Carry gun suggestions needed

[Et Spiritus Sancti]

Got a friend looking to start carrying and needs some suggestions. He's a small guy so no Dirty Harry specials or the like. He has the following criteria:

Slender 9MM
Able to be concealed effectively on a small frame
In the under 350 range

 

[Mr Jody Hudson]

IF a Glock is slim enough, I'd consider a Glock 17 Police turn-in and factory refurbish. Check Shotgun news and find a dealer who will take cash up front for an order in exchange for a small dealer fee, if you can.

OR, I'd consider a Keltec P-11 -- I was in a meeting with several police officers today and there was a conversation that nearly all police officers they know carry a P-11 backup and shoot it frequently. One fellow said that nearly all of the police officers he knows have more than one P-11.

Then the subject turned to the fact that all of these were police who are familiar with and carry the Glock. Also these were all of that small per centage of police who know, understand, like and practice with guns.

Another consideration is the 9x18 Makarov. Less power but less money, and arguably the most reliable and one of the most accurate pistols made.

 

[Black Majik]

Glock 19 or XD-9 Subcompact.

 

[Brigrat]

That is a tough set of criteria, My first recomendation would be the Ruger P95, it is not slender or light, but it is a very reliable, accurate, and shootable option. I still CCW mine pretty often. I carried it exclusively for over a year, and loved every minute of it. I also owned and enjoyed an absolutely trouble free Taurus PT111, it was accurate, concealable, and 100% reliable, until I shot the recoil spring about a milion miles while cleaning on an outdoor range, and had nothing but trouble for the next 9 weeks until Taurus finaly sent me the right spring, I then traded the PT111 with 1500 flawless rounds on it for a Glock 23, which I now carry and love. The PT11 may fit the bill for what you are looking for, and don't worry about all the problems the early models had, other than a crappy trigger, all of the new ones seem to be doing pretty well. For Under $350, you will be hard pressed to do better, unless you can find an LE trade in G19, or Sig 229. Good luck!

 

[Dan the Man]

My wife carries a S&W 908. Its a single stack double action 9 MM. It shoots well, carries well, and I bought it for about $325. Gunsamerica.com has a 'like new' 908 for $340 and NIB for $395.

Regards
--Dan

 

[MikeJ]

Based on your criteria, I would have to go along with the KelTec P11 9mm. I had one and it was very reliable but just not my thing. I would also take a look at the Taurus Millenium Pro. I don't know a lot about this gun but it would fit your criteria and most reports are very favorable. Being a rather small person myself (5'7") I know how difficult it can be to conceal a gun.

 

[sturmruger]

For that kind of money the Kel-Tec and the Taurus are both good options. I have owned both and can say they were very reliable guns. The long DA triggers took some getting used to but they were both utterly reliable.

 

[bradvanhorn]

Kel-Tec P-11 9mm. I got mine for $200, and it's unquestionably my favorite concealed carry gun.

 

[Safety First]

About the only gun that comes to my mind for that price is kel-tec p-11. If your friend will save his $ a little longer he will be miles ahead by spending in the mid $500's for a Sig P-239. It weighs 25.2 oz empty, is 1.2 inches wide it is rated for +P ammo. I am sure there are others out there that he would like but tell him to research the Sig before he buys any 9mm, love mine

 

[manyironsinfire]

A lightweight S&W Chiefs special in 9mm semi auto.. He can find them used for about 425.00 small, light and concealable..

 

[Bainx]

Yes, the P11 is great for CCW. Not much for fun shooting at the range, in my opinion but good enough for CCW. Lightweight, affordable, small and has a lifetime warranty by a genuine American company. Keltec will fix the gun at any time, no matter what the problem.
I would never part with mine

 

[mtnflyboy]

ccw options

Steyr M9 or S9. Available in his price limit because of earlier distribution problems (now fixed), and SERIOUSLY underpriced.

 

[obiwan1]

I agree with the KelTec. Got mine for $180 years ago. It's my #1 CCW when I can't carry my agency authorized H&K.
#2 choice when on a budget is the Mak. I've never heard anything bad about them. One thing that the Russians know is how to design is a cheap gun that works and lasts forever. A little smoothing of the action and you have a first class CCW.
#3 choice would be a police trade in.

