yet another question about 9mm CCW options
- Thread starter AlBaron
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It has same disadvantage as Shield or XDs meaning you're loosing 1/4" of thickness or less at cost of not being able to carry duty size magazine as reload. For example G26 will accept G19 and G17 magazines. Another small disadvantage is in your particular gun recoil impulse will be greater to palm of hand because of lesser grip surface area.
Single stack defensive CCW pistol is only good if it can be very, very small and reliable that is were my R9 really shines.
bannockburn
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AlBaron
I would second the notion that possibly .40 S&W might be a bit of a handful in a small sub-compact semi-auto for someone just starting out with handguns in general. Recoil can be a little snappy and a bit of muzzle flip can be encountered as well with certain loads. Might be a good idea to stick with 9mm. to begin with and then move up to other calibers once you've got the essentials under your belt.
I would second the notion that possibly .40 S&W might be a bit of a handful in a small sub-compact semi-auto for someone just starting out with handguns in general. Recoil can be a little snappy and a bit of muzzle flip can be encountered as well with certain loads. Might be a good idea to stick with 9mm. to begin with and then move up to other calibers once you've got the essentials under your belt.
MIL-DOT
member
I was also gonna recommend the Walther PPS, but I was beaten to it. Since the PPS's dropped down to under $400, they became very competitive with the justifiably popular Shield (which I also really like).
Owning or having owned the G26, Shield, PPS and Springfield, I like the PPS and the Shield the best, for regular carry.
The Glock26 was too much heft for pocket carry, and I just never took to the XDS, but all that is pretty subjective, they're still both great pistols.
Given the lethality of the newer generations of 9mm self-defense ammo, there really isn't an upside to using .40 in a small polymer pistol. Stick with 9mm. Among other reasons, the pistol's re-sale/trade potential is better.
I can't put my finger on anything specific, but I feel like the Walther is slightly higher quality pistol than the Shield. But, that being said, the Shield is still a great pistol, with some of the best customer service in the buisness (which I can personally attest to).
Also, the Shield magazines are more easily found, and considerably cheaper. Plus, they're stainless rather than blued.
Also,the Shield's grip with it's 8-rd mag is only a tiny bit longer than the Walther with it's 7-rd mag. The Walther with it's 8-rd mag is a good bit longer yet.
So with just about the same degree of concealability, you get an extra round by going with the Shield.
For comfort and accuracy, I find them both to be about equal (as in A+) . Both are under an inch thick. Both come with steel rather than plastic sights.
Price being equal, I might recommend the PPS over the Shield, but I think the stellar S&W customer service, and availability of cheap, stainless mags may make the Shield the slightly better value. But it's really a toss up, IMO.
Owning or having owned the G26, Shield, PPS and Springfield, I like the PPS and the Shield the best, for regular carry.
The Glock26 was too much heft for pocket carry, and I just never took to the XDS, but all that is pretty subjective, they're still both great pistols.
Given the lethality of the newer generations of 9mm self-defense ammo, there really isn't an upside to using .40 in a small polymer pistol. Stick with 9mm. Among other reasons, the pistol's re-sale/trade potential is better.
I can't put my finger on anything specific, but I feel like the Walther is slightly higher quality pistol than the Shield. But, that being said, the Shield is still a great pistol, with some of the best customer service in the buisness (which I can personally attest to).
Also, the Shield magazines are more easily found, and considerably cheaper. Plus, they're stainless rather than blued.
Also,the Shield's grip with it's 8-rd mag is only a tiny bit longer than the Walther with it's 7-rd mag. The Walther with it's 8-rd mag is a good bit longer yet.
So with just about the same degree of concealability, you get an extra round by going with the Shield.
For comfort and accuracy, I find them both to be about equal (as in A+) . Both are under an inch thick. Both come with steel rather than plastic sights.
Price being equal, I might recommend the PPS over the Shield, but I think the stellar S&W customer service, and availability of cheap, stainless mags may make the Shield the slightly better value. But it's really a toss up, IMO.
Sistema1927
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I normally pocket carry a Kahr PM9 with Crimson Trace laser. I can carry it with just about all of my clothing choices with no fuss or bother. I guess that I am lazy in that regard.
