Looking For a Carry Gun

[stchman]

The reason I am not interested in a Taurus is that they are on the the lower end of mid range quality (their most popular gun, the PT-92 is a Beretta clone). The reason I don't want a Canik isn't because it's badly built, it's because it's not as well built as my Sig. The reason I instantly look to Sig and H&K when choosing a carry gun is that nobody argues that they are of high quality, and they don't have product recalls.

Everyone always talks about how über safe striker guns are, but I just don't buy it. People also like how simple they are to operate, and a DA/SA gun is no different. There are exactly three controls on my 226: mag release, slide stop, and decocker. The difference is I trust the long and heavy (but smooth) double action pull, more than a short and stiff double action pull . Of course, after the double action pull comes a nice, crisp 4 pound trigger pull. That being said, if I had to carry and shoot a pistol that incorporated the long mushy trigger from a mosin-nagant I could do, and shoot it fairly accurately, but the great part about a saturated gun market is I don't have to!

I know there are plenty of excellent and reliable striker fired handguns on the market, but I don't want them. I have an FN FNS that I like a lot, but I just don't desire to shoot it as much as my Sig. All the striker fired guns I tried have, what I would consider to be, a lackluster trigger. I have no doubt that I can shoot my FNS about as accurately as my Sig, but the desire to practice with it isn't as strong. As we all know: practice makes perfect.

Another thing to consider is that I want a gun of some substance, not something that looks like a toy, for the reasons shown in the thread "Have you ever needed your carry gun?" http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=767811 . This thread proves that you are more likely to draw and scare away a would-be threat than actually have to shoot him. Don't take this the wrong way, but an attacker is going to be more intimidated by my P226 than your LCP.

I'm not trying to discredit any striker gun or anybody's carry preference with this post. If I'm not mistaken, the Ruger LCP is the best selling pistol in the world right now. However, as a free man, I can choose to not to do what everyone else does, because I found a system that works better for me.

I've had no experience with the Taurus PT92, but can you site examples of where Canik guns are "badly" built? You do know that Canik builds firearms for the Turkish military?

As far as your P226 "scaring" off a would be attacker while my LCP would not, I think you've been watching too many movies. There is no evidence to support that criminals are less scared of a smaller pocket pistol. The LCP is the choice of many LEOs as a BUG.

You buy and carry what you wish, but you did come here and ASK for opinions, and that's what you are going to get. It almost sounds like you wanted us to validate your choice of the P226. Don't let pre-conceived notions or something your buddy said make the decision for you. I chose my carry gun as my CCW instructor and other instructors have said that the LCP is a good choice.

 

[HisStigness]

I've had no experience with the Taurus PT92, but can you site examples of where Canik guns are "badly" built? You do know that Canik builds firearms for the Turkish military?

As far as your P226 "scaring" off a would be attacker while my LCP would not, I think you've been watching too many movies. There is no evidence to support that criminals are less scared of a smaller pocket pistol. The LCP is the choice of many LEOs as a BUG.

You buy and carry what you wish, but you did come here and ASK for opinions, and that's what you are going to get. It almost sounds like you wanted us to validate your choice of the P226. Don't let pre-conceived notions or something your buddy said make the decision for you. I chose my carry gun as my CCW instructor and other instructors have said that the LCP is a good choice.

Can you quote a time when I said Canik pistols were baldy built? I said Canik pistols aren't as well built as a Sig Sauer. That is my OPINION, but good luck finding someone who disagrees with that.

The part about one gun scaring off an attacker more than another is not something I think is worth arguing about any further.

I crated this post as an honest inquiry as to if a pistol that checks all the boxes of what I WANT exists. I received some great suggestions from other members (Sig 239, CZ 75d/rami, H&K p2000, and S&W 3914) that fit most or all of my wants. You, on the other hand, came and TOLD me what I SHOULD want. As I have stated multiple times, I respect other people's choices of carry. Clearly I don't want anybody to validate my 226 (which one poster did anyway), since I stated that I believe it is too big for me to carry in the summertime. That is why I ASKED.

