Help me choose CCW piece

[lloydkristmas]

Hey gents,

Texan college student here, purchased a HK USP .45 back when I turned 21 and I love it to death, but its just too damn big to carry in anything but the coldest part of the year. I'll be graduating this summer and working, and I want to get my Carry Permit now that I'm entering the "real world". I have "practice carried" the USP (dont ask) and while it is feasible, I cannot rely on it as a go-anywhere carry gun, its just to big and conspicuous.

My dad has offered to pay all of the fees associated with getting my carry permit, since he is going to get his at the same time. Here's my request: throw some ideas at me for "carry" guns, i.e. something relatively small, light, and reliable, as well as not too expensive. I have eyed the compact Glocks, compact M&P's, snub-nosed revolvers, etc, but I just dont know for sure.

I'm sort of a "reliability junkie", I lose lots and lots of confidence in a weapon (and usually sell it) upon jamming, unless it is a blatant ammo/mag issue. Its gotta be reliable. I've found that I can easily conceal my buddies G26, but I dont have much trouble with the G19 either. I'm also liking the XD with the dual-mag option for carry/range shooting. On the other hand, revolver reliability is second to none, so I've considered a snubbie as well. Hopefully youll get a picture of my price range from what I have listed thus far.

In short, lets hear your suggestions for a warm weather carry gun that is reliable and in the $450ish range

Thanks guys

 

[belus]

Do you have caliber preferences? What about action type (Striker, SA/DA, DAO, decocker...)?

My first impulse is to recommend a CZ-75 Compact. It comes in 9mm or .40S&W. The newer epoxy finish ('95+, ish) is supposed to be stellar, but I don't have personal experience with it because mine is too old.

 

[loop]

I live in very warm climate as well. During the summer it is darn near impossible to carry without being detected. About a year ago I bought a KelTec in .32 ACP that fits in my pocket. I'd rather have a bigger caliber and I'd rather have something with better sights, handling, etc.

But, I'm able to carry the little KT all day, every day. I'd rather have a pea-shooter than find myself unarmed in a bad situation.

I hope, that if a bad thing ever happens, I'll either get off a lucky shot or be able to cover myself to my truck and a real gun.

You have to consider your situation. It is already topping 90 degrees in Bullhead City, Ariz. My IWB printed today because I sweated through my shirt. In two weeks I'll be down to my KelTec and my Kahr K40 in a boot rig...

Oh yeah, I do carry another gun in a harder-to-reach place. It still would not be my first choice in a handgun dispute. During the winter my primary is a .45 with a the .40 and the .32 stashed away. In summer things are different.

 

[Oro]

Hi, - Wise of you not to overlook revolvers. I would lay money that an old-style S&W Model 36 or 60, the classic "Chiefs Special," has been the back up and primary carry gun of choice for more shooters than any other over the last 50 years. Six rounds of .38 +p is nothing to sneeze at. Reloads with practice are reasonably quick, and easy to carry in speed strips. Reliable, easy to shoot. $450 will buy you an excellent/ANIB used one if you want (I sold an ANIB 60, 1980s vintage, last month for $475). A good clean reliable used one is likely $350 via the internet, plus another $40 shipping and transfer, so still under $400.

Newer "wiz-bang" models have .357 capability and ultra-lightweight designs (read: nasty recoil). Stainless models are very practical for humid weather, close-to-body carry, and reducing finish wear. Super easy to carry either in a pocket, IWB, shoulder, or ankle.

When more clothes are around, my favorite option is a K-frame 2.5" barreled S&W in a high-ride belt holster with 6 rounds of .357 magnum. This is a potent defensive tool. $450 will get you a nice one, but again, it's not as easy to carry and requires a bit more to conceal.

If revolvers aren't your cup of tea, that's fine. But if you'd like to learn more, this is a fun site:

http://www.snubnose.info/

 

[Supertac45]

Sig 229 in .40.

 

[searcher451]

By all means check out the Walther P99C in 9mm. It's accuracy and reliability are amazing.

 

[DerbyDale]

I just got a Springfield XD-9 sub-compact not too long ago for my primary CCW pistol. At first I was a little scared that I made the wrong decision on getting the 3" XD. I was worried I wouldn't be able to hit the broad side of a barn with such a short barrel. I went back and forth for a couple months and almost gave myself an ulcer trying to decide. :banghead: I needed a good reliable CCW pistol, which is why I went with the sub-compact.

