I am looking at getting a ccw gun and would like to know what others carry and suggest. There are many CCW guns from Ruger LC9 to Glock 26. My requirements are that its accurate and most of all reliable. It cant be too big to carry in summer either. Is the Glock 26 too big/thick? I have heard that the Taurus 700 series is unreliable. Thanks.
Looking at getting a CCW gun
- Thread starter gremlinx
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beatledog7
Member
A carry weapon is a very personal thing; different guns suit the needs and constraints of different people.
Without more details on why you want to carry, your experience level, tolerance for recoil, usual manner of dress, etc., we can't help you much.
Knowing what 100 other people carry is just that: knowing what works for someone else.
Without more details on why you want to carry, your experience level, tolerance for recoil, usual manner of dress, etc., we can't help you much.
Knowing what 100 other people carry is just that: knowing what works for someone else.
Redlg155
Member
If you can hide a bar of Irish Spring soap, then you can hide a Glock 26. Bar of Irish spring looks funny in your pocket? A G26 will look the same. Can't sit with it stuck in your waistband? Buy bigger pants or choose a weapon with a slimmer profile.
You are definitely on a long journey as you have to find the right weapond AND the right holster. The perfect carry gun can be misery with the wrong holster.
Number 1 rule, a concealed carry weapon is worthless if it is at home. If you can only afford one, get something you can carry 100 percent of the time. My 99% choice is a Sig P238 .380. It can go in a pocket or on the hip equally well.
You are definitely on a long journey as you have to find the right weapond AND the right holster. The perfect carry gun can be misery with the wrong holster.
Number 1 rule, a concealed carry weapon is worthless if it is at home. If you can only afford one, get something you can carry 100 percent of the time. My 99% choice is a Sig P238 .380. It can go in a pocket or on the hip equally well.
hardluk1
member
FIRST, Any of them will be only as accurate as you are. You also have to deside whats right for you. Pick up as many as you can. When you thin down the pile see what you can rent . Many ranges will let you try different pistol with the purchase of ammo for depending on the rental pistols and get to shoot several different ones.
Also depending on where you are maybe some members will let you try theres too.
As far as how good or bad a handgun is , you can not beleave much of what you find on these forums. I own several "junk" pistols according to some and they are very reliable and are my CC pistols. Go to forums that deal with that brand and read to deside if its right for you. Not many real bad firearms out there.
For a new shooter ,some of the ultra lite pistols can be a hand full for a new shooter.
Add a revolver to your list. You may find a 38, 9mm or 40sw 5 shot revolver works well. With weights from 21oz down to 10oz there more than few to look at. They conceal well and can be pocket carried. Just a solid handgun to start with for many. Most of us older guys carried them at some time.
Also depending on where you are maybe some members will let you try theres too.
As far as how good or bad a handgun is , you can not beleave much of what you find on these forums. I own several "junk" pistols according to some and they are very reliable and are my CC pistols. Go to forums that deal with that brand and read to deside if its right for you. Not many real bad firearms out there.
For a new shooter ,some of the ultra lite pistols can be a hand full for a new shooter.
Add a revolver to your list. You may find a 38, 9mm or 40sw 5 shot revolver works well. With weights from 21oz down to 10oz there more than few to look at. They conceal well and can be pocket carried. Just a solid handgun to start with for many. Most of us older guys carried them at some time.
Nushif
Member
This. We can all tell you what we carry and works for us (which I will after rambling here for a bit 8) ) but ultimately you are about to start a very, very long journey through various holsters and guns, as well as probably some clothing.
What influences carry choices for me largely depends on two things:
Length of my overshirt: As in, when I do't have an overshirt I'm not concealing. My build won't let me conceal even a 3.5 inch 1911 IWB without looking really funny. But with a nice long overshirt, such as a flat black Carharrt one I can kinda conceal a Beretta 92. And definitely my 3.5 inch 1911.
Length of the gun: Because it shouldn't show when I bend over, kneel down, get in cars, hop over small fences and whatnot, this is obviously largely dependent on my .... overshirt. 8)
Thickness of the gun: Thinner is indeed better. Again, closely elated to the pattering and looseness of my holster and .... overshirt.
See what happens here? For me, and this is really only for me .... my overshirt is the most critical piece of equipment to conceal. For you, it might very well be the holster. And if you find out you can pocket carry, it might very well be a certainstyle pants, belt, or depth of pockets.
