At 2:53 PM -0800 12/30/01, Tim May wrote:
* SIG P239, also in .40 S&W. Like my 229 (bigger, 15 rounds), it shoots very well and is flat and concealable. The operation is double action on the first pull, single action on subsequent pulls. After the last shot, the decocker must be used to lower the hammer. (I think this is a little confusing for newcomers, and could cause accidents.) I bought mine used for $450, a range rental (with mild range rental loads) with almost no visible wear.
I found the P239 not quite as well balanced as either my P226 or P228, and I can conceal either practically as well as the smaller P239.
* H&K P7, the famous "squeeze-cocker." I had wanted one of these since reading about them in 1980, so when H&K was selling a bunch of reworked and remarket P7s at a good price ($550 or so), I bought one. Very elegant, very unusual. Mine is in 9mm. Very safe, but takes a bit of getting used to.
Click, clack is how I describe the P7. I wouldn't want to reveal my position to say a burglar with such a pistol- Any of the other pistols mentioned along with other conventional DA/SA pistols seem to be a better choice.
* I have one Glock, a 1986-vintage Model 17, the first ones they imported into the U.S. 9mm, 17-18 shots. It does the job, is safe, and is a reliable standby. Many people swear by them. A Glock 19 is slightly smaller. And then there are the aforementioned Model 26s and 27s (.40, I recall).
Keep in mind that Glocks, while excellent, reliable and accurate do lead the pack in accidental discharges, even among "trained" police. I'd not recommend the Glock to a beginner or to someone who wouldn't put in the necessary practice.
I like my Kahr, followed by my H&K P7, followed by my SIGs.
(I also have a full-sized H&K USP .45, and other handguns, of course.)
The Kahr's are excellent firearms- Especially if your primary purpose is to conceal it. However as a general purpose pistol a higher magazine capacity model with better longer range accuracy is better- Regards, Matt- ************************************************************************** Subscribe to Freematt's Alerts: Pro-Individual Rights Issues Send a blank message to: freematt@coil.com with the words subscribe FA on the subject line. List is private and moderated (7-30 messages per week) Matthew Gaylor, (614) 313-5722 ICQ: 106212065 Archived at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fa/ **************************************************************************