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Gun for self defense while traveling and small hands.

fuzzybabybunny

fuzzybabybunny

Moderator<br>Digital & Video Cameras
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So I might look into getting a gun for self defense (as opposed to offense and storming castles and stuff) while traveling and road tripping and camping. I need something very lightweight and small.

I've got pretty small hands. The Walther P22 and Colt 1911 fit me very well. The Walther P99 and H&K USP do NOT.

PS: Last night I had a dream about a revolver. I dunno why. I know revolvers are simple, reliable, and uncomplicated, but I always get bogged down by thoughts of reload speed. But then of course how often am I going to have to reload? Couldn't I just carry an extra speedloader on me?
 
If you need to reload your six gun, you probably either A) need to practice a lot more before you consider going out in public with your gun, 2) need to think about why you'd need more than 6 rounds for whatever you'd be doing with it or C) rethink ever actually getting a gun because you probably shouldn't be trusted with one.
 
heh...well there are several potential problems with carrying a gun for self defense while road tripping...every state has different laws regarding carrying a loaded handgun on your person, open or concealed. You'd need to look into the laws int he states you want to travel to see what these laws are. Most states require you to have a concealed handgun permit to carry concealed.

http://ccw.azdps.gov/reciprocity/default.asp

there is the page for the arizona permit, so you're in luck in that regards...you can apply for and recieve a CHP unless you're a felon. There is also a link on that page that has the reciprocity with other states, important for your road trips. Something a lot of other people do is get a Nevada or florida 'non-resident' permit. They have reciprocity agreement with the most states, so you can cover yourself pretty well that way.

I'd take a look at the glock sub-compacts, something like a G27. Also consider caliber, i'd go to a range that lets you shoot guns, and see what you prefer to shoot.

I'd recommend taking a look at www.defensivecarry.com - it has a wealth of information about carrying concealed. There is also www.opencarry.org which has a lot of information about open carrying and a forum just for your state.

Also if you're serious at all about buying a handgun, buy now before Jan 21 or you'll probably be paying ~50% higher prices due to taxes.

Be prepared for lots of "OMG" looks if you decide to open carry 🙂 I think it's funny when people ask me "is that thing real!?"


EDIT: regarding a revolver...they are simple, they can't jam...but in self defense stories I've read, the best shooter at the range can become pretty shaky under a self defense situation. a GOOD hit % in a heat of the moment situation is around 30-40% on a good day...so keep that in mind. only 2 and a half of your 6 rounds might hit the target, and the chances of those being enough to successfully STOP the threat...well, you do the math.
 
Originally posted by: LordMaul
If you need to reload your six gun, you probably either A) need to practice a lot more before you consider going out in public with your gun, 2) need to think about why you'd need more than 6 rounds for whatever you'd be doing with it or C) rethink ever actually getting a gun because you probably shouldn't be trusted with one.
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so do you have a gun recommendation?
 
Sure, try one of these.

Small, lightweight, semi-auto, and you can pick from a few different calibers.

Gonna need to practice with it quite a bit, though, as the trigger pulls are 10 miles long and you won't hit jack shit if you're not used to it.
 
Originally posted by: LordMaul
Sure, try one of these.

Small, lightweight, semi-auto, and you can pick from a few different calibers.

Gonna need to practice with it quite a bit, though, as the trigger pulls are 10 miles long and you won't hit jack shit if you're not used to it.
Click to expand...

i'm getting training from a cop friend of mine and i plan to spend considerable time at the range.
 
I would get a Smith & Wesson J Frame. Easy to conceal, packs a good enough punch with .38 special +P (or .357 mag if you get that version), and very light.
 
My wife has a taurus .357 snub nose revolver.

It holds 5 rounds and has incredible stopping power.

It fits in her small hands just perfect.

You can use .38 specials in it also.

I don't like it myself though since my hand is way to big for it, it feels like it's gonna fly out of my hand every time I fire it.

