[Darrin]

Okie dokie, here's the deal (and no, I'm not really scared) :

I plan on having a CCW permit in my paws within the next 4 to 6 months. During this time, I plan to hopefully accumilate enough funds for my carry gun. Currently, I'm shooting a Walther P22 (.22lr) and an Astra A-90 (9mm). The Astra could be a carry gun with a little work (the safety likes to engage while shooting!), but it's a full size gun and I'm a small size guy. Here, we have a concealment issue.

I do have some requirements for what I'm looking for:
Autoloader
Compact/Sub Compact
Minimum Rounds: 9+1 (can be debated)
Cheap Mags (not a must, but preferred)
Somewhat comfy while carrying IWB (or belly band)
Between 9mm and .45 for the caliber

Some specs about my size:
5 feet 8 inches
approximately 130 pounds
Waist: 27 inches
You should be able to tell, I'm not a big guy at all. This is why I'm looking at a smaller (compact) handguns. When it come to concealing my Astra, well, let's just say my Astra has a big butt that gets in the way.

So far, here's what I'm investigating: (What? You like the 'list' feature? Why, sure! I'll gladly do another list for you!)
Springfield (http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-xdpstl-sub-compact.shtml) XD 3" (Offered in 9mm and .40)
Smith & Wesson (http://www.smith-wesson.com/products/firearms/select_firearm.cfm) SW99 Compact (Offered in 9mm and .40)
Glock Subcompact (http://www.glock.com/te_english.htm) (Offered in 9mm, .40, 10mm and .45)
Not a huge list, but a start. This is why I'm asking you folks to consider my size and help me find a carry gun. Price? Not sure yet. Around here, the Glocks are around $570ish (waaay cheaper at the gun show). The SW99 is about $600 or so. I'm not sure about the XD. When I went to price it Monday, it had sold on Sunday! (btw, those prices were new, not used)

Final thoughts: I'm not opposed to used, but I want the numbers ran by the police first. If,God help me, I have to actually use my gun for SD, I do not want to hand over a hot gun to the police to be checked. Also, I'd like the ammo to be of a somewhat common size, (example: if need be, I can get it at Wally-World)

Many thanks in advance.

[cslinger]

You know all my guns I would suggest are 7-8+1 rounders.

SIG P225
SIG P239
HK P7M8

My CZP01 would make a dandy little 10+1 or 13+1 or 15+1 pistol.

I had a Glock 30 that was nice but Glock triggers bother me when holstering. It is only a mental thing but I worry about that trigger. Don't let that stop you but practice, practice, practice.

Gotta be 9+1 or better huh?

SIG 229s/228s are really nice.
Walther P99s

I had a HS2000 that was very nice but not all that small. I have yet to hold the tiny little guy.

Ok those are my ramblings. If you want to try any of mine out you are more than welcome to.

Chris

[one-shot-one]

well i'm 6' + 250 lbs.
so not much help there but.......
have a glock 26 fairly easy to carry, i use a kydex tucker or a glyco ankle holster. for me any 9mm up firearm is tolerable not comfortable. make sure you can get a good grip around a g26 and it should be a fine ccw.

[9x19]

Among those three I'd opt for the Glock 26.

It has an enviable reputation for both reliability and accuracy often better than its larger cousins.

It has a very smooth profile without any sharp protrusions to snag clothes or abrade your skin.

Ammo costs are as low as you can get so practice is more likely to be done regularly.

It is durable, with a very forgiving finish and quite easy to detail strip, maintain, and even modify within limits.

Parts are everywhere and factory mags are quite reasonably priced.

Good luck.

[Zenon]

I chose the XD 3-inch 9 over the Glock 26 for:

1) Cost.
2) My personal preference for the grip safety.
3) I shoot it REALLY well.

The SW 99 shorty is too new for my comfort zone, coming from someone who bought 3 different newest, latest, just-released guns, all of which went back for repair; I no longer want to beta guns for manufacturers. The SW99 IS the thinnest of the bunch, though.

My main carry mode is IWB, either long shirt or a tuckable holster, I work in an office in a big city. I am exploring ankle carry, but have yet to do so. I'm not quite as thin as you, but not a big guy and I never get "made" on the street with my tuckable and a dress shirt, no jacket.

As far as caliber preference, I like 9mm and .45; and for what it;'s worth, I also carry a SW3913, which is very thin for a 9mm, it is a single-stack though, 8+1.

Just my $000,000.02 worth.

[firestar]

Add Kahr to your list.

[Darrin]

Thanks for the input so far. Especially the brief XD-9/G26 comparison, Zenon! The 3919 looks like a metal version of the Kel-Tec P11. Gotta price guestimate?

