Store defense weapon

[RiverwinoIA]

Im looking to open my own retail store in the near future, and have decided i want a handgun to keep on me while working. This weapon will also serve as the "bedside protecter" and someday my CCW piece (if im allowed one).
Im pretty sure my preferd method of carry will be IWB. Thin is key, as my hands arent all that big and i want it to "disappear" when worn.
I think im after a single stack pistol, in .380acp or greater. Capacity should be 6+1 minimum.
Im planning on buying the best all purpose-comforatbly concealable pistol i can find, as i want to learn 1 defensive handgun and stick to it. Become one with it, if you will.
I like makarovs (recently got to shoot one in .380), and Kahr K9 has really caught my attention. I want something that i can grow old with, no cheaply made crap need apply.
Im going to be driving to a rental-range soon, and hitting up my local shops to fondle. What do you recomend i check out?

 

[Rob1035]

Not a whole lot of single stack 9mm, but the Mak is a popular choice. Also check out the Smith and Wesson 3913 series, which are nice little 9mm. The Kahrs are popular as well.

It will really come down to what fits your hand best, as most pistols are pretty accurate mechanically speaking.

 

[Black Majik]

Hmm... I can think of quite a few possibilities.

Kahr P9/K9
SIG P225/P239
SIG P245
Colt Defender
SIG P232
Colt .380 Government/Mustang & variants
CZ 52
Bersa Thunder

Of those I'd go for either the P225 or the Colt Defender.

 

[wrangler5]

It may be bigger than you want, but I'd take a look at a SIG 239 in your searches. The double stack SIGs are too big for my hands, but the 239 is a 9mm single stack that fits my hand as comfortably as my Browning Hi Power (my favorite gun for "feel"). SIG is top drawer quality, something your grandchildren will appreciate, etc.

Smaller in all dimensions but still a 9mm (x19) is the Glock 26. It's a double stack (10+1) but quite a compact package. Most people either love or hate Glocks (personally I have my eye on a G26 as one of my next acquisitions) but as tools that go bang every time and forever they're hard to beat.

The Makarov is actually a smidge larger than a G26, and about 25% heavier when empty. It also holds 2 fewer rounds of a lower powered cartridge, but Maks do have a sterling reputation for reliability, the Bulgarian models can be had quite cheaply, and there's just something about using a Commie gun to defend the ultimate capitalist activity (your own business.)

Moving down the size and weight scale, the Kel Tec P11 is a double stack (10+1) 9mm that's smaller than a Glock and 6 oz (30%) lighter. They are supposed to be very reliable AFTER a 200-400 round break in period, during which they may exhibit repeated failures to feed and/or eject. Very cleverly designed guns, though, and quite inexpensive (I just saw one for $200 which supposedly has had <1 box of ammo through it - guy says the wife didn't like it.) Kel Tecs don't have the robust "feel" of the all metal guns, but they don't drag your pants down either, and for the purposes you have in mind might be the right tool. They also have an outstanding user group online that provides a wealth of useful information and support for individual questions and problems, and superior customer service by the factory (I've never had to use that, but the stories online are almost universally glowing.)

Kel Tec makes an even smaller single stack (6+1) 380 that pretty much just disappears in a pocket. It's what I've carried for about 6 months now. It too was tempermental during the first few hundred rounds, but now it just goes bang and reloads every time I pull the trigger.

Kahr makes a 6+1 9mm (PM9) that's just a smidge bigger but 2x heavier than the KelTec 380. People who have Kahrs tend to love them, but they're 2-3x the price of the Kel Tecs, for example, and probably 3x a Bulgarian Mak.

Glock, Kel Tec and Kahr are all double action only devices, while the SIG and Mak are double action (long & relatively heavy trigger pull) for the first shot and single action (short light pull) for the rest. Be sure to check out both types at your rental range.

The Small Automatics comparison post linked in the sticky post at the top of the Autoloader forum has a very useful comparison chart showing a number of the guns mentioned here. Take a look at that too.

 

[Cueball]

With your intended purposes, I would suggest that absolute 100% reliability be one of your top considerations, along with proper feel in your hand. To that end, I would suggest you touch, feel, and if possible shoot some SIG's and H&K's. They aren't cheap, but you never have to worry about whether it will go boom when you pull the tigger. Find one that you are comfortable with and feels right in your hand. Some prefer the SIG's, some the H&K. I have both and love shooting them.

Go out and get your hands on as many as possible and go from there. Good luck

 

[MachIVshooter]

If I were in your position of wanting one do-it-all handgun, I would opt for a commander-sized 1911 .45 or similar. If you are sold on 9mm, I would suggest a S&W 5906. Small enough to conceal, but large and accurate enough to enjoy on the range.

 

[imas]

Check out the Kahr 9MM line, Rohrbaugh R9, North American Arms 380 and 32 Guardians (also mini revolvers), and KelTec P3AT or P32.

 

[1goodshot]

Glock 19 gets my vote

 

[Icewolf]

Sig 225 for single stack, Sig 228/229 for double stack.

Best there is, period.

 

[Onmilo]

I carry a Glock 26 when I work at my buddies gun shop.
We also have two pump shotguns stashed in areas inaccessable to customers but readily available to store help.
Both have a #4 1 1/4oz., 3 3/4 dram equiv. shell in the chamber and then an alternating mix of low recoil buckshot and low recoil slugs in the magazine tubes.
If it means anything, both guns are Mossberg 500s.

 

[WT]

When testing, do a lot of shooting weak handed only. It is a check to see how YOU and the pistol work.

