[JAXjam]

I was hoping to gain some guidance from some of our seasoned members on picking up a second gun. I am greener than green with respect to firearms. I'm one month into my CWL wait and I have a new Kel-Tech PF9. It was going to be my EDC but I started thinking about getting a smaller gun...the P-3AT(.380).

However, I just saw a post where someone turned in their PF9 for the Walther P22. I've been watching reviews of this gun and it looks nice. It seems dependable, uses inexpensive/available .22 caliber ammo AND was even recommended by an Owner of a Security Consulting firm here on the first coast.

I'm thinking that I can buy this and take it to the range and practice AND find ammo very easily...AND even carry it concealled too. My only concern is the things that I'm not familiar with: reliability, difficulty to take apart and clean.

I still plan on keeping my PF9. Any recommendations on a pistol that will be greatly appreciated.

 

[dudester]

Keep your PF-9 and maybe pickup something bigger with more capacity for times when you can carry something larger. How about an M&P or Glock or XD or ????

Check this out for a cool pocket holster for the PF-9 http://floridaconcealedcarry.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=3121

 

[Wraith]

Wear what you feel comfortable with.

I carry (CC) a full-size .45 on myself at all times.

My calves are too big, so I can't properly carry an 'ankle' weapon.

 

[deadeyedick]

A .22 LR is a good idea for a range gun, but I would strongly caution you against carrying one for self-defense. Rimfire cartridges are much more prone to misfires than centerfire cartridges; the only way I would recommend one for self-defense would be for somebody who absolutely cannot handle anything more powerful.

Personally, I would not consider a pistol such as the Kel-Tec P3AT suitable as a primary carry weapon (and I own one), but it makes an excellent BUG. You already own a relatively small pistol; why not go in the other direction and pick up a full-size service pistol (any major brand should serve you well) or perhaps a double-action revolver?

 

[Sig229Elite.357]

A .22 can be just as deadly as any other firearm. Meaning, it can kill. The challenge you face "in my humble opinion" is that what is done to you between the time that the purp/BG has been shot and the bullet takes affect. If a BG attacks you and you shoot him with your .22 there is a good chance he will have time to seriously hurt you before he dies/falls from your shooting efforts. I've never heard of anyone suggesting a .22 for self defence, only plinking/shooting range. It's enjoyable to go plinking with because of the cost of ammo but to use as a carry weapon personally, I wouldn't do it.

Just my .02

 

[MamaBear]

Coming from a girl who whined that she couldn't hide anything bigger than a .380 I'm now a firm believer in having a 9mm for my EDC. I really am going to whine that I honestly can't hide anything bigger due to wardrobe choice.

There is so much to package up into what is called 'how to select an EDC'. You have your own situational awareness, your level of skill and your mindset. It did not take me long to decide that all of this combined left me with the feeling that my little LCP was not enough for me. I only carry it on Sunday due to my formal attire.

I'm not at my level in training or skill that I can defend myself without anything on me at all, I don't carry a knife, so the 9mm works for me...along with an extra mag in the pocket. *Note to self: Get Dave to make me a mag carrier.

 

[MPDC66]

I, personally, like 9MM for carry. I have a PF-9 also and a Glock 17. If I bought another Glock, it would be for a 19 to get a bit smaller without going mini like the 26 (got the PF9, right?)

I'll say this. The PF-9 can be a handful, especially for a beginner. However, learn to shoot it right and you can shoot anything! Because of its size, trigger control is particularly critical as is a firm grip. Practicing these with it will , IMHO, improve your skill with other guns. OTOH, IF it discourages you from shooting and you develop bad habits (trigger jerk from anticipation, heeling) you would be better with a LARGER , heavier weapon untill you are proficient with that.

I would buy a bigger 9MM , standardize my ammo and practice. The little .380 is a nice back pocket pistol too but having both, IMHO, is redundant. Consider a wallet style , front pocket holster for your PF9.

 

[Pacifico]

Second gun

I carry a XD40SC, in a Little Bear IWB, love both of them. Just picked up a S&W 22A for the range. Gander Mt by JAX has the 22A for $249.

 

[Mac45]

For any serious social work, I would suggest against anything less powerful than a 9mm. Besides the less powerful cartridge, it is really difficult to find any .380 ammo at the moment. 9mm, in comparison is much easier to come by. As you can't carry yet, you might want to consider a used .22. They can be found for between $200 and $300 dollars and can be bought new for under $350. They are cheap to shoot, so you can spend a lot of time honing your accuracy skills, and they are fun. If you go the .22 route, I would suggest that you buy a good quality target/sport pistol from a major manufacturer. The vest pocket guns are pretty much useless for anything other than a last ditch hideout weapon.

 

[Pacifico]

S&w 22a

Just got back from the range. Great accuracy right out of the box. Had one ftf in 50 rounds. Fun and cheap to shoot.

Also tried my new XS Big Dot on my XD, very pleased. Just what an old guy with tri-focals needs.

istols

 

[J T]

I own a Walther P22. Yes it's a fun range plinker. IMHO, there's no way its reliability or caliber is sufficient for use as a carry weapon.