Concealed carry handguns

[f6john]

When considering a purchase, what are some of the best in quality and reliability? One caliber more popular than others?

[..]

Ammo supply?

[..]

I know that members here carry from a 2 shot derringer in a front pocket to a Glock on the hip.

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

I haven't shopped for a new pistol in awhile, so I'm not sure what the newest trendy guns are. I carry my S&W Shield probably 75% of the time. I have it set up like I want it, and it conceals well. In colder weather (longer overshirt or jacket for cover), I will wear my Sig P239 in an OWB leather holster. I carry these two firearms because they have proven to me that they can be counted on at a moment's notice. Both have been fed many rounds of the defense ammo that's in them without a failure. That's what I need to know.

Ammunition is starting to be back in stock. It appears that they're concentrating on 9mm, since that's probably the most commonly carried caliber. But, a couple months ago, 9mm was depleted, yet I could still buy some decent rounds in .40 and even .357 SIG. Overpriced, yes, but available. Ammo is like the stock market. Buy as much as you can when the price is low. Then you don't have to sweat it when the shortages and price gouging happens. Which it will. Again. And again.

[Chrisj CMA]

I’ve carried small semi autos and air weight revolvers for comfort. My thinking now is screw comfort. I carry my 686 S&W .357 4” barrel in a leather IWB holster every day. When you need a gun you need a real gun!

[Tazman11]

Buy quality. Your life depends on it. I carry a Sig P220 in 45 APC. Big caliber for a beginner but I am well trained and practiced. A 9mm would be a good choice. Ammo is readily available compared to things like .40, or 380.

Practice and get professional training. Your life depends on it. I recommend Gunsite in Arizona. Best training on planet earth.

[Savago]

If you are in a free State, there are so many good choices in these days.

Since your life may depend on it, I wouldn't spare expenses on it (therefore, consider either a Sig Sauer or a HK).

Next comes ergonomics: how big are your hands and how comfortable can you shoot with a compact, sub-compact gun?

I think that being able to actually hit the target is more important than easy of carry, basically what Chris already said.

Finally, another decision is if you wanna a striker or hammer fired pistol, and if you are looking for SA or DA/SA pistol.

I personally prefer hammer fired pistols, since you can use a thumb to press the hammer while drawing from the holster (i.e. safer) plus I prefer DA/SA pistols (that rules out a 1911) since the first pull is heavier and that makes it safer.

Search for 'glock leg' if you may think that some extra safety isn't necessary.
 

The issue with DA/SA is that it takes more practice to master the trigger.

If I was allowed to carry a gun (again, in the SF Bay Area is pretty much impossible to get a CCW permit unless allegedly you pay some good money make campaign contribution to the local sheriff), I would consider one of this guns:

a) Sig Sauer p229: great gun, reliable, pretty good trigger (can be made excellent by installing a SRT trigger). There are more pricer models like the Elite and the Legion:
https://www.sigsauer.com/p229-nitron-compact.html

b) HK P30 or its smaller sister P30SK: its plus is that it is DA/SA and has a safety:
https://hk-usa.com/hk-models/p30/

c) One of the new Sig Sauer p320, there are many variants, what is cool is that it is modular (i.e. the fire group is technically the gun, it can be easily moved to another frame). Only issue is that is striker fired... but there is even one with a red dot pre-installed:
https://www.sigsauer.com/p320-rxp-compact.html

d) The old but reliable HK USP9 Compact (also available in .45acp and .40S&W): the thing is blocky, kinda outdated but is built like a tank:
https://hk-usa.com/hk-models/usp-compact/

Whatever you choose, just make sure you spend time in the range to properly master the gun.
 

[Jess from VA]

Because 9mm defensive ammo has gotten so good, almost no one is using .40 S&W anymore.  Hundreds of cop and XYZ agencies have transitioned back from .40 to 9mm.  And 9mm gives you more rounds in all the small (and large) carry autos.  

Springfield Hellcat
Sig P365 (the 365 XL has a longer grip for more in the magazine if you have bigger hands and want more rounds) (this may be the favorite today with CCWers)
Smith and Wesson shorty M & P or Shield Plus.
Kahr P9, PM or CM 9 (single stacks with 6 or 7 rounds, but my favorite carry guns)
Glock 43 x
Walther CCP
Taurus G2C

There are smaller .380s, the best is the Kahr P380.

