CCW Weapon Suggestions

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drstrangelove57

Inactive
Well, the time has come. After years of living in a "May Issue" state, it looks as if the tides have changed in favor of the forces of good, and "Shall Issue" might soon become the law of the land. This is a great relief to someone who has literally spent years rehearsing an interview with the local sheriff, the purpose of which would be to beg for permission to exercise my constitutional rights as if they were only applicable if I routinely carried bags of cash (complete with big green dollar signs) through shady neighborhoods (to be fair, I've heard nothing but great things about the sheriff as a man and law enforcement officer).

Even if misfortune befalls the initiative and my hopes are reduced to ash, I'm still applying for a permit. This raises the question of what gun I'll carry.

I own a few handguns, all of which are well-suited to defense, though I'm skeptical of their permanent value to me as carry weapons. My 1911 is sublime but rather heavy. My Glock 17 is my personal favorite but for some reason it feels like a bit much, and I've never been incredibly accurate with it. And my Bersa .380 is cool but for whatever reason, I just don't feel like trusting my life to it if there is a better alternative a few hundred dollars away. In short, I'm looking to buy something expressly for the purpose of being carried.

So I've been looking at a Charter Arms Undercover (hammerless) that feels great in my grip, is small enough to be carried in the pocket, and is at a very reasonable price. But this is a decision I don't take lightly, as carrying a firearm is a responsibility I take quite seriously, and if the money could be better spent towards a gun more suited to my sensibilities, then I'd like to do so.

A few details that might help any of you kind Firing Line posters lend me sound advice:

- I love .45 and 9mm, but I hate .40 (won't seriously consider it)
- $550 is the absolute ceiling of my price range.
- I mostly plan on keeping the weapon in my car, though I plan to buy a couple different holsters so that I can adjust.
- I hold no prejudice for or against either revolvers or semi-autos.
- Those rounds which cost a lot and come in those small little boxes and are supposedly better for defense? I plan to equip the weapon with those.

I know you guys get a question about this particular subject, I dunno, every day or so, so I appreciate anyone who takes the time to engage me on this. Thanks very much, all!
 
I would consider the new S&W M&P's in their compact version. You have the choice of a mag disconnect and/or manual safety, if you like. They are reliable, accurate, and you can choose a backstrap that best fits your hand. They are not pocket guns but are the next step up. I believe the 9c holds twelve rounds.
 
You've actually got a lot of good options in that price range.

On the revolver side of things, a Ruger SP101 or LCR or a S&W 637, 638, or 642 would fall comfortably within your price range and would give you good SD calibers (.38 Special or .357 Magnum depending on the model).

In an auto, your options are actually even wider. The S&W M&P, FN FNP9, Springfield Armory XD, Ruger SR9, Beretta PX4 Storm, CZ-75, Sig P250, Glock 19, and Glock 26 are all solid options and should be able to be had for $550 or less if you shop around.
 
To recommend a handgun for concealment is quite frequently a fool's game.
Recommendations are frequently based on the highly subjective values of an individual... rather than a thoughtful, measured and objective viewpoint.

As you have two very reliable, reasonably accurate and reasonably concealable semi-automatic handguns already... those being the 1911 and Glock, I think you might be looking for an excuse to buy another gun. ;)

Be that as it may...
My 1911 is sublime but rather heavy.
My Glock 17 is my personal favorite.
My Bersa .380 ...I just don't like trusting my life to it.
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Get a...
Lighter, smaller, more "carry-able" 1911 model.
Glock 19 or 26 or... what ever Glock suits your fancy.

With either gun, assuming your current guns see regular use, it will be an easy transition.

Sell the Bersa... because if you don't trust it as a carry gun, then why have it? Target practice? :rolleyes:

Cheers,
C
 
Thanks for the advice, guys. I notice that no one endorsed my potential purchase of a Charter Arms .38; any issues with that one?

I've thought a lot about a Glock, though the pricing nears prohibitive. I've never been able to find one for a penny less than that $550, though I'd be lying if I said I had hunted far and wide.

I remember the Kahr from the 2000 "Shaft" film with Sam Jackson. He certainly made good use of it! ;) I'll have to give it a look if I can find one nearby.
 
I like the old Glock 19 second gen guns for IWB carry. The CA may be a good pocket revolver but I am not sure how well this new generation of Charters will hold up. I have and old pre 1985 Stainless Undercover I use for pocket carry from time to time.
 
In your price range, I'd check out the Glock 26 when you're checking out that Kahr. Pricewise, the Glock will likely be cheaper, at least they are around here. ($500 or a bit less) Have you shot the baby Glock yet? Some find them even more accurate in their hands than the full-sized. I love mine. And BTW, this:
This is a great relief to someone who has literally spent years rehearsing an interview with the local sheriff, the purpose of which would be to beg for permission to exercise my constitutional rights as if they were only applicable if I routinely carried bags of cash (complete with big green dollar signs) through shady neighborhoods
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..made me laugh, as I remember those days well. And I was also rehearsing my speech, though I knew in my heart of hearts our anti-gun slime of a sheriff was simply going to say no.
 
+1

I think that (given your review of Charter Arms) you would be well served by any of the S&W J-frame snubbies (640, 642, 442, etc.). (You may want to look first at the hammerless models "Bodyguard" and "Centennial", if you intend to carry the revolver in a pocket...)

As Creeper noted, and as many threads in the archives will confirm, tastes vary widely. Still, the little J-frame snubbies are a lot of bang in a small package, and many law enforcement types as well as civilians swear by them.

Personally I see very little value in a .357 Magnum out of a J-frame. The little 1" barrel is not going to offer much ballistic advantage from the heavier load, but will give you a massive fireball out of the muzzle and increased time required to line up the next shot (and adjust your grip, if you're like me).

