I have a Ruger LCP in 380 that I carry. It is light. It fits in my pocket. However, unless the target is extremely close, I can't hit a damn thing with it.

Any recommendations for a different pistol?

Larry, my experience is limited, but here's my opinion. For just a little bigger is the LC9S ruger. Striker fired, it has a really nice trigger and is a 9mm. Ventured into the Glock circle for the first time ever with a model 42; 380. Really like it; and the added bonus of, it shoots to point of aim. (well, don't they all I guess). Having 2 Kahrs, but not a 380, I wouldn't hesitate to take a look at them either. Hope this helps. Merry Christmas. (may you find all 3 in your stocking)

Larry what problem are you having? No sights on the gun? Sights are there but too small? Sights are there but gun doesn't shoot to point of aim? Sights are fine, visible but trigger pull is so bad that the gun moves from POA. With small pistols, all the above can be a problem especially the grip size. I have a Ruger LCR in 38 spl. which is plenty accurate for it's intended purpose. Probably not so good on plates at 20 yards but haven't tried it yet.
Let me addd that I have looked at the Glock 43, S&W Shield and Walther PPQ, all in 9mm, but, I have not shot any of them.
Peter.

They have a LCP with better sights out now I has able to make head shots at 15 yards with the old one

I am sure with the newer sights 25 yard center mass shots could be easy.

Moving up a size in pistols would also be a big help S@W shield Glock or Ruger LC9 pro would be my next choice.

But then with the change in attitude about open carry and carrying in general.

I carry full size pistols more and more often not worrying if some one sees them.

But your in FL that option is coming but not there yet.

Mine is a few years old. The sights suck especially with my eyes.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
Mine is a few years old. The sights suck especially with my eyes.

The older sights sure do suck go look at the newer ones they are nice.

I switch between a Ruger LCP and a Springfield XDS 45...I've had good luck with all my Springfield Armory pistols..give them a look.

Also have a S&W shield that is nice to carry. I added Crimson trace to all my ccw pistols and it's really helped me at least on the range to tighten up my shots.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
I have a Ruger LCP in 380 that I carry. It is light. It fits in my pocket. However, unless the target is extremely close, I can't hit a damn thing with it.

Any recommendations for a different pistol?

Are you as bad with a pistol as you are a 20 gauge shotgun

Mike

No Mike. I really suck with a pistol. I can shoot at the ground 3 times and miss twice.

Would be interesting to see what guys who come from a professional career carrying handguns - cops carry when they are off duty or retired.

I find carrying to be very uncomfortable - don't wear a watch a concealed handgun just feels unnatural.

Need to start - I really like a cz75 compact - but the gun is heavy, H&K 30p is great cause it has a de-cocker and a safety. But I am leaning toward getting a revolver.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by Beretta682E:
Would be interesting to see what guys who come from a professional career carrying handguns - cops carry when they are off duty or retired.

I find carrying to be very uncomfortable - don't wear a watch a concealed handgun just feels unnatural.

Need to start - I really like a cz75 compact - but the gun is heavy, H&K 30p is great cause it has a de-cocker and a safety. But I am leaning toward getting a revolver.

Mike

Mike and Larry, EAA imports the EAA SARS Compact, a lightweight polymer-frame CZ75 clone, that gets excellent reviews and sells for around $240 at CDNN.

The CZ75 frame fits most people and holds 13 rounds of 9mm. Ir also accepts modern CZ75 magazines that hold 16 or more rounds. I have not yet shot it myself, but it looks like a great choice for a light CCW pistol as the 3.8" barrel is about as short as I'd want.

quote:

Would be interesting to see what guys who come from a professional career carrying handguns - cops carry when they are off duty or retired.

I been carrying my full size SR1911 for the past month or so because its new. Before that I carried my Glock 23 as a Every day carry gun.

Carrying a single pistol is a lot easier then carrying a full duty belt full of stuff.

Before I retired for the most part I carried a medium size handgun off duty. My 3913 or my model Glock 23

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:

quote:

Would be interesting to see what guys who come from a professional career carrying handguns - cops carry when they are off duty or retired.

I been carrying my full size SR1911 for the past month or so because its new. Before that I carried my Glock 23 as a Every day carry gun.

Carrying a single pistol is a lot easier then carrying a full duty belt full of stuff.

Before I retired for the most part I carried a medium size handgun off duty. My 3913 or my model Glock 23

Do you carry a spare clip ?

I really like my HK P30 in 9mm.

My goal is to loose 25 pounds so my jeans with a carry holster will feel just right.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by Beretta682E:

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:

quote:

Would be interesting to see what guys who come from a professional career carrying handguns - cops carry when they are off duty or retired.

I been carrying my full size SR1911 for the past month or so because its new. Before that I carried my Glock 23 as a Every day carry gun.

Carrying a single pistol is a lot easier then carrying a full duty belt full of stuff.

Before I retired for the most part I carried a medium size handgun off duty. My 3913 or my model Glock 23

Do you carry a spare clip ?

