Advice/comments on new CCW weapon

[mbr]

About six months ago I had to sell my Glock G36, which had been my primary CCW for several years, and have been getting by with an airweight bodyguard for carry and a Ruger P97 DAO for my house gun. I have been looking for a new pistol or revolver for CCW. I have gone to a couple of gun shows, hung out at gun shops, read a bunch on the internet, and currently have the following on my short list:

Glock G19
Ruger SP101
Ruger KP345
Springfield XD9
Kahr K9, P9, or TP9
Browning/FN Hi-Power (9)

My criteria are:
Grip size/trigger reach. Even though I am a pretty big guy, I have really small hands, and this is almost always the limiting factor for me. The reason the G36 is not on this list is because the trigger reach was a hair too long for me.

weight under 30 ounces, +or-

.357, 9mm, or .45

Cost effectiveness, both in initial purchase and use, (holsters, accessories, ammo). I'm not 25 and single anymore, heck I'm not 35 and single anymore, and I can't afford to do the gun of the week thing anymore.

Proven design, total reliability, reasonable accuracy, pleasant to shoot.

I really prefer DAO; Not only is it more idiot-proof, I've seen too many un-decocked pistols holstered at the range.

Crimson Trace. I have become quite enamored of these laser grips.

Any comments, thoughts, or suggestions?

[1911_Mitch]

Glock 19 if it meets your grip size requirements)
Reliable, accurate, good mag capacity, pleasant and cheap to practice with, cheap and plentiful accessories, proven design, ...

I don't care much for the cosmetics of the Crimson Trace grips for Glocks, although I have CT grips for another gun I own.

Also check out Lasermax. I have one in my G19 and love it.'

Good luck

[cookekdjr]

All of the above are good choices. I'd lean towards the G19.
For an "always, everywhere" gun I carry a S&W 431 PD (j-frame airweight in .32 mag). 13.5 oz and no recoil, fires a 100gr bullet approx 950-1000 fps. The hammerless version (432pd) is available w/crimson trace laser-grips.
Good luck,

David

[Paco]

From your list, I'd say the G19 as well, if you can conceal it well. For a gun that's gonna be sweated upon all day, has great reliability and durability (indestructable tennifer finish), and shoots a decent caliber, it's heads and shoulders above the others on your list.

-Next choice would be the Sp101, which would be a better woods, tackle-box, truck gun than the G-19 in my opining!

-I personally carry a 340pd when in a carry-friendly state.

[Lonestar.45]

From your list I'd say the Kahr P9. Any reason you don't want a Kahr PM9? For CCW, I think it'd be great for you if you have small hands and want something concealed. I just picked one up and absolutely love it. But, since that's not on your list, either the P9 or the G19.

[AirForceShooter]

pick the one you love.
If you don't love it you won't carry it and then what's the sense?
Forget about caliber and all that stuff.

AFS

[Boss Spearman]

I just picked up an XD9 Compact. I like it quite a bit.

[scbair]

Admittedly a traditionalist, I'd look at the BHP. Its ergonomics are (justifiably) legendary. The trigger reach is short enough for even small hands.

[camper]

Even though I have large hands, the Kahr PM9 works great for me.

[blume357@bellsouth.net]

Guy on the Fireing line forum has a Kahr Pm9 for sail. He's in Ky. I just bought a pistol from him and he seems straight to me. even though he did claim the 40cal magazine he thru in would work in the Ruger 9mm.. well it does for 1-2 shots. Anybody need a Ruger 40cal mag?

[TonyB]

I too have small hands..I carry the SP101...as someone said it's hard to argue with 357 magnum....you can,but you just end up bleeding alot :D
stainless steel(little care)
proven reliablility of a revolver
easy to take apart
CT grips available(where's P95 when you need him)
holsters available from most of the makers
new one cost me $350 a couple years ago.

[middy]

If the trigger reach is too long on the G36, the G19 won't be any better.

The Kahrs will probably work for you, but I would try the XD first, they seem to be more reliable.

Nothing wrong with the SP-101 either. That would be my second choice after the XD, then Kahr as 3rd choice.

[Rinspeed]

I think the Glock 19 is a great choice but an even better one that is not on your list is the SIG 239 DAK.

[Vitamin G]

Im partial to bottomfeeders, so I'd pick a BHP. 2nd choice would be a springfield XD

[rockstar.esq]

I'll put in a vote for the GP101
a "rare gun" according to CSI:Miami!!!!
That said, I pack a .44spl snubbie that Taurus discontinued.

[mbr]

Thanks, all, for your comments and suggestions. As to the p9/pm9, I really want something with a longer grip. This will be for primarily holster carry, so I really don't need a pocket gun. While I don't have a problem shooting my bodyguard with a two finger grip, I find it makes a big difference drawing from a holster to have a little extra to grab on to. Even though the XD fits my hand pretty well, something about the gun bugs me. Nobody gave it much thought when it was imported a couple of years ago as the HS2000, and it seems to me to be "Frankenstein's gun." The grip safety of 1911, the slide of a sig, trigger of a glock... Not necessarily bad things to copy, but it has always struck me more as a product of a good marketing campaign by Springfield as opposed to a brilliant design. My 2 cents.

