Good handgun, concealed, active person.

[papero]

Hello all, I'm in the market for a highly concealable, 9mm and higher handgun that doesn't have bothersome grips and can take drops/falls from hiking/mountain biking/road biking. Now, pardon ignorance, but I am assuming all is well doing strenuous physical activity as long as the gun is properly holstered.

I've searched Google for hours and I'm not getting much results as far as exercise and concealed carry go.

Some info below for the experts here as I think it might give a nod to a particular gun.

Male
6'2"
Large athletic frame

I've done my own shopping a few times in the last week and I've had my eye on a particular revolver simply for it's power and ruggedness, as I hike frequently in black bear territory it seems like a gun that may fit the bill and that is the Ruger SP-101 without the hammer. It fits the bill as far as size, comfortable grip, its a little heavy but no big deal as far as semi-autos go I'm lost. All the semi-autos I saw that I like the size and felt good to hold were all .38 or seemed somewhat flimsy with all their plastic.

To boot I live in an area that's populated by a lot of highly liberal gun control types, so concealment is high the list.

Thanks for any help.

 

[bkhosken]

I found the SP-101 is a GREAT gun, but is SO HEAVY. I would go with an all-stainless steel Smith model 60 in 2.5". It's pretty light but will still do .357mag. For a 9mm or 40 cal I would get a Glock. VERY durable and not too expensive.

 

[mwpslp]

"I hike frequently in black bear territory"

That statement makes me lean toward something in the larger/more powerful calibers such as .357/10mm and up if that is a primary concern.

 

[KevinB]

First, welcome to THR! Spend some time here and you can learn quite a bit.

As far as your question goes, the SP101 is a great little gun. Powerful and about as durable as your going to find in a revolver of that size. I've had one for close to ten years, and carried it on and off for about half of that time. I've carried everything from full size 1911s to sub-compacts, and with the right belt and holster it's one of the most comfortable guns I've carried. Another plus I would say would be the ease with which it breaks down for disassembly. That might be a real advantage versus a sideplate if it went for a swim or spill while out in the woods.

That being said, I think you should give the Glock subcompacts a close look as well. Simple, stupid reliable, light weight, and about double the capacity of the Sp101. Also, if you're not someone who's very familiar with, or spent alot of time shooting revolvers, you may find them much easier to shoot accurately. Not that it can't be done with the SP, but it takes some time to master the long heavy trigger pull with that short barrel.

Good luck on your search and if you have anymore questions just ask. They're a very friendly bunch around here.

 

[FM12]

Smith & Wesson 908 in 9MM as a minimum. period. Welcome to the forum, BTW!

 

[wishn4more]

How about a Kel Tec P11 or P40? I've owned both, sold both and regret selling both... Should be a really light option. Polymer should hold up fone with the activity; safe to drop, etc...

Though I have never handled one, there's a .45 from Cobra that's about the same size.

PS. Check under the Handguns: Autoloaders category, and look at the sticky note by 9mmEpiphany regarding pocket/handgun carry.

 

[Shadow 7D]

What ever works for you
I'm not you
I don't know you
I don't hang with you
I really don't know what works for you, what you like, how much you have to spend, preferences in carry.

Find the candidates, try to shoot them, try to hide them, find what works for YOU

If you like .380, pocket size guns, S&W makes the 3913 (google lady smith) which is a small (sub compact in gun speak) also Kahr makes smaller, almost pocket sized 9mm, Rohrbaugh is the smallest metal gun I can think of in 9mm, the PF9 by kel tec is also in that league. I'm not saying they are good or great, but it's a place to start looking, also, J-frame revolvers have been the standard for pocket carry for people who like the spinny things.

 

[PabloJ]

While among the very best carry weapons the 3913 is no longer made. Thank goodness there are more commonly found alternatives. Last one I looked over was early .38 5-shot S&W model 442 revolver in excellent mechanical condition for $330. This would work great with those grey boxed Winchester .38 lead WC target loads. It's head and shoulders above any pocket .380 auto out there.

 

[bunker]

While reading many threads here, thought i would chime in with my first post. My choice is a GLock 30 in 45ACP... 10 + 1 of 230 grain FMJ will take down any black bear in NYS. Good luck with your decision. Bunker

 

[scaatylobo]

Can you really handle it ?

S&W makes a few models of .357 that are 5 shot and SUPER lightweight.

