A step backwards to move forward

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TimeIsRunninOut

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Due to recent events unseen, I currently don't have a carry gun again. I am once again on a mission to find a good somewhat well rounded carry pistol. I am open to options in .380 acp, 9mm, and .45 acp with preference to the later two. I prefer single stack magazines and either a safety or decocker, after that I am unsure what I am interested in, so I am asking what you like and have seen that might make a suitable carry pistol.

I tend to open carry, and have a budget around 800, but prefer to keep it around 600 if possible.
 
Except for your preference for a safety or decocker, I would have recommended a Kahr CW9 at right around $400...it splits carry time with my Springfirld Armory EMP, which is a bit out of your budget.

Unfortunately, it doesn't have either as it it DAO and carries much like a revolver

If you can find one on the used market, the H&K P7 is excellent and is right about where your price point is
 
Due to recent events unseen, I currently don't have a carry gun again. I am once again on a mission to find a good somewhat well rounded carry pistol. I am open to options in .380 acp, 9mm, and .45 acp with preference to the later two. I prefer single stack magazines and either a safety or decocker, after that I am unsure what I am interested in, so I am asking what you like and have seen that might make a suitable carry pistol.

I tend to open carry, and have a budget around 800, but prefer to keep it around 600 if possible.
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A CPO Sig P228 for about $600 would fit the bill (your requirements) nicely.

And, for $780, a brand new Sig M11-A1, currently on order at Top Gun Supply.

ETA: Sorry with my reading comprehension.:eek: Since you prefer single-stack, I'd say a Sig P225 or Sig P239.
 
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As above, a 3rd gen smith, e.g. 3913, seems to be in line with your preferences. I have a DAO version (3953) that is reliable enough to make a Glock look like an alcoholic ex-wife by comparison.

That said, if I were starting from scratch and after a single stack, I'd personally look hard at the new XDs in .45--assuming you can live with the grip safety as the only external geegaw. Google around for more rave reviews than anyone wants to read.
 
Recently got an XDs. I second that opinion. Give it a look. VERY easy to conceal, quite accurate, 100% reliable and much easier to shoot than I thought it would be.
 
I like the idea of the grip safety, I handled the SA XDS the other day. It is a very nice pistol, I noticed in some pictures it shows an extended magazine, is that an accessory or comes from factory?
 
I would second the Sig P225 if you want fullsize single stack 9mm. If you want something a little smaller and lighter the S&W M&P Shield is nice (my usual carry piece). If you want a .45 there are several 1911s in your price range. And don't overlook a Police trade-in Sig P220. Police trade-ins are usually carrried a lot but shot a little. They are a great bang for you buck.
 
Requirements: CCW Single stack w/ decocker or manual safety:
SIG P239 9mm
SIG P220 Carry
1911 <4.25" Filipino
XD45 w/ manual safety
 
Are you interested in polymer? I'm a big fan of my Shield. Comfy to carry, and great trigger out of the box.
 
If you happened to be near Dallas, you could work a deal with this guy.

I shot a friend's 910 once, and I found it very accurate. He used it as his carry gun.

Regards,
Tom
 
I think the Shield is right up your alley...another option would be LC9. Both are single-stack and have a manual safety.
 
I don't mind polymer at all, I handled a Sig 239 and the new 938. I was surprised at the thickness of the Sig pistols or is it just me? The guy at the gun store tried selling me a Ruger SR9c over the LC9. I am going to see if the LC9 is available for rental.
 
Can't seem to find a rental in my city so I'm going to try calling around to get the price for one, how does the Ruger LC9 compare to similar sized pistols as far as reliability and recoil?
 
I was surprised at the thickness of the Sig pistols or is it just me?
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I can't tell from your opening post whether you have or have not carried in the past, part of it sounded like you have carried in the past. If you haven't, I've noticed that people new to carrying tend to lean towards the ultra thin models like the LC9 thinking something along those lines is the only way to conceal well. Experience has proven to me that a good holster and a great belt will allow you to hide almost anything. Experience has also shown me that I (me personally) don't shoot the ultra thin models as well as pistols with a somewhat fuller grip.

But then you mention that you tend to open carry so I am confused about which paramters you are trying to hit. If you are open carrying it seems to me that thinness wouldn't be as big of a concern. I remain confused.

I have carried an XDm 3.8 Compact and a Sig 239. I conceal them both equally well. I would look for a gun store that approaches guns, belts and holsters as a package and will allow you to try on various combinations to see what works best for you. Then try to shoot your top three choices before plunking down your hard earned money.

Oh yeah, I forgot, gun stores don't approach guns/belts/holsters as a package that needs to be tried on by the buyer. Maybe someday.
 
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I've noticed that people new to carrying tend to lean towards the ultra thin models like the LC9 thinking something along those lines is the only way to conceal well. Experience has proven to me that a good holster and a great belt will allow you to hide almost anything. Experience has also shown me that I (me personally) don't shoot the ultra thin models as well as pistols with a somewhat fuller grip.
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I wanted to comment on this since it's something I notice a lot: Many folks seem to focus on the carry part of the equation and not the application part of the equation. Sure, statistically, odds are low a CCW will be needed, but is that really the point in choosing a CCW?

For me, my thought has become: I don't want to have the gun I regret having when I need it.

So, I don't use "bug" size guns any more. I find a way to make the guns I shoot best work as a CCW. This starts with the right holster and a heavy belt, plus needing to dress around the gun sometimes. I can always make the Glock 26 work if the Glock 30 or 1911 won't.
 
I was looking into the single stack pistols because I found it hard to manipulate the controls on my Glock 19. If I can find a double stack with a grip that I can get my hand around I think it could work for me.
 
My XDs came with 2 standard mags (5 rounds + 1 in the chamber). Seven rounders with a grip sleeve are available from Springfield (and maybe other places).
 
The Ruger SR9c is pretty much my "do-all" pistol. I carry it everyday, the pistol is very comfortable and ergonomic. At home it is kept close by for HD. With the the ability to accept 17 round mags the SRc has plenty of fire power in a SHTF scenario. Its also fun and accurate to shoot, so it gets lots of range time. Faultless reliability, too.
 
Sig P938 or Springfield EMP. The P938 is a lot of firepower (7 + 1) in a very concealable package. The EMP is just a joy to hold and shoot, but a bit bulky to conceal in summer.
 
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