I'm looking at getting a reliable handgun to carry with me when I go camping and riding my motorcycle. I've been looking at getting a Bersa Thunder 380, but I'm not sure what other options I would have for a $300~ gun.

My requirements:

1. Reliable and durable IE, the AK-47 of handguns if possible
2. Compact, I want to be able to conceal this easily (I am LEO so I can CC)
3. Hammer fired: I don't like striker fired handguns, if I get a squib, I want to be able to pull the trigger again to see if it hits the primer better
4. Stainless steel if possible.

If I think of anything else, I'll update this post. Thanks!

Please dont be one of those guys that rides "concealed" not realizing the wind has blown his shirt up and the world see's his 'concealed' weapon, causing everyone and their brother to dial 911...

 

I ride with full riding gear: Jacket, gloves, etc. The gun will most likely go in a shoulder holster rig, if not then my jacket has a pocket large enough to hold a compact handgun.

 

Oh dear... how much experience do you have with handguns?

 

What would make you assume I don't have any experience?

I've been shooting guns for years. I'm also in law enforcement, so I have to stay qualified. I've just never owned a compact handgun, so I've never researched them as much.

 

J frame.
38 special, 357 magnum, even 9mm or 40 S&W.

 

+1 its hard to go wrong with a J frame..i carry my 640-1 a lot i normally always carry on my person when riding but i usually also throw my 640-1 into my tank bag on my weak side and my M&P40 or XDS on my left side

 

You could get one of those cool, Lorenzo Llammas leather shotgun holsters! haha

 

S&W 340PD 5-shot 357 magnum. Reliable, very concealable (12 oz), anti-FTF just pull the trigger again, titanium and scandium (no rust).

More like $700 than $300 but worth every penny. I believe S&W makes a version with a steel (heavier) cylinder for a few dollars less.

 

$700 is just way out of my budget. I have a nice 4" .357, I just want something small and semi-auto to carry with me.

 

I have a Keltec PF9 for pocket carry and for your situation a compact like a Springfield XD40c, .45 or 9 should be easily concealed with riding gear on.

Course just about all the main gun manufacturers sell their versions of the double stack compacts anymore.

I know you said hammer not striker. I used to feel the same way until I got used to striker fired DAO's. Now it's all I will buy.

Same way I felt about semi-autos when my duty carry was a S&W .357.
I eventually warmed up to semi-autos then too.

.

 

I've just had issues over my years of shooting with a round not firing and having to rack the slide back instead of just pulling the trigger again for a second try at it. My uncle had a Kahr 9mm that always had issues with hitting the primer hard enough. I know that is just an issue with the gun, but I guess growing up with 1911s and revolvers I just like the feel of a hammer on a gun. I don't care for my duty Glock 22 at all, but I shoot it quite well (and have to).

 

I don't see the issue. If my gun fails to fire, I automatically clear it. One response to anything where it doesn't fire is simpler, and better.

Also, no reason to carry a heavier gun than you have to.

 

I also just prefer hammer fired. Grew up firing mainly hammer fired 1911s and revolvers, just don't care for striker fired or polymer guns. Just my preference.

A Walther PPK .380 would work nicely. But they are around $650 or a bit more, new. If you can find a good used one that might be closer to your budget.
http://www.impactguns.com/walther-ppk-380acp-da-ss-vah38002-723364460012.aspx



If you went with a .32 ACP the Beretta Tomcat would fill the bill. The plain versions are under $400. (I have a Tomcat and really like it.)
http://www.impactguns.com/beretta-tomcat-32acp-matte-j320104-082442159669.aspx

Just my opinion.

I like the PPK, and looked at a few used ones, but they all command a premium higher than I am willing to pay. As far as .32 ACP, I would have to order all ammo for it, as the local stores don't stock it.

Your budget is the limiter.
Realistically, you are looking at something like a Bersa, KelTec, or Taurus. Even if you go J frame you're probably looking Taurus or Rossi.

You might consider one of the Taurus' like a 709 slim, they have a second strike feature that allows you to hit a hard primer again.

Of course, you may want to just carry decent ammo... In all my years carrying and shooting, I can't think of a half dozen centerfire primers that I've ever had not fire, and they were all on cheaper target or plinking ammo.

