Best CCW?

[korraley]

Hi Everyone,

I am hoping that you guys can help me choose the best pistol for me. I currently have a Glock 26 that I love, but it is way, way too large for a CCW. When I do wear it, the bulge in my clothing looks absolutely ridiculous, and I've come to realize that having it zipped up in my purse will not do me much good in a real life situation . I am 5'2", 100 lbs, and I do not wear baggy clothes, so finding a gun that will conceal well is not easy. I'm looking for a 9mm that offers the best quality for the best concealment. Assume that price is not an issue. So far on my list to try are the Kahr PM9, Walther PPS, and Kel-Tec PF9. I'm partial to Sigs and Glocks but haven't found any that are the right size. I would love any additional suggestions and experience that you have had. Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Josh45]

The general concept is the smaller the gun the better for CCW simply because of how simple it is to carry without notice.

Most of the the members will tell you to go rent the gun and shoot it. Then I would recomend that you pretend it's concealed and see how quick can you remove from conceal and get it ready to fire. Only reason I say that is to give you and idea on what it would be like for you to really draw the weapon should you need it.

The Kel-Tc and the Kahr might b good for you but you need to make sure it is what you need. Does it fit your hand? The grips? The sights? How about the cap of the mag?
I know some ppl do it differently but this is the way I go. If it's comfortable and I like it and know I can shoot it and conceal it then it my gun now.

You could also look at Taurus Slim Line. You also might be interested in the Ruger SR9C. Nice gun and not to big. 9mm as you wanted.

Wait till more members post however, I could be wrong in some areas. Also, Take a look at revolvers if you like them. There super light, Some anyways lol

 

[korraley]

Hi Josh45,

Thanks for your reply! Yes, that is exactly what I plan to do. Compile a list of my top choices and go around and try them all. I went to check out the Taurus 709 Slimline, but the salesman didn't seem too enthusiastic about the quality of the brand. What do think about it? I have added the Ruger SR9C to my list to check out. I'm not much of a revolver fan. Thanks so much for the suggestions!!!

 

[red rick]

The Kahr PM9 will be the smallest. The Kel Tec will be the thinest and have the worst recoil and heaviest trigger. The PPS will be more similar in trigger to your 26, but thinner.

 

[gofastman]

I went to check out the Taurus 709 Slimline, but the salesman didn't seem too enthusiastic about the quality of the brand.

Probably my favorite gun, such a good design!

Best CCW?

a pocket .380: TCP, LCP, P3AT, etc...
decent firepower, and small enough to be with you at all times.

 

[korraley]

Thanks, red_rick! That comparison does help a lot! So far (until I try them, anyway) I'm leaning toward the Kahr and then the PPS.

What do you guys think of the Sig p238, and .380 caliber in general? I know in that caliber there are many options, but I worry about it not having enough stopping power.

 

[Josh45]

Taurus is a good brand now a days....Back then it had some problems and most people didn't like it because of thier issues. Even now a days some people avoid them like the plague.

I actually own a Taurus 24/7 pro ds 45. I like it read up about it and it seems to be a decent gun. I havent got to shoot it tho so my opinion is kinda invalid.

Not everyone you go to will say get a Taurus because of that reason but thy are decent guns and there prices are great.

Go to Buds Gun Shop online and see some of the prices. Some are hard to beat and most ship free. The slim line is rather well slim...and might need getting used to.

What have you shot before? Can you deal with recoil? A 9mm is a good choice in my opinion others will say to go with some thing stronger but I think a 9mm is a good way to go plus ammo is pretty easy to find and cheap to.

The Ruger SR9C seems to be a good gun, Pick it up at the range and see what you think. What works for others might not work for you.

Also, Make sure you know how your gonna conceal. It can help. Weight is also an issue after a while. Your gun may weigh 18.6 ounces but after loading a clip it weighs quite a decent bit. Just something to think about.

 

[korraley]

Gofastman,

Thanks! Good to know, I'll put it back on the list to try!

 

[harmon rabb]

The Sig 238 is great. Real sights, good trigger, soaks up recoil very well. Very shootable gun.

The Kahr PM9 (and the newly released cheaper CM9) deserve a look, as they're barely larger than the 238, and are also nice shooters.

 

[korraley]

Josh45,

Thanks! I've put the Taurus back on the list to consider and will definitely check out Bud's Gun Shop. It will be good to know what prices are on there when checking out the stores.

 

[Fleetman]

Depends on the dress code expected where I'm heading.