In a magnum caliber they would be my choice in bear country and they are STUPID light.

They also are very punishing to shoot in .357 loads.

Try one prior to buying as you might find your not as recoil shy and 'tough' as you believed.

I have shot and carried for decades and they are now too much for me.

The choice of the SP 101 is good if you can take the weight as I have 2 of them and they are a bit hard on the hand with stout loads.

But you wont be shooting them for fun,just a few loads for practice.

then .38's for lots of practice.

 

[hardluk1]

papero If bear is your real worry you better buy some bear spray. Place in your water bottle holder and or in a cross chest holster. If for some reason a bear charges you at speed up to 40mph ,chance's are you will not clear and kill a bear before he is on you. The bear may have been hit but it will be likely you will be screwed up by then. You don't want that. spray and back away if lucky. About all the anti's being around , carry legaly concealed for protection against BG's and they will never know but get your cc permit. Light 9mm's,, Kahr, Kel Tec even glock 19 at 21oz plus ammo if you will wear a concealed carry type fanny pack.

 

[ForumSurfer]

More often than not, a black bear will leave you alone. If you're worried about bear, you want a .357 or larger revolver or a 10mm auto IMO.

I suspect you are likely just worried about two legged predators. With that being the case, go rent several handguns and see which one you like. A Springfield XD sc9 or a glock 19/23/26/27 should fit your needs. With a good IWB holster and belt, a compact to subcompact isn't hard to conceal. You never really know what you like until you put a couple hundred rounds through it. I know that I have bought handguns or long guns before and then realized after 200+ rounds, that I actually didn't like it as much as I thought I did.

That being said, there aren't many handguns made by reputable manufacturers that won't take the abuse you mentioned. Everything I own could take that abuse without issue. But if I knew I was going to be abusive, I'd buy either a glock and replace the factory plastic sights with metal ones, or buy an XD. Under $500 new and replacement parts are all cheap and easily installed, though I doubt you'll actually break anything. Shoot both, and a clear preference should emerge. Either is a great choice for 2 legged predators.

papero If bear is your real worry you better buy some bear spray. Place in your water bottle holder and or in a cross chest holster. If for some reason a bear charges you at speed up to 40mph ,chance's are you will not clear and kill a bear before he is on you. The bear may have been hit but it will be likely you will be screwed up by then. You don't want that. spray and back away if lucky.

As others said, bear mace may be a better choice for bear.

 

[PabloJ]

I would not worry about black bears as those only like to eat Canadian "meat". You have been eating processed, recombinant,.......food for many years now. Black Teddy likes home grown organic/kosher raised stock.

 

[Mudinyeri]

Bear defense is one thing. Small, lightweight and easily concealed is yet another. Probably the closest you could get to both would be the Glock 29.

 

[Wheelspinner]

If I were in Bear country to the extent that I had to carry on the trail I would not worry about concealing. I would strap on either a shoulder or hip holster and let the bear take his chances with my .41, .44 or .45 side arm.
When off the trail the SP 101 snubby is a great carry gun.
Read a story about a camper that put 6 rounds of .38 into a bear after it mauled his brother and they found the bear several miles away dead. But the bear went several miles carrying all that lead...........amazing and scary. Be careful out there.

 

[papero]

I actually all ready run with bear repellent! I want the weapon as a means of protection from people and perhaps a secondary for the bears.

I was reading some posts via my phone today while I was at the gun shop, took a couple suggestions as well as these are all the guns that felt good in my hands. Springfield Armory XD sub-compact .40 and the compact .45, Glock 23, FN FNX-40, Taurus 9mm Millenium Pro, Bersa UC .45, Taurus M605 .357, hammerless Ruger SP101, High Standard 1911 compact, Sig 239 .40.

I REALLY like the Spingfield compact .45 and still the SP101. The Sig was absolutely awesome to hold, best feel of all of them but with the $839 price tag I didn't like it that much.

I think I have it down to the S.A subcompact .40, compact .45 and the SP101 considering their sizes, price, feel, power and reliability. The thing is the Springfields seem like concealed carry was a bit of an afterthought, they look like they might not conceal well.

Does anyone have any IWB experience with any of those three guns? Or IWB brand suggestion for these guns in particular?

