a CCW handgun

[.380awsome]

ok guys im just plain confused on which handgun i want for my CCW ,if anyone could give some good suggestions it would be nice ,i would like something blue(revolver or auto) with hammer if its a revolver ,at least 5 shots of .38 special,.357 magnum(revolver) or 6 shots of 9mm,.380(auto) i don't care for the (bersa,keltecs,kahr..etc i think the keltecs and the bersa feel cheap ,and kahrs are to expensive) i would like something in the 400ish range if its even possible haha


thanks,.380-Awesome

 

[Queltor]

It sounds like you've already narrowed it down to specific requirements.

If I was in your position, I'd go to gun shops and see what feels good in the hand. Based on what I like, I'd read reviews and try to find rentals to fire.

If you like the Kahr K9, there's a current auction (I have no connection to the seller):
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=112326529

Last I looked, the bid was $420.

 

[Crazy Fingers]

You really think the Thunder 380 compacts feel cheap? I don't think there's anything else at this price level that's made of metal with equal fit and finish.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I carry one of three...Kimber UCC, Firestar M43 or a S&W Mod 19 with 2 1/2" barrel. The Firestar is being retired from carry for now while I get used to the Kimber. I'm 5' 7" 145 lbs and have no problem concealing these summer or winter.

 

[WC145]

Kahr CW9 - $399 @ Bud's

 

[presspuller]

I carry a Kel-Tec P-11 and while its not as expensive looking as my Kimber or Ruger it has been 100% reliable, holds 10+1 and cost less than 3 bills.

 

[Loomis]

I just saw an old colt snubnose 38 (detective or cobra, can't remember which) in a gunshop for $199. If I wasn't trying to save up cash, I would've snatched it up.

I think those kinds of deals are the best ones out there. Occasionally there are older 5 shot smiths that show up too.

 

[mmay1]

+1 on the Kahr CW9, generally under $400. At 14 oz., flat and 7 + 1 of 9mm, I think its a great carry gun.

 

[Andy-Y]

I would say to go with the largest gun you THINK you can conceal. I went with a G17, figuring it for a range gun. But with a cheap ($30) IWB holster, I CC it often. Mind you I'm about 5'10" 190lbs.

 

[janobles14]

plain and simple...

1. taurus or smith 2" snubbie. you will easily find the taurus in your price range and might get lucky on the smith

2. ruger lcp is a fine weapon that imo has a better fit and finish (and more accurate) than the keltec.

2.1. taurus milenium series are also great weapons. i have had four to date and have loved them all. price is right too!

 

[tnieto2004]

S&W 642

I previously carried a P11. I am glad i switched.

 

[wnycollector]

IMOHO you cant go wrong with a S&W J frame or Colt D frame. If you want to pocket carry S&W 638 or 637 (I have the 638). If you carry IWB the Colt is a little bigger and you get an 6th shot.

For .357's I personally stay away from the 2" J frames. If you want a small frame 3" barrel the Ruger SP101 is very sweet. Since you mentioned blue Taurus makes a 3" version of their 605. I checked one out at a gun show last year and recently shot my 1st one...not bad for a $300 taurus. My favorite .357 CCW is a Ruger Six w/ the 2.75" barrel. With a good holster you can carry a Six with ease all day long and no one will be the wiser The added weight (31oz vs 12-15 oz for a uber light J frames) makes shooting a Six a joy!

 

[.380awsome]

haha,actually i do have a S&W 36 i inherited from my father,which is why i dont wanna carry it

 

[Ringer]

I would say to go with the largest gun you THINK you can conceal.

I don't have a specific gun recomendation but would agree on size, at least grip size. I really prefer a gun with a grip large enough for a full 3 finger grip. I do have a Kahr PM9 that I carry on occaision when I need extreme concealment/comfort. Mostly I carry a Glock 19. I have also carried an SP101 in .357 with a Hogue grip.

Anyway I know the smaller grip size guns are attractive but I (ymmv) I have come to the conclusion I want something with a full grip that I can shoot well if I need to. You get used to the size.....for the most part anyway.

 

[SigP229R]

Check some of the gun auctions online and you can find fairly decent buys on police trade ins in S&W 5903's and Sig P6's they are both pretty decent for the price.

 

[R. Deckard]

Glock 19, I shoot competition with a glock 34, my 34 was having some work done on it so I had to shoot my wifes 19 today in match and I did just as well with the 19 as I would have done with the 34. Just as accurate, makes me wonder why I have the 34?

 

[Defense Minister]

If you are looking to buy new, I'd go with the Kahr CW9 as mentioned above. If used, the possibilities are only limited by the sellers need for cash. Glock 19 or 26, S&W M&P 9 compact, or any of the S&W snubbies would make a fine defensive piece.

 

[Firewall]

SP101 would be a good buy if your requirement of being blued isnt too strict. I have also frequently come across used Sigs in the mid 400's.

 

[bja5006]

Rossi 461. it's a 6-shot .357 magnum in 2" barrel. a little heavy, but i can carry it just fine. they run around $300. it's made by Taurus, so it's good quality

 

[david_the_greek]

if you can get over the hammer, my S&W 442 (same as 642) is a great revolver with 5 rnds .38. If you want an auto and think the bersa is cheap (seriously reconsider saying that gun is cheap, it may be inexpensive and you may not like it, but it is a well built pistol!!!), check out CZ. I'm not sure what you can find price wise these days, but my cz pcr was in your range and its an awesome gun with 14+1 rnds of 9mm to back me up