newly CHL'd, need advice on carry

[sevenpoint62mm]

Just took my CHL two weeks ago, should get CCW permit in in about a month. Heres my options, a Ruger 9mm P95 with 15 round clips using cor-bon powrballs (large framed, sorta bulky) or my trusty S+W model 60 5 shot 38 special (alluinum frame, light but can't use P+ ammo). I'm more wanting to take it to and from work as I work past midnight and walk out alone. Trying to take many factors into my choice,..

My accuracy is about 225 out of 250 on the CHL test so I think I'm a decent shot.

The revolver is more reliable and slightly bigger punch. Its also alot lighter and smaller. But its less intimidating, the rounds I have to choose from is less, and the ammo cap is alot smaller. Its enough for 1 attacker but if I had more would I be safe?

The 9mm Ruger is more intimidating (it has the same frame as the Ruger .45 cal) and packs a higher ammo cap. Also the cor-bon powrballs will make a mess out of anyone quick. But it tends to jam alot and the weight can be an issue.

Opinions?

 

[field70]

A Ruger that jams is rare..and with round nose bullets is even more rare. I have a p85 that has never malfunctioned..If a gun jams, you don't want to stake your life on it....Use the Mod 60...Unless it as an OLD 60, you can use +p's for self defense, you just don't want to shoot a lot of them through it. I have a mod 37 airweight and I carry +p's in it, and shoot a cylinder full through it once in awhile. Maybe you should have a good "smith" look at the Ruger...be sure you are not "limp wristing" it when you fire it.

 

[spacemanspiff]

carry what is most reliable and accurate in your hands.

the ruger jams? dont even think about carrying it.

 

[cratz2]

Do you know what the problem is with the Ruger jamming? In my experience, 9mm Rugers are generally very problem and jam-free. If the gun is cleaned and properly lubed, and the mag spring and recoil spring have been replaced since the problems started, Ruger will make it right.

But from reading your post, sounds like for now at least, the revolver is the only way to go. I admit I've carried pistols for over 99% of my carrying history as I just find them more comfortable, I guess. I'd feel about equally comfortable with the new Gold Dots for snubbies and with the 124 Gr +P Gold Dots in 9mm... Of course, all else being equal, I'd rather have 15 of them than 5 or 6 of them.

Overall, my advice to new carriers is this: Carry what you can shoot well and are confident in. I wouldn't waste my time on a gun I didn't have faith in. At the same time, I'd try to focus on a gun you will have with you at every possible moment. For my limited experience, I don't think I liked the cylinder thickness. This was comparing a Taurus 85CHULT to a Kahr P9 Covert. I had complete faith in the Kahr so that is what I carried. I've since moved to a couple of larger 'mid-sized' guns like the SIG 229 and the CZ PCR.

Good luck and let us know about fixing that Ruger. They're kinda bulky, but they should be VERY reliable.

And welcome to The High Road.

 

[Oracle]

And, actually, the 9mm has a bit more punch than the .38 Special. 9mm pretty much splits the difference between .38 Special and .357 Magnum.

 

[jc2]

No brainer!

I would never ever carry a pistol that "tends to jam alot."

The Ruger shouldn't "jam alot."

There's better ammo available than CorBon Pow'rBall.

 

[Brad Johnson]

CHL revelation...

You will quickly discover the following...

When you are carrying, your gun can't be small enough or light enough. If you are ever forced to pull your gun, it can't be big enough or powerful enough.

Don't worry about brand, caliber, size, etc. It's more a matter of getting something that you can A) Comfortably carry, and B) Can actually hit a target with. I'd rather have a smaller, more modestly chambered gun that's accurate, reliable and comfortable enough to carry all the time. Something that's big and powerful but uncomfortable and inaccurate will eventually get left on the nightstand instead of being carried regularly.

Brad

 

[sevenpoint62mm]

It jams maybe once every 200 rounds on the range. This is after a good bit of firing. Using Winchester range rounds, probably with a little too much gun oil though.

 

[magsnubby]

Very simple. Put the Ruger in the shop. Then take it to the range,put atleast 200 rounds through it. If it eats 200 rounds without any malfunctions put it and the 60 on your permit. You always need a back up in case you have to put one in the shop. Plus it gives you the option of carrying something a bit smaller and lighter if the occasion arises.

 

[sevenpoint62mm]

Thinking back I think it might be the springs on my mags. I haven't given much thought to it but my mags have been sitting full for 5 years. Without good springs I might not being pushing out the mag all the way or fast enough. What makes me think this is the jams are when the casing is still partly in the mag. Time to buy some new mages and give it a fresh go at the range.

Also whats some good brands on holsters. I heard you usually get what you pay for in a holster. Looks for a side or back paddle and an underarm.

 

[sturmruger]

In my expierence Ruger Autos are very picky about mags. When I use good mags with my P89 I never have any trouble.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

First rule of a gunfight: Have a gun!

Ditto Brad Johnson's recommendation. Choose the one that you will actually carry everywhere. Not one that you will leave at home or in the car because it is too much of a hassle to lug around. It is not uncommon to have to go through a bunch of handguns and holsters until you find the combination that is best for you.

 

[Shmackey]

I've never seen a centerfire Ruger jam. Ever.

I mean, people buy them for a reason, and it's not looks.

 

[gggman]

If those are Ruger factory mags that are causing the jams, I'd get some new springs in there ASAP. If they are cheap aftermarket mags, I'd get rid of them and get some factory mags. Ruger autoloaders are dead reliable with quality ammo, and if your P95 is jamming, it's more than likely bad mags or bad ammo.

 

[MikeJ]

When you are carrying, your gun can't be small enough or light enough. If you are ever forced to pull your gun, it can't be big enough or powerful enough

Truer words were never spoken! Good on ya, Brad.

As others have stated only trust your life to a gun that is as reliable as it possibly can be. For now go with the 5 shot snub. It is much better to get off 5 rounds of .38 than have the second 9mm jam on you.

 

[dairycreek]

A bit of practical advice!

After all other variables have been considered just what gun will you carry persistently and consistently? You can have the most reliable, most expensive, lightest, smallest gun but if you are not willing to strap in on every day then it's not the carry gun for you. I have been collecting pistols for years and have a lot of them. But there's only one that I carry every day. Good shooting