Concealed Carry Weapon Suggestions

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I would be a 5th or 9th:) vote for the S&W Shield. Big enough to handle recoil yet small enough to conceal; still a pleasant pistol for volumes of target shooting, plinking; reputable Co. ; comes with 2 mags; spare mags are around $20 NIB, GOOD LUCK with other brands being under $30; 8 + 1 in the chamber is 9rds which should be sufficient for any paper-target zombie apocalypse; ammo is plentiful and inexpensive, save your box of fav JHP; can be had shipped to FFL for low-mid $300's; and one not usually thought when making a purchase, things change sometimes, upgrades, family priorities>> RESALE VALUE.
Let us know what you chose, good luck!
 
I was tempted to mention SCCY. The only experience I have with the CPX was shooting one at a range that belonged to a guy shooting next to me.

It did shoot pretty well and had an acceptable trigger, but it was having multiple failures to feed and extract. It was a brand new pistol. But that is a sample size of one.
 
I'd look for features and then whittle the list down, rather than Brands and Models and hope one fits.

In the price range it's going to be a polymer pistol for an auto, except for the RM380.

Triggers are important, go pull some - the S&W Bodyguard has a notoriously high effort trigger and even had new trigger bars for sale that reduced it at one time. Others aren't nearly as bad - the Kahrs have long enjoyed one of the best triggers out there for a single stack auto and most others are working to get that good.

A slide hold open on the last shot is what duty grade guns have. If you plan to carry it, then practice is important, and having to rack the slide over an inserted mag every time takes the fun out of it. Much less seeing the mag fall out, which is not uncommon. Now, translate that into the problem of trusting that when you really need it - first you get a click to tell you "out of ammo, sorry" then you try to reload pressing against the closed slide, then rack it with very little room for a grip against the mag spring pressure, and you are not guaranteed a clean chambering with no hang up.

Duty grade guns with a slide hold open eject, load, release slide, chamber, fire. Even duty grade battle rifles have a last round hold open, which should be more than enough recommendation to pass over any pocket pistol which doesn't.

How that gun then shoots and reacts to recoil is another amazingly different issue gun to gun. The LCP is considered snappy and there are discussions of it hitting the trigger finger smartly in recoil. Two magazines is plenty and back in the pocket. Shooting the same ammo, the Kahr CW380 is pleasant, and you go thru the box completely.

The magazine reloading also has some emphasis, the Kahr can be done by hand easily going thru a box of ammo with one magazine. My P938 SIG is a bear with mags and requires a reloader if not a bench press to do it.

The cost of those extra mags and if they offer a third finger rest is also something to know. Plus - does your mag offer enough room for an additional round? There are kits that replace the follower (some are plastic from the factory) for a metal one and which have an improved spring, making room for another cartridge. Your 6+1 becomes a 7+1.

Are the sights replaceable? Or just milled lumps on a slick slide? You can upgrade with some guns, others you are just stuck with what you get. Try shooting at dusk with night sights vs none and see which you prefer. Many confrontations are at night, when thugs tend to rise from their lair and venture out looking for prey. That's not overly dramatic - I work retail and it IS what they do. Same reason people carry in Walmart after 10:30pm. I think some employees do, too.

Point being if you don't like the trigger pull, lack of grip, difficulty of reloading, sharp recoil and horrible sights, why even consider a gun regardless of how popular it is or that it's "nearly perfect." Find out for your purposes.

For the most part after a few years the cheap guns tend to move on and pro grade guns that exhibit decent behavior and assist the owner in operation are preferred. And does size matter? Maybe - but shot placement matters more and if you don't practice, the gun is no better than a brand new one out of the box you have never used before. Go shoot it and you will discover if you can really use it.

Buy the features you consider important, be careful of recommendations that suggest one is easier to carry than another and what difference does it make since you won't ever use it?
 
Ruger LC9s or LC9s Pro.
Ruger makes lots of flavors of their Light Compact Revolver LCR, but I find that the original 38 Special internal hammer version is the best for concealed carry.

The Kahr value line pistols can be had for around $300.

Everyone loves the S&W M&P Shield 9mm, but I found it too angular to be pocketable. Also it is a lot closer to $400.

I have seen too many failures of Bersa, Charter Arms, HiPoint, Kel Tec, SCCY and Taurus to trust my life to one.
 
