Help me choose a CCW pistol!

[Halo]

I haven't yet taken the concealed carry class in NC, and before I take it I'd like to acquire my primary carry pistol so I can get in some practice with it before the class. I have a Glock 17 and SIG P220, both of which are awesome but too large for everyday concealed carry, in warm weather at least. My Bersa 380 is a good size, but I'd rather have something a bit more potent. I am a Glock fan, but honestly I don't really dig the subcompacts. I had a Glock 26 once and sold it. Can't really put my finger on it, but I think those are out. What about the compacts like the G19 and G32? I prefer 9mm, but am open on caliber. Definitely prefer a semi.

Just sort of polling the collective wisdom of the group...

 

[Ala Dan]

A single-stack Kahr CW-9 would make an excellent choice~! Well made,
lightweight, and fairly inexpensive; often found for a'round the $400
mark~! The down side, if there is one is the cost of extra magazines;
which normally run from between $25-35, depending on who has 'em.

 

[motorsport28]

I was just in this situation:

The best thing to do is research handguns that you find appealing then take your favorite 3 and go to a local range and rent those three. Its amazing how the same caliber can be so different from gun to gun.

 

[Mastiff]

I REALLY like the CZ-82 for CCW. I got it from AIM in as new condition for $209. Double action or cocked and locked, ambi safety and slide release, 12+1 capacity, excellent point shooter. It is in 9x18 Makarov, a little more potent than a 380. It is steel, reliable (CZ quality). It is built like a tank. I plan on leaving it to my grandkids.

 

[MPanova]

See if you can get your hands on one of the new Taurus 24/7c in 9mm, it comes with a 13 round flush mag with the small pinky grip for CC and it also comes with a 17 round mag with a sleeve for range use

17 round

13 round

or the PT111 which comes with 2 12 round mags

 

[owlhoot]

I'll go with Ala Dan on this. If I didn't have a CCW gun and wanted to buy one, I would get the Kahr CW9. But, if you want a gun to carry in a front pocket, the CW9 might not be the very best choice.

I like the CW9 for the following reasons:
1. It is lightweight and quite small.
2. 9mm is a great balance between power and recoil.
3. The Kahr guns have less perceived recoil that other guns in their size/weight category.
4. They are accurate.
5. They are very thin which means they are easy to conceal and comfortable to carry.
6. They have better than average triggers for a DAO.
7. They point extremely well (for me).
8. They feel just right in the hand.
9. In my experience they have been extremely reliable.

But you may hate them. Try before you buy if possible.

 

[Rinspeed]

The Sig 239 is one of the nicest I've ever come across.

 

[Pilot]

The current deals on police trade in HK P7's are tough to beat. For around $600 - $700 you get one of the best 9MM's made and its easily concealable. The other current great deal is the Sig P6 trade ins. About half of what the P7's are going for and another great single stack 9MM.

 

[DerbyDale]

Take a look at the Bi-Tone Springfield XD-9 sub-compact.



It's very accurate. I was surprised that I could shoot it as well as my friends 4" XD service model.

The XD is reliable, and will hold up to frequent range trips.

Bi-Tone because the stainless will hold up better to holster wear.

Add on some Crimson Trace Laser Grips and you have a very effective defensive combo.

...and you have Springfield Armory standing behind it for life.

 

[chupacabrah]

for the price...those cz-82s are very tempting. as are the cz RAMI's.

I like the Kahr's and XD9sc, but when I get my carry pistol (as I think my full size M&P may be a liiiitle too large), I probably want to stick to a lower price range.


like the CZ-82.

 

[PhillyGlocker]

Get a Glock 26 or 19.

 

[jocko]

true pocket guh

If you want small and if you want RELIABLE and something that will ride in ur front pocket 24/7 and you will never know it is there. Buy the new Ruger lcp 380. Totally awsome handgun, a copy of the kel-tec, only reports so far are that this Ruger goes bang every time. have a friend who has one and has 1600 flawless rounds throught it and the first 1000 never cleaned it. This is a ncie handgun for the dollars. Some have bought them on line for around $255. Kahr is coming out in june with their introduction into the pocket gun line with their P380 which is even alittle smaller than the ruger and kel-tec 380. and this kahr has ALL the bells and whistles that he top line kahrs have, polygonal rifled barrel. slide lock, kahrs famous trigger system, stainless upper slide. dovetailed sites (with nties sites to follow even), 2 magazines, striker system. this is a scalled down model exactly like the PM9 series, quality all the way, Priced from my dealer was around $525. not cheap but neither is life.

My personal carry 24/7 is my kahr PM9, 9800 flawless rounds through it, never a malfunction, goes bang every time, extremely lite (14 ounces) and super accurate and oh yes the finest trigger systems on the market..

 

[PAPACHUCK]

If you like Glocks, the G19 is perfectly suited for CCW. You already have a G17, so you are familiar with the platform, and should shoot the 19 well. Don't let others tell you the 9 is not enough. With today's excellent bullets, a 9 is fine.

 

[Quack]

have you looked at the Walther PPS?

from internet ramblings, i've read that Glock is coming out with a single stack 9mm in May. True or False?

 

[LongRangeInternational]

+1 on the Walther PPS. I own it, I love it.

 

[J Lambs]

I was looking at a similar issue, I have my CCW but my XD Sub is very wide for IWB. I just ordered a Kahr MK40, with is less that 1" thick. I think the MK9 is the same width. It is a very nice looking gun as well.

 

[usp9]

May I present the finest CCW currently available on the market. The spectacular HK P2000SK...available in three calibers and three triggers, adjustable grip, utter reliability and ruggedness. I really like this pistol.


The HK P7 PSP suggestion is a good one too.

 

[SsevenN]

Avoid the CZ 2075 RAMI, I own one and I'm replacing it as my carry gun with a CW9 due to wieght, stovepipe jam issues, and the over-stiffness on the controls.....
For me it is a VERY challenging gun to preform an active reload with, as the slide release has a VERY low profile and is tight......

 

[sean m]

Go by Firepower in Matthews and try out several of their rentals