Selecting a CCW pistol

[SmokeRing]

For personal reasons I have decided not to use a 1911A1 model pistol as a CCW. Most of my experience in handguns is with this model (do have and like a Ruger P95) and currently have a Para P14-45. I have narrowed my list of 45acp pistols down to : Sig P220, H&K USP45, CZ-97 or possibly a Para Tac-FourLDA. ( I also looked at a used VG Sig 245.) I am leaning towards the Sig 220 but am still making up my mind. Any opinions or experience with these models would be welcomed. TIA

 

[oogee]

Be aware that the CZ-97 is not a small (an understatement) pistol it's not easy to CCW this pistol

 

[Gary G23]

I would go for the Sig mainly because it is reliable and easy to shoot well.

 

[PCRCCW]

Actually they are all fullsized guns. The 220 and 97 are the same size as the fullsized 1911. The HK is similar but lighter. Id say they are all great quality guns. Find the one your hands like and go from there.

Shoot well

 

[Ohen Cepel]

For CCW I would go with the 245.

 

[Berg01]

Not a bad choice to be made in this batch, since you already have a Para and like it, I'd keep the LDA in the mix (the triggers are neat). If you haven't shot a Para LDA before, that is one that I'd want to shoot before I buy (a neat CCW design for a 1911-pattern gun). Is the HK a fullsize or compact? I like the compact HK USPs over the fullsize ones, but YMMV. Will you have the opportunity to shoot any of these prior to purchase?

Overall, I'd probably rather take the Sig P220 for myself, but they are all fine pieces.

 

[jercamp45]

Good choices...

But most are pretty large for day in-day out concealed carry!
I have a Para LDA Companion that is a favorite, so I'd opt for the TACFour! But the Sig 245 also has my interest. The HK, even in compact form is not that small. Nor is the Sig 220 or the CZ.
The LDA is a sweet trigger system, not hard to get used too at all. It breaks at 5 pounds and is SMOOTH. Hardly even notice that it is DAO really! I carry one on duty everyday, so obviously I trust it. AND it has the same operational controls, same mags, same ammo, same feel as my long owned and trusted pair of Colt Officer's models. I only got it because I was mandated to carry a DAO or DA/decocker at a past employment. I looked at the Sig 245, but chose the Para as I had wilson mags out the wazoo, and I loved the 'feel'.
Hit 'em hard, hit 'em well, hit 'em fast!
Jercamp45

 

[hillbilly]

I teach CCW classes in Arkansas.

One of the most overlooked qualities for a CCW handgun is how it fits your hand.

Most of the time, folks focus on caliber, action styles, accessories, etc. etc.

But how a handgun fits your hand should be, in my opinion, one of the first considerations.

Good fit in the hand means you will be more likely to hit with it while firing under stress........and you will certainly be firing under stress in any scenario where a legitimate use of deadly force is required.

So figure out what caliber, and features you want........and then find a model that is as close to those as possible and that fits your hand and feels good to hold.

hillbilly

 

[10-Ring]

You have some nice choices on your list & prolly can't go wrong w/ any of them. That said, I'd recommend the USP 45. It'll be lighter, hold 10+1 (unless your LEO ) and be a very reliable side kick

 

[SGT109FA]

If .45 ACP cal. is what your after then get a Glock 21 they can't be beat!

 

[Ala Dan]

Why settle for the compact SIG model 245? If your statue
can handle it, go for the full size .45 caliber SIG P220A. I
have personally carried the P220 with comfort, since 1988.
As another poster said, "Its reliable and easy to shoot well".
Reliable? Yes, stone cold type reliable. Easy to shoot well?
That depend's, for most folk's including myself, the
shooting of a .45 caliber P220 has NEVER been a problem.
Some persons complain of SIG's high bore axis; again NOT a problem for me. Some people complain of the DA
first shot; master it my friend and
you will be able to shoot anything else. Here are
my reasons for recommending SIG-Sauer or SIGARMS
firearms to other's:

As mentioned RELIABILITY, COMBAT ACCURACY (right out of the box) and CRAFTSMANSHIP (at its finest).

There you have it, not wishing any bad luck upon you; but
I believe that you will catch what we refer to as

SIGITIS

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[SmokeRing]

Thanks for all the input, I really appreciate your opinions. I totally agree that the pistol has to feel "right" and comfortable in the hand. That is why Glocks were not on my list, they just don't feel "right" to me when I hold them. The larger grip on my Para P14-45 feels great and I really considered the Para Tac-Four but that trigger is really light! The way I want/need to carry my CCW made size a real factor. I found that out by trying my P14-45, Ruger P95 and a GP100 as CCW's. The Sig 245 really felt good in my hand even without an extension on the mag so I am going to buy it. It is a nice size pistol for what I want. Thanks again for all the input.