If you want a red dot on your carry gun, get one with a dot already on it, or get a pistol that has the top plate setup to easily add your own.  No sense to buy a pistol that has to have the slide milled for a red dot (plan ahead).

Similarly, if you will want a laser, make sure you shop lasers for the guns you are considering before you choose and buy any pistol.

These guns can go in soft pocket holsters (with loose pants).  But if you want a holster (IWB) you should also shop for holsters that will fit your chosen pistol (with or without your red dot or laser) before you choose and buy your pistol.

Shop up the package you want (pistol, laser/red dot, holster), then when everything is lined up compatible, make your move all at one time.

Practice with 9mm ball ammo, but buy good defensive 9mm when you can get it.  It must be function tested in your carry gun, but after that, you don't need to waste it at the range.

Even if you don't carry extra mags, you want at least 3-4 mags for whatever you choose.

Finally, like everyone else, I shoot bigger guns better.  But I don't feel like carrying bigger guns (unless I am going someplace I feel I should, which I rarely do).  So my list is the smallest pocket guns that I will take with me every time I leave the house.  (unlike my midsize and full size autos and revolvers)

Because my permit allows car carry, there is a bigger one in the truck, but I don't pack it in my pants. (Please don't tell anyone)

I almost forgot to mention J frame Smith revolvers, or a new colt detective special, or the Ruger LCR if you prefer a revolver.  They will also go in a pocket.  They can also shoot right through a jacket pocket, something which should not be done with any auto.

[Savago]

I mean, 'glock leg' is bad, but there are even worst cases...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf5cW1uh21c

[..]

https://www.gunmann.com/hammerless-revolvers/

[f6gal]

Depends on your mood.  LOL.  You should go to a local gun store with range that will let you try out the ones you're considering.  For CC I usually take a .380 semi-auto, 9mm semi-auto, or S&W .357 revolver.

When Glocks first came out, I was so excited to get one.  After buying it, I took it out to shoot and absolutely hated it.  Didn't fit my hand at all and the grip was rock hard. After 10 minutes, I couldn't take it anymore.  Haven't shot a Glock since.  And I always shoot before I buy now.

[Patrick]

I hate carrying, even when I had too everyday. Hated it.

I'll keep something in the truck and if I do have one on me its the little .22 derringer. .22LR hollow points with the razor blade treatment.

[DirtyDan]

I’ve carried small semi autos and air weight revolvers for comfort. My thinking now is screw comfort. I carry my 686 S&W .357 4” barrel in a leather IWB holster every day. When you need a gun you need a real gun!

Me 2 

Dan

[bassman]

IF you're considering 9mm, and IF you put stock in the knowledge of this group and IF you want to spend $8.99 for their online article, then check this out...

https://www.gun-tests.com/product/the-a-team-concealable-9mm-hand-guns-gear/?MailingID=307&st=pmail&sc=EBK20210926-Concealable9mm&utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Discover+Which+Compact+9mms+are+Today+s+Best+Out-of-Sight+Choices+-+and+Why%21&utm_campaign=EBK20210926-Concealable9mm

[Bigwolf]

When choosing caliber/ammo, the 9mm is usually more plentiful since it is a nato caliber.  The 9mm+p is very capable in most “social” situations. 

No caliber/ammunition will work best in every situation.  You will want something with some penetration but not too much penetration.  I am concerned with the penetration of 40 cal because I have shot clean through wild game with a 40 cal in a 4 & 3/4 barrel.  That much penetration has too much potential to pass through the target and injure or kill an innocent person.  You sure don’t want that to be little Suzy playing with her dolls in her own yard!  Also, you might want to avoid any caliber that has the word “magnum” attached to it.  Little old ladies on a jury hear the word “magnum” and suddenly you have become “Dirty Harry” in their mind.  A 45 cal is a slower moving bullet and has less potential for over penetration than the 40 cal so it is a good choice as well.

I prefer a gun with double action or double/single action.  Defensive ammo is usually pretty reliable but, if you do get a hang fire or a no fire on the first snap of the firing pin, it is nice to be able to very quickly hit that cap again without having to rooster the gun.

As someone mentioned earlier, don’t buy into something so powerful or so lightweight that you struggle with recoil!  Only hits count.  A hit with a 22 is far superior to a miss with a 50 A&E.   The featherweight guns often cause the users to develop bad habits that destroy their accuracy.  Go to a range or take a carry course from a pro with references.  Ask them if they have loaner or rental guns that you can try.  Do that before you buy if you can!  Then follow up with an advanced course in accuracy and tactics.

