Opinions on best CC "combat" pistol

[themachine]

I know everyone has preferences and opinions. Please don't hear what I'm not saying! By combat pistol I know that anything becomes a "combat" pistol if that situation presents itself but that's not what I'm referring to.

(Ruger LCP, Keltec P3AT, etc... do not interest me... too small for my taste especially at work)

I'm looking for a good very concealable semi-auto pistol to carry for work when I'm dressed down in just a tshirt and jeans style. I carry glock 23 when I have a suit on because that's easy to cover. Right now I've been using a Keltec PF9 because it's got enough grip for my hand size, it's very concealable, and it's pretty decent quality for the price. I also carry extra mags when on duty.

I'm open to suggestions but I'm 5'11 175lbs so it has to be able to conceal on my frame under a regular shirt.

I want an HK P7 cause I got hooked on one when at a handgun course but I'm not ready to drop that kind of cash. Any other recommendations?

 

[EddieNFL]

I know everyone has preferences and opinions.

And that will determine the responses you received.

I'm 5'9" ~180 and carry a full size 1911...with a magwell attached...and use Wilson mags with .350 base pads. YMMV.

 

[Bula]

Browning High Power

 

[texas bulldog]

you've left some things unspecified that may be important to the responses you get. for instance, what is too small? is it about grip size, capacity, or just caliber? similarly, you haven't told us what you don't like about the PF9. if it's working for you, then maybe you should stick with it.

that said, i think the obvious choice considering you sometimes carry and in theory are satisfied with the glock 23 is to get the glock 27. same caliber, same grip angle, same manual of arms...just a smaller package. good capacity to size ratio. may be a bit block for pocket carry, but should be concealable with a good IWB holster under just a t-shirt.


just for good measure, here are some other less-common possibilities...
- S&W CS-40
- STI LS9
- CZ Rami or Rami-P


good luck!

 

[themachine]

The PF9 is the smallest I will go. The glock 27 is nice but I'm looking for something with a thinner frame, not as blocky.

I'm ok with the PF9 capacity at 7+1 as I'll will carry additional mags. I do like the PF9 but I'm looking for some other and hopefully higher quality handguns. I don't like the trigger on the PF9 though.

Hope that helps.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Browning High Power

Ditto that. The HK P7 you mention is also a fine choice.

Words of wisdom: Get what you want and dont worry about the price. Its only your life we are talking about.

Also you can get P7 PSPs for around 600. There really arent any combat pistol choices for under that. IMO

 

[MM60]

The Glock compacts, H&K USP Compacts, and Sig P239s are all exellent CC "Combat" pistols. They are all top-quality and widely used by U.S. military, LE, and government agencies, as well as various other militaries and police forces around the world.

The guys that always respond with "Browning High Power" and "1911" crack me up. It's like they deliberately misunderstand the intent of any given OP so that they can recommend their old-fashioned handguns. Neither the BHP or 1911 are very well suited for CC, although I suppose they could be considered "combat handguns" if you're talking about combat 34 to 98 years ago.

 

[EddieNFL]

The guys who recommend whatever appeals to them, as if it's suitable for everyone, crack me up. Also, those who think older platforms aren't appropriate because they've been around a long time are funny, as well. It's as if they deliberately ignore the special ops units, both military and civilian, who chose older platforms.

AFA suitability for CC, I guess I'm like the bumblebee...no one told me I couldn't fly 35 years ago.

For the record, I did not recommend anything; simply stated what worked for me. The 1911 isn't for everyone...that's why other choices are available.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

Try a Kahr P9, K9, P40, or K40. Or a Sig 239, H&K P7 PSP.

 

[Norinco982lover]

I can conceal a XD45C (4") under just a Tshirt as long as i'm not wearing one that is super tight. I carry it in a crossbreed supertuck and with a crossbreed belt. I have never been made.

I have, however, been made 1 time while wearing my CZ82 in a supertuck while wearing a very tight polo.