 

[stchman]

Can you quote a time when I said Canik pistols were baldy built? I said Canik pistols aren't as well built as a Sig Sauer. That is my OPINION, but good luck finding someone who disagrees with that.

The part about one gun scaring off an attacker more than another is not something I think is worth arguing about any further.

I crated this post as an honest inquiry as to if a pistol that checks all the boxes of what I WANT exists. I received some great suggestions from other members (Sig 239, CZ 75d/rami, H&K p2000, and S&W 3914) that fit most or all of my wants. You, on the other hand, came and TOLD me what I SHOULD want. As I have stated multiple times, I respect other people's choices of carry. Clearly I don't want anybody to validate my 226 (which one poster did anyway), since I stated that I believe it is too big for me to carry in the summertime. That is why I ASKED.

I've been a CCW holder now for almost 5 years now. I have carried a few firearms in my time. You have not even taken your CCW class so while I am not a CCW expert, I am more of an expert than you.

I gave you my OPINION. If you don't like someone else's opinion, don't ask for it on a forum. We all know what opinions are like.

If you want to carry a 500 S&W Magnum with a 10" barrel, that's your choice. That would be more scary than your P226.

When you take your CCW class, ask your CCW instructor on what is a good carry gun. Chances are he/she might agree with my assesment.

 

[Sauer Grapes]

From what you've posted, the Sig p239 sounds like the obvious choice. I also happen to like DA/SA guns.

 

[HisStigness]

From what you've posted, the Sig p239 sounds like the obvious choice. I also happen to like DA/SA guns.

Thanks. What do you carry now?

 

[tomrkba]

Have you considered an S&W 3913? Here is one for sale with nice photos.

http://www.vaguntrader.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/826634#Post826634

 

[Biohazard1993]

I am about to take the class to get my permit to carry. Depending on how long it takes to get my permit back, I should be carrying within a couple months from now. I got a Crossbreed Supertuck holster for my Sig P226, and have been trying it around the house. I can carry it at the 4 o'clock position in a t-shirt without printing, except when I bend over to pick something up or reach above my head. This shouldn't be a problem, as I will be wearing winter clothing for the next couple months and sweatshirts for two more after that. Looking forward to the summer months, I don't think I'm going to want to lug around the Sig and risk exposure if I'm wearing only a t-shirt.

This brings me to ask what I should get instead. The problem is that my requirements are very specific, and I don't know if there is a gun that fits the bill. I love the operation of my 226, where I can carry with no safety, but have a heavy trigger pull followed by a nice clean single action pull.

What I want:
-DA/SA operation: I know I'm in the minority, but I actually like this type of operation.
-9mm, 357 Sig, 40 S&W
-A gun that will hold its value: I look at guns as an investment, so I want something that will last and hold its value (that's why I bought a Sig).
-Something just a bit smaller than my 226, which has a length of 7.7" and height of 5.5". I think I'm right in thinking that a reduction in height will help concealability more than reduction in length (so the 229 isn't much better since it's almost the exact same height)

What I don't want:
-Striker fired
-Revolver
-Manual Safety: What's the point if the double action trigger is 8-10 pounds?
-A knockoff brand: Taurus, EAA, Turkish anything
-Something I can only get two fingers on: I want a gun with some substance to it, and some decent mag capacity.

There it is; I've laid out the impossible criteria.

GLOCK 32 Gen 4 in 357 sig. Its lightweight, holds 13 rounds, fits all fingers comfortably, and doesn't have a safety. My old man loves his to death. My next project, a full size GLOCK in 357 sig reduced to the compact grip.

