Concealed Carry Options?

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JohnWick

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Hello! I'm new to the form (I've probably already done something wrong, I'd wager), and I wanted to ask more experienced minds about possible Conceal Carry options. Preferred caliber is 9mm and I'd prefer the gun to be steel-frame, and somewhere under $900.
 
There are a lot of good ones for under $900. Guns are like cars find one that feels good and you like to drive. There are benefits and downsides to all of them and you have to find one that works for you. My opinion is to fire as many different ones you can before you buy.
 
Like this?

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Hello! I'm new to the form (I've probably already done something wrong, I'd wager), and I wanted to ask more experienced minds about possible Conceal Carry options. Preferred caliber is 9mm and I'd prefer the gun to be steel-frame, and somewhere under $900.
Of course get what you want, but I think your going to find all steel heavy to carry for a long period of time. The reason polymer has taken over is that its so much lighter.

Double action, single action or stricker would narrow the choices a lot more.
 
Heck, I thought John Wick had already picked the HK P30 ( http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/John_Wick ) or the Glock G34 ( http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/John_Wick:_Chapter_2 ) :)

In steel framed, under $900, there aren't many. CZ 75 family can usually be found under that number, and you may be able to find some 1911's under $900. However, the typical recommendations for metal framed guns in that general price range would be Beretta and SIG, but both are primarily aluminum framed.
 
9mm, steel frame, under $900?

CZ 75B Compact. 14rds of 9mm, DA/SA with a safety in a good ergonomic place. Can be carried cocked and locked for a SA first shot, or hammer down for a DA first shot. Slim enough for IWB carry, but a little hefty thanks to the steel frame. Shoots as well as most full size pistols.

Can usually be had for $500-550 and night sight options are available. Mags are dirt cheap and plentiful as well as all kinds of go-fast parts if that's your thing. I find the stock trigger is very good however.
 
Welcome from Texas!.......As already mentioned, fire as many as possible before you make a decision. If that's not an option, at least handle several to see how they feel, fit you hand, trigger pull, etc. Another consideration is how do you plan on carrying, inside the waist band, outside the waist band, or pocket. I like to pocket carry so that limits me to a .380 or very small 9mm.
 
Okay all steel 9mm. What size?

I don't think a full size steel frame 9mm is too big to carry concealed. I started carrying a S&W 659 back in the 80s as a duty gun in plain clothes.

I have two now and still carry them concealed.
 
Let's see, a steel frame 9mm. under $900. In a single stack I would say a Kahr MK9 would be a decent choice. If you're looking for a double stack magazine then I would recommend a CZ 75 Compact.

I had previously suggested a CZ P01 but remembered that it has an aluminum alloy frame.
 
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Hello! I'm new to the form (I've probably already done something wrong, I'd wager), and I wanted to ask more experienced minds about possible Conceal Carry options. Preferred caliber is 9mm and I'd prefer the gun to be steel-frame, and somewhere under $900.
Welcome, except for the cat, you have done nothing wrong.
Another vote for CZ. I don't have one (yet) but have shot them. If you don't mind the weight, a stainless steel model would be a great EDC gun. Of course try before you buy.
 
Steel framed and under $900 is going to limit your choices a little bit. If an alloy frame is okay, that opens things up for you, if you expanded options to include polymer frames too, that would really open up your options. That said, with the given criteria, the aforementioned CZ 75B Compact is a good solid option that can be had in the appropriate price point, aside from that, take a look at something like the Springfield Armory Range Officer, Colt Competition Model 1911, or a Kahr MK9. Bear in mind, an all steel gun can get a little hefty to carry all day every day.
 
You'll get a lot of recommendations from owners of their particular gun. What you might prefer is to lengthen the list of things you would like on a carry gun. As suggested what trigger would be next, and it would also select the type of safety you prefer as they are interrelated in handguns. That will also determine to a degree if it's hammer or striker fired. Then it's a matter of how much ammo - single or double stack. A steel double stack is going to be fatter, harder to conceal, and heavier than single stack.