However, if I could only have one pistol, it would be my Glock 26. I shoot it as well as I do my G17, and when I do carry it I carry an extra G17 magazine with a grip sleeve on it. Yes, I have to make the right wardrobe choices, but it is worth the extra effort when I am not being lazy.
However, if I could only have one pistol, it would be my Glock 26. I shoot it as well as I do my G17, and when I do carry it I carry an extra G17 magazine with a grip sleeve on it. Yes, I have to make the right wardrobe choices, but it is worth the extra effort when I am not being lazy.
This is a very saturated marketplace, so you will have a hard time going wrong with most any pistol from a reputable manufacturer:
http://www.gunsandammo.com/handguns/compacts/single-stack-9mm-shootout/
BTW - I found the Shield 9mm to be the perfect combination of concealeability and shootability, but folks have different waistbands, hands, and trigger fingers. And I think 9 rounds of 9mm is nothing to sneeze at.
http://www.gunsandammo.com/handguns/compacts/single-stack-9mm-shootout/
BTW - I found the Shield 9mm to be the perfect combination of concealeability and shootability, but folks have different waistbands, hands, and trigger fingers. And I think 9 rounds of 9mm is nothing to sneeze at.
jimbo555
Member
It's hard to beat the Glock 26 combination of reliability, accuracy, capacity and the ability to use the 17 and 15 round mags. All in a easy to carry package.
Well, now, as long as amending The List is permissible .....AlBaron said:
IIRC, you said that you're 6'3" and ~220? You should be able to conceal something larger than what you've listed in the OP. Those are all suitable carry guns, but you don't absolutely have to have the smallest pistol of the line to CC. If you're willing to dress around the gun a little, there are a whole lot of pistols one "size class" larger than what you've listed that are just fine for CC. I'm shorter and heavier than you and I CC a Glock 19 on a daily basis.
That is exactly my plan as soon as I get my permit
sigarms228
Member
Ergonomics and how one likes shooting it.
I love my Gen 2 Glock 19 and CCW it on occasion but I love my Walther PPQ more and shoot it better.
Toyota Corollas are reliable, durable, inexpensive, get great mileage and parts widely available. Does not mean it is best choice in a car for everyone though.
Definitely rent and shoot a few different ones. The BIGGEST mistake I see new shooters/CCW holders make is buying little guns! They are much harder to shoot well for anyone and extremely difficult to learn on. There is no reason why you can't conceal a mid-size 9mm double stack handgun.
Get something like a G19 (or any quality 9mm double stack with about a 4" barrel). It will be easy to learn to shoot, not a problem concealing IWB and also save you lots of $ because it will do double duty for HD as well. Add a smaller gun later for times when you want deep concealment.
I mostly carry a full size gun, Sig P226. Concealment isn't an issue with a good belt and holster. I sure can shoot it fast and accurately though...
Get something like a G19 (or any quality 9mm double stack with about a 4" barrel). It will be easy to learn to shoot, not a problem concealing IWB and also save you lots of $ because it will do double duty for HD as well. Add a smaller gun later for times when you want deep concealment.
I mostly carry a full size gun, Sig P226. Concealment isn't an issue with a good belt and holster. I sure can shoot it fast and accurately though...
wrdwrght
Member
If you, the OP, see yourself having never more than one gun and are choosing just from the three you list, then I'd strongly recommend the Glock 26 (I have one) for CCW and, with G19 and G17 mags, for HD. Bases covered...
But, of course, who buys one gun and doesn't buy another?
And since the Walther PPS (I have the "Classic" and am eyeing the M2) seems now to appeal, get that one, or a Glock 43 (I have one), next.
Then you'll have a seasonal choice for carry. Moreover, following the principle that 2 is 1 and 1 is none, you'll still have a firearm if one needs to go out for service.
But, of course, who buys one gun and doesn't buy another?
And since the Walther PPS (I have the "Classic" and am eyeing the M2) seems now to appeal, get that one, or a Glock 43 (I have one), next.
Then you'll have a seasonal choice for carry. Moreover, following the principle that 2 is 1 and 1 is none, you'll still have a firearm if one needs to go out for service.