[bratch]

With the PM9 you can use the extended 7 shot magazine and have the same grip as the P9/K9. Pretty versitale when you can put the flush mag in as well and drop it in a pocket.

[Shootcraps]

While my Springfield Ultra Compact is away at Robar getting refinished, my G19 is filling in. It conceals and carries very easily.

[mokster]

I would go with the BHP my first carry gun was a s&w model 60 ,but I always wanted a BHP.though I didnt think it would become everyday carry but now it is. I just added it to my ccw list because I could , then I found I could shoot it much more accurately than the s&w. Accidently found a used Milt Sparks holster IWB that fit it perfectly,next thing I knew it was my everyday carry,kind of like the idea of 13 rounds over 5. Also its just fun to shoot.

[Shear_stress]

I went through a similar decision making process a few months back, and was down to the Glock 26, S&W 908, and Kahr K9. Finally went with the Kahr. To me, it had the most comfortable grip contour and seemed a lot less bulky than the double-stack Glock. Though designed for carry, the Kahr makes a pretty fun range gun as well.

If you want a double-stack pistol, I can also highly recommend the CZ P-01. Mine is very comfortable in the hand, very accurate and incredibly reliable.

[Riktoven]

From your list, my vote is for the G19 or K9.

If you like the laser, my vote is for the Lasermax as well. My buddy has a 642 with the crimson trace grips and it will not hold zero firing normal pressure ammo.


Not on your list:

Walther P99 - same as a G19, with one more round in the mag and different ergonomics, several trigger options (AS is always gonna be the best IMO).

Steyr M9 - totally different design than the glock, but a similar grip angle and the trigger reach isn't as long (trigger is better too). If CDNN still has these in stock this is the best value in autoloaders.

Both of these are available in .40 too if that floats your boat.

[cgv69]

I am planning on getting my CCL within the next month or two so I have been debating the same thing. I already own three of the guns on your list G-19, XD-9 and a BHP and have been debating which one I will carry. I am a decent sized guy with medium\large (in glove size) hands. Here are my thoughts\experience...

G-19 – A G-17 (Gen2) was my first handgun and I always wanted a G-19. As far as design, reliability and value… a Glock can not be beat IMO. Well I finally got a G-19 about 6 months ago and I have to say that so far, I hate it! My G-19 is a Gen 3 with the finger grooves. The finger grooves do not fit my hand at all. The second issue is grip size. All Glock’s have a much larger grip then needed and the palm swell (the equivalent of an arched mainspring housing on a 1911) doesn’t help. My Gen 2 G-17 has that too but I never noticed it much when it was my only handgun. I guess I didn’t know any better but since buying and shooting other guns, I find myself liking the Glock grip less everyday.

The grip can be modified but that usually makes the gun look horrible, voids the warranty and drastically lowers it’s value. Not a big deal if it works for you and end up keeping it but if after having it modified you still don’t like it or shoot it well then you are stuck with the gun. You can try and sell it but you will probably get less then half of what you have in it.

I would advise you not to buy a G-19 until after you spend some time shooting one. After which, if you like the feel of it and can shoot it well then great, go for it as it would make a great carry piece. It’s only real downside then is it’s width which may only be an issue if you plan to carry IWB.

XD-9 – I was intrigued by it’s design and the way they tried to take all of what they considered the best features from a number of different guns and merge them together. When I first got it I did not like it because at the time I was too use shooting my Glock. The XD’s higher bore axis seemed very weird to me. Now, over a year later I have to say I like it a lot. It fits my hand very well and it’s much more comfortable and natural in my hand then the Glock. As a result I shoot it better.

I’m kind of iffy on the grip safety. I realize that it’s really not needed but for concealed carry I think it’s a nice addition. What I don’t like about it is you cannot rack the slide without it being depressed. That is a pain sometimes and I could see it being a real issue in the right (i.e. wrong) situation.

The other issue is the finish. The factory finish is reported to be very weak and easy to rust. Not good for a CCW gun. I have had no issue with mine but then again, I don’t carry or holster mine. I also have some reservation about the XD’s long term reliability. They just haven’t been around enough or tested in the real world long enough for me to trust them the way I trust the Glock’s or Sig’s or some other guns. It’s doubtful I will carry this gun.

BHP – Actually in my case it’s a FN HP (one of the CDNN deals). This gun is old school and all steel. Because of that it’s probably one of the heaviest guns on your list. The flip side is it’s also the thinnest (The Kahr is thinner but it’s a single stack). It is the same height as a G-19 and only slightly longer (about ½”?) so even though it weighs more I think it will be an easier gun to carry? I can’t say the BHP fit’s my hand like a glove but it does fit very well. I will say I am much more accurate with it then I am with any other handgun I’ve shot.