Beyond that buy something that you can and will carry the same way all day every day.  If the crap hits the fan, you don’t need to be wondering what gun you have or where it is.  If it hits the fan, you will probably be 1 second behind in a 1.2 second gun fight.  That is not the time to be thinking what you will do,…….your response needs to be a conditioned reflex.

If you plan to practice a lot, a semi auto might work well.  If you will be going months on end without practice, a revolver will be your better choice because it will be more forgiving of bad form.  I say this with the hope that you take this too seriously to not spend some time on the range at regular intervals of short nature.

I hope that answers your questions and maybe a few questions you had not yet thought of.


Bigwolf

[gordonv]

Because 9mm defensive ammo has gotten so good, almost no one is using .40 S&W anymore.  Hundreds of cop and XYZ agencies have transitioned back from .40 to 9mm.  And 9mm gives you more rounds in all the small (and large) carry autos.  

You kind of answered my question. I don't have the knowledge you'll would have, no CCW here in this country. But my ? was going to be something along this line, but is vastly out of date.

I was thinking you need to look at caliber first. Wasn't it more had been killed by the .38 special than any other? But that was because it was the bullet of choice since it was produced, and used by every police force around the world, the S&W M&P 10 (?).

My preference was always the 9mm, but that was from training in the Canadian Forces. But with aftermarket ammo, was the way to go.

Then there was the FBI shoot out. Was it they had 9mm, and couldn't stop the antagonists, and that was what brought the 10mm/.40 S&W out, which showed better results?

I think all firearms are good, they don't make a bad one out there. But there are ones that fit YOU better, size, weight, functionality. Like most have said, go to a range that lets you try them out, is the way to go.

If I was to CCW, I would look for a semi-auto, with a DA/SA, so I could have the hammer down on a chambered round. But after that first shot, would have the SA for the follow ups.

It's been many years since I shot PPC. But I have stocked my bug out/survival kit with an empty .223 ammo box full of .22LR ammo (2K + rounds), that I can put through my old semi rifle or the Ruger Lite pistol. Something I could us for food or protection.

[Jess from VA]

Historically, the round that scored more one shot stops (not kills, though that certainly happened), was the .357 Mag, and specifically the 125gr JHP.  But that statistic was always skewed, since more cops carried the Model 19 Smith revolver (and later the stainless 66) in .357, for a longer period of time, than any other (when records were being kept), and they shot more people for many years than any other group (except soldiers, but soldiers use rifles).

A pile of people have been killed and still are with .22 long rifle, though no one thinks that's a good defensive cartridge.

Jerry has it right though, whatever you choose, you should learn how to shoot it accurately (and safely).  That is more important than caliber.  And if you are buying for carry, get something you will actually carry.  Not something you will look at and think, I am not lugging that around again today.  Good holsters are important in this regard.  Carry, like anything else, takes practice.  And do not go around in public grabbing it and adjusting it, and looking down at it.  That is a rookie dead giveaway.  

I learned to shoot with revolvers, and for my whole life I am better and more accurate with revolvers (4 and esp. 6 inch barrels, not snubbies).  But I am good enough with autos, and they carry better, and lighter, with more ammo, and most self defense shooting is up close, not striving for half dollar groups at 50-75 feet.  If someone grabs your wife for cover in a dark parking lot, you have to be very confident (and probably stupid) to go for the head shot on him, with anything.  But if I had to take that shot I'd rather do it with with my Model 14 Smith & Wesson Model K-38 Target Masterpiece revolver with 6" bbl than any other.

I believe the 9mm is the best compromise defensive cartridge (for carry) because it delivers very good performance in a small package, with a vast variety of cartridge selection, and it goes in many very good auto pistols, which are lighter and carry more ammo than decent medium frame revolvers, and are easier to reload with magazines.  The 9mm is snappy, but very controllable with practice.  

But like everything else, opinions vary.

[Patrick]

When it just comes to caliber I like the .357. 38s can be run thru them. The recoil is manageable.
And there are some pretty small  and light ones.

[f6john]

Lots of good info here, I’ll have to look around and see what my local options may be. I’ve never owned a hand gun ang my only real experience with them was in the Army with the 45 but that was very limited. I will refer back here often while I’m looking. My wife is wondering about a hand gun for her too and I told here that there is a lot more to it than just buying the piece and not sure how committed she would be to range work.

