considering new CC platform

[Chuck R.]

Tirod,

EXCELLANT post!

I think we might differ slightly in our screening versus evaluation criteria;

For instance: Good Sights; Agreed, but usually the 1st thing I normally change off a pistol are the factory sights. So sights, while important are easily remedied. So for me an evaluation criteria, not a deal breaker as long as my favorite aftermarket sights are available.

Trigger, yup very important, but as long as the action type or trigger are the type I prefer I can also usually have a trigger tweaked.

I do get a kick out of guys that post the "what should I get between X, Y, and Z, when they're completely different pistols, meaning they haven't really sorted out what they're really wanting the pistol to do.

Chuck

 

[Polar Express]

I agree with Chuck, that Tirod's post was EXCELLENT, and I'm thankful for it.

Chuck R:

It wasn't my intention to ask others 'what gun should I get between X, Y or Z', but rather to chronicle my process of selecting a new CCW. If my posting came across in that manner, I clearly need to re-evaluate how I wrote my posts.

Some of the guns I am considering (or have eliminated), are quite similar, others quite different. I do KNOW for a fact what I want it to do, as my mission is very single-purpose on this particular purchase. Up until now, I used what I liked, and didn't really concern myself with stuff other than that. Now, I decided (for various reasons) I wanted to see if there was a better solution for my use (CC). Just like you and Tirod wrote out, I put a set of criteria down (just didn't post it) and an order of importance. To me, that's just logical planning, and how my mind works. My criteria may be different from others, my experience is different than others, and how I'm built/shaped will be different than others. Those are all the variables, and where the formulas intersect, is where my dollars will be spent, and training effort will be invested.

While I was sharing/documenting my personal process, I'm also open to details I hadn't considered, and thankfully, many here have shared some ideas, and suggestions. Some I have brought into my plan, others, I have not. But, I'm grateful for all of them.

It's no different that asking 'what kind of vehicle should I buy?'.. depends on what you want to do with hit. I wouldn't consider a Ferrari as a commuter car, and I wouldn't consider a Taurus to haul lumber. But to commute, there are lots of cars that will get you from A to B, depending on what you want; strictly fuel mileage, or purely comfort, or some of each. To continue this analogy; my wife's car has a nasty blind spot for someone of my height, for her, it's not there. Even though the car may fit comfort/economy goals, and is a great choice for her, it wouldn't be a car I choose, because of the blind spot. This is why in addition to sharing my process, I asked for input from others. Issues others may have come across that I might not consider until after I start using it.

PE

 

[Chuck R.]

PE,

Sorry, my comment wasn't actually aimed at you as you at least had already narrowed down by caliber and size. IF you don't have a trigger/action preference it's perfectly logical that you'd list multiple types until you narrow your field more.

My comment was meant more towards the "everything from service size to sub compact" list without a shred of commonality.

Chuck

 

[jjones45]

jjones45, and Cheesemaker,

Thanks for the tips. The store I went to, did not have a HK45c for me to try out. It does sound like it's worth a solid look. How is the trigger on the SA operation? Are they consistent?

Years ago, my first wife picked an M&P, and that trigger was ok. But the inconsistency is pretty well documented. In todays manufacturing and machining industry, I have a hard time understanding why a trigger feel would vary so much from unit to unit, unless the QC (at some point) is just not there.

**edit here: after visiting the HK website, I didn't realize the platform variety offered, and need to do some more looking at their products... more than just the VP
...and, that thread about the new Sig Legion... looks like the Sig guys really, really love it.

PE

Unfortunately HK's claim to fame is definitely not their da triggers, especially in the variants that are da/sa. However the Hk sa triggers are pretty good and very consistent. You have to get up pretty early in the morning if you're gonna beat Sigs da/sa triggers which imho are the best in that category. I have never heard anyone complain about HK's sa triggers, but like another member mentioned the Hk thumb safety was not designed to be rode while shooting. It's not extremely easy to decock as you have to go down pretty far with a fair amount of pressure but it's not out the question if that's you shooting grip. I sometimes carry a USP 45c cocked and locked and practice drawing and disengaging the safety with live fire and have never decocked on accident. But under stress it's not out the question I guess.

 

[drband]

Since you are used to a SA trigger and a manual safety, you should take a look at the Sig P938. It will disappear in a holster or in a pocket with a good holster. It shoots surprisingly soft for a small pistol. I have the SAS model which has the slide "melted" for carry. Trigger is good if a little heavy. Mine lightened up considerably after a few hundred rds. Good luck!

 

[Polar Express]

drband:
thank you for the suggestion, but I've already eliminated that size of pistol for my purpose and desire. The size that I will select, will be something that I can get my full grip on, and be able to train with.

