Looking For The Perfect Carry Weapon

Beretta92 · February 15, 2007, 08:21 PM

I'm In The Look For a new Carry Weapon..
I have my Beretta92FS, Three S&W Snubs, Pre40, MOD60, MOD940, & a 4" S&W MOD617 22 lr. A Ruger SP101 9mm, Ruger MKII 6 7/8" SlabSide, Remington Nylon 66 & a Mossberg 600AT 12ga..
I've Had many quality Handguns over the Years, Colt 1991A1, HK USP45 Tactical, HK USPC357, Taurus 65/66, S&W 3913LS, Other SP101s/SPNY, Airweight S&W 442-2, AirLite 242, Walther PPK/S, SIG Sauer P220ST, P225, P228, P229 And lately Sold My HK P7M8, So Many I've almost Forgoten about all of them..
I'm In the look for the Ultimate Carry weapon, That'll be with me all the time.. I'm Looking at A S&W J Frame Centennial in either The AirWeight or AirLite, Probobly a MOD342 340PD or M&P 340.. I can easily carry a 13-15oz J Frame in my Front pocket all day, I have many great Leather Holsters for my other J Frames & Ruger SP101, My LTT Beretta never sees leather anymore since I found The J Frame S&Ws.. It's way Too Big, But Too Nice To Part With..
I also Find Myself looking at other lardger weapons such as a Blued Colt Gold Cup Trophy I saw Last weekend & or a 4" Colt Python..
I also find myself looking at AK-47s, I have a buddy that has 7 different AK Variants & He's In Love with them all.. I sold My AR-15 Last Year as Well..
I realy want another Lightweight J Frame Centennial but want one that has no MIM Parts & No Internal Lock, The 342 is one of the few that meets these requirements, But I'll never say that I'll never own another Smith with the stupid Lock, I can always deactivate it when I'm adding some Wolff springs to the the little beast.. They Can Be smoothed up but wouldn't it be great to just buy it that away!!
So What Do You All Think??

Looking For The Perfect Carry Weapon!
Could It Be The AirLite S&W Centennial?

Thanks Gary Beretta92

cheygriz · February 15, 2007, 08:27 PM

To me, the perfect carry weapon is the SIG P239. Small, light, handy, rifle accurate, and available in either 9MM or .40 S&W.

Playboypenguin · February 15, 2007, 08:29 PM

Airlites are definately a great carry weapon.

I have a few carry weapons myself (PPK, PPK/S, S&W 637 642 60, Taurus 731 605, Seecamp, Beretta 85) and have my own opinions as to what is best.

As far as my own person weapons go, I think the best all around carry weapon I have is the Kahr MK40. It has power, portability, concealability, and style.

pax · February 15, 2007, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Looking For The Perfect Carry Weapon!

There's no such thing.

Here in the real world, every gun is a compromise.

(Pretty sure you already know that, but it bears repeating. Sometimes in the hunt for a carry gun, people don't realize that "almost perfect" is about as good as it gets.)

pax

brett30030 · February 15, 2007, 09:45 PM

After reading that ramble, i think you should carry an AK

Dave85 · February 16, 2007, 12:33 AM

You had it and sold it! I'm speaking of the H&K P7M8. Even with a 4 inch barrel, it is still about the same length as your average 1911 compact, and maybe a half an inch taller. I've got one in the front pocket of my overalls right now. It is in a size 3 Uncle Mikes Sidekick pocket holster. To illustrate the relatively compact dimensions, that is the same holster that I carry my Taurus M85 in!

Which brings us to the small revolver...

Get the Smith & Wesson. In all seriousness, as much as I love the H&K, there are times when I need something smaller. Frankly, I find myself carrying the Taurus more. You should be able to buy a couple of them with the small fortune you surely got for the P7!

Beretta92 · February 16, 2007, 04:50 AM

Thanks For The replies..

Of course While at the Gunshows all sorts of thinks Talk to you when your pockets are buldging with dough, Small fortune? It Is to Me!!

, I will be in the look for several new toys, The ones that scream the loudest will be the winners..Buy Me!! Buy Me!! You know how you pass up a decent deal & then later find yourself drawn back to the same spot again & again, worse is when you pass & can't find the piece again, This happens alot at Huge Gunshows.