[Jess from VA]

John, my usual advice for people new to handguns is to buy a full size revolver (4-6" bbl) to learn the fundamentals on (with target sights, not fixed).  And for ease of learning, since auto pistols have much more to learn and master than revolvers.  They are easier to gain accuracy and experience on, and easier to clean with many less moving parts.  Recoil is always reduced on full size handguns.  People always enjoy things they are good at, and it's easier to be (or become) good with a full size revolver.  Smaller carry handguns are harder to be good with and can spoil the fun factor.  

You get one and get you and the wife to the range for enough practice in basic operation to become reasonably proficient and safe in handling.  Or out to some safe and legal place to shoot out in the country.

The nice thing about ranges is (or there used to be) plenty of people with a lot more experience who often enjoy helping out, giving advice, and even letting you try what they have.  And the ranges often have many different types of handguns to rent for tryout.  I see that KY is now a permit-less carry state (for lawful owners), but the range may have some basic training classes that you and the wife might attend together.  Some wives take instruction from strangers better than from husbands.  But you still will want a KY permit to gain reciprocity in multiple other states, if you travel.  And most states have a training requirement for permit (though in VA my DD Form 214 was a substitute for a current class). 

During this process, you keep watching others, and reading about what you might later want to buy for carry.  This is a good learning process that is geared for a successful outcome.

It is exactly the same learning curve most of us motorcyclists used starting out on smaller bikes.  Almost no one should start out on a Valkyrie.  Except with handguns, you start large and graduate to small.

And your first full size heavier handgun may not be good for carry, but it remains great for personal defense of home and property, and for travel in motel rooms and elsewhere.  

PS:  If the wife does not want learn and go through the process, she should not be allowed a handgun.  Get her one of these, which in most states does not present a problem for her to carry without license or training.  https://www.kimberamerica.com/pepper-blaster

It has a 4 year shelf life; buy two and waste one in practice.

I like dogs, but had a nasty neglected next door border collie that enjoyed ambush attacks on me at our shared 4" chain link fence.  Behavior that disappeared after introduction to pepper spray.  (As much as I disliked that dog, I fed and watered him when his owners abandoned him to the backyard with a frozen bowl of water when they spent weeks in Connecticut with family every winter.  Animal Control did nothing, repeatedly.)

[carolinarider09]

Thanks Jess.  I am going to buy a few of those. 

[turtle254]

I hate carrying, even when I had too everyday. Hated it.

I'll keep something in the truck and if I do have one on me its the little .22 derringer. .22LR hollow points with the razor blade treatment.

.22LR hollow points with the razor blade treatment. ??

[semo97]

Its like going into an ice cream store, every one has a different taste. I carry most time, I have a slender build and always want to tuck my shirt in. I like tapered shirts and jeans that fit. I do have a concealment problem very limited. Shoulder holster works best for me. I carry a sig 365 XL 9 mm manual safety. or 1911 range officer 4" barrel, they fit the same holster. I carried a shield for awhile but when I got my hand on a 365 XL that was it. 45 or 9mm. Have had no problems with any of them. I will not do 380 or 40, tried them but fazed them out. Wife likes 22 mag revolver. Arthritic hands.

[f6john]

I hate carrying, even when I had too everyday. Hated it.

I'll keep something in the truck and if I do have one on me its the little .22 derringer. .22LR hollow points with the razor blade treatment.

.22LR hollow points with the razor blade treatment. ??

I think they do a little more damage on impact. Maybe there are other reasons?

[Savago]

I like dogs, but had a nasty neglected next door border collie that enjoyed ambush attacks on me at our shared 4" chain link fence.  Behavior that disappeared after introduction to pepper spray.  (As much as I disliked that dog, I fed and watered him when his owners abandoned him to the backyard with a frozen bowl of water when they spent weeks in Connecticut with family every winter.  Animal Control did nothing, repeatedly.)

@Jess: the dog behavior is understandable (it is an irrational animal). What pisses me off is the bad behavior of the owners (i.e. total neglect of a dog).

[Savago]

I’ve never owned a hand gun ang my only real experience with them was in the Army with the 45 but that was very limited.

I wasn't aware that its is going to be your first gun. I was in a similar place (except with no prior experience with firearms) around 2 years ago.