I will recommend either the XD45C for what you are describing OR the XD9 sub compact since they are now available with 13 round flush mags. 14 rounds of 9mm in a reliable package that can almost fit in your pocket...for $450? Yes, please. (I have both!)

~Norinco

 

[Gryffydd]

Neither the BHP or 1911 are very well suited for CC

The 1911 is quite well suited to CC. It's a very thin and slender auto. My full size 1911 is easier to conceal than my XD Subcompact due to being so much thinner.

They are all top-quality and widely used by U.S. military, LE, and government agencies, as well as various other militaries and police forces around the world.

Cool, so's the 1911

 

[Geno]

I typically carry one of the following combinations (Yes, I always carry back-up):

Glock 19C &
Glock 26

Colt Combat Commander &
Colt New Agent

At 5'9 and 187 pounds, they work for me.

Geno

 

[themachine]

Thanks guys. I'm leaning toward the HK P7 PSP. I think I can get past the European mag release and they're decently priced.

I had an instructor that had a P7 and that's how I got introduced to them. It was a solid piece and felt great. The size seems to be a great fit too.

 

[NG VI]

What holster are you using for the 23? I have a FIST #1AK for my 27, and it is literally construction-paper thin, it is a great holster and adds no bulk to the pistol at all. I used to carry it in some thin, I guess I'd call them 'board shorts', no belt loops, and a pretty skinny t-shirt. Didn't print at all.

 

[David E]

For a thin gun, the aforementioned Kahrs are great. I like the P-9. Also consider the Walther PPS, altho I personally don't favor that one.

If cocked and locked carry is acceptable, then any single stack variation of the 1911, such as the 4" Kimber Compact Aluminum Stainless, or the Springfield EMP.

If a DA or DAO more your cup of tea, then aside from the Kahrs, consider the S&W 3913 and variants.

 

[sheepdog]

Ruger

...KP90DC or KP97DC under a polo shirt all day long IWB...full-size...full power...no problem...a tiny bit smaller...KP95DC...but that's 9mm...16-rounds, though...worn for a right hander at 1 o'clock IWB it will fall right into that hollow...buy your shirt 1 size bigger...I wear XL..for carry I buy 2XL...after a few washings it's still plenty big and quick to draw...I wear pocket t's and jeans or pocket polos...I carry a 649 Bodyguard at 12 o'clock as backup...comfortable with both...no printing ...1 IWB clip pouch at 2 o'clock and two speed strip pouches on belt at 5 and 6...been doing it for over 10 years and never a problem...

 

[MM60]

The guys who recommend whatever appeals to them, as if it's suitable for everyone, crack me up.

This is exactly what we see every time somebody responds with "BHP" or "1911". You'll notice that I always recommend several manufacturer's models, and I don't even own most of them.

Also, those who think older platforms aren't appropriate because they've been around a long time are funny, as well.

It's not that they're inappropriate because they've been around for a long time. It's that there is now a wide array of better models from which to choose.

It's as if they deliberately ignore the special ops units, both military and civilian, who chose older platforms.

What units? Name them. I am aware that a very small minority of U.S. spec-ops guys use custom-built 1911s, and I have heard that the British SAS carry the BHP, but that is hardly a reason to recommend either model. All of U.S. Naval Special Warfare uses the Sig P226, and the SEALs in particular also use the H&K MK-23. Much of the U.S. military uses the Beretta M9, but neither it or the MK-23 are viable choices for comfortable and effective concealed carry. Various models of the Glock, H&K, and Sig Sauer pistols are used around the world by militaries, police, and other government agencies, and many of these are viable choices for concealed carry. Why would you recommend one of two old designs used by the tiniest minority of spec-ops forces rather than any of the many newer designs used by the vast majority of both spec-ops and conventional forces? It is only because the appearance of the design appeals to you.

 

[oldcrowraven]

The Glock 26 is nice, but is a little thick for regular T-shirts.same for my XD sub-compact. For regular polo / T-shirt wear, the Kahr CW40 is nice and slim...but at the expense of fewer rounds.

