CCW reliability

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monotonous_iterancy

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I've heard some people say that when it comes to CCW pistols, you want the absolute most reliable gun you can afford, because its better to not risk a failure. I've also heard people say that a mid-level brand like Kahr or Taurus is fine because reliability doesn't factor in unless you're shooting hundreds or thousands of rounds.

Who is right?
 
You will know which answer is correct at that critical moment when you absolutely need your CCW.

I think that about covers it... You can close the thread now.
 
Mid-priced, and some even lower cost handguns, are not necessarily unreliable. And buying one priced in the upper range doesn't insure reliability either.

But regardless, reliability should be the first concern in a defensive weapon.
 
I'm thinking you're confusing reliability and durability, guns are machines at some point they will all fail.
 
I think it's more about how well you take care of your firearms. While I personally wouldn't trust a hi point, if that's all you can afford, it's better than nothing. I carry a S&W Shield 9mm, which I consider to be a "mid-level" pistol. I've put 1200 round through it since I got it last November without a single malfunction. I trust it with my life. Read reviews on any gun before you buy them (reviews from unbiased sources) and test fire them if you can. If you're comfortable with it then it's probably okay.

Once you get it, I would put a minimum of 100 rounds through it (I personally try to put 500 down range before carrying) before you carry it to ensure that you know how the gun functions and make sure there are no factory defects.

That's my 2 cents on the subject anyways.
 
I've heard some people say that when it comes to CCW pistols, you want the absolute most reliable gun you can afford, because its better to not risk a failure. I've also heard people say that a mid-level brand like Kahr or Taurus is fine because reliability doesn't factor in unless you're shooting hundreds or thousands of rounds.
Click to expand...

i suspect these people have never taken a basic statistics course.....

however, you dont need to spend big money to get a reliable pistol.....Glock, Ruger, S&W all make Carry pistols that can be had for under $600 and will perform exceptionally well for defensive use.
 
My $320 Taurus PT-145 Millennium Pro has been more reliable than my $900 Sig P220. No failures ever is pretty hard to beat. The only reason my Sig had problems was I shot it a whole bunch of times (I've put about 15,000 rounds through it and I bought it used) but a new recoil spring fixed it just fine. Still the Taurus has never had any failure through 5000 rounds. That seems reliable enough to me. I've seen much more expensive pistols have issues. Some are built for target shooting and have tighter tolerances which means better accuracy but less reliability.

Still when push comes to shove it's best not to skimp on a CCW gun. I was talked into buying that Taurus and I was very iffy about it. But I'm glad he did talk me into it. For one thing he made me a deal I just couldn't pass up. But the gun has been perfect so far. That isn't true of all stuff made by Taurus though. Not even.

Glocks are very reliable. So are Sigs. You should be able to find a decent example of a good pistol for $600 or so. Heck I would probably sell my Sig for that price and they are considered as rock solid as they come. Only lots and lots of shooting caused mine to have issues and now they are fixed.
 
If you get a Taurus that isn't a lemon, I'm sure it'll be fine.

The problem is, seems like about half of them are lemons. I've talked to and read about WAY too many people having to send their Taurus firearms back, often multiple times.

Price doesn't necessarily correlate with reliability all the time. That being said, you can't put a price on protecting your life. Buy something with a good reputation.

Just my opinion.
 
It should be obvious you want a reliable gun. It should be obvious you wnat reliable ammo that is reliable in your reliable gun, especially a semi.

Reliability is not measured by expense, so "the most reliable you can afford" is not a practical standard.
 
monotonous_iterancy said:
I've heard some people say that when it comes to CCW pistols, you want the absolute most reliable gun you can afford, because its better to not risk a failure. I've also heard people say that a mid-level brand like Kahr or Taurus is fine because reliability doesn't factor in unless you're shooting hundreds or thousands of rounds.

Who is right?
Click to expand...

