[buggley]

i am looking for a ccw pistol. i currently carry a 1911 but it is too large for me to carry. it was my first pistol and i wanted to get a simple easy to use pistol to learn on. i am a good shot as far as 25 yards and wanted to move on to a smaller frame but with the knock down close to the .45.
is there a compact easy to cary pistol out there. my wife carries a sig p238, i like the feel of it and am not aposed to a .380 but i am sceptical of the 1 shot drop of a 380. it would have to be a really good shot. the only time i plan to draw is to shoot, so the fear factor isnt in question. lots of people say the round doesnt matter cause you dont want to get hit by ay of them. who ever is on the other end of this is going to get hit period. is there a good concealable pistol with stopping power and still be small enough to carry?
im not too picky about revolver or auto as long as i can sit in the car with out having to readjust when i get out. i got out to pump gas and had to adjust the other day and a fish cop noticed and took down my plate #. i dont like drawing attention to my self.

[Vern Humphrey]

I've carried a full-size M1911 for nearly 50 years. Because it's so slim and flat, the M1911 is a top-notch concealed carry gun. You just need the right holster -- I make my own tuckable holsters that make the M1911 disappear and are so comfortable you don't know you have the gun on you.

[Creature]

I carry a Colt Detective loaded with potent and proven 158gr SWCHP +P's. Extremely reliable and plenty of shots on hand ....and much easier to carry and conceal than a full-sized 1911.

http://unblinkingeye.com/Guns/Colt_DS/953ColtDSRM.jpg

[Vern Humphrey]

I have both a Detective Special (mine was made in the 1950s) and a full size M1911. I find the Detective Special is slightly wider than the M1911 and makes a bigger bulge.

[Creature]

The cylinder on a Detective Special is 1.40" and the standard grips are 1.35". The slide on a 1911 is 0.91"...and standard grips are 1.25" wide. Not a very significant difference...especially when you factor in overall weight in terms of carriability.

[critter]

I have a Colt New Agent. That is a 3" 1911 with an alloy frame. Very light 1911, small enough to conceal easily and still a .45.

[skt239]

If your looking for a one shot stopper, carry a 12 gauge. I'd pick something I handled well and work on shot placement.

[Sam1911]

i am sceptical of the 1 shot drop of a 380

You should be. You should be skeptical of claims of "one shot drop" from ANY handgun caliber. No handgun will "knock down" a man. The vital factors are 1) shot placement (90%), and 2) penetration (10%). Shot placement is up to you, so pick whatever gun you shoot most accurately, fastest. There are plenty of 9mm and .38 loadings that will get you the magic penetration numbers and MANY guns chambered for those calibers in very concealable sizes smaller than a Gov't model 1911.

Look at Khars, compact Glocks, compact M&Ps, compact xDs, and any of the small frame revolvers, just to name a very few.

[bigfatdave]

addressing things in no particular order:

1 - Terms like "stopping power", "knockdown power", and "one-shot drop" don't apply to handguns. If you've been counting on those things from a handgun in a duty caliber and size, you've been living in fantasy land.
2 - Even a full size 1911 is concealable, my crystal ball says you have either a cheapo holster/belt or lousy cover garment going on (I carry in a CrossBreed SuperTuck, hung on a BeltMan belt, under a generic camp shirt 99% of the time ... granted that's with an Officer frame, but a full frame conceals OK as well)
3 - The obvious answer is a smaller 1911, RIA makes a nice affordable Officer's size, I'd go with the CS tactical or similar, and take the money you save to put towards a better carry rig.
4 - Nobody is watching you to see if you're printing. Get used to adjusting a bit when you transition into or out of a vehicle, and don't look guilty/furtive/nervous while you do so. Act like you know what you're doing and generally people assume you actually know what you're doing. Act sleazy and (some) people look closer. Body language counts for a LOT and a signifigant fraction of the population is oblivious anyway.

[Haywood]

I carry a SP101 and a LCR357 daily. Ten shots pf 357 plus reloads.

