Small Gun Needed Help

[gibnut]

I am a big fan of 1911 .45, but recently I find my self in need of a very small hand gun for when we are out exploring and would like a tiny back up. What is available that is good out there approved in CA? Is the AMT 380 legal here? is there something better. I was looking at the Tomcat .32 but that cal is so tiny. My 3" 1911 is just way to big for what I need to do. I would like somthing between 10-15 OZ and very small, sturdy and reliable as a back up. Also, if any for sale as third party please let me know.

[Paradiddle]

Frankly I think it's hard to beat a 2" J frame S&W .357 loaded with a good 38 +p round (.357s out of the J frame are just rude).

You can get a pocket holster for it and carry a couple speed strips in your other pocket - or carry a IWB or belt holster and a couple speedloaders.

Easy to use, no jamming assocated with small semi-auto pistols, easy manual of arms, proven, etc.

Jeff

[WolfMansDad]

Exploring what? Does the gun have to be small, or just light?

+1 on the j-frames. Also consider the glock 26 or 27. You'll get fine reliability out of a glock, as well as more shots, and it will be more corrosion resistant than the Smith, if you are exploring dirty or wet environs.

[AJAX22]

for hiking and general outdoorsing a .22LR won't do much worse than a .380

get a walther TPH or a good .22 revolver. heck even a little ruger mkII would be nice.

I'm a big fan on 22 trailguns. you can cary more plinking ammo and its nice and light.

[Black Majik]

Maybe find a used PM9 with reports of it being reliable from the previous owner.

[gibnut]

small

remember it needs to be light and small. What about the bobcat or tomcat .22LR or .32ACP???? also the AMT Backup 380??

I would like to be able to put it in MX boot while riding the BLM areas as well.

[gibnut]

340 & 360

what abot these two revolvers 340 & 360??

[Fjold]

Take a look here and cross reference it to the CA approved list.

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

[Wulf]

The kahr PM9 and MK9 are hands down the best hideout guns. They handle +p9mm in a very controllable fashion. The sights are not a compromise in any fashion. Triggers are fully capable of generating precision far beyond what's necessary. Holds more than a j-frame and the reloads are faster and easier to pocket.

If you want a gun that works well, right out of the box after a couple hundred round break-in, get the all steel MK. If you're willing to spend a little time making sure you get a good one and potentially sending back to kahr for a tune up get the PM.

[aplinker]

what abot these two revolvers 340 & 360??

+1 on these J-frames

They weigh nothing truly nothing, handle +p 38 extremely well (.357 smacks and cuts the triggerguard into my finger), and are really controllable and accurate, given their size. The revolver shape is very concealable, as it blends well.

However, they're not autos. Baby Glocks and the PM9, if you want real calibers, or (if you can get a PPT) P3AT Kel-Tec in 380.

[gibnut]

S&w 340 & 360

I went to Turners at lunch and held the two guns. WOW they are light. I cant imagine shooting 357 out of them. But which is the better of the two? They are the same price. Both expensive $815.00.... But I guess you pay for the weight or lack of..........................

I guess the one with no hammer would be better to carry, but can these fire buy bumping around? Have not owned a revolver, only 1911s, CZ52 and Sig P-6.

[Rippington]

If the .22LR caliber will meet your requirement, look at the S&W Model 317 J frame. I picked up a new 1 7/8 barrel version two months ago. 10.5 ounces, 8 rounds in the cylinder. Mine shoots 2-3 inch groups to point of aim off hand at 7 yards with a couple different loads. I live out in the sticks, so the 317 makes a great walk around gun. Also comforting to have late at night when I have my telescope set up for star viewing.

[ivanimal]

I like the Keltecs but they are not on the list.

[aplinker]

I went to Turners at lunch and held the two guns. WOW they are light. I cant imagine shooting 357 out of them. But which is the better of the two? They are the same price. Both expensive $815.00.... But I guess you pay for the weight or lack of..........................

I guess the one with no hammer would be better to carry, but can these fire buy bumping around? Have not owned a revolver, only 1911s, CZ52 and Sig P-6.

You're correct. The 340 is the better choice for concealed as it's DAO with no hammer to snag.

.38 +P is just fine through them, but the .357 hurts. I can do about 2 cylinders before I don't want to shoot anymore.

It's very hard to cause a DA revolver or pistol to fire accidentally. LE has been using them for decades without issue. If it were a problem, something would've been done.

[CalNRA]

how small do you want to go? if the Tomcat is too tiny, what about say a Walther PPK?

the others I can think of would be like the aforementioned Kahr PM9 or a Glock 26 if you don't want to go too small and still pack a punch.