Budget 9mm CCW, which one?

no,when your shooting lead bullets, using a larger diameter bullets not only helps keep the lead from transferring to the barrel, but also help with accuracy a lot. you generally try to shoot the largest diameter bullet that you can reliably chamber, well, to a point. if your curious about casting and reloading, hop over to the reloading and casting section and read about slugging your barrels and the benefits of oversize bullets. some guns like big diameter bullets and some guns don't, its about tailoring bullets to a specific gun to find out what it shoots best. a lot of 9's do well with .357. ALL lead bullets are at least .356 for lead instead of .355, just like a .357 takes .358 lead even from the factory.
 
I haven't posted in here for awhile, but I ended up putting the money into my AR with a Geissele trigger and BCM charging handle instead. May end up still getting my 9mm eventually though.
 
SCCY CPX-2. I bought one for my daughter off Gunbroker. I think it was $205, shipped. Paid my LGS $10 to receive it and do the paperwork. It's been 100% reliable from day 1.
 
If you are looking for an expensive CCW weapon, I would vouch for my Taurus PT-111 Millennium Pro (2nd Gen). There WERE issues with the gen 1 release, but I'm seen none of the problems with mine. I like the fact that I can carry 12 in mag/1 in chamber in the worse parts of my city. You can certainly get "better" semi's but that translates into much more expensive. Not a bad thing if you have the money. But on a budget and you want to protect yourself, the PT-111 is not a bad choice.
 
No worries on not having a carry gun yet.

In Illinois, you have to do training and pass a test, which requires that you have a firearm and holster for it.
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This is not technically true. It's certainly the ideal, but you don't have to have a gun and holster to take the training and the test. I did my test with a firearm that I will likely not be using for Concealed carry (except maybe when wearing a thick winter coat) and I brought no holster. I think one or two folks in the class might even have used a rental gun.

The Training is done with non-firing demos and the actual qualifying firing test is only for accuracy and has no draw component. If it's possible (different instructors may have different requirements) I recommend taking the class before choosing a weapon and holster. I learned alot in the class that will influence my choice of firearm and mode of carry.
 
Honestly, I'd go with the "Sccy." It's american made, and shoots fairly well. Picked mine up for less than $200. It's made in Florida and has a no questions asked warranty. Good to go. Recoil is harsh, though.
 
I have the keltec p11 & had a pf9 (didn't need both - same function for my use); both work well, but kel tecs need some extra attention ---but most of the budget semiautos mentioned likely do too. I have a Zastava and had issues with the retaining clip coming off the take down pin - just something to be aware of for an EDC handgun.

In 9mm I don't have any other suggetstions beyond what's already been mentioned. Don't shy away from used guns; I've bought over 50 used guns, and only had a couple of problems (they were very old & used or were oddball models)

For an inexpensive revolver, look at the older Rossi model 68. IMHO the quality of those old Rossi's is much better than after they were acquired by Taurus. I've had a couple of those and they are solid. DA trigger pull is stiffer than S&W but they are $200-$300 guns.
 
TheTurtle101
Junior Member


Join Date: February 15, 2015
Posts: 7 Honestly, I'd go with the "Sccy." It's american made, and shoots fairly well. Picked mine up for less than $200. It's made in Florida and has a no questions asked warranty. Good to go. Recoil is harsh, though.

My SCCY has been flawless since the day I bought it, 2 years ago. Went through the factory at Daytona Beach last year and am really a believer in these guns.

I usually carry 135 grain Hornady Critical Duty non-plus P and it has never hiccupped.

The "cushion" built into the grip seems to handle any recoil problem for me.

Trooper Joe
 
Would you mind sharing how the class influenced your decisionmaking?
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Sorry about the late reply.
Mostly it was mode of carry. I went into the class thinking I'd be doing a PDA style holster or a bag carry. I left the class quite sure that I'd be much better off with pocket or IWB.

I went into the class fairly sure I'd be getting an LCP. That didn't change, but it did make me more aware of researching the different eras/versions of each gun and pushed me toward buying a new one rather than a used piece.

There was information shared in the class of sizes of guns, how they conceal in the various carry modes, and even some specific models. All very useful in choosing your weapon and manner of carry.

My buddy took the class with me. We both qualified on our own larger pistols. He bought his carry gun a few weeks later and I'll be getting mine shortly.
 
If I didn't want to save up a few bucks more for a pistol I really wanted, I'd get a Canik CZ-75 clone, or one of the other Turkish clones, and call it a day. Maybe a surplus gun also, like the recent influx of Beretta 92's, or Polish P-83's.
 
Ended up ordering a PT111 G2 from KGC. Will be $232 after shipping and transfer. I ended up going that route because it's alot easier to source holsters for it than the other ones I was considering. Thanks for all the help guys, just wanted to give one final update on what I ended up getting.
 
Congratulations on your new gun. I carry my Pt111 G2 in a Cloak Tuck 2.0 from Alien Gear Holsters. I find that it disappears nicely with just a t-shirt over it, and it doesn't get uncomfortable even with all day wear. Make sure to give us a range report once you get it out to the range!
 
The Zastava is a small Tokarev pistol and very durable and very well made, don't let the price fool you. I just bought a M57 Zastava Tokarev and they are very well made guns. These are cocked and locked guns with magazine safeties at military grade. Mr. Tokarev used John Browning designs inside and the full size Tokarev pistols are very reliable. They are all steel, heavy and single action so if your thinking carry, weight may be an issue. One consolation is they are thin like the 1903 Colt and built like a 1911. Go on Zastava's web site or you tube the gun. Now I own a Kel Tec PF9 and it functions awesome but recoil is hard, excellent gun for the money and very underrated in my opinion. If you want better quality for under $200.00 your going to have to go to a smaller caliber. I just bought a 95% Beretta Bobcat in 25 acp for $195.00.
 
Got my PT111 in finally. No range time yet but a few things I've noticed...

Slide has a slight bit of play, not a big deal just more noticeable than my B6P. The mag also has a little wobble when it is fully loaded, but from googling it seems to be common and not affect funtioning. Not surprised on either for a $200 gun, and overall it really feels great. Trigger has ALOT of takeup, which is an adjustment from my B6P but the trigger isn't at all heavy after the takeup. Here's a pic with its adoptive sibling...

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The slide having play is a good thing. Obviously not too much either. If it's too tight and bit of dirt will lock it up. So you want it to be reliably loose. As for the trigger... it'll get better with time once it breaks in.


While I much rather you have saved up for at least a Glock or M&P. I'm glad you have something. Let us know how she shoots.
 
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