Hey everyone,I'm looking at a concealed carry pistol but I know almost nothing about handguns so I need some help.I need help on weather to buy a revolver or semi-auto and I have narrowed it down to two calibers:40 s&w or 9m.m.I'm looking for all opinions.thanks.(I have heard glock is good)
concealed carry pistol
- Thread starter Gun freak
- Start date
Tried any in your hand? Shot any? Got a gun range that rents? That'd be your best bet to start.
Budget?
Single action with manual safety? (1911/Browning HP pattern)
DA/SA with decock or manual safety? (CZ, Sig 226 etc etc)
DAO with no manual safety? (double action only)
Partially tensioned striker fired, no manual safety... kind of a long single action? (Glock, SA XD, S&W M&P, many others)
Size of gun? (Full, compact, sub-compact)
Single stack, double stack magazine?
All steel, aluminum frame, polymer frame?
Weight an issue?
Intended holster? (That's a thread unto itself, inside or outside the waistband for starters)
Fully adjustable, fixed sights or a derivative like the Colt channel sight?
Right or left handed? (Some guns don't lend themselves well to lefties)
Revolver... we sort of start over with the revolver variables, which are fewer.
There are other aspects to consider... these are but a few of the more common.
Cheers,
C
Budget?
Single action with manual safety? (1911/Browning HP pattern)
DA/SA with decock or manual safety? (CZ, Sig 226 etc etc)
DAO with no manual safety? (double action only)
Partially tensioned striker fired, no manual safety... kind of a long single action? (Glock, SA XD, S&W M&P, many others)
Size of gun? (Full, compact, sub-compact)
Single stack, double stack magazine?
All steel, aluminum frame, polymer frame?
Weight an issue?
Intended holster? (That's a thread unto itself, inside or outside the waistband for starters)
Fully adjustable, fixed sights or a derivative like the Colt channel sight?
Right or left handed? (Some guns don't lend themselves well to lefties)
Revolver... we sort of start over with the revolver variables, which are fewer.
There are other aspects to consider... these are but a few of the more common.
Cheers,
C
Your desire is quite open ended. The revolver is a lot simpler manual of arms. A pistol can be a little more complicated in certain cases. Cleaning is often easier with a revolver. How do you plan to carry it? What is the weather like where you live? How much can you afford for practice and ammo? What is your budget? How large are you? Bigger people can normally carry a larger gun in many cases. There are many questions to be answered before you can settle on a proper gun for yourself. There is no perfect gun for all situations so you have to compromise sometimes. Give us a little info and background and many folks here will be happy to help inform you on a better decision.
Take a look at the Ruger LCR, and maybe even in .22 LR until you get a good handle on the concept of handgun carry. You can always move up after you qualify in your CCW class. Marksmanship only takes second place to safety.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/884/products_id/79209
-7-
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/884/products_id/79209
-7-
Starting with a smallish light single-stack 9mm auto makes a lot of sense to me IF you have quite a lot of hand and arm strength (so recoil won't be a big problem... And for starting, I'm recommending 9mm over .40!).
Why? Because, to me, if you're truly interested in carry... the important thing is to ACTUALLY carry... And if you choose too heavy of a gun, you might too easily get tired of lugging it around and then you'd be more apt to leave it home or in your car which kind of defeats the whole exercise. Single-stacks are thinner than double stacks so are a little easier and more comfortable to conceal.
Here's a few reliable choices in that genre:
Kahr CW9
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/18442
S&W Shield
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/82836
Walther PPS (more $)
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/49846/Walther+PPS+9mm
Or if you really want to go smaller... know that something like this one is going to be kinda snappy to shoot:
Kahr CM9
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/76031/
But, yeah, as suggested above... Get thee to a good range that has rentals and talk to the personnel there and try a few different ones out so you have some hands-on experience to start with. It'll sort itself out over time.
(P.S.: The only single-stack Glock makes is in .45 acp)
Why? Because, to me, if you're truly interested in carry... the important thing is to ACTUALLY carry... And if you choose too heavy of a gun, you might too easily get tired of lugging it around and then you'd be more apt to leave it home or in your car which kind of defeats the whole exercise. Single-stacks are thinner than double stacks so are a little easier and more comfortable to conceal.
Here's a few reliable choices in that genre:
Kahr CW9
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/18442
S&W Shield
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/82836
Walther PPS (more $)
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/49846/Walther+PPS+9mm
Or if you really want to go smaller... know that something like this one is going to be kinda snappy to shoot:
Kahr CM9
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/76031/
But, yeah, as suggested above... Get thee to a good range that has rentals and talk to the personnel there and try a few different ones out so you have some hands-on experience to start with. It'll sort itself out over time.
