Comments on: How to Choose a Cold Weather Backup Gun

By: bhp0

bhp0 — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 02:37:34 +0000

Double action only autos are really quite useless unless you are shooting at not more that a couple of feet. Example: I can hit a man size target at 25 yards with a browning .25acp but I will miss the same target completely with a double action only pistol of the same size at only 7 yards.

Also be aware that the current rage over striker fired pistols is not without its drawbacks. Their firing pin energy is about half that of hammer fired guns so shooting a striker fired pistol in the cold, especially if they are dirty or do not have a low temperature lubricant makes the gun far more likely to misfire.

Doubt my word? Take an empty case and seat a high primer in it, no power, no bullet. Now put the empty Case in the chamber and try and fire a striker fired gun and it will misfire, try the same test with a hammer fired gun and it will fire. There is no argument with this test, none.

By: retired75th

retired75th — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 04:17:03 +0000

Firing a hammerless pistol from inside a coat pocket can be problematic. . A hammerless revolver would be a far better choice over a pistol. The pistols slide action can catch the pocket or pocket lining causing an instant malfunction. This is far less likely to happen with a revolver.

By: SmithKoWitz

SmithKoWitz — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 03:05:59 +0000

I have a favorite that is a pistol, the Kahr MK40. Compact, powerful, accurate and reliable. It isn’t much bigger than an LCP (weighs 23.1 vs 9.4) but delivers a deadlier blow. Comes with a 5 & 6 round mag, but you can use the bigger 7 round mag as well. Still a pretty small package. Another powerful pocket package is the S&W model#632 327 magnum, 6 rounds and almost the same power as a 357. The MK40 is one of my regular year round carry choices, it covers the 4 main needs; Reliable, Accurate, Powerful, Compact. It’s 6 ounces more than an LC9 or Kimber Solo, but this is a 40S&W and it’s size is overall a smaller package, just slightly heavier. I have night sights on mine, with a Hogue Handall Jr sleeve, recoil seems non-existant. The S&W 327 is way worse, and so is the LCP without a Handall Jr on it.

By: sirclopton

sirclopton — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:23:24 +0000

Enjoyed your article. My choice is Ruger SP101 KSP-321XL spur-less hammer with Crimson Trace LG-303 Lasergrips. I love this little Ruger’s natural point of aim, plenty powerful in 357 mag and nothing to snag and the grip is secure. I wear a ankle holster or in the coat pocket during colder months and put in a cargo pocket or deep pocket with shorts or pants in the warmer weather.