Help with CCW Choice?

[Brass Rain]

For a couple years I've been vaguely considering possibilities for a future choice of handgun to carry, but now that I'll be turning 21 in a bout half a year, I figure now's the time to start really thinking on it. The main issue is I want something big enough to hold onto and use effectively, but small enough to conceal well. I live in Louisiana and may be moving to Texas in the near future, so I can't get away with any more than a light jacket for the vast majority of the year. That cuts down a lot of what I could conceivable carry.

So far I'm looking between the Glock 26, Ruger LCR, and it may sound strange, the Makarov PM. The issue with the LCR is the need to carry reloads, generally speed-loaders, that would be like carrying two additional cylinders on me somewhere along with the gun. Even the G26 has fairly wide magazines. I've handled the LCR at gun shows and its grip fits nicely in my hand without being as huge as it looks in pictures. And I have a (broken) airsoft replica of the G26 that I wouldn't say feels comfortable in my hands, but definitely doesn't feel uncomfortable. The idea of having 10+1 rounds and reloads is nice, but I wouldn't feel under-gunned with the five shots of the LCR or the 8+1 of the Makarov. The Makarov I like for its full weight without being large, and it actually seems slimmer than the Glock, with more muted corners and round planes than various block-like shapes fused together. The low price of it and ammo is another point. That and I just like it a lot. I plan to get one eventually, regardless of CCW choice.

But I know you guys are the ones with experience and know the difference between a valid concern and a non-issue, so that's why I've come to ask. Feel free to suggest completely different designs. I'm open to revolver or automatic. Thanks in advance.

 

[goon]

Of the choices, I'd get a Makarov or even consider a CZ-82.
My reasoning:
I've owned a lot of different guns and carried a lot of them. The first gun I used for CCW is not the gun I'm using now - I no longer have it. I sold it because it didn't work right for what I needed. Of the choices you listed, the Mak is an excellent economical choice that will give you a servicable defensive gun while you figure out what you're doing. If you decide to sell it later, some new guy who wants his first CCW gun on a budget or even an experienced shooter who just appreciates the Mak will give you about what you paid for it.

 

[Brass Rain]

Of the choices, I'd get a Makarov or even consider a CZ-82.
My reasoning:
I've owned a lot of different guns and carried a lot of them. The first gun I used for CCW is not the gun I'm using now - I no longer have it. I sold it because it didn't work right for what I needed. Of the choices you listed, the Mak is an excellent economical choice that will give you a servicable defensive gun while you figure out what you're doing. If you decide to sell it later, some new guy who wants his first CCW gun on a budget or even an experienced shooter who just appreciates the Mak will give you about what you paid for it.

To be honest, I was kind of hoping people would tell me the Mak was a good idea just because I want an excuse to get one. And I guess the depreciation on surplus guns is pretty good considering they come to the first owner used to some degree already, but I would have no plans of selling it that I know of right now. Thanks for your input, and more suggestions are welcome.

 

[Geckgo]

Sounded to me like you already made up your mind in your post. If you really like the Mak, then get it now and try to work with it for CCW. You sound like you'll be keeping it even if you switch to another CC gun.

 

[Brass Rain]

Sounded to me like you already made up your mind in your post. If you really like the Mak, then get it now and try to work with it for CCW. You sound like you'll be keeping it even if you switch to another CC gun.

I just keep knocking it around in my brain that out there is this perfect gun for it, and that I need to figure out which one it is or anything else just won't be good enough.

 

[goon]

It definitely won't be perfect! I'm not sure if there is such a gun for any of us.
As I said, I've gone through a lot and what it really comes to is a compromise between what you can shoot well and what you can carry. Right now I pack a 3" SP-101, but it is a little too big for some days in the summer. I could use a Kel-Tec P-32 to take up that slack. And while I love the SP-101, it's not "perfect" for all situations. True, it will do a lot with different ammunition and I love the versatilty, durability, and "just right" size, but I also see its shortcomings - some of which are significant enough that other people would never consider carrying one. As you own and carry some, you'll form these kinds of conclusions on your own.
I've never shot a Glock 26 but I've found the Glocks I have owned to be reliable guns. I'd buy another Glock if it fit my needs. You may also consider a S&W M&P9 Compact - I think I'll go that route when I get a small semi-auto. On the Ruger LCR, I've never even handled one - but the small handguns I've owned are not guns you'd want to shoot a whole lot. Mid-sized handguns are better in that regard - small enough to carry a lot, big enough to shoot a lot.
On the Makarovs, the prices have actually increased on them. I've bought them in the past for less than $200, even snagged one for $125 once, but you won't generally find them at that price now. I'd say if you like the Mak, get the Mak and carry it for awhile.
I sold the ones I had and don't really have an itch for another, but I also wouldn't rule one out if I stumbled on to it with money in my pocket. But the point is, I've owned them and carried them and have no regrets. They are generally good quality, reliable, and reasonably accurate little guns that work well for that purpose - which is part of why they are so widely loved. I really don't think you can go wrong with one of them.