 

[Heraclitus]

Sounds like a Bersa in 9mm-Kurtz. Personally, I'd foot the extra $200 and get a Kahr T9. That's if slender is a must. Otherwise, a Sig P225.

 

[Bikeguy]

Spend a little extra and get a Kahr P-9. Slim, light, accurate.

 

[Dain Bramage]

Star BM, FEG P9RK, Arcus 94-C.

The first is an SA pistol with Star's simplified 1911-style action. It is commonly available through used sources for guns. It is slim, reliable and a nice shooter for most people. Finding parts may be a problem.

The last two are shorter barreled, hi-power style weapons and can be bought new for under $350.

If he can raise his budget slightly, the Springfield XD series is excellent for around $400. The XD-9 comes in three different sizes for varying needs. It replicates the 1911 grip angle, and many people, especially those with smaller hands, think it fits and feels nicer than a Glock.

The only other new pistol meeting the requirements, that I am aware of, is the Keltec P-11. I have only fired its smaller cousin, the P-32, but IMHO the Keltecs are better suited as BUGs and extreme deep concealment (ie. wearing a speedo) than primary weapons.

 

[goalkeeper91]

I'm not sure where you are shopping, but in my part of the world, it is very difficult to get any high quality semi-auto for a price in that range. My only advice is to watch for a sale, buy the best gun you can for the most money you can afford. Look for police trade-ins, as they will usually be in good mechanical shape. And, while he's shopping, tell him to try and save more money. Last November, I found a used Sig 239 9mm for $400, which would be a perfect gun for his criteria. Also, if you know of a range that has rental guns, you can watch for the guns that come off the rental range. I saw a Smith 3913 for just over $300. It was ugly from use/abuse, but mechanically functional, and was still fairly tight. Also, watch for estate auctions. Many widows will dispose of a decesaed spouses guns, and you can catch a deal.

Also, ask your friend if he can deal with a revolver. He could get a quality one for $300, and use the remaining money on a good holsetr and ammunition.

 

[Chip Dixon]

For a CCW, the gun is only a small part of your purchase price. You NEED to factor in a top quality holster, magazines, and enough ammo to get deadly accurate with and have confidence in your ammo choice. With such a low budget, I forsee problems. Tell your buddy to save up 2 or 3x the amount of money and then look for a setup. This isn't for target practice, this is something you'll be staking your life on -- and you don't want to be printing hardcore or showing off your piece in any other way. A good holster, gunbelt, and mags alone may exhaust his budget.

I'm 5'7" myself, 140lbs. In other words, I'm a small guy. With a Max Con V holster, I can conceal a full size 1911 without ANYONE knowing (unless they hug me down low.. advice: get under the hug!). All it takes is a good gunbelt and a button down shirt that isn't clinging to me. (and using flush 7-round mags)

I know some people are cheap, but is your life worth a few hundred dollars? If he really won't spend more, I'd say go for a nice J-Frame police trade in with some holster wear. But that's a deep cover gun if you ask me. I'd rather have my 1911 if I can wear a belt and a shirt.

 

[Berg01]

Smith & Wesson 908 definitely meets the first 2 criteria; if you can get a deal on a like new one, you might meet the third criteria.

 

[JiminCA]

With that dollar limitation I'd be looking at a good 38/357 revo. 9mm projectile, give or take a few thousandths of an inch. Lots of nice used S&W's out there.

If he can master it, the j-frame is really easy to conceal. Definitely not the best starter gun though.

Another suggestion would be a CZ75 compact, although it'll probably bust the budget by 75 bucks or so.

 

[C.R.Sam]

Agree with Chip Dixon's post.

And I am bout his size cept a tad shorter.

I like wheels. Carry , often, couple of SnW Model 19s, 2.5 inch bbls.
Or Model 29s.
etc.

The clothes, belt, holster and attitude are part of a package deal.

sam

 

[armoredman]

EAA Witness compact.