I really like my HK P30 in 9mm.

My goal is to loose 25 pounds so my jeans with a carry holster will feel just right.

Mike

Going sheep hunting with me would help lose that 25!

quote:

Do you carry a spare clip ?

Yes most of the time but there are times I don't.

Larry, as a retired cop in New York I am armed 24/7 and I carry a Glock 19 with 124gr Speer Gold Dots. Glock was my duty weapon but I did run the gamut with guns...buying everything from 1911's to HK P7's, and I went right back to the Glock and sold most of the other guns off.

For yourself give the Glock 380ACP a try, and if it's too short in the handle buy a magazine extension and it will fit your hand perfect. The gun weighs nothing, has Glocks indestructible finish for your weather in Fla and has Glock reliability. If you want a 9mm and don't like the fat Glock 19, check out their single stack 9mm...whatever it's called

I wouldn't worry about caliber as long as you use a minimum of 380ACP in Florida where people are lightly dressed. People get carried away with the caliber debate and it's ridiculous. I have been present when people were shot with every pistol caliber you can think of (mostly 9mm wink wink) and dead is dead.....just dont go below 380ACP with good hollow points and you'll be fine.

I see in the magazines that people carry all kinds of crap for their daily ritual...lights, knives, magazines, striking instruments, etc but I just carry my Glock. If I am especially paranoid that day I might grab an extra magazine

Thanks Frank. Are you going to Vegas this year?

I think I am going to go with the new Ruger LCP with the highly visible sights in 380. It is small. I like the way it works. If I don't like it once I get it, I will try one of the Glocks.

I also have a Glock 40 cal that I have in the center console of my vehicle as well as an Iwi Tavor under the back seat with 4 magazines. I have an assault shotgun loaded with 8 rounds sitting right by my desk. Being right downtown with all the drugged up crazy homeless around, one just never knows.

You might look at the 3" barreled 1911's. Yes, they are heavier but they are much more effective.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
Thanks Frank. Are you going to Vegas this year?

I think I am going to go with the new Ruger LCP with the highly visible sights in 380. It is small. I like the way it works. If I don't like it once I get it, I will try one of the Glocks.

I also have a Glock 40 cal that I have in the center console of my vehicle as well as an Iwi Tavor under the back seat with 4 magazines. I have an assault shotgun loaded with 8 rounds sitting right by my desk. Being right downtown with all the drugged up crazy homeless around, one just never knows.

Downtown orlando ain't that bad

I just keep a cz75 in 9mm in my truck/car.

I need to get a carry gun.

Larry - too fat to hunt alaska this year and I need to get some work stuff sorted out in 1Q. Damn shame missed you at the gun shop by 10 minutes.

I think i am going to make one of my ruger 375 alaskans as my truck gun.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by Beretta682E:

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
Thanks Frank. Are you going to Vegas this year?

I think I am going to go with the new Ruger LCP with the highly visible sights in 380. It is small. I like the way it works. If I don't like it once I get it, I will try one of the Glocks.

I also have a Glock 40 cal that I have in the center console of my vehicle as well as an Iwi Tavor under the back seat with 4 magazines. I have an assault shotgun loaded with 8 rounds sitting right by my desk. Being right downtown with all the drugged up crazy homeless around, one just never knows.

Downtown orlando ain't that bad

I just keep a cz75 in 9mm in my truck/car.

I need to get a carry gun.

Larry - too fat to hunt alaska this year and I need to get some work stuff sorted out in 1Q. Damn shame missed you at the gun shop by 10 minutes.

I think i am going to make one of my ruger 375 alaskans as my truck gun.

Mike

August is a long way away Mike! Up to you.

Hell, if your office was near mine you would understand. There are a ton of homeless most of which are either crazy or F'ed up like a lab rat. They have entered my building numerous times. We are also close to the square in downtown. If anything happens, it will be there.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
Thanks Frank. Are you going to Vegas this year?

No but I wish that I was DAMMIT!

I think I am going to go with the new Ruger LCP with the highly visible sights in 380. It is small. I like the way it works. If I don't like it once I get it, I will try one of the Glocks.

Great choice Larry! Guys get so caught up choosing a gun and caliber. A 380 will be fine with modern hollowpoints. An adequite caliber in a reliable gun that you like and shoot good is all that matters....people over think it.

I also have a Glock 40 cal that I have in the center console of my vehicle as well as an Iwi Tavor under the back seat with 4 magazines. I have an assault shotgun loaded with 8 rounds sitting right by my desk. Being right downtown with all the drugged up crazy homeless around, one just never knows.

I love it...especially the part about the Tavor under the seat! In the world we live in now I say it's being smart. I was in Israel over the summer and saw LOTS of Tavors. The IDF is fasing out the M16 pretty quickly.

