Suggestions for first concealed carry gun?
- Thread starter IrishSeb
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What works for one person won't always be the best choice for another. One that several of my friends carry, and is available new in your price range, is the Bersa Thunder Ultra Compact. Available in 9, 40 and 45. Don't forget to budget ammo. Personally, I never carry a gun until I've put several hundred rounds through it.
David E
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Using a good belt and a good holster, preferably IWB, it's not hard to conceal a large or thick gun. But most people don't use a good holster, much less a good belt, so they think it's harder to hide something larger.
Still, is a small, thin gun easier to hide? Sure, but where are you willing to draw the line between convenience and performance in a deadly confrontation?
Some think a 2-shot double action only derringer chambered in .22 LR is sufficient, others insist on a .44 magnum with 3 reloads (like Dirty Harry)
Given todays vast array of gun choices, there is little reason to ever go below a 9mm or .38 Special. The aforementioned J-frame snubbies might work for some (if they acknowledge their shortcomings and practice accordingly) while the 9mm Kahr P9 or even smaller PM-9 work for others. (or essentially the same size gun chambered in .40)
But with the smaller guns comes the "shootability" factor. How well can you shoot a tiny, light gun chambered in 9mm or larger? How big does the gun need to get before you can shoot it well?
Answer a few of these questions and you'll be closer to finding your CCW gun.
Still, is a small, thin gun easier to hide? Sure, but where are you willing to draw the line between convenience and performance in a deadly confrontation?
Some think a 2-shot double action only derringer chambered in .22 LR is sufficient, others insist on a .44 magnum with 3 reloads (like Dirty Harry)
Given todays vast array of gun choices, there is little reason to ever go below a 9mm or .38 Special. The aforementioned J-frame snubbies might work for some (if they acknowledge their shortcomings and practice accordingly) while the 9mm Kahr P9 or even smaller PM-9 work for others. (or essentially the same size gun chambered in .40)
But with the smaller guns comes the "shootability" factor. How well can you shoot a tiny, light gun chambered in 9mm or larger? How big does the gun need to get before you can shoot it well?
Answer a few of these questions and you'll be closer to finding your CCW gun.
mljdeckard
Member
I'm going to streamline my lecture about size and comfort.
There is an ongoing effort to convince everyone that full-size guns are impossible to carry. Those of us who have carried them for years scoff at this. You can carry any gun you want to, even with your size, no matter the weather. You should carry what you shoot best. This is a lifestyle, not an accessory.
Your budget might be a bit low, but it's workable. If I was starting someone off in your situation, I would steer them towards a used J-frame revolver or a used GLOCK 19. Either one will do everything you need it to, and even as you evolve and shoot more, you may decide you want to keep it. You need to get to a rental range and shoot some guns first, to see what you shoot best. You may make a choice and stick with it forever. You are also allowed to change your mind later if you find a gun you like better.
There is an ongoing effort to convince everyone that full-size guns are impossible to carry. Those of us who have carried them for years scoff at this. You can carry any gun you want to, even with your size, no matter the weather. You should carry what you shoot best. This is a lifestyle, not an accessory.
Your budget might be a bit low, but it's workable. If I was starting someone off in your situation, I would steer them towards a used J-frame revolver or a used GLOCK 19. Either one will do everything you need it to, and even as you evolve and shoot more, you may decide you want to keep it. You need to get to a rental range and shoot some guns first, to see what you shoot best. You may make a choice and stick with it forever. You are also allowed to change your mind later if you find a gun you like better.
I've carried a Glock 17 around for the better part of a month, and just purchased a Glock 26 to replace it as primary carry. What a difference! You can't even tell the Glock 26 is there. I ride my mountain bike on pretty difficult terrain, and it's barely noticeable. The short grip of the '26 makes it as though it doesn't exist. I wouldn't be able to do that with the '17.
Unfortunately, many people don't have access to a bunch of guns to try out beforehand, so a lot of your choice will be based on what you read. Glocks aren't sexy, but they are super reliable.
Unfortunately, many people don't have access to a bunch of guns to try out beforehand, so a lot of your choice will be based on what you read. Glocks aren't sexy, but they are super reliable.
doc2rn
Member
Check out J&G sales
I always tell this short story to people asking what they should get first as their conceal carry gun. While it may not help you find a specific gun, it will point you in the right direction.
When I first started carrying I wanted the biggest baddest gun I could carry in 9mm. So I went with the glock 17. I then started to notice wearying it IWB all day was none to comfortable, a smaller gun would be better. So I went to a glock 19, then to a glock 26. Once I got the glock 26 I realized the gun was a little too fat for IWB, I need a single stack slim 9mm. Therefore I went with the Taurus 709 slim and now I am happy. I also have a ruger lcp that I pocket carry on hot summer days when I can't bring myself to wear an undershirt for fear of heat exhaustion. I realize I could carry OWB for a bit more comfort, but I prefer IWB for max concealment.
