Help me pick out a better Concealed Carry Weapon

[Kuyong_Chuin]

I am taking my CCW class Saturday and once I have my permit I do have a pistol I can carry till I acquire a smaller one. Right now I have a Ruger P94 in 40 S&W. The pistol is right at 7.5 inch long, a little under 1.5 inches wide and about 5 inches in height. I looked at the EAA Witness Carry but it was about the same size as my Ruger. So here is my requirements for what I am looking for.

1. Can be fired with ether hand comfortably.
2. Has Ambidextrous Controls.
3. Has a hammer and works in both DA and SA modes.
4. Can be converted to other calibers especially .22LR
5. Works well with someone with large hands.
6. Easily Concealed
7. Non Glock
8. Semi-Auto
9. Preference to be available in 10mm or 40 S&W or both with a barrel change.
10 Under $500 ether New or used the lower in price the better.

The EAA Witness P Carry fit all the categories but two. It was not smaller than my Ruger and it was not listed as having Ambidextrous Controls. I don't remember the one I looked at awhile back if it had Ambidextrous Controls on it or not. So can you suggest a hand gun that will fit my hopeful requirements?

 

[snapshot762]

CZ 85 combat comes to mind, but not smaller than your Ruger.

 

[mesinge2]

I am not sure about the 22 conversion but Beretta PX4 Storm series fits everything else.

Full Size:



Compact:



Sub-Compact:

 

[TennJed]

Beretta 92. Fits everything but maybe too big to conceal easy.

As far as the $500, is that just for the gun? You are not going to be able to come close to getting a gun and a 22 conversion for under $500 (exception maybe with Kel Tec)

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

Beretta 92. Fits everything but maybe too big to conceal easy.

As far as the $500, is that just for the gun? You are not going to be able to come close to getting a gun and a 22 conversion for under $500 (exception maybe with Kel Tec)

Yes just for the gun. Conversions will come as I get the funds. Going to have to ether save up or finance the pistol.

 

[hartcreek]

Personally I would not wast the money on a 22 conversion kit. I have several 22s that I have not shot is several years simply to the lacks of 22s. If you want an inexpensive practice round Speer used to make plastic projectiles. You load them is brass cases and they just use magnum primers.

 

[TennJed]

since you are on a budget, I might suggest a Bersa Thunder UC comes in 40, has the ambi safeties, DA/SA trigger. It is not very expensive and is very concealable. Not caliber swap option, but honestly your list is going to be hard to meet every criteria.

If you can do without the caliber swap the Bersa is a good choice. They have a great rep. IMHO, they are the best $ value in a carry gun out there.

.40 Specifications

Model: TPUC40
Caliber(s): .40 S&W
Action: DA /SA
Capacity: 10+1
Barrel Length: 3.25”
Front Sight: Interchangeable Sig Sauer #8
Rear Sight: Interchangeable Sig Sauer #8
Finishes: Duotone or Matte Black
Grips: Checkered Black Polymer
Construction: Alloy Frame/Steel Slide
Safety: Integral Locking System, Manual, Firing Pin
Weight: 23 oz.
Length: 6.5”
Height: 4.75”
Width: 1.45”

 

[2wheels]

That's quite a list, I honestly don't think you're going to get 100% of it in one gun.

 

[Armor Snail]

I am taking my CCW class Saturday and once I have my permit I do have a pistol I can carry till I acquire a smaller one. Right now I have a Ruger P94 in 40 S&W. The pistol is right at 7.5 inch long, a little under 1.5 inches wide and about 5 inches in height. I looked at the EAA Witness Carry but it was about the same size as my Ruger. So here is my requirements for what I am looking for.

1. Can be fired with ether hand comfortably.
2. Has Ambidextrous Controls.
3. Has a hammer and works in both DA and SA modes.
4. Can be converted to other calibers especially .22LR
5. Works well with someone with large hands.
6. Easily Concealed
7. Non Glock
8. Semi-Auto
9. Preference to be available in 10mm or 40 S&W or both with a barrel change.
10 Under $500 ether New or used the lower in price the better.

The EAA Witness P Carry fit all the categories but two. It was not smaller than my Ruger and it was not listed as having Ambidextrous Controls. I don't remember the one I looked at awhile back if it had Ambidextrous Controls on it or not. So can you suggest a hand gun that will fit my hopeful requirements?

Yes there is a gun that can.

The CZ 2075 RAMI fulfills every one of your criteria.

1. No problem
2. Ambi safety
3. Check
4. CZ Kadet .22lr conversion
5. Shouldn't be a problem
6. Size of a G26
7. It's better
8. Yes
9. No 10mm but it is offered in .40 S&W
10. Sometimes new for $550ish but can be found used for less than $500

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

That's quite a list, I honestly don't think you're going to get 100% of it in one gun.

I am beginning to see that myself. All the conversion kits I seen online so far are for full size pistols with the EAA P Compact Carry being the exception. I might be just better off carrying P94 and just getting a different type of holster. Then buy a SR22 or something to practice with. Still going check out that Bersa Thunder UC and keep looking.

Personally I would not wast the money on a 22 conversion kit. I have several 22s that I have not shot is several years simply to the lacks of 22s

I have plenty of .22 LR rounds to practice with. I had about 3/4 of a brick of federal and picked up to boxes of 550 round bulk pacts awhile back that I have not even opened yet. But good to know there is another option for practice rounds.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

Yes there is a gun that can.

The CZ 2075 RAMI fulfills every one of your criteria.

1. No problem
2. Ambi safety
3. Check
4. CZ Kadet .22lr conversion
5. Shouldn't be a problem
6. Size of a G26
7. It's better
8. Yes
9. No 10mm but it is offered in .40 S&W
10. Sometimes new for $550ish but can be found used for less than $500

Another one to check out Thanks.