Dave85 a HK P7M8 Is way too lardge & Heavy for pocket carry IMO, After carryin a Airweight for a while you'll almost forget you have it with you..
S&W has come out with several New AirLites lately, Several which I haven't handled Yet, 340SS M&P 340 come to mind.. These have Carbon or Stainless cylinders instead of Titainium, This is a Topic All By Itself..
I wouldn't mind a MOD342 even though it's a +P 38spl, I doubt there's many guys out there who could shoot more than 5 shots of 357 Magnum through a 12-13oz AirLite without damage to thier hands..

Still Looking For The perfect Carry Weapon!!

Gary/Beretta92/Headknocker

NCHornet · February 16, 2007, 08:50 AM

Asking for the perfect carry gun is like asking for the perfect woman, no such animal, we all need to chose what works for us. So with a question like this all you will get is opinions of what works for others. This may or may not apply to you.
Have Fun.

allenomics · February 16, 2007, 09:32 AM

Consider the Glock 19. For years of service, it's priced right and reliable.

slow944 · February 16, 2007, 09:55 AM

I've found that I like the new Taurus MILPRO PT145. Light weight 10+1 runds of 45ACP, very reliable, and only costs on average $325. Comes with a lifetime warranty from Taurus and only weights 20oz's. Thay also make it in the every popular 9mm and .40 cals. Comes in blue, matte or stainless finishes. Go to your favorite gun range and rent one and you'll see how well made they are and also their reliability.

Michigunner · February 16, 2007, 11:51 AM

Beretta92,

I read that the S&W 642 revolver is the best selling, most popular J-frame.

Gold Dot makes 38 Special +P Short Barrel ammunition. It is designed to expand properly with the J-frame. The muzzle energy is reported to be 222 ft/lbs.

I was surprised how well it disappears using the Robert Mika rounded holster.

Bill

Beretta92 · February 16, 2007, 06:07 PM

I've Had a S&W 642-2, 442-2, & a Glock 19, Two of them actually..
I'm lookin for an Airweight, But after reading about Titainium Cylinders will probobly get one with a Steel Cylinder..It's all up to what I find & at what price..
The 642/442 weigh 15ozs & Must J Frame AirLites around 12-13ozs with Magnum Capabilities..
I've always wanted a Glock 26 or Lightweight Kahr?? Kel-Tec??
I want something that'll be with me all the time because it's so cool & lightweight & small..
S&W MOD342!!

hpg · February 16, 2007, 06:17 PM

I have been doing the same for years. I've decided that it doesn't exist for me. SO I do the best I can with my Glocks and S&W Jframes.......hpg

orionengnr · February 16, 2007, 06:30 PM

I spent way too much time and money buying-and-trying.

Finally bought a Kahr PM9. Shortly after buying it and putting several hundred rounds downrange, I sold five j-frames.

Subsequently I bought a Kahr P45 which allowed me to sell several other handguns...

These days I just buy ammo

roadrash · February 16, 2007, 06:33 PM

The 642 is the perfect compromise,(its light enough)the atomic guns are overpriced!You are paying about $100 additional dollars for every ounce you shave off,considering the vicous recoil of the scandium and titanium guns you will probably never shoot magnums out of it much anyways.There is a reason the 642 is Smiths best seller(across the whole line,not just the J frames).I would look for a good deal on the 642, and use the money you save on some quality leather and ammo,or another 642!

FirstFreedom · February 16, 2007, 06:53 PM

The perfect carry weapon depends on you and your mode of carry. For me, I have yet to find a gun that improves upon the Kahr MK9-9093 BOX for smartcarry, and ditto on the CZ 75 Compact (PCR) pistol for OWB carry with covering garment.

tdman · February 16, 2007, 10:53 PM

Don't forget the Kel Tec P11.

Straight Shooter · February 17, 2007, 12:10 AM

Hk P2000

DeathRodent · February 17, 2007, 12:23 AM

Colt gov't model .380 --- i'd say the kahr but I hear (read) they aren't reliable or durable

Thunderhawk88 · February 17, 2007, 12:33 AM

If you ask 500 people you'll get 750 answers. There are so many variables....weather...clothing...mood....so one "perfect" carry weapon doesn't exist, but several can come close to the perfect set.

EIGHTYDUECE · February 17, 2007, 01:43 AM

Makarov

Beretta92 · February 17, 2007, 09:20 AM

Off To The Gunshow!!
We'll See!!
Hopeing For a Pre Lock S&W 342 or 340PD, G26/G27, Kel-Tec P3AT????????

