Post by: 7mmfan on November 24, 2015, 02:03:50 PM
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.
Post by: Igor on November 24, 2015, 02:10:55 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi165.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu63%2Ffnu_lnu_photos%2F342PD-2.jpg&hash=740065248d16ad39dda9477487d09bc7c120e54b)
Post by: NW-GSP on November 24, 2015, 02:14:42 PM
I would recommend getting a snag mag mag holster so you can have a extra mag http://www.snagmag.com/.
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 24, 2015, 02:17:32 PM
Post by: magnanimous_j on November 24, 2015, 02:20:07 PM
Personally, I really like the Kahr CW9.
Post by: grundy53 on November 24, 2015, 02:20:25 PM
Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk
Post by: 7mmfan on November 24, 2015, 02:25:01 PM
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?
Post by: WAnoob on November 24, 2015, 02:25:25 PM
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.
Post by: 7mmfan on November 24, 2015, 02:37:27 PM
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...
Post by: WAnoob on November 24, 2015, 02:39:35 PM
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.
Post by: 7mmfan on November 24, 2015, 02:43:14 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on November 24, 2015, 02:44:19 PM
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.
Post by: WAnoob on November 24, 2015, 02:46:54 PM
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.
Post by: Bango skank on November 24, 2015, 02:52:09 PM
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
Post by: NW-GSP on November 24, 2015, 02:55:42 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 24, 2015, 02:57:19 PM
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
This is an ultimate goal. I'm easing into this with her. She came from a home where guns were a no-no. She has always been fine with my hunting rifles and shotguns, but has balked at handguns. I have her onboard for me to buy a gun for carry purposes, and she is onboard to learn how to use it, but I'm not going to go out and buy multiple firearms for something that I don't think she's convinced is necessary. It will take some time, but she'll get there.
Post by: WAnoob on November 24, 2015, 02:59:47 PM
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
This is an ultimate goal. I'm easing into this with her. She came from a home where guns were a no-no. She has always been fine with my hunting rifles and shotguns, but has balked at handguns. I have her onboard for me to buy a gun for carry purposes, and she is onboard to learn how to use it, but I'm not going to go out and buy multiple firearms for something that I don't think she's convinced is necessary. It will take some time, but she'll get there.
Sounds like my girlfriend, the only way I got her to go shooting with me was to shoot some .22 pistols, she had a blast. If she has no experience, tend to stick with low recoil guns so the don't get bad flinch habits or fear of the gun.
Post by: CementFinisher on November 24, 2015, 03:03:39 PM
Post by: NW-GSP on November 24, 2015, 03:03:47 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 24, 2015, 03:06:17 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 24, 2015, 03:06:42 PM
Norpoint also offers woman only firearm classes. My buddys wife took the class even though she wants nothing to do with firearms but took it since he has firearms in the house and she said that she actually really enjoyed the class and learned allot.
Good to know NW, thanks for the heads up.
Post by: WAnoob on November 24, 2015, 03:09:28 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 24, 2015, 03:13:24 PM
Most women are actually better shots starting out then men from whom I have taught, they are a lot less stubborn :chuckle:
Not what I have observed with my wife. >:( Stubborness anyway.
In all seriousness you are correct though. I guided fly fishing trips for a long time and most women picked it up extremely fast because they came in with an expectation to learn. Most men had to much pride to admit they didn't know how.
Post by: Bean Counter on November 24, 2015, 03:18:20 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 24, 2015, 03:23:52 PM
Post by: CementFinisher on November 24, 2015, 03:26:25 PM
Post by: WAnoob on November 24, 2015, 03:27:34 PM
shield is awesome. however go with the 9mm. The 40. in that size package is a bit much for most users
:yeah: and the 9mm will be cheaper overall and ammo more readily available.
Post by: 724wd on November 24, 2015, 04:14:14 PM
Is your wife looking to carry a pistol, too? Or just something to have at home for defense? Because a shotgun for the home would always be my first choice.
Post by: KFhunter on November 24, 2015, 04:20:37 PM
Post by: Bofire on November 24, 2015, 04:26:10 PM
Carl
Post by: thatdamguy on November 24, 2015, 04:46:29 PM
I have been using this Taurus 709 for a couple years and I really like it, lot of gun for around $300. Also I would recommend 9mm :twocents:
All that aside, find and shoot as many different models as possible. Nothing matters more than you being able to shoot it accurately and comfortably.