 

[EddieNFL]

This is exactly what we see every time somebody responds with "BHP" or "1911". You'll notice that I always recommend several manufacturer's models, and I don't even own most of them.

I find it difficult to recommend something I have little or no experience with. IMO, all anyone can do is recommend someone "try" something.

It's not that they're inappropriate because they've been around for a long time. It's that there is now a wide array of better models from which to choose.

In your opinion.

What units? Name them. I am aware that a very small minority of U.S. spec-ops guys use custom-built 1911s, and I have heard that the British SAS carry the BHP, but that is hardly a reason to recommend either model.

Probably the same units I am aware of and I would give their selection more weight than a collection of internet opinions.

Bottom line is the OP will have to find what works from HIM. Who knows? It may be a revolver.

YMMV.

 

[NMGonzo]

Single stack sig sauer

I still kick myself in the butt for selling that one.

 

[jad0110]

Thanks guys. I'm leaning toward the HK P7 PSP. I think I can get past the European mag release and they're decently priced.

Yep, sounds like that's what you wanted to begin with. Just save up dough for a little longer and get what you really want. The mag release is an important consideration, it's good that you are at least thinking about it up front. I for one am too used to the cylinder release on S&W/Taurus/Ruger revolvers (plus my reloading style works well with those), but the Colt cylinder release is, quite literally, backwards . I wouldn't trust myself with one in the stress of the moment, though I admire them greatly.

Quote:
Also, those who think older platforms aren't appropriate because they've been around a long time are funny, as well.

It's not that they're inappropriate because they've been around for a long time. It's that there is now a wide array of better models from which to choose.

Errr, isn't that saying basically the same thing, just in a different way ?

The only auto I own and carry is a 5" all steel 1911. Assuming you have no back or hip issues and you've got a stiff belt and quality holster, old slabsides is surprisingly comfortable to carry and super easy to conceal. Afterall, it is only a bit thicker than a Kahr.

They aren't for everyone, nothing is (otherwise we wouldn't have so many choices), though they do seem to fit most folks pretty well.

 

[memphisjim]

id go with a baby glock
can still run the larger mags
isnt the glock 29 considered "compact"?
that should end this

 

[Rexster]

I am 6'-0", 165-170, and get along fine in Texas weather with my SIG P229 pistols. While a single stack pistol would be slimmer, my authorized choices for duty pistols are certain double-stack .40 DA autopistols, which I must purchase myself. The P229 is one of those choices, and fits my hands VERY well, while being handily small enough for CC on my own time. It makes sense to carry the same go-to handguns all the time.

I used the Glock G22 before the P229, in 2002-2004, but that is a THICK, blocky, "bricky" pistol, especially compared to the 1911s I had previously used. I sometimes carried one concealed, but usually went with revolvers during this time.

From 1997-2002, I successfully concealed 1911 pistols 24/7, for duty and CC.

From 1993-1997, I used a GP100 and S&W sixguns for duty and CC, with a short the BHP getting a short trial in the dual roles, too.

From 1991-1993, I used a P220 24/7 for duty and CC.

For most of the time from 1984-1991, I used N-frame sixguns and 1911s for duty and CC. If my skinny self can CC an N-frame or GP100, a service-sized autopistol is a piece of cake.

I saw something in the first post about T-shirts. Polo-style shirts, and full-cut textured-fabric button-up shirts, are more comfortable, and hide guns better, in my opinion. T-shirts don't vent as well at the neck.

FWIW, I may return to the 1911 as a go-to gun after I no longer have to tote a DA pistol on duty. I can still shoot a 1911 well enough; I just like the "unconscious" aspect of all of my go-to guns being DA.

 

[Kenpo]

My personal gun hasn't seen "combat" but I love it (as others have said, you tend to recommend what you like) I carry a CZ P-01 90% of the time. I can't see any reason not to consider it a "combat" hand gun.

I like my M&P as well. I have a good friend who purchased an H&K USP and he just loves it, I don't think you can go wrong, if that's what you settle on.

 

[mljdeckard]

Exactly what is it you think you can't conceal?