[michaelfm]

For many years, this round was probably the most popular caliber for small pocket guns. Little Colts, Baby Brownings and others, then, the proliferation of cheap .25s domestically produced following the passage of GCA '68, which outlawed imports of small concealable firearms aka "Saturday Night Specials". This caliber is way down the list now, and many have written it off to the dustbin of history. Do you own or shoot a .25 now? This surprising little caliber has more going for it than people give it credit for. Your thoughts, comments and experiences are welcome.

 

[michaelfm]

I have one but rarely shoot it. The one I think may be useful is the Taurus PT25. For an older person with arthritis who is unable to rack the slide, this gun fits the bill. The tip up barrel is easy to operate, and the .25 is more reliable in a small auto than a .22. For certain people just to have a gun in the house that they can use, this would work well.

 

[michaelfm]

The Raven is a piece of American History. This first inexpensive, small pocket pistol to be produced in America following the ban on imports by the GCA of '68. George Jennings, founder of Raven Arms, was a machinist in the Aerospace industry in Southern California. When a friend who was a gun shop owner complained that he couldn't get small pocket pistols anymore, Jennings said he could make them. He sold about 2 million of them over a 20 year run.

 

[michaelfm]

Here are some wetpack test results using a Raven .25

Speer Gld Dot JHP.25 in a Raven:
.377" to .40" of expansion and 4" penetration. (Expansion equal to the size of a 9mm round)

Hornaday 35 gr JHP .25 in the Raven
.33" to .38" expansion and 6-6+" penetration

The .25 expanded EVERY TIME, while similar tests with a .32 showed the .32 round failed to expand about half the time.

Would I carry a .25 for a primary carry piece? No, I wouldn't. My P3AT is actually smaller and lighter. But this round is much better than people give it credit for. If you don't have a home protection gun, low on bucks and a $40 Raven is all you can afford, by all means go for it. Six well placed shots out of a Raven will probably do the job, if that's the only thing you have. ( But I agree, DON'T carry one of these with a round in the chamber.)

 

[michaelfm]

Well, it is possible.......as long as you're within 5 feet!