Chris, aren't your Sigs with full length grips? I honestly can't remember now, I was busy playing with the P99! We need to get together anyway, once isn't enough! Oh, and the 9+1, well, it equals 10. I said it could be debated!! :uhoh: ;)

Keep 'em coming people! Oh, and remember, my brief list is only what I've started to research so far. If you have a recommendation, let me have it. Toss me a link if you can.

[Darrin]

Add Kahr to your list Okie dokie. I'm writing all suggestions down by hand in my list of 'stuff to start researching.'

Anymore?

[Zenon]

I paid $529 at a SW demo shoot at my range. Never a hiccup, eats everything I've fed it. Slightly larger than the P11.

[HSMITH]

A commander size 1911 is as easy or easier to conceal than most of your list. If I can only have a few rounds I want big rounds. Mags are cheap, and the trim levels in new guns are from mild to wild. Hard to argue with 45 ACP for a caliber choice. Take a look at the commander and officer length 1911's.

[B Coyote]

My Grandpa has a Springfield Armory Ultra Compact 9mm. It's a 1911-pattern Lightweight Compact (3.5" barrel).

It's accurate, reliable and FLAT. It's also light, easy to carry and holds 8+1. The 9mm itself is inexpensive and readily available. I like his pistol so much, I'm thinking about buying one of my own. :)

bc:)

[Darrin]

Springfield Armory Ultra Compact 9mm I likey!! Got a street price?

[sm]

The students we taught for CCW and tried various guns for fit...I'm big on fit to shooter, if theydidn't go with a used model 10 revo -- semi choices were the following. Note :some were ladies, btw.

smith 3913
glock 26
keltec p-11
1911 , full and commander size ,only -nobody chose anything smaller in bbl length.
sigs (forget the 9mm model)

I don't recall anyone going .40 cal, pretty evensplit with 9mm and 45 ACP

btw the 1911 in commander size used by 4'10" 108# DDG blond, can blow the center of a playig card from 10 yds everytime :D

[B Coyote]

My local shop quoted me $720 yesterday.

bc:)

[B Coyote]

Here's a link to SA's website. The 9mm is at the bottom of the page.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-uc.shtml

bc:)

[Darrin]

bc, that's why I asked the street price. I saw the $837 on the website and :what:!

re1973, fit is a big deal and I will be, at the least, getting my paws on each gun I research. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to shoot them first, also!


When I take my safety class this Saturday, I'm going to let them provide me with a handgun rather than use my own. This way, I'll get to try out the G26 or G27 without having to pay-to-rent the gun!

[Grayrock]

Try this link for my vote.

http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=145SSP&category=Pistol

Street price under $400

[sanchezero]

I'll second a commander/officer sized 1911 or, of course, a P7. The Kahr guns are nice too, but I like SA triggers better.

I used to carry a Glock and occasionally still do, but I've gotten hooked on single-stack guns.

:)

[Rich357]

Try a SIG P239 9mm. They have a slim grip but it comfortable to shoot. The P239 is about $550+. They have the best DA trigger pull of any SIG I've tried. The transition from DA to SA is easy.

Rich

[WonderNine]

Easy choice.

BROWNING HI-POWER!

:D

[harrydog]

For carry use I second the suggestion to look at Kahr.
I've got a K9 and it is the perfect combination of size and weight in my opinion. I haven't found a CCW that I prefer over the K9, and I've looked at or owned just about everything out there.

http://www.kahr.com/pistols_K9096.html

[Akurat]

Kahr PM9?
Kel-tec P11? (inexpensive is a +)
Used Glock?
CZ-100? (bad trigger but can easily be fixed)


Honestly since youre already used to the Walther P22, the SW99 compact would be your easiest transition, so you would probably shoot it well right off the bat. Of the ones on your list, that definitlely gets my vote.

[themic]

at your size? honestly, Kahrs. it's all about the width. they'er all sub - 1"

you can go Sig P239 or something, but a fat Glock 26 will stick out on you like a bad tumor with hard edges.

[TheMariner]

Well, since you already shoot the P22, I'd go with a P99... Its like the XD but you get the benefit of having worked with a similar model weapon, even if it is scaled down...

The P99 comes in 9mm and .40S&W (I got one in .40S&W to compliment my 5" P22)... You have nearly the exact same build and I've found it is easy to conceal the P99...

[Mikel]

I'm roughly your size, I have a Sig P239 9mm and a Kahr PM9 9mm. The Sig is freakin amazing, flawless performance and a decent price, easy to carry. I haven't shot the Kahr yet, (see my thread about the problems, entirely user error I might add, no fault of kahr).

