Looking to Buy New Handgun...good for ccw too...

[Alan Fud]

S&W 3913 - great, underrated carry gun. Accurate, reliable, and easy to conceal.

Another vote for the 3913! I spent half a dozen years in southern Florida (right at the intersection of I-75 & I-595) and the stainless 3913 was my most frequent CCW. For deeper concealment, I carried a Taurus 85 with a concealed hammer.

 

[CougarRed]

I own 2 pocket guns:

S&W 342PD .38 revolver
Kahr P9 Covert 9mm pistol

S&W does not make the 11 oz 342PD anymore, but the slightly heavier 442 and 642 are still in production, and you can still find 342s. The 342/442/642 line is the centenniel model, which is hammerless for snag free pocket draw. Despite shelving the 342, S&W still makes the 340, a hammerless 12 oz .357 mag that can also shoot .38s. The recoil on my 342 is pretty stout with everything except wadcutters. Effective defense ammo choices are pretty limited with a 2" barrel: Speer Gold Dot 135+p, Corbon DPX 110, and SafeStop 148 wadcutters. Capacity is 5 rounds. The stock trigger is terrible, and you'll probably want an action job. If you can manage the trigger, the gun is quite accurate in daylight when you can see the sights. In poor light conditions or against dark targets, the sights are next to impossible to see. As a result of the difficulty in sighting a target as well as the recoil, I added some Crimson Trace overmoulded laser grips to my 342PD. Now, I can draw from the pocket and shoot from the hip with accuracy.

The Kahr P9 Covert has the same grip as the PM9, but the slightly longer barrel and slide of the P9. I find the extra length does not impede pocket carry. Rather, the shortened grip is the key to pocket concealment. Another difference between the P9 Covert and PM9 is the recoil system: Covert is normal, PM9 is "Seecamp." The Kahr trigger is very nice. The pull is a 1/2" (which you want in a pocket gun) and smooth. The only negative is the long reset. The Kahr capacity is 6+1. Recoil is not an issue, especially with an AGrip and/or Hogue Handall Jr grip sleeve on. I use both. Effective defense ammo choices in 9mm are much more prevalent than .38s, and practice ammo is cheap!! I use Ranger 147s for defense and $4 WWB from Academy for practice. The gun is very accurate. Night sights are available, but laser grips are not. My gun has been flawless since the break-in period - 100% feed, fire and eject. The P9 Covert can be had for $415 at OnPoint Firearms - lowest price I have seen, and probably $100 less than you'll pay for a PM9.

I have either the Kahr or the SW on me at all times, usually the Kahr. Both fit perfectly in an Uncle Mikes #3 pocket holster.

Red

 

[Curare]

Glock 19/23 would be your best bet for a gun you can enjoy at the range and in the holster.

--amazingly hard and rust resistant finish
--uber reliability
--you only have to learn one trigger pull instead of two
--easy to dissassemble
--low parts count
--affordable
--light weight for a high capacity CCW
--aftermarket accessories abound
--mags are cheap and plentiful
--easy to clean and needs minimal oil
--no sharp edges when carrying IWB
--no manual safety to add complexity

If you go to a practical shooting event or shooting school, 1911s and Glocks are the top dogs for good reason.

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

I wouldn't write off a Glock 26. Just because it is small doesn't mean it's not accurate. I shoot my 26 much better than I shoot my full-size CZ75B (about 30 percent better, judging from my scores in a centerfire pistol league). I'm not the only one who has had this experience. Some people shoot their 26s better than they shoot their Glock 34s.

 

[PCRit]

XD40SC in Bi-tone, so there are no problems with rust. Mine has been great. I like the XD grip angle better than the Glock 27, but for you, the Glock may feel best. Check them both out, on the range if possible, or at least see how each feels in your hand.