[GeneticsDave]

I'm looking for a backup weapon with the following requirements and was hoping that you could help me out by providing some ideas and/or photos.

• 1. Must be in .380 or 9mm caliber or larger (prefer 9mm), no small caliber guns
  2. Must be semi-automatic (thin is the name of the game)
  3. Prefer the total length of the gun to be 5 inches or less
  4. Must hold at least 6 rounds

Thanks in advance!

 

[Jeff Johnson]

The Kel-Tec P-3AT (.380 ACP) meets those requirements. It's thin, light, semi-automatic.

Kel-Tec has other choices as well.

 

[Car Knocker]

Dave,

What is your primary carry weapon? Do you have a price range in mind?

 

[apollosmith]

I carry the XD9 subcompact and love it. It's got everything a larger gun has, but is small. It shoots great (I shoot it better than my full size Beretta 92) and gives you 10+1 rounds. It's not quite as small as you're looking for (6.25" total length) but still conceals rather well.

 

[GeneticsDave]

@Car Knocker - I'm just looking for a backup or something to carry when I want to be as discreet as possible.

I was hoping to keep the price down as much as possible. I mean, I don't want some piece of junk, but I also can't really spend $999 for a Rohrbaugh R9 either.

@Jeff - I read a few reviews about the Kel-Tec P-3AT after you mentioned it and it seems that a lot of people have had problems with jams (the extractor fails). The reviewer says that it happened to him in 6 of every 25 rounds fired. He said that only half of the Kel-Tec's he fired had the problem, but due to that ratio he said he was unable to recommend them. Do you have one? Have you had any similar problems?

I am going to test fire one of the North American Arms Guardian autos in .380 ACP. I will let you all know how it went in the firearms reviews section as soon as I have a chance to shoot it.

I appreciate the advice so far and am still interested to hear back from more of you.

 

[tap-rack-bang]

I am was actually trying to tackle this same issue this weekend. I was looking as many of the same guns you are i am sure. but after speaking to my dad a retired leo firearms instructor. I have settled on the Kimber Ultra carry II. It is more money then i actually wanted to spend but my dad was right. look at the ballistics tables for the .380 or the 9MM then look at the .45 the Kimber holds 7 and your extra mags can be up to 10. the 230 grain bullet retains its energy better and is much more efficient at transferring it to the target. So i will be waiting a few more months to pay for the extra but i believe it will be worth it.

 

[Paul]

I have a Kel-Tec P3AT I bought about 3-4 weeks ago. I have run about 125 rounds through it. It is a great little gun. I have not had a single hiccup of any type. I am carrying it as I type. It meets your requirements exactly.

-PW

 

[tapehoser]

Bersa.

 

[Hunter]

I also have a Bersa .380 and I have not had any troubles with it. I think the a rubber grip is the only thing I would change about it. Kahr also makes a nice 3" 9mm. They vary in price between about $700 to $850.

 

[xmirage2kx]

http://www.smallestguns.com