 

[Biohazard1993]

"Don't take this the wrong way, but an attacker is going to be more intimidated by my P226 than your LCP."

lol that is true if your worried about scaring them. I personally edc a RUGER LC9S and no grudge held and no offense taken and I understand why some people worry about intimidation factor. When I pick an edc I worry about it being cancelable, comfortable, and how efficient it is at taking down the person(s) that is harming me or others. I used to really be in the boat with doing everything I can to scare them away (even carrying larger guns while sacrificing my comfort) until some of my friends and their family and my neighbors were hurt by these people, then I realized these people care nothing for me or others and are trying to hurt me or others, so great lengths of courtesy for them left the building with Elvis. Im not trying to come off to strong or anything its just my 2 cents.

 

[HisStigness]

"Don't take this the wrong way, but an attacker is going to be more intimidated by my P226 than your LCP."

lol that is true if your worried about scaring them. I personally edc a RUGER LC9S and no grudge held and no offense taken and I understand why some people worry about intimidation factor. When I pick an edc I worry about it being cancelable, comfortable, and how efficient it is at taking down the person(s) that is harming me or others. I used to really be in the boat with doing everything I can to scare them away (even carrying larger guns while sacrificing my comfort) until some of my friends and their family and my neighbors were hurt by these people, then I realized these people care nothing for me or others and are trying to hurt me or others, so great lengths of courtesy for them left the building with Elvis. Im not trying to come off to strong or anything its just my 2 cents.

Your logic and mindset make sense to me. A lot of criminals today don't care who they have to hurt to get what they want. Maybe I am naive to think that I can carry a gun that's this big an heavy comfortably. Maybe my criteria will change once I start carrying for real (I'm not going to sacrifice comfort/ concealment if it becomes an issue).

Having to shoot someone is the last thing I ever want to do. If there's no way for me to avoid the situation or escape, then maybe (hopefully) the sight of my gun will make the attacker think twice. If not, I know what I have to do.

 

[JR24]

Maybe I am naive to think that I can carry a gun that's this big an heavy comfortably.

I think its been said on this thread before, but a good holster and, perhaps more importantly, a good belt will let you carry a big gun surprisingly easy.

Apart from really hot summer months I tend to carry full size guns (Govt and Commander sized 1911s, Glock 21, Sig P220, etc) just fine. If a regular t-shirt doesn't cover suitably (usually does) then I'll toss on a button-down shirt over it and even full house revolvers will conceal easy enough.

Dress around the gun and you'll be fine.

I can't speak for the weight of the gun, everyone is different, but I don't have issues carrying heavy guns and 1-2 mags all day, every day. Maybe its from the years of traipsing around woods and tundra toting a .44 mag on my belt all day, who knows.

For what its worth I bought a LCP, thinking it'd be an ideal deep carry, and dumped it. Pocket carry wasn't terribly more concealable than a LCR and 1)I didn't like shooting the little thing and 2) I feel much better getting accurate shots of .38 +P over .380 ACP.

YMMV, naturally.

 

[HisStigness]

I think its been said on this thread before, but a good holster and, perhaps more importantly, a good belt will let you carry a big gun surprisingly easy.

Apart from really hot summer months I tend to carry full size guns (Govt and Commander sized 1911s, Glock 21, Sig P220, etc) just fine. If a regular t-shirt doesn't cover suitably (usually does) then I'll toss on a button-down shirt over it and even full house revolvers will conceal easy enough.

Dress around the gun and you'll be fine.

I can't speak for the weight of the gun, everyone is different, but I don't have issues carrying heavy guns and 1-2 mags all day, every day. Maybe its from the years of traipsing around woods and tundra toting a .44 mag on my belt all day, who knows.

For what its worth I bought a LCP, thinking it'd be an ideal deep carry, and dumped it. Pocket carry wasn't terribly more concealable than a LCR and 1)I didn't like shooting the little thing and 2) I feel much better getting accurate shots of .38 +P over .380 ACP.

YMMV, naturally.

I have to say, my crossbreed super tuck is excellent and I will definitely buy another if I get a different carry gun. Do you have any recommendations for a good belt (that is hopefully less than the holster it will be bearing)?

