Please Vote How small is too small? .380ACP .32ACP 25 ACP 22LR 22 Short

[DDMac]

Thanks. GREEN-My favorite color. My wife says I'm a closet Forest Ranger.
Mac.

[Mojave Desert]

"I am in the market for a smaller handgun. Would get a S&W “J” frame tomorrow if I didn’t distrust the internal lock so much."

Ron J: Keep your hopes up and keep checking the gun stores.  I was all set to put my deposit down on the new S&W classic series M-40 when the counterperson said, "Well, if you are looking for a Centennial, I've got one at home you can buy...".
It's a 1995 640, .38, smooth wood grips, no internal lock, and immaculate...and almost 1/2 the price of a new Centennial...Sold.  I'm doing the California waiting period now.  I might put my M-60 up on consignment after I get this one....

[Hazcat]

Haven't seen any J frames.  S&W mod 15 4" 38 for 230.00 though.

[tombogan03884]

"I am in the market for a smaller handgun. Would get a S&W “J” frame tomorrow if I didn’t distrust the internal lock so much."

Ron J: Keep your hopes up and keep checking the gun stores.  I was all set to put my deposit down on the new S&W classic series M-40 when the counterperson said, "Well, if you are looking for a Centennial, I've got one at home you can buy...".
It's a 1995 640, .38, smooth wood grips, no internal lock, and immaculate...and almost 1/2 the price of a new Centennial...Sold.  I'm doing the California waiting period now.  I might put my M-60 up on consignment after I get this one....

Freind of mine has an S&W J frame no problems at all.

[jaybet]

How about the Rossi .357? Old school revolver, low price.

[Sponsor]

[ericire12]

How about the Rossi .357? Old school revolver, low price.

I'd go with the Taurus .357 snubbie...... about the same price point

[Ron J]

It seems that the "clean" pre-IL J frames go pretty quickly.  That's a good reason to check out gun stores too! 

I do like the S&W 340MP but having read of IL lock failures (didn't MB post an experience with one?) with various S&W wheelguns at the S&W forum, I tend to be a little "gun shy". 

Maybe when the LCP doesn't have a 100 deep waiting list I will check them out. 

[KW Gary M]

a .22 might be a great toy and a cheap way to fire off 500 rounds a day but wouldn't ever use as my primary carry gun.  Looking for one to buy as a play in the woods gun now.

[Landor]

My thinking is two fold.. Effectiveness equals placement. Any caliber in the head will get the bad guys attention. Might not stop him but the damage is done, if he takes you out he is not far behind you or at least be in jail after the doctors get done with him.  The sight of a gun or the sound of a gun firing will also get the bad guys attention. Maybe to the point of them turning tail and running away.

I am no expert so this is my opinion. 380 is the lowest caliber I will carry. The frame size of the P3AT and LCP will fit in any adults pocket. The is no reason for me to go lower then that in caliber.

[tombogan03884]

My thinking is two fold.. Effectiveness equals placement. Any caliber in the head will get the bad guys attention. Might not stop him but the damage is done, if he takes you out he is not far behind you or at least be in jail after the doctors get done with him.  The sight of a gun or the sound of a gun firing will also get the bad guys attention. Maybe to the point of them turning tail and running away.

I am no expert so this is my opinion. 380 is the lowest caliber I will carry. The frame size of the P3AT and LCP will fit in any adults pocket. The is no reason for me to go lower then that in caliber.

Having them dead or caught Later is pointless. The whole purpose of self defense is to stop the attack NOW, and survive. If you don't survive whats the point ?