Best auto for CCW

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Big JJ

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I am a revolver guy. Forgive me. I have a CCW.
Now considering going to an auto and I am looking for something that is reliable and easy to carry in the summer time in Cali. (Cargo shorts)
I currently carry a 357 mag.
Wanting something of comparable knock down power.
Probably 9mm or up.
What are your suggestions?
 
Kahr PM9 -- available with an OPTIONAL external safety if you wish. Certainly pocket-carryable in cargos.

High grade 9mm +P is pretty good stuff. I use Winchester PDX-1.
 
I currently carry a 357 mag.
Wanting something of comparable knock down power.
Click to expand...

10mm

As for EDC that is entirely subjective to the individual.
I prefer single stack full size handguns. However, many will disagree and go with smaller thicker, double stacks or even "pocket" pistols.


If your not comfortable with whatever you choose the chances that you stop carrying it is pretty high...
 
I don't know about knock down power but a 9mm bullet will usually puncture the lungs, major arteries and the heart, if the shooter applies proper shooting fundamentals correctly.

I like the Rohrbaugh R9 for pocket carry
The Kahr PM9/CM9 are fine pistols IMO

After that, getting a little larger I like the Walther PPS

I personally love the HK P7M8, but it's hard to recomend it because their prices are so high...
 
I have a g26 and a pm9.....either is great, pocket carry is subjective.

The kahr pm45 and p380 are still troublesome for many owners for some reason, the pm9 had its own problems for s few years as well.

The larger glock guns are just that, larger.
 
If you like the Ruger name (you carry a Ruger LCR), there are two suitable possibilities by that maker that can be "cargo-shorts-carried". One is the LC9, which may or may not be a little snappy for you; it's quite compact and light. The other is a bit bigger, and feels better to me in the hand, and that's the SR9c.
I carry the Kel-Tec PF9, so I'd have no use for the LC9 because they're so similar. The SR9c, though, is one I'd look at if I were in the market for another "carry-nine."

Outside the Ruger name; your possibilities are near endless... watch this thread progress..
 
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I personally love the HK P7M8, but it's hard to recomend it because their prices are so high...
Click to expand...

You can still get German surplus P7 PSP's at reasonable prices, $650 or so. These are the ones with the heal mag release and shorter trigger guard, IMHO a better CCW piece.
 
The LC9 is hard to beat

for a pocket carryable 9mm. It is small, thin and light weight. I have one and love it. I am currently looking at the Sig 938 since I generally carry 1911's and they operate basically the same way. I held one recently and I am convinced that I will be buying one. In the meantime I just picked up a Firestar M43 that, believe it or not, is the same size as the LC9 except that it is a little thicker and a lot heavier. I have not had a chance to put it through its paces but, if it holds up, it might be a good choice. Star also made the same gun in 40 as well.
 
"Best autoloader" is like asking "Best car". Depends entirely on you. My definition of best autoloader is a 5" 1911. I carry one summer, winter, shorts and t-shirts to parka and bib overalls.

Honestly, I'd say that due to the small frame of the newer autoloaders, I'd not look at anything below 9mm. I had a P3AT for a while and due to the plastic frame, a steel 9mm the same size would have had the same or less recoil.
 
Glock 33 357 SIG in a Don Hume pocket holster. 10 or 12 rounds.depending on if I use the mag with the 2+ extension

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Sent from my PB99400 using Tapatalk 2
 
Try many; buy one. Many ranges rent guns and you'll be best served by actually shooting an assortment before making a decision on your first semi auto.
 
One that you will carry and shoot the best. I prefer a 45acp acp but a 9mm with the proper bullet is very capable of doing the job. The 45 just has more head on stopping power + a better trigger than most other guns. The Kimber Ultra Carry II is a very compact 45 light 45. I would suggest that what ever you decide on is make sure to shoot it and see if it works for you. Coming from a revolver the grip on some guns may give you a problem.
 
Big JJ said:
I am a revolver guy. Forgive me. I have a CCW.
Now considering going to an auto and I am looking for something that is reliable and easy to carry in the summer time in Cali. (Cargo shorts)
I currently carry a 357 mag.
Wanting something of comparable knock down power.
Probably 9mm or up.
What are your suggestions?
Click to expand...
Subcompact Glock in .40S&W.
 
You might wanna check out Springfield's XDs compact.45, I recently purchased one for carry and I've fallen in love with it. Seems to me to be just barely larger than an LC9 and you get an accurate little monster of a .45. It took one trip to the range to get a feel for it and since then it has been as accurate as any of my full size pistols at 25 feet. It melts into your body with a galco IWB holster made for the lc9's, Nano's, pm9...etc. It might be worth your while to check it out or go handle one if possible.
 
ryno31 said:
You might wanna check out Springfield's XDs compact.45, I recently purchased one for carry and I've fallen in love with it. Seems to me to be just barely larger than an LC9 and you get an accurate little monster of a .45. It took one trip to the range to get a feel for it and since then it has been as accurate as any of my full size pistols at 25 feet. It melts into your body with a galco IWB holster made for the lc9's, Nano's, pm9...etc. It might be worth your while to check it out or go handle one if possible.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately not yet CA approved. The Glock 36 is, though.

I carry a Glock 30 and a LC9. Shoot everything you can before you buy.
 
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There are so many good ccw autos out there it is hard to suggest just one. If you are a revolver guy like me i would stay away from DA/SO guns or guns with external safeties. I love the trigger on my HKs with LEM. But with that said a there are a lot to chose from. Go to several LGS and see how different pistols feel in your hand and better yet or better yet go to a range and rent several. I have wasted a lot of money to find "my" perfect ccw auto, so try to shoot as many as possible before you buy. Also if you like the 357 and carry and shoot 357 i would look at a 45 or 10mm, maybe even 40. I don't know if you will be happy with a 9mm.
 
If you are more comfortable with revolvers you might consider the Sig P290. It's DAO with a long, somewhat heavier revolver-ish trigger. The new RS model offers double strike capability.

I do carry my SR9c occasionally in cargo shorts, but it does print.
 
OK Guys
I can see now that have quite a few guns to choose from.
Thank you all for the suggestions.
I will start trying some of your suggestions this week..
I do have to restrict my choices to the Cali legal guns because it will be registered with the county for the CCW.
My main concearns are acceptable knock down power along with concealablity in cargo shorts.
I can carry my LCR all day without knowing that it even there in my pocket.
That means that I will always have it with me.
That is what I want in the auto.
Believe me I love my LCR but I would like to have more than just 5 rounds.
That is the main reason for the switch.
Again thanks for your suggestions.
 
I'll toss out one more to check out: S&W Shield. Comes in 9mm and .40 S&W flavors. Flat, single-stack.

Pocket carry will depend on your pocket. Very nice for IWB carry, too. I usually carry it in either a pocket on a fleece jacket, or IWB with a Sticky holster. (Though the Sticky works well enough, I'm thinking of getting a Remora with a sweat shield. Gun's flat, but I'm not, and the rear of the slide/frame pokes my handles. =))
 
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