My next gun will likely be a XD Subcompact 9mm. Go to some gun stores, ranges, or gun shows and at least put your paws on some of the suggestions. Some guns that SHOULD fit me fine DON'T at all, and some that shouldn't do. The glock and the XD are supposed to be about the same as far as size, but the XD fits me about a million times better than the glock.

[HankB]

I used to have a Kahr P9, but it was so troublesome the factory couldn't fix it and replaced it. I traded the replacement for a Glock 26 which I'm real happy with. So far, I haven't been able to MAKE the baby Glock malfunction.

If you can manage a larger pistol, I can't recommend anything better than my "large pistol" choice, the Browning HP. It has a very nice grip and good "pointability" even for one with small hands.

There are conflicting reports on the SW99 (and it's sibling, the Walther P99) so can't recommend it, and have no experience with the Springfield XD.

[Mil Novecientos Once]

I am 5'6" and 140 pounds. My waist size is 32. I carry a SA 1911 (full size) in a Fist K#1 IWB. No problems.

[XavierBreath]

What I carry is a tuned HK USPc in .40S&W. A carry weapon is a very personal thing, and may change over time as you change. I used to carry a Beretta Mini-Cougar in .40S&W. I have also carried small 1911 type weapons and Kahr pistols. My wife presently carries my Kahr K40. When I have a problem concealing, (I sometimes work in scrubs) I carry a KelTec P32.

Caliber is an important issue. Most of the time, less than three shots are fired. Capacity is a lesser issue. Many can argue the virtues of various calibers, but the simple truth is that most people who are shot succumb to loss of blood and tissue damage. Thus, bigger HP bullets are better. Multiple bigger HP bullets are even better. Shoot the BG more than twice and you might have a legal problem though. Therefore, up the size of each round to do the most damage. Think .40S&W or .45. I like Hydroshoks. XST is also good ammo. The generic Wal-Mart HP ammo is OK, but for a few bucks more, you get better expansion.

Cheap mags for a nice pistol is a fool's paradise. Don't do it. Get a good, reliable firearm, and a couple of factory spare mags. If you get a 1911 style weapon, get Wilson Combat mags. Cheap magazines cause more autoloader malfunctions than anything else.

Reliability is paramount in a carry weapon. Expect to pay at least $500. If you cannot, then get what you can and work with it until you can afford more. You are staking your life on this weapon. Don't go cheap. You are worth more.

Decide if you are comfortable with a c0cked and locked weapon. If so, look into the small 1911's or the HK USPc. The USPc has the advantage of being able to be carried in DA/SA as well. If c0cked and locked gives you the willies, look into the Kahrs. They were designed for concealment from the ground up. Look at the Paraordnance LDA series as well. They are very nice pistols, altough pricey. Glocks are fine as well, although I personally don't go for them. Most importantly, get the one that fits your hand, that you can shoot quickly and accurately, in a caliber that allows you to stop a threat with a minimum of shots.

Get Ayoob's book, "In The Gravest Extreme" and read it. Train like your life depends on it, because someday it just might. Learn how to train properly, and present the weapon quickly and hit your target accurately. If you can do that with your pistol, it really doesn't matter what it is, as long as the round carries enough force to stop the threat.

Lastly, know the law, obey the law, & be safe.

Here's a link for you if you haven't found it yet. http://www.packing.org/

[George Hill]

I think a thread like this one would have been better off as a Poll.
That being said, my vote would have been for the Springfield XD.

There are other good options too... like the Glock 26. The Taurus PT145 PRO... etc.

[Darrin]

First of all, wow! Thanks for all the suggestions!!

George, I didn't include a poll because I'm just gathering info right now. When I've had a chance to hold (and maybe shoot) these suggestions, then I'll narrow it down to a select few and create a poll then. This is just a preliminary. ;)

Mil Novecientos Once and Mikel, thanks for the comparison of size. I'd like to have more input from a few small guys and gals.

Xavier, excellent point about the mags/cost. Oh, and yes, I know it's going to be around the $500 and up area in price. :) Regarding the laws, I spend a few nights a week reading over TN's weapons laws. I'm on my second pass at reading those laws now.

I've added the Kahr P9, Taurus PT145 PRO, Sig P239 and HK USPc to my list. I'm going to be busy checking out all these gems! I mean, guns! :D

Keep 'em coming!

[tetchaje1]

I'm 5'9" and 155lbs, so a little bigger than you, but I regularly carry a USP 40 Compact or a SIG 239. I am currently in the market for a good IWB (probably Milt Sparks) holster for my fullsize 1911. :) You'd be amazed at what you can conceal IWB.