 

[TennJed]

Yes there is a gun that can.

The CZ 2075 RAMI fulfills every one of your criteria.

1. No problem
2. Ambi safety
3. Check
4. CZ Kadet .22lr conversion
5. Shouldn't be a problem
6. Size of a G26
7. It's better
8. Yes
9. No 10mm but it is offered in .40 S&W
10. Sometimes new for $550ish but can be found used for less than $500

Is the Rami offered with an ambi safety? I had one (great gun BTW) and it was a right hand only.

 

[Rusty Luck]

Misread OP's needs

 

[ArchAngelCD]

That's quite a list, I honestly don't think you're going to get 100% of it in one gun.

IMO your carry bun should be just that, a carry gun. Some of the other stuff can be done with another gun as long as the carry is reliable and comfortable in your hand...

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

IMO your carry bun should be just that, a carry gun. Some of the other stuff can be done with another gun as long as the carry is reliable and comfortable in your hand...

My Ruger is that and I love it. I carried P85 when I was a Peace Officer but it was not concealed so carrying the P94 is like 2nd nature on my belt on my left hip. Carried an issued 3rd Gen Glock 17 working armed security and never did like the thing. I think with the right holster I can carry my Ruger and just get something like the Ruger SR22 for practice. Guess the fanny pack is back on the table again.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

If you're a Ruger pistol fan what about their SR40c? (since you asked about a 40 S&W) It seems to cover everything you are asking for with the exception of the .22 conversion but that doesn't mean there isn't one. It has a list price of $529 which means it can be had for well under $500. It's not overly large or heavy so it should conceal well. Take a look at it over on the Ruger site.
http://ruger.com/products/sr40c/models.html

 

[Armor Snail]

Is the Rami offered with an ambi safety? I had one (great gun BTW) and it was a right hand only.

Oops. It was. But only the problematic RAMI P.
My mistake. Just thought about that myself when I woke up.

 

[Mike J]

I have a Ruger like yours P94 .40 caliber. It is a large bulky gun. Holsters can be a bit of a pain to find but I wound up with a Don Hume 721 OT. It rides high & tight OWB. Holsters can still be had but you might have to wait for one to be made.

The guns I was thinking of suggesting have pretty much been covered.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

If you're a Ruger pistol fan what about their SR40c? (since you asked about a 40 S&W) It seems to cover everything you are asking for with the exception of the .22 conversion but that doesn't mean there isn't one. It has a list price of $529 which means it can be had for well under $500. It's not overly large or heavy so it should conceal well. Take a look at it over on the Ruger site.
http://ruger.com/products/sr40c/models.html

I did look at it, but from what I can see it is striker fired and no manual safety. It is also less than 3/4 inch shorter than the P94. Only reason I mentioned the SR22 is the grip is the closest thing I could think of close to the P series center fires. I like other pistols besides Ruger but most are not what I consider a concealed carry weapon. Example: I like the full size 1911 and it could be converted to other calibers some with a simple barrel, link, pin, and bushing change in the case you have it in the 38 Super and buy the 7.62x25 kit for it. That particular pistol could be converted from 38 Super to 9mm and 22LR as well. I like the Beretta 92F as well but it too would be hard to hide. If it was not for that stupid turtle shell I would not have a problem with any full size auto as a carry pistol. When you are 6'6" and 275 lbs you have allot of room to hide things, at least during the winter. Plus having to ware this doesn't help.

 

[JohnBiltz]

Consider my words. You are listing likes and wants for a service sized firearm. Fine, carrying is different. Look for a carry gun instead. If you are looking for a gun that has everything including a kitchen sink you will find yourself having to figure out how to conceal a kitchen sink.

 

[tommy.duncan]

What about the FN-FNX 40. I believe this will fit the majority of your criteria. I have the 9mm version and I carry it often.
Just my .02
Good luck

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I guess you didn't look at the "Features" tab at the top of the page I linked to. It clearly states it has a Ambi safety and mag release.
Look here: http://ruger.com/products/sr40c/features.html

Now I'm convinced you are looking for a gun that just doesn't exist.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

I guess you didn't look at the "Features" tab at the top of the page I linked to. It clearly states it has a Ambi safety and mag release.
Look here: http://ruger.com/products/sr40c/features.html

Now I'm convinced you are looking for a gun that just doesn't exist.

Missed that part and I know why. The entire features page is not showing up on my kindle fire. Must be flash based page or silk has a problem loading that page. My laptop's hard drive crashed and I have not replaced it yet and don't feel like taking 20 minutes to boot linux from a live cd right now.

If I can find a used one somewhere I think I am going with a PX4 Sub Compact if it fits my hand well if not move up to the compact model. It pretty much fits most of what I want. I'll just have to buy a 22 to practice with as well as I get the money. Till then I'll just use the PT1911 with the conversation kit on it.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

Personally I would not wast the money on a 22 conversion kit. I have several 22s that I have not shot is several years simply to the lacks of 22s. If you want an inexpensive practice round Speer used to make plastic projectiles. You load them is brass cases and they just use magnum primers.

I checked after you said this and they don't work in a 40 S&W.

 

[savit260]

I'd be investing my money in a top quality holster/belt set up instead of searching for a smaller gun.

Conventional wisdom seems to lean toward small gun for carry instead of quality gear to carry your gun. Small gun + generic multi-fit holster isn't likely to solve your problem.

Your Ruger isn't really a hard gun to conceal, and you'll have money left over.


Even if you spend $500 on a smaller gun, you'll still need a good quality carry rig or you're just spitting into the wind IMO.

A couple hundred bucks spent on a holster and belt would be money better spent in my opinion.