Really what you have to do is try things. A lot. 8) Hope this helps in getting you thinking about what works for you. All that being said I carry a 3.5 inch Officer framed 1911 in an OWB slide holster underneath an overshirt. Been thinking about getting a 4.25 inch slide for it, though, because it's kinds snappy for extended shooting sessions.
I bought an lc9, disliked it and couldn't get myself to like it no matter how much I tried. Sold it for a Ruger LCR revolver and am far more pleased. Better trigger, more comfortable for me to shoot, easier to pocket carry and draw from a pocket if that's how I'm going.
If you're stuck on semi-auto, a s&w shield 9mm is probably your best bet (until glock makes a SLIM g26), but in addition to that I would still consider the glock 26 and the bersa bp9cc.
Lots of options out there, but IMHO the lcr and the smith and wesson shield are easily two of the best.
If you're stuck on semi-auto, a s&w shield 9mm is probably your best bet (until glock makes a SLIM g26), but in addition to that I would still consider the glock 26 and the bersa bp9cc.
Lots of options out there, but IMHO the lcr and the smith and wesson shield are easily two of the best.
gremlinx,
Before taking in all the "buy brand X, NO, brand Y" arguments tell us what experience you have with handguns?
What have you shot and how much and what did well for you in your experience?
How much time/ammo/money are you interested in spending for the firearm, ammo, and training to use it effectively?
Do you know what points naturally for you? Glocks, 1911s, CZs, Sigs, etc. all have different grip angles and reach to the trigger and knowing what fits you best is a good start before deciding what to get for make/model. A buddy of ours and my wife points/shoots a CZ and are remarkably quick and accurate with those types of handguns. I point BHPs as well as they point CZs, but I do well with 1911s. Another couple of pals point Glocks as well as I shoot a BHP or my wife shoots a CZ. If you start out with what fits you you'll start out with greater initial accuracy and speed instead of working your way up to that point with another gun that doesn't fit.
Once you know what fits you can decide how much you need to spend to get to the reliability you need.
Before taking in all the "buy brand X, NO, brand Y" arguments tell us what experience you have with handguns?
What have you shot and how much and what did well for you in your experience?
How much time/ammo/money are you interested in spending for the firearm, ammo, and training to use it effectively?
Do you know what points naturally for you? Glocks, 1911s, CZs, Sigs, etc. all have different grip angles and reach to the trigger and knowing what fits you best is a good start before deciding what to get for make/model. A buddy of ours and my wife points/shoots a CZ and are remarkably quick and accurate with those types of handguns. I point BHPs as well as they point CZs, but I do well with 1911s. Another couple of pals point Glocks as well as I shoot a BHP or my wife shoots a CZ. If you start out with what fits you you'll start out with greater initial accuracy and speed instead of working your way up to that point with another gun that doesn't fit.
Once you know what fits you can decide how much you need to spend to get to the reliability you need.
Check out the link to my CCW thread below. This was after I'd been carrying for a few years, and I wanted to go back and catalog the lessons learned so that it could be of use to someone just starting out. Hope it helps, and good luck!
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=455479
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=455479
Plan2Live
Member
I think the best place to start is by realizing that everything related to concealed carry is a compromise. Next, try to shoot a variety of pistols representing various styles or platforms, single action, double action, hammer fired, striker fired, larger, smaller, etc. This is the best way to decide what style pistol you prefer and would feel comfortable with. Just because some manufacturer puts "Perfection" in their name doesn't mean it will be perfect for you. Finally, decide if you are willing to dress around the pistol or do you require the pistol to fit your mode of dress. And keep in mind the right belt and holster will make all the difference in the world so experiment with those too. If you can take these three/four steps then you we a long way down the road to deciding what will work best for you.
And last but certainly not least, don't get trapped in "analysis paralysis" where you have done so much research that you can't make a decision. Good luck!
And last but certainly not least, don't get trapped in "analysis paralysis" where you have done so much research that you can't make a decision. Good luck!
MyGreenGuns
Member
I spent 10 months trying different handguns before I picked one I liked.
Go to a good range that has lots of rentals and try them all out.
Dont be in a rush, dont just pick the most popular gun.
What works for me might not work for you.
This topic has been discussed extensively on THR. Use the Search function.
Good luck.
Go to a good range that has lots of rentals and try them all out.
Dont be in a rush, dont just pick the most popular gun.
What works for me might not work for you.