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I will mention a really good but overlooked 9mm compact which is the Taurus PT111 G2. Competes with guns more than twice its price.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH3tJrK2ma4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH3tJrK2ma4
Zaydok Allen
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Being of similar size, though lighter, this has been my conclusion also. I carry an XDs, but I'm seriously considering getting an HK P30SK for winter carry.Well, now, as long as amending The List is permissible .....
IIRC, you said that you're 6'3" and ~220? You should be able to conceal something larger than what you've listed in the OP. Those are all suitable carry guns, but you don't absolutely have to have the smallest pistol of the line to CC. If you're willing to dress around the gun a little, there are a whole lot of pistols one "size class" larger than what you've listed that are just fine for CC. I'm shorter and heavier than you and I CC a Glock 19 on a daily basis.
Of course, I could probably just carry one of my full sized guns in winter, so maybe I just want another gun.
Of course i can pretend and lie to you fine folks that it will be my only gun purchase, but who am I kidding? Of course its a beginning of yet another expensive hobby...
Snowdog
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Though the Shield was on my list, I opted for the CM9. At the time, my summer EDC was a P238HD and while a wonderful little pistol, it didn't like the hotter ammunition. I found the CM9 was practically the same size and capacity. Slightly wider, but it was lighter and in 9mm.
I'm completely satisfied with the CM9 for warmer weather carry but you have a good 3" and 20 pounds on me, so your comfort level might be more tolerant of larger handguns.
I'm completely satisfied with the CM9 for warmer weather carry but you have a good 3" and 20 pounds on me, so your comfort level might be more tolerant of larger handguns.
WRGADog
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I would add the Walther PPS to the list you are considering. Very thin, easy to conceal, 6,7, or 8 round mags.
barking_dog
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I have a Shield and find it very reliable. At the same time I have moved to a Sig p320sc for CC. It is much easier for me to shoot accurately and holds 12+1. It is only 1.06 inches thick and does not weigh much more.
1911 guy
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Handguns are like pants and shirts. I can look at yours and say "That looks nice", but it doesn't mean they'll fit me. Fit is a BIG part of buying a handgun. Some have more or less grip angle, some are thicker or thinner than others, trigger reach varies with model and caliber, etc. You can't pick a pistol simply by adding up check marks on paper. You have to handle them, evaluate them and know what you are evaluating.
Just like pants and shirts, we all have different size and shape hands. I can tell you that your original list has three solid handguns on it. I can also tell you that I personally despise the design of Glock handguns, based on grip angle alone. But some people love them. DON'T buy something just because someone else likes it and can use it well.
Anytime someone says "The answer is Glock", they're just fanboys, not handgunners. Your answer might indeed be a Glock. But I don't know that and neither do they. Only you can answer that question.
Search here on THR and anywhere else you can find information about handgun fit. I know I've posted about it and so have a lot of other people. Base your pistol shopping on information that will actually help you.
Just like pants and shirts, we all have different size and shape hands. I can tell you that your original list has three solid handguns on it. I can also tell you that I personally despise the design of Glock handguns, based on grip angle alone. But some people love them. DON'T buy something just because someone else likes it and can use it well.
Anytime someone says "The answer is Glock", they're just fanboys, not handgunners. Your answer might indeed be a Glock. But I don't know that and neither do they. Only you can answer that question.
Search here on THR and anywhere else you can find information about handgun fit. I know I've posted about it and so have a lot of other people. Base your pistol shopping on information that will actually help you.
JohnnyBravo
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They are popular because they are very small, high quality, and relatively inexpensive and that is all the rage lately, especially with people who are new to CCW. I consider them to be a last resort for CCW as I prefer larger, easier to shoot well, higher capacity handguns unless clothing dictates something smaller. I tend to dress around the gun.
I would prefer a somewhat larger gun like an M&P 9c, Glock 19, or Beretta PX4 Compact. But everyone has to determine their own priorities. No one else walks in your shoes.
I would prefer a somewhat larger gun like an M&P 9c, Glock 19, or Beretta PX4 Compact. But everyone has to determine their own priorities. No one else walks in your shoes.
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