 

[JR24]

From my own experience (and yes I like the Supertucks, carried a p220 in one for a few years, and a Glock 21 for a while as well) I bought the Crossbreed belt when it was on sale a while back, haven't needed a new belt since.

I also used a Simply Rugged one for.... 6 years, before I replaced it with the Crossbreed, it was finally starting to break down a bit.

I know there are others recommended often, I'm just drawing a blank right now, but I'm sure there are others on here than can give you a list.

 

[sixgunner455]

SIG P239 seems the obvious, elegant solution to a little brother to your P226.

If not that one, a S&W 3913 is an iconic CCW, for very good reason.

 

[Manny]

Thanks for the replies. I'm definitely interested in the P239 (how did I not know about it?) and the CZ Rami. The CZ 75 compact might be concealable as well, but is a bit bigger. I think the P229/M11A1 will be too big to carry. I like the idea of the S&Ws but they would require me to find them on the used market (never encountered one before), parts/accessories will be less common than a current gun, and I don't know if I can carry a gun called the Ladysmith...
Any fans of the HK USP compact out there?

I just recently became a fan of the HK USP9c, checking them out for the first time after a recomendation from a very experienced friend of mine who has transitioned to almost all HK's over the years. While I initially was interested in the full size gun, the first time I picked up the USPc I was hooked. The gun just feels RIGHT, to me anyways. I instantly liked the feeling of quality and substance in the gun. Size wise it's slightly bigger than a Glock 19, not really that much smaller than the FS gun, especially in the grip, but it seems much more compact. My gun is the LE version w/ night sights & a 3rd mag that I was lucky enough to find LNIB for a substantial savings over new.

My first time to the range I immediately shot the HK better than any other service type semi auto I've ever fired. My feeling of confidence and trust in the weapon is far higher than any other semi auto I've tried. Performance so far has been 100%, which seems to be standard from what I read in HK forums. The USPc seems to be universally well liked in all accounts I'm seeing in those forums.

The V1 version I gives you many options in control operation; traditional DA/SA, with or w/o using the safety, which also functions as a decocker. It can also be carried "cocked & locked" if so desired. And if those options aren't enough it can easily be converted to several other styles if you'd prefer something else.

For me, I think I've finally found my perfect carry gun for general use. If I need something smaller or more discrete I use a Ruger KLCR W/ CT grip as I don't have much trust in smaller semi-auto's. My only dislikes with the gun are the stupid proprietary front rail and the high initial cost. But for me, the feel & performance easily overcome those issues.

If you can find one to try I'd encourage you to do so, and soon, as HK has a $200 rebate on these & several other models until the end of the year.

 

[Biohazard1993]

Your logic and mindset make sense to me. A lot of criminals today don't care who they have to hurt to get what they want. Maybe I am naive to think that I can carry a gun that's this big an heavy comfortably. Maybe my criteria will change once I start carrying for real (I'm not going to sacrifice comfort/ concealment if it becomes an issue).

Having to shoot someone is the last thing I ever want to do. If there's no way for me to avoid the situation or escape, then maybe (hopefully) the sight of my gun will make the attacker think twice. If not, I know what I have to do.

Your not naïve. Larger guns can be comfortable concealed as stated above. My FOXX holsters I use are a price efficient and overall great inside the waistband option even for large framed guns. My first firearm I carried was an EAA Witness Combat 9mm full size (It was Don Johnson's fault), at 33oz unloaded not counting the 17 rounds of 9mm it was a pain to carry but had a good intimidation factor too it... and I hated every moment of it. Honestly I will be getting a GLOCK 31 soon and having the grip chopped to 32 size and probably edc it instead of the LC9S as things get worse where I'm at. Honestly the longer sight radius, barrel, and increased space/mass are really nice when you have to shoot it and polymer guns are pretty lightweight. The trick is just finding the right holster combo without spending tons of money, mine was FOXX. When I bought my LC9S it was mainly for social occasions and I figured that even though criminals aren't the smartest bunch they would be like everyone else and not want shot with the gun they are staring down even if it isn't a "Black Firearm". Unfortunately now money is tight for my larger carry gun I want, so the LC9S stays in my waistband. Good luck on your quest for your pistol and your long quest on finding the carry method and holster for you.

