolver!
In Daytona many moons ago, I had a custom leather vest made with an inside pocket to fit my Taurus 85... it was a decent fit for the .380 also. The Colt snubby is shaped a little different, but might fit.....
I just wish the vest still fit as good. ;D
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All these choices are good ones, but I have to ask if your accuracy problems are just with this gun?
It may be your shooting mechanics that you should work on. I know that as a rule when I miss it is me not the gun. As I have practiced and competed I am better at diagnosing my mistakes than before. It does not make me any less frustrated when I miss a giant steel popper at 10 yds but upon mature reflection.... and a deep breath I can go back and work on remembering to see the front sight or not snatch the trigger.
That said, I can't shoot my Glock 17 worth a damn, something about the grip (angle, thickness, etc) causes me to shoot low at speed. If I slow down to half speed I can hit with it. I don't have this problem with anything 1911 shaped or even with revolvers. I haven't gone back to try to master this as I love my 1911 and don't want to risk messing things up totally.
Just a thought, Try the wall drill (see other post here) and see if the problems becomes obvious.
Joe
PS i love my J frame air weight with CT laser grip. Ran a stage with it in practice and took down two steels at 15 yds one shot each at the end of the string of 10 shots. Made my day that it was so natural. As long as I don't have to reload in a hurry I am good!
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:D Ruger LCP is the gun you carry when you can't a gun.
Always keep it in some kind of holster.
The Hogue grip makes it shoot a 100% better.
The 8 round magazine makes it a 100% better to grip (more rounds are nice too).
The Crimson Trace is nice to have but not essential. You can make the "sights" work with a lot of practice.
Shoot it a lot! It takes a while to get accurate with it. I reload them for under 15 cents. That competitive with .22 lr.
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All these choices are good ones, but I have to ask if your accuracy problems are just with this gun?
It may be your shooting mechanics that you should work on. I know that as a rule when I miss it is me not the gun. As I have practiced and competed I am better at diagnosing my mistakes than before. It does not make me any less frustrated when I miss a giant steel popper at 10 yds but upon mature reflection.... and a deep breath I can go back and work on remembering to see the front sight or not snatch the trigger.
I think the issue for me is the small grip. For me accuracy is OK using this folding grip: http://northamericanarms.com/accessories/m-accessories/m-cc/ghg-m.html But I am not a fan of using this for pocket carry.
So I do agree with you, I am just looking for something that will be easier for me to become a little more accurate with.
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I think the issue for me is the small grip. For me accuracy is OK using this folding grip: http://northamericanarms.com/accessories/m-accessories/m-cc/ghg-m.html But I am not a fan of using this for pocket carry.
So I do agree with you, I am just looking for something that will be easier for me to become a little more accurate with.
Find a friend and shoot some other hand guns and see what you are comfortable with.
Find an instructor and get some training, then go shopping.
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I can carry my Kel Tec in the waist band of my skivvies when I get up to pee at 2AM.
I never knew we were so much alike. I get up around 3am.
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My magnum NAA mini feels a lot better in my hand with the "boot grip" although I haven't shot with it yet. I still don't have a clue what a proper sight picture should be with no rear sight.
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you just sight along the barrel. It takes some getting use too, but it works just fine. Atleast for its intended use and range.