Which CCW autoloader

[Lobotomy Boy]

I'd decided to get a CZ Rami as a carry gun but have changed my mind for two reasons. The first is that it seem like every gun with an exposed hammer--revolver or autoloader--pokes me in the belly when carried IWB. The second reason was that I just am not comfortable lowering the hammer manually to half-cocked on a loaded cylinder when I'm not in a shooting situation. I've done this 100s of times at the range with my CZ75B, safely, but I am uncomfortable doing it in my house. Also, at half-cocked the hammer pokes my pot belly even worse.

I like Glocks and generally shoot my 21 extremely well, as long as I take my time. When I shoot fast from low-ready position, my results aren't as good. I shoot both my 75B and my Taurus 605C very well from low-ready, but not so much the Glock.

So here's what I'm thinking. Either get a Para LDA Carry, which is a danged expensive option, but seems like a very nice gun, or get a Glock 30 (in which I can use my 21 mags in a pinch) and practice until I can shoot it consistantly well from low-ready, or until I go broke buying ammo, whichever comes first, or else get a Glock 26 or a Springfield XD9 SC and practice even more. One other option imight be a Ruger P345, which has an exposed hammer, but it doesn't stick out quite so far as most.

I tried posting a poll, but for some reason I'm having a difficult time.

 

[psyopspec]

Have you already shot the models that you're considering? If not, I would suggest that first to find the one that works best for you. If you have friends that could loan them, you could even have a chance to holster the gun and see if it's comfortable enough for all-day carry.

Unless you can confidently make a purchase by trying out each of the models you listed, I'd suggest practice over everything else. Less risk of spending money on something you don't like, and best of all, more time at the range!!

 

[gbelleh]

The Glock 30 option makes sense. But I agree with psyopspec, the best thing to do is go to shoot the guns in question. Then decide which you shoot best and have the most confidence in. Then have fun practicing with it!

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

I've shot the 26 and the 30 quite a lot, and I've run maybe 2,000 rounds through my 21. I've also shot the 36, which I like a lot, but selected the 30 because I have five mags for my 21, all of which would work in the 30 but not in the 36. I have carried the 21 IWB for extended periods, so have a pretty good idea what the other Glocks would be like to carry. In fact, I could use my IWB holster for my 21 for either of these. I haven't shot the Ruger, but have shot a P97, so have an idea what the 345 is like (though I hear it is much improved over the older .45s). I'm not considering the Ruger too seriously because it still has an exposed hammer. I've worn the Para IWB in a store, and liked how that felt best of all the guns I've tried. The range I use rents a full-sized LDA so I plan to try that if I decide to go that route, but first I want to get a little feedback on the reliability and customer service of the Para. There's not a lot of info available over the Internet about these guns, and most of the magazine stuff I've seen reads like ad copy. I intend to rent a Springfield and try that before I buy anything. I'm inclined to go with the Springfield if I go with a 9mm simply because I already have a Glock and want something different.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

How about a Walther P99, P99 Compact, or maybe a Steyr M9 or S9? All striker fired.

 

[Flashpoint]

I would recomend the Steyr S9 as well. I looked at the RAMI, but liked the way the Steyr felt better. I used to carry a Sig P239 but had the same problem with the hammer, but the Steyr is well suited for carry with all the round coners and lack of hammer to poke you in the side. They can be picked up real cheap and are one of the better deal on the market IMHO. They are widely thought to have a better trigger than the Glocks and they have a manual safety which can be utilized or not.

Good luck on your search for that perfect carry piece, it can be a long road.

 

[Lobotomy Boy]

Thanks. I'm not familiar with the Steyr, but I'll look into it. I considered a S&W P99 when I was shopping for a .45. I liked the gun quite a lot and only went with the Glock because I found a slightly used one for much less money.

 

[deacon]

After trying MANY gun holster combo's....for my own personal use the Glock 30 in a Fobus paddle is perfect. It is easy on/easy off, light for what you get, reliable as a rock and fits my hand perfectly...took a little getting used to but worked out great. Saving up now for a J-frame for pocket carry then all my carry needs will be met.

 

[Safety First]

A couple of years ago when I bought my first carry gun, I picked up a really good tip,and it may have been on this forum...You may already know this, but when you purchase your IWB holster a inexpensive option and on many holsters it is now standard. A Slide Guard will protect you from the hammer or any other part of the gun from diging into your side. It has worked well for me with my Sig P239..I will never purchase any holster with out one.....fwiw

 

[Broadhead]

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