What Qualifies as a SNS?

[50 Cent]

Would either a Kel-Tec P-32 or a Bersa Thunder .380 qualify? They are both relatively inexpensive, "smaller" calibre holding pistols that are REAL easy to conceal.

For some perverse reason I consider mt P-32 a SNS due to its size, looks and calibre.

Or to qualify does the gun have to be a low rent urban $ 75 POS that comes apart after 3 shots (give or take a shot ;f )?

[VinVega]

I think in order to be a SNS, it basically DOES have to be a POS. Don't think inexpensive explains it well enough. Think more CHEAP. The Kel-Tec definitely is NOT, and the Bersa pretty much isn't, either. If I remember correctly, aren't Bersa, Firestorm, and Llama all the same company? If that's the case, I definitely wouldn't call them SNS's. They might not cost much, and may not fire AS GOOD as some other brans, but they're built like freakin' tanks and you'll never tear one up.

[vafish]

Well I consider Keltecs SNS's.

They are still relatively cheap.

[Alexit]

To use the point sysytem to determine if the pistol meets SNS status, add the number next to the item, (subtract if the item does not apply)

SNS totals should be greater than 10:

+1 Must be available in chrome or nickle finish.
+1 Reputable gun stores have none on their shelves.
+2 Factory pearl grips available.
+3 In bad neighborhoods someone is selling them from the trunk of a car.
+3 Out the door with a box of ammo should cost you less than $100.
+4 The pistol is equally dangerous to the user and his target.
+5 When you attempt to trade it for another pistol, the dealer or individual laughs at you.
+5 They make cigarette lighters that look like your pistol.
+5 Instead of a lanyard, your pistol uses a keyring.

[oldgranpa]

Alexit,
that's a fun list, but if we use it then we will not have a forum. Most of us got what we consider a SNS at a reputable gun store. I don't think any true GTers buy guns from some car trunk in the alley.
Do we? Did you? Shame!!

A SNS in my opinion only has to be really concealable. No great big G17's, P95's, etc. No gansta style stuff like saw'd-off shotguns, etc.

Hard to find good stuff less than $300 anymore.

I know the original direction of this forum was toward "junk" guns. But that leaves GT open for lots of criticism and other stuff. I like the SNS title better and allows us to discuss all kinds of small stuff, even if it's a POS.

Like the derringers thread. That was worthwhile.

FWIW,
og

[GSD17]

I love the Kel-Tec P-32. My brother had one, and it was a great gun, we never had problems out of it. being cheap doesnt exactly make it a sns. Because all guns arent going to be priced according to name, it goes by size and caliber too. And just because it is a pocket gun, ar a small caliber, doesnt make it a piece of crap. The Kel-Tec is def. not a SNS, i dont know about the other gun, never shot one.

[oldgranpa]

The term "Saturday Night Special" seems to be misunderstood to mean a gun criminals use. The following 2 web sites give a completely different viewpoint and are well worth reading.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturday-night_special

http://www.nraila.org/Issues/FactSheets/Read.aspx?ID=61

Here also is a dictionary definition...

"Sat'ur•day-night spe'cial

Pronunciation: (sat'ur-da-nit", -de-), [key] Informal.
a cheap, small-caliber handgun that is easily obtainable and concealable.

Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease"

FWIW,
og

[RyanSBHF]

Originally posted by Alexit

+2 Factory pearl grips available.



As General George Patton said, "Only a New Orleans pimp would carry a pearl handled gun"

;?

[bachchoy]

http://www.oljo.de/blitz/main-Dateien/raprpistol.jpg

[BillK@tcmhmrs.o]

If you have to ask what a SNS is, you are way to young to know!

[cuervo]

When the feds tried to regulate them, they were defined as an imported handgun with a barrel less than 3" and an overall length of under 6".

When states have tried to regulate them, each has had it's own definition:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/guns/maps/state.html

Therefore, in some states guns like Kel-Tecs and Walther PPKs are illegal, and in others they are legal.

[epsylum]

Originally posted by cuervo
When the feds tried to regulate them, they were defined as an imported handgun with a barrel less than 3" and an overall length of under 6".

When states have tried to regulate them, each has had it's own definition:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/guns/maps/state.html

Therefore, in some states guns like Kel-Tecs and Walther PPKs are illegal, and in others they are legal.

So only foreign countries can make cheap crappy guns? I say NO. We Americans are perfecty capable of making piece o crap guns that are shoddily assembled and are a hazard to anyone near it, including the shooter.;?

[Fungunner]

A SNS is whatever the anti-gun politicians and the press define it as. Its definition has evolved over time. At some point, it will evolve into any gun that can be held in your hand, if we allow it.

[Roddy]

Originally posted by bachchoy
http://www.oljo.de/blitz/main-Dateien/raprpistol.jpg

I think that's a SIG with a laser sight.

[bac1023]

KelTecs have too good a reputation and are much too available to be considered a SNS. They are far from perfect, but many are happy with their KelTecs, including myself.

KelTec is also a successful company. They sell firearms by the boatload. This is not a common trait of the SNS.

[Sehr gut Glock]

OK, I'll come clean. When I had my my FFL I ordered one, and I kid you not, a chrome .25acp Lorcin POS. Just as a token, for in CA. they were on the way out. I have it stuffed waaaaay back in the safe on a shelf. Never did more than look at it. N.I.B.,needless to say.

Maybe I'll toss it into the ocean.`l

[Dandapani]

Originally posted by oldgranpa
"Sat'ur•day-night spe'cial

Pronunciation: (sat'ur-da-nit", -de-), [key] Informal.
a cheap, small-caliber handgun that is easily obtainable and concealable.


This isn't it ;z ;a ;z

http://img113.exs.cx/img113/7999/dscn1629.th.jpg (http://img113.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img113&image=dscn1629.jpg)

Not cheap
Not small-caliber
Not easily obtainable

But very concealable!

[bac1023]

Those Rohrbaughs are cool guns. They're so small for 9mm power. Recoil must be rough.

[Grabbrass]

Must have a barrel that's blue and cold, and be good for nothin' but puttin' a man six feet in a hole.