This topic has been discussed extensively on THR. Use the Search function.
Good luck.
Major Ross
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I live in Florida. Mine are an LCP .380 with fmj and a .357 snubbie with Golden Sabres. Easily concealed, effective, and won't overpenetrate. Reliability is my first priority.
kcshooter
Member
There's no way anyone can tell you what a good gun for you is.
Shoot at least a dozen different guns first. After you've shot a dozen, tell us your top 3, and then we may be able to give you some info and ideas.
Shoot at least a dozen different guns first. After you've shot a dozen, tell us your top 3, and then we may be able to give you some info and ideas.
WVleo
Member
Lots of good advice, but only You can decide what weapon works best for Your situation. In nearly 30 years of CCW I've gone from Ruger Security Six 2" OWB carry to Ruger KP9 with 18rd. magazine stuffed with 147gr. Black Talons SOB carry to rotating between a Colt DS Pocket carry/CZ RAMI 9mm IWB to todays Kahr PM9 IWB Comp-Tac EDC with the occassional LCP pocket carry. It is a journey of practice and knowledge with the emphasis on safe practice. Maybe You live close to a rental range to start or have family or friends who can allow You to try a couple different weapons to get the feel for what works for You. ...wvleo
coolluke01
Member
This is true but it's not the whole story. Many sub compacts will not be easy to shoot or accurate for you at all. Some subs are just garbage.
I think choosing a sub compact at the expense of shoot-ability is a mistake. Make sure you can shoot the gun you choose, well. The proper holster and belt will make the biggest difference in what is carry-able.
For me, I chose the Glock 26 because I shoot Glock's the best. Sure many other guns may be thinner or smaller, but none of them come close to how well I shoot the G26.
I also think the gun you carry should be one that you shoot a lot. That is another reason I chose the G26. I shoot my G34 in matches all the time and the 26 feels and operates just like the 34. They feel so much alike that I don't have to change anything when I switch from one to the next.
As far as accuracy is concerned, I was able to hit a 3" target at 50 yards with my carry gun. Not every time by any means but enough to show that the gun is accurate, the misses where my doing.
As to the size of the 26. I ankle carry it every day and carry it IWB on the weekends and nights. It's not too heavy for ankle carry with a good holster. I use the Ankle Glove by Galco. IWB I use the Crossbreed Super Tuck.
Caliber. I think the 9mm is plenty with the current ammo selection. More capacity and less recoil are all pluses in my book. If in a SD situation I wan't rounds and fast followup shots.
sawman1293
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There are a ton of great ccw guns out there to buy. You just need to try a few and see what works for you. Personally, I flip flop between four different ones. What can I say, I like guns!
Byrd666
Member
gremlinx
HUH! What should I carry?
A pistol a revolver, a knife, a Bazooka? Or how about a stick and a rock?
I think if I'm going to carry anything, it will be a pistol or a revolver. I'm also thinking this firearm should be of adequate caliber to get the job done. Regardless of what that job is! I can carry a 5" 1911 .45 or Keltec P3AT, or a .22lr. It all depends.
My "normals" are a 4.16" 9mm, a CZ83 or a Taurus 66B4 and the occasional EMP .40
It all depends on what fits you and your needs.
HUH! What should I carry?
A pistol a revolver, a knife, a Bazooka? Or how about a stick and a rock?
I think if I'm going to carry anything, it will be a pistol or a revolver. I'm also thinking this firearm should be of adequate caliber to get the job done. Regardless of what that job is! I can carry a 5" 1911 .45 or Keltec P3AT, or a .22lr. It all depends.
My "normals" are a 4.16" 9mm, a CZ83 or a Taurus 66B4 and the occasional EMP .40
It all depends on what fits you and your needs.
Well I have read a lot of problems with the Taurus 700 series. The Kahr I have read a hit and miss about reliability and how they fix their problems seems to draw a varied response. So for my both those are out. Smith makes the new Shield but it may be too hard to find right now.
I hear great things about the Glock 26 and one of the problems is that most hands cant get a good grip on it, but I think this can be fixed by adding the magazine extension that gives you an extra 2 rounds. I have also heard its a bit chunky compared to the other single stack guns. I have handled the Glock in the store and it does not seem overly thick to me. The Glock has a great customer service reputation from all I have read. I know every gun can get the odd disappointment but this seems to be very few for the Glocks. Reliability I have read that the Taurus and Kahrs have some hit and miss issues with jamming, some get guns that work flawless for years and others have problems out of the box. I don't see this much with Glocks from what I have been reading on the web.