I would do what I had to and up my budget by 150 or so to get something decent in terms of quality, like a Glock, CZ, S&W, etc., etc. The price of the handgun is minuscule compared to what you're going to spend in ammo and range fees, not to mention holsters, so make it count.

Although, I think you could easily find a used Glock 19 or 26 (whichever floats your boat) in good shape for close to 400. You might even be able to find a used Glock 42, as they've been out long enough to be on the used market by now.
 
I know you said pocket carry, but if you could talk yourself into iwb you would have many more options. I picked up a gently used Glock 17 with night sights for $400 otd at a pawn shop and carry it most every day. My wife has a Ruger SR9C that might be an option as well. There are also compact 1911's that could do iwb or pocket carry. If you don't mind used check the pawn shops and any online local trading places.
 
What size pockets do you guys have? If you want pocket carry then there are not many, if any, that are big enough to really "fill your hand". I don't have large hands by any means. I am a fairly large man with the waist size to go with it and a lot of the guns mentioned here are NOT pocket guns. I have Makarovs and love them but there is no way they are going in my jeans pocket comfortably nor could I draw them from a pocket easily. The same goes for the Shield. Bersa in the pocket? Better have on cargo jeans.

I own some small guns that I feel work in most pockets and I feel comfortable using them. I won't mention anything below a 380.
Bodyguard-long, long, long trigger. I fired 54 rounds through mine this weekend and the trigger still seems long even after probably 1k+ rounds total. I do find the gun very manageable. No problems at all with a variety of ammo from Tula to Hornady defense.
KelTec P3At. Extremely snappy gun but really does well in a pocket.
KT PF9. Has a sloppy fit but is small and goes bang.
Diamondback DB9. Probably the smallest of the 9mm offerings. Very snappy and I am not very accurate with it outside 10 yards but that's not what it is designed for.
If you want IWB then that completely changes the game and there are about a million that will work. I love the Bersa action in 9mm and 380. Aforementioned Makarov type pistols though the DA trigger can be a tough pull. Shield might be as good as you can get in that price range. I have limited experience with Kahr so I can only go by internet chit chat.

I think that most of the DAO pistols require a lot of practice to be even close to accurate after the first shot. If I am panicked and hurrying I really hate to think where I would be shooting with the Bodyguard.
Revolvers just tend to be too "fat" for my front pockets. My smallest, S&W Airweight, is much thicker than my other pocket guns. I guess everyone has different size pockets but for average jeans or Khakis the options for front pocket cary are pretty limited.
 
I don't mind small and snappy, I am a big boy after all. I just don't agree with the philosophy of cramming the biggest cartridge possible into the smallest gun possible. I'd rather have something that I can fit at least most of my fingers onto comfortably. That little Bodyguard is so miniscule I can barely fit a second finger.

It's tough for most people to pocket carry a gun that they can also get all of their fingers onto. The only people I know that can do that are overweight, tall guys wearing baggy-ish pants or overalls. I know you said you're a big boy but I wasn't sure if that was meant in a literal or figurative way.
 
If I were in your position I'd consider a used gun and buy a police trade Glock 19 or 26. $350 ish, swap the recoil spring and your good to go. Reliable, durable, tons of aftermarket parts, good factory support, and cheap used holsters readily available.
 
I should clarify: I plan to mainly carry IWB, but I would like something that would fit inside a pocket, even if just barely, for a day in the case my holster goes down for whatever reason. Being an Eagle Scout, planning ahead is what we do. At the moment, I think I'll probably go with a Taurus PT111, although that may change between here and the gun store.
 
At the moment, I think I'll probably go with a Taurus PT111, although that may change between here and the gun store.

Do some research on reliability on those before buying. I only have personal experience with one PT111 but further reading revealed that it was not an isolated problem.
 
If I were in your position I'd consider a used gun and buy a police trade Glock 19 or 26. $350 ish, swap the recoil spring and your good to go. Reliable, durable, tons of aftermarket parts, good factory support, and cheap used holsters readily available.

This is exactly what I came here to post, except that if you can't find a Glock you like, there are plenty of other great deals to be had in the used guns department. It's very common for folks to sell guns at a loss during financial hardships. You can find screaming deals all day long if you stay on top of the classifieds and have some experience with firearms (or a friend who can help you out in that arena). Also, many gun shops sell refurbished/used either direct or on consignment.

Personally, I'd choose a quality used firearm over a new 'el-cheapo' every single time.

