Rookie needs 411

[JJBischoff]

I'm new to all this. Bought a magazine to hep me choose a sub compact pistol. Now I ask you. Torn between a 380 and 9mm. Was leaning towards a 9mm but it seems I have more choices for my needs in the 380s. Will be my first and not looking for a top of the line Mercedes nor do I want a Ford Fiesta.
MUST HAVES
1. light weight
2. thin and small
3. 7 round min.

[TeckLancer]

xd sub compact in 9mm

what would be my choice ive seen them for about 500 brand new

[Gatekeeper]

Glock 27

[Baconator]

There is some argument about the effectiveness of the .380 round. I don't think you can go wrong with either an XD or a Glock is 9mm, IMO.

[modls7]

I personally like .380 more for sub compact, but my mitts are too big for most of them. Do you have normal size hands?

[MicronuT]

380???

[XDRoX]

Glock 26.

[thefinger]

Check out the baby Glocks first. They are easy to conceal, inexpensive, and reliable...

Glock 26:
9mm, 10+1 rounds, ~$500

Glock 27:
40S&W, 9+1, ~$500


If you need something super-tiny that will disappear under ANY clothes your wear, then look at the Ruger LCP.

Ruger LCP:
.380acp, 6+1, ~$300


I also really like the Sig P230 and P232. They are super thin and VERY comfortable to carry. They also feel amazing in the hand.

Sig P232:
.380acp, 7+1, ~$500

[Legasat]

My own personal opinion is I would not trust my life to anything smaller than a 9mm.

A .380 is better than knife, a knife is better than a stick, etc etc.

After you decide on a caliber, you need to go to the range, rent a few, and start shooting. Things will become more clear the more you shoot.

I think 9mm offers as many or more choices than any other caliber.

[loose_electron]

From the lingo I would say that you are a LEO and can get off list guns.

That said, look at the Ruger LCP and order it out of state from Buds Guns (or similar) and you will save money.

LOTS of good information here:

http://www.mouseguns.com/semis.htm

I own a Bersa Thunder 380 and like
the quality vs. price there, but there are
many other options especially if you are LEO
and can get off list guns.

Take a look at the Mouse Guns site.
Plenty or write ups and useful info there.

[jackandblood]

Bersa is universally praised, but it operates on simple blowback their are some locking designs that are lighter. Kahr's comes in at ~10 oz! Really, Bersa vs the brick hi point .380 a 6 oz difference. Blowback is blowback.

[RollingCode3]

This...



or this...

[TKM]

Most of my cop friends have a PPK stashed somewhere nearby.

[bcj128]

Also, Ruger has a new pistol called the LC9. A little bigger than the LCP, but in 9mm...

[Agent Orange]

MUST HAVES
1. light weight
2. thin and small
3. 7 round min.

Some Kahr models fit that bill. The CW series for example. Decently priced too.