Beretta92 · February 17, 2007, 10:59 PM

Well I may have found two perfect carry weapons today..
I traded my S&W MOD60 for a Mint MOD642 & Bought a SIG Sauer P239 SAS 40 S&W too Boot..
Here's a pic of the 642, The Centennial with the antler S&W Grips at the top next to my MOD940 with Ivorys & My Pre40 Centennial..
Have a Look at The killer SIG, I'm in love with both show finds today, Drove almost 200 miles in the snow for these two..
The Trade on the 642 was great & I Paid $550 Cash For The SIG..
I'm a Happy Man!!
I wanted a Pre MIM, Pre Lock, Pre Crappy Finish Airweight & the 642 fits the bill, In fact It's a Pre Airweight, There's Only a S&W Logo On that side of the revolver.. Weight 15ozs..
Both of todays Finds Could pass for new, The SIGs extra mag has never been out of the cosmoline bag, I'd guess It has 50-100 rounds through it, The MOD642 maybe a Box maybe.. There Both MINT!!
I also Got a Nice Leather Holster For The SIG Plus a Box of Law Enforcement 155gr Starfire 40 S&W ammo..
I saw a P239 SAS @ a local dealer & They wanted $899..WOW!!
My Crappy Pic Doesn't do either Justice..
Gary/B92

Beretta92 · February 18, 2007, 09:43 PM

Here's another Pic of the SIG Sauer P239 SAS & S&W MOD642 all cleaned up & with some better carry grips on the Centennial..

Lovin Both These New Carry Pieces, Now which one to carry? BOTH!!

clem · February 18, 2007, 11:18 PM

February 15, 2007, 08:21 PM	#1
Beretta92 Member Join Date: September 28, 2006 Posts: 77	Looking For The Perfect Carry Weapon I'm In The Look For a new Carry Weapon.. I have my Beretta92FS, Three S&W Snubs, Pre40, MOD60, MOD940, & a 4" S&W MOD617 22 lr. A Ruger SP101 9mm, Ruger MKII 6 7/8" SlabSide, Remington Nylon 66 & a Mossberg 600AT 12ga.. I've Had many quality Handguns over the Years, Colt 1991A1, HK USP45 Tactical, HK USPC357, Taurus 65/66, S&W 3913LS, Other SP101s/SPNY, Airweight S&W 442-2, AirLite 242, Walther PPK/S, SIG Sauer P220ST, P225, P228, P229 And lately Sold My HK P7M8, So Many I've almost Forgoten about all of them.. I'm In the look for the Ultimate Carry weapon, That'll be with me all the time.. I'm Looking at A S&W J Frame Centennial in either The AirWeight or AirLite, Probobly a MOD342 340PD or M&P 340.. I can easily carry a 13-15oz J Frame in my Front pocket all day, I have many great Leather Holsters for my other J Frames & Ruger SP101, My LTT Beretta never sees leather anymore since I found The J Frame S&Ws.. It's way Too Big, But Too Nice To Part With.. I also Find Myself looking at other lardger weapons such as a Blued Colt Gold Cup Trophy I saw Last weekend & or a 4" Colt Python.. I also find myself looking at AK-47s, I have a buddy that has 7 different AK Variants & He's In Love with them all.. I sold My AR-15 Last Year as Well.. I realy want another Lightweight J Frame Centennial but want one that has no MIM Parts & No Internal Lock, The 342 is one of the few that meets these requirements, But I'll never say that I'll never own another Smith with the stupid Lock, I can always deactivate it when I'm adding some Wolff springs to the the little beast.. They Can Be smoothed up but wouldn't it be great to just buy it that away!! So What Do You All Think?? Looking For The Perfect Carry Weapon! Could It Be The AirLite S&W Centennial? Thanks Gary Beretta92

February 15, 2007, 08:27 PM	#2
cheygriz Senior Member Join Date: May 11, 2002 Location: high up in the rockies Posts: 2,289	To me, the perfect carry weapon is the SIG P239. Small, light, handy, rifle accurate, and available in either 9MM or .40 S&W. __________________ If you think a mighty military force is expensive, wait 'til you see what a weak one costs.