In my opinion you should save yourself the trouble and mucho money by getting a slim subcompact gun (I prefer 9mm for small guns, but I'm not dogmatic about caliber). There's nothing wrong with conceal carrying a full sized gun, but if you are the usual comfort seeking human you'll want a smaller gun eventually so you might as well just start there. I wish I did.
When I first started carrying I wanted the biggest baddest gun I could carry in 9mm. So I went with the glock 17. I then started to notice wearying it IWB all day was none to comfortable, a smaller gun would be better. So I went to a glock 19, then to a glock 26. Once I got the glock 26 I realized the gun was a little too fat for IWB, I need a single stack slim 9mm. Therefore I went with the Taurus 709 slim and now I am happy. I also have a ruger lcp that I pocket carry on hot summer days when I can't bring myself to wear an undershirt for fear of heat exhaustion. I realize I could carry OWB for a bit more comfort, but I prefer IWB for max concealment.
In my opinion you should save yourself the trouble and mucho money by getting a slim subcompact gun (I prefer 9mm for small guns, but I'm not dogmatic about caliber). There's nothing wrong with conceal carrying a full sized gun, but if you are the usual comfort seeking human you'll want a smaller gun eventually so you might as well just start there. I wish I did.
EMT40SW
Member
New Glock for $399!!
Get a Glock 19 or 26. If you are military, a first responder, a pilot, or TSA you get the discount automatically. If not, join the Glock Shooting Sports Foundation for $30 annually & you can buy one Glock model per year at cost.
Great deal!!
http://www.gssfonline.com/GSSF_Pistol_Purchase_Program_Information.pdf
http://www.gssfonline.com/
Get a Glock 19 or 26. If you are military, a first responder, a pilot, or TSA you get the discount automatically. If not, join the Glock Shooting Sports Foundation for $30 annually & you can buy one Glock model per year at cost.
Great deal!!
http://www.gssfonline.com/GSSF_Pistol_Purchase_Program_Information.pdf
http://www.gssfonline.com/
lloveless
Member
Some good info has been given. With your level of experience I would reccomend a good used .357 revolver(snub)as a starting point for concealed carry. Start by shooting .38 spcl. as you get used to it go for the more powerful magnums. This caliber is the most popular/available at most places that sell ammo. I would reccomend a Ruger sp-101, S&W model 60. The 3 inch barrels are better shooters. the 2 inch barreles conceal a little better. Good luck in your quest. Welcome to the forum and the world of concealed carry.
ll
ll
Old Ranger
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I know what I know. It isn't based on what stats or the literature and labs say - - - it's experience. I've seen what I've seen. In one case a guy shot a big guy in the forehead with a .22 SHORT one time at about 8 yards. The big guy dropped on the spot, never to rise again.
If you have a laser grip and put 5 or 6 .22 LR bullets in an attacker's head, it's over.
It's like those idiotic carbine stories. I'm an old guy and a veteran; I know better.
And 10 yards is about the limit for legitimate self defense; especially in an obligation to retreat state. If you can put 10 shots in a paper plate at 8 to ten yards; you're in business. Head and neck shots are lethal - - - period. The caliber doesn't matter.
If you have a laser grip and put 5 or 6 .22 LR bullets in an attacker's head, it's over.
It's like those idiotic carbine stories. I'm an old guy and a veteran; I know better.
And 10 yards is about the limit for legitimate self defense; especially in an obligation to retreat state. If you can put 10 shots in a paper plate at 8 to ten yards; you're in business. Head and neck shots are lethal - - - period. The caliber doesn't matter.
Thanks everybody 
I've narrowed the caliber down to either 9mm or .38 special (to start with, anyway). I'm still not sure whether I'd choose a revolver or a semi-auto, but I'll try some at the range to see which suits me better for now. Also, a gun that has at least the option of being fired as single action seems important to me, for accuracy. Like Old Ranger and others have pointed out, that's what it ultimately comes down to, if worst comes to worst.
To check how big a gun I'm able to conceal, I tried to conceal my Heritage revolver, and it seems to be pretty easy to conceal with a vertical shoulder holster, so I'll probably be able to get away with a medium sized gun, or perhaps even full sized -- but I'll see. I'll try to find out more about holsters as well (and I've been thinking for a while about making my own holsters; once I get the hang of leatherworking, there'd be so many options for carry methods!)
Thanks again everyone! It's great to be a member here
I've narrowed the caliber down to either 9mm or .38 special (to start with, anyway). I'm still not sure whether I'd choose a revolver or a semi-auto, but I'll try some at the range to see which suits me better for now. Also, a gun that has at least the option of being fired as single action seems important to me, for accuracy. Like Old Ranger and others have pointed out, that's what it ultimately comes down to, if worst comes to worst.
To check how big a gun I'm able to conceal, I tried to conceal my Heritage revolver, and it seems to be pretty easy to conceal with a vertical shoulder holster, so I'll probably be able to get away with a medium sized gun, or perhaps even full sized -- but I'll see. I'll try to find out more about holsters as well (and I've been thinking for a while about making my own holsters; once I get the hang of leatherworking, there'd be so many options for carry methods!)
