small caliber defence

[donald davis]

The only hand gun that fits my hand comfortably and fit s my pants pocket well{the only place I will carry a hand gun} is the .25 Beretta bobcat ! So why can't I carry it for self defence without enduring all the abuse from mega hand gun carriers ? I know I would not carry a larger hand gun around with me and I need to carry a handgun for self defence . I haven't purchased it yet.

[Mike]

Welcome,
I can sympathize with you on that one because there are many times that I can't carry anything bigger than a small pocket pistol. However, today you can find .32's that are as small as the .25's and the power difference is substantial. I strongly suggest that you look at the KelTec P32 and NAA Guardian .32 before making your final decision. I happen to own both of these and personally prefer the Guardian, but both are reliable and give me a much better sense of security than if I were carrying a .25. Granted the .32 isn't any great shakes but it really is a much better round. Regards, Mike

[Slick]

Hello Donald,
The general consensus is that 9mm (or 38 spl in a revolver) is the smallest caliber acceptable for self defense. It is also common knowledge that having a .22 in your pocket is better than having nothing at all.
I think Mike makes a good point about stepping up a bit in caliber w/o going to a larger platform (many European cops still use the .32), but if at the end of your search you find the Bobcat is the only thing you feel comfortable with - go for it. You just need to realize the limitations of the gun you're carrying, and train to shoot accordingly. I'm sure it will still be a good deterrent to your average mugger, but realize you might not have the stopping power to drop a more persistent BG, especially one hopped up on drugs. Ignore the abuse from the "it's not big enough" crowd, I get grief from some for carrying ONLY a 9mm! Carry something you feel comfortable with and can conceal to your satisfaction. Then shoot it a bunch and be able to hit what you aim at!
Yes, a 9mm or bigger would be better, and there are some pretty small ones out there. However, if you leave it at home because it's too difficult for you to carry, it does less good than the .25 (or .32, or whatever). Good luck!
Slick

[22/22mag]

The Beretta bobcat .25 was my first gun .I bought it over the gunstore owners worry that the .25 wasn't a power round .This was 10-12 years ago.The Bretta has never once had a problem.The thumb safety is great a little tight when new.(might have to oil and work it )I did not feel under powered with the 8+1 in pipe.Thats nine shots in a gun so easy to use.



I now carry the P-32 Kel-Tec .32 as it is so lightweight (6.6 oz empty)I forget its there.The only thing thats concerns me is the lack of a saftey and worry that keys or other items might snag on the trigger .

I found that soon after buying a gun I would advoid going to areas were I might have to use it.

Have you loked at the NAA.380 Guardian about the same size mabey 4oz heavyer then the bobcat.

Good advice from Slick and Mike.Shoot every chance you get.
22/mag

[dubbleakshun]

I reckon it's confession time;the first centerfire pistol I owned was for concealed and carry,one that I could wear in my hip pocket or in a small holster with my shirt tail out.It was a .25 caliber semi-auto.It was an accurate little pistol with speed and very little noise.I was only seventeen and at the time I couldn't buy ammunition for a pistol caliber.There was something going on where all of the pistol ammunition sold was being recorded with proof of I.D. of 21 years of age.I had bought the pistol from my cousin,it was brand new,it was smooth blued steel with black checkered grips.I didn't have much choice in pistols because of my age but working nights,and having been robbed once,it gave me something I did not have before;firepower.Even a .25 can be a menacing threat to an otherwise defenseless situation involving multiple assailants.

[GreyWolfe11]

This is probably the most talked/written about thread of conversation on this site as well as any other firearm forums (ie. shops, shows, etc.).

I was just reading one of the other posts by 'Ladybug', I think, who was remarking about being badgered into trading in her very comfortable .380 for a .45 that she is unaccustomed and unhappy with all because she was told a .380 was inadequate defense. Bottom line, if you are going to carry and intrust you life to a weapon it needs to be an extension of yourself; In a crisis situation your body will automatically resort to instinct/training, so naturally your weapon must be an extension of that. Referring back to what Slick stated, " a .22 in your pocket is better than nothing at all..."; absolutely - most people flinch when you point a rubber band at them. No?

Take your odds; You'll have more success with a 6'5 240# drugged out mugger carrying a few .25 rounds in his chest than not. What if you aren't carrying a firearm, but choose to carry an edged weapon? Is there no room for a pocket knife, or should you be badgered into wielding a broad sword?