Considering all of that, I have decided to start off carrying the FN HP. I do have some reservations about carrying a SA in condition 1. I would prefer to carry a DOA as that is what I most use to\familiar with but I realize that carrying “cocked and locked” is mostly a matter of training and perspective. I do not like nor do I shoot DA\SA guns well at all so that rules them out for me.

I would like to try a Kahr some time. It does have less capacity but its smaller size and smooth DOA trigger might make up for that? I found for me anyway, I can’t make an informed decision without trying out the weapon in question.

I hope my babbling helps you in some way? :confused: :D

[mbr]

Thanks again for the replies. I've changed my list a little after visiting some more gun shops. I picked up the HK P2000, and boy it felt good in the hand. The Sig 239 did too, and I really like the concept of the DAK trigger, though the one I looked at was DA/SA. But I keep going back to the G19. For some reason the 19 feels much better in my hand than the 26, even feeling smaller, though I know this is not the case. The other pistol that felt really good was the Ruger 345, and I have a P97 whose magazines I think will work in it. And the SP101 feels good too... So many guns, so little time, (And money!).

[owsi26]

I'm not sure why you skipped over .40 caliber. I have a Glock 17, 20, 23, 27, 30, 36, Colt Commander .45, Para-Ordinance P14-45, Para-Ordinance P10-45, Colt Mustang Pocketlite .380, a .32 (gathers dust), a Bauer .25, and several revolvers in .22 and .38. I hated Glocks until I inherited my Dad's Glock 17. Nothing like a free gun (at a great personal loss though) to change one's mind!

I believe the .40 caliber 27 is a great choice for smaller hands, concealability and a decent size caliber. A Pierce grip makes a place for the little finger to hang out and you can get one with a +2 round gain. Eleven rounds (+1) of .40 and spare magazines from the Glock 22 gives you 15 rounds each. Add some Double Tap ammo and you have a reasonably potent little gun. Spring for night sights and a Lasermax internal laser and you have the ultimate concealed carry gun.

I've always been a .45 kind of guy but now the Glock 20 (10mm) with a Streamlight M-6X light/laser rail mount is my house gun and I carry the Glock 23 (.40), 27 (.40) and the Glock 36 (.45) the most in concealed mode. Just a suggestion in case you don't absolutely hate .40's.

Don't I need more guns? I think so..... You can tell I'm single huh?

[Zen21Tao]

The last firearm I bought (about 6 weeks ago) was a Sig P239 in .40 S&W. This is hands down my best and favorite CCW gun. It is extremely accurate, has very manageable recoil, and conceals very easily with minimal printing.

[earthworm]

Packed a S&W M-38 AirWeight Bodyguard for years & didn't feel "undergunned";regret swapping it even tho I have a 'buy-back' option (that's what friends are for*S*).Currently packing a Glock 32 (same size as the 19 you mention) & love it:don't see how you can go wrong with the 19.
If concealment is THE factor & you just HAVE to go semi-auto consider the KelTec .32:mine shoots like a charm & hides better'n the Bodyguard ever did.

[nossorct]

The Sig 239 did too, and I really like the concept of the DAK trigger, though the one I looked at was DA/SA.


I understand DA/SA and DAO but what's "DAK"? Funny too, because I was just considering a 239 for conceal carry and didn't realize there were two versions...?

[mbr]

I understand DA/SA and DAO but what's "DAK"? Funny too, because I was just considering a 239 for conceal carry and didn't realize there were two versions...?

The DAK is a DAO with a reconfigured geometry that offers a lighter pull, 6-7 pounds. The real plus is that it does this without precocking the spring/hammer, which allows for restrikes, uninterrupted dry-firing, etc.

[Erinyes]

I, too, have small hands, and I really like the BHP. Depending on your preferences, it might be a little on the heavy side of concealed carry, but it doesn't bother me. It's pretty flat for a double stack, and the shallow grip makes for a short reach to the trigger. The only thing is that it's SA, as opposed to your preference for DAO.

Barring that, I've had good experiences with the G17, the G19's bigger brother. The grip angle took a little getting used to, but since you've already carried a Glock, I doubt that's a problem for you. Of course, in most respects, the Glock's action is closest to SA, too. Sure, it has no exposed hammer, but it's constant half cock state and lack of a double strike capability always make me think of it as a single action pistol. Those are the only two I really have any experience with, so I can't comment on the others.

And if you're worried about costs in the ammo department, it's pretty tough to beat 9x19mm.

But heck, when in doubt, go with what feels the best...

[Kamicosmos]

SP101. Fits all your requirements. And you can get it DAO and with the Crimson Trace grips.

I love mine. Small and light enough for every day CCW. Heavy enough that shooting Magnums for practice won't destroy you or the gun. Accurate, powerful, ultra reliable, tough, affordable. Excellent choice for a car gun too.