Dressy - pocket .380; Ruger LCP, Keltec P3AT, or AMT DAO (rarely)

Casual - Keltec PF9 or Kimber UCII

I would love to have a P238 but haven't gotten around to it yet. I have a friend who says his are not reliable (FTF & FTE) but I suspect something else. I've heard the same about my Kimber but have one FTF in over 2k rounds and I'm pretty sure she limp-wristed it.

The PF9 is very comfortable to carry for me....light and flat. It got a lot more comfortable to shoot once I installed the optional trigger shoe. A lot of people look down their nose at Keltec's but I've never had an issue with mine.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=510227

 

[Josh45]

Glad to help you. Let us know what you decide!

BTW! Welcome to The High Road!

 

[red rick]

Why get 380 when you can get a 9mm in the same size and weight range? Ammo is higher and hardier to find.

How do you carry, IWB, OWB, pocket or other?

 

[gofastman]

.380 caliber in general

Its just fine.
Put it in the right place and said target will likely drop instantly, same goes for any service pistol cartridge.
placement is key!

 

[korraley]

Harmonrabb - Thanks! I'm definitely checking out the Kahr and will look up the 238 as well.

Fleetman - Thanks so much for that info! I'm now considering getting a 9mm for daily carry and a .380 for dressier occasions. I'll check out the Kimber as well. Thanks also for the link to the Keltec thread. Great info there!

red_rick - I agree with your views on .380 vs 9mm. I carry my Glock OWB because its too big to fit IWB. I prefer IWB so I tried getting baggier pants to fit it but the weight just winds up pulling my pants down which is never good. Ideally I'd like something versatile that I can carry IWB in jeans, shoulder if I'm going running, pocket if I'm wearing a larger jacket.

 

[korraley]

Gofastman - Thanks! Thats good to know. BTW, your Palin signature gave me a laugh. I'm gonna have to use that one.

 

[red rick]

You have narrowed the field alot if you are going to pocket carry at your size. You are going to want something small and light weight. I would look at a Kahr PM9 or the budget model of the same pistol the new CM9.

You also need a good gun belt if you don't have one.

 

[mbruce]

Keltec PF9 has 2,600 rounds ...about 200 +p and no failures or sheared pieces hitting me in the face.

I have a Kahr PM9...and it stays at home...the Keltec gets to ride along with me.

Don't let Mayo read this post...he'll be all over it!

 

[harmon rabb]

You also need a good gun belt if you don't have one.

uh, not with a pocket 380 or a PM9 / PF-9 / PT709. they're light enough that any old belt works just fine. heck, even a g26 is fine with a normal belt and a good holster. once you go beyond that, though, that's when you want a real gun belt.

 

[red rick]

Not when you are 5' 2" and 100 lbs. all the extra support you can get is going to help. She already said the 26 was pulling her pants down.

 

[buckhorn_cortez]

Springfield EMP. 9mm or .40 - your choice. I have the 9mm for concealed carry - small form factor, hard to beat, but not cheap.

 

[korraley]

Thanks so much, red_rick, mbruce, and harmon_rabb! I'll look into belts. Its looking more and more like my decision will be between the KelTek PF9 and Kahr PM9/CM9. I'm going to try them out later on today, I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[korraley]

buckhorn_cortez - Thanks! I'll check that one out too!!

 

[Hondo 60]

The best ccw gun is so subjective....
It depends on what YOU think works.

But here's the basics...
Small guns will conceal easy, but small guns have a lot more recoil.
Heavier guns just have more beef to 'em to considerably tame the recoil.

The smallest guns that most people consider are .380s
Some are smaller than the palm of your hand.
In Europe the caliber is called 9mm Kurz (Kurz is 'short' in German)
So it's a smaller under powered 9mm.

Next step up is the 9mm Luger.
In the 1970s & 80s many law enforcement depts adopted this caliber to replace the .38 special.
But more recently they felt this too is underpowered.
Now many of the depts are using .40S&W, a caliber developed by Smith & Wesson, hence it's name.

Now do you want a tiny .380?
or something with a little more oomph to it, like a 9mm
or maybe you'd like a revolver? a .357?

In other words, there is no Best CCW gun for everyone.

The best gun, is what you will practice with, so heaven forbid, should the need arise, you'll be comfortable with your gun.

 

[browneu]

Browning BDM. Its slim, small, great ergonomics, and you can still get high capacity magazines (if you look hard enough). Some people might think it's a little heavy but I believe it's just the right weight.