Autoloader for CCW

I'll be getting a Minnesota CCW. I won't be carrying every day, but I'd like to have something I get to know, practice with and have on hand. I'll most likely carry cross-draw and keep in Condition 3 while carrying. (Please no digs on either of these decisions -- "...I yam what I yam...")

Recommendations? Holster suggestions also welcome.

XD is freaking awesome. sub 2" groups offhand at 15 yds, enough accuracy to hit a mellon at 50yds.

I know you don't want opinions, crossdraw is fine if that's what you like, but condition three is not ready (and you can't do an israeli crossdraw). An XD will be completely safe in condition 1.

I also voted for the XD9 Subcompact, this little gun has really impressed me and is every bit as good as the full size. You can also use XD 40 mags to get hi capacity, they hold 15 rounds. It looks a little funny but ut does work and mine have fead reliably for hundreds of rounds.

I prefer to carry cross draw myself. There are alot of advantages to it, you can draw while sitting or driving, and you can draw with you weak hand alot faster.

From your choices I like the BHP the best. Proven effective and I think its a pistol you'll enjoy shooting/practicing more in the long run. Most difficult to conceal though. The sub-compact 1911's "tend" to be a bit more problematic as far as getting them to be as reliable as full sized guns. But if you're really set on a 1911 pattern, I heard a lot of good buzz about the Colt Defender. The Kel-Tec is the most concealable of the bunch and the lightest but reviews really seemed to be the most mixed of the bunch. I don't have any experience with the XD's but they seem to be well liked.

As for an alternate choice I like the proven track record of the Glock 26/27/33's

what is said about cross draw is true, but not having a round in the chamber defeats the purpose.

About the 40 caliber mags as 9mm high caps. Since your carrying concealed you don't want a full size mag sticking out the bottom of your gun, my advice would be to carry the standard 10 rd magazine in the gun and have the 15 as a second magazine. survey says: if you use all 10 and need more, you're gonna want more than just another 10.

For me its a toss up between my Kahr PM9 and a Kimber Ultra CDP II...they're both so darn nice: small, accurate, and powerful.

I answered other, as I either carry a Glock 19 or a Colt 1911.

I like something that I can carry in a front pants pocket. I have a .380 ACP and a snub .38 that work for me. Someday I'd like to get a more potent caliber. (I'm not crazy about the Kel Tec P-11, the Kahr PM9 costs too much, and I don't like lightweight .357's.)

Well, there's no need for a DA trigger pull if you are going to carry Condition 3, so you'd be best off with a SA trigger system.

Off your list, I'd pick the Browning HP for its excellent ergonomics and slim lines, coupled with the availability of pre-ban magazines all over the place.

3" 1911 models can be spotty in the reliability department, and the .45ACP loses a lot of speed when shot from a stubby barrel. The Browning isn't that much longer overall and offers a much longer tube for those 9mm rounds to get up to speed.

The XD is not a bad gun, either.

I'd go w/ the one you can shoot most effectively.

I am going with the other category. I choose Kahr mk.40 , my carry gun:D

Glock 26!!!! :evil:

I like something that I can carry in a front pants pocket. I have a .380 ACP and a snub .38 that work for me. Someday I'd like to get a more potent caliber. (I'm not crazy about the Kel Tec P-11, the Kahr PM9 costs too much, and I don't like lightweight .357's.)

Kinda sucks that colt only made the pocket nine for such a short period of time.

Another vote for the G-26!;)

I prefer either the Glock 26 or Kel-Tec P-11.... both have served me well, with no problems.

Of the ones you wanted polled, BHP.

Sure its "full size," but a lot smaller than other full size pistols. Holds 13 std, or 15 flush fit (ram line Magazine)

It's big for a cross draw, so you'll want a high and tight to the body rig, not one that leaves the grip banging your belt buckle (ie Deskrider).

I don't like "officer" models, too short, too squat, feels funky. A Commander sized one is a better option.

No experience with the XD.

Feel lukewarm about the Kel-tec, I've only shot their mouse guns.

as usual, i recommend the H&K USP Compact (big shocker!) in the caliber or your choice with night sights. it always goes bang, its relatively light for its size, pretty easy to conceal even for skinny little dudes like me. Sig P229 would be my second choice.

Bobby

I went "other" so that I could reccommend the HK P7M8. easily concealable and is arguably the safeest pistol to carry. It cannot fire until you cock the firing mechanism by sqeezing the gripframe - hence the name "squeeze-cocker". No buttons/levers to possibly catch on something and very instictive to use.

Sig P239.

