Help Picking a CCW!!!!

[Mizzle187]

First off I am new here and i am very impressed with this site and the members. Ok on to my question. Im trying to find a CCW that I will be using a majority of the time and I dont want anything smaller that 9mm. I will probably be using a IWB holster but Im not counting out a pocket holster. Right now as far as pieces I could use I have a Walther P99 AS 9mm and a Walther P99c AS 9mm. I bought the P99c for a main carry and I love the gun as a whole but with my body(6'1" 250lbs) and my dress(mostly jeans and t-shirts untucked) its pushing the max size I feel comfortable wearing w/o blatently printing but it does work. What is your opinion on the P99c for a main CCW? Im thinking I want something a tad bit smaller in at least a 9mm but a .45 would work too! Also Im thinking eventually carrying 2 pieces with a PPK on my ankle. Any suggestions on a main carry would be greatly appreciated. What about a Kahr P9/P40? Again Im not counting anyhting out!

 

[cslinger]

I think the P99c would make a dandy carry piece. As far as not counting anything out though I highly suggest a J-Frame sized revolver. It's not sexy, it's not cool but it is the answer to the question and I have not found a better answer yet. That's just me and I am not a revo snob nor a old guy.

Chris

 

[Sir Aardvark]

I second the recommendation for a J frame.

I carry a S&W 340PD quite often.

While it might lack capacity, it's small size and light weight make it a pleasure to carry.

 

[Lou22]

I've looked at a lot of concealable auto loaders, and I've settled on the Kahr PM9 in 9mm, and the Taurus PT145 Millennium Pro in .45. Both have generally been well regarded here and on other boards. The PM9 is one of the smallest and lightest 9mms. The PT145 Mil pro the same in .45. The Taurus also has 10+1 capacity, amazing in such a compact gun. Both are DAO only for safe carrying. Both are polymer. I pocket carry both, though the Taurus will only fit some pants pockets. I'd think both guns would be great for IWB carry.

Lou

 

[ARperson]

I really like the Glock 26 (9mm). While it's the smallest of the Glock frames and maybe too small, they do have a mid-size frame (either the 17 or 19, I can't ever remember).

But for concealability, I don't think you can ever go wrong with a small-framed revolver. I also carry a 2" Taurus Model 85ULT. The only thing I changed on it were the awful rubber grips that rubbed blisters on my hand if I practiced with it too much.

 

[EZ CZ75]

A small revolver is never a bad way to go. They are generally easier/nicer/more pleasant to carry thus making you more likely to carry.

Have you looked at CZ's line-up of compacts. Both 9mm and .40 are available, but no 45 compact or 10mm at all

 

[mountainclmbr]

I have the Glock 19 which is the mid sized 9mm. I never carry it though because it is too large for pocket carry (I use a Kahr MK40 for that) and if I must dress around belt carry I pick a Para Ordnance 12.45 which has 12+1 rounds of 45ACP. The G19 does carry more rounds in a normal capacity magazine so that may be something to consider. I don't think you could go wrong with a snubby .38 or a reliable compact 9mm though.

 

[Mizzle187]

Thanks for all the replies. I really really like the P99c and it is super accurate. I guess Im gonna have to wear it around the house and work to see if its all in my head or it prints too much. I have a strange felling IM gonna be carrying 2 pieces!

 

[idahoberetta9000s]

Beretta 9000s 9mm. You can use the 10 or 12 round mags for the 9000s, or buy a mag adapter from BerettaUSA to use 15 round 92 mags in the 9000s.

 

[SAG0282]

Dont have much experience with those Walther pistols, but you should definitely look into a GLOCK 19/23/23 (9mm, .40, .357SIG respectively). These guns are about the perfect compromise of size, shootability, and capacity. The G19 takes a 15 round mag, the other two 13 round mags not counting +2s or full-size GLOCK mags (compatible). Tough to beat.....

 

[CurtM]

I'm 6'3", 280, so not that much different... I carry a p99 AS.... I use a smartcarry... no one has noticed, as far as I know. I've also used a kydex iwb if I know I can cover it up. I didn't like the grip of the p99c, so I went with the full sized p99. I liked the ergonomics as well as the reliability of the weapon, and when using a smartcarry, I don't have a cocked hammer sticking into my gut when I sit.

 

[Mizzle187]

I'm 6'3", 280, so not that much different... I carry a p99 AS.... I use a smartcarry... no one has noticed, as far as I know. I've also used a kydex iwb if I know I can cover it up. I didn't like the grip of the p99c, so I went with the full sized p99. I liked the ergonomics as well as the reliability of the weapon, and when using a smartcarry, I don't have a cocked hammer sticking into my gut when I sit.

Yeah I was looking at that SmartCarry! Tell me this when you sit with it does it print?