 

[sm]

When testing, do a lot of shooting weak handed only. It is a check to see how YOU and the pistol work.

+1

Having been born, raised and brought up in a "retail environment" - in which BGs were prone to want the "mdse" we had...

Model 10 K frame revolvers were the most popular Carried Handgun on employers, employees persons, and back-up guns kept hidden throughout the store. Long guns were the 12ga pump shotgun.

Now I personally believe in the 3" K frame, such as the Model 10, and 64.

My other two Carry guns have always been a Gov't model of 1911 [Full size or Commander size] or the BHP. These have been MY preferences since I was a kid - and I'm a '55 model myself.

In training with a handgun - one MUST know if the handgun will work for THEM , weak-handed, ejection port "up", ejection port "down", Upside down -as in on one's back and having to shoot back over their head, and many of us even practiced the "what if" our hands were tied in front, or behind backs - could we manipulate and fire the gun?

I continued the lessons learned as a brat, and when I got older - for instance - when I was the one "responsible" for the Retail Business - I bought Six used Police trade-in Model 10s. I paid for ammo and lessons/ training for employees, and regular shooting not only encouraged, but made sure we all went out and shot.

Granted I had employees with 1911s, BHPs, personal K frames, Colt Revolvers 'Detective Specials , etc.] even some S&W 39s, 59s.

This way before our state said one had to have permission papers to Carry Concealed btw.

More modern times: the S&W used Police trade in 3913 became popular.
Then again a competitors wife sprained her wrist, and went back to a snubby Model 10 to carry in store. Reliablity is that important.

I still kept abreast of these "retail needs". Glock 26 and even the Keltec P-11 came into use.

Funny thing is - many have continued to use Model 10 and similar med frame frame revolvers like Used Ruger Security Sixes...

The always gun? J frame Smiths, Colt Detective Specials, and Tarus 85s in pockets, men and women, pants, blazers...

Also these smaller J frame sizes and such, were used for weak side BUGs. Faster, easier to draw and fire , than Malf drills or reloads.

I often carried a Model 10 snubby or Model 36 for a BUG - No matter what Primary I carried.

Years later when the NAA mini-revolver came out, this was added. Since the real threat of being kidnapped, or being "taken to back of store" was real - the mini-revolver was my "last ditch tooth and toenail survival gun". This was in case I was without any guns, or knives on person - I had been beaten, deprived of all weapons...last ditch effort as I said. I also kept a handcuff key(s) and razor(s) to access ion person f tied up / cuffed with hands in back, or front. Real popiular in the day to get tossed in the truck of vehicle for hours, then forced to come back and open safes.

Know how to break out of your own vehicle trunk, and any closets, or utility rooms where you may be taken "to the back" of business. Make this a vital part of getting your business "proofed" for you.

Firearms are "just one tool in the toolbox" ...whole bunch of other needed tools.

BTDT, seen the elephant - more than once.

Just food for thought.

Steve

 

[DirksterG30]

I'm with MachIVshooter on this one: check out a 1911 (commander sized - 4.25" barrel) or full-sized (5" barrel). 1911's are great guns, and being single-stack they are pretty thin. I would stay away from officer-sized 1911's (barrels around 3") as they can be sketchy as far as reliability goes. If you get a quality 1911, it will last many years, and wil probably outlive you if you take care of it.
Not to mention you can find more accessories for 1911's than almost any other gun. I have a Springfield Champion 1911, and I regularly carry it in an IWB rig all day long.
The Kahrs would be good to check out too; I've heard a lot of great things about them. Let us know how your trip to the range goes.

 

[RiverwinoIA]

thanks for the thoughtful reply sm.

According to paper and pictures, im pretty set on the kahr k9. I hadnt really considered a back up gun on my person... but may reconsider. I know that i will keep a 870 hidden in the backroom, just in case im there when the shtf/looter defense.

 

[Longbow]

Glock 19

Glock 19 as a primary with an AK47 clone (w/ drum magazine) stashed somewhere, is a good idea too. Civil unrest situations happens from time to time, ya know.

 

[Longbow]

oh don't forget....

steel door for the backroom (hiding spot). Line the walls with merchandise or anything that can/might stop or slow down projectiles.
Sorry its out of topic, ' just wanna help. A firend of mine was a victim of store robbery. ' makes me mad when I remember. Best of luck!

 

[1 old 0311]

Lot of good ones out there. Does your gunshop heve rentals? Shoot a few and see what you like.


Kevin

 

[Dr.Rob]

I'm suprised noone suggested the HK P7 ... skinny is the operative word, though it's pricey.

Commander sized 1911's in 9mm can be had for less.

I wouldn't rely on a .380 as a primary, but few beat the 'small but useful' scale like the Colt .380 Government Model. That's a pretty slick little carry gun.

 

[RiverwinoIA]

A firend of mine was a victim of store robbery. ' makes me mad when I remember.

any info you can give me on this?

 

[cookekdjr]

p239 (9mm or .357)
p228/p229
Glock 19/23
CZ 75 compacts/P01
Commander-sized 1911

Try the above and see what fits your hand the best. Try them out at the range first if you can.
-David

P.S. I'd like to endorse the following:

Now I personally believe in the 3" K frame, such as the Model 10, and 64.
-D

 

[Longbow]

any info you can give me on this?

PM sent.

 

[KrankyKraut]

Makarov. Utter reliability, built like a tank and shoots a round more powerful than .380. Or a .357 revolver, either S&W, Ruger or Dan Wesson, for similar reasons. But as you prefer something slim and narrow, the Mak would fit your requirements better.