The 40 in the console is a great idea too. I had a 40 but I went back to the 9mm...I like the idea of less recoil and blast. I seen lots of people killed by both and I cant say that I saw a difference in Dead

Blast and recoil is another reason why I don't like the compact 1911...I can't really shoot them that well...I don't like the idea of messing around with safetys either....again my opinion. Under a life threatening situation, the simpler and most basic human reaction/action is easier to pull off.

I carried a 9mm for a lot of years and it works well never thought about owning a 40.

Then my Dept. switch to Glock 40s I then found a lot of Glocks for sale by officers selling their personal Glocks.

I now own several 40s is it better than a 9mm only because the price was right.

It is hard to pass up free market guns at a good price no matter what the caliber.

That is sort of how I got my Glock. 10mm and 40'cal. A continually broke friend was selling them. The price right.

quote:

Originally posted by p dog shooter:
I carried a 9mm for a lot of years and it works well never thought about owning a 40.

Then my Dept. switch to Glock 40s I then found a lot of Glocks for sale by officers selling their personal Glocks.

I now own several 40s is it better than a 9mm only because the price was right.

It is hard to pass up free market guns at a good price no matter what the caliber.

Typical Cop!

For a small concealable handgun, I highly recommend a Glock 43. I liked my first one so well I now own three.

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Sullivan:
For a small concealable handgun, I highly recommend a Glock 43. I liked my first one so well I now own three.

One on the belt one in a shoulder rig one in a ankle holster your all set

Daughter wants a M60 Ladysmith. Fine. I'm a big fan of the M60 and carry it a lot. But she needs to get a CCL and I'd prefer she qualify with an auto. I don't own an auto smaller than a .45ACP.

Should I buy a 9mm for her to qualify with? I'm thinking one of the S&W M&P's that are so popular. Or, that cute little Sig (but recoil might be a bit much). Or, just a Colt Mustang, which I want anyway. Help?

I own the Sig 938, 9mm. Excellent sights, accurate, and small enough to carry in front pocket of my shorts. Many Glock shooters don't like the safety but I was raised on 1911s and don't get along well with guns without the safety.

My wife has been wed to her Glock19 for many years and multiple classes at Thunder Ranch and with John Farnham. I thought it was for life, but lately she has been complaining about the weight and the bulk in her MANY concealment purses! The local gun store had the Ruger LCP 380'S on sale for $219 and I could not pass it up! I took it to the range and the first 4 shots were touching and the next two were an inch away and she almost did not get her stocking stuffer! This was at 25 feet, but for a bitty belly gun, I thought it was great. I put 150 roundsht rough it and called it good, painted the sights with some white paint, for a belly gun they are not bad, but the white dots sure helps mine and her eyes pick the sights up faster. Super light weight, I may have to get me one as well!

Try an older Smith and Wesson 19 with 2.5 inch barrel. Small enough, powerful enough and well made.

quote:

Should I buy a 9mm for her to qualify with? I'm thinking one of the S&W M&P's that are so popular. Or, that cute little Sig (but recoil might be a bit much). Or, just a Colt Mustang, which I want anyway. Help?

Sure why not there are a lot of good choices out there. Does TX. still have carry restrictions on what you qualify with?

She doesn't like your 45s?

Glock 23, Glock 43, and Kahr K9. The 23 is the cooler weather OWB wear gun (jackets, sweatshirts, etc.). The 43 and K9 are for deeper concealment and/or for warmer weather (Hawaian shirt OWB, cargo shorts/pants pocket carry, portfolio case). I'm in shape, but my shape is "round" so I don't carry IWB anymore because its uncomfortable, so it's OWB or other methods. No shoulder holsters, I hate 'em.

First 380 was an LCP. I liked it but the ergonomics were just a bit off. Then tried a 9mm Kahr. For me the ergonomics/fit of the Kahrs are much better for recoil and accuracy. So...I ended up with a 9 and a 380. Love 'em both!

quote:

Originally posted by surefire7:
First 380 was an LCP. I liked it but the ergonomics were just a bit off. Then tried a 9mm Kahr. For me the ergonomics/fit of the Kahrs are much better for recoil and accuracy. So...I ended up with a 9 and a 380. Love 'em both!

Kahr can turn out some good stuff but they are a lot like Taurus to many dogs. for me to consider buying them.

I like my FNX-45. I can carry under my sweater or jacket with a hip holster and can conceal it perfectly under a T-shirt with with a pancake holster in the swell of my back slightly off to the right side. Not too heavy and 15 rounds of 45 in a full size accurate frame. What's not to like.

Most people don't like to carry like me, but My buddy loves his S&W shield 9mm.

A lot of people think 1911 are huge to carry, but they are very slim and very concealable. I had a commander with a 4.25" barrel. 1911's are very accurate for most people to shoot and are reliable. The only downside might be the weight, but with an honest gun belt, the weight is no big deal.

Honestly, everyone I've talked to love their S&W shields. Its very comfortable to carry and can still be shot fairly accurately.

Another suggestion is to go to a range and rent some carry pistols to see what shoots well for you and then see if it would be comfortable to carry.