Small caliber defensive carry

[unionguy]

I just shot a Beretta 81 in .32acp yesterday and I came away thinking it would do OK in a defensive situation. No recoil would mean very fast follow-up shots, if they were needed. I'm not going to start carrying it, but I do believe it is pretty damn capable. VERY fun to shoot too.

 

[monkeybutler]

There are plenty of compact handguns in 9mm. I'd do that.

 

[Jerry]

Makarov 9x18 works for me. Comfortable, low recoil and reliable.

 

[gmerkt]

The caliber is great for these little mouse guns for people who don't like the .380 like Wife. Only thing she hated was that LONG trigger pull. I have LONG wished Ruger would offer the LCPII in .32. I have to guess the caliber just still does not sell well since it has not happened.

.32 ACP really seems to have fallen by the wayside. Ammo not often seen on shelves now. Worse, is availability of .25 ACP. The opinion of the gun-owning public is against them. Because we've been told for years that they are inadequate. Well, they may be inadequate for instant death shots. Which aren't always required to deter evil-doers. They still may have defensive purpose.

You might like a Beretta Tomcat in 32 acp. Small. Tip up barrel so no worry about racking the slide. Less recoil than 9mm or .380,

I've never particularly liked Beretta handguns, never owned one. Lately when I inherited a bunch a guns, there were many Berettas. So now I'm having a chance to get to know them. Two such were little mouse guns in .25 ACP with the tip-up barrel, a design that I always thought was weird. These are called the "Jetfire."



Now I can appreciate the tip-up barrel for ladies and old people with hand problems.

.25 ACP isn't much for power but it might just be good enough to deter the threat or continuance of violence against your person.

One of the above guns was made in Italy in 1964. The other was made in Maryland after the 1968 GCA banned their importation. That one was made sometime between 1978 and 1999. They made them in matte finish for a time after that but discontinued it entirely in 2003. In spite of the unconventional flat, steel trigger guard, they are surprisingly well made. The US-made version has a little thumb safety that the Italian gun lacks.

When I went by Sportsman's Warehouse recently, they didn't have any .25 ACP on the shelf. I had to send away for some.

 

[nammac]

Smallest I go is a Springfield 911 in .380 ACP…

Been carrying a Smith 642, in .38 Special of course, for a long time now.

 

[bradsteen]

+1 on the LCP Max in .380 ACP. 10+1 capacity (or 12+1 in free states), decent trigger, good sights, recoil isn't terrible. Wish they made one in .32 ACP.

 

[zofoman]

.32 ACP really seems to have fallen by the wayside. Ammo not often seen on shelves now. Worse, is availability of .25 ACP. The opinion of the gun-owning public is against them. Because we've been told for years that they are inadequate. Well, they may be inadequate for instant death shots. Which aren't always required to deter evil-doers. They still may have defensive purpose.

When I went by Sportsman's Warehouse recently, they didn't have any .25 ACP on the shelf. I had to send away for some.

Bass Pro / Cabelas seem to always have .32 ACP & .25 ACP in stock. Scheels is another for those lucky to have one in their area.
Lots of online options for ammunition these days.

 

[gmerkt]

Bass Pro / Cabelas seem to always have .32 ACP & .25 ACP in stock. Scheels is another for those lucky to have one in their area.
Lots of online options for ammunition these days.

Midway was having a free shipping offer, I just added the .25 ACP to that. 50 rounds should be enough to test fire the Berettas. And a few Sterlings that the guy owned. But you don't want to fire many rounds through one of those; they might not be able to take it. I've already found one with a broken firing pin. Replacement part hard to find and costs $24 plus shipping. For a gun that might be hard to sell for $50. Up here, the transfer and dealer fee might exceed the value of the firearm.

I used to think the Beretta .25's were crappy but I was wrong and they sell for good money for what they are.

 

[Deavis]

Glock 43. 9mm to me is small caliber in a handgun.

 

[Tlock]

Glock 43. 9mm to me is small caliber in a handgun.

Didn't you pay attention to uncle joe....that's a a lungblowerouter!

 

[WellFed]

.380 is a solid option, pack a little more punch. I carry a Sig P365xl 9mm with some upgrades. Honestly though, any caliber is better than no caliber, hope everyone is having a good morning.

 

[titsonritz]

I used to think the Beretta .25's were crappy but I was wrong and they sell for good money for what they are.

The guns aren't crap, the .25acp is crap.

 

[titsonritz]

If I have an injured hand that can't handle much recoil, how am I supposed to practice with a handgun that has more recoil?

Use your other hand.

 

[titsonritz]

Glock 43. 9mm to me is small caliber in a handgun.

This and an S&W 442 are my small guns.

 

[Member 45541]

Use your other hand.

Uh oh, candidate for members quotes taken out of context!

That's what she said!

 

[titsonritz]

Uh oh, candidate for members quotes taken out of context!

That's what she said!

Already there, $h!t goes down fast around here.

https://www.northwestfirearms.com/threads/members-quotes-taken-out-of-context.235658/page-574#post-4080600

 

[Member 45541]

Guess I should've looked there first!

 

[po18guy]

1. Situational awareness.
2. Avoidance if possible.
3. Until healed, off-hand practice and shooting.
4. You couldn't shoot with your strong hand until you practiced, right?

 

[thorborg]

The pocket plinker

View attachment 2055128View attachment 2055130

 

[calmcamel]

I love my Sig P238 in .380. It's compact and fits in my hand surprisingly well, with the +1 extended magazine. I wish it was a little lighter for pocket carrying, though it disappears wearing it on my belt.