Handgun choice

[n_mathews13]

I'm in search for a concealed hand gun. Any opinions or pointers, what do you carry?

[Fl0und3rz]

G26 is a nice compromise between concealability, capacity, and defensive ability.  Carrying a G17 spare mag makes for 26 rounds of 9 mm.

[b23]

There's nearly an endless amount of options for you to choose from.  Do you have idea of what you're wanting, revolver, single stack, double stack, caliber, and the list goes on and on and on.

The small revolvers like the S&W 442 or Ruger LCR are both great options if you're leaning that direction.  I'm partial to the M&P Shield and I think they make a great CCW.  They come in 9mm, 40S&W, and 45 now, too.

If you ask ten different people, you'll likely get ten different answers so the best advice I can give you is do your research and go to a range where you can try a bunch of different ones.

One of the biggest things to consider, if you're serious about carrying a CCW, regardless of what it is, pick something that you'll actually carry on a regular basis because you can have the most awesome badazz thing in the world, but it'll do you no good if it's always sitting in a drawer at home.

[Lefthook]

Son, a few friends and myself carry G27's. A G26 if you don't want to deal with the .40's recoil would be a great choice.

[CAMPMEAT]

G29sf 10mm, Sig Sauer 357 Sig, XDS 45.....depending what my mood is and where I'm going. Mostly the 10mm.

[n_mathews13]

There's nearly an endless amount of options for you to choose from.  Do you have idea of what you're wanting, revolver, single stack, double stack, caliber, and the list goes on and on and on.

The small revolvers like the S&W 442 or Ruger LCR are both great options if you're leaning that direction.  I'm partial to the M&P Shield and I think they make a great CCW.  They come in 9mm, 40S&W, and 45 now, too.

If you ask ten different people, you'll likely get ten different answers so the best advice I can give you is do your research and go to a range where you can try a bunch of different ones.


Kinda like revolvers but I am guessing I can't load as many rounds in that compared to like the shield

One of the biggest things to consider, if you're serious about carrying a CCW, regardless of what it is, pick something that you'll actually carry on a regular basis because you can have the most awesome badazz thing in the world, but it'll do you no good if it's always sitting in a drawer at home.

[BULLBLASTER]

Lately for me it's been a glock 43

[mossy8352]

Go here and shoot anything you might be interested in buying, a gun might feel good or look good but shooting it lets you know if you want it or not!
https://themarksman.store/

[rtspring]

Shoot before you buy!

I carry a XDM .40 and love it, very accurate, light and has the high capacity mag. 

[Lincoln4]

You really need to go to a range that rents pistols and shoot a bunch of them.  Then consider how you would like to carry.  Glock, Sig, Springfield Arms, S&W, etc...  All the big names make good weapons.  You just need to find the one that is right for you.

[Bean Counter]

Fly in the ointment here 

I agree with the consensus that its wise to go rent a few at the range before buying.

However, i would do some research and philosophical pondering on the toilet before even getting to that point. I highly recommend considering a revolver over a bottom feeder (aka semi-automatic). I carried a bottom feeder for a decade before going old school with a wheel gun and haven't looked back. Do yourself a  favor and at least study the pros and cons of each before deciding. 

Glocks are perfect, when they're not breaking! 

[257wbymagkiller]

I carry a glock 33 (357 sig) with pinky extension and trijicon sights and live it. I'm a smaller frame guy at 5,7 and 180lbs and I hide it pretty well with no printing.

[Firedogg]

 Get to a range to try out a few different ones.  Lots of things to try. Make sure to grab ahold of a Sig 229 along the way.

Once you find one you like to shoot the real trouble starts when trying to find a concealment holster that works for you.

  Both my Sig 229 and Kimber Pro Carry II ride in Alien Gear IWB holsters.

[Igor]

S&W 342PD........at 10.8 oz. it is  very easy to conceal.

[ghosthunter]

After years of carrying a SW sve 9. I now carry two Bond Hand Cannons in a double shoulder rig.
And a LCP 380 as a back up pocket pistol.

