Can't decide

S

Steelers252006

New member
Every day brings a new train of thought. I've been going all week to gun shops, asking lots of questions, handling lots of different guns. Today I held the Sig 238 (I believe that's it), Glock 27 and 19, S&W Bodyguard and Ruger LCR, Kahr CW9, stainless Taurus 93 (yesterday I messed with a Taurus 10 shot, not sure the model, with interchangeable barrels for 22 magnum, pretty cool). I could go on and on and on. I played with the slides, twirled the "wheels" on the revolvers, and just assumed the role of a sponge just soaking it all in. Right now I'm looking for a .22 to practice on AND also trying to figure out what my CCW will be. I can honestly say I am more confused today than when I first started as to what I want. I could see myself buying five guns, each with different purposes. In .22, I'm still very torn on this 617 four inch barrel, Ruger Mark III Hunter, and Browning Buckmart. Very torn!! I'd like to have this gun purchased by my CCW class next Sat, but I honestly don't know. That new Ruger 10 shooter has caught my eye, too!! Loved the feel of the Glock 19 in my hand. I could go on and on. Will somebody just come knock a little sense into me so I can get on with it already?
 
In my state if you take the CHL class with a revolver that's all you can CCW with. If you take the class with an auto you can carry both. Something to check on. Good luck on your gun choice, hell I want them all. I have more that I really need, but I still have to have more.
 
Let's try this as perhaps it will help. If your budget was say $1.000 per gun and you wanted the finest weapon available and could pick only one, which would you pick for:

Snubnose revolver?

Snubnose semi?

Carry revolver?

Carry semi?

.22 revolver?

.22 semi?

All opinions welcomed!! May make me want ALL the guns you list, but that's okay, too!! :D
 
And let me clarify that when I say carry revolver and carry semi, I just mean not a snubnose one you would carry but a bigger size. Still can be smaller or regular sized, no matter.
 
In Missouri, you are now required to qualify with both revolver and semi-auto to get your CCW. The really good instructors have short term rental/use deals if you don't have both or either type of firearm.
 
Welcome to the club... When you say "I could see myself buying five guns, each with different purposes"... Well... yeah... Same with most of the people who post on gun forums... We like guns a lot. I bought 5 within the first year after getting my CCW. A carry semi was my first. Do it the way YOU want... One gun at a time. It'll evolve naturally. Go for reliability and listen to that little voice and pay heed to that little surge of energy when you hold a gun in your hand that just kinda speaks to you. A light small-to-midsize carry auto was (by far!) my first priority... I certainly don't regret that decision.

You didn't mention whether you've actually SHOT any handguns. If you haven't... before buying... renting a couple at a range or shooting buddys' guns is strongly suggested so you have a realistic tactile experience of the various calibers and types. That'll help guide your decision a lot.
 
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For the 22lr I'd get a revolver. My main belt CCW is a Glock 36 45acp I have a S&W 638 38 spl for when I pocket CCW. When I belt carry a revolver it's a model 60-15 .357 or a model 36-1 38 spl both with a three inch barrel.
 
Another option to consider, is some of the semi's have .22 kits. Allowing you to combine .22lr fun and economy with training on your actual carry weapon for much less. AFAIK most of those options ring in under $1000 for base gun + 22kit.

I would take a look at a sig 220 if you like .45 or a sig 229 if you like 9mm, .40 or .357sig. Both are available to start as a .22 and for some unknown reason converting up to centerfire with them costs about the same about total as just buying the base model in centerfire. Although You can also find good deals on a used one and add the .22 kit and come out at a similar price point.
 
For .22LR: Browning Buckmark Bullseye.
For CCW (Primarily CCW/part-time HD, range pistol):
1. Kahr CW9, K9, maybe a CM9.
2. Glock 26 Gen 4.
3. Sig P232 - but just as big as some 9mm and 380 ammo is expensive but it is a nice pistol.

No to Keltec FP9 - OK I guess, maybe; it just does not inspire confidence when shot.

I do not have any of the pistols I recommend but I have shot the CW9 and Glock 26 a few times. I also have shot a Keltec FP9 and a Sig P232.
I like the kahr the most but it is on the small side for my hands (trigger reach is too short and small/thin grips). Glock 26 fit OK and comparable to any full size pistol in recoil and accuracy. Glock was easier to handle and shoot because it fit my hand better. I lean towards DAO or similar for ease of use.

I carry a Walther P99 DA/SA 1st gen and sometimes a Sig P6/P225 or a 1911 5". I carry the Walther P99 the most. It has the best size/capacity combo from my selection. My CC pistols, I now think, are too big for comfortable CC which is why I recommend the smaller ones.

My main thing is not the brand or style but the size. Pick the pistol you like but put the size and fit high on your checklist. Also, keep in mind that it is almost always a compromise (size/capacity/comfort).

For primarily HD-Range pistol/part-time CCW, then I would consider a medium to full size pistol. Sig P239, Sig P228/229, HK USP compact, P2000, etc.
 
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A $1,000 budget drops quickly when you spend 200 on a good holster/belt combination, 50 on a short day at the range, 25 on a cleaning kit and oil, clp, Hoppe's, patches, etc. And don't forget targets.

Now you're looking at a $700 gun. Consider a great little used 9mm like a Springfield XD9 or Ruger SR9. With your change you could also get a used .22 revolver from a pawn shop to get used to shooting a handgun.
 
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