IMHO, I'd carry my duty weapon and be done with it. Dress around your weapon, at least until you get a better budget. YMMV.
ETA- Also, can you even carry a 380 off duty? Most of my LE friends depts have pretty strict guidelines about what weapons they're allowed to carry off duty.

Only thing with my duty weapon is that it is a Glock 22, so it is a bit large to conceal and I don't want something that bulky on me while I ride. I also don't really care for the glock, despite having to use one and being proficient with it. Always been a full-metal gun kinda guy.

 

What would make you assume I don't have any experience?

I've been looking at getting a Bersa Thunder 380

you answered your own question in your first post. twice. Bersa. .380

 

I've read nothing but good reviews for the Bersa Thunder 380. Granted, I do prefer a larger caliber than a .380, but I can get a much smaller handgun in .380.

 

A Walther PPK .380 would work nicely. But they are around $650 or a bit more, new. If you can find a good used one that might be closer to your budget.
http://www.impactguns.com/walther-ppk-380acp-da-ss-vah38002-723364460012.aspx



If you went with a .32 ACP the Beretta Tomcat would fill the bill. The plain versions are under $400. (I have a Tomcat and really like it.)
http://www.impactguns.com/beretta-tomcat-32acp-matte-j320104-082442159669.aspx

Just my opinion.

 

I know you are thinking hammer equipped small semi-auto pistols but do yourself a favor and look at one of the Taurus PT-111 G2 pistols in 9mm. These are striker fired but have a double strike capability in the event of a hard primer...plus have a frame mounted manual safety. I've owned an earlier version (linked below) for 5 years or so and it is absolutely reliable. Taurus supplies them with two 12 round magazines but Sig P226 mags fit and function well. I have a Mec-Gar 18 round Sig P226 magazine for mine...gives the little guy a lot more firepower. Academy Sports sells the PT-111 G2 models for $329.00. The link below is for the pre-G2....same price though.

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_133828_-1__?N=

 

I'll second the Taurus 9mm. SA/DA and quite reliable. I have a titanium 609 that's especially light for the size and corrosion resistant. Super reliable for me, but I know they stopped making them. Titanium being too expensive to turn a good profit margin.

Personally not a fan of the most modern Taurus 9s anyway. Too glockish for my taste.

The thing is, hammer fired isn't going to happen for 300 unless you want a revolver.

If you go with anything less than 9mm, though, make sure you're loading fmj. HPs give you very poor penetration and most brands won't expand well anyway.

 

I know op said no striker.. But for motorcycle riding and depending on the mood, I carry either a G26(best imo), Officers 1911, or Colt single action Mustang Pocketlite(stainless) in .380.

 

I would check out the Ruger LCR, compact and .357

 

Haha...great minds think alike....and at the same time too i guess.

 

Ruger LCR .38 comes to mind. Used they go for around your $300 budget.

 

Where then hell did you find an LCR for $300? I'll take 2.

 

exactly i see them for 350ish used normally

 

My recommendations:
1) Get a shoulder holster for your carry gun and carry it and save yourself some money. You're carrying one of the best combat handguns in the world, and with your budget, you're going to be getting something far inferior to it.
2) Quit buying cheap ammo, I'm 32 years old and been shooting since I was 4. In all that time, I've only had failures to fire with extremely crappy ammo (wolf, tula) and poor reloads.
3) Learn how to clear a jam properly. Trying to fire a dud (not a squib) a second time is foolish IMHO. Especially if you're carrying it for defense. Tap-Rack-Bang. Malfunction clearances should be part of your qualifications for the police dept.


A glock 22 is extremely easy to conceal with the right holster and clothing. (I conceal a glock 21 in an IWB holster regularly and have never been seen with it, I'm 6'1", 220lbs for reference). My instructor (the local sherrifs dept trainer, carries his dury glock 22 and his 1911 concealed when he's off duty, and he's 5'8", 140lbs. If you're wearing a riding jacket, you could conceal a freaking pistol gripped shotgun pretty easily.

 

Yes, it is concealable, but I just want a smaller gun to carry around with me. It is personal preference. Yes, malfunctions are a part of my qualifications too. I am just trying to justify my like of hammer-fired over striker-fired guns I've just always preferred SA or SA/DA handguns.

 

What do you carry as your duty gun?