I read somewhere that most self defense shootings are two shots or less. 

[b23]

S&W 342PD........at 10.8 oz. it is  very easy to conceal.

Those were a very light CCW, a few ounces lighter than the 442 even, but I think S&W stopped making the 342 quite a few years ago.

[jaymark6655]

I carry either a Glock 23 (my first), Glock 27, or a 1911.  The Glocks are lighter and I have never been able to break one.  Right now I want to buy a Glock 42, it fits perfectly in my back pocket and feels just like my wallet or if you don't think .380 is good enough get the Glock 43.

As long a the recoil spring is good and you oil it once in a while and don't accidently drop it in a fire, a Glock shouldn't fail you.

Note: I also want a revolver, semi usually don't handle snake shot rounds too well.

[C-Money]

I like the M&P Shield 9mm for most applications. Sig 238 for skinny jean days...

[724wd]

i pack a S&W airweight .38+P when I'm out and about, but there's ALWAYS an NAA .22 sidewinder in my pocket.  I have the .22 mag cylinder, too, but haven't used it.  .22 LR with 1 finger on the grip and a 1 1/8" barrel is enough!   

[Bean Counter]

I read somewhere that most self defense shootings are two shots or less. 

The Armed Citizen - A Five Year Analysis

Median = 2
Average = 2

Don't repeat that too loud. There are a lot of tactical operators on YouTube pimping training courses and purveyors of high standard capacity magazines that will  tell you that a 15 round bottom feeder makes you 3x more prepared for a self defense situation than me with my 5-6 shot revolver   

[Buzz2401]

i pack a S&W airweight .38+P when I'm out and about, but there's ALWAYS an NAA .22 sidewinder in my pocket.  I have the .22 mag cylinder, too, but haven't used it.  .22 LR with 1 finger on the grip and a 1 1/8" barrel is enough!   

I second this.  I own a crap load of different pistols most of them being Auto's but my carry gun is a S&W airweight 38spl

[yakimarcher]

Kahr cw45

[brew]

I like the M&P Shield 9mm for most applications. Sig 238 for skinny jean days...

last time i wore a pair of "skinny jeans" was in 6th grade paird with my waffle stompers...the jeans i wear nowadays your could hide an RPG in

[SpringerFan]

Beretta PX4 Storm in .40 with 4 inch barrel in a StealthGear IWB.

Need to think about a belt as well. I just got a Bigfoot 18oz. with steel core. Thought it was too stiff but after a week I know I made the right choice.

Like everyone else has recommended,  try first.

I am not affiliated with either company.

[n_mathews13]

dang  all good input.
Beretta Nano 9mm, any input?

[n_mathews13]

Shoot before you buy!

I carry a XDM .40 and love it, very accurate, light and has the high capacity mag.

XD(M)® 3.8″ COMPACT .40SW  was looking at these  look like a good one  have to go to a store and try it out

[grundy53]

LC9s

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[grundy53]

I read somewhere that most self defense shootings are two shots or less. 

The Armed Citizen - A Five Year Analysis

Median = 2
Average = 2

Don't repeat that too loud. There are a lot of tactical operators on YouTube pimping training courses and purveyors of high standard capacity magazines that will  tell you that a 15 round bottom feeder makes you 3x more prepared for a self defense situation than me with my 5-6 shot revolver   

What if your self defense situation isn't the average self defense situation? Why get caught short in the land of plenty.

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[grundy53]

Anyone interested in self defense should listen to Gun Talk radio. It's a nationally syndicated radio show but I listen to the podcasts. It's a good show. He has a lot of self defense experts on. Plus they of course are always talking about guns .

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[Bean Counter]

I read somewhere that most self defense shootings are two shots or less. 

The Armed Citizen - A Five Year Analysis

Median = 2
Average = 2

Don't repeat that too loud. There are a lot of tactical operators on YouTube pimping training courses and purveyors of high standard capacity magazines that will  tell you that a 15 round bottom feeder makes you 3x more prepared for a self defense situation than me with my 5-6 shot revolver   

What if your self defense situation isn't the average self defense situation? Why get caught short in the land of plenty.

