Tell me what you think.

[jondar]

I am seriously thinking about applying for a concealed carry permit. I carry a lot now, when I am cutting brush, working on my own property, carry in my truck which is legal as long it is in plain sight. But now, the way things are going I may take it a step forward. All my handguns are just plain too heavy to carry. the 1911 weighs a ton, the Ruger Bisley the same, the Webley MkVI ditto , , ,. So I have narrowed it down to two pistols, the Glock 25 (Baby) and the CZ Rami in 9mm. Both guns have almost identical outside dimensions, both 9mm, the Glock is a hundred dollars more, completely different triggers, one has exposed hammer, etc. etc., But both are the size I want and I don't want anything bigger. Also nothing smaller than the 9mm caliber. I want to go with that chambering because of the economy of the ammo. If anyone has used either of the above pistols, let me know the pros and cons of each. Of if you know of a better gun, as long as it is not larger or heavier than the above two. Thanks.

 

[JohnKSa]

Don't think you're going to go wrong with either of those choices.

As far as which to pick, I have to say that other than size and chambering, those two guns are VERY different. I would think that a person's preference for a particular manual of operation would pretty much drive him to choose one or the other.

 

[possum]

I normally wouldn't try to push another brand on you but since you asked. have you thought about a kahr k9? That would be perfect for ccw and if you would rather have the polymer frame then you could always go that route with the kahr as well.

 

[Kamicosmos]

The RAMI.

It can also be had with a polymer frame now too, although it only makes it like 1 oz lighter, I believe. The Glock is also a good choice, but as the other guys said, the two guns are quite a bit different, so I would go with ever one you shoot better with.

 

[jondar]

Yes, I did consider the Kahr, but the price is kind of out of my class, I believe it is around $700. I haven't seen the Rami in the local gunshops but got a chance to handle the Glock yesterday and liked it, the firm price at that shop was $560 + sales tax. The shop owner indicated my chances of finding a used Model 26 were nil. Maybe at the next gun show the coming month. And I do realise the huge difference in the two pistols but don't think I would have any trouble adapting once I buy one. Thanks.

 

[defender48]

I would highly recommend on the Colt Mustang .380, I walked with it for years as concealed.

 

[possum]

i do sometimes forget that they are quite expensive and i probally wouldn't have one now if my dad wasn't selling it and gave me a good deal. so i snatched it up and am very happy so far.

 

[JohnKSa]

Yes, I did consider the Kahr, but the price is kind of out of my class, I believe it is around $700.

I don't know which Kahr you are considering, but you should be able to find a PM9 for around $550 if you shop around. I've seen them as low as $500 in the stainless (not the blackened stainless) finish.

Kahr is also selling a CW9 which is a bit larger but still quite compact. Cheapest I've seen on them is $450 with $500 being closer to what you're more likely to pay.

 

[Gordon]

I'd go CZ because I don't feel real safe with everyday carry of striker fired no manual safety guns. You can fire the CZ SA I believe (I only have a PO-1) for longer range work. Which brings up a point about the Kahr. Now I have seen sucessful long range (25 yards and over) work done with Glocks on occasion, but I have personally never seen or have 1st hand knowledge of anyone doing so with a small Kahr under field conditions.

 

[ugaarguy]

The Glock 26 is perfectly safe for all day carry. There is simply no way that striker is moving unless the trigger is pulled. Glock has fantastic factory support as well. Additionally, the after market finger grip mag extensions and the clip draw belt clip are excellent options. I like my Glocks, but maybe thats because my G22 was first handgun. I've also worked for one of the largest gun dealers on the east coast and can tell you folks that CZs are fine firearms too. In this case, as in every other one like it, it all comes down to individual preference. Do you want a "Safe Action" type striker fired pistol? Do you want DA/SA? DAO? SA carried cocked and locked? Which pistol fits YOUR hand better? Can you access the controls on one pistol better than the other. Is there are range where you can rent, or do you have friends you can borrow, said pistols from to see which YOU shoot better? I don't own one, but have you looked at Kel-Tecs? Actual owners generally like them, and I never saw one come back to the store because it didnt work when I was on that side of the counter. The Kel-Tec P-11 and PF-9 would seem to be good choices here. In the general price range you stated you can also get a Taurus snubbie wheel gun in 9mm that uses moon clips. While a bit less powerful the 38 Spl cartridge is still a respectable and economical self defense round. Perhaps one of the police trade in S&W model 10s with 3" Bbl that J&G has for around $200 right now? Others here on THR have had good results with those. I hope this helps add a little food for thought.

 

[jondar]

All seem to be good advice. I didn't realise that I may be able to get a Kahr in that price range. The gun shops in my area don't seem to have the guns I am looking for used. All new and @ MSRP. I admit to some nervousness with a striker fired pistol in my pocket, and glad to hear that I wouldn't have that with the Glock. I've really only fired one Glock, a Model 19 belonging to a friend of mine, and at that time didn't care for the trigger; however my son just bought a Springfield XD in .45 acp and we took it to an indoor range and put a box of rounds thru it. It has a trigger something like the Glock (a trigger in a trigger) and I loved it. Like you say, the KelTec is the size I want but I just can't get used to that long DA trigger pull. However; the price is certainly right. I e-mailed a large gun store about 50 miles away and they do have a CZ in stock for $449. I may drive over on day off and see how it fits the hand. Thanks for all these good responses.

 

[Gordon]

Actually the XD .45 is one striker fired gun I do feel comfortable with ! The chances of snagging the trigger on something AND the grip safety is 0 . I know for sure compact and micro models are on the way ......

 

[JohnKSa]

I admit to some nervousness with a striker fired pistol in my pocket

I wouldn't recommend carrying Glock, Kahr, or Kel-Tec in your pocket unless they're in a pocket holster that covers the trigger.

 

[ugaarguy]

I agree with JohnKSa, definetly get a pocket holster for whichever pistol you choose. Not only will it cover the trigger preventing an AD/ND, it will keep the pistol from moving around; thereby keeping the grip up for a proper draw and the muzzle pointed down at your legs & feet instead of up at your torso & head. I've always liked the "rough out" pocket holsters by Galco. They fit well and reasonably priced for quality gun leather.