Thankfully I was very surprised that I actually shot my 3" XD-9 the same (if not a little better) than my friends 4" XD-9. I would say the 3" is every bit as accurate as the 4". I also got it with the stainless slide since stainless will hold up better to holster wear.

I skipped the night sights on my XD and put Crimson Trace laser grips on instead. Night Sights are great for low light range/competition shooting. In a life and death situation, you’re not going to have time to aim like you do at the range. Nor will most people be able to focus on the front sight and let the rear sights and the guy trying to kill you go blurry. That’s just not natural. With a laser, you can look over the top of the barrel while naturally focusing on the threat. At the same time you will have some feedback (laser dot) that you are on target.

 

[ScottG1911]

I can conceal my FNP40 pretty well with just jeans and a t-shirt. I just use an old IWB leather loop from nra store and it works well. I shall get the Galco summer comfort holster next for easier carry. But the Fabrique Nationale P-40 is excellent for carry. It's light as a Glock, but it has a DA/SA trigger, exposed hammer (not enough to ever get in the way) and decocker. Those 3 extra's put it above a Glock in my book anyday. They also make it in 9mm and 45. Most people will not recongnise the name FN with weapons besides an FAL but they make some of the finest firearms in the world. They make 70% of the weapons for the military, Have the contract with SOCOM for the SCAR rifle, and will most likely get picked for their FNP-45 for the new replacement of the M9. You really should check their stuff out.

 

[W.E.G.]

You won't find a more-reliable handgun than a G26.

Simple as that.

Unless there is some compelling reason to stick with 9mm, I'd go a larger caliber if I went to the larger frame.

I prefer a G22 if I'm not carrying the G26.

I have several Smith and Wesson snubbies too.
Good guns, but too few rounds for the modern world.

G26 is the same size, and flatter.

 

[jgo296]

well im boycotting s&w revolvers until they remove the lock
and i always say if you can have only one pistol the glock19 is it (strangely i dont own one)
but you just may want to consider a glock 29 (compact 10mm)
only thing is ammo more expensive

 

[curlyhoward]

i always say if you can have only one pistol the glock19 is it


________


I wouldn't argue with that.

 

[crebralfix]

Since it's for self-defense, keep it simple with a "point and click" interface. Even 1911 guys with years of solid experience miss one of the safeties. The XD's grip safety will cause a failure if you don't get a solid grip first.

Test this in force on force. You will see what I mean.

After you get your permit, start some serious training. Take at least one defensive handgun course and a force on force class. You will see what I mean about various safeties. Fairbairn and Sykes talk about pinning the thumb safety on the 1911.

The old timers knew what they were doing when they carried double action revolvers. When Cooper said the double action was "a solution in search of a problem" -- he was wrong (heresy!). The problem of failing to deactivate a safety in an encounter was known and double action was the solution.

***

Glocks are good...but there are many great handguns out there. The Glock 19 is very efficient in terms of handling, concealability, capacity, and maintenance. Don't overlook the SIG P250, the mini S&W M&Ps, or even a short barreled S&W K-Frame revolver.

 

[curlyhoward]

I agree - and this goes double if you were originally trained with, and used to carrying, a revolver.

 

[jcd15]

Sice you like the 45
A glock 30 or a 36 are very easy to carry and extrmely reliable.
I have a 36 and can carry it all day.
M&P is coming out with a compact 45 if you can wait. But there other 2 compacts are great.
good luck

 

[Kind of Blued]

EVERYBODY needs a S&W J-Frame. I would suggest either a 442 or a 642. Another (inherently less reliable) autoloader would be in order after that, in which case, the J-Frame becomes a backup gun, or the gun you carry if you don't want to strap on the auto.

 

[sdj]

Since it's for self-defense, keep it simple with a "point and click" interface.

I'm inclined to agree.

I'm also inclined to agree with having a J-Frame of your choice somewhere in the mix. The very light ones are great to carry, nasty to shoot, and a bit pricey. The 4/642 strikes a happy medium, at about 15 oz / $450; The ultra light J frames come in around 12 oz / $800.

Best of luck.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

A M442, M638 or a M642 will run you under $400 and will fire .38 Special +P rounds. There is also the M40 which will cost you more but it's a great revolver.