[gbw]

I've tried nearly all of the ususal suspects and settled on a Kel-Tec PF9 as the best choice for me.

Inexpensive and very reliable, slender, light (which are most important to me), and powerful. Accurate enough.

Often carried IWB via a spring clip KT sells, the gun is so light and slender a holster is seldom necessary.

[The_Armed_Therapist]

I highly recommend the Kahr CM/PM line and the P/CW line. 9mm, .40, or .45... Your choice. VERY thin.

If you prefer double stack, go with the Taurus Millennium Pro line... same size except slightly thicker. Again, 9mm, .40, or .45... Your choice. :)

Both options are more concealable than the smallest Glocks and XDs.

[C0untZer0]

The Rohrbaugh R9 and Boberg XR-9 Shorty are also worth looking at.

[Creature]

I've tried nearly all of the ususal suspects and settled on a Kel-Tec PF9 as the best choice for me.
Make sure your PF9 doesnt come with the plastic mag release...

[chieftain]

For health reasons I went to a Colt LtWgt Commander from my Springfield Professional. 26oz's no change in manual of arms, and works just like my other 21 1911's. And still in 45acp. Not necessary but I am comfortable with it.

Many new and interesting thin single stacks being introduced lately. I like a full size grip of the original compact skinny fighting pistol. Just my way.

Good luck with what ever your decision is.

Fred

[hardluk1]

You may want to look at the kahr line . You will have the same look and feel , still keep the 45 caliber but have a revolver like DA pull that may not be heavier than some 1911's just longer. Weight will drop buy up to 50% .

The micro CM45-http://www.gunblast.com/images/Kahr-PM45/DSC04060.jpg

The CW45 & P45http://gunblast.com/images/Kahr-45s/DSC00004.JPG

[sgtstryker]

The G19 and G23 are as compact as I'll get. The .40 gets carried more than the 9mm, tho. I do like the Kahr's, but don't see spending the money on one anytime soon. I agree with the other poster about having a good holster. It makes all the difference in whichever firearm you choose.

[RBid]

PF-9 with Speer Gold Dot 115 gr (standard pressure) 9mm JHP is easy to conceal, extremely comfortable to carry, and plenty potent.

I carry full time. At work, home, etc. This is easy. I use either an IWB holster, or a Belly Band, with my gun at 4 o'clock. In the Belly Band, the grip sits like it's in an IWB.

[IMTHDUKE]

I carry usually this one...

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww2/imthduke/GUNS/SDC12849.jpg

If I go black tie event...I carry this one...

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww2/imthduke/GUNS/BlackRose_best.jpg

[mljdeckard]

Um yeah, don't kid yourself. It's a handgun, not a death ray. They all suck. Some suck more than others.

I have carried a full-size 1911 for many years. It's a matter of doing it correctly. Having said that, there is no reason you shouldn't carry any good 9mm or bigger. Use what works, get well-practiced with it.

[ArchAngelCD]

I pocket carry a 15oz S&W J frame daily and I have full confidence it will do it's job if necessary.

I also agree if a 1911 is uncomfortable for you to carry you're not using the right holster. On the rage occasions I do carry a semi-auto it's a 1911 and one of only 2 semi-auto centerfire pistols I own.

[Loosedhorse]

with the knock down close to the .45...

is there a good concealable pistol with stopping power and still be small enough to carry?
Glock 29. Amazing pistol. It is definitely "small enough to carry", unless you mean carry in a pocket.

Its "knock-down" might be better than a .45--and you won't need an extended mag to get 11 shots.

[Franco2shoot]

Check out the weight and feel of a Walther P99 in .40cal.. It's my change up from the 1911.

[Quoheleth]

Kahr CW9. Svelt, lightweight, and 7 rounds of +P 9mm, should you choose. New, around $350 or so. I got mine used, $300. Their CM-series is also a good choice but about $100 more.