Post by: Fl0und3rz on November 24, 2015, 05:21:39 PM
Another benefit is the ability to use full size mags.
Post by: KFhunter on November 24, 2015, 05:37:17 PM
auto's also spit out evidence (casings) all over the ground which will be used against you possibly, maybe the casings land weird or get kicked across the pavement, and they say you were here shooting like this, when really you were over there shooting like that
autos are more difficult to manipulate if you have cold or mangled hands
autos can jam or misfire, especially if clothing gets caught in the slide when you have it shoved in someone's gut yanking the trigger because your life depended on it
Interesting article while I was on the subject. A study of average non-police shootings.
http://thinkinggunfighter.blogspot.com/2012/03/self-defense-findings.html
Post by: drdr07 on November 24, 2015, 07:22:29 PM
Post by: jay.sharkbait on November 24, 2015, 07:25:45 PM
Post by: papisjeep on November 24, 2015, 07:34:19 PM
J frame S&W
S&W Shield
Springfield XDS 9mm
Post by: Rich_S on November 24, 2015, 07:48:40 PM
1. For real light duty - Ruger .380 LCP with laser. Fits in a shirt pocket - never leave home without it.
2. For heavy duty - Detonics Combat Master
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi256.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fhh171%2FClark_Savage_Jr%2FMisc%2FCombatMaster%2520002_zpswrw26l4n.jpg&hash=1ccb979ed3a786a4bfda38f534330b417ad31adf) (http://s256.photobucket.com/user/Clark_Savage_Jr/media/Misc/CombatMaster%20002_zpswrw26l4n.jpg.html)
3 (for a revolver) S&W Model 60 in .38 spl. (I can't imaging shooting a .357!)
Post by: sled on November 24, 2015, 07:54:27 PM
Post by: 7mmfan on November 24, 2015, 08:18:12 PM
Post by: Rick on November 24, 2015, 08:27:30 PM
The latest whiz-bang CCW does you no good if its sitting at home in the safe because its not comfortable to carry.
Post by: Westside88 on November 24, 2015, 08:32:03 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on November 24, 2015, 08:33:46 PM
I have 500 rounds down it ,with never a problem.
I also carry aLCP 380 as back up.
16 + 1 mag. Plenty of fire power.
Post by: cohocrazy on November 24, 2015, 08:35:52 PM
Post by: Mongo Hunter on November 25, 2015, 06:53:24 AM
1) Glock 26 (my daily EDC)
2) S&W Shield
3) S&W J Frame
Personally I would stay 9mm. with modern ammo there is really no difference in performance between 9, .40 and .45 that a bad guy would notice. 40 is more expensive than 9mm and is a bit more snappy in recoil. and while I am a big fan of the ol .45 the guns tend to be bigger, heavier and the ammo is almost twice the cost of 9mm. 9mm give you less recoil, more bullets, smaller gun and is cheaper to shoot.
I like the Glock 26 but that tends to be a bit blocky for some, but they even have a new single stack version that has been getting high marks on reviews. the Shield is slim and under $400. I carried a J frame for years and was easily one of my favorites, but due to a relocation of my current occupation I wanted something with more firepower and the Glock fit the bill.
Shoot as many as you can to get a feel of what you like but understand that ANY carry gun is a compromise. it will be harder to shoot and be less comfortable to shoot. but the main thing is you need to have it on you all the time these days, you may shoot something like a Sig 226 better but after a few hours of carry you will want something different.
Let us know what you wind up with, always good to see new people carrying.
Post by: Band on November 25, 2015, 07:48:42 AM
After you buy your gun be sure to check out this link to decide which type of ammo to go with - http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,184340.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,184340.0.html)
Post by: Mongo Hunter on November 25, 2015, 09:53:47 AM
I studied the options on a carry pistol for about 3 years, believe it or not, because I didn't want to end up with something I regretted and then start the shopping process all over again. I rented the top contenders on two occasions and ultimately went with the S&W Shield in 9mm (for a variety of reasons) and I have no regrets at all. It's a great gun and very accurate shooting for me.
After you buy your gun be sure to check out this link to decide which type of ammo to go with - http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,184340.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,184340.0.html)
I think the biggest mistake I see that new CCW people make is buying "too much" gun for a EDC gun. not saying that's what you did, but more often than not that's what I see most people do. they shoot their buddies USP "compact" or Glock 19 or Springfield XD "compact". and come to realize that it can be a burden to carry such a big and heavy "compact" all day long. most wined up buying a second gun in the sub compact category or pocket pistol and are much happier.