 

[Jed Carter]

G29 Glock in 10mm may fit the need, light, rugged and powerful enough to do the job. Drop a Glock pistol on rock or concrete and you scratch it's finish, still works every time. Drop a revolver on rocks or concrete and the cylinder may become misaligned and fail to rotate. No rotation and the hammer will not function, hence it will not fire, you could throw it at the bear. It does not take much to get the cylinder to lock up, try it in the store, grip the cylinder and try to cock the hammer.

 

[jeffmack]

I agree with Jed Carter. A Glock 29 seems like a fine choice. At least a Glock or XD in 357 Sig.

I think one thing I would be concerned about is getting a gun really sweaty repeatedly. All that salt would be lousy on it. Glocks are good at taking such abuse, though.

 

[joe_security]

The XDs come in many sizes and calbers, as do Glocks. You should be able to find one that fits. Make sure it rides in a very secure holster when you are doing hiking, biking, etc.

 

[Lonestar49]

In small, 3" lighter weighing guns, 9mm or 45cal

...

Maybe look at the SA EMP 1911 SAO 9mm 9+1 or its big brother, mentioned above, their 45cal..

Either gun, small, thin, yet full, grips.. key IMHO

Fairly lightweight guns being the frames are aluminum, not plastic, and SA guns generally come from the factory with great triggers (same light trigger pull every shot, anytime) and their guns work from the get-go - but IF you have a problem, anytime, with a lifetime warranty of no questions asked - they pay the freight both ways and they stand behind their products with pride and will make any problem, right.. in 2 weeks or so.

Also, you mentioned a gun that can take being dropped while hiking/camping, etc.

Other than you dropping your gun, there are various, great, good, OWB holsters with thumb-straps that ensure your gun will not pop out on its own, if the strap is used, along with mag carrier's that have either Velcro straps or button-down covers that also ensure your extra mags will not pop out on their own..

Now, for in the city ccw, you have choices of IWB, if that is what you're thinking, that also that the thumb-straps and their are others without them.

With whatever gun and caliber you decide, as in the smaller 3" barreled guns, I'd steer ya away from 40cal, as it is like the size of the 45 with the speed of a 9mm and it takes the_right gun, with balance, to absorb their higher recoil effects. On this matter, OMMV.

But choose what you can afford to shoot/practice a lot with, as it will be your best, all around, defense - with accuracy - which will serve you best, of that, I have no doubts.

Oh, and most talk about what will do the job, caliber wise, on any animal you might encounter while hiking or camping but, IMHO, the animal you're most likely to encounter that wants to do you harm - is man

Luck,


Ls

 

[hardluk1]

papero Think about carry'n in a bike bag? I did not think about takeing a fall onto a gun. If you take a fall on a mountain bike and fall on that pistol it could cause an injury that you have to deal with away from any people. Even rigging something for easy access on your handlebars or frame. Then change to personal carry when off the bike. Also for a person that is in the woods alone alot some thing to help someone find you if your hurt like a SPOT might be a good investment.

 

[ZeBool]

I carry a Springfield Armory XD40 subcompact every day in a Crossbreed Supertuck. That combination for me is extremely comfortable and concealable.

 

[Shadow 7D]

WARNING
small guns in big calibers are not FUN to shoot
or easy to shoot

9mm is fine for pocket carry, .40 is often too much in too small a package, if you want it, make sure to shoot it before you buy.

 

[Seven For Sure]

A Glock 29 loaded with 200 gr. CCI Blazers is light and will penetrate plenty. The Blazers @ 1050 are hotter than .40 and the same as a 200 gr. +P in 45ACP with much better penetration due to the sectional density of the bullet. There are hotter 10mm loads available if needed and you can get 200 gr. @ 1050 .40 loads from a 4" tube from some of the same places. The 357sig that was mentioned will penetrate well also.

 

[KodiakBeer]

Rent some guns and shoot them.

Any compact pistol will fit your general requirements. What matters is how well you shoot them. Many people new to handguns (I'm assuming...) buy a gun based on the general "feel" in their hands. In reality, that feel doesn't often equate to how well it shoots. Many guns out there today have mushy "lawyer" triggers that are hard to shoot well, especially for beginners.

One gun that is both relatively inexpensive and has a pretty good trigger is the CZ 75, which comes in a variety of sizes and calibers.

Anyway, don't buy any guns with squirt gun triggers until you've at least tried them at the range and compared them to something with a crisp trigger. Let the size of your groups make the final decision.