(P.S.: The only single-stack Glock makes is in .45 acp)
Last edited:
Either a reliable 9mm or .40 S&W handgun will fill your need. You must consider the trade-off of a small light handgun compared to a larger heavier handgun in the same cartridge. You may have more difficulty shooting a small light handgun than a larger heavier handgun.
Why? Two main reasons: a smaller lighter handgun has 1) more felt recoil and 2) less to hold on to and control the gun while experiencing that recoil.
Accept that choosing the "best concealed handgun" for you will be a long process. Likely, you will choose a different handgun in the future as your knowledge and skill increases. You need to be honest in your self-assessment of your level of skill, commitment to practice and get training to become knowledgeable, responsible, and proficient with your chosen handgun.
You might want to get as much personal "hands-on" time with various handguns so that you can learn what feels best and shoots best for you.
I guess the conservative in me comes out when I read a request like this. it reminds me of my 15 year old grandson telling me, after a couple of rounds of a high-speed auto racing video game, that he is ready to do the real thing in a Ferrari or Aston Martin.
I do not mean to demean the original poster. We have all gone thru the various stages of gun ownership, firearms training of various types, and use of a variety of guns. I make no claims to be an expert in shooting skills, but I am a retired Master Teacher who recognizes the dangers of 'overconfidence' by a new operator of a machine (or firearm) who has not taken the time to become familiar with the operating skills, and emotional requirements for intelligent use of firearms.
Gun Freak, if you have gun-experience that you did not mention in your original post, I apologize for my rather strong advice, But if your skills are really at the beginner level, I suggest a bunch of range time with associates who can show you the advantages and disadvantages of the various weapons mentioned by my friends here in this thread. Many of the things you are interested can be quite dangerous to you, and to those around you, if you aren't trained in proper skills before you wander the streets with a concealed handgun.
I do not mean to demean the original poster. We have all gone thru the various stages of gun ownership, firearms training of various types, and use of a variety of guns. I make no claims to be an expert in shooting skills, but I am a retired Master Teacher who recognizes the dangers of 'overconfidence' by a new operator of a machine (or firearm) who has not taken the time to become familiar with the operating skills, and emotional requirements for intelligent use of firearms.
Gun Freak, if you have gun-experience that you did not mention in your original post, I apologize for my rather strong advice, But if your skills are really at the beginner level, I suggest a bunch of range time with associates who can show you the advantages and disadvantages of the various weapons mentioned by my friends here in this thread. Many of the things you are interested can be quite dangerous to you, and to those around you, if you aren't trained in proper skills before you wander the streets with a concealed handgun.
New gun owners, shooters....
The topic of "what should a new firearm owner do" or "what model should I get" comes up often on forums/message boards.
I'd go buy a decent .38spl +P or .357magnum caliber stainless steel revolver with a 3" or 4" barrel & adj rear sights. Used police revolvers are rare but a value as a entry level training tool. A DA only SP101 snub in .357magnum was my first handgun in 1993.
You can shoot low recoil .38spl ammunition then move up to +P or .357magnum as your skills improve.
Renting or shooting different models is a smart bet. To learn the local gun laws & use of force requirements is needed too. For in depth study see; www.nra.org www.GunsAmerica.com www.Brownells.com www.gunvideo.com www.paladin-press.com www.handgunlaw.us .
As you learn proper methods & marksmanship you can move up to a semi auto. A new DA only model like a HK P2000 LEM, a SIG P229R DAK, Beretta PX4 C type. Glocks, M&Ps, XDMs, Kahrs, etc are more suited for upper level gunners or those who understand the training-carry standards.
Don't use reloads or hand loaded ammunition for defense only factory made loads. Knowing that carrying a gun means being responsible & following safe practices is also required.
CF
The topic of "what should a new firearm owner do" or "what model should I get" comes up often on forums/message boards.
I'd go buy a decent .38spl +P or .357magnum caliber stainless steel revolver with a 3" or 4" barrel & adj rear sights. Used police revolvers are rare but a value as a entry level training tool. A DA only SP101 snub in .357magnum was my first handgun in 1993.
You can shoot low recoil .38spl ammunition then move up to +P or .357magnum as your skills improve.
Renting or shooting different models is a smart bet. To learn the local gun laws & use of force requirements is needed too. For in depth study see; www.nra.org www.GunsAmerica.com www.Brownells.com www.gunvideo.com www.paladin-press.com www.handgunlaw.us .
As you learn proper methods & marksmanship you can move up to a semi auto. A new DA only model like a HK P2000 LEM, a SIG P229R DAK, Beretta PX4 C type. Glocks, M&Ps, XDMs, Kahrs, etc are more suited for upper level gunners or those who understand the training-carry standards.