I suspect that at a distance of between 3' and 7' several rounds of .38 Spl +P will do whatever you need doing.

Just one guy's opinion. I'm fond of small autos as well, but the small J-frame snubbies will ride in your car just fine, and will conceal in nearly any sort of clothing you might put on. They're hard to beat.

Best,

Doc
 
There are so many great carry guns. It's really personal choice because everyone's needs and likes are different. I like shooting SA, but my edc is a P7.
 
I mostly plan on keeping the weapon in my car:eek:,
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Then don't bother buying anything If you have a permit . Carry you ain't going to be able to run to you car. Any of what you have be a good car gun. only time my pistol in a car is wen I have to disarm to a Federal building or where my permit says I can carry I try to avoid those places .

Many people carry the 380. It will work , if you do your part. The Bersa is a nice carry pistol ,Teamed with a http://ubgholsters.comyou will forget its on your side. He got his start making holsters for the Bersa and does a great job
 
Look at the Ruger LCR. I have seen many comparisons between the LCR and S&W 642 by people who own both. The LCR has been the favorite in all but about two of them (out of about 20.)

The LCR seems to have an amazing trigger, less recoil, and matches the 642 in every other way.

Both guns are close to perfection (I have owned a 642).
 
Disclaimer:
Everything that follows is my opinion. However, it is opinion borne of experience. I have been on The Quest For the Perfect CHL/CCW Pistol for about six years now. I have bought (and sold most of) thirty handguns, revolver and semi-auto pistol. The ones that I still have get carried. All that said, here are my observations.

--For me, a double stack anything is too fat.
--j-frames are easy to carry, but are hard to shoot well. I shoot a k-frame far better, and I can carry one fairly easily. A k-frame with .357s is entirely manageable, while a j-frame in .357 (esp a Scandium one) is brutal.
--A full size, steel framed 1911 is easy to shoot but a bit large and heavy. I shoot a Commander size alloy frame just about as well out to 25 feet (which is the distance I practice at) and it carries oh-so-much better. An alloy framed 3"er is even lighter and smaller, and I can shoot it almost as well. I am coming to think that the Commander size is the perfect compromise.
--In 9mm, a Kahr PM9 is hard to beat. Light, slim, accurate and reliable. Small/light enough for pocket carry, it is one I will never sell. It's big brother, the P45, is about the size of a 3" 1911, but six ounces lighter. This is another one I will never sell. Wore it all last summer IWB with shorts and t-shirts.

Your mileage may vary, and probably will. Enjoy your Quest.
 
- I mostly plan on keeping the weapon in my car,
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I just can't recommend doing that. Too many 'car guns' wind up in the wrong hands. At least take it in the house after you get home.

Personally I'm looking at a Kahr CW45 right now. Some problems are reported, but Kahr usually makes things right and at $450 it's roughly $200 cheaper than the P45. I currently have a K9 that has been amazing, but my friend really wants something in 45 and she likes my K9's size.

Lots of people start with larger guns but eventually work their way down to thinner and lighter. Natural progression I guess.
 
I live in a state where printing and open carry are legal. When I CCW a G27 is quite easy b/c if it does print it really does not matter. My two best friends who carry also carry G26/27.

If I wanted a REALLY concealable gun in that price range I would look at a Kahr CW9 first. I have a T9 and it is a superb pistol. Give up a lot of ammo over my Glock so I am not really looking though.

I wouldn't look at a tiny 45. I think all the popular ones have their design flaws worked out, but it is just a lot of energy for something so small.

In a 380 I would look at the keltec(buddy has one I like a lot), or the slightly higher quality LCP.

If looking for a revolver I would get an LCR, but only after the price drops a little more.
 
First, Congrats to Iowa on joining Free America!

Second, having a Carry permit and bunch of guns in the safe and a couple in the car won't save your butt if you need it, even if you are in the car. If you ever need your gun, you'd better have it on you, accessible in the same manner that you have practiced accessing it, over and over and over. Mr. Carjacker will not allow you to say, "Hold on a minute, sonny, lemme get somethin' out the glove box...."

IOW: Carry your gun. It's a lighter burden than regret.

As to paying no more than $550 dinars for somthing you are betting you butt on ...... it's YOUR butt. What's it worth to you?

My advice is to carry a gun that you are comfortable carrying (or you won't carry it), and that you are competent with, in a quality holster (or it won't be comfortable- and you won't carry it!).

You like 1911's ..... and a good one will bust your budget. Just remember that at crunch time the only gun that matters is the one you have on you.
 
Lots of people start with larger guns but eventually work their way down to thinner and lighter. Natural progression I guess.
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I started with a 5" steel framed 1911 in .45 ACP...... now I'm down to a 3" aluminum alloy framed 1911 in 9mm ..... seems to have worked that way with me.
 
As to paying no more than $550 dinars for something you are betting you butt on ...... it's YOUR butt. What's it worth to you?
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There are a plethora of very reliable and concealable guns available within that price range. Pay more than that and you are buying brand names and looks, not improved performance IMO.

I am going to go way out there and say if you don't mind the ugly looks, bulky feel, and heavy weight of a Hi-point it is as reliable and as effective as a much more expensive "custom" 1911.

I wouldn't touch a Taurus though. As a general rule those low end guns with obvious aesthetic faults seem to be just as reliable as the mid range guns with out the aesthetic faults(Hipoint, Charter). The low end ones that look good seem to lack reliability.
 
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I would say an officer sized 1911 or a compact/subcompact Glock would suit your requirements well. You already mentioned you like those (in their full-sized forms).
 
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