concealed carry gun

[astocks2622]

I'm looking into getting a pistol for concealed carry. I've narrowed my choices down to three guns, all quite different from each other (although I am open to other suggestions). my max spending limit (I wish i could just get whatever i want, but I'm on a college budget) is about $450. I am looking at the S&W 9mm compact, the Beretta 9000S 9mm and the Bersa thunder 380. glocks have never felt right for me. I'd just like to hear your .o2

 

[glockman19]

for that price you're looking at a S&W XD.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I think the S&W will be the best of the choices you listed. Before you buy you should try and find a range which rents out handguns and shoot as many as you can. The one that feels best in your hand and the one you shoot well with is the one you should buy.

 

[10-Ring]

I have been on a CCW/poly gun wave lately. I have really learned to appreciate my USPs & my Glock. Since you've already ruled out Glocks, I'd say give the S&W M&P a look
PS -- glockman, the XD is a Springfield thing

 

[MPanova]

Take a look at the Taurus Mil Pro PT111

 

[tnieto2004]

Check out the CZ75 and Springfield XD

 

[Blarelli]

I really don't like the beretta 9000. Check out a Kel-Tec PF-9. They're smaller then the bersa, and just a little more expensive, but still under $250.

 

[Autolycus]

I would suggest a used Sig. Check CDNN for them. I also liek the Springfield XD as well.

 

[Raspu10]

for that price you're looking at a S&W XD.

Glock Man........ its Springfield Armory XD... SA XD-9

There Is no such thing as a smith and wesson xd Lol


mabye you ment S&W "AND" XD

 

[Exmasonite]

i'll tell you that the bersa thunder .380 is a very nice, cheap little gun but at least in my neck of the woods (midwest), the .380 ammo is at least 50% more expensive than 9mm. (about on par w .40 from what i've seen).

if you're on the budget, that could be a problem. that being said, you should be able to get one for < $300 which leaves you plenty of $$ for a GOOD HOLSTER.

also, don't count out the Bersa/Firestorm Thunder 9mm.
http://www.firestorm-sgs.com/minispecs.htm

i'll also give a +1 on the springfield XD. i love the 2 i have.

and again, leave some $$ for a good holster (and belt).

 

[Ghost Tracker]

Have you SHOT these pistols or just researched/handled them? I ask because sometimes you'll shoot a pistol better than it feels to you. Also, just my $0.02, with the choices of compact 9mm pistols available...forget the .380. And remember, the smaller the pistol, the more difficult it is to shoot effectively. Practice, practice, practice.

 

[craig_o]

there's nothing you could give me to trust my life on a Taurus.

There are good Tauri, awful Tauri and ticking timb bomb Tauri... who knows what YOU'VE got?

Buy anything else.

 

[kd7nqb]

For sure check out the XD's and the CZ's. I also would for sure plug the M&P Compact.

 

[JimRude]

also, don't count out the Bersa/Firestorm Thunder 9mm.
http://www.firestorm-sgs.com/minispecs.htm

I have the Bersa Firestorm Mini 9mm, and love it! Less than $350 at Davidson's online.

 

[Maximum1]

You can pick up a Springfeld XD9 sub-compact for under $500.

EXCELLENT XD9 Subcompact ARTICLE at Officer.Com from their Law Enforcement Technology Evaluation Team…
“The off-duty firearm needs to be a deliberate consideration. Law Enforcement Technology tested the Springfield Armory's XD9 Subcompact and found that it exceeds this standard.”…..You can view the article here.

Springfield’s XD9 Subcompact
http://www.officer.com/print/Law-Enforcement-Technology/Springfields-XD9-Subcompact/1$31772

XD Review
http://springfield-armory.primediaoutdoors.com/SPstory11.php



Also, Kel-Tec P-11 or the PF-9 are also very good units and come with EXCELLENT Mfg warrenties, both under $300.

 

[astocks2622]

thanks for all the input. I shot a buddy's M&P 40 full size, and shot better with it than the CZ I've got a lot of practice with. I know the compact will be different, but it still felt solid in my hand. the cz's aren't small enough for me to easily conceal. the XD sits way too high in my hand and just isn't comfortable. same problem with the taurus guns, they just don't fit my hand. I haven't checked out the bersa 9mm yet, but will be looking into them. i am scared to death of the Kel-Tec's because two of my friends have (had) a 32 and a 380, and both KB'd... maybe it was a fluke, but still. I haven't shot the beretta or the bersa 380. (although i have shot the sig 232). also, is there a way to get to the CDNN firearms website w/o a FFL?

 

[MPanova]

The PX4 Storm Sub-Compact should be out pretty soon. I know I want one bad.

 

[possum]

for that price you're looking at a S&W XD.

:banghead:
oh no he put xd and s&w in the same sentance.

while we are on the xd subject you should check them out, but from the list you proposed i wouldsay go with the s&w m&p.

 

[Beowolf1911]

I was lucky enough to fire both the bersa thunder 380 and the cc model. both fine guns. the CC is small enough to fit in your pocket and even though the sights are practically non-existant they work great. My current small carry gun is a FEG PA-63 in 9 mak. When I hav emoney the CC will replace it. As far as a larger gun I have a norinco 1911 that I love, however it is a large piece to carry so I would like to add a RIA officer model to the run, medium size max power.

 

[peashooter]

You might be able to find a used Kahr K9 or E9 in your budget range. Both are rock solid and reliable.

 

[Mad Magyar]

I am looking at the S&W 9mm compact

That one....

 

[MJZZZ]

"Check out a Kel-Tec PF-9. They're smaller then the bersa, and just a little more expensive, but still under $250."

I would advise against this gun, I bought one 2 months ago and it broke the first time out. It has have the frame replaced, but it is not repaired as it has an FTE problem. They are sending more new parts, great service, bad gun. I won't carry a gun until it goes 400 rounds without an error, I don't think it will ever make it. Mike

 

[cellar dwellar]

I own and carry a Beretta 9000s in .40. I have been very happy with the gun. It has been completely reliable. No FTF or FTE so far. Many people do not like the grip. I would suggest holding one. If it fits you, it should be a great piece for you. If the grip feels too large, you should pass.

9000's can be had in .40 with 10 rounds or 9mm with 12 rounds. They have a nifty finger extension on the magazines that makes the gun a little smaller for carry, but pops out automatically when you grip the gun to give your pinky a place to go. The 9000s F is DA/SA and allows for S/A cocked and locked carry. The gun can be carried safety on and dual action, safety off and dual action, or safey on and single action. I carry with the safety on and D/A.

 

[CoRoMo]

If I had $450 in hand and was headed to the shop to get a CCW pistol, I would favor the Beretta, given your choices. However, If I ever have $450 in hand, I'm going to go buy myself a Springfield XD 45acp. That's my .02

 

[Glockman30]

I like my Kel Tec pf9 for $299. I bought a second mag for $28 shipped and it is the perfect size and shoots 9mm rounds surprisingly accurate. Then put the extra money back in the jar and save for the next gun.