Looking to start CCW. Having trouble choosing Handgun.

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You plan on carrying OWB and weight is not an issue I wouldn't be looking at PPS or Kahr in the PM series. I would rather up the round count just a little.

With the way you want to carry I wouldn't discount S&W M&P 9C or even .40.Which then opens you up to the HK P2000 compacts and the Walther P99C in 9mm or .40.

The nice thing about the Kahr PM series is that it does allow the flexibility to pocket carry if you so desire. Anything over 16 ounces in your pocket is like a brick unless you wear cargo pants and a good belt to keep your trousers up.

I found the PPS too heavy for the pocket (and didn't care for the ergonomics) so you may as well jump up to something in a compact as opposed to a sub (IMO).

If you stick to the subcompacts don't forget the Springfield XD subcompact in 9 and .40 also. You can pick one up for less than $500 and I have seen them on sale for $425 and they have a nice setup for two mag sizes. As small as it is, it has a small rail for a light...JIC.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/xd.php?model=2
 
But I am having a hard time settling on a handgun.
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After a few years of ccw, I'm still having trouble choosing. So I just buy more handguns. :)

Seriously, out of everything I've attempted to become proficient with and then carry...my favorites are as follows (in order):


  1. Kimber pro cdp II
  2. Glock 19
Edit:: Anything with a longer barrel tends to interfere with my wallet drawing technique when I carry it in my rear pocket and the weapon IWB strong side, behind the hip and canted.
 
FWIW, I tried pocket pistols...borrowed a setup from a friend(sig p380 and a desantis pocket holster). I'm a slender guy, so my pockets aren't huge on a daily basis (dress slacks or khakis). I just wasn't satisfied with the speed of my presentation when I practiced as carried. I also didn't like how the rig reacted when wearing slacks or khackis. The holster gripped the pocket well, but the whole pocket moved with my draw stroke. It just seemed awkward and clumsy for me. I'm very glad I had he luxury of trying out this setup before I bought anything. Pocket carry just wasn't for me. I prefer a conventional holster IWB.
 
One Just Isn't Enough

After a few years of ccw, I'm still having trouble choosing. So I just buy more handguns.
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Isn't that the truth.

Two to three per year the first two years and at least one a year after that. Kind of a minimum approach. ;)

I think I would get a Ruger LCP for starters and go from there. At least you have yourself somewhat protected and a good .380 pocket pistol never goes out of style.

My Pocket carrys include:

S&W M&P 340 (revolver)
Seecamp .380
Kahr PM9

OWB

I decided to get it over with. Walther P99 AS 13 rounds of .40. 21oz. Semi-full size. :cool:
There's just not enough difference trying to conceal an extra inch so I skipped the compact segment.

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The main thing becomes is it reasonably comfortable to carry? Because if its not, you won't.
Can you shoot it well? If you can't it's not for you, so you need to go to a range and shoot as many pistols as you can afford. Then go from there.
There is no one size fits all. Have you ever known a woman with one pair of shoes.;)

I certainly wouldn't discourge anyone from purchasing a PM9 since in a pinch it easily can go in the pocket, works well IWB and can be carried OWB nicely. 7 rounds 9mm.

P2140017-2.jpg
 
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I have a PM9 as well and think it fits the CCW bill perfectly. I have a Glock 19 which I carry if I'm dressed for it, but it's too large for EDC, at least for me. The PM9 sits inside my pocket in a pocket holster and looks like a wallet or a blackberry.
 
The G36 is a GREAT CCW gun, especially so beneath a light T-shirt. I tried one out for a few months this past summer, but could never get used to the feel of the grip and went back to a Springfield LtWt. Champion Loaded 1911.
 
start with a smaller gun, build up your confidence in carrying concealed comfortably, then the world is yours from there on out and the pistol collection will start to grow....
 
I like my Kahr PM45 but it's a handful to shoot. Kahr Cw9 and CW 45 may be something to look at. NO Glock fits my hand as they are too fat for me, although I have not yet held a generation 4 Glock. Gen 4 Glocks changed the backstraps to inter-changeable sizes I guess. I'll try one soon, just to check the feel. The Ruger LCR is nice, but you must practice a lot with snubbies.
 
I love my Kahr k9 but have changed to a Sig p229 in 40 or sp101 in 357mag.
 
I like the M&P compact line in any caliber. and Then i want to get for a BUG a Ruger LCP 380.