 

[*Klutch*]

I would go with the LCR and for reloads I use speed strips instead of the round loaders cause they lay flat in a pocket and work better with small revolvers like the LCR, sometimes the round loaders contact the grip and make it harder to load the cylinders.

 

[Shadow 7D]

Maks are great, and they were designed with it kinda in mind for the police
but..

Smaller is the Polish, Pa-64
The CZ is as narrow as the Mak at the snout, but wider in the grip as it carries a double stacked mag, and hides well under a coat.

Don't do wheel guns, and the glock is two boxy for me to want to shove it down my pants...
In the same range is the KT P11 and PF9, not a refined as the glock maybe, but lighter and slimmer.

 

[Brass Rain]

Maks are great, and they were designed with it kinda in mind for the police
but..

Smaller is the Polish, Pa-64
The CZ is as narrow as the Mak at the snout, but wider in the grip as it carries a double stacked mag, and hides well under a coat.

Don't do wheel guns, and the glock is two boxy for me to want to shove it down my pants...
In the same range is the KT P11 and PF9, not a refined as the glock maybe, but lighter and slimmer.

Can't find much on the Pa-64 besides a link to THR where people say it's not so great.

The PF9 and P11 both look like more of what I'd want in a compact 9 than the G26, though I imagine they're tougher to hold onto in recoil. I'll be looking at them.

 

[Shadow 7D]

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg/pl/p-64-e.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P-64_(pistol)
http://www.p64resource.com/

my bad, it's the PA-63
and P-64
you can also get a p83
http://www.jgsales.com/product_info...-good-condition/cPath/16_385/products_id/4003

It's a great pistol, small, heavy kicks,
the double action takes superhuman strength or alot of adrenalin, but SA is scare smooth, like a crisp 2#

 

[goon]

If possible, shoot them before you buy. The M&P compact I shot was pretty manageable and even the Kahr P-9 I used to own wasn't that bad to shoot for practice, but it was nowhere near as comfortable to shoot as a larger gun.
The difference? I could literally draw smiley faces at 25 yards with the SIG P-225 I used to own (I still kick myself for selling it). I never got that good with the Kahr. If you're defending yourself or your loved ones, which would you prefer?
I shot a KelTec P3AT once and it was probably the least pleasant gun to shoot I've ever fired - and I often shoot full power .357 out of a snubby and have shot enough .44 magnums to know I could handle one just fine. There's just something about the way those tiny guns fit my hand... no thank you! Something happens during recoil and the inside of the triggerguard cracks the front of my trigger finger. Basically, it stings like hell and makes shooting one utterly not fun at all. I can only imagine how bad a 9mm would be if a .380 felt like that.
Based on that experience, I'd take the less powerful P-32 (which I know I can shoot well) over something larger in that size gun that inflicts too much pain to practice with. The P-11 might be OK though, but I can't say having never shot one.

Granted, I'm not as experienced as some of these guys - but I have owned probably two dozen handguns up to this point, carried one for defense for the last nine years, and shot a couple S&W's until they needed re-timed - which is to say I could stand to learn more but I generally know my way around a handgun.

 

[Brass Rain]

If possible, shoot them before you buy. The M&P compact I shot was pretty manageable and even the Kahr P-9 I used to own wasn't that bad to shoot for practice, but it was nowhere near as comfortable to shoot as a larger gun.
The difference? I could literally draw smiley faces at 25 yards with the SIG P-225 I used to own (I still kick myself for selling it). I never got that good with the Kahr. If you're defending yourself or your loved ones, which would you prefer?
I shot a KelTec P3AT once and it was probably the least pleasant gun to shoot I've ever fired - and I often shoot full power .357 out of a snubby and have shot enough .44 magnums to know I could handle one just fine. There's just something about the way those tiny guns fit my hand... no thank you! Something happens during recoil and the inside of the triggerguard cracks the front of my trigger finger. Basically, it stings like hell and makes shooting one utterly not fun at all. I can only imagine how bad a 9mm would be if a .380 felt like that.
Based on that experience, I'd take the less powerful P-32 (which I know I can shoot well) over something larger in that size gun that inflicts too much pain to practice with. The P-11 might be OK though, but I can't say having never shot one.

