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Old February 12, 2007, 05:48 PM   #1
westphoenix
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Pocket Pistols

I'm looking to purchase a small pocket/backup auto pistol.
I would like a 9x19, but those are larger than I am looking for or more than I am willing to pay.
Haven't held one, but I think the NAA Guardian .32acp fits the bill.
I agree with many of you who say the .32acp may not be enough, but its better than nothing.
Would like to keep it under $450.

I have read mostly good things about the NAA Guardian 32acp, any positive or negative comments on this one?
Any others to consider?
I'am not interested in the Keltec pistols.
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Old February 12, 2007, 05:57 PM   #2
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Take a look at the Kel-Tec P3AT. I love mine! They are normally priced around 200 to 250 bucks. The local gunshows are probably the best place to pick one up.

.380 should be the smallest caliber you should consider for a carry pistol IMO.
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Old February 12, 2007, 07:45 PM   #3
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Take a look at the Berretta Tomcat too. Nice little pocket gun.
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Old February 12, 2007, 08:10 PM   #4
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One word....SEECAMP

It will cost a tiny bit more money but it is worth it.

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Old February 12, 2007, 08:15 PM   #5
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were i dropping below the 9mm pm9 khar size ( which i own ) i would personaly go with the p3at p32 from kel-tec ( which i also own lol ) . both are the most bang for your buck imho .
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Old February 12, 2007, 08:49 PM   #6
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Seecamp. Here's a link: http://seecamp.com/
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Old February 13, 2007, 12:44 AM   #7
michael t
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kelTec P3AT a lot less weight better trigger and 380 instead of 32 I have 3 KT and all have been perfect. I picked up a NAA guardian and if I going to carry that much weight I'll carry my PPK/S or a snub 38.
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Old February 13, 2007, 11:41 AM   #8
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I'll second the Seecamp idea.

Smaller/lighter than the Guardian.
More likely to be reliable out of the box than KelTec.
(YMMV)

If you've got a FFL who will do a transfer for $20 or so, you could get one for ~$400.

I got mine from Ron Gilstrap in Texas.
$350+20 shipping.
+$35 for extra mag.
+$30 for transfer/background check.

$435 out the door.

The Keltec is less ammo sensitive, and lighter.
If you can get a KelTec, and get the bugs out of it, they are good guns.

The Seecamp just feels like a work of art.
It shoots like one too.

Mine is flawless with Silvertips and GoldDots.
If I get a good batch of Fiocchi jhp, they are 100% also.
Now, even the Win. White Box at Walmart will shoot with only a couple of jams per hundred.
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Old February 13, 2007, 11:44 AM   #9
jehu
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Rohrbaugh R9 9mm or Seecamp, stay away from the mini Tupperware guns.:barf: Those that bitch about the price are either to impatient or lazy to save enough to buy these quality pistols and will flame those that do. Instead of buying two or three substandard guns save and get something that will serve you for a lifetime and you can hand down or will hold there value if you do sell in the future. My .02.
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Old February 13, 2007, 11:56 AM   #10
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What is the price difference between the Seecamp 32acp and 380acp?
They are roughly the same size and I would rather have 380acp than 32acp.

Anyone have any links to sellers online?
I could probably find a cheap FFL to transfer the pistol.

Like I said I am not interested in the Kel-Tecs at this time.

Jehu:
I would love a Rohrbaugh R9, but it will be awhile before I will have money for one of those.
I would really like one though
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Old February 13, 2007, 12:11 PM   #11
jehu
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Both Seecamps are the same physical size. The LWS32 is about $400. Better deals can be had on the used market. The LWS380 will run $850 to $950 if you can find one. If you want the Rohrbaugh R9 beg, borrow or save and you will not be sorry. You will be well satisfied with the Seecamp 32 ,quality wise, but it is a small, albeit effective, caliber.
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Old February 13, 2007, 12:39 PM   #12
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If you're not going to invest in a Kahr PM9 due to cost take a look at the Kel-Tec P3AT. It's about as pocket size as a pistol can get and CDNN has a good deal going on them the last I looked.
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Old February 13, 2007, 02:44 PM   #13
westphoenix
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So far the cheapest NIB LWS32 I have found is $385 + shipping, in-stock.

This seems like a pretty good price considering some of the quotes I have received so far.

Anyone know someone who can beat that price?
Do these come with two mags?

Why is the .380 twice as much? Supply and demand?

Like I said I am not interested in the Kel-Tecs at this time.