[Skunkabilly]

I'm about 5'5"-5'6" and 112-120 lbs depending on if I took a dump, how much gear I have on, and whose scale I'm on that day.

Bet I'm skinnier than you.

Your dresscode, the belt and holster are more important than the type of gun (within reason, USP Experts and Desert Eagles are hard to conceal most of the time).

The P7 works great, shoots like a tuned service pistol, but tucks away like a compact. It seems slimmer than subcompacts with less controls and things sticking out the side so it conceals really well. It has a 4" barrel which is almost as long as the fullsize USP and longer than the USP Compacts even tho they are bigger.

Downside is the price, but I don't need a subcompact or pocket gun any more, since I field tested the tuckable holster and no one made any comments on the funny clip on my belt.

[BevrFevr]

On single stack 9mm pistols. You should read it. I had no idea there were so many to pick from.

Good Luck

-bevr

[Mr. Black]

A compact 1911 will conceal better than anything (4 or 4.25 barrel and officer size grip) Stay away from the shorter 1911's if you go that way.

Even a full size 1911 conceals like nothing, even in only a t shirt.
BHP a great choice too, plentiful pre ban mags.

[Betty]

I have several handguns you can try, Darrin. Looks like we need a range trip this weekend, folks! Cslinger, Darrin?

Isn't the Fairgrounds gun show this weekend? We could meet up there.

[Darrin]

I have several handguns you can try, Darrin. Looks like we need a range trip this weekend, folks! Cslinger, Darrin?

Isn't the Fairgrounds gun show this weekend? We could meet up there. I'm taking my Handgun Safety class on Saturday, so I'm out until 5 or 6ish that evening.

Sunday, I'm open!

[SanduneCC]

I've added the Kahr P9, Taurus PT145 PRO, Sig P239 and HK USPc to my list

How cum the Glock 26 isn't on your list yet? :mad:

It's the best gun for you buddy.

[Darrin]

How cum the Glock 26 isn't on your list yet? Reread my first post. One of the options I've already started researching is the Glock Subcompact, which includes, the G26. ;)

[MrAcheson]

Look into BHPs. Issues:
[list=1]
Not sure whether you can conceal them with your frame.
They are reliable.
Clones are inexpensive.
Pre-ban Mags are cheap.
[/list=1]
The bad thing is that BHPs are like 1911s, buying one makes you want to pour money into it.

[Darrin]

MrAcheson, I got to shoot a BHP over the Memorial Day weekend. Talk about comfy!! The BHP is probably the most comfortable handgun I've shot to date! That's something I know I want, but after I get my carry weapon.

[cslinger]

Ack!!!

I truely am the only person who doesn't like the BHP. Well they might be one or two others but we are definitely a minority.

Great pistols though.

[Oracle]

Out of the guns you've listed, I prefer the Glock 26. It's absolutely reliable, easy to conceal, and also has another advantage. It can take the larger magazines of the larger Glock 9mm's (the 17 and 19). That means you can carry a 17-round backup mag if you so choose. May not be important to you, but I like having options like that.

[Darrin]

Out of the guns you've listed, I prefer the Glock 26. It's absolutely reliable, easy to conceal, and also has another advantage. It can take the larger magazines of the larger Glock 9mm's (the 17 and 19). That means you can carry a 17-round backup mag if you so choose. May not be important to you, but I like having options like that. That is something I've noticed about Glocks and I am keeping that in mind. That was kind of why I was looking at something with less expensive mags available.

Will the G26 will take the 31 round mag? That would be a funny site: Itty bitty gun and a magazine down to your waist. :neener: :D

[Mikel]

Might be just me, but the Glocks don't fit my hands to well. I've yet to shoot a newer run Glock with the finger inlays though, my G17 is old school. I'll just say it holds 17 rounds legally with the original mag :D

I can shoot it well enough, but the SIG 239 fits my hands a lot better.

Interestingly enough, the XD's fit my hands pretty damn well, enough so that the backstrap bottoms in my palm and my finger falls on the trigger at the first joint. I can't do that with the G17, or even my friends G27. Probably just a matter of personal preference though.

[Darrin]

I'm looking forward to getting an XD in my hands. Reviews are all positive, for the most part. Same with the 239.

I held the G26 & G27 in my hands and they are a little bulky. Those will boil down to recoil which I'll find out tomorrow!

[Mikel]

I can only really vouch for the P239, as I own one and have it with me every day. Excellent gun. The XD will probably be my next purchase.