Actually my real suggestion is go out rent some of these guns shoot them, find one that feels comfortable. When you get you ccw permit carry some of these guns. (You can do it just for fun in your own home if you have a friend that will let you borrow a gun.)

Also don't forget that there is more to CC than just the gun. How many mags? Which holster? How many guns? What type of ammo works best in the gun? Stuff like that, so be prepared to spend some time and more money to get full set up.

Good luck and be patient.
 
If you're willing to go as large as the PM45, you might want to consider the Kahr P9. That'll let you keep the weight down but give you a bit longer grip to help tame the gun.

jm
 
PM9 most definitely as it is happy IWB or in a pocket.

PM45 almost the same if your used to big bore guns and can afford to buy the higher priced ammo to practice with.

As a 3rd gun i may say im wrong by many and upset a few people, But i wouldn't touch a 3" Kimber. Reliability is the reason as you stated. The Springfield EMP, Colt New Agent or Defender are better guns imo.

4th I put this gun in a separate class as its not a $1k 1911 like the others in group #3, Thats the RIA CS Officer. Its a 3.5" .45acp and has earned a reputation of reliability, But if issues do arise RIA has the best CS in the game.
I do advise a Fluff and Buff trigger job most people familiar with 1911's can do. But it isn't necessary and will smooth out with about 1k dry fires.
At $425 the gun cant be beat. But i list it at #4 as the previous 3 other guns are more refined out of the box.
 
"M1key- Would never own a 3 inch 1911."

If you would really like to try one and have high odds it will work right 100% out of the box you should try an RIA CS Officers 3.5"
It has a track record for reliability only Colt's New Agent and Defender at $1K each has which is very good.
Plus if you have issues RIA has the best CS to deal with and the master gunsmith is online at http://forum.m1911.org and they will make the gun work or replace it.

At $425 its an amazing gun and almost too good to be true.
Imo it only needs a good "Fluff and buff" trigger job as they parkerize the trigger parts also and it will take a 1k rounds to smooth it out naturally.

Ive done alot of research on this and this is the only less than $1k officers gun that works out of the box.
And yes i own one and love it.
 
The issue I've had with the short 1911's that use a different than standard spring set up has been, if they did work reliably out of the box, they didnt at various points not to far down the road as they were shot more. The more I shot mine, the more trouble they became. Replacing springs on a fairly short interval seemed to help with some, and not with others.

The 1911's seem to be the worst offenders of this, as I never had the issue with SIG's or Glocks that were as small, or even smaller.

Not knocking the RIA, as I have no experience with them, but just the "type/style" gun in general. If youre going to shoot it a lot, you may want to look into it a little deeper.
 
Look at the Glock 36...

It's basically the same size as a Glock 19


Now go Smaller with the Glock 26.

I've CCW'd this in New Orleans and Mobile (On a Daily basis while living there.


My recomendation.
 
1. Excellent call on holster! (This is IWB for those who seem to have missed that.)
PackinSack said:
I plan to order a crossbreed supertuck or similar for this handgun and carry at 4:30 or so.
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Do not dare to carry any of these without a holster!!! Get a good belt also. Without that, it'll never work with shorts.

2. Get what you shoot well.

3. See #2.

4. Get what you'll be willing to have with you ALL the time.

I think #4 is why the .380's are so popular. Based on what you've said, it sounds like a the Kahr is the winner. It is by far the thinnest!
PackinSack said:
As much as I like a higher capacity, double stacks are too chunky for me, I need something thin and smaller.
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May I also suggest that you should consider the length of the grip? See the post by Nomad, 2nd, above. The G26/G27 is almost imperceptibly thicker than the G36 and weighs the same, and yet it holds 3 or 4 more rounds of the smaller ammo. However, the grip is over 1/2 inch shorter. This makes a big difference in terms of concealment! Just something to consider.

Still, any of these will feel a lot thicker than the Kahr. I have a friend who is quite fond of his Kahr for CCW. It seems to be a very fine defensive weapon.

In any case, see #2 through #4, above. ;)
 
Kahr CW9 or PM9

I've carried/carry IWB/OWB full/compact-size pistols , pocket carry a Kel-Tec P3AT .380, or a J-frame .38 S&W revolver. I currently carry a Kahr CW9 IWB. I love the thinness of the piece. And the fact that it weighs .22 ozs fully loaded. Its a good shooter. Feels just right in the hand and on the waist. I will be looking closely at the PM9 when I can accrue the funds for another purchase. Good luck in your quest.

best regards,

Luis Leon
 
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