Then I'll go Jerry Mitchulek on them 

[grundy53]

I read somewhere that most self defense shootings are two shots or less. 

The Armed Citizen - A Five Year Analysis

Median = 2
Average = 2

Don't repeat that too loud. There are a lot of tactical operators on YouTube pimping training courses and purveyors of high standard capacity magazines that will  tell you that a 15 round bottom feeder makes you 3x more prepared for a self defense situation than me with my 5-6 shot revolver   

What if your self defense situation isn't the average self defense situation? Why get caught short in the land of plenty.

Then I'll go Jerry Mitchulek on them 

I bet....

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[coachcw]

m&p 40 or a light weight revolver in 38 or 357.

[b23]

I suppose if a person is that concerned about having plenty of ammo you could get a KelTec PMR30.  If you carry a spare mag, have a full mag in the gun and one in the pipe, that'll give you 61 rounds to shoot and still weigh less than most Glocks. 

[Bean Counter]

If you put 61 rounds in someone, they'll probably bleed out faster than if you shoot them 5 times... And I could also wear body armor and fireproof clothing everywhere I go and put my kids in foam helmets. Its all about risk assessment vs practicality.

Odds are I'll never need my weapon for self defense
If it does come out, the bad guy will likely run off at its presentation.
If I do fire, its not likely to be more than a half a dozen shots.
If I do win the odds lottery and I'm present at Costco/Walmart for a Charlie Hebdo style attack, my family is better served by us making a break for the fire escape rather than pressing the threat. Its really a question of  proximity and routes of egress when the shooting begins. Going after a couple of  highly committed active shooters with sport utility rifles isn't going to be end much better for me with a bottom feeding pistol w/2x 30 round magazines than a classic wheel gun. 

[thinkingman]

I read somewhere that most self defense shootings are two shots or less. 

The Armed Citizen - A Five Year Analysis

Median = 2
Average = 2

Don't repeat that too loud. There are a lot of tactical operators on YouTube pimping training courses and purveyors of high standard capacity magazines that will  tell you that a 15 round bottom feeder makes you 3x more prepared for a self defense situation than me with my 5-6 shot revolver   

What if your self defense situation isn't the average self defense situation? Why get caught short in the land of plenty.

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Because packing a doublestack is twice or more as difficult as a singlestack.
OP-Kahr PM9.
If 7 won't solve your problem, 15 probably won't.

[b23]

Bean, I'm with you on that which is why one of the first CCW I suggest no matter if it's a man or women, is something like the S&W 442 or Ruger LCR, mostly because of their size and the easier it is to throw in your pocket the more likely you are to always have it on/with you.

[Bean Counter]

I have no problem carrying more rounds than less. I DO have a problem with a platform that is built around myriad compromises and trades a critical feature I demand (reliability) for a feature I am not likely to need (high capacity). 

[grundy53]

I read somewhere that most self defense shootings are two shots or less. 

The Armed Citizen - A Five Year Analysis

Median = 2
Average = 2

Don't repeat that too loud. There are a lot of tactical operators on YouTube pimping training courses and purveyors of high standard capacity magazines that will  tell you that a 15 round bottom feeder makes you 3x more prepared for a self defense situation than me with my 5-6 shot revolver   

What if your self defense situation isn't the average self defense situation? Why get caught short in the land of plenty.

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Because packing a doublestack is twice or more as difficult as a singlestack.
OP-Kahr PM9.
If 7 won't solve your problem, 15 probably won't.

I carry a single stack also. But spare magazines are a lot easier to carry then moon clips/speed loaders.

