Carry Firearm recommendations: Price is an issue

S

Stressfire

New member
Hiya all,

Going cor the CCW class next week. Pending approval by county authorities (Ohio, btw), I am shopping around for a carry firearm.

For the record, this is not one of those "What do the SEALS carry?" or "What is the BEST handgun for carry in the world?" type questions.

I am looking for honest feedback from current owners and what they have experienced. Also, am looking at a medium caliber (9mm to .45, I like the 9, but I am not caliber prejudiced) but something that will not break the bank to buy or practice with. Cost IS an issue, after all, I'm married and apparently need to explain every expediture...:confused:

Anyway, any help is appreciated

Edit: Should have specified, looking at semis
 
Thanks for the suggestion, meanmachine. I do like the Glock design simplicity, for depedability. Ugly as sin, but damn if they don't work as intended.

Should have also mentioned in OP, price range is $300-$500.
 
Used Glocks... Used Sigs... Used Kahrs... Glock will probably be the cheapest but still dependable. Used Glocks sell for around $400... anymore... the people are dreaming.
 
Definately not glued to "New." Like I said, I like 9mm, currently have a Beretta 92 FS and has operated FTF & FTE free for about 500 rounds. I am comfortable with it, but am not stuck on caliber.

If it saves my ass when needed, I'm not going to piddle about the size of the bullet.
 
Alaska, I always love your custom sigs, lol.

I am looking primarily at semis, but i do like the feel of an "old school" revolver grip.

To kind of narrow it down a bit, my considerations are as folows, by no means a comprehensive list:

Glock 19
Ruger LCP/LCR/ SR9
Some manner of US made snubbie (hammer=pain in the ass...literally, if you move wrong)
Beretta PX4 (Beretta slut that I am)
Kel-Tec 3PAT (think I got that right)
Taurus TCP

Wish list:
Kimber Solo
.45 compact (just so damn expensive - "what is your life worth" considerations aside)

Edit: Trying to stay away from 2-3 finger guns. Beretta 92 fits hand comfortably, as do most fill size .45s
 
I'm pretty budget-conscious as well when it comes to my firearms, I don't think I presently own any firearms that I've paid more than $400 for (though I've had considerably pricier guns in the past).

I'd look at the Kahr CW9, I got my first one for $350, and really loved it. Worked perfectly and was plenty accurate... sold it when money got a bit tight and regretted for a long time. When things got a little better money-wise, I bought another, also for $350... still have it. It's just a great carry gun, thin, light, reliable, well-made. Definitely recommend it.
 
Try a Colt Defender for a 45 3" barrel. Maybe you should get yourself a S&W 3913 9mm. Or you could go 380 with a Beretta 84/85FS whatever if u want double or single stack. They would all be suitable to a reasonable price the Colt would be the most. Ge the Smith or the Beretta. I like em both the 84FS holds 13 +1 380 and it is small. Two extra mags 1 95 gr, FMJ. The other and the one in the gun speer gold dots like 60-80gr. im not sure what the best loads are. That would be a decent concealable firearm. Go with the BERETTA 84FS 380ACP 13 +1. IMHO.
 
Are Kahrs generally depedable?

I have heard both good and bad. I looked at a Kahr .40 (I forget the model) about a week agos at FFL down the road. Looked, emphasize "looked," in decent shape. Some visible wear on interior of chamber, what kinda worried me, and maybe I don't know enough about the design, is that when the slide was pulled back, the barrel lifted a rather noticeable degree from the frame. Not to get away from original post, but is that normal?

God knows I love the look (and dependability of a Colt) but $900 on gunbroker is waaaaaay outta range for me...unfortunately...tack that onto the wish list...why did I get married? lol
 
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I did not see any post explaining how you intend to carry. Under a vest? In a vest pocket? Belt holster? In the waistband? Small of back? Ankle? In a shirt? In shorts? The firearm you get needs to fit your style of carry. Could be an airweight J-frame, a small auto, or full size auto. If I wear a vest I may carry a full size 357 or 44 mag on a belt. If wearing a light jacket, those are pretty heavy guns, I may carry something lighter in the inside pocket. My advice to you is really think about how you plan to carry, and if limited to one gun, consider all your choices on clothing and buy the one that fits the best.
My first choice if I could only have one carry gun would be a revolver. Probably something like an M&P 360 in 357 Mag. If I could only have one auto pistol, it would be a CZ P-01 in 9mm.
 
Egor20 is right about 3rd Gen Smiths but Stressfire I have a 5906 its an AWESOME gun but is heavy for carry like you said you could but it would get tiresome. I recommend the S&W 3913(8+1) or S&W 6904/6906 (12+1) depending on capacity. Check them out they are 9mm's. Like he said you cant go wrong with 3rd generation smiths. My 5906 never malfunctions is very nice looking and handles great since its 9mm and all steel, shoots like a like a 32ACP. If you want really compact go with the 3913 as its single stack very concealable. Keep 2 extra mags on you in one pouch (even 4 if u wanted) and have 1 loaded with 124gr +p FMJ, the other and the one in the gun with Speer Gold Dots 115 gr. +p. Always have FMJ at hand for penetration. 3rd gent Smiths can eat +p ammo I want one of the guns I mentioned myself. I would say an excellent condition one is in the $500 range which is not bad you could probably get one for less. Its got a bobbed hammer would be good for carry. Hope that helps and check them out.


@Steelchickenshooter-- Good choice with the CZ P-01. Mine would be a customized Colt MKIV Series 70 with Noavaks, Beavertail, Custom Trigger, Polished Ramp/Throated Barrel, Commander Type Hammer and Extended Saftey. I would also have a TON of ammo. I dunno felt like sharing that :)
 
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SteelChickenShooter:
You're right, I did not specify. Position, for me anyways depends on gun size. I like shoulder holsters, but not terribly feasible (imo) for indoors (much less summer) or smaller handguns. Ankle seems a bit ungainly to get to, so that is probably out. Waist (IWB crossdraw or small of the back) or pocket would be desirable. Though, to be frank, am a lil' nervous having a firearm that close to the fun bits (ie, pocket).

Thanks Tyler, I will check out the Smiths mentioned if I can find them nearby (just don't trust online sales). I do like actually having a hammer, despite the beast of a DA pull, bit of safety on a ready to go gun. Wish I could afford the Colt suggested towards the end there
 
Light single stack 9's are, to me, the best for starter carry guns... Kahr CW9, Ruger LC9, Walther PPS... All ballpark similar in size/weight/capacity/reliability. IMHO, they all rock and are in your price-range new (except the Walther which runs about $200 more than the other two). To start, I recommend neither too big, nor too small. These are all very middle-of-the road.
 
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Stressfire

Looks good, egor, but also seems a bit big and heavy for carry. From the pic anyways, correct me please if I am wrong.
Click to expand...

It is heavy, but its built like a bulldozer/tank, I'm thinking about buying another one.

I had no problem carrying it OWB, and I'm 6"1, 170/180, kinda skinny. I just use bigger shirts and a good belt.
 
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