[12GA]

I'm 5'8" 150lbs w/31" waist and carry my SIG220ST IWB in a HighNoon Hidden Ally tuckable. I think if you are willing to consider the P239 you should also consider the SIG220 where you get 8+1 in .45acp. FWIW, I bought a new belt when I ordered the Hidden Ally and the combination really makes a huge difference in carrying the 220. With the right apparel (size and material), and a good belt and holster, I've got a feeling you'd be able to carry the 220 as well.

[Darrin]

Well, the class went well. 50 out of 50 shots were on target and scored a 100 on the test! :D


Anywho, back to the thread. I shot the Glock 26 for my class and noticed a few things:

Blocky, but comfy. No troubles with recoil or short grip. (Had 2 mags: one with finger rest and the other without. Both were just fine.)
Easy to aquire target, mostly. 7 of my 50 shots took out the BG's support arm. :uhoh:
Strangely, I like the Glock trigger safety. Every pull of the trigger felt the same. No heavy DA then light SA. Every pull was easy.
Hated the muzzle flash (Another thread all together...)
The G26 will remain a contender for now in the Great Carry Quest.

I also looked at a ParaOrd .45 that was compact. Ooh, baby! I plan on renting that one sometime to check out. I just might be a 1911 type of guy. :)

[Mikel]

I asked about a XD Compact today when I went to the gun store after the range. They said they would have one in within the next couple of weeks, I'll report back once I get to fondle it (and probably buy it)

[jacketch]

I second the P239 (you can switch between the .40 and 9mm with the addition of a Barstow barrel).
The BHP (a DA/SA Compact is also available with a similar grip to the BHP).
The CZ has a compact at an exceptional price.

[txgolfer45]

I happen to like the Glocks. G19, G26, G23, G27. But, I also like the smaller size Kahr PM9 for carry too. The Kahr is easier to conceal and you can run +P ammo through it too.

I've been able to get my Glocks with night sights for $499 plus tax locally in Texas.

Scott

[Mikel]

The CZ has a compact at an exceptional price.

More info please :D

[Darrin]

I asked about a XD Compact today That reminds me, I asked today also. The guy at the shop said he got them one time, and hasn't been able to get anymore (compacts) since.

*shrugs*

[Darrin]

Tried out a few guns today. A G30, HK USPc .45, CZP01 and a Steyr .40.

The Steyr fit me the best of that bunch! I didn't have to fumble around to reach the slide release or the mag drop. Even liked the triangular sights! I did have 2 F-T-Feeds, but that may have been some limp-wristing on my part. :uhoh: The only think I didn't care for was having the safely in the trigger guard, but I could adapt. I can get the compact with extra mag for $364.98. For that price, I may get one of these regardless of what my carry gun is!

I've been recommended to search here and TFL on some Steyr discussions. Looks like I'll be busy the next few days!

[only1asterisk]

Another vote for the Kahr family, great guns! The trigger is Glock like slightly heavier than most factory single actions. Very compact and well made. I can give you wholesale prices for majority or the guns you are interested in before you go to buy. Good luck!

Dave

[Darrin]

I can give you wholesale prices for majority or the guns you are interested in before you go to buy Soooooo...........can you sell at that price? ;) (kidding)

It seems I was going to get to check out a Kahr or two yesterday, but Oleg took them with him when he went out of town. :fire: :evil: :D

[Jiml3]

To Mikel:

Follow up on your question of a good price on a CZ75 PCR, check out www.lisc.net. The price they are quoting is $417.00 cash, NIB. I see you are located in Memphis and they are located on Long Island, NY but if you can't get a good price locally, they could sell it to you and send it to someone with an FFL. You would have to factor in shipping and the FFL fee but you will avoid local sales tax.www.lisc.net

[twolf]

For your frame, I would go with a 9mm. Follow up shots are a must. Another thing is weight, if you load 10 rounds of .45 ACP into a clip, it dramatically increases the weight of the firearm. A firearm that is to heavy for you to carry comfortably will end up stayin in your glovebox or at home.

I had a S&W CS-9 and loved it. The magazines are expensive but it comes with two. If you need more than 15 rounds (between the two) you're not defending yourself, you're in combat! From your frame, I would say that you probably have small hands. Single stack mags, like the CS9 are excellent.

The PT-111 Pro is good but unfortunately holsters are not readily available for them yet. The width is different on the PT-111 and the PT-111 Pro so your weapon would end up loose in the holster if you put a 111 Pro in a 111 holster.

If you want prices on any firearms, let me know. Not only am I the hair club president, I am also a gun toting FFL.:D