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

[CJS3]

Any caliber is better than no caliber, but the question of what is too small should be on your mind when you purchase the firearm. I just purchased a 50 year old 25ACP, but only as a collector piece. 38+P or 380 would be the absolute minimum to bet your life on, in any situation.

[Bulldog39]

I guess it would depend on why I am carrying it. Going fishing at the pond, a 22LR or 22WMR is fine, will take care of the snakes and other like things. The .32ACP was used by many countries for military and police duty and you can get ammo just about anywhere, so I vote for the .32ACP

[Jackene]

No minimum on the "BackupCarryGun", but your "PrimaryCarryGun" should start with a 4 IMHO. As you can see, I always carry two, one in the pocket (RugerLCP) and one wherever I can find room that day (Taurus PT145).

[Rob10ring]

I would generally say that I fall into the 9/38 minimum group, but sometimes whatever you'll carry is most important. I'm a little excited about the Ruger SP101 in 327 mag., but being that I'm in Kalifornia, I might never see one. I hope it gets a chance to catch on.

[tt11758]

As Michael does, the gun I carry is based upon my personal threat assessment for any given day.  My normal every day carry gun is a 9mm Kel-Tec P11.  This is a very easily concealable weapon whether it's carried in an inside the waistband holster, a pants pocket, or a fanny pack.  On the days when I am doing something or going somewhere outside my ordinary threat level, I carry the Kel-Tec in my pocket and my S&W M&P .40 in a strong-side, inside the waistband holster.  After all, to quote Clint Smith, "One is none, two is one."

As many posters have correctly asserted, the perfect carry gun is the one that you'll carry every day.  "Leftit" guns (you know...leftit in the car...leftit in the house, etc) are worse than useless.  I can't think of a more sickening feeling in the pit of one's stomach than, in a serious social encounter, to reach for the gun you normally carry only to find nothing there but waistband. 

And if you choose to carry, PLEASE be certain you have what it takes to make the damn thing go "boom" if the siutation calls for it!!  As much as I do NOT want to be killed by some hulking cretin, I even more do NOT want to be killed by some hulking cretin using my own damn gun!!

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

As Michael does, the gun I carry is based upon my personal threat assessment for any given day.  My normal every day carry gun is a 9mm Kel-Tec P11.  This is a very easily concealable weapon whether it's carried in an inside the waistband holster, a pants pocket, or a fanny pack.  On the days when I am doing something or going somewhere outside my ordinary threat level, I carry the Kel-Tec in my pocket and my S&W M&P .40 in a strong-side, inside the waistband holster.  After all, to quote Clint Smith, "One is none, two is one."

As many posters have correctly asserted, the perfect carry gun is the one that you'll carry every day.  "Leftit" guns (you know...leftit in the car...leftit in the house, etc) are worse than useless.  I can't think of a more sickening feeling in the pit of one's stomach than, in a serious social encounter, to reach for the gun you normally carry only to find nothing there but waistband. 

And if you choose to carry, PLEASE be certain you have what it takes to make the damn thing go "boom" if the siutation calls for it!!  As much as I do NOT want to be killed by some hulking cretin, I even more do NOT want to be killed by some hulking cretin using my own damn gun!!

You have hit on a major hitch in the defense stratagies of many people who think "Oh, I'm safe, I have a gun."
The proper mindset of course is "I'm safER, I have the TRAINING and mindset to USE my gun to protect myself and family.

[Rapid1]

You have hit on a major hitch in the defense stratagies of many people who think "Oh, I'm safe, I have a gun."
The proper mindset of course is "I'm safER, I have the TRAINING and mindset to USE my gun to protect myself and family.

excellent point.  while I would do almost anything to keep from having to shoot someone, I know I could if I need to.  a large part of self defense is planning, awareness and the mindset to do what is necessary.  My circumstances no longer put me in positions or places where self defense is likely to be needed.  while my preference is still 9mm or larger, I feel a .380 would do the job if I do mine.

you can easily what-if yourself into an .500SW but is that going to be practical for carry?  not for most.  I spend a good deal of time in the woods and would choose my Delta or 1006 or one of the other large caliber guns I have.  concealment is not an issue.  but if for some reason, I had to be in a high crime environment (not likely for me), I would choose the largest caliber I could conceal effectively, even if I had to put up with some discomfort.  In the summer, even my Kahr P9 is sometimes not the right choice as it requires a holster and attire that doesn't work for me in some situations.  those kinds of conditions usually dictate a minimum caliber...and a pocket .380 is small enough for most anyone to hide...unless you wear a speedo or vacation at a nudist colony. 

I will seriously consider a Kahr in .380 when I can find one.  it will make a nice summer gun.  I will feel safe simply because I am sure I will hit what I shoot at...and it will be at least twice.

[williamrhoades]

I personally carry all the above......32acp that is.   I like carrying bigger guns but especially in summer have a hard time concealing them.   I usually have a larger calibur 9 thru 45acp in the car.   But if going in the store or our gun friendly Walmart I usually just have my Keltec 32 in my front pocket.   I agree this isnt perfect but then what in this world is.   If going to a gunfight.....I just like to have a gun too.

Hope you can forgive me for all this .....I am new to the forum!

[Teresa Heilevang]

We were all just talking about this tonight.

The fact of being in the mindset to hope you can do everything in your power NOT to have to pull that gun.. but if you do.. don;'t just shoot once.. ya better unload it on 'em.

[Dougdubya]

Considering that even with the heart destroyed by a .30-06 bullet still has enough oxygen in the bloodstream to continue to act and attempt to kill you for 30 seconds, even .45 ACP is "too small."

Hit your target early and hit your target often.