I am going to purchase another pistol for my "full time" carry weapon. I have several larger pistols including a S&W .38 Special and a Bersa .380 Thunder. Both are great guns, but they are too bulky for a pocket pistol. I thought I wanted an S & W, M&P .380 when they get on the market, but why not be receptive to other suggestions since I have not made a commitment yet.
My primary objectives are: 1) small enough to be comfortably carried in a pocket (Bodyguard is 5.25 inches long and 12 oz.), 2) I very much would like a manual safety even though I know this requirement will draw a lot of flack, and 3) reliable enough to alleviate any worry about whether it will fire or not. I will use a pocket holster, and I know the safety requirement rules out a lot of great guns.
I think I'd like to stay under 16 oz. and the caliber is not that important since I feel even a .380 is enough to defend myself (I know that this small caliber may be controversial, but I wouldn't charge a guy firing a .380 at me). A lower price is better, but I'd be willing to spend in the $600 neighborhood. The M & P Bodyguard is quite a bit less expensive - under $400. I keep saying M & P because I would prefer not to have the laser that comes on the regular Bodyguard. I tend to focus on the dot and not use the gun sights. It's distracting probably due to the fact I'm just not used to a laser. Plus I don't want to concern myself about the laser needing repair / replacement, and I've heard some negatives on this laser.
Any suggestions would be appreciated
My primary objectives are: 1) small enough to be comfortably carried in a pocket (Bodyguard is 5.25 inches long and 12 oz.), 2) I very much would like a manual safety even though I know this requirement will draw a lot of flack, and 3) reliable enough to alleviate any worry about whether it will fire or not. I will use a pocket holster, and I know the safety requirement rules out a lot of great guns.
I think I'd like to stay under 16 oz. and the caliber is not that important since I feel even a .380 is enough to defend myself (I know that this small caliber may be controversial, but I wouldn't charge a guy firing a .380 at me). A lower price is better, but I'd be willing to spend in the $600 neighborhood. The M & P Bodyguard is quite a bit less expensive - under $400. I keep saying M & P because I would prefer not to have the laser that comes on the regular Bodyguard. I tend to focus on the dot and not use the gun sights. It's distracting probably due to the fact I'm just not used to a laser. Plus I don't want to concern myself about the laser needing repair / replacement, and I've heard some negatives on this laser.
Any suggestions would be appreciated