What would be your general recommendation for CCW?

My catch-all answer is make sure the proposed CCW holder has his or her mindset squared away first. Then get training. Then select a firearm.

Sorry, I don't give catch-all answers to questions like that. If someone insists on a specific answer without any other parameters or effort to explore on their part, the answer would be a Hi-Point...
...and serves 'em right!

Are you just here to post your own opinion or are you looking for suggestions for a purchase? Personally I don't see how anyone can ignore the things you said to ignore in order to suggest a handgun. I can tell you what I bought. It wasn't a Glock although I actually intended to buy one. I couldn't find one to fit my hand. Hmmm... I bought a Taurus PT-145 which is a 10+1 round .45 ACP that is no thicker than many single stack .45's I've seen and is as accurate and dependable as the day is long. I've never had a single issue of any kind with it. It's fired every bullet I put in it and it shoots them accurately out to about 30 yards which is plenty for a CCW handgun.

I have other guns I use for CCW but for truly a carry pistol that's the one I would suggest. My other guns I sometimes carry are much bigger and harder to conceal. Well some are much smaller actually. For the most part I limit myself to my SA XDm in .40 because it holds a LOT of ammo and has more punch than a 9mm or my Ruger LCP .380 because it will fit in any pocket I have even in the summer. I carry the SA in the car most of the time and I carry the Ruger in my pocket a lot these days just because it's easy to conceal.

I tell my students if they don't know anywhere else to start, look for a used G-19 or J-frame .38.

There's no "catch-all" recommendation for a handgun.

And recommending a Glock to a person brand-new to guns? Without knowing whether that person has been exposed to or understands the Four Rules? Ever watched someone new to guns the first time they handle a firearm? Seen where the trigger finger gravitates to?

if someone wanted to know what they should buy for a self defense pistol, with no other qualifiers,

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I'd tell 'em what beatledog7 answered with (good post, btw). There just HAVE to be "qualifiers."

Without any other considerations??

Pepper Spray

Kimber has one that even grips like a pistol so you don't need considerations.

Wow!!
Sorry, but the most realistic answer to your questions are the answers you don't want to hear. If everyone had the same thoughts and requirements there would be only one make and model out there to buy.

It's been said many times, "Let them buy what THEY like and will use" and to do that the individual must settle that matter for theirself.

In the event of an ad, a 1911 model would always catch my attention.

For a rental option scenario, I'd go with the Glock line-up. I've got a Glock shop near me that has every model in the lineup for rent. That's where I took my wife and several friends for the first time to shoot. She was able to learn safely while trying the various calibers and handgun sizes. I find it's much easier to demonstrate using one model style across various calibers than several different styles of handguns with varying control set-ups.

If you're thinking revolvers, then the above reasoning works for me as well except I'd start with a K/L frame size and work my way down to a J-frame.

For an article, I have no idea.

1911s are my preference for function and just look plain sexy to me as an aside.

Oh, and I've used a Beretta M9 for years and I can't stand them. I just don't shoot them well. My wife on the other hand, fires it very well.

My answer would be get a compact or subcompact Glock, S&W M&P or a Ruger in 9mm and a couple of thousand rounds. Get some training and shoot it, a lot.

If they are asking a question like that then they do not know enough to make an informed decision. After shooting a few thousand rounds and carrying for awhile then they can make an informed decision. Experience costs money.

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I'm not asking for myself. I'm not asking for answers like "it depends on the shooter" or "what fits your hand".

I'm not sure if you guys are arguing with these points or if you're just ignoring them. I was mainly asking what the best generic suggestion would be.

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Doctor, I'm not feeling well. No, you can't take my vitals, draw blood, or run any tests - or even ask questions. What do you prescribe?

Given the few parameters you give, something the size of a Glock 19 is probably the best answer. That obviously included the 19 itself, several Sigs, a couple of 1911s, and quite a host of other models.

I think, using Glock as the size exemplar because most everybody has shot them, the 17 is going to be too big and the 26 too small.

I, for one, went with the Glock 19. It fits, it works, it's relatively cheap, there are a million holsters that fit it, and you can get one just about anywhere. It is not perfect...but none of them are. It is just a simple, easy, tool for the job. I have no attachment to pistols...they're all just tools to me. I really don't need a pretty gun.

The only "cool" gun that has much interest for me is one of two or three I am not likely to ever own: An HK P7, a S&W Triple lock, or a vintage mint S&W Victory Model in .38 special.