 

[obiwan1]

The Kahr of your choice or a J frame. Also look at the Kel Tec P11. It disappears in a good pocket holster or smart carry. I love my PPK but don't carry it much anymore. There are many more modern and powerful compact guns available that you don't need to go to 1930s technology and .380auto. Sexy - yes, best available - no.

 

[Northslope Nimrod]

Kahr or CZ OR 1911 4"

For strictly CCW.........Get a Kahr (great pocket pistol if you have the $$$)
For CCW and a great shooting gun..... Get a CZ PCR. (the price is right and the gun is superb)

Kahrs make great carry guns...but they aren't nearly as fun at the range. I carry a CZ RAMI that conceals well and shoots well. If you want something smaller than the PCR....the RAMI is great....but a guy your size should be able to conceal a PCR nicely.

Another GREAT option is a 4" 1911 in either .45 or 9mm. If only for carry, get the .45. A 1911 in the commander size conceals nicely but has a long enough barrel & slide to be reliable and a goot shooter. In fact, if you're not looking for a true "pocket pistol" like the Kahr....I would seriously look at a 1911 in commander size. They are slim and conceal nicely in an IWB rig.

 

[CurtM]

Yeah I was looking at that SmartCarry! Tell me this when you sit with it does it print?

Well, as a disclaimer, I don't wear tight pants... my jeans are relaxed fit, and I wear chinos a lot. I know in jeans that sometimes I personally can tell, but that's it... Even my wife says she can't tell, and another friend that knows I carry was surprised when I told him I had it on me. So the answer, for me, is "no, I don't print when I sit".

Everyone will suggest their favorite gun... with the smartcarry and the fact that I carry extra weight (read something for a cocked hammer to really dig into), a striker fired gun is good. Out of those, I liked the p99 the best... I don't like how glocks feel at all, though they do shoot nicely. The XD is nice, but I like the AS trigger a lot on the Walther, and it has great ergonomics... plus, James Bond uses it, right? Besides, you already have a p99 or two, right?

 

[Mizzle187]

Well, as a disclaimer, I don't wear tight pants... my jeans are relaxed fit, and I wear chinos a lot. I know in jeans that sometimes I personally can tell, but that's it... Even my wife says she can't tell, and another friend that knows I carry was surprised when I told him I had it on me. So the answer, for me, is "no, I don't print when I sit".

Everyone will suggest their favorite gun... with the smartcarry and the fact that I carry extra weight (read something for a cocked hammer to really dig into), a striker fired gun is good. Out of those, I liked the p99 the best... I don't like how glocks feel at all, though they do shoot nicely. The XD is nice, but I like the AS trigger a lot on the Walther, and it has great ergonomics... plus, James Bond uses it, right? Besides, you already have a p99 or two, right?

Yes I already have a fullsize and compact P99 9mm AS and I really really love them. Hell I bought the compact for CCW so I might as well give it a try. I still think Im gonna pick up a Kahr P9 for a little adversity. I also like those Kimber Ultra Carry II's Any thoughts on them? I hate spending the money on a mini-1911 when I could get my first full size 1911 for the money! How is your draw with the SmartCarry?

 

[Excalibur]

Yeah I was looking at that SmartCarry! Tell me this when you sit with it does it print?

No it does not provided you are not wearing really tight pants. I have used Smart Carry with summer shorts and I have used it with a full dress suit. I have even gone bowling with it on. never once has anyone noticed it. One exception--my wife said "wow" once when we were dancing!

 

[RugerSAFan]

Thought a G27 would be concealable. Soon became a "only sometimes"..

The titanium Taurus 85 (similar to SW J-Frame) became an almost always..

Pocket carry doesn't work with tight jeans (I need to work out...) or with dress slacks (too thin).

Work great with Khakis, anytime....

 

[cookekdjr]

I second the recommendation for a J frame.

I carry a S&W 340PD quite often.

While it might lack capacity, it's small size and light weight make it a pleasure to carry.

I carry the 342PD, which is the same gun in .38 (instead of .357). It is the perfect CCW pistol.
-David

 

[Azrael256]

My personal view is that anything smaller than .38 is too small for a primary. That's personal taste, so take it or leave it. IME, the holster and belt have more to do with concealment than the gun. Between Smartcarry and Milt Sparks, this high-cap 1911 of mine disappears beneath loose jeans and a t-shirt. For reference, I'm 6' 210lbs. with a bit more belly than I should have, but pretty slim at the waist. Look more carefully at the grip of the gun than anything else. This high-cap is harder to keep concealed than the standard 1911 because of the grip width, but I could keep a 6" model hidden with no problem.

My CHL instructor did make an important point: pick a gun you will carry. Always. If that means you have three or four different guns to suit various occasions, fine. If it means you only have one Seecamp .32, but you always have it handy, great.