The Kahr 9 is a bit larger than the NAA or Seecamp.
I really want to keep it small.

Last edited by westphoenix; February 13, 2007 at 04:23 PM.
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Old February 13, 2007, 06:02 PM   #14
zappadragon
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Heres my pocket pistol. I just have realy BIG pockets

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Old February 13, 2007, 06:09 PM   #15
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Just kidding! Here is my real pocket gun. Not sure on the grips yet but I still love the gun.

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Old February 13, 2007, 06:46 PM   #16
JR47
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Quote:
Those that bitch about the price are either to impatient or lazy to save enough to buy these quality pistols and will flame those that do.
Now, THAT makes sense, if you're a troll.

The gentleman inquired about a pocket pistol, for under $450.00, possibly in 9mm, but he would consider .380 or .32 ACP. He also states that he would not care for the Kel-Tec pistols.

The Rohrbaugh R9 is listed for sale at Impact Guns for $999.99, with magazines costing $33.99. Which part of $450.00 is misunderstood?

It's possible to find the little Colt Government Model .380, or the Colt Mustang, in the $450.00 range, used, in many places. They are steel or alloy framed, locked-breech, and pocket sized. Mags are less expensive, as well.

The Kahr CW9093 has an MSRP of $533.00
The Sig P232 has an MSRP of $519.00
The Walther PPK/S has an MSRP of $543.00

Any of these three should be available, new, within the price you posted. Any of these will also last you, and your off-spring well into their old age.
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Old February 13, 2007, 07:05 PM   #17
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You might also look into the AMT Backup.They're available in a multitude of calibers,(9mm,40S&W,45acp,38 Super,and 400 CorBon),and they're very reliable,with the (personally experienced) noteable exception of the 380 model.I also had a Backup chambered in 45acp(5+1),and although the trigger was a little on the heavy side,it was very shootable,and fit in my pocket very well.High Standard is the new manufacturer-http://www.highstandard.com/
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Old February 13, 2007, 07:16 PM   #18
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my favorite and has been very reliable with stingers taurus pt22 nib 209.00excellent dba only and great for 15 feet or less...which a pocket pistol is for anyways!!!
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Old February 13, 2007, 10:50 PM   #19
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If you like the 380 auto, I would recommend the Bersa Thunder CC model. Here is a pic of mine.

Bersa Thunder 380acp CC nickel


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Old February 22, 2007, 08:03 PM   #20
westphoenix
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Well guys after handling some of the pistols listed above and considering their size it was really between the NAA 32 and Seecamp 32 - both of which I was not able to handle in person before purchasing.
So I went with the Seecamp because it was slightly smaller and lighter.

I purchased from AJCSportShop.com (Alan Jones).
Alan and his staff were very friendly and shipped exactly as promissed.
AJC's price was $395, shipping included. It was the last one he had in-stock.
I picked up the pistols minutes ago from a local FFL.
Its a tiny little pistol like I wanted, if reliable it will make a great pocket/backup pistol.
I'm going to pickup some ammo on the way home and hopefully get a chance to shoot it this weekend.

.....and my hands are not big.

Last edited by westphoenix; February 23, 2007 at 02:43 PM.
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Old February 22, 2007, 08:13 PM   #21
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West,
Where you gunna go to try out yer new toy???
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Old February 22, 2007, 08:20 PM   #22
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Great choice. In a world of mass production the seecamp is a chunk of craftsmanship. I will never part with mine.
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Old February 22, 2007, 11:13 PM   #23
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Other than a Rohrbaugh (which I'm currently saving for) the Seecamps are the only way to go. I'm not a fan of polymer framed guns and the NAA Guardians have been said to be heavy and have excessive recoil.
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Old February 22, 2007, 11:27 PM   #24
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westphoenix,

The .32ACP is PLENTY good. After all, it's not the caliber it's the shooter.

Take a look at the Beretta 3032 Tomcat (Inox version)...about $450/460 retail but you can probably get it for less online.

Personally, I'd never buy a DAO gun like some of those mentioned above...the Beretta gives you a choice of DA or SA.

-- John D.
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Old February 22, 2007, 11:33 PM   #25
westphoenix
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Quote:
Originally Posted by denfoote
West,
Where you gunna go to try out yer new toy???
I like to shoot in the desert off of S. Rainbow Valley Rd., South of W. Ray Rd.. I will probably not have time for the drive though and if I have any time I will most likely go to Shooters World, unless you know somewhere closer west? I am at 75th Ave and Thomas.
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