I'm always chatting up members at the range exchanging anecdotal experiences with the ever changing landscape of firearms. Most helpful and edifying are the instances where innovations of mechanics, ergonomics and utilitarian design are addressed in a positive way. Towards this end of positive feedback, advice & tips, I'm creating this thread.
The vast majority of owned firearms have been updated or improved; those that haven't are likely classics or home runs upon introduction. I'm hoping that we can jump past every 'stick' and 'hand cannon' in one's arsenal & focus on the edification aspect for existing gun owners and those that are testing the waters of potential ownership. By all means Anti - 2Aers are welcome! I do hope that we can steer this post back to its original intent as the inevitable partisanly political ideologies start surfacing...
I'll start it out.
- I'm always surprised at the somewhat ubiquitous design challenges in the micro, concealed carry (CC) pistol market. I find that double action (DA) is inherently more challenging to shoot with the long trigger pull but recognize the importance of this long trigger pull for personal defense as a safeguard against potential prosecutorial legal issues were I to use my firearm in a shooting. I recently swapped out my LC9 for the lighter, shorter trigger pull on the newer LC9S. I also found the trigger (sear) break to be much more crisp.
While the LC9S is designed as a small CC pistol, I'm really looking for a micro CC pistol in something smaller than a 9mm that has the similar improvements in trigger characteristics that I found in the 9S. Anyone shoot anything in a .38 or .32 single stack that has a polymer lower & fits nicely in women's jogging / yoga type attire?
I know that Kel-Tec makes one.
Kel-Tec | P-32
I have one of the LC9S pistols. I mounted a spring clip on it, to avoid the need for a holster when I carry IWB. Which is the only way I ever carry that particular firearm. Normally I carry larger, a five shot snub nosed .357 which is anything but lightweight, although there are numerous options for lighter models. I went heavier.
I don’t know anything about the quality of the Kel-Tek. I do know there are smaller single stack Glocks if you are looking for something other than the LC9S which is a fine pistol IMO.
The most famous .32 would be the all metal old school pistol made famous by James Bond. The Walther PPK. I don’t think they offer it anymore in that caliber, so you might have to go with a .380 which would still be pretty small and fairly easy to conceal. Probably not much improvement on the LC9S though.
How you carry it is often as important as what you carry though. With the revolver I mentioned, I went with a rather unusual holster.
Upside Down Shoulder Holster
This allows me to carry it very concealed, and allows it to be drawn either hand. The off hand can reach up and pull it with no trouble. It does stay secure in the holster, although in the interest of honesty, sometimes the stretching of the leather makes me a little nervous, so I soak it in hot water, and let it dry and again it has shrunk to hold the pistol more securely. Easily concealed under a shirt, or jacket, and no betraying bulge when I bend or move around.
I do not like, and have never liked the appendix carry. It feels wrong, makes sitting uncomfortable even with the LC9S. I prefer it on either my hip, or kidney. I am too old to even think about an ankle holster. It would take a week to bend down and get the damned thing out.
Good luck with your search.
