Conceal Carry options

[kerstingm]

I just recently got my CCW and I have been looing at several options for my carry pistol. My first choice is the Kimber Ultra Carry with the Crimson Trace grips (If I wanted to spend $1,200). Right know I have my Sig P229 40 cal which is my favorite, but it is on the larger size and you know you're carring it. Right now I'm using my Tarurus PT111 9mm which is ok, but still a little bulky for me. Besides my Kimbe that I want I'm looking at the Baretta Cheetah Nickle plated 380 or the Springfield GI Micro compact 45. I have never owned a 45 and I don't know if I want to move up another caliber, but I know this would give me the best stopping power in the long run. If anybody has any other suggestions on a good carry pistol please list them.
I am not a big Glock fan so no Glocks. (Nothing personal to you Glock fans) I don't like the feel of them.

 

[JLCook]

Might look at the Taurus PT740, 0r 709 if you want 9mm, (I am sure the Taurus haters will be all over this ) I am waiting on my CHL and looking around myself for the best option. For me I am looking heavily at the 740 or I might go revolver and get a J-frame.

 

[NavyLCDR]

If you can shoot a .40 S&W comfortably, I don't think you would have any problem with .45 ACP.

 

[Dnaltrop]

My .45c revolver and borrowed ACPs always feel less Sharp than my .40 M&P.

I don't shoot any super hot loads as of yet.

If a compact 1911, make sure your ammo feeds well, with the shorter stroke to do the job, some get cranky. Springfield GI, Kimber, even the Rock Island Tactical 1911's keep filtering to the top for cheaper .45s in full size, hopefully someone with more compact experience can direct you towards/ away a particular unit.

My old Man alternates between a cz-82 shooting 9x18 Makarov, cheap ammo, reliable, reliable, reliable. (and you can get them for $250 (give or take $50) and the very inexpensive ammo can make it a regular shooter for you.

His second is a Bersa .380, it shoots well once we figured out that it detests S&B ammo. also $250

Personally, I don't do well with compact guns, my hands are just too big for most of them. On the up side, a Full size pistol is much smaller in perspective, and I have no issues with my 4" M&P 40 in an IWB.

My fitness-freak buddy is picking up a Walther PPS for it's profile, to wear in his Sweats when jogging. It will replace his Taurus .357 "Rustmaster Elite" ( years as a belly gun, it took me hours to get the red out when he asked me to clean it)

If your first .45 and not committed... Have you Considered a Revolver that can take the .45 ACP rounds in Moon Clips?

So many options, not nearly enough Moolah.

Edit- And Yes, i DO carry my .45 cowboy gun as a CCW sometimes, and i don't feel undergunned one bit. 225 grain winchester silvertip Flying Ashtrays.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

My first choice was a Kahr single stack 9mm. I ended up with a Taurus 709. I really like having the 9mm in a thin single stack.

I'll warn you though, my 709 had an ejection problem right out of the box. I called Taurus, sent it back on their dime the next day. They had it 5 weeks. I got it back and it's been perfect with all the FMJ and HP ammo I've put in it.
About 600 rounds and counting.
The gun is very easy to conceal and is very shootable.

 

[oldbanjo]

I'd go for a lighter and smaller gun. A 9MM would be good. Why go bigger? You need a good quality gun small enough that you will always carry it.

 

[griff383]

I was in a toss up between a 709 and a SR9c. I went with the SR9c because it is +p rated and the 709 is not. Also it just fit my hand better and I liked the 10 rd magazine.

P239 would be a great option too...

 

[kerstingm]

Thank you for all of the options. As stated above too many options not enough
$$$$ but I have been having fun hitting all of the local gunshows lately. Like I
Stated above I really like my Sig so to try and make it easier to carry I got a IWB holster
And it helps I wish I would of gotten one with the steel band to keep it open it's a little
hard to reholster with one hand. (Live and learn). As far as ammo I am going with
the Critical Defense so I'm not worrry about the ammo quality. I think my best option is
going to be to test shoot a few differant pistols at the range and see what I like.

 

[obiwan1]

Remember that the belt is the secret to concealed carry. The Sig is fine - unless you really want another gun (and who doesn't??). I like 1911s, but I prefer a DAO carry gun. Simple is good. No safeties or decockers to remember (or forget). That puts the Glock/M&P/XD squarely in your sights. More money would get a H&K with LEM or a Sig with DAK. All available in .45.

 

[X-Rap]

For me, and this will come as a contradiction, I would choose a hi cap polymer in a medium frame size and/or a small 380.
I have become a believer in having plenty of rounds and keep a spare mag for my G19 sometimes two of the larger G17 mags in winter. On the flip side I always have my 380 just because its better to have something and you can carry a small 380 in a holster around your neck if need be.
I have carried 1911 and revolver styles and still do on occasion but the hi cap thing is important to me.

