Best Full Size CCW Handgun?

What gun you carry is a very personal choice, you are going to have to make your own choice for what is best for you.

I use either one of these for carry. They may or may not work for you.

A 45M&P or a 4" 586

IMG_7172.jpg
 
I consider the Glock 19/23 to be a full size pistol regardless of the factory designation.
If I want bigger then I just go with 1911 Government size pistol; it's thinner than the 19/23. I had a Commander size 1911 but the grip is the hard part to conceal, not the barrel.
 
Well, I had some time to kill last night so I went to the local shooting club and rented some guns. $5 for 5 rounds, all the major brands, sizes and calibers. So, I spent 10 bucks and tried the CZ75BD and a Beretta 92FS. I can honestly say that the Beretta 92 is no longer my choice. The CZ shot and held much nicer and was a lot slimmer to hold and conceal. I would like to go in sometime again soon and try the CZ next to a SIG and my 1911, see which I like best. I would try a Glock but I have never been a Glock guy and I don't see that changing.

F-C
 
^^ that is why I like the Beretta 96 in 40 SW. I really like the look and feel of the 92 platform, and I love the way it shoots... but it is a really big gun for 9mm. But in 40 cal, that big frame and long barrel really soak up the recoil.
 
^^^ This made me chuckle.

F-C, I wish you luck in your quest for a full-size carry gun.


Tapatalked via my highly abused iPhone
 
It's tough to conceal while only wearing a tee-shirt and jeans

It's tough to conceal while only wearing a tee-shirt and jeans
Xl Plushy:
I carry a Glock 22 or 21 in the summer with a button-up shirt buttoned
at the last 3 buttons, at the bottom.
 
I have owned and carried

Beretta m9
Glock 17, 20, and 21
Sig P226
FN fiveseven
FNS9

Its a toss up between the Sig P226 and FNS9. I love them both but the FN was $400 cheaper if that is a factor.
 
whats your definition of "full size"... most duty pistols have roughly a 4 inch barrel... would you consider that to be full size?...

umm.. i like the 1911 for a couple reasons... im not going to use some lame line youve heard over and over again like "b..b..but the military used it for so long".. because that has no bearing on my decision...

i like the 1911 for carry for one, and this can be applied to other handguns as well, but its single stack.. with slim profile grips, the double stack frame is pretty slim...

second, i like the single action only trigger... less fewer parts, simpler mechanism, seems to be more reliable than many others... and you dont need a safety.. a DA/SA goes off if you pull the trigger, as do the glock triggers, DAO... but with the 1911s, if the hammers down its pretty much safe... and its a quick, simple, fluid motion to cock the hammer while drawing it... where most handguns that one action while drawing is disengaging a thumb safety

i like handguns that point well, for CCW you may.. and you may not have teh time to actually aim.. since most CCW issues are such close range, i like something that points well for instinctive shooting without sights..

and lastly... i dont like plastic grips... if your hands are sweaty, or you sweat it can make the grip feel slimy
 
I carry a Kel Tec PF-9 right now, but I may pick up a Walther P99AS before October.

Here is why I like that particular weapon:

- reliable & durable
- 15 round mag, but on the small end of the 'duty weapon' range
- they shoot GREAT
- DA/SA trigger, well executed
- striker indicator, so you can put your thumb on it while holstering the gun. I like that extra feature for avoiding accidental discharge.


There are lots of 'best' choices, though.
 
MADISON said:
It's tough to conceal while only wearing a tee-shirt and jeans
Xl Plushy:
I carry a Glock 22 or 21 in the summer with a button-up shirt buttoned
at the last 3 buttons, at the bottom.
Click to expand...

That is with my usual wardrobe. I'm learning to dress around the gun. My buddy realized the other day when I went over to his house to pick him up to go fishing. I wore a collared shirt untucked. He was very suspicious with the change from tucked in tee shirt to untucked collared button-up. Didn't pick it out at 3 o'clock but he knew it was on me.


Tapatalked via my highly abused iPhone
 
For me, it's my Beretta 92FS. Accurate out to 75 feet with it and I don't consider myself to be a great shooter.
 
Browning HP without any doubt! The beretta 92 in a good holster can be concealed but it's still quiet heavy. The HP is much slimmer and lighter.
My carry guns are Browning HP, Beretta 92, Glock 17 and my S&W 36 j frame or 360 PD. :D
 
Try out a CZ. I had an EAA for a while, and while it's not a CZ, it's very similar in profile. They're slim enough to compete with a 1911 as far as concealed carry goes. That being said, I don't carry anything but a J-frame smith anymore. They're light, reliable, and can be concealed in a pocket or IWB comfortably and easily with hot-weather clothing. I carried an XD for a long time, and that got me convinced that the holster matters more than the firearm. Get one you shoot well and a good holster.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top