We could recommend a range of guns from a 9mm 1911 all the way to the HK P7 and still fit dozens in between. Sorting out which trigger, safety, and firing pin actuator would narrow things down very quickly.

I put the terms "all steel 9mm" into a search engine and came up with this post discussing it: http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=207819

Scroll down and one poster lists a few dozen.

Is new a requirement? Because of the use of polymer many all steel guns are no longer manufactured. S&W 3Gens are just one that had tens of thousands made and enjoy relatively low pricing at present as service pistols are still appearing in the used LEO gun market.
 
Sorry for the super late response! Thanks for all the replies, everyone, I'll be looking through all these options and coming back to this thread soon once I've visited the range and fired as many of these suggestions as possible. After reading a bit of the reasoning, I'm also going to fire a few polymer frames, too.
 
My CZ 75 Pre B is all steel, 15 rounds in the magazine, can be carried cocked and locked or double action first shot. But it weighs about 2.5 pounds loaded. I also have a CZ P-01 that's lighter, shorter, and still has 14 in the magazine but it has an alloy frame.
 
Full size steel frame, easy to shoot, less recoil, harder to carry.
Small compact, harder to shoot accurately but, easy to carry.
Me, I carry both, not at the same time.
I carry a full size 1911 in 9mm,(Springfield R.O.). It requires a good holster and a good gun belt. (take note, I said good gun belt!)
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I also carry a Sig Sauer 938, can't hardly tell I've got it on when carrying it.
I always carry a spare magazine regardless of which one I choose.
The choice is up to you, for me, it depends on my mood.
 
With that budget you are not limiting yourself. There are many good guns available from Sig, CZ, Kahr and a few others. If you can give us more information on how you want to carry, if the gun will double as a home defense gun, your hand size and whatever else you have in mind it will help us give you recommendations. Since there are so many good choices it may come down to what feels best in your hand.

Considering polymer frame pistols will expand your choices exponentially. Many many good choices available especially with a $900 budget. Take a look at the Sig P320.
 
I prefer metal framed guns as well, however after carrying both a 4" stainless 1911 for awhile I came to appreciate the lower weight the polymer framed guns offer.
The polymer guns still don't do it for me however I can't argue they make better day to day companions. Even with a good holster and belt I find that by the end of the day I am really looking forward to taking off my 1911. With the polymer, I often forget the gun is on until I am getting undressed before bed.

I think for the steel guns you have some good suggestions above.
For polymer, I will 2nd ArchAngelCD's recommendation of a Sig P320, or a 320C (my EDC)
Glock 19 is also a good choice.
 
9mm, steel frame, under $900?

CZ 75B Compact. 14rds of 9mm, DA/SA with a safety in a good ergonomic place. Can be carried cocked and locked for a SA first shot, or hammer down for a DA first shot. Slim enough for IWB carry, but a little hefty thanks to the steel frame. Shoots as well as most full size pistols.

Can usually be had for $500-550 and night sight options are available. Mags are dirt cheap and plentiful as well as all kinds of go-fast parts if that's your thing. I find the stock trigger is very good however.

Pretty much the best option IMO with those requirements. That or a 1911 9mm, though most of those seem to be aluminum framed these days.

If you are reasonably young and spry with a good belt and holster, carrying a steel auto isn't too bad all day. My carry rotation seems to shift between a Glock 17 and an all steel commander length 1911, I honestly don't notice a weight difference on my belt, both carry fine all day.
 
I'm not going to recommend a particular make or model. I will, however, offer my standard advice to those choosing a CCW gun.

Find several that fit your hands. There is no point in fighting against your equipment. Then eliminate the ones that are either too small to shoot comfortably or too large to conceal based on your body size and shape and usual clothing. From the remaining pistols, choose the one that is the best compromise between your personal preference, availability of accessories like magazines and holsters, and factory support in case you need it.

Finally, 9mm is a very respectable caliber for SD, just load it with premium defensive ammo for carry. Save the cheap FMJ for the range.
 
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