Chuck R:
No worries, i try hard to re-read my posts to convey what I want, and since I'm human, sometimes the way I interpret/read stuff can mean something different to others. I've got size, and materials pretty well decided on, and caliber is between .45 and 9mm (whole different part of the topic... Ive always believed in 45 for defense against bad guys, but opening my mind to why so many have switched to 9mm, and I'm seeing a lot of good arguments) & I'm actually leaning 9mm right now.

PE

 

[Chuck R.]

PE,

I stopped carrying a 1911 in .45ACP a few years ago, after being a diehard 1911 .45ACP guy since I was 1st issued one in 1978. I still own 3 1911's and an HK45T, but predominately carry a 9mm and sometimes a .40. Big thing for me was when I started doing more defensive shooting and taking more classes. My shooting became more drill oriented with a timer focusing on speed and accuracy. Added in some weak hand only, movement, odd positions and there's just no way I can hit as accurately and as quickly with a .45 (or .40) as I can with a 9mm, especially when weak hand is added in.

I can train with the larger caliber and get better, but I can spend the same amount of time with the 9mm and get more better.......

I figured since the odds are whatever I carry is going to take more than 1 round to stop a threat, I'm better off carrying an effective SD caliber (.38SPL/9mm or greater) that allows me to get multiple hits as accurately and as quickly as possible (either hand). Add that to the fact I can carry a G19 sized gun of lighter weight with almost double the capacity as my 1911s and it was a no-brainer for me.

I don't doubt that the refinements in SD bullet technology that have made the 9mm a more effective stopper have also been applied to the .40 and .45ACP. I just look at the whole package; me, the pistol and the ammo/caliber. Given a pistol of equal weight/dimensions I find the 9mm easier to control and hit with rapidly.

For the guys that don't reload, the 9mm makes even more sense as they can actually afford to practice. I go through about 20-25,000 rds a year, mostly 9mm. I own my own range, and reload for a bunch of calibers. With my round count I can also see the difference in reloading costs as the heavier projectiles simply cost more.

Chuck

 

[mugsie]

I wish you the best on your journey - better pack a lunch as it's going to be not only a long one, but you'll encounter a lot of speed bumps along the way!

Searching for a perfect CC pistol is like looking for the Holy Grail! I've been there myself, on many occasions. I ended up with three - occasionally 4, which I tend to favor depending on clothing, time of year, occasion etc. I carry the Sig P250 9mmSC about 90% of the time. I like the long trigger pull as it's a safety of sorts. I shoot this gun amazingly well. It has no safety so like a revolver, it's point and shoot. I also has 16 rounds which is comforting although I hope to never use any of them!

I also have an LC9s, S&W 59 series and occasionally a .380 which is carried. I think you're going to find not one size fits all, rather as I did, you'll need to tailor the gun to the circumstances.

Don't give up (after all - the fun is in the looking anyway) and keep trying other options. Also, a big factor in this equation is the holster you use. It will make all the difference in the world. The wrong carry rig will make a 12 oz pistol feel like it's a couple of pounds and stick out like a sore thumb, whereas a good rig will comfortably hide a 1911 and you'll forget you're wearing it. Coupled with the holster has to be a good belt - a purpose made gun belt. Anything else is just another problem.

So - see all the other options you get to select from? Gun, holster, belt, clothing, ammunition, DA, SA, safety, no safety, single stack, double stack, caliber...

Enjoy the ride cause in the end it'll be well worth it.

Best of luck to you.

 

[MICHAEL T]

A LTW Commander in 45 or 9mm . I really like my 9mm commander .
Why no tyou are ready a 1911 person.

In Compact a Colt Defender.

 

[Polar Express]

Chuck R:
Your points in your last post, are exactly some of the thoughts I've been having. The more I look into it, the more the 9mm appears the round to move forward with... for me, in this application.


Mugsie:
Yes, it's been a fun process so far. Trying not to overthink it is my problem.. as I tend to overthink most things... but yes, so much of the fun is in the looking! I can appreciate most guns, even if I don't like them. Like you brought up, the idea of a bit longer of a trigger, does help 'become' a sort of passive safety. When I've shot a striker gun before, the triggers haven't been too great, but... I put my 1911 down just moments before, and it's not fair to compare to a true SA. You bring up other terrific points, regarding the rest of 'the package'. Part of what I am learning is that if a company makes their widget, they make one for the Glock lineup, but not necessarily for similarly designed products. To me, its a lot like the iPhone:

You go into a cell store, and they have 2 walls of stuff for phones, the iPhone gets a whole wall, and everyone else shares the other wall. While the iPhone isn't the most flexible option out there, and maybe not even the best, but it has a huge chunk of the market.​

Those holster options are much greater if I decide to go that route. Like you mentioned that you shoot your Sig 250 so well, I need to get to the range and do some test shooting to really make the next step. Trouble is, my work schedule changed abruptly, and finding that time just got very hard.

Thanks for the suggestions and inputs, it's still a fun process!
Please keep the ideas and suggestions coming. As this is a forum, I hope this process and suggestions helps others who may read it as well.

PE