I'm sure this has been beat to death, but...

[Ryninger]

My wife & I are expecting our first child this summer. Since we have started trying to get pregnant I have found myself evolving more into a protective minded kind of guy. Had a security system installed with a 48hr battery backup and cell phone transmitter for when I'm away, and have a kimber custom II tucked away for when I am home.... I'm not a small guy 6'1" 205lbs. I pruchased a small of the back IWB holster for it, but it is obvious and attention drawing.

Which leads me to where I am now. I don't know all that much about small arms, and am looking for a new carry side arm. Normally I don't mind saving and dropping a nice wad of cash, but with current status of economy and my wife I need to be more budget minded, lol...

I don't need a .45ACP like my kimber, but wanting something with more stopping power than a .22. Also would need to be small enough that I could use a pocket/IWB holster without being burdensome or obvious... I'm open to all suggestions... Looking in the $200-$300 new range

Thanks,
R

[Disposable Heart]

A used Ruger SP101 is great, but hard to find nowadays as folks seem to think their used 250 dollar revolvers are 500 dollar pieces. There are many .357 (loaded with hot .38 special) small revolvers available.

For pocket work, Keltecs are pretty damned convienient. Very small and UNDER your quoted price range (assuming people arent once again getting illusions of grandeur on pricing).

[glockguy07]

Originally Posted by Disposable Heart

A used Ruger SP101 is great, but hard to find nowadays as folks seem to think their used 250 dollar revolvers are 500 dollar pieces. There are many .357 (loaded with hot .38 special) small revolvers available.

For pocket work, Keltecs are pretty damned convienient. Very small and UNDER your quoted price range (assuming people arent once again getting illusions of grandeur on pricing).

Get a fair priced Ruger SP101, last used one in great condition that my dealer, Jerry's Gun Shop had went for in between $300-$325.

[Hiram2005]

Well at first I was going to say Glock 26 but that's out of the price range. So I will suggest the Kel-Tec PF-9 9mm. Small and works good in a pocket holster. A small revolver such as a S+W 442 or 642 would be great too but would have to go used which in my mind is no big deal. Should be able to find one for the upper figure of $300.

[schwaky18]

Not sure how small you thinking I'll start with smallest and go up: kel-tec P3AT (.380 cal around $300), .357 snub (around $400), glock 27 (.40 cal around $400), glock 19 or 23.

Personally, I would go with glock 27 or if that is to big then a .357 snubnose and look for a good used ones.

[skydelta34]

s&w j frame, best solution

[Truckerman79]

I just bought a used s&w 642 airweight for $300. Perfect for CC.

[m_deaner]

+1
The S&W 642/442 is awesome for CC. It's extremely versatile; you can carry it IWB, OWB, in your pocket with a pocket holster, or using a smartcarry holster. It only weighs 15-oz unloaded. And a more powerful cartridge in a gun of this weight and size is unmanagable - .38 special +p is fine. I have a .357 snubby (weighs 20 oz) and it's really hard to shoot with .357s; I normally use .38.

[indyjoe]

I would recommend a Kel-Tec P11 for that price range. A little more easily concealed than a Glock and right in your price range. You get 12 rounds of 9mm. I like the idea of having a really small "carry all the time" pistol like a P3AT. It isn't a 9mm, but it might be with you all the time.

A good revolver as mentioned above is definitely a valid choice as well.

[nighthawk80]

Well the Keltec and the 38/357 snubnose's are great choices. Also keep in mind Bersa. They are a great little gun. They come in .380.