My gun-buy plan for this year was to buy a new Marlin Model 60 in January using the inevitable BassPro gift cards I get for Christmas, then buy an AR-15 in March-April if I got a yearly bonus. Didn't quite work out that way. Because of all the stupidity going on, Model 60's are in short supply. But I persevered and talked it around and ended up buying a used '96 vintage model that was dirty as heck but cleaned up like new and is a good shooter.
I decided to put the AR plan on hold. Took my CCW class in Jan, received my license in early March. Since the end of January I've been researching and looking at pistols and holsters. Talked to a lot of guys, been to gun shows and gun stores, handling as many pieces as I could, taking notes on what models I like and don't like and what felt right in my hand. Turns out that of all the weapons I've handled, the S&W M&P 40 is the one that feels best. However, for carry purposes, I'm going to need to pocket-carry. (Alot of you know, I'm a big guy. And I very seldom wear a belt, I prefer suspenders. So a waistband holster really isn't an option for me.) Preparing for my gun buy, I bought a nylon shoulder harness rig for 9mm/40 and a .380 size pocket holster.
Monday night I was itching to buy, so I went to Gander, then another local gun shop, then to Olde English Outfitters in Vandalia. I hadn't made my mind up completely, but as it happened, Olde English had all of the models I was considering in one place. I was able to pick 'em up, put 'em down, compare 'em on the spot and that really, really helped out alot in making my decision, and I have no buyer's remorse whatsoever.
I decided on the MP40 and Ruger LCP. And instead of buying one and waiting on the other, I just decided to buy them both. I'm fortunate that I'm in a position to do that right now, so I thought "why wait?" :smiley_coolpeace: I'm anxious now to get to the range this weekend for some practice. Fortunately, I was able to buy a 50 rounds of each caliber, and i also picked up a box of .380 Hornady Critical Defense. So I'm pretty much set. The only downside is now having to maintain a supply of 2 more calibers of ammo. Oh well, that's the game we play:smiley_depressive::smiley_bril:
Little Boy and Fat Man .....
For what it's worth, the other pistols I was considering towards the end of my search were the Ruger SR40 and Taurus .380
I think these are both fine guns and worthy of anyone's consideration.
Two other pistols that were recommended to me were the Keltec 380 and Ruger LC9.
Can't say why, just didn't like the Keltec...and you'd think that the LC9 would feel better being a little bigger, but it didn't.
When I hold the LCP, it fits in my hand straight as an arrow. The LC9 kinda "sliced" to the right a little....go figger.
But it was fun checking out all the different models.