While most comfortable in a IWB holster, I have pocket carried it on occasion in a Uncle Mikes' pocket holster for a fast run to the store or gas station, or if I knew I was going to be going somewhere that I would have to disarm (e.g., hospital; school) before entering.

Q

[BP Hunter]

MY main carry is the Glock 36 - 6+1 of .45 "man stopping power":D. I agree, there is no such thing a s man stopping power bullet, unless of course you want to carry a 12 guage weapon. But seriously, the Glock 36 to me is very manageable for such a small gun with high caliber.

[KenW.]

Just becuase there are guns smaller than a 1911, does not make the 1911 too big to carry. I was very pleased with my 5" Kimber for many years. Didn't make the move to the XD line because the 1911 is too large, just did due to other reasons.

[Creature]

Just becuase there are guns smaller than a 1911, does not make the 1911 too big to carry.
The 1911 may not be too big...but more often than not, I find it to be far too heavy. Especially carrying while wearing anything other than belted trousers or shorts.

[Pyro]

I carry a .32 acp NAA Guardian IWB.
Comfy and it'll put 7 rounds where ya want it really quick.

[bluethunder1962]

If you like the 1911 I agree with critter. Get a compact 1911. I have a colt defender. It is as accurate as my full size guns and still a 45.

[IMTHDUKE]

I have carried either of these....some say the 3" barrels are not dependable, however, that has not been my experience.

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww2/imthduke/GUNS/62520996525079.jpg

http://i700.photobucket.com/albums/ww2/imthduke/GUNS/62520996552615.jpg

[dubya450]

GLOCK 36. Its a single stack compact 45

[shaolink9]

Id suggest a SW 442 with .38+p or a Ruger LC9. The m&p shield looks promising also.

[C0untZer0]

Nice Rohrbaugh !

I am saving my pennies (more like Benjamins) for an R9. I am a little concerned about some of the problems that people have with them - that I hear about on the Rohrbaugh forum but I think Carl makes them right. He does stand behind the gun. And right now the R9 is the smallest/lightest overall major caliber gun that is generally regarded as reliable.

There may be some pistols that are lighter than the R9 but then they have an OAL that is longer than the R9. There may be some pistols that have a smaller footprint than the R9 but then they are heavier.

[IMTHDUKE]

You'll love the R9. Don't believe the nay sayers who have never even fired one. They are high dollar, but top guns. I carry mine because I forget that I am carrying, it so inconspiciously compact.

[chieftain]

You folks that have the mini-guns that you carry as primary weapons, get training to fight with these weapons? Who's course's to you recommend for the mini guns? And what sort of quality practice and such?

I pay for training with my 'J' frames (these days a S&W 642 with CTC grips), but I don't carry them as primary weapons except in the extremes. I do some "tactical" (for the lack of a worse word) practice with them, but nothing like what I do with my primary, a custom Colt LtWgt Commander in 45acp. For health reasons I had to give up carrying my modified Springfield Professional. Weight was the issue.

Most of my "work/training/practice" is done with either an all steel Colt custom Novak 1991A1 Commander (We used to call this a Combat Commander) or one of my many all steel government 1911's most often the Springfield Professional.

You will fight as good or as bad as you train and practice. Square range paper punching isn't the training or practice I am talking about.

Good luck.

Fred

[jehicks87]

I find the Detective Special is slightly wider [...] and makes a bigger bulge.

:scrutiny:

Baaaahahahahaha. I'm sorry, sophmor-ish I know, but that made me giggle. Manly giggles, I assurre you.

[Prosser]

If you are legally carrying stick with the 1911 and get a better holster and belt.
Dillon Belt for sure. Or a decent shoulder rig.

I carried a Detonics MarkVI, a smaller version of the 1911, for a long time in a shoulder rig. Worked very well. I was small at the time, in the 150-160 range.

If your job or life doesn't depend on keeping the gun concealed, stick with the 1911 full size.
GS

[mauiglide]

If I could CCW (I'll keep dreaming :D) I'd go with my Glock 30. 10 + 1 rounds of large caliber goodness.