 

[HisStigness]

I went to a couple gun shops and held 3 of the guns that people recommended.
P224: the grip really disqualified this gun for me. I like the size of it, but the length is just too short. A short grip is fine with a small gun like a ruger sr9c or SA xds, or a light gun like a glock 19/23. With the sig it didn't work because of all the mass of the 229 length full metal slide and frame above my hand. Two fingers on the grip and all that weight just made it feel awkward in my hand.

239: I like the way this gun looks and is proportioned. The gun has a nice trigger (that can be further improved with a lighter trigger spring and SRT kit). The overall size is great, and probably my ideal size for carry and shootability. I can get all my fingers on the grip! However, the problem with this gun is the grip. It's too thin and feels positively square in my hand. It reminds me of the time I tried the sr9c; good gun, the grips just don't work for me. I wish they would have modified a set of 229 grips to fit this gun. The magazine capacity in this gun is also lacking, being only a single stack magazine.

CZ-75D: my first impressions were "what a fantastic grip" and "wow this gun is solid." The trigger is decent, (only fired it single action, forgot about double action) and all the controls are where they should be. I believe it is a bit bigger than the 239, but it has almost twice the ammo. The thing I don't like about CZs is the super low profile slide. It seems like it would make a tap rack bang drill hard without some serious practice. So far this gun is looking like my best option.

I they didn't have a Rami, any hammer fired Smith and Wessons, or a compact H&K. I noticed that even full size HKs don't seem as large as other duty weapons, like the 226.

 

[JR24]

The thing I don't like about CZs is the super low profile slide. It seems like it would make a tap rack bang drill hard without some serious practice. So far this gun is looking like my best option.

I was a bit worried about the CZ slide when I got my P-07 and have found that tap/rack/bang and malf clearance has been a non-issue with and without gloves. I discovered this because my particular P-07 hates weak 115 grain FMJ so far, but it is loosening up and shoots anything else I've put in (including "good" defensive ammo) amazingly.

Your hands are probably different, so take that for what it's worth.

 

[sixgunner455]

There are alternative grips for the 239 you can try to make it suit you better.

Yes, to get a gun that thin, you do have to give up some capacity.

 

[guyfromohio]

I have the Hogue Wood grips on my 239 and it fills out perfectly. I still prefer to shoot the PCR though.

 

[breacher]

There is a striker fired pistol that comes in a DA/SA trigger mode. The Walther P99AS. (also SW99 version) The DA is fairly long and heavy and the SA is the best striker trigger out there. The trigger reset can't be beat either. It's an awesome pistol, comes in a smaller compact version too but I doubt you'll get all your fingers on the grip of that one.

The only gun I've let go of that I really regret now. It was more accurate than any 1911 or any other pistol I've ever owned and I lost count a long time ago. It is a polymer pistol and pretty light. For me lugging an all steel pistol around all day gets old real fast.

 

[cluttonfred]

Well, if you want the decocking lever DA/SA action of a traditonal SIG, then I think you're looking at another SIG or maybe one of the now out-of-production Smith & Wesson 9mm or .40S&W models with a decocker. The Bersa Thunder UC Pro series (your choice of 9mm, .40S&W or .45ACP) is a very affordable option--it does have a decocking safety, but you can always carry it hammer down and safety off if you prefer.

 

[DAdams]

I would like to find a Walther 99AS compact in 9mm. Ergos on my full sized version fit me better than anything I could find two years ago.

If I were looking at a carry gun today I would consider a Glock 30S and I have never owned a Glock.