Does your perfect carry gun exist? If so, do you have it?
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Nicky Santoro
Member
I've had two confrontations when I could really have used a gun. Living in New Jerkey, CCW is virtually made of unobtanium. Both worked out in my favor for a number of reasons, but an LCP would have been adequate as both confrontations were as up close and personal as could be. I still don't have an LCP as CCW here is still made of unobtanium.
JohnBiltz
Member
I'm pretty satisfied with a G26. I don't believe in a perfect anything much less a carry gun. As said earlier a handgun is all about compromise. Every person must make his or her choices on what and how the handgun is compromised.
In my mind:
First, last and always, it needs to be reliable.
I want at least 10 rounds and am completely satisfied with 12.
I want at least 9mm in caliber. I'm not willing to go below 10 rounds for more caliber.
I want a gun that if I have to use it can be used effectively which means its easy to grip and I can practice with it, a lot. I want to be able to go to a range and put 100 rounds through it and enjoy shooting it.
I like Glocks. They fit my hands just fine.
I am not concerned with thin. I am concerned about hiding the grip.
But that is me. If my hands found a Glock uncomfortable I would not want one. I'm puzzled by people who find a Glock to thick to carry comfortably. But it must be true for some people since the single stacks are selling like mad. I don't believe in a one shot stop caliber. I do believe pistol calibers all suck. I also think if people really believed shot placement was everything we would all be carrying .22s and we are not.
In my mind:
First, last and always, it needs to be reliable.
I want at least 10 rounds and am completely satisfied with 12.
I want at least 9mm in caliber. I'm not willing to go below 10 rounds for more caliber.
I want a gun that if I have to use it can be used effectively which means its easy to grip and I can practice with it, a lot. I want to be able to go to a range and put 100 rounds through it and enjoy shooting it.
I like Glocks. They fit my hands just fine.
I am not concerned with thin. I am concerned about hiding the grip.
But that is me. If my hands found a Glock uncomfortable I would not want one. I'm puzzled by people who find a Glock to thick to carry comfortably. But it must be true for some people since the single stacks are selling like mad. I don't believe in a one shot stop caliber. I do believe pistol calibers all suck. I also think if people really believed shot placement was everything we would all be carrying .22s and we are not.
Catshooter
Member
For me as close to perfection as I can consists of a gen 2 Glock 23. Night sights, G17 trigger and polished internals. I smooth out the drop safety on the G17 trigger as I like a smooth trigger.
I can't stand the finger grooves on that size pistol or I would be tempted by the gen 4s.
I can't stand the finger grooves on that size pistol or I would be tempted by the gen 4s.
OP
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Phaedrus/69
Member
My own Hi-Power isn't a very good CCW gun at the moment; getting double feeds. I think my extractor spring was damaged. I haven't had a chance to get it looked at yet. But I did carry it for 20 years or so. Once it's running right again I will probably add it back into the rotation, but as much as it pains me to say it I think the BHP has kind of had it's day. Don't get me wrong, it's a classic. But I think as a service/carry gun it's probably been surpassed. My HK P30S is probably a better gun by any objective measure, and with the Gray Guns trigger it's at least as good a trigger as the BHP, maybe a little better. The safety is larger and more positive, it holds more rounds and is at least as accurate, maybe more so. The only edge I'd give the BHP is concealability; it's as wide in the grip but very narrow through the frame and slide. It does disappear a little more easily than the P30S. And realistically the VP9 is about as good as the P30S, some would probably prefer it.
I haven't ever shot a Shield but it's very close to ideal, size-wise. I don't care much for the trigger, but realistically it's plenty good for what it is. The Bersa BP9CC is another one that's very slim and easy to carry. Mine shot pretty well but it much higher than POA. I didn't have it long enough to change the sights (my sister liked the gun and talked me out of it). It doesn't have much track record good or bad. It ran well for me, no bobbles in the 1,000 rounds I put through it. The internal lock is a minus in my eyes and the mags are $48 each (couldn't find 'em any cheaper). The trigger was light to the point of giving me the heebie jeebies carrying it but as always, protect the trigger. The biggest hurdle to using it as a CCW gun is that my favorite holster maker doesn't offer a rig for it. Still, if it holds up to heavy use over time it might be on that short list.
