A CCW for walking?

[pesta2]

Here is my dilemma. I am cashing in some change that I have been saving for about 5 years. I am thinking maybe around $400 because of past change cash in ammounts. I was thinking of getting a really small carry gun for when I am out walking for exercise. Sometimes I walk after dark or go to the rail to trails to walk on the weekend. There are not many people on the Rails so a firearm for protection against 2 legs and Pittbulls or other roaming dogs might be a good idea. I don’t want something big and bulky. I was thinking maybe a .380 acp such as a Kel-Tec or a Bersa. With a Kel-tec I could attach a clip, no need for a holster, and just carry it clipped inside the waste band.

Then I was thinking again, if I could scrap up some extra money somewhere maybe then have around $500 or $600 I could go a little bigger. I was looking at the new S&W M&P in a subcompact, 9mm or .40 and it looks really small for size and looks light. One key is light, for walking 2 or 3 miles. That way it could sever as double duty, while walking or any other carry time. I would like to have a small 1911 but way out of my price range.

No I don’t want a Glock! My normal carry is a Taurus 2 inch .357. It has a bobbed harmed so securing in a holster while walking vigorously is kind of a hard thing to do. Plus it is a little heavier than I want for said task.

Any suggestions? Is there a single stack compact 9mm or .40 in that price range? I know Kel-tec has a 9mm now in single stack.

[azsixshooter]

Why not a Ruger SP101? I don't know if you would be able to find a used Kahr in that price range, but keep your eyes open.

[slow944]

I'm like you I try for 2 miles everyday rain or shine. I've got a couple of CCW's I carry in very good holsters. One is a S&W M66 in a DiSanti holster, this I can conceal with a oversized T-shirt. The other is a FS Bersa T9mm in an IWB Don Hume and I can wear this with shorts and a T-shirt. I've found that if I wear patterned T-shirts and bring along the dog most people I meet don't even give me a second look. I also have a KT P3AT that I just throw in my pocket with a pocket holster. So if you dress right you can just about conceal anything. Course I still haven't found an IWB for the S&W 500.

[sw_florida]

If you have a Taurus snubby and it bobs too much when you are walking, then you have the wrong holster, or you wear it on awkwardly. Try a flat pancake hip holster and wear it almost over your but. It will not be a problem. I have a flat hip holster that fits a 4" magnum and it's on me now. The gun is heavy in my hand. Can't feel a thing.

[BikerRN]

I agree with SW Florida.

Carrying a Handgun well entails having a good Holster and Belt. I walk and run with a 4" N-Frame Revolver on my side daily with a J-Frame as a BUG. No, I don't wear a "Duty" Holster but rather, everything is concealed.

As far as a smaller firearm, because you normally carry a Revolver I would look at a J-Frame type Revolver. Be warned though, I have seen cases of Pit Bull attacks where 5 rounds of .40 S&W have failed to stop a determined Pit Bull. These were all A-Zone hits by the way.

If it were me, I would carry two guns in proper leather.

Biker

[gb_in_ga]

Hmm -- you mentioned Kel-Tec and then asked about something with more punch, like in a 9mm or .40. Have you considered a Kel-Tec PF-9 or P-11? Those are both small and light, just not quite as small as their .32 and .380 offerings. And -- they are 9mm. The price is nice and low, too.

[cheygriz]

I carry a SIG P239 9MM when walking, in a Galco IWB. In the summer, I carry a S&W 642 airweight in my front pants pocket.

I also carry a 5 foot long Red Oak "walking stick" that a good friend made for me on his lathe from a 2X2. That piece of Oak greatly lessens the chance that I will need the gun! (Hickory, pecan and Osage Orange make fine "walking sticks" as well! )

[azsixshooter]

I used to have an American Pit Bull Terrier. I found her and thought she was a boxer until a vet who specialized in Pits educated me. I grew up with Goldens and Brittanys in Michigan, but this was the best dog I ever had. She loved everyone, loved life and gave me 10 years of solid companionship.

I know there are a lot of scum-bags out there that abuse the Pit Bull breed, resulting in dangerous animals. However, I'm here to tell you that they can be the friendliest and most enjoyable dogs on the planet. It's all in how you raise them. They are a high-maintenance dog requiring a lot of love and affection and many hours of play and socialization with other dogs, kids, cats, etc. But the reward of having a well-socialized and well-trained Pit Bull is the greatest I have ever experienced.

Did you know that the RCA dog was a Pit Bull? So was Petey, the mascot from the "Our Gang" series. Teddy Roosevelt kept Pit Bulls in the White House during his presidency. They're hardy and naturally loving, but they are Terriers and as all Terriers they have that outgoing, extremely extroverted personality that can be exploited. It's true that some dogs encountered in the wild should be treated with caution, but please don't shoot a dog simply because it looks like a Pit Bull, Rott, etc.

Remember, if he's wagging his tail he's probably just lonely and looking to make a new friend.

They are loyal, loving, beautiful and impressive animals. Learn about them, respect them, get involved. Don't just shoot 'em!

http://www.forpitssake.org/ is a good site to start with. I love all animals, especially dogs and though I'd shoot one that posed a threat to me or anyone else, I always preach caution. Pits have bad reps because people don't take the time to learn about them.