But again - if Glocks work for you, I think they'd be one of the best values in a used firearm, and the least likely to give you any problems that can't be easily fixed.

As far as pocket carry goes - you can pocket carry a G26/27, but it's bulky. Regardless of ability - however - pocket carry is far from ideal. Get yourself a good IWB holster for a little glock and it will disappear.
 
a lot of these have been mentioned already but...

Under $300

Taurus pt709 $200 on sale
Ruger LCP Custom 200ish on sale
Taurus pt111 G2 200ish on sale
Eaa Sarb6p 280
SCCY CPX 2 275 or less

Over $300 less than $400
S&W Shield 350ish
Spingfield xds 375-399
Kahr CM9 350is
Ruger LC9s 350ish
Have also seen the Ruger Sr9c for less than $400 at times as well
 
Btw I have a pt111 g2 that you are considering. Make sure to try the trigger. I don't love it, but it's not bad. Long take up then a crisp break. The reset is short and noticeable for quick follow up shots. No issues with it at all. I do pocket carry out occasionally if in a pinch. It's obviously not optimal for pocket carry, but works for me in my work khakis in a pocket holster. The 709 slim would be better if you wanted to carry that way more often. The pt111 isn't a range gun imo, but it is pretty easy to shoot compared to some of the smaller single stacks. I like it and think it is one of the better "value" guns
 
Do some research on reliability on those before buying. I only have personal experience with one PT111 but further reading revealed that it was not an isolated problem.
How long ago was this. The older "pro" version did seem to get a fair amount of negative feedback, but the newer pt111 g2 gets mostly favorable feedback. I have one with 500 rounds through it and not one issue. It's not my first choice, but I don't think you can do much better under $250 for a carry gun
 
The Shield 9mm is a fantastic little pocket rocket that's a pussycat for anyone to shoot. I highly recommend them, and carry one quite often. I'll eventually drop in the Apex trigger and put night sights on it, but that's just me and personal preference. Right out of the box though, it is a solid, reliable 9mm that will protect you well.

A tad smaller and MUCH more concealable in a pocket? The Ruger LCP in .380 is my wife's choice. It shoots pretty darn well for such a small weapon and like the Shield, has never had the first failure to feed or fire!

Both are excellent quality, American-made firearms. In the end, I believe one's life is worth investing a little bit more to have an utterly reliable gun that might one day save your life. Good luck with your choice!
 
If you go with the Ruger LCP, I would go with the LCP Custom. It can be found for about the same price as the original, but has higher profile sights and a different trigger. It is the one with a red trigger.
 
Makarov pm, with the bulgarians usually being the best value, often under $300 in excellent condition. All steel, so they kick less than some of the pseudo-makarovs.
I have a 206. Good design, too big for cc in a hot climate, questionable metallurgy according to some posts on the web. It was the only thing I could get in my area for under $500, but someday I will find a mak to replace it.
 
Hey all, just updating you guys. I ended up going with a Taurus PT111 G2. It was on sale at Cabela's for ~$250, and I was impressed with its features, so I figured it was meant to be and I bit the bullet (heh). I'm excited to get it out to the range and run her through her paces. Thanks again for all y'all's input, and God bless!
 
Hey all, just updating you guys. I ended up going with a Taurus PT111 G2. It was on sale at Cabela's for ~$250, and I was impressed with its features, so I figured it was meant to be and I bit the bullet (heh). I'm excited to get it out to the range and run her through her paces. Thanks again for all y'all's input, and God bless!

Congrats. I've never owned one of those, but I've heard generally good things about the G2. :cool:
 
One more possibility I haven't seen anyone mention. Sig P290RS in either .380 or 9mm. 6+1 and/or 8+1 mags. It's a true DAO action with restrike that's smooth. Some folks call it long and heavy. I'm fine with it though. Could be because I also have a Smith 640 DAO J-Frame.

I picked up the 9mm version for $400 + shipping and transfer fee. For that I got the pistol with night sights and one 6 rnd mag and one 8 rnd mag + a cheap plastic clip on holster and nice hard pistol case.

If you don't feel the need for night sights they can be found under $300 with only one mag. Mags aren't cheap but won't break the bank to buy either.

BTW the LCP Custom's front sight have a possibility of falling off. Mine did with less than 30 rounds through the gun. Wish I'd done a little more research.
 
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