Beretta 92FS. Contrary to popular belief it isn't too big to carry daily.

cool9, i'm gonna have to disagree with you there. Yes it's lighter than a 1911 and yes it will disappear with the right holster and clothing, but for a lot of people, something that size just isn't practical. Personally, i'd never even dream of packing my taurus pt92

Sorta full size
Gota vote MK9 or PM9 Kahr :)

Pocket size

NAA Guardian 380

Both rock solid reliable.

Other. I like the Kahr K-9. The BHP would be a decent choice also.

Just got a Glock 33. Put a mag extender on it and now have 10 roungs of 357 Sig in a very concealable package. I just got rid of a P 11 because I couldn't stand the long trigger pull, but it had been a very reliable gun.

Other - Glock 26 or Kahr PM9 should work great for you.

Scott

I like the Glock 26. Compact fire power in a rust resistant package. My Keltec tends to rust when carried; the Glock does not. Another option is the Browning BDM. It is probably the flattest double stack auto around. With pre-bans you can have 15 rounds. Even with 10 round mags the BDM is a good selection... Illini

Hey Illini,

I'm a fellow Illini too!

Scott

Well put...

I like the Officer's because I'm a skinny guy with fairly small hands. The pistol conceals well on my frame using a Milt Sparks Versa Max II. It fits my hands better than my G26 and I'm a funky kinda guy anyway.

Reliability issues are a true concern when considering a 3 1/2 " barrel 1911.
My pistol, in original condition, would fail to feed on the last or next to last round every 3rd of 4th magazine. I have no firsthand experience with the new Colt Defender so I can't comment on how well they might run.

Loss of velocity from 5" vs 3.5" barrels is not an issue to me at defensive ranges. Well placed shots at close ranges from either barrel will stop a fight and that's all it is about.

If you are a small framed person and are willing to spend some time and or bucks on getting an Officer's up and running and willing to change out the recoil spring every few hundred, instead of few thousand rounds you may well want to look into one. I like mine.

On the fairly rare occasions when I carry a semi-auto for CCW, it's normally a Kahr K9.

None, at the moment. I live in Ohio... You know... :(

But on the upside, IF things work out right this fall, I'll carry my Walther P99QA in 9mm. For a few reasons.

1. It's the only handgun I own right now... ;)

2. With nothing to catch on stuff and being pretty thin, it's a natural.

3. 9mm 124 gr. Gold Dot +p = plenty of stopping power.

4. 16+1 with three more hicaps available.

and finally...

5. It's the only handgun I own... which I know I already said, but I thought that the point was really quite relevant, and might be worth mentioning again..;)

A Makarov, refinished with a tuff-Coat plastic finish so's to be impervious to a hot & sweaty climate.

Semi-auto: Glock 36 in .45 ACP or Beretta 950 Jetfire in .25 ACP.

Not restricted to semi-auto (and we're not): an older S&W M638 Bodyguard Airweight with .38 Special +P's.

Don't rule out a .38 +p by reading ballistics charts all day long. These are powerful little poppers esp with good JHP ammo. If the bullet doesn't do it, you might catch 'em on fire if you shoot close enough. You don't have to worry about the bullet not feeding or the gun going out of battery if you stick it in the bad guys belly.

I'd get a small .357 instead of .38 so you can stoke it up too. I agree with the other posters, try out a lot of small guns and see which one is best.

S&W CS9. 3" barrel and weighs 23 oz.

Based on your choices I would put a vote in for the Glock 26 or Glock 27.
-Mike

The Hi Power grip fits me about perfect and this is my first choice for general use.

If I was wedded to cross draw and needed a shorter grip, I'd look at the G26/27, or a round butt mid or small frame Smith revolver. The old J frame is about the easiest thing to conceal. A snub K frame hides better than some folks think. The G26/27's are thick, but when that's not a problem, hide pretty well. The Smith 3913 series hides very well too.

Canes work really well, and are legal most everywhere. :D

I would go with a Glock 19 or pick the model in your favorite caliber. Sig and H&K are great as well for CCW.

I voted for "other".. I know the Sig P-239 is not the best CCW gun for everyone, but don't buy until you check it out

5" 1911A1

I love my P-11, but as was mentoned before if your not going to carry with one in the pipe the double action pull is really not needed.... but then again, you may change your mind later, and it is still small and light.

Sig P229 in .40 S&W or .357 Sig

CCW? What's CCW? I live in the not-so-free state of Illinois so, with our current state government (including de facto governor Richie Daley), the Cubs might win the World Series before honest citizens are trusted to protect themselves like those in 35 other states.

Chuck (in a foul mood):mad:

I lived in WoodDale for 40 years and finally got sick of it and moved to San Antonio 4 months ago. No regrets. And when I carry it will be a S&W CS9.

http://members.cox.net/storep/Compacts

Colt Compact Model 1991A1

Beretta 950bs and Colt lwt commander.