Here's a link to pics of my dog. I need to create a memorial page for her, as I had to have her put to sleep a year ago due to back issues and quality of life. Please disregard the donation requests:

http://digital9ja.tripod.com/id7.html

[pesta2]

Maybe I should rephrase pit-bull to, if I get attacked by any dog. I know pitt bulls can be good dogs. A lot of people let there dogs run wild here, some friendly some not. Many time as a kid riding a bike I have been chased my dogs trying to bite at me, been ran up a tree with my cousins by a pack of dogs. If any strange dog comes up to while I am walked I am not petting it, period.

[Bill DeShivs]

Get a Keltec P32 or P3AT and put it in your pocket. Never carry anything else in that pocket.
There are no lighter, thinner guns in these calibers.
Bill

[BillCA]

For a 1911 priced between about $350 and $429, check out the Rock Island or High-Standard (same maker) .45's.
They also make a compact officer's sized model that's not very expensive (available from Sarco).

[chris in va]

Problem with pit bulls, they also have very strong instincts. They can be fine for years, then one day a little kid runs by them in a certain way and they snap.

My GS was the same way. Very friendly, very outgoing, loved people. He was chained up in my front yard enjoying the day when he suddenly lunged after this 4 year old kid on the sidewalk picking dandelions. Fortunately the chain was short enough to keep anything from happening.

[RT]

When I am out for a stroll, I carry my S&W 340 PD in an uncle mike's pocket holster. I carry it in the right pants pocket and the cell phone in the left pocket to balance me out.

[wayneinFL]

" I carry my S&W 340 PD in an uncle mike's pocket holster. "

So do I. Simple system, and it works really well.

My little brother's pit bull tried to eat my dad last week. Ironic, because since the day he brought the dog home from NC we was telling us how pit bulls are misunderstood, and this one was ok because it was raised well, and how ignorant people are about this breed, and how this one had a broken jaw as a pup and couldn't "lock" its jaw anyway. Anyway, little brother moved out a few weeks ago and left the dog at mom and dad's, promising over and over to take the dog somewhere "next week".

I went to visit my dad and noticed his ear was bandaged. I asked him what happened to his ear, and he told me "there's a story behind that". I asked if it was a freak ear piercing accident. He told me the dog knocked him on the ground and went for his neck. He managed to get his arm over his neck. There were teeth marks- little holes- all over his neck and arm.

Dad was kind of ticked. When I talked to him he was still waiting to see if he had to get rabies shots.

The neighbor's pit bull attacked somebody, too, come to think of it. It got the elderly lady across the street and ripped her calf apart. Poor old lady was laid up for eight months. Our neighbor said it was just the sweetest dog and she couldn't understand why it would do that.

She wasn't there apparently all those times her dog was in my yard ready to attack me. My wife pulled into our driveway and waited ten mnutes for the dog to leave- the thing was so vicious she was afraid to let the kids out of the car.

Now before ya'll start ragging on me for being a pit bull hater, let me tell you I don't hate pit bulls or any other animals. My next door neighbor could own a tiger for all I care as long as he keeps it in his yard.

[crebo]

I bought a Bersa thunder 9 UC for my wife and really like how it shoots.

also very small with a nice safety for those of us that are clumsy

[tulsamal]

If weight is the most important factor, it's hard to beat the S&W Airweights. You can go .38 Special, .357 Magnum, or .44 Special. I personally carry an Airweight in a fanny pack when I'm exercising. A 296 in my case.

Gregg

[cochise]

Well I did not want to Post.

I held off but................

I walk just about everyday with my Cold Steel "Big Stick".

And a Les Baer 45 acp. 1911 and a extra mag and my CCW permit, and cell phone.

No problem at all. I smile passing neighbors, they don't notice a thing under my shirt.

So there you are,

[orionengnr]

Kahr CW9, $400 brand new.

[Duxman]

Kahr K9 and / or MK9.

They are in your price range - used. NP.

Virtually disapear in an IWB. Or you can even pocket carry.

The same size as a Bersa 380 with a 9mm Luger stopping power.

[cochise]

I watch these posts and chuckle. At 59 yrs old, a veteran, I think there is allot that is lost in history. There was a time when a .38 was the standard. A .45 acp was thought ok. Now all the makes, models, calibars...what the..........

Hey, learn to shoot and just about any handgun is adequate.

There allot of used .45's cheap that shoot good. If you get into it, that is want I would want, or something that starts in "4".

It isn't that big of deal.

Learn to shoot and you will be ok. It starts with the mind set, then fear doesn't have room to upset you. Training is the key. Just trying to help, I know opinions vary.

[P-990]

It sounds like what you want is a Kel-Tec PF-9 or similar. Or maybe a J-frame Airweight.

Of course, when walking my lab in the woods, I carry a Glock 17 (most of the time). Wearing pants or shorts with real belt-loops and the proper T-shirt and/or additional layers, it goes along JUST fine, thank you very much. And it doesn't weigh a ton either. Price is a little beyond what you're looking for though.

[kgpcr]

Axis you are dead wrong! we have had 5 very serious attacks in Minneapolis MN in the past two weeks and all 5 were pit bulls. The owners of 3 o fthem said gee we never had any problems before. Its in thier blood. Yes some can be just fine but then again instincs are instincts. Take a lab and try and keep it out of water. It just wont happen. Genetics and instincts wont allow it. Pits have alot of agression in them. Some very deep but they are still there.

[Thunderhawk88]

We walk our dogs every night, and for walking I carry my Taurus 85 in a Don Hume strong side holster. It stays steady as a rock.

[h518may]

have you considered s&w scandium revolvers? you mentioned weight being an issue. or how about sig or a commander sized 1911 clone?

[parisite]

Makarov!!! Cheap, small and ultra dependable.