Attn: gun experts
 

Sometimes I am forced to go into "the hood" for my business. Twice I have been threatened with a gun, attempted robbery once, close gunfire 3 times. Last time was today. :mad: Local police have literally told me (off the record) to carry a gun and if I HAD to use it, I would walk. :eek:

Not that I would, but if WAS going to carry a concealed pistol, what would you recommend?

I would want something that fits into my front pocket of loose fitting pants (so as not to instigate) - so of course a very reliable safety would be a must.

Stopping power is another issue.

I wouldn't want to spend a lot for obvious reasons.

Any advice appreciated.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

First...I wouldn't trust the cop! Make sure you get what he said in writting and notarized, and video tape that process and make sure you both are holding 2 forms of government id up to the camera.

Second, your best bet would be to find the gang that reps that area, they will offer you protection and you will just give them like 70% of the money you make doing business in that area. That's probably why you are getting hassled in the first place.

Third, you are probably going to get shot if you pull a gun on someone who already has a gun on you. But, get 2 gold-plated desert eagles and don't be shy about letting people see them.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Ya, OK that all seems like a good plan. :rolleyes:

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Buy a big can of Pepper Foam and put it in your front pocket.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

I would go to a shooting range.
Most good ranges rent handguns for on site use.
Try out several makes, models, and calibers.
Save yourself some money and possibly a life, by buying a gun that "fits". One that you are completely comfortable with, and one that has enough stopping power to make a difference!
The best advice I can give you is:Whatever you get...
Practice! Practice! Practice!
A gun is useless(and more dangerous) in the hands of someone that doesn't know how to use it!
My conceal is a Walther P99 QPQ in 40cal. It's not the smallest gun, but it is one I have come to love and trust.
Glock make quite versatile range of carries, and so do most other manufacturers. It's all a matter of personal preference.

Don't forget to practice...
and a little prayer every one in a while helps too!!!:D

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Where TF do you live? I wanna go there on safari.:D

I'd recommend something in a .40 caliber. You could actually drop someone with a .22 if shot placement is good(I might have heard about someone dropping a deer with a .22;)), but I'd go with the .40, as it's got better stopping power than a 9mm, but doesn't have the kick of the .45. Just my opinion.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Can you say what state you live in?
do they not have a concealed carry law?
If not, what's the penalty for carrying concealed?
If felony (some states), think hard about it.
If misdemeanor, I'd be a little less worried.

On the gun, do you really want to put it in your front pocket? If so, you need something pretty small. These work very well and aren't terribly expensive: http://www.kel-tec.com/p3at.html
You don't need to worry about an external safety - just get a pocket holster.

If you're seriously thinking about confronting a gang, know what you're doing at all times; get very good with the gun on a combat range or just shooting cans in rapid succession outdoors - hitting them repeatedly as they stop moving; Think about what you'll do ahead of time when attacked/confronted; and get a more-powerful gun. The Kahr PM series that Co Hummer mentioned on the other thread is very good (though I would go with the .40 S&W personally). You might want to get the Glock 27 also. It only a little bigger, has a longer barrel (there's a pretty decent energy increase going from a 3.0 to a 3.5" barrel), and holds 10 rounds (9 + 1). IMO though, the Kahr and Glock work better from a holster than the pocket, but they have jmore knockdown power.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Thanks Ric, This won't be a first gun. I have a few and have spent some time at the local range. Both pistols I have are great for home defense but way too big for what I need. I'm just not into it enough to know what to look for in something small.

I would never pull a gun on someone who had one pointed at me and everytime I have had an issue, pulling a gun would have been an easy last resort.

I've started a policy that keeps me out of those neighborhoods for the most part, but some of my best clients sometimes need me in those areas once in a blue moon and it's hard to turn them down when they are a huge part of my income.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

[quote=MarineHawk]
On the gun, do you really want to put it in your front pocket? If so, you need something pretty small. These work very well and aren't terribly expensive: http://www.kel-tec.com/p3at.html
You don't need to worry about an external safety - just get a pocket holster.[quote]

I had a Kel-Tec in .380 and was uncomfortable to shoot. Granted, it is very small, but did not enjoy shooting it, and wouldn't place alot of confidence in a gun that cost less than $150!!!

Needless to say, I traded in that gun, I think for a case of ammo and a jerry can:D .

IMO

Ric

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Ditto. No service handgun cartridge has as much proven knockdown power as the .40 S&W with the possible exception of the 125 gr .357 Mag. See, e.g., http://www.chuckhawks.com/readers_ch...cartridges.htm

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

40 cal. Cool. When I bought my .357 for home defense I was talked out of a 9mm because it lacked real stopping power.

I live in a good town. I can leave my door unlocked but occasionally I need to work in the worst parts of Richmond Ca. I think last year it took out Oakland for the most violent city in Ca. I'm sure you've heard the rap it gotten. Most of the city is fine, I would walk through at night, but below 23rd it's getting bad.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

So two votes for the 40 cal. and I'm a fan of S&W.
:D

Alec, ROFLMAO!

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

The 357 is da bomb!
My 1st gun was a highly polished 357 Colt KingCobra!
(Still got it, Still love it!)
That bad boy is dead on, and recoil is a dream, plus whenever you are low on cash you can still shoot the 38's.

Good luck on your purchase, and be careful!!!