I keep coming back to the Glock, I also don't like a single action like the Sig 238 or Colt Mustang for CCW. I have a TCP and love how small it is, it fits to my belt and no one knows I have not got a blackberry on. 380 is expensive to shoot and a pain to reload. 9mm for me is the smallest round I want to load. Reloading gives me the ability to shoot much more. I also have a Walther PPKs and PPK great guns but I wanted something in a 9. I am not a 40 smith fan, nothing wrong with it its probably great, but I am a 9 fan. I hear hit and miss with the Kaltec, and the price is impossible to beat. But it just leaves me flat. The Glock will also sell fast if I do not fall in love with it. I have shot the bigger Glocks but not the 26. I may jump off the deep end and buy one tomorrow.
I hear great things about the Glock 26 and one of the problems is that most hands cant get a good grip on it, but I think this can be fixed by adding the magazine extension that gives you an extra 2 rounds. I have also heard its a bit chunky compared to the other single stack guns. I have handled the Glock in the store and it does not seem overly thick to me. The Glock has a great customer service reputation from all I have read. I know every gun can get the odd disappointment but this seems to be very few for the Glocks. Reliability I have read that the Taurus and Kahrs have some hit and miss issues with jamming, some get guns that work flawless for years and others have problems out of the box. I don't see this much with Glocks from what I have been reading on the web.
I keep coming back to the Glock, I also don't like a single action like the Sig 238 or Colt Mustang for CCW. I have a TCP and love how small it is, it fits to my belt and no one knows I have not got a blackberry on. 380 is expensive to shoot and a pain to reload. 9mm for me is the smallest round I want to load. Reloading gives me the ability to shoot much more. I also have a Walther PPKs and PPK great guns but I wanted something in a 9. I am not a 40 smith fan, nothing wrong with it its probably great, but I am a 9 fan. I hear hit and miss with the Kaltec, and the price is impossible to beat. But it just leaves me flat. The Glock will also sell fast if I do not fall in love with it. I have shot the bigger Glocks but not the 26. I may jump off the deep end and buy one tomorrow.
kcshooter
Member
Be sure to take notice of how the Glock points for you. It's not as bad on the smaller ones but for a lot of people, myself included, the grip angle negates pointability. I have to cant my wrist forward unnaturally to get the sights to line up. This isn't uncommon.
Billy Shears
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As others have said, your best bet is to go to a range, shoot some of their rentals and see what you can shoot best. Resist the temptation to get the biggest, baddest caliber you can in a compact gun, unless you are really confident that you can still shoot it accurately at realistic speeds for combat shooting. Some people shoot those well, others don't. Only hits count, so you're better off with a .38 or 9mm that you can hit with every time, than you are with a .357 or .40 that you can't shoot as well. Even a .380 you can shoot well is better than a powerful subcompact you can't.
If you buy a gun from a reputable maker like Glock, SIG, Ruger, you probably won't go wrong in terms of having a reliable gun with as much practical accuracy as you need. You'll just have to try a few to decide what you can shoot best, and what you can conceal best.
If you buy a gun from a reputable maker like Glock, SIG, Ruger, you probably won't go wrong in terms of having a reliable gun with as much practical accuracy as you need. You'll just have to try a few to decide what you can shoot best, and what you can conceal best.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
You are probably going to get as many suggestions as answers in this thread. There is no right answer to this question except for what you choose for yourself. No one can tell you what you will be comfortable carrying and shooting but yourself.
When I chose a carry handgun it was/is a S&W Airweight J frame. (very reliable) I'm currently carrying a M442 and carry it daily. That gun works well for me, you might want to give one a try.
When I chose a carry handgun it was/is a S&W Airweight J frame. (very reliable) I'm currently carrying a M442 and carry it daily. That gun works well for me, you might want to give one a try.
Texan Scott
Member
^ +1 for the j-frame. WAY too many people like 642s for them to be completely wrong. I don't feel at all underarmed with a 5-shot .38+p, and it's a MUCH simpler gun to use under stress. i HAVE carried autos, and i HAVE drawn down on people with them - twice. i KNOW what happens to my hands, eyes, ears, and nerves when something that scary, serious, life- and- death goes down in front of me. the j-frame (or my colt) are a comfort to have.
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