Cryogaijin
Member
Nothing weaker than .380acp, nothing "fatter" than a 9mm, and I'd prefer american made over foreign.
Opinions? Suggestions? recommended holsters?
Opinions? Suggestions? recommended holsters?
Looking for my first IWB concealable handgun.
- Thread starter Cryogaijin
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smalls
Member
Suggestion: go hold every gun that meets your criteria, price range, caliber, country of manufacture, etc. Shoot the ones that feel the best in your hand and point the most natural. Buy the one you shot best.
There are literally hundreds of guns within .380-9mm and American made. All you're gonna get here are people's favorites. Go find you're favorite.
There are literally hundreds of guns within .380-9mm and American made. All you're gonna get here are people's favorites. Go find you're favorite.
Cryogaijin
Member
I'd like to narrow the field a bit before I go firearms fondling.
smalls
Member
Then do so by setting a price point, material (metal/polymer), etc. like I said, you could get hundreds of different responses here, and that's not going to help at all.
Skylerbone
Member
Can we start with what you currently shoot or have experience with and like? Most people understand small or lightweight but specifics like double action or must have an exposed hammer or a safety can further winnow suggestions.
Cryogaijin
Member
All my current handguns are full size.
I currently shoot a tokarev (m57), xd45c, Witness 10mm fullsize, and a High Standard Sport King .22 rimfire.
I currently shoot a tokarev (m57), xd45c, Witness 10mm fullsize, and a High Standard Sport King .22 rimfire.
Skylerbone
Member
If it must be IWB my suggestion is thinner is better and find a good gun belt.
Kahr makes a host of single stack polymer pistols
Walther PPK
Beretta Nano
S&W Shield
Kimber Solo
I'd be happy with any of the above. I normally carry a Government Model because it's reliable and slim but once the holster for my Kahr is finished I plan on spending a lot of time with it. As you're already acquainted with the XD line it might make for a reasonable carry as well if you don't mind the extra width.
But...my suggestion would be to take what you have and try them out first. If you have an inexpensive holster, try fitting each inside the waist of your pants in proximity to where you'll be carrying. You might find your wardrobe unsuitable or carry uncomfortable in which case you'll have possibly saved a healthy sum not buying what doesn't suit you.
If there are no objections at that point, find a pistol and holster to fit you wants and budget.
Kahr makes a host of single stack polymer pistols
Walther PPK
Beretta Nano
S&W Shield
Kimber Solo
I'd be happy with any of the above. I normally carry a Government Model because it's reliable and slim but once the holster for my Kahr is finished I plan on spending a lot of time with it. As you're already acquainted with the XD line it might make for a reasonable carry as well if you don't mind the extra width.
But...my suggestion would be to take what you have and try them out first. If you have an inexpensive holster, try fitting each inside the waist of your pants in proximity to where you'll be carrying. You might find your wardrobe unsuitable or carry uncomfortable in which case you'll have possibly saved a healthy sum not buying what doesn't suit you.
If there are no objections at that point, find a pistol and holster to fit you wants and budget.
Skylerbone
Member
Not to be off topic but for Kahr magazines, when they're in stock: http://www.ivanhoeoutlet.com/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=43
Steep compared to Glock or a 1911 but a good many magazines these days run $35 or more which makes the Kahr a bargain.
Steep compared to Glock or a 1911 but a good many magazines these days run $35 or more which makes the Kahr a bargain.
You could prob make that xd45c work well in the waistband with a crossbreed holster and good belt. You may want to try it before you commit to a smaller 9mm. I believe the xd45c has the shorter grip which is the hardest part to conceal. The 4 inch barrel is easy to conceal IWB. I usually carry an XDM45c and a friend carries a glock 30. Just have to adjust your wardrobe some. The only single stack 9mm I really liked that I was able to shoot was the Walther pps, but I couldn't justify buying a single stack 9 when I can carry and already own the 45, and when I can't, the LCP can fill in. Good luck with your search.
bannockburn
Member
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Cryogaijin
I would add the SIG P-238 and P-938 to your list as well.
I would add the SIG P-238 and P-938 to your list as well.
Rubber_Duck
Member
Kahr CW9 or P9.
