Carry Firearm recommendations: Price is an issue

I have a confession to make.

I've turned into a Bersa fanboi.

Are they they greatest? Oh hell no, but you won't spend a fortune so if it gets banged up from everyday carry you won't mind.
My UC40 has been flawless for 1000 rounds. It's small enough for pocket carry. I love the decocker trigger disconnect for safety, and it's ambedextrous[sp].

375 bucks.
 
Considering your price range and the fact that gun will be used for carry here's my choices:

$300-400---Taurus 709 slim
$400-500---Kahr CM9
$500-600---Glock 26/19 or M&P 9c

I have all and they're good reliable guns.

I know there are a lot of Taurus haters out there, but I've never had any issues with them. It's a good gun for the price.

The CM9 is easily pocketable and has a great trigger for a compact gun.

The glocks and smith are simply awesome, but a little pricey for your budget. I'd consider used if those are what you go with.
Click to expand...

No argument from me here. I haven't shot the Taurus slim, but I have a TCP, which I think is very similar. Great gun for a .380!

My Kahr CM9 was only $405. I thought it was a great deal, and it's fun to shoot.
 
If you're considering a Ruger SR-9, you'd love the SR-9 C. Same design, a little smaller. I tried one on a whim, and liked it, and took it home with me. It's turned out to be my usual carry gun, I shoot better with that little pistol than most anything I've ever found. Light enough for daily carry, and small enough to conceal easily.

That SR-9 C replaced a Springfield XD-9 and a Glock 22 as my rotating choice of carry guns. But, I'll admit, when I find enough extra cash a Springfield EMP will come home with me, I'll admit freely I absolutely adore the simplicity of the 1911 design. I first shot pistols with a army 1911, and still feel more comfortable shooting that design than any other I've found.

Good luck, your own preferences will guide you to the proper choice. And congratulations on making the decision to take into your own hands the defense of yourself and your family. Because clearly in today's world, the police aren't gonna protect you, and have no responsibility to do so according to court decisions.

Congrats on becoming a "sheepdog" and not a sheep.
 
I love a good S&W J-frame, or a used small Semi. I don't much care for small DAO semi's, because I can't shoot them worth a crap, at least the handful I've tried.
 
My main carry gun is a Kahr PM9. I got it shortly after I got my CHL back in 2004 and it has been perfect since I took it out of the box ... it's a bit out of your price range new, but used ones probably fit ... I love the gun, easy to handle, accurate at SD distances and it disappears in a pocket or holster ... I have to disagree with WildAlaska (maybe the first time) ... I own a Smith 637 J-Frame and it's the last gun I would carry, tho that's what I bought it for ... lightweight j-frames -- IMHO -- are difficult to shoot accurately without tons of practice ... I can demolish the center of targets out to 15 yds with the Kahr, my Kimber UCII or just about any other gun in my modest collection ... j-frame rounds, for me, seem to have a mind of their own ... I know they're very popular and maybe I'm in the minority, but I'd try one first and make sure I'm honest about how much time I have available for practice before I choose one to protect my life ...
 
I have several handguns that range from $200 - $2000, but my daily carry is a Kel-Tec P11. I keep a Kel-Tec PF9 in my truck, and a Kel-Tec P3AT in my briefcase at work.

Why all KT's? Because they work. None have ever failed me. The fact that they are all less than $250 is irrelevant, unless price is a key factor. It isn't for me and I still trust the KT's.

P11 -
Pros -11 rds 9mm/Second strike capability/ultra compact
Cons - To some -Long heavy trigger pull. Once you get used to it, it isn't as bad as some say. I look at the trigger pull as being a positive in the fact that you will NOT accidentally fire this weapon. Anyone that has shot alot has discharged a round when they weren't ready because of a lighter trigger pull, unfamilarity with weapon or getting anxious. Imagine what would happen when you are in one of the most stressful situations in your life.

PF9 -8 rds 9mm/ Much better trigger/ Ultra compact
Cons - No second strike capability/ lower capacity

I have both a Ruger SR9 & SR9c. While I highly recommend these guns as well, they are bigger than the KT's, but they have a great trigger.
Anyone that owns a Ruger will testify they are awesome handguns so you wont go wrong there either.

My opinion, Most of the rest are over-priced for what you are actually getting and for what you will be using it for.
 
Oops..

Was not expecting this thread to pop back up to the top again.

Thanks for the suggestions all, I handled a good many of the pistols recommended.

What I ended up walking out with (following the 2 days it took for the 4473 to clear) was a Bersa Thunder 45 Ultra Compact, although I was very very temped by the Colt new Agent in .45 that was only $100 more.

Shoots nicely though and rides very well IWB at 4-5 o'clock. Now just waiting for that pesky background check to clear for the actual permit. No, I'm not carrying illegally, just around the house to get used to the weight and drawing from concealment.

Pics already uploaded to this thread
 
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I carry an S&W SD9 in a Fobus holster. I am medium build and have no problem concealing it. Its light the holster is no bother and i have my clip loaded with wad cutters
 
you can absolute go wrong with a glock. any glock.

if you want to go cheap, the cz p07 duty is a good size for carry while still fitting in your hand and shooting very accurately.

if you can afford a bit more, get a used p7. that's what i carry 90% of the time.

if you don't want used and can afford about $800, go sig p229. will be a little bigger than the p7, similar in size to the p07 duty, but a little heavier.
 
G19...OR

Hey Stressfire,

I definitely agree with others on the G19. Cheaper, reliable and isn't absolutely gorgeous so you won't mind it getting some scratches.:)

If you're a beretta slut, maybe you'll try their turkish sister. :D The stoeger cougar is another great candidate. Cheaper than the PX4 (basically its predecessor), identical design to the beretta cougar - beretta owns stoeger and sold the factory and design to them. And you have the variety in calibers as mentioned earlier.

I've owned one in .40 for 3 years now,(picked it up brand new for $380.00), have pumped 750-900 rounds through it with various ammo brands/loads and haven't had ANY issues. 0 FTF, FTE, FTFire, etc. I can't say the same for some $1000 handguns that are out there. (even one I own) :eek:


But really, the choice is up to you. I would pick something that either A. you're most accurate with and/or B. fits your hand, method of carry etc.


...and I just noticed your update on this post...MOOT point here. :) enjoy the Bersa.
 
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Duckkk, not to worry, becoming a Bersa fanboi myself the more I practice with the 45 UC. This is by no means the only weapon I will ever carry, I plan to get more simply to have options depending upon occasion/dress, etc. (accessorize if you will). Especially as a recent thread pointed out, what do you carry to the beach or to perhaps a relative's house for a family/holiday dinner where not all present would be terribly happy with the presence of a firearm.

Is the one I got perfect for deep deep concealment? Nope. But I figure with a few wardrobe changes it is perfectly functional for its purpose at the present time.

Thanks again all.
 
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