Opinions on best CC "combat" pistol

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I don't get it. We're almost exactly the same size, my experience is similar to Rexter's, and I carry a G19 most of the time. And most of that time, I'm dressed in jeans and t-shirt. Seems that you should be able to carry the G23 pretty easily with a good holster, belt, positioning, and reasonable shirt.

Is your carry setup adequate to the task? Maybe that's what needs to be adjusted before buying a new gun.

(Nothing wrong with adding to the collection, though.)
 
I carry a 23 as well. But it is a duty weapon. For personal carry I like the glock 36 slimline 45. It is narrower than the 40, but slightly larger in length and height than the baby glocks. It holds 6+1. It's more manageable for rapid fire than the 9+1 G27 40 cal. I have a 27 as well for a backup duty pistol. It is a little harder to conceal since it is as wide as the 23. But in my mind in the case of a primary malfunction, I like the idea of primary magazines fitting in secondary. Off the clock I carry the 36.
 
I always look for excuses to add to the arsenal :) but I agree that I need to continue to look at carry options for my current weapons. The right holster goes a long way.

One reason I'm shying away from the more blocky guns for ultra concealment is I used to carry the G27 IWB and it didn't show at all. However, I could never find a comfortable place for it, more than just "getting used" to it. It was always beyond uncomfortable. The Keltec PF9 I carry is much thinner and more comfortable, I'm just looking for something more quality (not that the Keltec isn't decent).

And again, it never hurts to increase your options!
 
The only thing that would make me switch from my own PF-9 would be Kel-Tec coming out with a P4T5, ya know? I carry OWB with a Hawaiian flowerdy shirt (with a nod to Ray Stevens) as a cover, but OC in warm weather (I know you can't OC in TX). However, a heavy pistol makes my hip hurt after several hours, so the KT is ideal for me, and the DAO action is pretty much a requirement for me too.
...But if I just HAD to buy a new EDC, I'd go for the Kahr PM-45. Love that flyin' ashtray!
 
Neither the BHP or 1911 are very well suited for CC,
The M1911, because it's so flat carrys very well. I make my own holsters and carry daily with no problems.

although I suppose they could be considered "combat handguns" if you're talking about combat 34 to 98 years ago.
Hundreds of thousands of dead Moros, Mexicans, Germans, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabs and many other people say you're wrong.;)
 
One reason I'm shying away from the more blocky guns for ultra concealment is I used to carry the G27 IWB and it didn't show at all. However, I could never find a comfortable place for it
My IWBs are made for the M1911, but you can easily modify the design to fit the G27.
http://www.paul.desertskyone.com/vern/iwb_instructions.htm
The key is the leather backing, which molds into your body and keeps the gun from touching your skin.
 
You're looking for something thinner/lighter than a G23, no smaller than a PF9. I can see why you'd like to move "up" from the Kel-Tec; good gun for the money, but the best thing one can say about the triggers are that they are functional. You want an HK. So go with the HK.

If you decide NOT to go with the HK, I'll second the recommendation of a Kahr P9. It has a great profile, very good trigger, and excellent sights. I'd like to be able to recommend an original S&W 3913, but they haven't made them for years and as a consequence, while the gun can be found, it's hard to find good holsters for them without paying for a custom build.
 
Originally posted by Earlthegoat2:
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

I assume then that you value your life. So do you upgrade your car every year to the most recent model which has passed the most recent safety testing? I assume you only buy organic food as it is the safest? Or that you hire professional (Ex. Mossad, SS, DSS, Special Forces guys) bodyguards rather then depending on your firearm as this is the safest way to survive? I assume you all fly in your private jet as it is safer and far less likely to be high jacked than a regular commercial jet.

Sorry but expenses do account in many peoples daily lives.

My opinion would be to get a Glock 27. You are familiar with the manual of arms and it is a great weapon.

My answer to the thread title would be the Glock 19 or Glock 26. I prefer 9mm myself.
 
I'm fine with my Kahr K9. It's heavy, sure... but it's also flat and easy to conceal. In the winter months when I wear a jacket or coat, I will occasionally carry a 1911 but the K9 is pretty much a 4 season option for me.
 
My answer to the thread title would be the Glock 19 or Glock 26.

The Glock isn't an ergonomical fit for everyone...so we're back to what works for each of us.
 
Ok Oldskoolfan, you called me out on it and I deserved it but you at least understand my point I hope. I definitely understand yours.

I was going to actually post a new recommendation since I was an idiot and did not read the thread carefully enough before.

OP said he was wearing jeans and t shirt type clothing which means he probably needs something more concealable than a BHP. Though there is a stipulation in the title "combat" pistol. This is a subjective term but I think of service type sidearms. Commonly encountered police and military weapons that really do not conceal easily for the average human.

Since I have realized this is less about a traditional combat pistol and more about a concealed carry gun I would say your environment decides you need a gun in the KelTec PF-9 or Kahr territory. Also do not discount a J frame or Colt Detective Special. Snubs make excellent and extrememly versatile CC weapons.
 
Can't believe nobody suggested this yet... but if you're looking for ultimate concealability in a "combat" pistol design... Why not look into a Walther PPK? Very thin, hides just about anywhere you might want to put it. The Germans used it in all kinds of military and police roles back in the 1930s and 1940s. Hitler even popped himself with one of them. Get it in .380 and you're good to go.
 
Why not look into a Walther PPK?
Sounds like the OP doesn't want to go smaller than the PF9, and he's considering and HK P7; doesn't sound like he wants to go less than 9mm, either.
 
