Concealed Carry Weapon

Originally Posted By: NM_HighPlainsI just bought a Bersa Thunder 380 for my wife. I like it a lot- probably going to get me one, too! At 25 yds, my first shot with it was 1" left. The next 5 were inside a 2" bullseye, 3 of them touching. I was impressed with the feel and I really like the safety arrangement.



I bought one of these back in 2003. It is a very accurate, light recoiling gun. But there are 3 issues with it for me.

1. I did some reading on the Bersa talk forum as i was about to start carrying it and read about an issue with a certain spring coming disconnected in the trigger disconnect mechanism that renders the gun useless. This is a very common issue on this gun unless they have changed something in the design. People on that site that carry this gun have sent their gun off to a special gunsmithing outfit to get this flaw fixed.

2. My gun will not function reliably with hollow-point defensive ammo.

3. The mag release button is in the way of where i place my thumbs in my combat grip.

I still use it as an accurate, fun range gun.

To the OP---My vote goes for the Glock 26 if you are looking for an upgrade. You can still use the keltec for warm weather concealment if you have to.
 
Originally Posted By: Hail CaesarTry a M&P 9c. I like the thumb safety model. Get a APEX trigger kit and drop it in.

It is a bigger gun than a Keltec, but small for the firepower it brings.

Al


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Originally Posted By: Squeeze
My philosophy is carry as big as you can comfortably. So I
like options!
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Squeeze





I'd second this thought. I own a XD9SC, and two full size XD's (9 & m40). I see no noticeable difference in comfort of carry or concealability between the full sized and SC. I'm 5'10", 210# and carry IWB in a Minotaur.
 
I have to agree on the springfield , my normal carry is the XD-40 in a Galco Hi-Rise , its dependable , and very accurate.
 
Every gun that has been listed is a great option, But truthfully the gun u have is great for carry its hard to beat the size of your keltec.I Can almost bet if you change guns you will end up still carrying the keltec for its size and ease of carry. I have been a loyal keltec fan for years. I have carried alot of guns but still end up carrying the kel tec. Gotten to the point now I only carry bigger if going to the big city or were feel i might need bigger. Forgot to mention CCDW instructor for 10 yrs also a glock armor. but any thing you chose will be good just remember if it ain't comfortable or coveniant you want carry it and will end up being left behind when you need it.
 
I carry my lc9 the most , followed by my Ruger sr40c and then my m&p45c. That may change here soon when my super tucks come for the Ruger sr40c and m&p. They all shoot good but both the sr40c and m&p shoot really good!
 
Have a variety of CWL firearms, all good. My most recent is shown next;

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6906 LE trade at LGS. CDNN usually has them for $350 MOL. Untucked shirt all I need.

Gave up on the "poppers" years ago - last was AMT .380 Backup, not bad but wasn't good either.
 
I can't say enough good things about my Kahr PM40. It's been my daily companion ever since I've had my CWP. When most people see it for the first time they say, "dang, that thing is a .40?" I'm no pistol shot but can keep all 12 rounds in a 9" pie plate at 25 yds. My father has the Crimson Trace on his and can shrink that considerably. Recoil is a little "brisk" but this isn't a shoot all day type of gun. They also make a MK40 that is a stainless framed gun that is a lot better to shoot, but heavier. In fact I've taken to shooting at coyotes with it, managing to kill two off the tractor. Take a look at them. I like mine.
 
My main off-duty carry is a Glock 26 9mm. Nice size and weight. Excellent accuracy.

I recently picked up a S&W 642 in .38 Special. I carry it as a BUG (back up gun) both on and off-duty.
 
As far as 380's go, I love my Sig P238. It eats everything I feed it, the sights are exelent, the trigger is better than all other compact 380's I've shot, it conceals perfect, especially in the summer wearing shorts and tshits type stuff.
The best thing about it is that it is accurate! I also like how the ergonomics and controls mimic my 1911 that I carry also.

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Trashcan
DCC
 
If you like your keltec, you could go to a p11. The gun is very reliable. It is barely bigger than the pf9 and can hold 12+1. Mine is only equiped for 10+1 but 12 rd flush fit mags are available. the ammo is heavier than the gun, so it is light, and with the side clip it is very versitile. It can be put in your pocket, or clipped IWB very easily. If I went to any other gun, I would look at Kahr quite a bit. They came out with a less expensive CM9 which looks like a good value.
 
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Grab yourself a surplus Makarov, Bulgarians are running around $220-260 range right now. They are accurate, reliable and big enough that they dont eat your lunch while you are shooting them...small enough to carry too.
Pretty similar in size to the Bersa 380.
I have been carrying one for a heck of a long time now and its my go to gun for sure. I have a ton of different pistols in several calibres but this one is a goodie.
 
Like Trashcan, I also have a Sig P238, or I should say, my wife has one. It shoots very nicely, accurate and reliable, nice single action trigger. When my daughter comes home from college this summer and gets her CCW, I'll get her a P238 also.
 
I'm a revolver fan and use a S&W Model 36 Chiefs Special in 38 Special with 38 +P ammo for my CCW. I guess I just like the reliability of the revolver over the Semi's.
Just my $0.02.
 
Trashcan,I sold my 238.That was a big mistake.I do some dumb stuff now and then.It was a great little carry gun,and as you said it was accurate which is what its all about except on the 4th.That's the only time making noise is good enough.
 
We have 2 Bersa 380s and really like them. I've got the bersa 9 that I carry every day but for dress up I still carry the colt 1911
 
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