My index, middle, and only part of my ring fingers fit on the grip, my pinky and part of my ring finger go beyond it.
 
What kind of dangerous animals might you be running into while camping? If it is a full-grown bear, then you will need some heavier fire power (unless you are an excellent shot even when beset upon unexpectedly) than something you will need to bring down a mad dog, otherwise you will just make it mad, like Mongo.
 
Originally posted by: lokiju
My wife has a taurus .357 snub nose revolver.

It holds 5 rounds and has incredible stopping power.

It fits in her small hands just perfect.

You can use .38 specials in it also.

I don't like it myself though since my hand is way to big for it, it feels like it's gonna fly out of my hand every time I fire it.

My index, middle, and only part of my ring fingers fit on the grip, my pinky and part of my ring finger go beyond it.
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I was going to suggest Taurus as well. Inexpensive, decent workmanship, fits hands, meets all my specifications.
I have the pt140
That is a dime on the paper for size comparison.
 
Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
What kind of dangerous animals might you be running into while camping? If it is a full-grown bear, then you will need some heavier fire power (unless you are an excellent shot even when beset upon unexpectedly) than something you will need to bring down a mad dog, otherwise you will just make it mad, like Mongo.
Click to expand...

My Glock 9mm will take down a Grizzly yo.
 
Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
What kind of dangerous animals might you be running into while camping? If it is a full-grown bear, then you will need some heavier fire power (unless you are an excellent shot even when beset upon unexpectedly) than something you will need to bring down a mad dog, otherwise you will just make it mad, like Mongo.
Click to expand...

It depends on where you are, but bears, cougars, wolverines, etc. They're all pretty dangerous if you run into them and a gun goes a long way to either scaring them off (in the case of a bear) or shooting them on sight (in the case of a wolverine, which is probably the scariest little mother fucker on earth).

As for the OP, your issue is going to be applicable law in the state you're traveling in. I know that without a permit you can buy any weapon made before 1899 or any replica. You can own them and keep them in your house without issue. You can also transport them to and from a range to shoot.

Once you start driving around with it, though, you're going to need a carrying permit. Those are harder to obtain and the laws vary state-to-state. It can also take months to go through all the red tape. That means you'd have to plan out your trips in advance, apply for a permit in each state, and hopefully be approved before you even set foot out the door.
 
My recommendation is a Glock 19. It's small and definitely reliable. Just be sure of all of the state laws where you plan on bringing it. Being arrested for a firearms offense is not a good thing.
 
Originally posted by: BeauJangles
Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
What kind of dangerous animals might you be running into while camping? If it is a full-grown bear, then you will need some heavier fire power (unless you are an excellent shot even when beset upon unexpectedly) than something you will need to bring down a mad dog, otherwise you will just make it mad, like Mongo.
Click to expand...

It depends on where you are, but bears, cougars, wolverines, etc. They're all pretty dangerous if you run into them and a gun goes a long way to either scaring them off (in the case of a bear) or shooting them on sight (in the case of a wolverine, which is probably the scariest little mother fucker on earth).

As for the OP, your issue is going to be applicable law in the state you're traveling in. I know that without a permit you can buy any weapon made before 1899 or any replica. You can own them and keep them in your house without issue. You can also transport them to and from a range to shoot.

Once you start driving around with it, though, you're going to need a carrying permit. Those are harder to obtain and the laws vary state-to-state. It can also take months to go through all the red tape. That means you'd have to plan out your trips in advance, apply for a permit in each state, and hopefully be approved before you even set foot out the door.
Click to expand...

i think some states honor permits from others, but its not shared between all states (and some states dont honor others at all, i havent looked into all of it in a year or so)

thing is, for general concealed carry some places are really strict on where you can carry. in NC theres really not anywhere outside of personal property or the highway where it isnt a no-no to have a concealed weapon. many places have signs, and the rest are public places where you cant legally carry anyway.
 
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