Post by: 7mmfan on November 25, 2015, 09:56:33 AM
Post by: Band on November 25, 2015, 01:18:14 PM
That's a good point, and I should clarify. If I intended to conceal carry a pistol on a regular basis I would almost certainly have gone with an even smaller profile gun than the Shield. I really only use mine as a measure of security when I'm in the woods, and knowing me, I simply would not carry a larger pistol than the Shield due to the weight and bulk.I studied the options on a carry pistol for about 3 years, believe it or not, because I didn't want to end up with something I regretted and then start the shopping process all over again. I rented the top contenders on two occasions and ultimately went with the S&W Shield in 9mm (for a variety of reasons) and I have no regrets at all. It's a great gun and very accurate shooting for me.
After you buy your gun be sure to check out this link to decide which type of ammo to go with - http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,184340.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,184340.0.html)
I think the biggest mistake I see that new CCW people make is buying "too much" gun for a EDC gun. not saying that's what you did, but more often than not that's what I see most people do. they shoot their buddies USP "compact" or Glock 19 or Springfield XD "compact". and come to realize that it can be a burden to carry such a big and heavy "compact" all day long. most wined up buying a second gun in the sub compact category or pocket pistol and are much happier.
Post by: Bofire on November 25, 2015, 02:31:09 PM
Revolvers cylinders loaded up with mud and sand and would not rotate. I have heard all the arguments for years I am convinced that a single action pistol is as dependable as it gets.
I went with the Glock 43 as I have a Glock 19 and wanted slimmer grips. and both are 9 mms. I own 1911's and nice revolvers but I hate to beat the crap out of them as a carry gun.
Carl
Post by: copasj on November 25, 2015, 03:31:24 PM
My experience was the opposite. I started with a sub compact that eventually swapped out for something bigger. My experience was belt and holster makes a bigger impact on comfort than gun size.I studied the options on a carry pistol for about 3 years, believe it or not, because I didn't want to end up with something I regretted and then start the shopping process all over again. I rented the top contenders on two occasions and ultimately went with the S&W Shield in 9mm (for a variety of reasons) and I have no regrets at all. It's a great gun and very accurate shooting for me.
After you buy your gun be sure to check out this link to decide which type of ammo to go with - http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,184340.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,184340.0.html)
I think the biggest mistake I see that new CCW people make is buying "too much" gun for a EDC gun. not saying that's what you did, but more often than not that's what I see most people do. they shoot their buddies USP "compact" or Glock 19 or Springfield XD "compact". and come to realize that it can be a burden to carry such a big and heavy "compact" all day long. most wined up buying a second gun in the sub compact category or pocket pistol and are much happier.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Post by: SRB on November 25, 2015, 08:04:25 PM
Quite frankly, I view it as more of a deterrent. Once a bad guy knows you have it, they'll probably take off. If they don't then you protect yourself. :twocents:
Post by: mkcj on November 25, 2015, 08:48:11 PM
Post by: copasj on November 26, 2015, 01:33:17 PM
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Post by: NW-GSP on November 26, 2015, 08:37:29 PM
Does anyone have or carry a Sig? like the P938
I have shot the 938 and really liked it but the m&p shield has a much cheaper price tag and is just as good as the 938
Post by: SniperDanWA on November 27, 2015, 08:13:42 AM
I'm not going to talk manufacturers as I don't see that as my place. I'm happy with mine. They were not extremely pricey, but not cheap. Stay away from cheap. Mine chew through ammo without problems, but I don't cheap out on the ammo either. My wife doesn't have a CC permit, but that's fine. She knows how to shoot, enjoys it and can take care of it.
Five years ago, she was attacked coming out of a Safeway. The guy got her purse, cards, money. That's all replaceable. He broke her jam in two places. She deals with headaches, arthritis, and jaw issues to some degree. She is not vindictive towards her attacker, rather she let it go and that has helped her to move on. She asked me to help her shoot. Honestly, she shoots better than me with a couple of my guns.
You'll make the right choice because it's for you.
Post by: ryan8888 on November 27, 2015, 06:07:49 PM
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Post by: ryan8888 on November 27, 2015, 06:08:19 PM
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk