need something small & powerful

[Socal858]

Small and powerful:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habanero

dont pick your nose after you touch it

[ar15barrels]

I was thinking more along the lines of this.

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/a...ovie_gimli.jpg

That would work too.

[ar15barrels]

dont pick your nose after you touch it

Speaking from experience?

[virulosity]

Taurus Judge. 45LC or .410

[dfletcher]

Taurus Judge. 45LC or .410

A good choice, but they're not all that small. Only a 4" bbl, but about a 2" long cylinder. And not quite legal in CA - short bbl'd shotgun.

Don't know if the new one is available in CA, but I've an older AMT DAO in 45 ACP. Definitely small & powerful.

[ar15barrels]

[Soldier415]

[ViPER395]

Small and powerful?

How about a hand grenade?

[Gryff]

Para-Ordnance makes some nice, small .45s. Here is a small one that still holds 10 rounds:

http://www.para-usa.com/new/product_pistol.php?id=7

-Jim

[bountyhunter]

Powerful = stopping power = major caliber to me.

So something at .40 and above. Lots of sub-compacts, revolvers, to choose from.

I doubt I will ever believe there is a cartridge on earth better than a 125-gr JHP .357 magnum for delivering the DRT stop (dead right there).

You may notice the "major" calibers all go to lighetr grain, higher velocity JHP designs for their "defense" loads.

[DWill]

I recommend a Kahr PM40 or a compact 1911 (Kimber Ultra CDP II).

[hntnnut]

How bout this, American Derringer in .45 L.C.

Richard

[StraightShooter]

How bout this, American Derringer in .45 L.C.

Richard

Can this even be fired safely?

[supersonic]

Unless you want a revolver (& NOT a semi-auto), then hands down the choice would be a Glock 29. Subcompact - fits in the palm of your hand. 10mm - with ONE exception (Desert Eagle 44/50), the most powerful semi-auto handgun cartridge in existence. Overpowers .357 Mag and is only a mere c***hair
behind the .41 Mag w/ similar bullet weights. (BTW, in case you are wondering (but probably NOT) those last two are revolver cartridges.
P.S.- if you want the "big daddy" combat pistol (10mm) there's also the MUCH larger Glock G20.

[supersonic]

That's classic, man.........classic. Outstanding. That pinkie alone holds MUCH power in a 'wee bit 'o package!!