This is the original thread (there is plenty of good information there, maybe worth reading):
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,107493.0.html

And congrats on enjoying the freedoms granted to us thanks to the 2nd amendment and on doing research to become a responsible gun owner (instead of simply walking in a gun shop and asking for a random gun).
 

[Savago]

@f6john: just be aware that what starts with a single gun tends to grow pretty quickly to a small collection... They have the tendency to multiply...
 

[turtle254]

I hate carrying, even when I had too everyday. Hated it.

I'll keep something in the truck and if I do have one on me its the little .22 derringer. .22LR hollow points with the razor blade treatment.

.22LR hollow points with the razor blade treatment. ??

I think they do a little more damage on impact. Maybe there are other reasons?

But what is the razor blade treatment?

[Patrick]

I hate carrying, even when I had too everyday. Hated it.

I'll keep something in the truck and if I do have one on me its the little .22 derringer. .22LR hollow points with the razor blade treatment.

.22LR hollow points with the razor blade treatment. ??

Just X the point. It expands quicker, the ends will peel back. That makes the hole a bit bigger. 


I don't think the meager little .22LR gets much attention or credit.  I like it, it can be nasty.
I can't remember all the critters I've killed with it when I was younger. Chipmunks to Whitetails.

[Jess from VA]

Cutting across the nose (+) of a soft (lead) point bullet (you can't cut a full metal jacket, without a hacksaw), whether hollow point or flat/round nose will usually cause more deformation/expansion on impact.  This is the theory.

But it might cause it to come apart in flight, or in the barrel, or even leave a chunk in the barrel so the next shot explodes or blows out the barrel, or cause a wider wound channel on impact but make it much shallower and lacking deep enough penetration by any fragment necessary for incapacitation.  (think  bird shot, which is lousy defensive shotgun ammunition beyond 10 feet).  It will also result in inaccuracy if the bullet deforms in it's high speed spin on the way to the target; more deformity equals more inaccuracy.  How deep you cut is critical.  So I would not do it.  Buy the best defensive rounds you can find for your particular firearm, and leave them alone.  These possible adverse effects are likely minimized with .22, especially in a short barrel gun, but you risk less lethality, not more.  The small 40 grains of lead do more damage going deep in one piece than spreading out on impact.

It is generally not illegal, but police and prosecutors have used knowledge of it being done to convince a jury the shooter had a premeditated bad or felonious intent to kill or maim, and increase severity of wounding (especially in places like New York).  Anyone who does it should never talk about it, post about it, or tell the police he did it at the scene or when asked by a prosecutor or medical examiner.

The bullet came apart.  

No kidding?  

[LTD]

s and w model 36 5 round wheel gun 38 special

[Patrick]

Cutting across the nose (+) of a soft (lead) point bullet (you can't cut a full metal jacket, without a hacksaw), whether hollow point or flat/round nose will usually cause more deformation/expansion on impact.  This is the theory.

But it might cause it to come apart in flight, or in the barrel, or even leave a chunk in the barrel so the next shot explodes or blows out the barrel, or cause a wider wound channel on impact but make it much shallower and lacking deep enough penetration by any fragment necessary for incapacitation.  (think  bird shot, which is lousy defensive shotgun ammunition beyond 10 feet).  It will also result in inaccuracy if the bullet deforms in it's high speed spin on the way to the target; more deformity equals more inaccuracy.  How deep you cut is critical.  So I would not do it.  Buy the best defensive rounds you can find for your particular firearm, and leave them alone.  These possible adverse effects are likely minimized with .22, especially in a short barrel gun, but you risk less lethality, not more.  The small 40 grains of lead do more damage going deep in one piece than spreading out on impact.

It is generally not illegal, but police and prosecutors have used knowledge of it being done to convince a jury the shooter had a premeditated bad or felonious intent to kill or maim, and increase severity of wounding (especially in places like New York).  Anyone who does it should never talk about it, post about it, or tell the police he did it at the scene or when asked by a prosecutor or medical examiner.

The bullet came apart.  

No kidding?  

Well, thats what I've been told.

[Jess Tolbirt]

When considering a purchase, what are some of the best in quality and reliability? One caliber more popular than others?

