Modern 12(6) compact pistols that made it into Canada before prohibition?
- Thread starter rommelrommel
- Start date
As many of our CCW friends to the south of us will tell you, a few ounces and fractions of an inch can make a big difference! Also, many have more than one carry option as it's difficult trying to make one gun work in every situation ie: shorts and t-shirt, suit, winter wear, going out to eat etc. Adding in the fact you're smaller statured makes it a bit more intricate. Pocket carry guns like a Colt Mustang are versatile and can be carried "Condition One" like the 1911's if that's what you're comfortable with. A Walther PPK offers the same class size with the double/single action option. 380 ACP is a popular CCW cartridge now and ammo is available everywhere. A Beretta 85 is the same calibre but starts to enter sub compact territory though it will fit in most jacket pockets. A Sig P230 or 232 is the same class size as the 85 and introduces the stainless option which you might consider if worn inside the waist band (IWB) in hot climates. Someone mentioned a Colt Officers ACP which takes you back into condition one territory and I would recommend the Lightweight version if you can find one. I consider the Clark reverse plug upgrade a must for any Officers ACP though. Last but not least, the S&W 3913 is widely considered the ultimate sub compact CCW. Stainless slide, alloy frame, single stack 9mm with a reputation for reliability. It may take a bit of searching but Canada still has some sweet prohib pistols!
- Location
- Alberta, let freedom reign!
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For USA pocket carry, I'd suggest the Colt Mustang Pocketlite:
These shoot from a locked breech so even the snappiest .380 ammo can be placed accurately, and the recoil is surprisingly mild for such a small, light gun. Smaller than a PPK, better recoil ... and fits in an average pocket. A friend took pity on me after I missed several in a row... and sold me one which had been carried plenty, somewhere in Quebec. Like new inside, a wonderful little gun.
If you're going to carry a 9mm, then +1 to the Glock 19, there are lots of prohib original / excellent pistols still out there. The Glock 26 commands a pretty hefty premium here, since there aren't that many. I don't find the Glock 26 clumsy and can shoot either one just as well, but the 19 is just slightly more practical. And carries 5 more rounds in the USA...
SIG P228 is also a "can't go wrong" gun, in my experience every bit as good as the Glock 19, and easier (I find) to shoot with your non-dominant hand, etc.
After that, there are dozens of choices. The S&W 3913 mentioned earlier ... quite reliable, and about the same size as the SIG P239. The P239 could also be your US-EDC, with a USA-barrel, park the Canadian threaded one ... put the threaded one back when you return to Canada. Lots of people carry these and are happy with them.
If revolvers are your cup of tea, I'm a fan of the S&W 632. 32 H&R Magnum has more knock down power than a .38 Special, gives you an extra round (6 instead of 5) in a very compact package, and these are super-accurate, thanks to milder recoil. I found both of my 632 revolvers on the EE, they shoot the same, are the same wonderfully accurate gun, and handle .32 ACP, .32 S&W and of course ... .32 Magnum. So you can practice with the lighter load, and carry the "heavy" stuff.
If you can buy guns in the USA (if you can carry, you can buy) then I'd pick up a G43 or something equally cool. Somebody down there must be making restricted barrels for them by now!
I'll sell you an S&W 3913 if you can't find one... nothing wrong with those, but of the "carry list", it's my least favorite. The rest, even though I can't carry them, aren't going anywhere.
These shoot from a locked breech so even the snappiest .380 ammo can be placed accurately, and the recoil is surprisingly mild for such a small, light gun. Smaller than a PPK, better recoil ... and fits in an average pocket. A friend took pity on me after I missed several in a row... and sold me one which had been carried plenty, somewhere in Quebec. Like new inside, a wonderful little gun.
If you're going to carry a 9mm, then +1 to the Glock 19, there are lots of prohib original / excellent pistols still out there. The Glock 26 commands a pretty hefty premium here, since there aren't that many. I don't find the Glock 26 clumsy and can shoot either one just as well, but the 19 is just slightly more practical. And carries 5 more rounds in the USA...
SIG P228 is also a "can't go wrong" gun, in my experience every bit as good as the Glock 19, and easier (I find) to shoot with your non-dominant hand, etc.
After that, there are dozens of choices. The S&W 3913 mentioned earlier ... quite reliable, and about the same size as the SIG P239. The P239 could also be your US-EDC, with a USA-barrel, park the Canadian threaded one ... put the threaded one back when you return to Canada. Lots of people carry these and are happy with them.
If revolvers are your cup of tea, I'm a fan of the S&W 632. 32 H&R Magnum has more knock down power than a .38 Special, gives you an extra round (6 instead of 5) in a very compact package, and these are super-accurate, thanks to milder recoil. I found both of my 632 revolvers on the EE, they shoot the same, are the same wonderfully accurate gun, and handle .32 ACP, .32 S&W and of course ... .32 Magnum. So you can practice with the lighter load, and carry the "heavy" stuff.
If you can buy guns in the USA (if you can carry, you can buy) then I'd pick up a G43 or something equally cool. Somebody down there must be making restricted barrels for them by now!
I'll sell you an S&W 3913 if you can't find one... nothing wrong with those, but of the "carry list", it's my least favorite. The rest, even though I can't carry them, aren't going anywhere.
You need an ATF form takes 6to8 weeks you also have to have a reason such as a written invitation to hunt or sporting event IE: target, doubt very much you will be able to have handgun for concealed carry.
Checked it out for Magnaporting to try and send a rifle barrel through mail !
Checked it out for Magnaporting to try and send a rifle barrel through mail !
