Help me think about CCW choices.

[The Unknown User]

I'm almost 21.

I figure it's a good time to start thinking about what I might like to carry. Only thing is, I know very little about concealed carry weapons, carry options, and so forth. So that's why I made this thread. (Most of my firearms knowledge is directly related to my interest in military history, where carry carrying a concealed weapon doesn't really come up.)

I want to know more about:

- Autoloaders vs. revolvers
- Carry options of each type
- Most popular handguns of each type
- Calibers
- How to carry safely
- How to successful conceal a weapon legally
- CCW wardrobe?

I'm looking for a mix of both technical data, as well as personal stories.

I'm not really looking to "copy" others, or their choice of weapon; I just recognize that if a particular firearm, holster, or other combination of things is popular, it's popular for a good reason.

A few things to keep in mind:

- I'm right-handed
- I'm a bit overweight, if that affects concealment
- I live in MA, meaning there are some handguns I won't be able to buy
- I hate when the grip on something doesn't fit my whole hand, so please don't suggest little pistols that don't have room for all of your fingers. It's just a pet peave.

Here's what I have been considering:

- S&W Model 60
- Ruger SP101
- Walther P99
- Sig P232
- Sig P226
- Sig P229

I'm open to pretty much anything you guys are willing to share.

 

[Autolycus]

I like my HK P2000. I suggest that. I also like my SIg 228.

 

[HM2PAC]

Although I'm partial to HK and 1911's and to the .45ACP, we also have wheelguns.

In specific my wife and I both have Ruger SP101's in the hammerless model. .38 special is easy to shoot, but for stepping up to the .357, I would suggest a few dollars go to buying better grips, such as the Hogue.

It is easy to conceal, can even be slipped in a pocket.

 

[FranklyTodd]

Open your mind...

Most of my firearms knowledge is directly related to my interest in military history, where carry carrying a concealed weapon doesn't really come up.

combined with

I hate when the grip on something doesn't fit my whole hand, so please don't suggest little pistols that don't have room for all of your fingers. It's just a pet peave. [sic]

You are 20, and your firearms knowledge comes from a study of history. I'm really not trying to tick you off, but you shouldn't have pet peeves about pistols yet - open your mind. When you actually try to CCW in situations where getting made would be an extra bad thing - be it at work, etc., you might reconsider your pet peeve against smaller pistols.

You'll hear people say - get a gun that's comfortable, that fits your hand, is fun to shoot. Not to start a fight, but I disagree with all of that. Get an absolutely reliable gun that you can shoot well, and are able to carry. I picked up a Glock 26 at my CCW class and thought it felt like the worst thing ever, what the do you do with your pinkie?? I proceeded to shoot it incredibly accurately, it's small enough to be easily concealed, and has legendary reliability. After trying dozens of guns, I ended up buying a 27 instead, but it's basically the same gun. Gun 2: scandium j-frame, also no pinkie room - not real "fun" to shoot. Conceals beautifully, 13oz., carry it even more than the Glock. Will shoot 5 laser-aided .357s - effective, and reliable. I've got several other guns that I have and love for different reasons, but these are my two main carry options.

I'm NOT recommending these pistols to you - don't really care what you end up with (your list looks fine), but there's a lot that goes into CCW decisions, so I just wanted to caution you about foreclosing a whole segment of weapons for a "pet peeve." As a side note, both guns can be cheaply made to have a home for your pinkie, but it makes them harder to conceal - not a good tradeoff for me.

Liking guns as a hobby, and using one as a tool to supplement your ability to defend yourself are two different things. Keep them separate! I'd rather shoot trap with a shotgun for pure entertainment. I actually do now enjoy practicing with my two carry choices (although not the J with full .357s!), but even if I didn't like it I would practice. Why? So I can use the tools effectively. I've only been CCWing for less than a year, but have studied/practiced self defense my whole life - guns are just another (super-effective) tool to use to defend yourself and your loved ones.