Kimber micro 9 with laser grips. allen holster

[..]

https://firequest.com/DV22.html

[Kidd]

A word of caution ...
Protect your hearing !!
I went out  to a shooting range with a client , says he's a gun safety instructor .
First time in 25 years   for me
He gave me ear plugs with no instruction on how to use them , guess it's more than" push it into your ear" kind of thing .
Half way through the  shooting , notice my hearing was different , he said  it looks like I did not have the plugs pushed all the way in.
Took them out and inspected  them .    Then pushed them in further  the second time .
Fired some more  rounds  .
That was March 23  of this year  .
My hearing is messed up for good  ,  no more music , guitar playing , TV with head phones only and still not good , just better .
Life changing  experience  , I'll never be the same .
The instructor  had ear muffs  on  .
WE  fired 357 ,9mm and some other big one  and 2 .22s  multiple times .
It was gonna be my new hobby  , now  ,  I do not think so .
Protect your hearing ,  especially  if you're my age .
It's not that I have lots of hearing loss as I do have some  , it's  that I hear static and there is  little that is clear sounding .  I hear awful  noise .

[Jess from VA]

Very good advice.   

I generally prefer muffs over plugs, for that very reason. There are just too many plug types and ear types to be sure you are protected.  If you have long hair, get it out of the way of the muffs.  In super loud environments (and flying in crowded airplanes with screaming babies), I wear both. 

From (just) one unprotected gunshot a few years ago (stupid mistake), I have a peculiar ear noise I get when swallowing;  Often, not always.  It's a reminder of being a forgetful dummy. 

[h13man]

My most carried on me, a Beretta 950BS .25 acp. On certain occasions, S&W M&P .45. Defense only carry.

[Chrisj CMA]

My most carried on me, a Beretta 950BS .25 acp. On certain occasions, S&W M&P .45. Defense only carry.

You know what they say about a .25 auto.


If you shoot someone with it and they find out about it...they won’t be very happy with you

[Jess from VA]

My most carried on me, a Beretta 950BS .25 acp. On certain occasions, S&W M&P .45. Defense only carry.

You know what they say about a .25 auto.

If you shoot someone with it and they find out about it...they won’t be very happy with you

The only thing my dad got of his dad's was his Colt 1908 Vest Pocket .25acp (a compact, hammerless, striker-fired, semi-automatic single-action pistol; essentially a miniature copy of the 1911 without a hammer; designed by John Moses Browning of course).  

His dad died two weeks before I was born.  His dad reportedly carried it in the Pittsburgh area steel mills, mines and other industry where he operated the biggest heavy equipment (dozers and cranes, etc) before and during the depression.  Dad gave it to me years ago.  It got all new springs and a cleanup by a smith and shoots every time.  Ball ammo.  

I have carried it, but it was more a tribute to my grandad than a warm feeling of being well armed.    

It's worn, but still has much of it's nice bluing and damascus steel parts, and the rollmark inscription so much nicer than today's laser marks.


I have always wanted a Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless in .32acp to go with it (also designed by Browning), but nice ones have always cost an arm and a leg, and I've been too stingy.  (and they just keep going up too).  Just a beautiful firearm, and I would not feel under-armed with a .32.


5000 to Japan in 1939.

I do have a W German police trade in full size Walther PP (police pistol) in .32acp which was the first commercially successful double action auto pistol in the world.   It's heavy for it's size, and the double action trigger pull is like 30lbs, but the single action is light and crisp.  And the fixed barrel blowback makes it very accurate.  Some .380s were made for export but the G police only carried .32s.   Not carried.

James Bond carried the shorter PPK in .380.  

Modern striker fire 9mm carry with flying ashtrays (Kahr CM 9)

Not near as pretty.  But it can't be seen anyway.   

[..]

My most carried on me, a Beretta 950BS .25 acp. On certain occasions, S&W M&P .45. Defense only carry.

You know what they say about a .25 auto.

If you shoot someone with it and they find out about it...they won’t be very happy with you

The only thing my dad got of his dad's was his Colt 1908 Vest Pocket .25 (a compact, hammerless, striker-fired, semi-automatic single-action pistol; essentially a miniature copy of the 1911 without a hammer).  His dad died two weeks before I was born.  His dad reportedly carried it in the Pittsburgh area steel mills, mines and other industry where he operated the biggest heavy equipment (dozers and cranes, etc) before and during the depression.  Dad gave it to me years ago.  It got all new springs and a cleanup by a smith and shoots every time.  Ball ammo. 

I have carried it, but it was more a tribute to my grandad than a warm feeling of being well armed.   

It's worn, but still has much of it's nice bluing, and the rollmark patents so much nicer than today's laser marks.

I like it.