High End Pistol for Concealed Carry

[groovemastergreg]

I always seem to come back to two guns for cch: a S7W Model 38 bodyguard airweight and a Glock M36 in .45. Both have finishes that will tolerate the extreme humidity in Texas as a gun carried next to your person.

I also highly recommend the High Noon "Mr. Softy" or "Bare Asset" IWB holster. As a fellow who has carried as an officer and as a CCH, these are the best IWB holsters I've ever used. And cheap, ships for under $40.00. They are stocking items at High Noon, meaning they have them in stock.

I would have no problem attending a shooting course with the Glock and shooting thousands of rounds through it in a week.

 

[Allentown]

Without reading all the responses here let me just say.

Para-ordinance c-6 LDA, or what ever the current version of that is.

Double action that feels like a single action (for the lawyers)...perfect trigger, feed everything i ever through at it..7 in the gun and 6 in the spare..small enough to conceal easily..

Only problem on it was the weight..the weight..ugggh..

i hate to say it (and have been out of guns for a LONG TIME) so i have a lot to learn..but i always did like the good old glock 26/27 for concealed carry.

 

[maniak]

For high-use (but still conceal-able) carry, my recommendation would be the H&K USPc in .45 or 9mm.

For deep (effortless) concealment, my recommendation would be the Walther PPS (9mm).

And for concealed carry of either frame choice, I'd concur with groovemastergreg: "the High Noon "Mr. Softy" or "Bare Asset" IWB holster."

But that's just because those are the sidearms I've owned and carried confidently and comfortably. You've got a lot of other good choices here that draw on similar or more extensive experience.

Ain't gun shoppin' fun?

 

[DAdams]

All those full sized SA are nice but if you want something really easy to conceal you should consider:

Kahr PM 9 or 40
Seecamp .380
Rohbaugh 9

These are all "highend" Pocketable/concealable carry pieces.

To go OT a revolver, M&P 340 in .357 with night sites and laser grips would fit the bill.
13.3 ounces, and the easily concealable J Frame format.

 

[valorius]

I am in the fortunate positon of having some extra cash on hand and would like to buy a very good semi-auto for concealed carry. Suggestions please.

HK P7

 

[DblGonzo]

Well high end to me is in the $1000 to $1800 range. So I carry a Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II. Slim and is only 25oz unloaded.

 

[skimbell]

Supposed to be available Fall 2010.
Colt's Special Combat Officers-Commander slide/Officers frame. CCO configuration.
From what I've heard, price is going to be around $1300.

 

[Zak Smith]

If I could go back in time ten years, I would spend more money sooner on serious training (to include force on force) and less money on guns. A Glock 19 does everything a defensive/CCW pistol needs to do.

 

[klash545]

i guess the criminal is supposed to be impressed with the expensive pistol?

 

[TIMC]

I guess if you can afford a nice gun to carry go for it. People drive expensive cars even though a cheap on will get you there too.
While not top end it is not cheap either; my carry gun is a Kimber Pro Raptor. I had the grips custom made for it. The gun is not only good looking but it is a darn fine shooter too. If I should ever have to defend myself with it and it is cofiscated for some reason I will miss it but I can always get another one just like it so why not.

 

[glockman19]

My high end CCW is a Kimber Ultra Raptor II. My most regular carry is a S&W 442/642.

 

[Boris bush]

There is a difference between High End and high dollar. High end don't even mean a high amount of dollars needs to be spent.

High end would be an Ed Brown with no MIM. High dollar is a Kimber full of MIM. I have a 1911 fanboy friend that just can not get enough of Kimber. He has three and not a single one runs through 100 rounds without some kind of trouble. SA mil spec 1911 runs great and will run like any Glock I ever seen. The Ed Brown just plain shoots and never misses a beat. Kimber accuracy (better) and mil spec reliable. Thats high end. Then again a Glock will do everything the Brown will. High end once again. When you are talking carry pieces that is. My Glock was less than half the price my buddies HKs. I shoot my Glock better and I shoot my Glock better than he does his HK. I even consider the Bersa high end. I never hear a bad thing about them. I ALWAYS hear great things about them.

You dont have to part with a great quantity of money (in my opinion) to get a high end carry piece. Just how I see things. Nothing more.....

 

[Girodin]

But, do you want to carry a high end gun? What if officer rookie decides it's illegal for you to have it and he takes it?

I would have my attorney contact his department. Since I live in a place where carry permits are prevalent and gun laws are extremely favorable I do not see it being an issue.

 

[G27RR]

I solved the problem of having my carry weapon taken in for evidence or what have you by having more than one carry weapon....

There seems to be a bit of disdain for those carrying $1,000+ pistols that I don't get. If someone wants to carry a $3,000 Nighthawk or something I say go for it. "Rock what you've got" as they say.

The most expensive pistol I have is one I carry - STI Shadow 3" 1911. But, carrying it is why I bought it. I could carry the Glock 27 I originally bought to carry, but the Shadow conceals better, feels better, and shoots as well or better. That made it worth the price difference to me so I bought and carry it. YMMV.

 

[Bovice]

whoever suggested getting a Glock 17 and cutting the grip to a 26 length for concealability... Why would you do that when you can BUY the 26?