I usually tell folks who are more budget sensitive to buy used. Id rather have a used Glock than a new Taurus.

As far as reliability trumping all, I don't know. Have a tiny hand you wont shoot a Glock well at all so what is the reliability worth then?
 
My Ruger .45 ACP has been extremely reliable and was purchased used but hadn't been used. It still had the 4473 copy from the first owner in the box. Never had any issues except ammo until it had shot over 500 rounds. Then no problems of any kind.

Recently purchased a Kahr polymer micro used (as opposed to a used car :). Same thing - hardly been shot in two years the first owner had it. I had to polish the feed ramp after the first outing but since then I am trusting my life to it. It cost me less than half of MSRP, but most will be a bit higher. It shoots .45 ACP very well, possibly better than the slightly larger Ruger.
 
My take ....

Here's my take for the new forum members or new CCW holders:
Carry the best firearm you can afford, keep it clean and only use factory ammunition. No handloads or reloaded rounds for defense or CCW.

To buy a brand used by your local LE agency is smart. I'd also suggest only using the double action only or DA only style guns.
You can avoid accidents or mishaps. You also avoid the false or bogus claims of reckless use or cocking hammers back then making threats.
Some instructors or gun class trainers say striker fired guns are good for new CCW license holders. If the student or CCW license holder takes the time and makes the effort to learn how to shoot or use a pistol safely.

RS
 
Off topic but if I win the HGTV Dream House Contest I'll be you Texas members neighbor and we can shoot together! The chances of that are ____ and ____. I do like Texas.
 
First, any gun can fail, regardless of price or popularity. But in a real world, cheap guns (e.g., RG-10) fail more often and are less reliable than a more expensive and better made gun. For a self defense gun, reliability is not a desirable characteristic, it is the ONLY characteristic that matters. If you need that gun (really gun and ammo combination) and it doesn't work, it doesn't matter how nice the gun looks, or how much velocity the bullet would have, or how much the gun cost, or what make it is. If you need it, and it doesn't work, you won't have to worry about any of those things. Ever.

Jim
 
Jim K said:
First, any gun can fail, regardless of price or popularity. But in a real world, cheap guns (e.g., RG-10) fail more often and are less reliable than a more expensive and better made gun.

For a self defense gun, reliability is not a desirable characteristic, it is the ONLY characteristic that matters.

If you need that gun (really gun and ammo combination) and it doesn't work, it doesn't matter how nice the gun looks, or how much velocity the bullet would have, or how much the gun cost, or what make it is. If you need it, and it doesn't work, you won't have to worry about any of those things. Ever.

Jim
Click to expand...

1: More expensive doesn't necessarily mean better built and certainly doesn't mean more reliable

2: reliability could be the most important factor and is certainly a factor but it is certainly not the only factor
 
Not true!.....

That's not true!
Only handguns that are $1200.00-1600.00 are what you need to work best!
:mad:

This little gem is what my friend in southeast New York said the pistol range safety officer told him. :rolleyes:

Rusty
PS; in truth, I agree with the last few comments, I just get irked by the cadre or staff who fill new customers/license holders with fluff(BS) just to get more $$$/more sales. :cuss:
 
Why I bought a milsurp pistol (Polish P-64) as my CCW piece:

1. Military-grade
2. Proven design
3. Proven reliability. A problem piece would have been fixed or scrapped long before it became surplus.

Ultimately, I felt a milsurp piece was a much safer bet than a new-production commercial one. It's hard to go wrong with a design that has had nearly 30 years of reliable service and a specific example not made at the very beginning or end of production.
 
Loads of handguns out there reliable enough for ccw. Ruger, Glock, S&W, CZ, Walther, Kahr, Beretta,Kimber and many more. Pick one you like, practice.
 
To me a CCW needs to be:

1) Reliable
2) Accurate
3) Durable
4) Concealable

Initial cost does figure into the decision but it's not exclusive of those four main factors.
 
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