Newbie questions ?

[cemjr]

Well at 52 years young I bought my first firearm. An H & K p-30 9mm. I got it for home defense. After some practice at the range, I took the CPL classes and applied for my ccw. I convinced my wife she should also get a pistol for SD, so after she shot several different types she decided on a Bersa 380cc. She is also signed-up for cpl class (June ). Now after a couple thousand rounds through the p-30 I'm thinking about getting a second gun for myself. Here are several questions I have : 1. should I consider different caliber for gun #2, ) 2. should I get a Kahr pm9 for a good ccw gun.(if they issue me one) ) 3. I think I want some type of compact because except in the fall & winter the p-30 would be a little large. There are lots of compacts I think I would like , here's the short list; S&W MP9c, Berretta PX4 storm com. CZ rami Ruger SR9c and the KAHR. I didn't care much for the XD9c and I don't think I want a GLOCK ( sorry to all the fans of those two). Who wants to weigh in with an opinion

 

[NMGonzo]

Congratulations!

Have you thought of a 5 shot snub-nose as secondary?

They conceal VERY well IMHO.

 

[lions]

IMO the Kahr is in a slightly smaller size class than the others on your list, the PM9 is nearly a pocket gun. How you will be carrying the gun might make a big difference in your choice.

 

[cemjr]

I shot an SP 101 w/38 loads , The stock grip was a little difficult for me to hold , I would need to replace them with a moulded style. I have kind of large hands, which is why the KAHR might not be right for me, even though it would carry great. The 101 was a little heavy too, although I know there are alot lighter snubies out there.

 

[Armedleprechaun]

From your list I would pick the M&P9c. I have a full size M&P9, it's very reliable and comfortable to shoot. I also like the interchangeable backstraps. I would think the compact would fit your needs. You can also look at the XD 9 subcompact by Springfield Armory. One final option would be the Glock 19. It is a compact which means it bridges the gap between subcompact and full size pistols. It is by far my favorite out of all the pistols I own. IMO It can fill the role of a ccw or home defense gun. Not to mention it's excellent reliability. Mine has 1200+ rounds through it without one problem. Hope this helps!

Evan

 

[SigP229R]

If you can find a range that rents and has a Sig P225 try that one. I think you will be pleasantly surprised and, if you shoud decide to buy one therre are some used ones coming in from Germany right now and also some P6's which are the same thing and at a good price. Good luck with what ever you choose.

 

[duns]

Like you, I chose a large gun as my first gun based on home defense considerations. I then went for a Walther P99C AS for an IWB carry gun. However, with hindsight, I should probably have gone for the S&W M&P 9c (virtually same gun but with lifetime warranty if I'm not mistaken). However, in practice, I find dressing around any IWB carry gun a bit tedious and most of the time I slip a S&W J-frame revolver into a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster and put the whole lot into my front jeans or trouser pocket.

 

[Quiet]

If you like your H&K P30, check out the H&K P2000SK.

 

[degunner]

There are lots of good firearms out there in all sizes but due to the design of the firearm and your build all you will get is a list of firearms to look at. I suggest you go to a store / range that has rentals and shoot everything you are interested in and can afford. That being said each recommendation has its merits but only you can decide what is best for your particular application.
Things to keep in mind while carrying and or selecting the firearm for carry
1. Can you actually shoot the durn thing with a high degree of proficency (this is #1)
2. Size of weapon
3. Method of carry IMB, OWB , pocket or shoulder holster?
3a holster type some examples are slide, pancake, paddle
3b holster material ex. Horse, cow, kydex
3c holster features ex retention, reinforced opening, finnishes
4. extra ammunition will you carry any and if how
Why are you opposed to a glock when several of the weapons you listed share design ideas from glock? Nothing wrong with any that you listed just curious.

 

[stevek]

Personally, I got rid of my S&W M&P 9C after getting my Kahr PM9. Easiest carrying 9mm out there IMHO. If you're thinking of adding a caliber, a S&W J frame, a Kahr PM45, or a 3 inch 1911 of some type are all good alternatives

 

[cemjr]

To degunner, all good suggestions/conciderations. The gunshop/gunrange in my area recently closed (bank issues) , so my rent and shoot option has dried up for now. I have a blackhawk serpa for the p-30 but it's no ccw system(too large). A shoulder holster would require a sport jacket to conceal and I don't ware one(not in summer). I'm thinking pocket or IWB. The Glock question is more a personal preference(thick,blockey,longer barrell ). To Quite, I'd love another H&K but the cost is an issue ( i'm not cheap, just not made of money). To Stevek the question about another cal. is, would it be a good idea from the standpoint of not having all your firearms in one cal. ammo availability issue.

 

[ultradoc]

Congrats cemjr. I think the bug has bit you. I just aquired a Bersa Thunder .380 and am still waiting on two holsters [crossbread IWB and a leather thumbreak]but I can't wait to carry them. I do carry an XD-9 s.c. and I know there will be a big differance [size and weight]. For the XD-9 I have several rigs. I have an IWB Kholster,a Blackhawk serpa,two sholder [verticle and horizontel] holsters and a high ride thumbreak leather Blackhawk holster. The Serpa is good for IDPA shoots but not C.C. For C.C. I like the Kholster and the leather thumbreak. Whatever gun and cal. you choose good luck. There is alot of good stuff out there. Just do your research.

 

[shockwave]

Although I'm a big fan of revolvers, for CCW the Ruger SR9c seems like the sleeper gun of the year. I'm planning on getting one as my first auto.

 

[MachIVshooter]

With larger hands, I think the M&P9C would be your best CCW option of those mentioned. The Rami would also be good, but they're heavier and chunkier. The PM9 carries real easy, but it is very small for big mits.

 

[stevek]

To Stevek the question about another cal. is, would it be a good idea from the standpoint of not having all your firearms in one cal. ammo availability issue.

As long as you have enough put back for your carry/defense platform, I think adding calibers actually increases availability options...as long as you stay with the more common ones