 

[Girodin]

whoever suggested getting a Glock 17 and cutting the grip to a 26 length for concealability... Why would you do that when you can BUY the 26?

I didn't suggest it but the reason people do it is because the longer slide is seen as an advantage (longer sight radius, and slightly increased velocity which IMO is most likely to be negligible). The slide is the easiest part of the gun to conceal for many people so extra size there isn't seen as much of an issue. That extra slide and barrel will add some weight however. The grip is often the most difficult part to conceal so people chopping a 17 feel the are getting some of the advantages of both worlds. A grip chop can be a DIY job too so there is not a major compelling reason not to do it.

Another reason would be if you want a gun with a rail to mount a light. I actually see that as being a more compelling reason than both of the above for a carry/fighting gun. Someone will probably ask who the heck carries a gun with a light on it and worries about the grip size. I would submit that with a quality holster like a raven concealment holster the light isn't much of an issue at all but the grip is likely to be the most difficult part to conceal.

Another reason might be that used G17s are often easier to find at lower prices than a 26. Thus one might end up with what they see as a better layout and actually have it cost them less as well.

A G26 is a pretty good carry gun and I can understand why many people wouldn't wont to bother modding a G17 for advantages advantages that are slight. There is also issues of whether the balance and feel will be thrown off.

Further with the growing popularity of small red dot sights for CC guns (granted this is just starting as an emerging trend) the longer sight radius is made completely irrelevant if one uses that type of a setup.

In sum, it is not an idea that lacks a rational basis nor is it something that is leaps and bounds better than carrying a g26 or g19 for that matter.

 

[UnTainted]

I'd say get a Sig Sauer P-239 in 9mm, 40, or 357sig.

This is one high end pistol. It's a small weapon that shoots like a full-size handgun. Sigs have awesome triggers, and I find them to be the safest weapons I own.

If you want something smaller, others have said pocket 9mms or the small mk40. I also recomend a kahr, though they are pricey. My mk9 elite 03 has been nothing but epic awesome, and it carries IWB-t like a dream.

1911s are cool, but big.

browning hi-power is long ,but carries well with the shorter handle and the very thin profile.

My recommendation is buy 2 handguns, not just one really expensive one. I'd get a small one to carry and a big one for carry when necessary or for vehicle or home defense.

Also, check which brands have good warranties - this can be important given that any brand can have defects in a particular piece.

 

[Salty1]

STI Escort, hands down and you will never be disappointed.... next look at a Sig P239

 

[Guns and more]

You didn't say how you were going to carry it. I see you are in Dallas which is gun friendly.
In 9mm., I'd go with a Springfield EMP or a Kahr PM-9 with night sights.
Also a Sig 239 although it think it's kinda big.
For pocket carry, a Sig 238 or a Kahr 380 (obviously in .380)
Also a Seecamp 380 is pricey and well made, but no fun to shoot.
Or for a splash, a Rohrbach 9mm. but no fun to shoot. YMMV.

 

[granthog]

I have a crimson pro carry 45......a little spendy, but a wonderful and very dependable handgun. I never reallly thought I would like the laser , however you can not believe how effective it is...I still can't believe how accurate a laser can make any handgun. This is my first message on here, I am new.......Granthog (common sense is not so common)

 

[Boris bush]

On the lazer. I agree. When my boy was five and I started training him how to shoot a pistol I lollipopped the lazer over a correct sight picture. At seven he can keep every round for a days shooting in the center ring of a B27 at 7 yards with the P22, without the lazer on it.

I am looking into getting a taclight and lazer combo for the XD9 right now....

 

[CPshooter]

I consider anything H&K to be "high end" (in the tupperware market anyway). That said, my LEM P2000sk 9mm serves me well. I love this gun.


It gets carried in a Stronghold Phoenix IWB holster. Found HERE. Designed by Tim Thurner of TT Gunleather. It's the best IWB holster I've come across.

 

[Choclabman]

What is expensive to one person, will be cheap to another. Just a fact.


I prefer 1911's. All mine have been flawless. Unlike the Glock and HK, I once owned.
I own "several" 1911's. But for CCW, I prefer a Kimber Ultra Carry II with night sights and Crimson Trace grips.

 

[orionengnr]

i guess the criminal is supposed to be impressed with the expensive pistol?

Nope, it's all about what I am confident in and shoot well with.
Pride of ownership does enter into it as well. If it is beautiful (to my eye) and I shoot it well, why would I want something less?

ETA--I'd sure like an Ed Brown like the one in post #25. I'd hate to see it get it's first ding or a scratch, but then, most of us don't buy a brand new car and never let it leave the garage, either. I'd bet you could get it refinished at the Mother Ship for a couple hundred dollars...and it will maintain it's value forever. Try that with your Honda Accord.

 

[gym]

High end is like the above Nighthawk, Baer, Wilson, Kimber, beautiful accurate, and a shame to use on a Bad Guy. Only because it's going to go for a ride and may come back marked up. Carry a Glock and take the "pretty" guns to the fancy affairs or the range. It hurts when they scribe case numbers accross your slide.