Sent from my RAZR MAXX using Tapatalk 2

[bikerdoc]

You will fight as good or as bad as you train and practice.

worth repeating.

[TonyT]

buggley,
If you want a 45ACP in a concealable packahe look at the Glock-36 or the newer Kahr pistols in 45ACP. I carried the Glock-36 (single stack, 6+1 shot) for several years before opting for a Kahr PM-9 (9mm, 6+1) in a pocket holster. While I shoot several 1911's in competition for defensive purposes I want a pistol without any external safeties or hammer.
Tony

[coiler666]

I carry a 1977 Star PD45 when the weather gets hot...conceals as easy(if not easier) than any snubby revolver i've ever tried:)Mike

[coalman]

9mm or .38spl is my floor in caliber. The Kahr PM9 is a great choice. I use 9mm at times. I prefer 230gr .45acp. 9mm is good enough, and that's about what I think of it vs. .45acp. It's about compromise in CCW sometimes.

[WoodyTX]

I was a born and bred 1911 fan, until some serious classes taught me that the grip and thumb safeties don't always disengage when you're trying to draw and fire while being tackled or wrestling. Also, my traditional hip carry was hard to pull from while flat on my back, and hard to keep away from a determined assailant. For those reasons, I 'appendix carry' a XDm 3.8 in .45ACP in a Dale Fricke Archangel holster. I can get to it from almost any position, the grip safety has never failed me, and I can fire it from nearly any position as well.

The only reason I went with .45 is that I am set up to reload it, and most of my other pistols shoot it. Modern 9mm ammo is powerful enough to do the job, and I don't like the compromises in .40 cal (too close to the margins, in my opinion. Yours may vary.)

Whatever you get, practice drawing it (triple-checked that it's unloaded) from the ground in a variety of position, while someone is trying to slap-fight you, and after wearing yourself out with sprints, push-ups, or whatever it takes. When the stuff hits the fan, you probably won't be in a 'square range' position, so prepare now.

EDIT: The 9mm or .38 spl is my 'minimum caliber' as well, but I have been known to carry a .380 when I otherwise wouldn't have a pistol (such as when going to the gym).

[DocRx]

I carry two proven "one shot stoppers" alternating weekly. One week is a Ruger KLCR .357/.38 loaded with the number one stopper, the Federal 125gr. .357mag JHP (96%) or the CorBon 110gr. .38spl +P JHP. The alternating week I carry my Kahr CM9 loaded with CorBon 115gr. 9mm JHP. All are actual "cased based records" recommended by M.Ayoob, Sanow, etc., as the best for SD in those calibers. Both weapons are worn OWB in Mitch Rosen Pancake Style holsters, or IWB Crossbreed MicoClip (CM9), or the BladeTech UH (Ruger). They both are highly concealable, potent, lightweight, and cost effective. Good luck in your search.

[Certaindeaf]

If you're wearing bigboy pants and a normal garrison belt, two and a half pounds ain't no big deal. Further, upon shooting, that weight attenuates recoil and aids in sight recovery.

[mgkdrgn]

... i am sceptical of the 1 shot drop of a 380...

As well you should be, as there is no such thing for ANY handgun.

There are two purposes to your defensive handgun:
1) Convince the BG to go somewhere else
2) Fight your way to your long gun

[CDW4ME]

Glock 26 or 27

[dprice3844444]

i carry a glock 26 in 1 pocket,2 17 mags in another

[cwl1862]

Ya may want to take a look at the Kimber Ultra Carry or the Colt Defender, or perhaps the Springfield Armory Sub compact 45's I have the Kimber Ultra Carry II in 45 and it's a fantastic little number to carry. Best way to describe these little 3 inch barreled 1911's it to say they are a snub nosed 45. :-) Little bugger will get someones attention if you ever have to point it at somebody. Ruger SR9c & 40c are nice little guns too. I have both of these as well and can honestly say I've never had a problem with either.