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Fine, if you want to brush off the rules of the ghetto I provided you with, at least remember to sprinkle crack on anyone you put down.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

I wouldn't carry one somewhere when I was really expecting something to happen, because of the lack of firepower. However, I'm a lot more likely to have it with me and it's got enough firepower to do the job 98 times out of 100. I've shot about 500 rounds through mine without a single failure. They cost about $350 new - not $150 (you may have gotten a deal, but I've seen scores of them for sale in recent years and always between $340 and $390). My experiences have been pretty much the same as this guy: http://www.gunblast.com/KelTec_P3AT.htm
The advantage of the KT to me is that it's as powerful as a .38 Special but barely bigger than a set of keys. You can always have it with you. I wouldn't want to take on a gang with it, but that's because of the caliber - not the gun. It's not that I'm cheap - I own probably $20K in guns, but I can't findn a smaller, more reliable gun of decent power.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

The 9 will work, but the .40 is a bit better:
http://www.firearmstactical.com/ammo_data/40s&w.htm

http://www.firearmstactical.com/ammo_data/9mm.htm

Check this out: http://www.packing.org/state/california/

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

:D

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Quote: California law has a gray area, a de facto quasi-right-to-carry. The state law provides that carrying a concealed weapon (including a knife or blackjack) is a FELONY, however, a clear exception exists. If you are carrying a gun (not a knife!) AND it was legally purchased AND it is registered to you AND you are not a gang member (yes, there is a statutory definition of gang member) AND it is your first such arrest, then concealed carry is a misdemeanor. A typical fine is $200.


SWEET! :D

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Sorry, Didn't mean to dog your gun.;)
Just as previously mentioned, It's a personal preference!
and yeah, I did get a hell of a deal on it, but lost a little on the trade in, so I guess it was a wash!:D

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

I'd recommend the .500 S&W Ghetto Hunter. Make sure you get the sling option. I don't think you would have anymore problems with that thing slung around your shoulder.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Bersa 45. cal is a nice mini pistol with some knock down power!
Bersa Thunder Ultra Compact/Mini Pistol

Manufacturing
Make: Bersa
aka: Firestorm, Eagle
Country: Argentina
MSRP: $425

Ballistics
Caliber: 9mm, .40 SW, .45 ACP
Capacity: 10/13 round mag
Action: DA/SA

Dimensions
Type: Compact Pistol
Weight: 27.51 oz (780g)
Length: 6.7" (170 mm)
Barrel: 3.6" (91 mm)

Design
Frame/Finishes:
Matte, Satin Nickel, Duotone, Gold
Safety:
Intergral Locking System, Maunual, Firing Pin, Decock
Sights:
fixed, with front sight integral to the s

Or H&K P13 if you want some very small that can 13 rounds down range!!

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

You want a little knock down power, Go with a T/C Contender in a 7-30 Waters. Better make it a good shot though...It's a single shooter!:D

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Yes you did. And I'm very hurt. ;)
And now it's personal. :D
Not that I'm agreeing with you, but do I have to use that small plasticky POS when we have our invetitable duel at 20 paces? ;)

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Can we make it 10 paces...I'm not a very good shot!:D

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Yes, but only if I get to use a combination of the the 12-gauge flame thrower ammo and the "Macho Gaucho" ammo: http://www.firequest.com/catalog/12_...mmunition.html
in one of these: http://www.serbu.com/shorty.htm

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Yeah...Blow a couple of the 12GA Flash Thunder Grenade Ammo indoors. 'Cause it says it's safe for indoor use!!!:D

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

There's a lot of fun stuff on that site. Someday, I've got to try out the flame throwing ammo. Maybe after I up my life insurance policy.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Just make sure you borrow your neighbors shotgun to try all these cool shotshells out!
No, you can't borrow one of mine for the weekend!:D

There's always the magnesium flame throwing shotshells, so you can make sure they're cooked well done all the way through!:eek:

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

As a ex-police officer, I would say if you have to carry a gun, I would say take a hand gun training course on self defense. If you have to draw down on someone and point a gun at them, you must be ready and willing to shoot that person if you have to, and be willing to shoot to kill if it come's down to it.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Do you recommend the 12 gauge flame thrower rounds or the Macho Gaucho rounds for confronting inner-city gang members?

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

I completely agree...
Never point your gun at anything that you aren't willing to kill!
Education is the key to safety, and practice is mandatory!

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

BTW: I appreciate your service in the police force. It's just as valuable as military or other national service.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

X2

And thanks Arizona, I'll look into one in my area. Also going to look into a permit to carry concealed but I bet that won't happen here in Ca.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

I'll reiterate my original suggestion then. Why do you want to carry a gun then?

If you are not willing to utilize your weapon in the exact moment that you should, you don't need to carry one and need to find alternate means of protection. Carrying a handgun for protection is not for everybody and those that cannot utilize the tool effectively will only be a target themselves.

Action beats reaction every single time. Knowing what your actions can and should be in most given situations (ie-training) is the key to surviving an encounter.

Aside from that, I personally carry .40SW and nearly all of my personal defense handguns are of the same caliber.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

Shot placement is very important to a degree. Meaning, don't worry about trying to shoot in the head or heart. COM shots, or hitting the trunk of the body, with multiple rounds is the best way to walk away from a deadly confrontation.

Many "shootouts" result in a hugely higher percentage of missed shots than hits.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

I'll clarify - I would never attempt to PULL a gun on someone who had one pointed at me. That would be asking to get shot. I would have no problem pulling the trigger if I thought my life was in danger.

Re: Attn: gun experts
 

How about a pocket holster? Anything else is impractical for my work.

I'm not familiar with pocket holsters - I'm guessing they would slow down the draw?