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September 22, 2012, 12:51 AM | #1 |
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What's the smallest/lightest handgun (any caliber) that you shoot well?
I suspect most people shoot more accurately with guns that have a little heft, longer barrels, and hand-filling grips. And therefore, they probably shoot worse with tiny pocket guns. I'm interested in guns that provide a good compromise between "shootability" and portability.
Which smaller sized handguns perform best for you at the range? Last edited by idek; September 22, 2012 at 12:56 AM. |
September 22, 2012, 01:15 AM | #2 | |
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Quote:
I've got a .32 Seecamp that, considering it has no sights, will put 5 shots into 2.5" or less at 7 yds. all day, any day... with just about anyone shooting it. All stainless steel, it ain't no lightweight compared to today's "poly-tastic pocket poppers", but it's easy to carry in a pocket and sure feels good in the hand if you need it. You may be right though about really tiny guns... especially when they are a large caliber for their size. At one time, the Seecamp was about as small as it gets (in a .32ACP)... now days, there are larger calibers in the same or I think even slightly smaller package. Speaking of size, sometimes the sights themselves are more important than sight radius... and good balance (for an individual) can trump just about anything. I know lots of guys and gals that shoot their carry 3" Officers model size 1911s better than their match grade 5" Gov'ment models. Their Glock 26s and 19s better than their 17s or even their 17Ls and 34s. I seem to be able to shoot better with most 4" barreled guns than with more or less length. I have a Colt Combat Commander (4") that I consistently shoot better than my Colt Gold Cup NM (5")... the GC is far "tighter" and is, admittedly, far more accurate off a rest, but off-hand, I do better with the CC. If I go down to a 3" .45ACP... I tend to suck no matter what. C
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September 22, 2012, 03:56 AM | #3 |
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Plus on the seecamp , the small polymer did not work for me. At this time most of my shooting is a RUGER SP101 or a SW MP 40 C.
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September 22, 2012, 07:31 AM | #4 |
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Despite the tiny sights, I shoot the Beretta 950 in .25 acp reasonably well. That's due to the SAO trigger and the all-steel construction. I don't carry it anymore because I have other pistols that fill that niche in larger calibers. It's the small one at the lower, left corner.
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September 22, 2012, 07:38 AM | #5 |
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Smallest I go and maintain accuracy is my Ruger LCR. Right now, though, I have the boot grip on it which doesn't help. I was just thinking about putting the original grip on it again. When I took it to the range for the first time, I was nervous -- I'd never shot a snub so light. I was absolutely amazed at the ease of controlling recoil and my accuracy, right from my first cylinder!
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September 22, 2012, 08:08 AM | #6 |
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Smith and Wesson 637 or Kahr CM9 equally well, especially under 30 feet.
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September 22, 2012, 08:47 AM | #7 |
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I can shoot pretty fair with my S&W Model 3953
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September 22, 2012, 08:49 AM | #8 |
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Charter Arms off duty DAO 38 special only weighs 12 oz. shots POA at 15 yds. shoots well with wadcutters and light HP's but those +P's will bite the hand a bit
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September 22, 2012, 09:33 AM | #9 |
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My Kahr PM9 was always a surprise when I shot it. It is very accurate. The LCP got to be a decent shooter but that came with a lot of practice.
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September 22, 2012, 09:34 AM | #10 |
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My Kel-tec P-11 is surprisingly accurate, even with the heavy DAO trigger.
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September 22, 2012, 09:52 AM | #11 |
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CZ 82 shoots far better than it should for me.
Also, the Ruger LCP, Polish P64 and a Beretta 21 have done well in my big mitt.
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September 22, 2012, 10:25 AM | #12 |
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For me, I've never found one of any size I didn't shoot well... The size/weight makes a difference in how comfortable it is in hand, though. Small guns are less enjoyable for me, but just as effective.
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September 22, 2012, 12:01 PM | #13 |
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BG 38 shoots straight at intended ranges.
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September 22, 2012, 05:32 PM | #14 |
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Despite lots of recoil and no real sights, I shoot my Ruger LCP very well up to 7 yards. In a self defense situation, I have no concerns about carrying and using it.
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September 22, 2012, 10:10 PM | #15 |
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Polish P-64
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September 23, 2012, 12:17 AM | #16 |
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Browning hi power 9mm.
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September 23, 2012, 09:55 AM | #17 |
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Mine is the LC9, I shoot it a little better than my 642.
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September 23, 2012, 04:17 PM | #18 |
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Sig P238 Equinox... Great sights, great feel and shoots very accurately!!
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September 23, 2012, 04:26 PM | #19 |
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Within a practical SD range of 10 yards I have to say my Elsie Pea! Consistent point, and shoot double tap center mass hits inside the 9 ring of a B-27 target with a third, more precisely aimed head shot to follow.
I also recently purchased a Taurus PT22 Poly for similar practice with ammo a lot more affordable than 380. I find that it shoots just as accurately as my Elsie in similar drills.
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September 23, 2012, 04:38 PM | #20 |
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Sig P250 Sub-Compact with a compact magazine. Gets that little finger out of mid-air with the longer mag.
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September 23, 2012, 04:49 PM | #21 |
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Was looking for a .380 and thought I was going LCR without a doubt. Loved the size. Went to the range with a buddy and we were both shocked. I couldn't group to save my life (which is the point right?)
Did more research and went to the range to try a couple more options. I was amazed at the Sig P238 and picked it up right there on the spot. It's a bit more money but I'm confident with it in my hand. |
September 23, 2012, 05:20 PM | #22 |
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Hmmmm....I've got a short barreled (is there any other kind) Sig P290 that weighs 20+ oz, and measures 5.5" x 3.9". That little beast will put 6 through a ragged hole at 10 yds from my antiquated and modified Weaver Stance.. It's far more accurate than I've ever thought possible with a 2.9" barreled, short stocked pistol (only two finger on the stock with the six rd mag in place) and 9mm at that! Here it is! Best regards, Rod
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September 23, 2012, 05:32 PM | #23 |
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Here's the other side of the coin...my wife's former S&W M-36, j-frame, .38 special with a 3" barrel and adjustable sights. It's one of the most shootable small revolvers I've had the pleasure to shoot. This one once put a full cylinder full into 1-1/4" at 35 yds...that's thirty five yards...albeit with a crimson trace grip on it. I shot that remarkable group from the hip, with both elbows tucked in and braced strongly; as is possible with a laser sight. Too, it was shot at dusk! That cylindrer full settled once and for all, my practice ammunition...(a 158 gr LSWC and 4.3 gr of Winchester 231). The gun is now my #1 pick for concealed carry...but the Sig P290, slightly thinner in profile is a close #2 pick. The pic below shows it with the rosewood stocks installed...my wife has requisitioned the Crimson Trace grips for her S&W M-637....Rod
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September 24, 2012, 03:09 PM | #24 |
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The smallest handgun I have shot was a PM 9 and i shot it reasonably well. I wouldn't want to go any smaller though.
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September 24, 2012, 03:50 PM | #25 |
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I continue to suprise myself with my Taurus TCP (380acp)
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