A M640 or M649 will run you more but will fire .357 Magnum rounds.

All of the above have a concealed or shrouded hammer so they won't catch on your cloths.

There are options with exposed hammers too like the M36, M637 and M60.

I favor the 15oz M638 myself.

 

[PAULREVERE]

I have a have a Sigma 9VE and a Smith 642. The 642 gets carried 95% of the time. It seems to always go with me. The best gun to have is the one you have with you, and in a stressful situation, I like the point/shoot simplicity of a revolver . (IMO)

 

[NWdude83]

Kahr CW45

 

[springmom]

Can I answer even though I'm female?

If a snubbie fits your hand, and you shoot it well, it really can't be beat for Texas summer concealed carry. My little m37 tucks into my waistband and just flat disappears. It's terrific. Yes, it's only 5 shots, but I carry two speedloaders, and if I can't get out of trouble with 15 shots, I'm where I shouldn't have been in the first place, lol.

If you look around you may be able to still find some of those m37's that were released a couple of years ago...some foreign government wanted them for their police forces, and thus S&W didn't put a lock on it. Otherwise, live with the lock; they're great little snubbies.

My $.02.

Springmom

 

[Seven High]

I would recommend a CZ75D PCR. It is a small 9mm with a decocker. It can be easily concealed with a good IWB holster. It will carry 14 rounds of ammo with standard magazines. These are very high quality weapons.

 

[Rustynuts]

Kahr PM or MK40. Small, yet powerful round. DA trigger too, no safeties.

 

[Archer1945]

Second DerbyDale's comments on the XD9SC. Shot one for the first time a couple of weeks ago and they are extremely accurate. And, if anything, like my three XDs, extremely reliable. I would also suggest any of the Kimber, SA or Para-Ordinance small .45s as every one I've had a chance to shoot has been very accurate and reliable. They are also almost as small as some of the smaller caliber weapons but have the advantage of shooting a much bigger bullet. Not only that but there are several companies that are now loading .45acp ammo specifically designed for use in short barrel guns.

 

[Shadow1198]

I think the first question I should ask is if you have any preferences as far as caliber, grip width (single/double stack?), round count, action type (da/sa, dao, sao) etc. I'd recommend checking out the following:

-H&K P7 (best carry gun ever made as far as I'm concerned)
-Walther P99/P99C
-H&K P30
-H&K 45 Compact
-H&K P2000
-Sig P225/239
-Sig P228/229
-Sig P232/230 (excellent little guns, just the "right" size, ppk a little small for me)
-Glock 19/23/etc
-Glock 36
-M&P Compact (too blocky and bulky for my tastes but not a bad gun)
-Anything 1911 (sorry, about a million choices in that category!)
-Anything from the CZ/EAA lineup


Well, that's about all I can think of off the top of my head. Depending on what caliber you may prefer, I would highly recommend giving the P7 and P99's a good look as they are excellent guns. The P99 is a really sleek gun for a double stack, and most people could easily conceal even the full size while the compact would just disappear. The P99's have the absolute best ergonomics I think, with the P30/HK45's not far behind. 9mm is perfectly sufficient for SD use with the advanced ballistic capabilities in new ammo out there. Personally I like .45 and 9mm both, though I personally prefer a full-size for shooting .45. I've shot a Glock G36 before, and while the gun is definitely slim I really can't stand how some compact, lightweight .45's feel like they are going to leap out of your hand (I prefer a good solid 3 finger grip, not that 2 finger crap).

Oh yeah, and revolvers are lame! Some people like them, they work, and I have nothing against them. I just hate 'em, hate the way they feel, hate the way they sit in my hand, hate how they can't hold more than 6-8rds, and hate the way they look (well except for big bore stuff, that stuff is always cool regardless of platform) and wouldn't recommend revolvers to anyone so I'm a bit biased.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Oh yeah, and revolvers are lame! Some people like them, they work, and I have nothing against them. I just hate 'em, hate the way they feel, hate the way they sit in my hand, hate how they can't hold more than 6-8rds, and hate the way they look (well except for big bore stuff, that stuff is always cool regardless of platform) and wouldn't recommend revolvers to anyone so I'm a bit biased.

I happen to carry revolvers but what do I know?

Shadow1198,
I do know one thing though, you really should read this thread before you make another post like this one.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=133354