I truly wish I liked Glocks! It would make my life easier. Sadly they have never "stuck" to me. I truly loathed my G22 and was glad to be rid of it. The G19 is a very good size and form factor for CCW but I can't stand the trigger and really don't find it to be a good shooter in my hand. But I can see how it would be close to ideal for many people. If they made the exact same gun but thinner in a single stack- I guess it would be a Bersa BP9CC!
The Walther PPS is one of the most promising guns out there that I've not had a chance to try. None of the stores around me have one. The reviews are stellar though and it seems like the perfect size.
The Ruger LCPs is another one that has me intrigued. I've only fondled them in the store, not fired one, but the trigger is as good as I can imagine finding in a striker gun. Nearly as good as my VP9! I'm not enthused about the safety on the gun. I wish it could be had w/o one, or at a minimum I wish it was larger and more positive. But it's soooo thin and light that I think I will probably try one. It could possibly supplant my Beretta Nano.
I have high hopes for the HK P30sk! Not sure when it will actually come out. HK takes their time on new releases, it may be a year. When it does come out I'm gonna be very stoked to try one. It might also replace my Nano for situations when I can't conceal a larger gun.
I haven't ever shot a Shield but it's very close to ideal, size-wise. I don't care much for the trigger, but realistically it's plenty good for what it is. The Bersa BP9CC is another one that's very slim and easy to carry. Mine shot pretty well but it much higher than POA. I didn't have it long enough to change the sights (my sister liked the gun and talked me out of it). It doesn't have much track record good or bad. It ran well for me, no bobbles in the 1,000 rounds I put through it. The internal lock is a minus in my eyes and the mags are $48 each (couldn't find 'em any cheaper). The trigger was light to the point of giving me the heebie jeebies carrying it but as always, protect the trigger. The biggest hurdle to using it as a CCW gun is that my favorite holster maker doesn't offer a rig for it. Still, if it holds up to heavy use over time it might be on that short list.
I truly wish I liked Glocks! It would make my life easier. Sadly they have never "stuck" to me. I truly loathed my G22 and was glad to be rid of it. The G19 is a very good size and form factor for CCW but I can't stand the trigger and really don't find it to be a good shooter in my hand. But I can see how it would be close to ideal for many people. If they made the exact same gun but thinner in a single stack- I guess it would be a Bersa BP9CC!
The Walther PPS is one of the most promising guns out there that I've not had a chance to try. None of the stores around me have one. The reviews are stellar though and it seems like the perfect size.
The Ruger LCPs is another one that has me intrigued. I've only fondled them in the store, not fired one, but the trigger is as good as I can imagine finding in a striker gun. Nearly as good as my VP9! I'm not enthused about the safety on the gun. I wish it could be had w/o one, or at a minimum I wish it was larger and more positive. But it's soooo thin and light that I think I will probably try one. It could possibly supplant my Beretta Nano.
I have high hopes for the HK P30sk! Not sure when it will actually come out. HK takes their time on new releases, it may be a year. When it does come out I'm gonna be very stoked to try one. It might also replace my Nano for situations when I can't conceal a larger gun.
Bobson
Member
Does my perfect carry gun exist?
If it does, I may never find it, because I'm not the kind of guy who will go try out obscure models of guns made by random companies, in my pursuit of a horse that might actually be a unicorn.
I've never sat down and really made a list of features I want in a carry gun; just kinda thought about features I want and went from there.
The Gen3 G19 is very close, but not perfect. The Walther PPQ M2 is closer, but still not perfect.
Both of these guns have specific things I want in a gun, but also fall short in other areas. For instance, my problems with the G19 are the uncomfortable grip (not a huge deal) and I struggle to reach the mag release (a big deal). The PPQ is perfect, except I have a hard time getting over the lack of spare part availability, despite everyone telling me I won't need em. I'm still not sure whether that's a deal breaker for me.
FWIW, the PPQ solves both of my problems with the G19. The PPQ grip feels molded for my hand, and it's as if Walther consulted me personally when placing the mag release on the M2 version of the gun.