Granted, I'm not as experienced as some of these guys - but I have owned probably two dozen handguns up to this point, carried one for defense for the last nine years, and shot a couple S&W's until they needed re-timed - which is to say I could stand to learn more but I generally know my way around a handgun.

I was looking over the Kel Tec PF9 and it seemed to be great, but in the back of my mind I kept thinking, "This is way too light to be fun." And the supposedly long, heavy, DAO trigger doesn't inspire confidence. That combined with a thin frame and... not so sure about it. You don't really gain anything with 9mm over .38 Special if you can't shoot it any better, right? At least the LCR has a recoil-padding grip and the Makarov should be fairly mild.

 

[nerfsrule2]

Look at the Kahr PM 9

 

[MikePaiN]

Brass Rain....you have got to look at the Kahr line-up.
All Kahrs are designed to be conceal carry weapons...I say, they got it right. Kahr has a caliber/size for everyone's needs and the best DAO in the business.
For you, I'd suggest the P9 or CW9(the budget version of the P9). I recently scored a black K9(same size as P/CW but all steel framed) and it is the sweetest Kahr imo

 

[ulflyer]

Brass Rain: I've had several Bulgarian and German Maks. Fantastic shooters, incredibly easy to field strip, few moving parts, and never had one to jam. They are fairly snappy in the recoil dept but I am fairly recoil sensitive. When I shoot my LCR with standard 38 loads, it only takes a couple or three loads to make me want to quit. One load of +P's so I'd know what to expect. In my opinion, the Mak is about the same. It might be, and prob would be, better with rubber grips. I never changed the hard plastic originals.
I carried the Mak for awhile as its pretty thin and easy to conceal, more so than the LCR, but I'm now carrying the LCR all the time because its so light. I use a Fobus kydex OWB with shirt over it. Often forget its there, its that light. Either one, you can't go wrong. You should find a Bulgarian, and they are as good as the Germans, for about $300, maybe bit less. LCR's in my area can be found new for $380.

 

[TonyT]

I would consider the Kahr line of pistols. I carried a Glock-36 for several years and found that I could not reliably conceal it at all times. I finally opted for a Kahr PM-9 in a pocket holster. The Kahr line has models in 9mm, 40 S&W and 45 ACP.

 

[goon]

If you go with the Kahr, I suggest you stick to the K9. It's small but weighs more.
The guys telling you to get these tiny handguns for your first handgun... I don't know what they're thinking.
My first handgun was a Ruger Single Six, second was a S&W M-18, third was a S&W 686, fourth was a Kimber 1911 .45 ACP, fifth was a SIG P-225, sixth was a S&W M-60... etc. But the point is by the time I got to a smaller gun (the M-60 in .38 Special), I'd already put thousands of rounds downrange - and even then it was a challenge to master the shorter sight radius and snappier recoil.
The Mak does have sort of snappy recoil, but it's not at all unmanageable and I've been told aftermarket Pearce grips help a lot. Never needed them myself.
Anyhow, I just don't want to see anyone buy one of those tiny little hard kicking, hard to shoot guns for their first gun, then be disappointed and have to sell it off right away. It's a costly mistake. Don't make it.

 

[ulflyer]

Mak at 12 Yards

Double hand hold. Ragged holes due to loose paper tacked on worn out board, not due to keyholing. Bear in mind I'm elderly, and eyesight not too good. Point here, is the inherent accuracy of the Maks. I couldnt do this with my 38 because of its double action only trigger pull. The Mak is double on first shot and single after that.

I got hooked on Maks many years ago while at a gun range shooting my Glock 19 at 50 ft, a guy was ringing a steel plate repeatedly at 100 yards...thats yards not feet. I had never seen one and was surprised when he showed it to me. Turned out to be a law officer and it was his back-up gun.

 

[Superdave2]

Personally I like 1911 platform guns. I have a 5",4" 1911 in 45acp and a 3" in 40sw. Reality is a larger/longer barrel gun is easier to shoot accurately. I started with a holster on the belt outside the waistband. The longer the gun the harder it is to conceal. Then i tried a inside the waistband holster. The longer barrel is concealed inside your pant so barrel length doesn't matter as much for concealability, you just have to conceal the grip of the pistol and its above the waistband so a short sweater or coat conceals it easily. So with inside the waistband might as well carry the longer barrel for best accuracy. I also have a Sig P238 in 380 I can carry in a pocket holster in the pocket. Some of the Kahr's are fairly flat and small enough to go inside the pocket I believe. The Glocks are thicker than the 1911 and Kahr guns. Something to consider. Small revolvers are also pretty hard to shoot without accurately without allot of practice in my opinion. I have 4,5,and6" revolvers I shoot regularly but there N frame in 45acp and 10mm. These use moon clips which are really handy/fast on a reload but the n frame is kind of bulky and I don't generally carry these. Revolvers can and have failed on me also so don't fall for the Revolvers are foolproof line. It's not true.

