First concealed carry, what to buy?

[Robert101]

I went the G27 (.40 cal) route. Shoot it regularly and the recoil will be completely manageable. I my opinion this format is as close to revolver reliability and function with magazine reloading - great for CCW and self defense.

 

[bikerdoc]

Got my first carry gun in1970. A 4 inch Smith, Today I have 15. Today it is a compact 45, yesteday a SP 101,
Tomorrow I got church charity thing so a bersa 380 in pocket carry
My point is your first will not be your last. Borrow, rent, etc and some you like, some you will not.
It it more to be trained and practiced. If you were close
Trained in gun handling, safety, and the laws of using deadly force.
Practiced in delivering quick acurate shots.
And the ultimate skill- developing a situational awareness that allows you to avoid situations that are trouble

 

[TomJ]

I have the G27 and P938, and love them both. I've only heard great things about the Shield. The 938 and Shield are comparable in size, and can be carried IWB or often pocket carried. For me, the G27 is too wide to pocket carry, but has the benefit of increased capacity.

If possible, I'd rent the ones you've considering to see what you shoot best, especially given the differences in calibers and recoil. Think about how you're going to carry them, given how you dress and where you're going to carry. They're all great choices, and you won't go wrong with any of them.

 

[SC Shooter]

My primary carry is a Sig p938 and really love it. It's small enough to easily conceal, yet accurate and reliable. In the past, I have also carried a Makarov, but because it is all steel, it is kind of heavy. Nowadays, it rides with me in my console

 

[Bushpilot]

I suggest that you buy something single stack for comfort. I also think having a pocket sized 380 for warmer weather is a good idea. Just don't be surprised if you find yourself carrying the 380 a lot more because of its size and comfort.

 

[peacemaker45]

You don't specify what your experience is? Are you a long time shooter, just getting a CCW? New to handguns as well?

If you're already a proficient handgunner, just looking for a more portable pistol, I'd say go for the smaller version of whatever you shoot well now. If you're a Glock shooter, go for the Glock. If 1911, then the 938, etc. None of the guns you listed are bad guns, it just comes down to ergos and personal preference.

If you're a new shooter altogether, the case is altered. The guns you listed are all gonna be awfully challenging for someone who's still learning the basics of pistol craft. Ideally, you'd get a G19, or similar sized reputable pistol, a case of ammo, and a good class. Once you've shot the case of ammo through the G19 in the good class, you'll have a much better idea what you want.

Best wishes.

 

[AK103K]

What do you shoot the best with? I would make that my primary choice. Most full sized handguns really arent all that big, and usually easily concealed, contrary to what many would have you believe.

The smaller guns can often be a problem for shooters not experienced with them, and many times, harder to get into action quickly, especially under stress. I know its all the rage these days to carry a "little" gun, but if you dont shoot it as well as your full size, why are you carrying it?

 

[GRIZ22]

I would steer clear of small frame autos or revolvers unless you already shoot them well. Hard to shoot well and can give you a false sense of security. If you are carrying a gun you're doing so with the intent you might have to fight with it. Pie plate accuracy, because of your skill level not the gun's potential, will most likely save your butt but do you want to be satisfied with meeting the minimum criteria when it comes to saving your life.

I would carry something I could shoot well. My advice would be a Glock 19 for a semi auto. Best all around 9 mm IMO. One of the reasons it had become so popular is its big enough to shoot well but not too big to carry concealed. If you don't like Glock get a similar sized compact nothing smaller. There is no difference in carrying a G19 vs a 26. The only advantage a 26 has is in an ankle holster.

The best do it all gun AFAIC is a 4" 357. A bit harder to carry concealed but if you master a DA revolver everything else is easy.

 

[goon]

If this is your first handgun, then anything that's easy to carry will be harder to make hits with and may have recoil you're not quite prepared to deal with.

If you're already experienced with handguns, then any of your choices would probably do just fine. Lately, I've come to like the Airweight J-Frames... but it's taken me years to get to the point where I can say that. Definitely guns to be carried a lot and not shot a whole lot (but I can shoot them a lot more now that I could as a new shooter).

Let us know more about you. Are you new to handguns or just new to CCW?

 

[joneb]

For a CCW I found if it's too big, I don't carry it. For me it's not a weight issue, I would look at a all steel .357 mag five shot like a Ruger SP101 or a compact 9x19 with a single stack mag.
My self I mostly carry a S&W 36 or a East German Makarov, I carry inside the waistband.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Glock 27 would be ideal.

Excellent stopping power, very extreme reliability rate, 9 shots of potent .40 S&W.