So the answer is no. If I could combine the PPQ with the G19 and walk away with what I perceive as the best of both guns and companies, I would have my perfect carry gun. Both guns are close enough to perfect that I don't feel like I'm sacrificing much either way.
If it does, I may never find it, because I'm not the kind of guy who will go try out obscure models of guns made by random companies, in my pursuit of a horse that might actually be a unicorn.
I've never sat down and really made a list of features I want in a carry gun; just kinda thought about features I want and went from there.
The Gen3 G19 is very close, but not perfect. The Walther PPQ M2 is closer, but still not perfect.
Both of these guns have specific things I want in a gun, but also fall short in other areas. For instance, my problems with the G19 are the uncomfortable grip (not a huge deal) and I struggle to reach the mag release (a big deal). The PPQ is perfect, except I have a hard time getting over the lack of spare part availability, despite everyone telling me I won't need em. I'm still not sure whether that's a deal breaker for me.
FWIW, the PPQ solves both of my problems with the G19. The PPQ grip feels molded for my hand, and it's as if Walther consulted me personally when placing the mag release on the M2 version of the gun.
So the answer is no. If I could combine the PPQ with the G19 and walk away with what I perceive as the best of both guns and companies, I would have my perfect carry gun. Both guns are close enough to perfect that I don't feel like I'm sacrificing much either way.
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If1HitU
Member
If it say S&W,i believe in it S&W 40VE Cal.Auto. & M&P 40 Cal.Shield.
wlewisiii
Member
No, though my RIA Tactical FS .45 ACP comes closest.
The Yugo M70 9x19 Tokarev variant is close too. Just a little too rough in the manufacturing...
A K-frame 5 shot .45 Colt snub nose is one thought. I'd prefer blue steel, thank you.
A Colt 1903 scaled up just enough to do 9x19 by going to gas based delayed blowback like the HK P7 series is my other.
The Yugo M70 9x19 Tokarev variant is close too. Just a little too rough in the manufacturing...
A K-frame 5 shot .45 Colt snub nose is one thought. I'd prefer blue steel, thank you.
A Colt 1903 scaled up just enough to do 9x19 by going to gas based delayed blowback like the HK P7 series is my other.
SigP229R
Member
#1 Yes
#2 H&K P30 V3
#2 H&K P30 V3
Inebriated
Member
Glock 26.
Arizonan
member
CCW:
Revolver = Ruger Speed Six 2 3/4 357 Magnum
Auto = S&W Shield 9mm
Camping:
Ruger Redhawk 5.5 bbl 44 Magnum
Revolver = Ruger Speed Six 2 3/4 357 Magnum
Auto = S&W Shield 9mm
Camping:
Ruger Redhawk 5.5 bbl 44 Magnum
huntsman
Member
The problem with a quest for a "perfect gun", it's too expensive and too complicated. Give me something dependable and I'll adapt, just as long as it fits in my pocket.
Candyman87
Member
Give me a PPQ compact and I'm good to go. Love the size of the P99c and the trigger of the PPQ. If there was a PPQc I'd be in heaven.
Lately, after a lot of different handguns, I've really come to love J-frame .38's. I'd imagine I'd also like a Ruger LCR, but I've only had the chance to shoot five shots from one. To me, the J-frame is small enough that it's hard to talk myself out of carrying it, it can eat any reasonable ammo I put in it, and it is going to go off when fired if it's in proper working order. I don't have to beat myself to death with them - I've got a practice load of a modest charge of Unique pushing a 158 grain cast SWC that I use for practice, with enough full power practice ammo thrown in to keep an edge. And they're running about $400 new for the no-lock 442 and 642 locally, so they're affordable.
Strictly speaking, they're not perfect. But they're pretty damn good, and now that I've gotten to the point as a shooter that I can use them effectively, I can't imagine that I won't keep one around.
Strictly speaking, they're not perfect. But they're pretty damn good, and now that I've gotten to the point as a shooter that I can use them effectively, I can't imagine that I won't keep one around.
gbw
Member
LIGHT WEIGHT! 1911's are too heavy and bulky for everyday carry imo. Otherwise they're great.