February 16, 2007, 12:33 AM	#6
Dave85 Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,421	You had it and sold it! I'm speaking of the H&K P7M8. Even with a 4 inch barrel, it is still about the same length as your average 1911 compact, and maybe a half an inch taller. I've got one in the front pocket of my overalls right now. It is in a size 3 Uncle Mikes Sidekick pocket holster. To illustrate the relatively compact dimensions, that is the same holster that I carry my Taurus M85 in! Which brings us to the small revolver... Get the Smith & Wesson. In all seriousness, as much as I love the H&K, there are times when I need something smaller. Frankly, I find myself carrying the Taurus more. You should be able to buy a couple of them with the small fortune you surely got for the P7! __________________ "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!" --commonly misattributed to, and most likely not, Benjamin Franklin

February 16, 2007, 08:50 AM	#8
NCHornet Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2006 Posts: 1,001	Asking for the perfect carry gun is like asking for the perfect woman, no such animal, we all need to chose what works for us. So with a question like this all you will get is opinions of what works for others. This may or may not apply to you. Have Fun. __________________ When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away!! Carry ON!! NCHornet

February 16, 2007, 09:32 AM	#9
allenomics Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2007 Posts: 1,536	Consider the Glock 19. For years of service, it's priced right and reliable. __________________ NRA Benefactor Life Member Knowledge is not power. Applied knowledge is power!

February 15, 2007, 08:29 PM	#3
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	Airlites are definately a great carry weapon. I have a few carry weapons myself (PPK, PPK/S, S&W 637 642 60, Taurus 731 605, Seecamp, Beretta 85) and have my own opinions as to what is best. As far as my own person weapons go, I think the best all around carry weapon I have is the Kahr MK40. It has power, portability, concealability, and style.

February 15, 2007, 09:45 PM	#5
brett30030 Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2006 Location: Buford, Georgia Posts: 198	After reading that ramble, i think you should carry an AK

February 16, 2007, 04:50 AM	#7
Beretta92 Member Join Date: September 28, 2006 Posts: 77	Thanks For The replies.. Of course While at the Gunshows all sorts of thinks Talk to you when your pockets are buldging with dough, Small fortune? It Is to Me!! , I will be in the look for several new toys, The ones that scream the loudest will be the winners..Buy Me!! Buy Me!! You know how you pass up a decent deal & then later find yourself drawn back to the same spot again & again, worse is when you pass & can't find the piece again, This happens alot at Huge Gunshows. Dave85 a HK P7M8 Is way too lardge & Heavy for pocket carry IMO, After carryin a Airweight for a while you'll almost forget you have it with you.. S&W has come out with several New AirLites lately, Several which I haven't handled Yet, 340SS M&P 340 come to mind.. These have Carbon or Stainless cylinders instead of Titainium, This is a Topic All By Itself.. I wouldn't mind a MOD342 even though it's a +P 38spl, I doubt there's many guys out there who could shoot more than 5 shots of 357 Magnum through a 12-13oz AirLite without damage to thier hands.. Still Looking For The perfect Carry Weapon!! Gary/Beretta92/Headknocker

February 16, 2007, 09:55 AM	#10
slow944 Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2006 Location: DFW,TX Posts: 406	I've found that I like the new Taurus MILPRO PT145. Light weight 10+1 runds of 45ACP, very reliable, and only costs on average $325. Comes with a lifetime warranty from Taurus and only weights 20oz's. Thay also make it in the every popular 9mm and .40 cals. Comes in blue, matte or stainless finishes. Go to your favorite gun range and rent one and you'll see how well made they are and also their reliability.

February 16, 2007, 11:51 AM	#11
Michigunner Senior Member Join Date: May 14, 2005 Posts: 143	Beretta92, I read that the S&W 642 revolver is the best selling, most popular J-frame. Gold Dot makes 38 Special +P Short Barrel ammunition. It is designed to expand properly with the J-frame. The muzzle energy is reported to be 222 ft/lbs. I was surprised how well it disappears using the Robert Mika rounded holster. Bill

February 16, 2007, 06:07 PM	#12
Beretta92 Member Join Date: September 28, 2006 Posts: 77	I've Had a S&W 642-2, 442-2, & a Glock 19, Two of them actually.. I'm lookin for an Airweight, But after reading about Titainium Cylinders will probobly get one with a Steel Cylinder..It's all up to what I find & at what price.. The 642/442 weigh 15ozs & Must J Frame AirLites around 12-13ozs with Magnum Capabilities.. I've always wanted a Glock 26 or Lightweight Kahr?? Kel-Tec?? I want something that'll be with me all the time because it's so cool & lightweight & small.. S&W MOD342!!

