impactwrench

I'm looking for my first carry weapon. Right now I just have an XD-9 service. My front runners for a carry gun are a Bersa .380 concealed carry, a Taurus 709 slim, a Ruger LCP, an XD-9SC or a Keltec (long shot). Truth be told, I would really like to get the bersa, but the unavailability and price of .380 is holding me back. I'd also love to have another 9mm, but dont like the Taurus in my hand as much as the bersa, but that might be something a Hogue grip could fix. I guess the other reason I havent jumped on the Taurus is that Ive heard reliability is questionable. I think the LCR is a great gun, but not much to hold on to, and then again its a .380. It would make my day if Bersa made a 9mm concealed carry very similar to the .380. I emailed them and they said to check in Jan 2010.

Any other options I should explore? Will .380 make a comeback?

dam294

Kahr PM9???

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ripley16

Kahrs... The CW9 is a reasonably priced, dedicated carry pistol in 9mm.
Top tier used guns...Sigs, HKs, Walther, etc.
A nicer carry .380 than the Bersa is the Sig P232.
Beretta 85 or 84

Of course.

impactwrench

Actually I did look at the PM-9 and wasnt thrilled. I guess I should mention that $400-500 would be the max I would want to spend.

Eagleks

rent and shoot at a range, and you'll quickly know which one you really want.

impactwrench

My local range had some issues and doesn't rent right now. Another range had mostly glocks and none of the ones I'm considering.

Ive got an excuse for everything ;)

lws380

The LCP is a good option. A snubby is also a good option. S&W 442 or a 642 could be considered. A snubby 38 special with +P ammo is an excellent choice. Snubby can be concealed IWB or pocket.

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grady

I think .380 ammo will eventually be more readily available, but I don't expect it to be as cheap as 9mm, maybe ever.

Of all your choices, I would choose the XD-9 subcompact. Even if you didn't already own the XD-9 service, I would choose the XD-9sc. I chose one, and I am pleased with it. It is a little thicker than your other choices, but it is concealable.

Additional minor benefits of choosing the subcompact is that the manual of arms is identical to your XD-9 service. Your 16-round mags will also fit in the subcompact. Springfield does sell a spacer to slip on the 16-round mags so the grip of the subcompact is the same size as the service, but the spacers are not required for shooting with the full-size mags.

If you're looking for a smaller or thinner gun, then the XD-9sc may not work for you.

ExSoldier

If you're near Broward County this is a great place to shoot. American Range & Gun Shop They rent Sigs, Berettas, Glocks and others for use on their indoor range. I live inMiami Dade and go there frequently with clients that take my CCW Permit Class. BTW, I never recommend any 380 as an EDC piece. Minimum size for self defense is 9mm, IMHO. According to Clint Smith of THUNDER RANCH, carrying a firearm for self defense is supposed to be "comforting" instead of "comfortable." When I'm staying close to home, I carry a S&W M642 in a pocket holster. Tonight my wife wanted to go to a local mall (very upscale) for dinner. I wore my H&K P30 in a CrossBreed Super Tuck Deluxe and carried a spare mag as always. Getting too close to the holidays to risk being caught in a Mumbai situation that is bound to happen. Look at what just happened in Texas! I think your XD 9 is perfect. In fact I'm about to buy an XD45 compact for my new EDC piece. It will virtually disappear in the CrossBreed rig.

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ItsMyRight2

Why not carry the XD9? Compacts are easier to carry but I don't believe they would perform as well in a tactical situation.

So I think the hassle of concealing the bigger gun would be well worth it if god forbid I ever get into a gun fight.

Too much is always better than not enough!