Kel-Tec PF-9. Very flat, small, accurate, powerful, LIGHT, easy to conceal. Snake shot available for hiking.
Inexpensive, so I don't worry about losing it if I had to use it, begins life ugly so I don't care about banging it up.
More than anything it's so reliable and unobtrusive and easy to carry and that I DO carry it.
To me it's got to be light weight, have good capacity, of a sufficient chambering, simple to work, have a good trigger and have night sights.
To me that's the Glock 23, it's as close to perfection as I've ever found. The G19 9mm is an acceptable answer also
The G27 is probably a touch better for the sole purpose of carry, but the G23 does everything well, including carry.
To me that's the Glock 23, it's as close to perfection as I've ever found. The G19 9mm is an acceptable answer also
The G27 is probably a touch better for the sole purpose of carry, but the G23 does everything well, including carry.
stubbicatt
Member
My LCP in a pocket holster is my usual carry piece.
A Glock 19 in my vehicles, or a 1911 or a S&W Model 25 seems to work well. I typically carry the revolver in my tank bag on my motorcycle, as it allows quick presentation if necessary and ambidextrous controls.
A Glock 19 in my vehicles, or a 1911 or a S&W Model 25 seems to work well. I typically carry the revolver in my tank bag on my motorcycle, as it allows quick presentation if necessary and ambidextrous controls.
On my place in the country, I pack my Glock 19. For the obvious reasons: size, capacity, caliber, reliability.
Out and about town, road trips, etc., Taurus TCP .380 in my pants pocket. Not enough fire power, but hoping it's adequate. If I were in a high-stress situation, I'm not sure I could shoot it as well as I do on the range. Second choice (much better pistol, much better in every way except concealability) is the M&P Shield-9.
Out and about town, road trips, etc., Taurus TCP .380 in my pants pocket. Not enough fire power, but hoping it's adequate. If I were in a high-stress situation, I'm not sure I could shoot it as well as I do on the range. Second choice (much better pistol, much better in every way except concealability) is the M&P Shield-9.
LiveLife
Member
No. For me, the perfect carry gun does not exist.
I also like PT145 with shorter than G27 slide length and comparable to G23 grip length but still carries 10 rounds of 45ACP. For pocket pistol, it's TCP 738 for smoothest DAO trigger I have shot for accurate shot placement and slide lock for easier/faster magazine reload.
It used to be G17/G19/G26 but they were replaced with G22/G23/G27. I find G27 with Pearce mag base extension for 3 finger grip and +1 capacity to 10 rounds most often goes wherever I go. It shoots comparable accuracy with G22 within practical defense shooting distances (out to 15 yards) and allows me to use 40-9 conversion barrel for cheaper range practice.Robert101 said:
I also like PT145 with shorter than G27 slide length and comparable to G23 grip length but still carries 10 rounds of 45ACP. For pocket pistol, it's TCP 738 for smoothest DAO trigger I have shot for accurate shot placement and slide lock for easier/faster magazine reload.
guyfromohio
Member
If they gave the PPS another 3-5 rounds without compromising grip length....read "double stack", I think we would be close. For me, the 642 is perfect from a concealed standpoint, but lacks capacity.....but more capacity would ruin the concealability. My PCR has the capacity and conceals well, but not as wel as a PPS (which I sold). Compromises all around. The PCR is on the hip right this minute.
To me, the perfect carry gun will always be a revolver. I just like them better, shoot them better than autos, and they just have style. If I had only one it would be a S&W Chiefs Special in .38 Special with a 3 inch barrel. With that I could carry in conceivably any manner other than ankle carry, but I have never like that anyways. With two guns, I would make the Chiefs Special a 2 inch gun and also carry a S&W Model 10 with a 3 inch barrel and a round butt.
Not yet. My perfect carry gun would be a lighter HK P7. Maybe with an aluminum alloy frame, and if it could be engineered (doubt it), a lighter steel slide. No, I don't think the Walther CCP will be it either, but we will see. Wish it were called the CCCP instead, then I'd buy one for sure.
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