Need opinion on new compact purchase.

[kwansao]

Thinking of getting an Armscor 206 .38 Special



or S&W Bodyguard .380.



High Bridge quoted me ~$350 for the Armscor and ~$400 for the S&W.

The pistol would be for home defense or for use in the office. I'm inclined towards the revolver for simplicity of use, but the recoil may be too much for my elderly family members to use.

The .380 on the other hand may be too difficult to use for someone not familiar with automatics.

What's your vote?

[kwansao]

If you vote "Other" please state your preference in a reply to the thread.

[puropuro]

Wheelgun like a S&W model 66 K-frame loaded with .38sp (and the option of going to .357mag)

You're not carrying or concealing it, so the .380 is a poor choice. I'm not familiar with the Armscor, but it sounds like a better choice. Bigger, heavier gun is better for managing recoil.

[maddoggie13]

Ruger LCR...38plus

[bsg]

Wheelgun like a S&W model 66 K-frame loaded with .38sp (and the option of going to .357mag)

+1. i like that suggestion.

[kwansao]

i have no problem with recoil, but my arthritic elderly family member with bad eyesight might not be able to handle a .38 special... let alone a .357 magnum!

[tacticalcity]

I voted other because if at all possible you don't want to drop below 9mm for self defense.

There are more and more very compact 9mms being released. It is an emerging market. Getting the on the roster is another thing, however. This time next year there will probably be 10 times as many to choose from.

I have a Glock 26 9mm Baby Glock in my future, I can feel it. It is a little thicker than I would like but I trust it more than I do the Rugers, Khars, and Keltecs. It is also a lot cheaper than the gun I really, really want...the Springfield Armory EMP 9mm.

[kwansao]

well, i already have a .45 and a 9mm.

[JTROKS]

I vote for a model S&W 66 with a 4" barrel. Practice with 38 spl and when you're ready for a little more power get some 357 mags in the 125 to 158 grain fodder.

[tacticalcity]

well, i already have a .45 and a 9mm.

Use one of them for self defense at the office. Defensively speaking the .380 is for when you need deep, deep, deep concealment and there is just no way to make a 9mm work.

Or they are for the fun of it. Because all guns are fun! Even BB guns!

But a reliable defensive round starts at 9mm. Shooting schools offering defensive handgun courses won't let you train with anything below 9mm because anything smaller is not a defensive handgun.

I like the .380s, and even the 22lrs. Just not for your stated purpose.

[den888]

S&W 442/642/637

[kwansao]

Like I said the .38ACP would be for someone who has major physical problems. She could barely shoot an Auto Ruger .22LR without becoming fatigued.
I know 9mm is the bare minimum.

[Bug Splat]

38spl is an ok tame round. I don't personally like it and would rather have a 9mm or even 380. I've always hated the thin stubby handle in small older style revolvers. Feels very unstable and twists a lot in my hand.

Owned a G27 and while it was 100% reliable it was too thick to deep carry and uncomfortable having my pinky hanging off the end. Rather get a G23.

Own and carry a Bersa and like it but it can be complicated for new shooters. Safeties up the wazzoo.

I'm in the market now for a Kahr K40 which will be more kick than you want but the K9, P9 or CW9 are great options. Like a glock or revolver its just a point and pull the trigger. Simple to use.

[Legasat]

I would choose a S&W or Ruger Revolver. I'll bet a heavier .38 Spl like the Ruger or S&W will kick less than a small lightweight .380, and much easier to use.

Just my $0.02

[kwansao]

The super small kahr pistols are great! A bit pricey though.