 

[Superdave2]

Personally I like 1911 platform guns. I have a 5",4" 1911 in 45acp and a 3" in 40sw. Reality is a larger/longer barrel gun is easier to shoot accurately. I started with a holster on the belt outside the waistband. The longer the gun the harder it is to conceal. Then i tried a inside the waistband holster. The longer barrel is concealed inside your pant so barrel length doesn't matter as much for concealability, you just have to conceal the grip of the pistol and its above the waistband so a short sweater or coat conceals it easily. So with inside the waistband might as well carry the longer barrel for best accuracy. I also have a Sig P238 in 380 I can carry in a pocket holster in the pocket. Some of the Kahr's are fairly flat and small enough to go inside the pocket I believe. The Glocks are thicker than the 1911 and Kahr guns. Something to consider. Small revolvers are also pretty hard to shoot without accurately without allot of practice in my opinion. I have 4,5,and6" revolvers I shoot regularly but there N frame in 45acp and 10mm. These use moon clips which are really handy/fast on a reload but the n frame is kind of bulky and I don't generally carry these. Revolvers can and have failed on me also so don't fall for the Revolvers are foolproof line. It's not true.

 

[x_wrench]

i think what you need to do is talk with as many people as you can about how to dress and carry. i, & several others i know carry full size 45 acp's, and 1911's with just jeans and a shirt. the trick is the right holster, and the right clothes. if you are looking to show off six pack abs, you will never be able to carry a full size pistol. but if you dont mind a one size larger polo shirt, it works just fine. with a light jacket, i can carry a 44 magnum!

 

[pistolpacker]

Id go with the G26 out of those three. My personal preference is the XDM compact 9, LOVE IT... A great alternative, one that im planning on getting next is the M&P compact series. A shooting partner of mine owns two M&Ps, one full-Sized and one compact. I have fired both on numerous occasions and loved them almost as much as my XDMs. He has put over 5K rounds through each and has had absolutely no stoppages of any kind with either. I do have to say that the M&P compact is shorter in length and height and it also weighs less and is slimmer in profile than my XDM compact 9.

 

[gearhead]

I've been carrying the P-64 for a year now. It's not as refined as the Mak but it's more concealable in a pocket. If you can find a good IWB holster for the Mak it would make a nice carry pistol, though.

 

[Brass Rain]

If you go with the Kahr, I suggest you stick to the K9. It's small but weighs more.
The guys telling you to get these tiny handguns for your first handgun... I don't know what they're thinking.
My first handgun was a Ruger Single Six, second was a S&W M-18, third was a S&W 686, fourth was a Kimber 1911 .45 ACP, fifth was a SIG P-225, sixth was a S&W M-60... etc. But the point is by the time I got to a smaller gun (the M-60 in .38 Special), I'd already put thousands of rounds downrange - and even then it was a challenge to master the shorter sight radius and snappier recoil.
The Mak does have sort of snappy recoil, but it's not at all unmanageable and I've been told aftermarket Pearce grips help a lot. Never needed them myself.
Anyhow, I just don't want to see anyone buy one of those tiny little hard kicking, hard to shoot guns for their first gun, then be disappointed and have to sell it off right away. It's a costly mistake. Don't make it.

First handgun, not exactly. I mean, first one personally bought. But my dad owns a GP-100 and Px4 Storm and I have experience with them. Not a lot, but I'm not a total beginner to handguns.

The Kahr line looks to be pretty good, but they're also somewhat expensive. And I'm not sure about those tiny, extremely light 9mms with long trigger pull and really snappy recoil. I looked over a nutnfancy video of him shooting a Kel Tec PF9 and that thing pops like a .357 Magnum. I'm not opposed to a little more weight as long as I can keep the thing concealed. Smallness for me is more important than lightness.

 

[JohnBiltz]

I carry a G26. Its about as small as you can go and shoot as well as a service sized pistol. Good capacity period and really excellent for its size. Never shot a Mak but I hear good things about them. Honestly, any of the three would be a good choice for CCW it just comes down to individual preference. I would shoot each and make the choice based on that.