I am a big fan of the Sig Ultra in .45. Use to carry a P238 till I compared the size of the P238 to the Ultra. With a Tommy Theis IWB holster, I could carry the Ultra and conceal the 1911 just the same. In my book, 8rd of .45 beats 7rd of .380. A good belt and holster are the key parts to comfortable and good IWB carry. My two favorites are Tommy Theis and Crossbreed. I also can carry a G23 well in a Crossbreed. My G23 or G27 are usually my EDC. Not really a fan of the Kahrs with the heavy trigger pull. Have not handled one yet but I have heard good things about the XDS 45.
I carry a 4" Kimber Eclipse
in a Milt Sparks VM-2 all day, every day. If that gets a little too heavy or I just want something different I switch to one of my Ultras in the same rig. If I were to buy something smaller right now it would be the Sig 938. It is basically a 1911 without the grip safety. I have an LC9 but no IWB holster for it right now, but that would make a very comfortable carry gun as well. The holster makes all the difference in the world.
in a Milt Sparks VM-2 all day, every day. If that gets a little too heavy or I just want something different I switch to one of my Ultras in the same rig. If I were to buy something smaller right now it would be the Sig 938. It is basically a 1911 without the grip safety. I have an LC9 but no IWB holster for it right now, but that would make a very comfortable carry gun as well. The holster makes all the difference in the world.
breakingcontact
Member
True story!
You can narrow it down by considering what action you'd like, manual safety or no...things of that sort.
meanmrmustard
Member
I would suggest the Kahr CW9, but I'm currently carrying the Shield in 9mm.
I highly recommend it for IWB. Just leave the safety off if that bothers you as it is very positive and hard to engage unless you're trying.
I highly recommend it for IWB. Just leave the safety off if that bothers you as it is very positive and hard to engage unless you're trying.
Racinfan83
Member
S&W M&P Shield - if you can find one! They make them in 9mm and .40. Right now they seem to be made of "unobtainium" - but I have seen them on Gunbroker. Feels like a "full size" with the extended mag in place, has an easily moveable safety, and is less then 1" thick. I got one for my wife right after they came out. I would trade my XD Subcompact in for one if I could find one here in a shop. XD Sub is nice - but the Shield is 1/4" thinner.
Like others have said - the feel and function of any firearm is the key. But the Shield is one of the best CC weapons I have ever handled. There is a REASON why you can't find one in a store and there are waiting lists a page long at the shops...
??? I have no problem with the one I have?? Maybe there is something binding on yours? I just sweep my thumb down on the draw and it disengages every time...
Like others have said - the feel and function of any firearm is the key. But the Shield is one of the best CC weapons I have ever handled. There is a REASON why you can't find one in a store and there are waiting lists a page long at the shops...
??? I have no problem with the one I have?? Maybe there is something binding on yours? I just sweep my thumb down on the draw and it disengages every time...
hardluk1
member
This may help with compairing many but not all makes and models. use it after you try a couple to cover demensions of others.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B22...kLWE0MGMtZmEwNGFlMWE3ZDlm/edit?hl=en_US&pli=1
I carry a kahrs. cm9 for pocket , cw9 for iwb and now have a tp40 to work in to the mix.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B22...kLWE0MGMtZmEwNGFlMWE3ZDlm/edit?hl=en_US&pli=1
I carry a kahrs. cm9 for pocket , cw9 for iwb and now have a tp40 to work in to the mix.
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Cryogaijin
Member
Exactly what I was looking for Hardluk1
BamAlmighty
Member
Sig 938
S&W Shield
Kahr CM/PM 9
SA XDs
I personally carry a Sig 938, have carried a Kahr CM9. Currently looking to add a S&W Shield to my collection.
I don't recommend a Beretta Nano or Kimber Solo, they are ammo picky. All the others I have shot various ammos without a problem.
S&W Shield
Kahr CM/PM 9
SA XDs
I personally carry a Sig 938, have carried a Kahr CM9. Currently looking to add a S&W Shield to my collection.
I don't recommend a Beretta Nano or Kimber Solo, they are ammo picky. All the others I have shot various ammos without a problem.
Cryogaijin
Member
Bam:
Know any good places in PDX to put hands on a good variety of these guns? So far I haven't had good luck looking around.
Know any good places in PDX to put hands on a good variety of these guns? So far I haven't had good luck looking around.
Deer_Freak
Member.
I would have no problems carrying the XD45c IWB. You need to just shoot some guns. Right now I carry a ruger P95 IWB. The ruger is larger than your 45. Just get some pants that are 2" to large and a decent holster. I carried a Ruger Super Blackhawk with a 7.5" barrel just shoved in my pants for a couple years. I was working 24 hour shifts when I carried the Ruger.
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