A .22 magnum in the hand is better than a .44 magnum stuffed in the glovebox.

 

[GoBrush]

I am having alot of the same thoughts as you and I am considering the Kahr PM9 Micro Polymer. My btother has one and has no problem riding his Harley with jeans and a T shirt with belly band. He loves his.

 

[CurtM]

Yes I already have a fullsize and compact P99 9mm AS and I really really love them. Hell I bought the compact for CCW so I might as well give it a try. I still think Im gonna pick up a Kahr P9 for a little adversity. I also like those Kimber Ultra Carry II's Any thoughts on them? I hate spending the money on a mini-1911 when I could get my first full size 1911 for the money! How is your draw with the SmartCarry?

I hope you mean 'diversity' Those typos can have very different meanings!

My personal thoughts are that I don't want to change my manual of arms for carry any more than I must. With the smartcarry, I've carried in everything I own, and I've never felt I needed a pocket gun. I have even carried for a full 30 hours straight doing a bbq competition in 95 degree temps with no problem... even almost forgot it was there now and then.

I like Kimbers that I've shot (just 2 of them), and I am considering a Kimber 10mm, but not for carry. I'm really comfortable with the AS trigger... I like having no manual safety, so that when I fire, it shoots without having to find the safety first.

For the smartcarry, I practice my draw both at home (empty gun) and at the range I go to. I can draw easily with 2 hands and almost as easily one handed. People talk about reholstering one handed, but I have yet to figure out what the importance of this is for concealed carry or SD... once I shoot, I don't think I have to worry about putting the gun in its holster with one hand.

I live in Ohio where I have to have the gun in plain sight in the car, and the smartcarry also makes this very easy... either by just pulling the holster up so the grip is exposed in front of my shirt, or pulling the whole holster out and letting it sit in front of my shirt and pants. Not a concern other places, but it still has to be done in Ohio. Another advantage is that I can't carry at work, so I unload and put the magazine in the smartcarry while stowing the gun... no one at work has a clue that I have a holster on all day.

I really can't say enough about the p99, though... there are guns with less recoil, but in 9mm, the p99 is not a problem for me... it's certainly accurate enough, and the trigger configuration is one I really like... the 9 lbs. first pull makes me feel a bit more comfortable carrying with a chambered round with the gun decocked.... that first pull isn't easy even when I try... and I'm careful about holstering, etc... then the light subsequent pulls make shots quick and controllable.

 

[Mizzle187]

I hope you mean 'diversity' Those typos can have very different meanings!

My personal thoughts are that I don't want to change my manual of arms for carry any more than I must. With the smartcarry, I've carried in everything I own, and I've never felt I needed a pocket gun. I have even carried for a full 30 hours straight doing a bbq competition in 95 degree temps with no problem... even almost forgot it was there now and then.

I like Kimbers that I've shot (just 2 of them), and I am considering a Kimber 10mm, but not for carry. I'm really comfortable with the AS trigger... I like having no manual safety, so that when I fire, it shoots without having to find the safety first.

For the smartcarry, I practice my draw both at home (empty gun) and at the range I go to. I can draw easily with 2 hands and almost as easily one handed. People talk about reholstering one handed, but I have yet to figure out what the importance of this is for concealed carry or SD... once I shoot, I don't think I have to worry about putting the gun in its holster with one hand.

I live in Ohio where I have to have the gun in plain sight in the car, and the smartcarry also makes this very easy... either by just pulling the holster up so the grip is exposed in front of my shirt, or pulling the whole holster out and letting it sit in front of my shirt and pants. Not a concern other places, but it still has to be done in Ohio. Another advantage is that I can't carry at work, so I unload and put the magazine in the smartcarry while stowing the gun... no one at work has a clue that I have a holster on all day.

I really can't say enough about the p99, though... there are guns with less recoil, but in 9mm, the p99 is not a problem for me... it's certainly accurate enough, and the trigger configuration is one I really like... the 9 lbs. first pull makes me feel a bit more comfortable carrying with a chambered round with the gun decocked.... that first pull isn't easy even when I try... and I'm careful about holstering, etc... then the light subsequent pulls make shots quick and controllable.

Well before I just count my P99C out for carry Im gonna get a SmartCarry. The leather Don Hume works but its not comfortable when sitting.(which is what im doing from 8-5 M-F) I was thinking about anle carrying when at work and IWB when not but I would rather not switch holsters so much.

 

[Brass Balls]

For a main carry gun I like 1911s and Glocks. Kahrs have their niche and Sig makes a good handgun, but I shoot the 1911s the best and Glocks follow shortly behind plus they're light and have great ammo capacity for their size.

It's a very personal decision. Whatever you choose practice frequently and get some solid professional training. In my mind the training is money well spent.

 

[Brass Balls]

Oh, this is my EDC, fwiw.