Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Pocket Guns - Mini Autos vs Revolvers

In the thread discussing whether the Glock 42 will be a flop, the issue was raised about whether mini autos have any purpose whatsoever. I thought the topic deserved its own thread. I'm undecided and looking forward to hearing your opinions.

To prime the discussion, I gathered a few of the "usual suspects" from both sides of the aisle:



The auto's from top to bottom: Colt Mustang .380, Glock 42 .380, Kimber Ultra 1911 .45 ACP, and a Kahr PM9 9mm.

The revolvers: S&W 49 .38 Spcl, S&W 642 .38 Spcl +P, Ruger LCR .22 Mag, and a Ruger SP 101 .357 Mag.

Maybe to keep the discussion focused, let's leave the .22 Mag alone as to whether it's sufficient as a self-defense cartridge. The LCR comes in .38 Spcl and .357 in basically the same size package. Feel free to attack or support the .380 ACP though.

And the main issue is: Why or why not carry a mini auto? And if you oppose mini autos, at what point is an auto so small that it's "useless" and should be replaced by a wheel gun?

For a small auto my choice would be a Walther PPK/S or a Sig P232. Both would make a small belt gun.

For a mini auto my choice would be a Seecamp in .380 would be the ticket.

I don't know where the cutoff for mini is but I like the Shield. It's small enough to carry owb and still disappear under a tshirt.

I don't quite call the Shield a mini, nor is the Kimber Ultra, the G42 or the Kahr PM9, though it's close.

My preference is a S&W J-frame 442/642, but I could live with the Shield if I had to, but probably w/o +P ammo.

MM

I really like the Keltec P3AT, Glock 42 not so much

I like the sig 938, but I have the sig 232, s&w 637, p7m8, s&w 35ipd ,n/a mini, and LCP .Carry the 938 daily. S/E Texas is polo shirt and shorts most of the time. Hard to hide a full size even on a fat boy. Hasbeen

You'd be surprised what an oversized & loose T-shirt & the right holster/gun combination can do for you.

MM

I've come to really like the Kahr P380. Fits my hand well, very good trigger pull, excellent night sights...

Bob

Did we just time travel back to the 1980's?

I like the new S&W Bodyguard .38sp Revolver with Factory Lazer for my BUG. It only ways 13 ounces and rides in the right front pocket of my cargo shorts. But I very rarely carry it as my only CHL Pistole.
It's usually the BUG to my 1911 LW Commander or my Glock 32.

About the only small auto I carry any more is a KelTec P-32 loaded with Buffalo Bore Ammo. And it's usually in my shorts pocket when I'm just setting around the house watching late night TV.
It's NOT a CHL gun that I would want to bet my life on! It's just mainly a pocket gun for here at the house. I'd much prefer my old cutdown Savage SXS 12 ga. that's leaning behind the door.

So everyone thus far thinks mini autos have a place in the world and shouldn't be replaced by a revolver?

I have the S&W Shield 9MM and my wife has the S&W Bodyguard .380.I can conceal the Shield pretty good with my DeSantis OWB holster and its comfortable to carry all day.

The Bodyguard on the other hand is even more concealable because that goes in the front pants pocket.

As with any firearm (self defense or hunting)shot placement and bullets matter more than headstamps, with the 380,IMO it becomes more important than with a .45.

Theres a site that does some testing on 380 ammo that I found interesting. I think its called Shoot the Bull,Google it its easy to find

Yes, I think mini autos have a place. The practicality of a Kel-tec P3AT drew me in. It's so small that you can carry it even when you're not really carrying.

S&W J frame has my vote.....I carry a model 38 Airweight most everywhere.

For a number of years I carried the SP101 in 357 Mag. I had an action job, night sights, & Mag-N-Ported. Accurate & not too obtrusive. Only pulled it once when some druggies demanded money at a 7-11 at about 4:00AM on the way hunting. I live in liberal Northern Virginia & needed something as a small back-up when working as a S/O & also when around the area. If anyone even suspects that someone is carrying here you are likely to be visited by SWAT. I purchased the S&W Bodyguard in .380 with the laser. Accurate enough for its purpose, but a lousy trigger. Not sure if a good smith could improve or not.

I can fire a revolver from INSIDE a coat pocket and empty the cylinder if need be. No way in Hell can a semi match that. Ask Gunner 500. He learned.

642 w/laser, worn crossdraw or in pocket holster, depending on what I'm wearing. In winter, it often goes in my coat pocket, in the pocket holster to keep it upright.

Hell ET, you're crazy enough to light one off from inside your shorts I'm betting!

Enjoy your day!

froggy

+1.

The Shield esp. in 40 S&W can be a primary or BUG. Though similar to the Kimber 45 ACP Ultra, my EDC, the lighter weight and (internal) striker vs. external hammer makes it much more of a very powerful mini. Less complicated manual of arms to boot.

I don't see the Kimber Ultra as a mini BUG, but still very concealable for a powerful primary CCW.

I agree 100%. I should have left it out of the pic.

I was more curious about how many people disfavor mini autos, generally, and think that revolvers are the better choice.