Which would you recommend?

[Mayo]

A friend of mine will soon be getting his CCW. He has shot semi autos before but not frequently. He's 1 of those who doesn't like to go to the range for practice. He has shot DAO, DA/SA but has no real preference. His question to me and mine to you, is which pistol for CCW would you recommend to someone like him who has no real intention of practicing alot? He simply wants a reliable CW that will go bang IF he ever has to use it. He wants a minimum of 9mm, will use strictly for CCW, and lightweight, he won't practice or clean(unless used)--so what do you suggest?
I suppose it would have to be something that requires no break in period since he says "I will buy it, load it, carry it, but unless something happens---I won't be shooting or cleaning it." Crazy, I know, plus missing out on that fun practice but what can I say he's a strange bird.

 

[P95Carry]

First comment would be - regardless of what he might get - he'd be crazy not to put a substantial amount of ammo thru - to familiarize, as well as just practice his shooting!!! I tho also meet these sorta folk.

I wonder what his budget is? I would from personal experience and favor - suggest he get a SIG. A D/A-S/A is gonna be very safe to carry - as against an inexperienced shooter's possible mission for grief at carrying a condition #1 1911!!

There are so many options - that it is hard to recommend clearly just one. I really think as we so often say - he oughta try out a few - see what ''fits'' and that he can shoot well. He needs too to know what options he has for carry mode.

It's a pity that (IMO) too many new CCW's want to go this route - buy a gun, hardly shoot it - and just carry just in case. May not be unsafe per se - but sure as heck it ain't the ideal!!!

 

[sm]

NO Disrepect intended.

He does not need a gun or CCW at this time.

A good dog, good locks, stay home,order take out Chinese for delivery ...and do business over the Internet. Maybe a baseball bat and a cell phone...still not sure about those at this point.

Now if an when his CCW instructor sits him down and has a talk about responsibilty - again. And at such time he takes another NRA course, basic handgun training of some sort, handles and shoots a lot of guns...all the while being reminded of mindest, training, awareness, responsiblity....then and only then should this person actually get a firearm, and then actually take the time to get more training as he CCWs.

You see by actually taking the time to try a variety of guns , all the while learning all the responsibities of having one...especially if considering CCW-ing one...

One has determined what gun fits them and best for them.

NO disrepect.

 

[Mayo]

No disrespect because he'll never see this

P95---He has no budget(rich) but although I love SIG's it seems like a real waste(IMO) since for the money he will get no use from such a fine weapon. Also they run(for good reason) a little heavy vs other compacts for CCW.
sm---since he is on the road alot(within state) he is getting his CCW. He's already taken the course and is simply waiting for his license to come. He feels that he knows how to handle/shoot a pistol but doesn't have the time, effort etc... to go and shoot for fun or practice. He just wants me to give him a reliable, light, out of the box weapon that will ONLY be used if needed for self defense--thus my hesitation for SIG.
Since he will be carrying it alot with little or no use I was thinking light---like a G26, CS9, XD or Kahr since in this case the most use will come from simply carrying instead of use. Then on the other hand he is a big guy at 6' 3" and 245.

 

[P95Carry]

Hmmm - maybe then a G19 - tho IMO a Glock needs significant familiarization for a carrier to be safe. I take your point re a SIG!!

Maybe even a lil' P11 or similar - something smaller.

Darned if I know what would be best but again I say - sure as heck - this guy needs some serious range time. Both to keep himself and ''friends'' around him safe but also - to ensure that in extremis - he can ''deliver the goods'' - safely.

He ''feels he knows'' etc - well - the way to prove or disprove that is - range time. I'd bet that if he was to actually take that up and do some - he'd be surprirsed that - he does NOT know it all!!

Please pressure him on that score - and then he just may be equipped to carry.

 

[sm]

Used snubby K frame revolver, similar med frame revo.

- .38spl is a low pressure round, if need to fired from inside a vehicle, low pressure is the way to go. No worries if will work sideways, upside down, slide being restricted by a car seat....etc.

- Dry fire practice. For instance with a dime on the front sight, great practice for trigger control, sight aquistion, and such. Firm believer in dry fire practice makes one a better shooter if range time is limited.

-Not dependent on ammmo, no mags to worry with. Revos are NOT dependent on mags to work.

-Not as picky about being maintained. If he is not gonna inspect, maintain, lube and check mag springs....Revos are for sure the way to go.

I have folks with physical limits. I have set up folks as old as / in their 90's [seriously] . At one time they used to shoot, live out in the country where walking out the back door to shoot was not problem.

The fact is even with the inabilty to go to a range for whatever reason like they used to, they can dryfire, practice using a speedloader with dummie rounds.

Some still can walk out back and shoot. Some go out to a shed and shoot rubber bullets - though they once did shoot a lot, they have the basic fundamentals, they do keep up skills with a revolver.

Got a 92 y/o man ( you would not know it by seeing him, sharp as a tack) gets the biggest kick out of getting to eradicate racoons on neighbors property. You hear a shot at night...probably him, using his model 10 ...course last time he used his Single shot .410, and a slug ...decided going thru the trash can was the best option since the critter would not get out of said trash can.

Yeah he was a shooter before...yeah I helped him with his shooting after he needed some adjustments.

I ask about putting a hole in the trash can...said the lady baked him a pie...
guess that means the lady didn't care about the trash can. Younger widow women 87 ....lol

Get a revo, dry fire, and at least read some training stuff.

