xgep wrote:
Quote:
Let me ask you this, as an "expert," do you recommend that the guy carry a .380?Never said I'm an expert.
My recommendations were above, if he feels the need to carry, evaluate the best way to do it and see if it works for him. I hate fanny packs but they are basically the only way to feasibly carry on a bike. As for choice of caliber/firearm my suggestion would be to carry the largest gun/caliber the person can shoot accurately. Modern bullet design has made most caliber considerations irrelevant, though .380 would not be my first choice of defensive caliber. A glock 43 is basically identical in size to the .380 version, and .38 revolvers are often smaller but with better performance. The only important thing in that conversation is whether or not the OP can shoot that gun/caliber accurately. Only hits matter, and only hits in important areas are effective. A .22LR can be dangerous as hell in the right hands.
Wow. This thread has been interesting.
My recommendation is to carry the biggest caliber firearm you are comfortable shooting, and is comfortable to be carried. For "people" scenarios I carry a .380 (Glock most often, and a GREAT gun, Ruger LCP, and a Sig...but it's heavier). I practice often, and am familiar with it. When I carry it, I can barely feel it and it's easy to carry. For "critter" scenarios I carry a S&W Scandium .357. Very light, but I notice it when on me. Pulling the trigger when loaded with Buffalo Bore ammo...hurts. Hurts very much. But when faced with a Grizzly, I'll take some hand/arm pain over being chewed on.
Carry what you are comfortable operating and comfortable carrying. If it's uncomfortable in any of those categories you won't carry it...and then it doesn't matter. A .22lr is better than nothing if you know how to use it, just like a .454 is worthless if you are afraid to pull the trigger or you have left it at home.