 

[Joel]

I think you are overlooking one very important aspect of concealed carry: The holster. With a properly designed holster that fits your gun and your individual carry style, just about any gun can be worn comfortably and descreetly. If you want increased stability, get one with a wide separation between the belt loops. If concealability is more of a concern, one with two belt loops positioned close together or a single solid metal spring or Kyndex clip will do the trick. And, as obiwan1 stated, a solid belt is also a must. Don't rely on a department store belt to constantly and consistently hold a firearm. A good gun-weight belt (preferably made by an actual leather worker - I have a 5.11 belt that lasted all of 3 months before starting to wear) will distribute the weight across the belt line and should last for years.

 

[kerstingm]

I hear you on the belt thing. Mine broke first time at the range and it was a new belt too. I use
own a Walther PPKS and I really liked the feel of that it had decent weight to it yet small
enough to conceal anywhere I didn't care too much for the heavy trigger, but besides that it
was a awesome pistol to shoot.

 

[kerstingm]

I hear you on the belt thing. Mine broke first time at the range and it was a new belt too. I use
own a Walther PPKS and I really liked the feel of that it had decent weight to it yet small
enough to conceal anywhere I didn't care too much for the heavy trigger, but besides that it
was a awesome pistol to shoot.

 

[gloucestergarand]

Colt Commander with Crimson Trace grips, in a G-Code paddle from range5.com. Wearing it as I type, sitting here on the deck in Virginia.

 

[writerinmo]

I have large hands, so I had to steer away from the smaller framed pistols. I wanted a decent capacity, .40 cal, and prefer a DAO so I don't have to concern myself with safeties. I ended up trying out an SW40VE and after shooting it a lot ended up with it as my EDC. I don't have to worry about an ND with the long trigger pull, the aesthetics of the pistol fit my large hands well, and the 14+1 capacity is decent enough for me.

 

[jeepguy]

i would stick with the sig 229 in .40. i have a kimber pro carry in .45 & it has been great. but for my backup/alternate gun i would like a sig 228/229 in 9mm. btw my 4" kimber is fine for carry.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

... I'm looking at the Baretta Cheetah Nickle plated 380 ...

These are beautifully made, accurate and fun to shoot handguns. I owned a Model 86 - the tipup barrel version - for a few years, chiefly as a collector ( I liked its unusual design). But if self defense is your goal, I see no reason to downgrade cartridge power to a .380 when there are dozens of 9mm Luger, .40 and even .45 compact pistols of equal size.

 

[jbh13]

Super ultra carry with iwb crossbreed holster. Works great for me, and if possible shoot the ultra kimber prior to purchase if you have a chance. They shoot great and kick for a compact .45 is less than what you think it would be.

 

[clance]

I currently carry a Kahr TP9 that I just stick in the beltline of my pants. I don't worry about corrosion as the pistol is stainless and ploymer (yes I do maintain the weapon) , it's thin and weighs next to nothing even loaded. It's approximately the size of a Walther PP while the P or K series is roughly the size of the PPK/s so easily concealible. If the 9mm isn't your first choice in defensive rounds, Kahr also makes these models in 40 S&W and 45acp. I personally like the Kahr due to it's no nonsense approach to a defensive firearm by "not" having a bunch of safety levers or buttons that need to be grip, flip, squeezed, etc... before the weapon is capable to be fired. It's very simple, you point the weapon and squeeze the trigger (which is a true DAO).

 

[ByAnyMeans]

I'm a 9mm guy for carry weapons so I would recommend A SIG P6 , check J&G for some. Can't beat it for a carry gun if You want metal. If I was going to look for a small .45 and exclude the G30 or 36(?) then a S&W chiefs special(?) would be high on my list. Don't own any .40's to comment.


SIG P6 (searching around will probably find a better price.)
http://www.jgsales.com/product_info...good-condition-/cPath/16_234/products_id/1903

 

[strambo]

I mostly carry a P226 in a Comp Tac M-TAC to included w/ tucked shirt to church. I'd stick w/ the 229 and spend a little on some upgraded carry gear and the rest on ammo/training. Is a micro .45 even smaller/lighter than a 229? They tend to have reliability issues also.

I also have a Kahr K9 I sometimes carry, but still prefer the P226.

 

[kerstingm]

Thanks again for all of the new choices. I just found a sight with reviews of almost every pistol you could think about. I found the Kahr MK sub compact, I found the Colt Defender and I really like that this one and I like that they are both in 40cal. I think the MSRP prices they are showing a little low, but they have some good reviews. They have a Kimber 40cal listed, but I couldn't find it on Kimber's web site (Might not make it any more) unless somebody here knows of a Kimber 40? Thanks again for the suggestions. Keep them coming I have another gun show coming up on the 30th so the more choices to look at the better.
http://www.e-gun.net/more.asp?gid=20019&photoNum=2