Don't use reloads or hand loaded ammunition for defense only factory made loads. Knowing that carrying a gun means being responsible & following safe practices is also required.
CF
Pretty open-ended as has been stated and even people with lots of experience may still be be trying to answer this for themselves. Some very basic points to me are
Try to stay with the better manufacturers and don't buy something on the cheap.
I'd stay with 9mm - many options available and much cheaper to practice with.
Try to honestly figure out how you will be carrying the gun for CC - Without much experience you may not know this but if you can reasonably answer this it will go a long way to narrowing the choices you have. Yes it is possible to CC pretty much anything but be honest with yourself regarding how you dress and what you will be willing to carry on a regular basis every day based on your lifestyle, etc. A lot of people want a larger gun but end up not willing to carry the thing daily.
That being said a somewhat larger gun (something that is not a subcompact pocket gun type) is much more adaptable to different purposes and easier to shoot accurately when first starting out. You may want to consider changing how you dress to accomodate a larger gun (lots of people either won't or can't do this).
From there try to do as much online research as possible (a lot of it's garbage but the better guns do seem to rise to the top online with pretty much unanimous approval) as to makes, size, etc. Ask otehrs who have experience with guns. Then head to a dealer and try handling a few that you picked out and seeing which one you like the best. If something else catches your eye there, go back and research that. If a guns from one of the big name manufacturers you shouldn't go wrong. Just try not to over think it and think you need to find the absolute perfect gun. If you do your homework and don't get to antsy fto buy something, you should end up with something that will do the job.
I won't even try to name a few because I have my biases that may not fit what you will like. Whatever you choose make sure you become well acquainted with how everything works, especially the trigger, and practice as much as you can in a safe environment, hopefully with someone who can be sure you're doing things right.
Try to stay with the better manufacturers and don't buy something on the cheap.
I'd stay with 9mm - many options available and much cheaper to practice with.
Try to honestly figure out how you will be carrying the gun for CC - Without much experience you may not know this but if you can reasonably answer this it will go a long way to narrowing the choices you have. Yes it is possible to CC pretty much anything but be honest with yourself regarding how you dress and what you will be willing to carry on a regular basis every day based on your lifestyle, etc. A lot of people want a larger gun but end up not willing to carry the thing daily.
That being said a somewhat larger gun (something that is not a subcompact pocket gun type) is much more adaptable to different purposes and easier to shoot accurately when first starting out. You may want to consider changing how you dress to accomodate a larger gun (lots of people either won't or can't do this).
From there try to do as much online research as possible (a lot of it's garbage but the better guns do seem to rise to the top online with pretty much unanimous approval) as to makes, size, etc. Ask otehrs who have experience with guns. Then head to a dealer and try handling a few that you picked out and seeing which one you like the best. If something else catches your eye there, go back and research that. If a guns from one of the big name manufacturers you shouldn't go wrong. Just try not to over think it and think you need to find the absolute perfect gun. If you do your homework and don't get to antsy fto buy something, you should end up with something that will do the job.
I won't even try to name a few because I have my biases that may not fit what you will like. Whatever you choose make sure you become well acquainted with how everything works, especially the trigger, and practice as much as you can in a safe environment, hopefully with someone who can be sure you're doing things right.
Last edited:
You most likely will end up with several carry guns over the years so don't fret too much at this point. Find one that fits your hand, will conceal how you plan to carry and is in a caliber you can manage. Then when you get comfortable with that gun you will start to look for others and start all over trying to meet all options. Compromise may very likely be the name of the game with carry guns because no one gun will do it all.
Tactical Jackalope
New member
Oh God...these questions have unlimited answers. The funniest part about them? They're all meaningless in the end the OP will pick what they feel is right and learn from trial and error on their own.
That's a start, I vote SIG P220 or 1911.
That's a start, I vote SIG P220 or 1911.
Last edited:
peacefulgary
New member
I recommend you try the Ruger SR9c and the Glock 26.
I carry an S&W642 revolver or a Ruger LC9. The S&W is a .38-not as powerful as the 9mm. The LC9 may become my favorite, it's a little better in a pocket, the 642 if I use a holster. Both require practice, both D/A trigger and you must shoot enough to be able to hit with them. You'll get better triggers on the SR9, Glock, S&W M&P but the guns are larger, harder to conceal. The LC is a single stack but fits my big paws good enough, I'm impressed with it.
Tactical Jackalope
New member
Oh..you want a small gun? Not a freak like me that carries full size mainly...
Single stack?
Uuuuuh....Khar PM9 or CM9?
Single stack?
Uuuuuh....Khar PM9 or CM9?