You might look into a P99 or SW99 compact... striker fired with the capability of second strike. Its pretty small, light enough.

 

I carry a Glock 22 as my duty gun. I did like the P99, but not many show up around here.

How about a CZ 83 in .380? I know its not light or the smallest but its DA with a hammer and all steel. I think they look cool to boot.





Glassman66

I've been trying to find a CZ for quite some time near me, almost had one once. They are commanding a premium now it seems.

.380 pistols are often blow back pistols and have a lot of felt recoil. Check the action of your intended purchase. blow back is OK for .22LR but gets annoying in 380.
Just a thought

I don't mind felt recoil, I kinda like it. I don't shoot my .22 much because I can't even tell I'm firing the gun. There is next to no recoil in it.

Being a retired LEO and a rider, from your description a PPK is probably your best bet. I carried one off duty and as a backup gun for many years. Still have mine but it's a safe queen these days. I have a vertical chest rig and carry a S&W 340PD 3" or a S&W60 3" in it these days. Something to think about is adding a lanyard if you ever plan to use it from the bike........Ride Safe.........

Vertical chest rig was what I was thinking of doing, the one that hooks to my belt. Would be comfortable and wouldn't move around like a normal shoulder holster.

Really a leather Jacket can stop a .380? Now that I have got to see! I would love to know where you got that info from? I doubt a heavy leather jacket would stop a .25acp let alone a 380. A .380 will kill you, absolutely no if's and or buts about it. Many say it's barely adequate, many say it's barely inadequate. Any EMT would know that a large caliber miss is not better then a smaller calliber hit to a major organ, vein, artery ect.....

As for the Op, the S&W bodyguard in .380 isn't to far outta your budget. They can be had for $380-$420. 6+1 plus a manual thumb safety. Not to mention it's DAO and you mentioned that you like that.

I like SA or DA/SA, I really don't like DAO guns at all.

Actually, Bersa's are decently made firearms. They're one of the biggest producers in SA. I woned one and it was a quality piece. Personally I'd get on e in 32ACP or even 22LR if I was going to again.




And I'd do the above because of this. The Bersa Thunder 380 is a fixed barrel, blowback design. Reliable and accurate, but allows for much more felt recoil than the lighter caliber should, or would, in a Browning system for instance..
My Kahr CM9 doesn't recoil as much as my Thunder 380 did, and it's lighter and smaller. Not that either is intimidating or intense, just something to think about.

I had someone offer me a .32 ACP Bersa, but I just don't ever see the ammo locally, plus the .380 is barely adequate as most people say, I can only imagine that the .32 ACP is less powerful.

Just thought about it. but one of the MAK variants might be right up your alley.
FEG, Makarov, CZ, and others are out there. In your price range too. They seem to get good reviews.
Very similar styling to the Bersa's also.

I would LOVE to own a Makarov, I love those little guns, only thing is they take a 9x18mm, which I cannot find on the shelves here locally.

 

How about a CZ 83 in .380? I know its not light or the smallest but its DA with a hammer and all steel. I think they look cool to boot.





Glassman66

 

.380 pistols are often blow back pistols and have a lot of felt recoil. Check the action of your intended purchase. blow back is OK for .22LR but gets annoying in 380.
Just a thought

 

Being a retired LEO and a rider, from your description a PPK is probably your best bet. I carried one off duty and as a backup gun for many years. Still have mine but it's a safe queen these days. I have a vertical chest rig and carry a S&W 340PD 3" or a S&W60 3" in it these days. Something to think about is adding a lanyard if you ever plan to use it from the bike........Ride Safe.........

 

Just thought about it. but one of the MAK variants might be right up your alley.
FEG, Makarov, CZ, and others are out there. In your price range too. They seem to get good reviews.
Very similar styling to the Bersa's also.

 

Look into getting a polish p-64. They are 9x18 makarov caliber, very accurate, and even more reliable. I do recommend a wolff spring kit to tune the main/hammer spring to your liking as the first pull in DA can be pretty rough. Mine is over 22 lbs haha... SA is fantastic though! They can be had for mid 200s in lightly used condition and ammo is very cheap

 

As for ammo, ask a local small shop if they would consider carrying it for you. We have a couple here that do now

 

have 2 I carry a Keltec 40 and a Springfield ultra compact 1911 in stainless....................