I recently got rid of my PF9...I hated the trigger and could never shoot it well but I do miss its "thinness". I've tried a Glock 26/27 and they are too fat, also a Kahr PM40 that totally didn't work for me. I'm currently carrying a Taurus PT709 Slim....not a bad CCW at all but its still alittle plump...I'm likely going to end up with a Walther PPS 9mm
 
hmmm.... a G23 is too large for your situation on dress down day which would rule out the G19. I think that would rule out a SIG 225 also. Also ruling out 1911s and HP.

The P7 would be my first choice if you are familiar with them. (http://www.topgunsupply.com/h-k-p7-psp-9mm-fixed-sights-german-police-trade-in-grade-c.html)
Maybe a Beretta 92C... but it might be to long in the barrel.
A compact 9mm 1911 style would be next but that would run you $750+
Walther PPS would be a nice pick.

I myself would go new PPS, then P7 if I could look it over first or find an excellent + unit.
 
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IMO, you should find the gun and dress accordingly. Obviously, moderation in all things still applies.
 
It is possible that the main reason you find the Glock hard to conceal in certain clothing has to do with shape more than size (it is pretty "blocky"). In that case, I'd suggest various double stack compact autos. CZ makes several nice choices (RAMI and PCR) as does SIG (I loved my 229). However, it sounds like the main problem may be in the thickness of the gun. Your PF9 is single stack, the HK P7 you are considering is nearly a full-sized service pistol, it is heavy, but it is a single stack.

Single stacks are noticeably thinner which can make a big difference in the concealability and comfort of a CCW pistol. With some carry types (IWB) it can be a bigger deal than other aspects of size (a longer gun, so long as it isn't so long as to interfere with sitting, will still disappear IWB). Even weight can largely be overcome by most people with a good belt. How thin or thick it is can't be easily disguised however, and it can have a huge impact on concealment and comfort (it may be the main factor in whether or not there is a visible lump).

Some good single stack guns to consider:

-HK P7. You seem to like it, they have a great reputation and most people who own them seem pretty happy with them. SAO can be a nice plus- great trigger, no DA/SA transition, infinitely nicer trigger pull than a DAO. They are a bit on the heavy side however.

-1911. Nice thin design that is very easy to hide IWB. Get a 4" Commander sized model and it hides even better (IWB or OWB). Go with a lightweight (scandium from S&W, aluminum from most others) and it will be reasonably light as well (27-28oz for a 4", 32ish oz for a full-size). They are usually .45ACP which is a very nice defensive handgun caliber. 1911 triggers, the standard everyone else seems to strive for- smooth SAO, no DA/SA transition, even my cheap Charles Daly beats all my DA/SA guns SA pull (and the Glock pull by a mile) and my S&W 1911SC and my buddy's Kimber are quite smooth (nothing like a good 1911 trigger pull).

-Walther PPS. I have no firsthand experience, but most owners seem pretty happy. A PPS in .40 is high on my list for my next couple purchases as well. VERY narrow, available in decent calibers, apparently reliable, they would make a great single stack CCW.

-Kahr. I've had Kahr on my list for years- first I wanted the K9, then the PM9. I haven't got around to buying one yet, but I will. My best friend had a MK9 which was highly reliable (100%), accurate (esp. for such a small gun), comfortable to shoot, and very well made (great workmanship). The only drawback was it was fairly heavy for the size and caliber (a pocketable 9mm shouldn't be 22oz). He now owns a PM9 which is also a great gun. It has noticeably more recoil, but it is far from uncomfortable (I'd say it feels similar to an all steel J-frame .38spl). It is accurate and reliable. If you want a 9mm I'd wholeheartedly endorse the polymer frames, if you want a .40 I'd probably go with the steel models. If you don't want to ever pocket carry the steel 9mms are just fine too. The only drawback I see is price (the reason I'm still without one), quite a few guns of similar quality seem to run about 10-15% less than the Kahrs.

-J-frame in .38 or .357mag. I know this is the auto section, and you seem to want an auto, but from the sounds of it, a J-frame may serve your needs quite well. They are narrow and easy and comfortable to conceal. The different lumps and humps on a revolver conceal differently than an auto and if a lump happens to show it seems to be less obviously a gun (though they are small enough no lump should show with IWB or OWB carry). They are usually more reliable than an auto- with most autos it is recommended that you put several hundred rounds through it, usually with your carry ammo, before trusting it, while most revolver guys are quite comfortable shooting a box of ammo (or less) to function test it (and you don't have to worry about it when you change ammo since different shaped bullets have no effect on the reliability of the gun unlike with autos). The two drawbacks are that small snubs are among the hardest guns to learn to shoot well (the combo of the sights and the relatively light weight for the calibers tend to make them tough to master) and you only have 5 rounds in a snub (6 with one of the smaller calibers like .32H&R mag or the newer .327mag, or 6 in .38spl in the new Taurus 856 or old Colt snubs, but then you have a slightly larger/wider cylinder).
 
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Since you put this in General Handguns, I will recommend a S&W 13 with a 3 inch barrel. I know you asked for a Semi, I would still suggest a S&W 13, but a Glock 19 or 1911 would also work.
 
That's a BIG picture Big Bill ;)

Since "combat' was mentioned I'd just like to point out that if you look at Big Bills picture you will see a button protrudes from the front of an XD under the muzzle. This is a stand-off feature which helps prevent slide setback in contact situations. As you know a slight amount of slide setback will to disable the trigger. Considering most self-defense shootings happen at very close range it is a nice feature to have on a "combat" gun.
 
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./QUOTE]

that is really a statement of ignorance, SWAT teams, FBI HRT, and marine recon all use 1911's plus with the slim profile of the gun, it is perfect for conceal carry while I would personally prefer carrying a smaller version like a colt commander so you could carry it year round, there is nothing wrong with a 1911
 
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