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[Jburke]

LC9s

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Except I have the older version LC9

[huntnphool]

Lots of good stuff here. http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,197100.msg2616319.html#msg2616319

[luteai]

If you in the Spokane area stop by Sharp Shooting on Freya. They rent pistols to try out (at least they did 15 years ago) Double Eagle pawn on Francis has a great selection of hand guns. Go find the ones that feel right and then read about the pistols you liked and how to conceal them. A .32 acp in your pocket is better than a .45 acp left at home because its uncomfortable to carry...

[T-Dozzer]

I have a G19 & G26.
The 26 can take the 19 mags.
Have a fullsize 1911 but is too heavy to pack around.

[Jburke]

If you in the Spokane area stop by Sharp Shooting on Freya. They rent pistols to try out (at least they did 15 years ago) Double Eagle pawn on Francis has a great selection of hand guns. Go find the ones that feel right and then read about the pistols you liked and how to conceal them. A .32 acp in your pocket is better than a .45 acp left at home because its uncomfortable to carry...

They do still rent guns and on Friday as well as Monday evenings they have a 2 for 1 special on range fees and include free gun rentals(you must buy their ammo to use their guns).

[Mongo Hunter]

I carry a Glock 26 everyday and a Ruger LCP2 for a backup.

Yeah I'm one of "those" guys that carries 2 guns. My work and living situation though makes this the best option for me, not necessarily everyone. But the best advice I can give you is this:

Rules:
1. Carry the gun.
2. Needs to be as close to 100% reliable as possible (no gun is 100%).
3. Practice, practice, practice.

So in the world we live in now the single stack 9's rule, and there's good reason. People normally make 1 of 2 mistakes when buying a CCW. either they buy too big and they don't want to carry it beyond the honeymoon period (see rule number 1). Or they buy too small and never practice with it (see rule number 3). Single stack 9's give you the best of easy to carry and not horrible to shoot.

so in my long winded response look at the Glock 43 or the S&W shield. cant go wrong with either and there's no safeties or magazine disconnects to worry about.

[Booner]

Walther pps m2 9mm for me and Glock G43 for the wife.

I shot the Walther much better than the Glock. My wife shot them both better than me lol but she chose the Glock because it was lighter.

For what it's worth (and per Mongo's post) I also have an XDM 3.8c in 9mm, I only carry that in the winter months because it's more difficult to conceal and heavier (not fun) than the Walther...that's why I bought the Walther for the other 9 months. Hardly know I have it on with the stealthgear iwb holster.

Best advice so far... Try them first both my wife and I hated the M&P. Up north, Norpoint has a very good selection of rental guns.


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[n_mathews13]

Handled a kahr .380 this last weekend in colville . Liked how it felt a little better the ruger

[Alchase]

I love these threads!

Everyone is going to have their favorite. The only right handgun is the one you are able to put rounds accurately on target, conceal comfortable, and the most important of all, the one "you" carry!

All other are preferences.

I have had many single stacks (by default easiest to conceal), many double stacks (fit my hand perfectly), a couple revolvers (reliable, but semi's have surpassed them IMO). Some I can't stand the grip angle on (Glocks) though that has not stopped me from owning and carrying them. Some are unnecessarily difficult to clean (compared to others).

I have have had .38's, 380s, 357's, .41 mags (favorite wheel gun) .44 mags,  9mm's, 10 mm's, .45's, and my current daily carry is a XD, 4 in. .40 cal.

All are valid options.

Go to a range, rent, and shoot many different sizes and calibers.
You will find a compact or sub-compact with the same caliber, will shoot differently then the same gun in standard size.
I owned many single stacks before I realized my hands preferred double stacks better. I owned and still own Glocks before I realized I do not really like the angle their grips are.
Then narrow down which manufacturer you prefer, and shoot, shoot, and shoot some more, LOL

[BLDtraLR]

S&W  M&p  45 sheild     First 3 shots in red      Only a couple bad shots after moving target out   Sweet shooting gun .

[ForestDump]

I really like the pt111 g2 as a ccw. It's a double stack 9mm that holds 12+1. Also takes sig 226 magazines if you want a bigger backup mag.

Really nice pistol for $230