 

[short barrel]

As stated by someone else here, the little hideout guns should be avoided if you are new to shooting or concealed carry. They will disappoint at the range. And I fervently wish people would stop recommending a .380. Easy to hide and manage is all a .380 has going for it.

 

[goon]

Meh... I'd respectfully take the other side of the argument.

If you positively have to get a small gun to start with, the .380 isn't a horrible choice as long as it's in a manageable enough gun. Basically, if you put a .380 in a compact 9mm sized gun, you get something small enough to carry but still not unpleasant to shoot. Of the small handguns I've owned and shot, I'd rank the compact 9mm's and .38's as being a little brutal shoot, small .40's can be a little more brutal to shoot, and compact .380's aren't too bad until you get into the Ruger LCP / KelTec P3AT size and weight class.

I may retry the LCP size before too long... but I'm also on over two dozen handguns at this point. Not trying to be rude. I'm just saying that there's a learning curve. As I said, it's taken me this long to progress to the point where I really feel comfortable carrying and shooting a J-frame Airweight .38.

Maybe I'm just a slow learner.

 

[Fred in Wisc]

If you have shooting friends, try to borrow one (or better yet, a few) with holsters and "test carry" for a few days. You'll carry it a lot more than you shoot it and you want to be sure it's comfortable and doesn't print too bad.

If it's a hassle or a discomfort to carry it, it's likely that you won't have it all the time, so go for comfort first. A little 380 that's in your pocket is a way better defensive weapon than a 45 that's in your gun safe.

 

[simonm2211]

The first criteria to meet is "Will I carry it?" If it's too thick or heavy the answer may be "no". So start there. Of the guns that are small and light enough for you to carry, choose one that has enough stopping power, that you are confident you can be accurate with and that is reliable. Everybody has different criteria, but for me that means a S&W642, M&P Shield 9mm or a LC9 with a laser. Any of these options can be had for less than $400 right now.

 

[stonecutter2]

I have a Sig P238 (similar in size to P239) and I carry in a De Santis Nemesis. If you want the holster more tacky/sticky, try the Super Fly.

It carries just like a wallet.

The Sig is extremely comfortable to practice with...unlike what I've heard about the LCP.

I really like the size of the Sig. If you can get past the issue some people have with Condition 1, it may work for you. I actually really like the safety.

 

[All_About_Guns]

Thanks for all the info guys!

 

[All_About_Guns]

Sorry I haven't responded my life had been pretty busy between three jobs and college. I actually forgot I posted this. All of your help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Bill_G]

First carry

I guess I'm all alone but......get a pocket .380. the odds of having to actually use it for SD "should" be quite low. It is small and light enough that you can have it on you ALWAYS. I guarantee a bigger heavier pistol will sometimes be left home because "I'm only going to the store for some milk and dont need the big (or medium) IWb holsted pistol i bought"

I have a Ruger LCP but there are other great choices in .380. Go with hardball for penetration....and practice practice.

Godspeed

 

[malakili]

Of what you listed I can recommend the G26 wholeheartedly. I have one with 1300+ practice rounds through it and I really like it. I carry it often. Despite it's small size it's almost as easy to shoot as the larger Glocks, and the short grip and slide make it well suited for more specialised concealment styles like tuckable appendix carry or ankle carry. Some even pocket carry it.

But I will say, if you plan on carrying in the "standard" way (inside-the-waistband holster, behind the strong side hip), the 26 might be smaller than it needs to be. If your holster/belt/garment combination lets you easily and comfortably conceal a 26, a Glock 19 would probably be just as easy. I say this as someone who used to have a 19 and will probably get another one before too long. The idea of having more sight radius, room for another finger on the grip, and 5 more rounds in the mag make me miss the 19.

Parting thought: If you're one of those guys who gets a 26 then carries it with the +2 mag extension, you probably should just be carrying a 19. Almost no difference in grip length and overall concealability.

 

[AR15activist]

Glock 42 or LCP custom

 

[guyfromohio]

I've really become a fan of my Walther PPS for deep concealment. It disappears under clothing and shoots like a champ.

 

[bannockburn]

All About Guns

So what, if anything, did you get for your first CCW?

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Since the OP has stated he purchased a gun yet, I'm gonna throw this out there:

SCCY pistol. Super reliable, super cheap, super nice to shoot, super OK to conceal

ORRRR.... a KelTec.

He seems to be a guy on a budget with 3 jobs and college. Nothing is cheaper than those 2 (and still be a good pistol) and 9mm is cheaper than .380.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Springfield XDs 45 acp in a hybrid IWB holster works perfect for me.