Any recommendations for an affordable, reliable carry gun? Around $400 if that's possible. Definitly not expecting anything that'll last forever or is fancy hahaha
J frame (642 or 442), LCP, BG 380, Kahr, Shield, LCR,
Thanks! Also, I'm curious as to why you recommended the 642 and 442 and not the 637 being that its pretty much the same but single/double action. The single action seems like it would be a nice option to have. Whats you're take on revolver vs semi-auto for cc? Being that you listed both.
Pistols and revolvers both have their pro's and con's. I carried a 14 round .40 S&W SW40VE daily for 3 years, got tired of the bulk and especially the weight, and bought a S&W 442 which is a 5 round .38 spl to carry instead. I've carried it daily for nearly 1 1/2 years and I can't say enough good things about it. It's reliable, very small and light weight, and extremely simple. The recoil is a bit aggressive but not terrible. The biggest drawback is the small round-count, but I feel comfortable with it. With revolvers, you don't have to worry about feeding issues, magazine failures, picky ammo, etc. Single action isn't needed for defensive revolvers, and the hammer can get hung up on clothes. I'd suggest checking out as many guns as possible at gun shops and find a local range that rents guns.