A lot of the guys here can blend their hobby and SD - they have a love for 1911s, for example, and are willing to carry one. I actually love shooting a full-size 1911, but I personally haven't carried one and don't plan on it, it's just too big for my tastes/wardrobe/carry situation. I think I would end up leaving it at home too often, where any gun is worthless.

Good luck with everything, and stay safe.

FranklyTodd

 

[1911 guy]

Make some decisions before you buy a handgun.

First off, you need to balance the merits of a wheelgun and auto for yourself. You know what you've shot and what you've liked. Decide on action type first.

There are as many methods of carrying a pistol as there are people who carry them. I consider some of them hare-brained, some of them are near genius. The only absolute (for me) is to avoid off-body carry unless it's absolutely necessary. Strong side waistband is the most common, for what it's worth.

Most popular of each type? That's like asking Rosie O'Donnell her favorite flavor ice cream. They all have merits and you'll find some who carry $3,000 full blown custom jobs (mine cost $2,000) all the way to a $50 Jennings (had one of those, too).

Calibers. As a suggestion, start at .38Spcl in revolvers and 9mm in autos. Anything bigger is better, but nothing is free. Usually more frame and weight. I carry a fullsize 1911, it's worth it to me. Might not be to you.

Carrying a handgun safely is similar to using one while hunting or at the range. No fooling with it, obey the four rules and keep it secure when not in use. Secure meaning in a good holster.

Legally concealed can have many meanings. In some locales, shoving a S&W N frame in your pants is legal. Other places, minor printing will get you hassled. Your body shape and what changes you're willing to make to your wardrobe are the deciding factor to the "How".

Get a gun that fits your hand. I know FranklyTodd doesn't agree, but 99.99 percent of the people who carry a gun regularly and have any choice in what that gun is don't agree with FranklyTodd. You can eventually learn to shoot anything, but why put yourself behind the curve?

The pistols you've listed are good ones. My wife carries a Sig P232. My only kick against it is that Sig makes a 9mm about the same size, so why settle for .380?

Right handed isn't an issue at all. If you were a lefty, revolvers could get tricky sometimes. Cylinder latches weren't made for lefties.

I can identify with the slightly overweight bit. It makes it a bit more difficult to conceal a handgun, but not by too much. The wider your shoulders are in relation to your waist, the more your clothes drape instead of cling, allowing easier concealment. Last week I put on a ten year old Tshirt. I looked like a kielbasa popping out of the casing.

 

[FranklyTodd]

You can eventually learn to shoot anything

You missed the point. I said the three most important criteria in no particular order are that the gun is:

1) reliable
2) concealable
3) you shoot it well.

I'm not saying get a gun that doesn't fit and make it fit. Probably if you shoot it well, it fits. My example was the truncated frame G26/27, and how of course it doesn't feel as nice in the hand as other guns, but is a great SD tool.

For the most part I can accept your criticism, but I assume you fall into the hobby/SD overlap group. My $398 G27 (LEO disc.) is as good a tool for SD as your $2000 gun, but you chose it for other, non-self-defense reasons, and probably valid ones - no disagreement here. For an absolute certainty, it looks better than my Glock , is probably more accurate in a slow deliberate fire exercise at a target, and who knows why else you might prefer it. I hope you'll concede for MY stated purposes your $2k gun is not superior to my G27 (ignoring if you think your caliber is superior to .40 - don't want to go there). It doesn't conceal better, it isn't more reliable, and you don't shoot it better - well ok, you probably shoot it better, but that isn't my gun's fault...

99.99 percent of the people who carry a gun regularly and have any choice in what that gun is don't agree with FranklyTodd

I really think anyone with Self Defense as their #1 goal (and can separate that from their gun hobby) would agree with the sentiments I intended with my post. I probably didn't express myself as well as I should have...

 

[1911 guy]

Didn't mean to come off as a gun snob.

FranklyTodd, I agree with you, I misunderstood your first post. I also agree that an off-the-shelf Glock is every bit as good as a custom gun for SD. I just wanted one and saved up for it. I also admit to owning a pot metal piece of junk. I'd choose your Glock over that, any day.