Thanks again everyone! It's great to be a member here
EMT40SW
Member
One huge advantage of the Glocks is the Tenifer finish which is ideal for concealment & no hammer to snag clothing. The other advantages of semi-autos are faster reloads, easier to carry spare ammo, & easy to install night sights without gunsmithing mods. Also with a Glock no matter the model you can carry the biggest mag so for a Glock 19 you could easily carry a 15 rnd mag in the gun plus one in the pipe & 17 rnd spare mag that's 33 rnds on your person! Compare that to the average .38 or .357 of a revolver6 rnds plus one to two speed loaders so 18 rnds that are not as easily carried.
MedWheeler
Member
Ugh! I hate you. (said like a woman)
That being said, I carry one of three pieces. Most-often carried (about 95% of armed-time, which is 99% of waking hours) is a Kel-Tec PF9. Before I got that, I carried more than half of armed-time a Bersa Thunder in .380. The third gun, carried as a BU/OD piece back when I was in LE in the late eighties, is a Charter Arms Undercover in .38 Special. All can be currently be sourced for three bills or less.
Jonah71
Member
I've been through 7 in about 18 months. I'm beginning to suspect that I somehow find fault with the gun I'm using for CCW so I'll have a reasonable excuse to try/buy a different gun. I also suspect that I'm not the only person who suffers from this affliction.
I found most compact poly guns are too heavy, thick, and long to carry comfortably. I spent the past few years carrying either a M&P 9c or PT145. They're comfortable to carry OWB if you never have to drive, they're great IWB if you never sit down. Maybe it's just me but my hip gets tired at events where I'm walking/standing over a few hours.
I started carrying a LCP this summer and love it, but you have to consider if the 380 is "enough" gun.
If you trust the 380 round there's a bunch to choose from, but they can be somewhat picky with ammo. And these little guys will make good pocket guns unless you wear tight jeans.
I feel the PF9 is a great choice at the sub 300 price point, once you prove it reliable. But it's still too big to pocket carry IMHO but it's easy to conceal with a OWB or IWB holster.
I started carrying a LCP this summer and love it, but you have to consider if the 380 is "enough" gun.
If you trust the 380 round there's a bunch to choose from, but they can be somewhat picky with ammo. And these little guys will make good pocket guns unless you wear tight jeans.
I feel the PF9 is a great choice at the sub 300 price point, once you prove it reliable. But it's still too big to pocket carry IMHO but it's easy to conceal with a OWB or IWB holster.
I think a S&W 442 or 642 makes a great "first" CCW-choice, just because it's something you'll never regret owning, and will still be happy to have to carry (on the right occasion) after you've refined your preferences over time and inevitably add others.
Les
Les
Ed Ames
Member
Here's the issue: the gun is just part of the cost. Big part, but only part. You need to set a budget that includes belt(s), holster(s), etc... and the bigger the gun the more you need to allot for that stuff. A p3at can do ok in a $15 holster with a standard belt, a gov't 1911 can do just as well in $80 holster and a good gunbelt (which will run $40 for synthetic to $100+ for something that looks like people clothes)...
Another point on that front: There is a reason so many people end up with a box of holsters. You will too. 2-3 holsters at $50+ each will hurt more than 2-3 small holsters that range from $10 to $50.
I've never really faced your situation but if I found myself there I would start with a P3AT (equivalent) or similar for two reasons: 1) It will continue to be useful even after you have bigger guns. 2) It offers very good concealability with relatively inexpensive support gear.
Another point on that front: There is a reason so many people end up with a box of holsters. You will too. 2-3 holsters at $50+ each will hurt more than 2-3 small holsters that range from $10 to $50.
I've never really faced your situation but if I found myself there I would start with a P3AT (equivalent) or similar for two reasons: 1) It will continue to be useful even after you have bigger guns. 2) It offers very good concealability with relatively inexpensive support gear.
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Shadow 7D
Member
Take all the advice and recommendations you get here, and go the the local range, you need to shoot the guns to find what you like or you're going to end up like a girl with a bunch of discarded 'stuff' trying to find something you like.
Houser52
Member
Just be sure that you get something that you're willing and able to CARRY ALL THE TIME.
I have Glocks and 1911s of all sizes in the safe and 2 boxes of assorted holsters for them.
A little Kel Tec is with me in my pocket ALL THE TIME where it's legal.
I have Glocks and 1911s of all sizes in the safe and 2 boxes of assorted holsters for them.
A little Kel Tec is with me in my pocket ALL THE TIME where it's legal.
lucky-gunner
Member
+1 Ed
I've found that the cost of ammo, belts, and holsters have cost as much if not more than the cost of the firearm itself.
Purchasing a handgun for Conceal & Carry is like buying a rifle. Getting the gun is the easy part and expect to pay as much for gear and ammo to get it right.
stchman
Member
The Ruger LCP would be a good choice. Don't let the ".380 ammo is not effective" folks deter you.
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