[Cougar281]

Narrowed it down to 9 micro 9s based on width (and other dimensions), weight, factory trigger, mind numbing number of reviews.

Started testing but some will be hard to find to rent at ranges.

First test session was a SIG 365 and Springfield Armory Hellcat. First test was also first time firing anything this small or light. We both shoot Casulls and similar power revolvers and pistols and don't mind the recoil at all. But recoil is not just the power but also the weight of the gun and grip. Turns out the micro 9s have much less felt recoil than the larger much higher power guns we own.

Both the Sig and Hellcat were accurate enough. Susan was putting all rounds into one ragged hole standing at 15, but with very deliberate aim. No rapid fire. My groups were a little larger which could only be because I need new glasses But accuracy of the gun isn't very important for pure defense use which is not going to be much more than a few feet.

Unfortunately, the Hellcat had a much heavier trigger and did not signal the release as clearly as the SIG. And surprisingly the Hellcat slide release was so heavy Susan couldn't do it most tries, at least with just the thumb holding the gun.

Since this was at a combination range and store I have to assume they wouldn't be renting out substandard examples of the guns when trying to sell the same models new.

So, Sig stays in the competition, and we would be happy with. Hellcat is out.

Glock 43 variation and Shield Plus next.

May not be able to find some others for live fire but can at least feel trigger and grip at a gun store. I'm sure recoil won't matter and I doubt accuracy would matter at the ranges we anticipate. But dry firing a few times in a gun store won't say much about natural pointability for us.

A few others on the list, I might not even be able to find in gun stores due to shortages or dealers not stocking the brand.

Personally, I like SIG's, but Glocks are good too. You really can't go wrong with either of them. The most important factor is what you shoot well and feels comfortable to you.

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[Byrdman]

The most important factor is what you shoot well and feels comfortable to you.
Sent from my Pixel 5 using Tapatalk

In my book the "feels comfortable to you" is a huge point. Choice of an EDC and holster are very personal choices. There is no one fits all or "my gun is the best". I often choose a carry gun depending on what I'm wearing and where I'm going.

 

[Tripwire]

yes it is very difficult....summer time a shoulder harness wont work , so i resort to a small of the back one with a long T-shirt, i think my full size mp40 was not a great choice and should have gone with the smaller shield one.....o well......

 

[Jakerin]

yes it is very difficult....summer time a shoulder harness wont work , so i resort to a small of the back one with a long T-shirt, i think my full size mp40 was not a great choice and should have gone with the smaller shield one.....o well......

Same with my full size 1911 but it’s on my permit anyway.

 

[Byrdman]

Same with my full size 1911 but it’s on my permit anyway.

wow. Are you required to list guns on your permit?

 

[Tripwire]

Right?

 

[dancoleman02828]

Kimber R7 Mako. I've come to love a red dot on a pistol.

 

[LovemyDTS!]

Kimber R7 Mako. I've come to love a red dot on a pistol.

What's that chambered in? That's an interesting sight system.

 

[dancoleman02828]

What's that chambered in? That's an interesting sight system.

It's 9mm. Red dot and irons co witness. Excellent trigger and super accurate.

 

[Jakerin]

wow. Are you required to list guns on your permit?

Yep, and qualify with them.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Guess I need to change the title of my thread.

After further research, we are going to stick to our mostly revolver roots. Our revolvers are mostly .44 magnum or more powerful and very large so useless for concealed carry. I vaguely knew there were enclosed hammer J-frames but never had any idea just how narrow these 5 shooters are. As mentioned, haven't shopped any new revolvers this century so had no idea anything like the S&W 340 PD existed. 1.3" wide, 11 oz (empty) weight; Much lighter than even the aluminum J's.

Always considered the ability for Susan to fire from a purse a bonus but not enough to want the J-frames I was aware of over a micro 9 pistol. Couldn't find a 340 PD to try, but the standard J's feel fine. I'm not worried about recoil even with 357's in an 11 oz gun since should be no more than other revolvers we are comfortable with. Plus will only carry it with .38s. Gun won't be used for anything but concealed carry defense.

Got a chuckle from S&W's warning on the gun to not fire bullets under 120 grains. One theory is: with .357s the recoil from the first shot could turn such a light gun into a bullet puller for remaining rounds since lighter (shorter) bullets aren't seated as deeply. LoL

So, just deciding on which dealer to buy from now. I have no idea if there is price competition with S&W. So far just finding MSRP. I might check to see if J&G distributor in Prescott will still sell to me at law enforcement prices. I didn't carry a badge when I worked for Phoenix PD back in the 70's but J&G still sold me a lot of guns at police prices.

The 340 PD is thicker than my arbitrary pistol width goal. But by less than a 1/4 inch. Can live with that.

 

[FTSS]

I probably dwell too much on what I consider to be the vast difference between "has never jammed" v "can't jam". Appears you've found a great solution.

 

[Rolex]

Hoosier I own the 340 pd, it gets carried around a lot and shot very little. I carry it with 125 grain .357 loads.

It's a surprisingly accurate little gun. If you're only going to shoot and carry .38spl you might look at the less expensive little brother in .38spl. The 340pd retails for around a grand. I removed the internal lock from my 340 and added a set of Crimson Trace laser grips. They're a nice addition.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Hoosier I own the 340 pd, it gets carried around a lot and shot very little. I carry it with 125 grain .357 loads.

It's a surprisingly accurate little gun. If you're only going to shoot and carry .38spl you might look at the less expensive little brother in .38spl. The 340pd retails for around a grand. I removed the internal lock from my 340 and added a set of Crimson Trace laser grips. They're a nice addition.

Hey, where you been for the last year?

Will have a 340 PD in about a week. No factory safety.

Will probably get crimson trace grip. Wasn't going to get one with a pistol because I was resisting any increase in width but if the cylinder would still be the widest part of the gun, might do that.

Didn't want the .38 because of the extra weight. Both are light but the 340 PD is ridiculously light.

I don't know if I'll have it tuned. I was so spoiled by my long time gunsmith, but he passed away years ago. If it wouldn't help much in a defense situation, not likely to trust a stranger.

 

[Blown & Injected]

Ahhhhh, the 1911 feels so good in the hand. Now make it smaller and lighter.
I am talking about something like a Kimber Pro Carry.
....Be safe and don't escalate

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Ahhhhh, the 1911 feels so good in the hand. Now make it smaller and lighter.
I am talking about something like a Kimber Pro Carry.
....Be safe and don't escalate

My wife will tolerate bullet holes in her purse but not a slide catching on or scuffing up contents.

 

[Tripwire]

wait till you are gonna take a dump and the "small of the back" holster lets it go and it falls on the floor...makes some impressive dents in the wood floor

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

wait till you are gonna take a dump and the "small of the back" holster lets it go and it falls on the floor...makes some impressive dents in the wood floor

You are forgetting how light a 340 PD is. Use helium instead of 296 in 2 of the cartridges, and it practically floats to the floor.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Since we only used revolvers for long range target shooting, was always single action. We wanted to do some DA dry firing while waiting for the J frame. I thought the smallest double action revolver we had was an 8 3/4 S&W but dug around in the vault and found a Dan Wesson .357 with interchangeable barrels. Screwed on the shortest barrel and smallest grip. Sill a lot bigger and heavier than the 340 PD, but closest we have.