Best very small handgun

[12cans]

I'm planning for a SHTF type situation where I need a very small concealed handgun. I have a family and am thinking of a situation (somewhat far fetched I know) where I would have a very small weapon that could be kept until really needed to likely defeat one captor/thug/etc. from close range.

What should I be looking for? Little experience with handguns on my part.

Also any comments on my envisioned scenario:

I envision a SHTF scenerio where for some reason myself and family have not been able to find shelter safety. We thus need to work together with other unprepared people (I'm thinking a hurricane katrina superdome type situation) . I could see a point where all the resources for the unprepared are gone and people start to get violent. I want something small and concealed so that if I had a chance to get my family out, I could take it.

Thanks for your input.

 

[CSK22]

I have a keltec pf9 that I love. It gets mixed reviews, but I've never had a ftf or fte..... really small, accurate, fun to carry.

 

[Dogman]

There are numerous pocket guns, the best one for you is the one that you feel comfortable with, ie training, size, ammo, price, reliability.

 

[gglass]

Three letters should cover this answer... L.C.P.

 

[G McBride]

The Ruger LCP comes to mind. Nice little pocket gun.

 

[indyjoe]

Gotta go with Kel-Tec P3AT or LCP. Just really easy to conceal when you might have to be "disarmed" by the authorities when passing through places. This can be hidden many places.

 

[Sailor]

I carry a Glock 19 everyday and it conceals fine. I work in an office with the public. If I am expecting SHTF, and need to grab a gun, I am going bigger/more capacity not smaller.

It sounds like you are planning to be a refuge. That is not what you want.

 

[haldir]

S&W .38 snubby.

 

[indyjoe]

I carry a Glock 19 everyday and it conceals fine. I work in an office with the public. If I am expecting SHTF, and need to grab a gun, I am going bigger/more capacity not smaller.

It sounds like you are planning to be a refuge. That is not what you want.

I don't plan on being a refuge. However, I could see a situation where to get certain places you would be checked enough that a typical strong side concealed G19/23 would be found and confiscated. Might not be legal to do so, but that didn't stop them in Katrina.

I don't expect it to happen. However, a small pocket pistol helps keep options open when we know not what 5 or 10 years may bring.

 

[12cans]

It sounds like you are planning to be a refuge. That is not what you want.

Agreed. I'm just looking out for a case where for whatever reason my plans for family safety did not work out and I'm stuck in the city or other controlled environment.

Thanks all for your replies.

 

[Glock Lover]

I like my PF9 it's been unbelievable. It's has 9mm power, very very small and concealable. Mine has NEVER failed with about 6 trips to the range so far with it. Love this weapon for ultra concealment.

 

[Crystalship1]

I like my PF9 it's been unbelievable. It's has 9mm power, very very small and concealable. Mine has NEVER failed with about 6 trips to the range so far with it. Love this weapon for ultra concealment.

Yep!!! And if that's too big for for you the 3AT or LCP would be good.

 

[Bigum1969]

I'm going to throw in a vote for a Kahr PM9. Small and shoots well.

I also like the fact it is a 9mm vs. .380.

 

[joslar15]

Very small handgun

Well if very small is a key issue, and you are in close quarters, I am very pleased with my .25 Colt Junior. It has been very reliable for me and very concealable!

 

[dascollector]

The P3AT or LCP would also be my choices, although the Kahr PM9 is pretty close in terms of size. The normal "definitive" chart can be found at http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf. I found it quite useful when making my decision.

 

[WestSider]

My LCP with CT laser is the best backup gun I have ever had. I don't see myself ever getting rid of it.

 

[crk74]

would recommend kel-tec or seecamp .32 is a great one but high end.

 

[KingWeb50]

look at that s&w revolver someone has for sale in the wts ads those are really lite

 

[drd]

I'm going to throw in a vote for a Kahr PM9. Small and shoots well.

I also like the fact it is a 9mm vs. .380.

Here's another vote for the Kahr PM9. Excellent quality. It is a little bigger so you will have to decide for your self.

 

[RHurt919]

Might sound crazy, but a Glock 27 I think is a good "smaller gun". I cant live without mine. I carry that everywhere and never had a problem not being able to conceal it.