CC Pistols

[PHeller]

First post,

I'm a college student (23), an avid outdoors man, and a gun owner. I'm not exactly a gun enthusist, so fancy stuff doesn't interest me much, but the new Ruger LCP does.

I'd like to go backpacking by myself, and although many say that backpackers do not need guns, it would be a nice thing to have.

Now, being a college student, I'm a poor SOB, so I'd like to get an LCP under MSRP.

Would buying a used KelTec for cheap and modifying it for improved reliability be worthwhile? Any other small, light, easy to conceal/carry pistols out there I should be looking at?

[Karl/PA]

Several come to mind...................P64 or PA63 in 9 mm Mak, PPK in .40,

[normanvin]

If I were you I would visit a few shops. See whats out there. What fits your hand. You might even find a used one cheaper than you might think.

[PisnNapalm]

Where do you go backpacking at? What kinds of wild critters are you likely to encounter? If it's more than just the two legged kind, you may want to consider something larger than a .380acp. The Taurus PT145 comes to mind. It's a fairly compact .45acp.

Just a thought.

[CommonHighrise]

If youre not knowledgable on guns, and are lacking cash flow for a LCP, then modding a KelTec up to snuff isnt really feasable. Not to say they are lousy weapons out of the box. I trust my life to one. Several others here do too.

Dont forget to take a good look at the timeless low-budget concealed carry gun, a used .38 snubby. You can pick up decent specimens of S&W for about the price of a Keltec P11.

[knighthawk06699]

Where do you go backpacking at? What kinds of wild critters are you likely to encounter? If it's more than just the two legged kind, you may want to consider something larger than a .380acp. The Taurus PT145 comes to mind. It's a fairly compact .45acp.

Just a thought.

On the same why not take a look at a Glock 30 and 36 you can find them used for cheap.

[jmiro]

First post,

I'm a college student (23), an avid outdoors man, and a gun owner. I'm not exactly a gun enthusist, so fancy stuff doesn't interest me much, but the new Ruger LCP does.

I'd like to go backpacking by myself, and although many say that backpackers do not need guns, it would be a nice thing to have.

Now, being a college student, I'm a poor SOB, so I'd like to get an LCP under MSRP.

Would buying a used KelTec for cheap and modifying it for improved reliability be worthwhile? Any other small, light, easy to conceal/carry pistols out there I should be looking at?

whats wrong with a keltec out the box. that is my daily carry. I have yet to have a problem with it

[offshorebear]

I'm a college student (21). I bought an LCP with my first pay check this summer. I paid more than MSRP but I didn't really care at the time. Now after carrying it and firing it I think I would be just as happy with a 200 dollar used Keltec. Its just a carry gun. Both the LCP and P3AT should be dead nuts reliable. The ruger is prettier but that doesn't mean much when its tucked away.

[Jailkeeper]

First post,

I'm a college student (23), an avid outdoors man, and a gun owner. I'm not exactly a gun enthusist, so fancy stuff doesn't interest me much, but the new Ruger LCP does.

I'd like to go backpacking by myself, and although many say that backpackers do not need guns, it would be a nice thing to have.

Now, being a college student, I'm a poor SOB, so I'd like to get an LCP under MSRP.

Would buying a used KelTec for cheap and modifying it for improved reliability be worthwhile? Any other small, light, easy to conceal/carry pistols out there I should be looking at?

You did not really identify WHY you want to carry (as Napalm already mentioned). What is your number one reason to carry? The .380 may be the wrong caliber altogether.

As for the Keltec vs. LCP discussion, I believe using the SEARCH feature on this site will provide for an education.

My dad carries a Keltec. I carry an LCP. Neither have really shown an advantage over the other except for perhaps aesthetics.

Again, please consider WHY you are carrying before you decide what to carry.

[PHeller]

Carrying for peace of mind more than anything.

I honestly am not afraid of enountering a bear while in the wild, but if I do, it would be nice to have something besides my voice to deter it. Bear spray has been proven effective in most cases, but no more or less than a gunshot.

I am more concerned with the strangers that I might encounter by myself.

I am not particularly scared by hiking or backpacking by myself, but a knife doesn't do much, and even though I consider myself a bit of a stealthy hiker (most people don't notice me behind them until I say hello), if I happen to encounter someone who does notice me, i want more than a knife or bearspray.

However, I do realize how effective bearspray can be in 90% of cases, against not only bears but other animals and humans as well.

I'd also like to familiarize myself with a handgun as well, as I've really only shot them a few times.