Opinions on new concealed carry pistol

[7mmfan]

I have decided its time to move forward with buying a concealed carry weapon. My wife and I are going to go through a training course to learn how to competently use them, (will be looking for suggestions on that as well). This is a gun that I plan on carrying consistently, not just from time to time, so comfort and ease of carry will be important.

As I've been researching pistols, I'm realizing there is a myriad of options depending on the price range. A good friend helped me narrow it down a little bit, but I wanted to get some of your opinions from guys that own some of these firearms.

I want to keep this purchase under $500 if I can. The .380 caliber appeals to me for no real reason I guess, but understand that .40, .45, and 9mm all offer more power. I'm open to any of these options.

I've read reviews on the S&W Shield, various Glock models, and the Springfield XDS, and a few of the Ruger semi-auto models. I'm starting from scratch here and want to get people's honest opinions on them.

[Igor]

I would recommend something like the S&W Airlite 342PD in .38 Special.  At 10.8 ounces it is great for concealed carry.

[NW-GSP]

I use to have a ruger lcp .380, it was easy to carry but not allot of fun to shoot. I upgraded to a M&P shield 9mm and really enjoy shooting it. It has the same trigger as the full size M&P pistols.
I would recommend getting a snag mag mag holster so you can have a extra mag http://www.snagmag.com/.

[carpsniperg2]

XD MOD 2,  shield and also the sig 320 would be my nods. I have and carry all 3. I love spring fields but don't like the s's.

[magnanimous_j]

There is really no wrong way to do it. Just pick something you can shoot well and is comfortable enough to carry for long periods. Be honest about that last part, because if it's too heavy or too bulky, you won't carry it. I would also advise you not to get "mag anxiety" about carrying fewer rounds. Most gunfights are three shots or less.

Personally, I really like the Kahr CW9.

[grundy53]

I really like my Ruger LC9 and my dad really likes his M&P Shield.

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[7mmfan]

XD MOD 2,  shield and also the sig 320 would be my nods. I have and carry all 3. I love spring fields but don't like the s's.

So when you say you "don't like the s's", why is that? What about those models doesn't work for you?

[WAnoob]

People might respond all they want about which brand they think is better and why brand y sucks.  But for concealed carry you need to try out a few and see which one will fit you and your wife best.  Good recommendations were pointed out above, the revolver is good because essentially all you have to do is pull the trigger and keep pulling if one fails to shoot.

The Ruger Lc9, Glock 43(9mm) or 42(380), m&p shield or bodyguard, sig p229 I believe is their compact version? These are all good options to look at to start.

I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the choices above and the small s&w revolvers. 

I'm glad no one has complained about capacity, I've seen multiple defense forums where they need to carry an extra mag and revolvers are "useless" because of that capacity carry.  If you need that many rounds you might as well say a prayer.

[7mmfan]

Magazine capacity doesn't bother me at all. I'm of the opinion that if I can't eliminate the threat with 5-7 shots, then it was to large of a threat for me to engage in solo in the first place.

Revolvers are in the back of my mind, but I have no experience with them. I may need to do a little more research in that department.

Is there a good place to go that will allow someone to shoot multiple firearms? Somewhere I can rent them? I've been told Wades may, and West Coast Armory...

[WAnoob]

I'm not sure on rentals, my local Bellingham range will rent a few select models but you have to use their ammo .

Be sure to test fire some as I've shot both the ruger compacts for example (380 and 9mm) and the 9mm is actually easier to hold and has less snap to it.

[7mmfan]

That's the goal, I need to narrow it down to 3 or 4 and shoot them all. More importantly, I need to have my wife shoot them to make sure its something she can handle. At this point, she will not carry a weapon, probably never will. But in the off chance i'm gone and its home, she needs to be comfortable using it in a pinch.

[carpsniperg2]

XD MOD 2,  shield and also the sig 320 would be my nods. I have and carry all 3. I love spring fields but don't like the s's.

So when you say you "don't like the s's", why is that? What about those models doesn't work for you?

I don't like the grip and the fit of the gun in my hand. The mod 2 has a excellent grip compared to the S.

I just ordered in the body guard for a client in 380. Might not be to bad of choice this one has the ct laser on it. I have no range time on it so just giving you some ideas.

I have put probably 1500 rounds through the 3 I listed and can say I like all of them and trust my life to all of them. Some people are hung up on brands. I like most and most will go bang. Like said if you can find some place to test a few that would be great for you and your wife.

[WAnoob]

That's the goal, I need to narrow it down to 3 or 4 and shoot them all. More importantly, I need to have my wife shoot them to make sure its something she can handle. At this point, she will not carry a weapon, probably never will. But in the off chance i'm gone and its home, she needs to be comfortable using it in a pinch.

That is one of the big reasons I suggested the revolver, if your wife is at home alone she could maybe have a FTE and a revolver you just keep pulling the trigger and not have to worry about messing around with a semi-auto in high stress conditions if you're not fully trained.

[Bango skank]

That's the goal, I need to narrow it down to 3 or 4 and shoot them all. More importantly, I need to have my wife shoot them to make sure its something she can handle. At this point, she will not carry a weapon, probably never will. But in the off chance i'm gone and its home, she needs to be comfortable using it in a pinch.

Its not a carry gun if you leave it at home.  Get what you want to carry, and buy a wife friendly gun to leave at home.  Maybe a keltec pmr 30 i think its called?  .22 mag with 30 round magazine.  Perfect for a house gun that your wife can light somebody up with little training.  Spray and pray 30 rounds of .22 mag in close quarters, i think will do the job

[NW-GSP]

Check out norpoint gun range. Its just east of Smokey point they rent handguns. If they do not have a shield your welcome to try mine. I live close to the range.