I tell my students if they don't know anywhere else to start, look for a used G-19 or J-frame .38.

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I don't have students, but if I did my recommendation would be similar.

For someone who wants something reliable, low-maintenance and with an easy manual of arms, it's tough to beat a quality snub revolver of some kind.


I like the .38 Special for non-enthusiasts, or anybody else who just wants to keep things mild. I still carry one myself most days.

I think having a catch all answer is a huge mistake.

Choosing a gun is very personal, and it must fit the owners body and lifestyle, in which everyone is different.

To me, one first needs to consider hand size and length of pull for the trigger finger before doing anything. You cant shoot if you are unable to grip the gun or reach the trigger.

A revolver. With no other info.

Because there are many great options out there, I prefer to tell them to try as many guns as possible. And even though I am personally fond of two specific handguns, who's make and model are irrelavent to this discussion, the only firm recommendation I make is please, please, please, don't let someone talk you into a snubby revolver until you have tried other options. If you do that and come back to the snubby then you have my full backing.

I do recommend they concentrate their search on the major brands in common calibers. And I do recommend they approach the decision from a holistic standpoint meaning gun, holster, belt and attire. It goes without saying that the best handgun is the one you actually carry.

Telling someone that a G-Lock, Walther, M&P, CZ, XD/XDm, Kahr, Striker Fired, Hammer Fired, Semi-Auto, Revolver or whatever is the "best place to start" is ludicrous. For some people, a pocket pistol or as my son calls them, "hooker guns", might be the best place for them to start. For others, an SP101 might be the best place.

Telling someone that a G-Lock, Walther, M&P, CZ, XD/XDm, Kahr, Striker Fired, Hammer Fired, Semi-Auto, Revolver or whatever is the "best place to start" is ludicrous. For some people, a pocket pistol or as my son calls them, "hooker guns", might be the best place for them to start. For others, an SP101 might be the best place.

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But how do they know where to start, without having yet started?

This is akin to aking a carpenter "What one tool would you reccomend for building a house?" and then expecting an answer like hammer, saw, drill. A firearm is a tool. One should select the correct tool for the correct job. Home defense is different from CCW, is differnt from deep woods protection. I have several handguns. If it is summer and I am going to the corner store, I take my light, easily concealed M&P Shield. If I am traveling to a larger city with a significantly higher violent crime rate in the fall, I strap on my G19. There is no one catch all firearm out there for anything, and especially not for something as important as defending your life. Pick the right tool for the right job.

But how do they know where to start, without having yet started?

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They go to a gunshop and hold every gun within their designated price point. Shoot whatever you can.

Then they go home and research.

This is akin to aking a carpenter "What one tool would you reccomend for building a house?" and then expecting an answer like hammer, saw, drill.

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Sorry, Doc, but that is absurd.

One tool hammers, one tool cuts things, one tool uses torque to drill things.

A gun does one thing...it shoots projectiles.

How it does that, the manual of arms, and the way it feels in the hand all vary. So yes, it is personal and all, but that isn't the premise of the question. I understand you are just trying to make a point, but let's not get carried away. A much more apt comparison is cars (yes, I know, ubiquitous to the point of being cliche) because a Honda is usually a solid recommendation for almost anyone, it isn't BEST for everyone. If a car "feels" good and "looks" good but has TERRIBLE track record for reliability, is that the right gun for you? Methinks not.

My catchall would be a S&W M&P9c. It shoots/feels like a much bigger gun, interchangeable backstraps so it can fit most anyone's hand, and great reputation. And a bunch of ammo. They can shoot it a lot and decide if they like it after a few hundred rounds.

Pointless question with the disqualifiers, but, if I had to, I'd suggest a .38 Special double-action revolver. Actually, though it's not my EDC (which is a Kel-Tec 9mm pistol), I'm wearing one now, but mostly out of nostalgia. It's one of two Charter Arms Undercover 38 revolvers I own, the one carried by my dad before he died.

But how do they know where to start, without having yet started?

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Answer:

Because there are many great options out there, I prefer to tell them to try as many guns as possible.

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Go to a rental range and rent several guns. Go to a public range, watch other shooters and ask questions. You might be surprised at how many offers you get to shoot various guns. Or, seek out someone who offers one-on-one introduction to firearms sessions allowing you to try various style guns for a fee.

Or you can follow the fanboy parade and never know what else is available.