February 16, 2007, 06:17 PM	#13
hpg Senior Member Join Date: September 14, 2002 Location: in the Bluegrass State Posts: 1,610	I have been doing the same for years. I've decided that it doesn't exist for me. SO I do the best I can with my Glocks and S&W Jframes.......hpg __________________ NRA member Semper Paratus

February 16, 2007, 06:30 PM	#14
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,177	I spent way too much time and money buying-and-trying. Finally bought a Kahr PM9. Shortly after buying it and putting several hundred rounds downrange, I sold five j-frames. Subsequently I bought a Kahr P45 which allowed me to sell several other handguns... These days I just buy ammo

February 16, 2007, 06:33 PM	#15
roadrash Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 367	The 642 is the perfect compromise,(its light enough)the atomic guns are overpriced!You are paying about $100 additional dollars for every ounce you shave off,considering the vicous recoil of the scandium and titanium guns you will probably never shoot magnums out of it much anyways.There is a reason the 642 is Smiths best seller(across the whole line,not just the J frames).I would look for a good deal on the 642, and use the money you save on some quality leather and ammo,or another 642!

February 16, 2007, 06:53 PM	#16
FirstFreedom Junior member Join Date: May 31, 2004 Location: The Toll Road State, U.S.A. Posts: 12,451	The perfect carry weapon depends on you and your mode of carry. For me, I have yet to find a gun that improves upon the Kahr MK9-9093 BOX for smartcarry, and ditto on the CZ 75 Compact (PCR) pistol for OWB carry with covering garment.

February 16, 2007, 10:53 PM	#17
tdman Junior Member Join Date: March 28, 2006 Posts: 6	Don't forget the Kel Tec P11.

February 17, 2007, 12:10 AM	#18
Straight Shooter Member Join Date: April 30, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 21	Hk P2000

February 17, 2007, 12:23 AM	#19
DeathRodent Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2006 Posts: 209	Colt gov't model .380 --- i'd say the kahr but I hear (read) they aren't reliable or durable

February 17, 2007, 12:33 AM	#20
Thunderhawk88 Junior member Join Date: January 14, 2007 Location: So. California, Desert style. Posts: 745	If you ask 500 people you'll get 750 answers. There are so many variables....weather...clothing...mood....so one "perfect" carry weapon doesn't exist, but several can come close to the perfect set.

February 17, 2007, 01:43 AM	#21
EIGHTYDUECE Senior Member Join Date: July 19, 2001 Posts: 578	Makarov __________________ "KNEES IN THE BREEZE" "Shop Smart, Shop S-Mart"- ASH

February 17, 2007, 09:20 AM	#22
Beretta92 Member Join Date: September 28, 2006 Posts: 77	Off To The Gunshow!! We'll See!! Hopeing For a Pre Lock S&W 342 or 340PD, G26/G27, Kel-Tec P3AT????????

February 17, 2007, 10:59 PM	#23
Beretta92 Member Join Date: September 28, 2006 Posts: 77	Gunshow Scores @ Cave City KY Well I may have found two perfect carry weapons today.. I traded my S&W MOD60 for a Mint MOD642 & Bought a SIG Sauer P239 SAS 40 S&W too Boot.. Here's a pic of the 642, The Centennial with the antler S&W Grips at the top next to my MOD940 with Ivorys & My Pre40 Centennial.. Have a Look at The killer SIG, I'm in love with both show finds today, Drove almost 200 miles in the snow for these two.. The Trade on the 642 was great & I Paid $550 Cash For The SIG.. I'm a Happy Man!! I wanted a Pre MIM, Pre Lock, Pre Crappy Finish Airweight & the 642 fits the bill, In fact It's a Pre Airweight, There's Only a S&W Logo On that side of the revolver.. Weight 15ozs.. Both of todays Finds Could pass for new, The SIGs extra mag has never been out of the cosmoline bag, I'd guess It has 50-100 rounds through it, The MOD642 maybe a Box maybe.. There Both MINT!! I also Got a Nice Leather Holster For The SIG Plus a Box of Law Enforcement 155gr Starfire 40 S&W ammo.. I saw a P239 SAS @ a local dealer & They wanted $899..WOW!! My Crappy Pic Doesn't do either Justice.. Gary/B92

February 18, 2007, 09:43 PM	#24
Beretta92 Member Join Date: September 28, 2006 Posts: 77	Here's another Pic of the SIG Sauer P239 SAS & S&W MOD642 all cleaned up & with some better carry grips on the Centennial.. Lovin Both These New Carry Pieces, Now which one to carry? BOTH!!

February 18, 2007, 11:18 PM	#25
clem Junior member Join Date: April 17, 2001 Location: Arizona Territory Posts: 847