by eddbrowne » Sun Aug 15, 2010 3:45 pm
If I was starting over, I might spend $1200 for a
Rohrbaugh 380 for personal defense. The R9 is
too hard to rack for my wife.
I have read some negative comments, but I might suggest
the Taurus 738 ($400). Both the R380 and 738 have good
reviews in Rifleman, with my "good" depending on
reliability, then size/weight in summer.
The Sept 2010 issue of the NRA's 'Shooting Illustrated'
has a full review of the 738/TCP, and gives full approval.
[disclosure: Taurus has full page ad for TCP on pg 5]
They tested several TCP's, including a local purchase, with
various types and brands of ammo, with very good results.
Says the partial pre-set trigger makes for better DAO.
Has manual and auto slide stop.
Says the included belt case is a good carry solution.
[Get the laser; it can even help end things without gunfire.]
A larger good carry is SIG 232 ($700). If you are good at
gun work (or a buddy), then others can work out.
(My KT p32's are worth a thousand each for my work.)
My next gun will be a KT PMR-30; then a Taurus 738.
(The only 9m wife can handle is the crude Hi-Point C9,
due to its heft, blowback slide, and spring.
I wish I could still find the comp version.)