Reading your first post, I thought you were pushing more for something smaller at the cost of shooting comfort and gun fit. I also think it's possible for a pistol to "feel funny" at first, yet actually be a good fit to the shooters hand. Again, we agree and I had a bad take on your first post.

Quote:
I really think anyone with Self Defense as their #1 goal (and can separate that from their gun hobby) would agree with the sentiments I intended with my post.

I think so. Sorry I misunderstood.

 

[redneckrepairs]

Before i could even start to suggest a handgun for you to ccw i would need to know a bit more about you , your life , and your expectations of carry .

Do you plan to carry all the time , part of the time , at work , running to the store for milk , ect..??

While its true you can " dress around the gun " its also true that you will not throw out a wardrobe to begin ccw .

Speaking of wardrobe , what is your normal dress both at work and at leisure ?

All the above factors go into choosing what handgun would be " right " for you and your lifestyle .

 

[Ed4032]

get a Kahr CW9. It is the same size as a 380 BUT has a 9mm punch. And it loves P+ ammo.

 

[redneckrepairs]

lol ED my main carry gun is a Kahr p9 , but unless and untill i know more about the needs of the op i wont jump up with its the best or worst gun for the op .

 

[highfive]

Ok you said you are a little overweight, I don't think it makes a difference. Anyway I'm 6' 1" 225 pounds. I got 22's, 380's well I'm a gun nut. But I usually carry a 357 Taurus Tracker 7 shot with hogue grips. i'm not saying this is the best gun for you, But I would say that you should go with the one is more comfortable for you and you can shoot better.

If you can, rent some and see what fits, what you can shoot. Evaluate your options. Well, Happy Hunting

 

[GJgo]

I just wrote a thread the other day that you may want to read.. Covers a lot of your questions from my experiences. Good luck with whatever you decide!

http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=323712

 

[dhoomonyou]

Glock 26.

 

[Pilot]

I think a 9MM is a great place to start. For carry, I really like my CZ-75D PCR. Alloy frame, compact but very accurate and easy to shoot. Great for range and carry. Plus, you can get a .22 conversion Kadet Kit from CZ that fits it. Lots of fun and cheap practice.

 

[mljdeckard]

In a way, you are in a lucky position. You are fresh and green, you haven't already been pushed and tainted by a whole lot of people like, magazine editors, gun salesmen, and your buddy who has a brother who was a cop once.

As far as .22 kits go, I like them and recommend them, but you can get kits for 1911, pretty much all Glocks, Brownings, Berettas, CZ-75s, and I hear Sigs are on the way. (Someone is probably looking into one for the XD too.)

DON'T LET THEM TELL YOU YOU HAVE TO GET A COMPACT TO CARRY. Carry what you shoot best. And to that effect, full-size pistols and revolvers have a better sight radius, and more weight to dampen recoil.

The two revolvers you name are great. Just remember, compact revolvers are probably the most difficult handguns to shoot accurately. You have a heavy DA trigger pull and a short barrel. Also, compact revolvers come in a variety of weights, which can greatly affect recoil and shootability. They are good and reliable, but not for rookies. You must be willing to get in a LOT of practice with them.

For my wardrobe, it's never been much of an issue to me, even carrying full-size. (Of course here in Utah, I'm not required to keep it concealed. It's no big deal if I flash or print.) My standby, for general applications is a fanny-pack. Even if I'm wearing sweatpants, I can throw it on and still have a pocket for my wallet in the front. I also have a Milt Sparks IWB holster, a Galco Miami Classic, and a Fobus paddle holster. (I find that one is really only good for open carry.)

I might ask, if your interest comes from military history, why are you not considering a 1911, Beretta, Browning, or other service gun? I normally steer rookies toward striker-fired polymer guns, to let them learn about manual safeties later, but if you already have your head around it, why not look at a traditional large-frame service pistol?