 

[Mayo]

P95---I'll stay on him but he's sure :banghead: I have the same reservations with the Glock as you but it would be ideal for a light carry option and low maintainence out of the gate.
sm----I agree with you that a revolver would be ideal, but he insisted on at least a 9mm. I will tell him about the dryfire method since he doesn't put in range time---snap caps are readily available.
He feels that since he has HAD some past experience with semi autos and "proved" he could handle a weapon to his CCW instructor, that he only needs something there for a close range emergency

 

[pax]

I wouldn't recommend he carry a gun. A man who carries a gun he is not completely familiar with is a threat to everyone around him when he is under stress in a crisis.

That said. If you guys are going to do this anyway, have him get whatever he's going to get, then you run it through the first 200 or first 300 rounds to be sure it's reliable with whatever ammo he's going to put in it.

(Then load it with dummy rounds, so he won't shoot a bystander ...) (joking ... kind of.)

pax

 

[sm]

I hate to say this, and again no disrespect.

I am not comfortable at all with this attitude and reason for this guy having a gun. Very few times when I assisted with CCW student did we actually have to not recommend a person [ fail if you will] their CCW class. This guy is walking a thin line in that respect. An eye to eye visit and oral review would be in order for me to pass this guy. NO matter how he scored, or shot.

And I am really big on everyone having guns for protection.

I have assisted with folks in dire need of a HD gun , maybe all we had to use was single shot shotgun, a .22 rifle...be it a broke and injured domestic abused lady or elderly man with arthritis. These folks has a willingness to learn and practice. These folks made the effort and proved to me they were safe and responsible.

 

[Marshall]

He needs a revolver instead. A 2" S&W J-Frame or a Ruger SP-101would be his best bet.

 

[Jamie C.]

Hiya, Mayo.

I'm of the same opinion as the other folks that've said your friend probably shouldn't be carrying a gun at all, if he isn't going to become at least moderately proficient with it and practice occasionally.

It just sounds too much like all he wants is a "status symbol" of sorts.

I say this because I find it hard to believe that a person that thought that there was even the slightest chance that they would actually ever need to use a tool or weapon wouldn't make an effort to learn and practice the required skills to use it effectively.

But if he insists on carrying one anyway, then a small DA or DAO revolver would be a good choice. Something along the lines of the Taurus Millennium or Millennium Pro would be good too.

Basically, anything with a simple manual of arms and a trigger that's not too easy to pull.


Just my 2 cents worth.
J.C.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

I think your friend is 'bout to make a serious mistake by seeking a
firearm with NO intention of getting some quality training, or
even range time! I consider this a dumb move, on his part.
The way I see it, one should NEVER rely on an unproven weapon
regardless of design. The life that is may be called upon to save,
maybe YOURS my friend. Maybe your bud needs to consider
something less demanding for self defense, like a knife from
Cold Steel or Benchmade? Sorry, but knowing the facts now
I can't recommend a firearm for him; cuz each one of them
REQUIRE a degree of skill and training; not to mention proper
care and maintenance!

 

[Frandy]

Is there an echo in the room?

Anyone who doesn't want to practice should leave their gun at home. And probably have a shotgun, good locks, a dog, and so forth for protection in the home.

Hope he reads this thread.

Frandy, who's going to the range today to practice with his carry gun.

 

[Mayo]

Thanks for all the input and advice---believe me I've tried to pass on the same sentiments as you guys. First off, he lives about 200 miles away so the idea of me breaking it in for him is fine when I do get the chance to see him but it's not very often. Next, for some who have said to get a revolver(for carry) and shotgun, dog etc... for home---I hear you but 2 things 1. He's not concerned with his home protection, he wants a CW because he's on the road so much and wants protection. 2. As I stated, he wants a minimum 9mm and semi auto so the revolver(though good) is a no go. Finally, I don't think it's a status symbol for him since he's 44 and not a young kid. I guess you can attribute his attitude towards guns as cocky in that he feels that he can handle a SA but doesn't have the time to put in at the range :banghead: Odds are he will NEVER even have to use his weapon(good thing) but wants a reliable gun just in case.

 

[sm]

Nope - I would not have signed off this fellow getting his CCW - not yet.

I of all folks know the adage " one cannot change people and things" .

I had a fellow older than myself with that attitude, we "held" his CCW application. His reasons mirrored Numbers 1 & 2 .

A 67 y/o retired Sheriff buddy insisted he help with my " Come to Reality" meeting.

Triple checked and then checked thrice no real guns, live ammo, using training guns, in a series of controlled situations - and others to assist in safety.

He never saw me, I "appeared" from nowhere and jerked his door open with a rubber knife in hand...Carjacked - he peed himself, could not get to the gun and just totally freaked. He was also bigger than I .

I also was under his vehicle and pulled his feet out from under him, my accomplance , went "bang, bang" with a trainer gun , took his wallet...he lost it.

He got mad, scared and wanted "payback" [ I think we were making headway on the mindset part by this point ] He wanted to attack me...He thought he had the jump on me...I disarmed him with a cane, and when my cane stopped short of his adam's apple...eyes as big as saucers...

" Would you guy's mind teaching me ? "

Turned out to be a nice guy and last I heard still educating himself. WE signed off and sent in the App.