Hi Gang, I have recently learned how to shoot, Basic and concealed classes, half a dozen trips to local ranges renting several different guns. I am ready to buy my first handgun but am having a difficult time deciding. The more info I accimulate, the more difficult my decission becomes. I definately have decided on a semi-auto, but that is it. I have fired 9mm, 40, 45, and even a 454 Taurus that cleared my sinuses. I feel comfortable with any caliber. My criterium: $600 max., Can't carry at work,wear shorts and T-shirt when not at work, will start shooting weekly at range after purchase-so ammo expense a factor also, live in Florida hot and humid enviornment, 5-year old curious daughter. I value your input, Thanks in advance, Edsel
First Pistol Purchase
- Thread starter Edsel
- Start date
Using your criteria, I'd go 9 mm since cost is a factor. That said, go rent a bunch of 9mm pistols, shoot them and buy the one that fits and performs best for you. Personally, I'd go w/ a Glock as a first pistol...relatively inexpensive, easy to shoot, easy to maintain and if you ever decide to sell it, there is a market for used Glocks.
Buy what you shoot the best. What can you draw, aim and hit with the most consistently? There are lots of fine choices in your price range. If small size in a 9mm is what you're after, try this:
Kahr MK9 Elite
Kahr MK9 Elite
I like the idea of renting a bunch of different firearms and trying them all out. I'd recommend looking at the Ruger P-series guns; they are available in 9mm, 40, and 45 and have a reputation for being extremely rugged. Higher capacity magazines are also available for reasonable prices.
lonegunman
New member
Hey Edsel, what do you do at WDW?
I always wanted to be a Monorail captain, but my life just didnt work out right.
I always wanted to be a Monorail captain, but my life just didnt work out right.
Hey Edsel. It's great to hear of a new shooter here in O-town. I'd add my .02 for the Glock as the easiest to shoot, maintain and carry. As you know there are plenty to try out at the ranges in this area. For carry you probably want a compact or sub-compact. And if you're going to shoot a lot, 9mm is the cheapest although .40 Auto isn't too expensive and is possibly a better defensive caliber. If you agree with this, your choices are G19 (9mm compact), G26 (9mm sub-compact), G23 (.40 compact) and G27 (.40 sub-compact). I carry a G26 in a leather Galco pocket holster everywhere in FLA (including WDW by the way, since I'm a guest) and find it does fine in a pair of dockers, even with a tucked in shirt. Lots of folks here like an IWB and I think you would have to go that way if your gun choice is a compact. It will work. The only other think I would recommend is, since you have a 5yo at home, get a punch-lock security box to put the gun in and make it a religious practice to lock it up when you get home. You can get it out quick enough if you need it but the kid won't be able to get it. Let me know if you have any questions or if you'd like to get together to shoot some time.
The guns that I would consider in your situation:
All are under 600$, 9 mm and of excellent quality. Wrap your hands around an example of each and buy the one that feels best in your hand. (Or do like I did and get one of each.
)
- Glock 19
- SIG Sauer P225
- SIG Sauer P228
- Walther P99
All are under 600$, 9 mm and of excellent quality. Wrap your hands around an example of each and buy the one that feels best in your hand. (Or do like I did and get one of each.
)Suggest you also have a close look at:
CZ75 Compact (manual safety) -OR- CZ75 Compact PCR (decocker)
Taurus PT145 - www.pt145.com for reviews
Springfield Mil-specs
CZ75 Compact (manual safety) -OR- CZ75 Compact PCR (decocker)
Taurus PT145 - www.pt145.com for reviews
Springfield Mil-specs
Hi!! Welcome aboard!!
What's wrong with Glocks??? The climate where you are is hot and sticky. The tennifer anti corrosion heat treat of the Glock is just what you need, carrying a pistol next to your body for hours at a time. There is also the small matter of all that salt water!!!! Glocks are immune to all those nasty things!!! Now that that is taken care of, which Glock. I would reccommend either the G26 or G19. I found that the G26 was easier to carry. My wife agrees!!
The G26 will accept standard capacity G17 or G19 magazines and falls into your price range. Give it some serious thought!!
What's wrong with Glocks??? The climate where you are is hot and sticky. The tennifer anti corrosion heat treat of the Glock is just what you need, carrying a pistol next to your body for hours at a time. There is also the small matter of all that salt water!!!! Glocks are immune to all those nasty things!!! Now that that is taken care of, which Glock. I would reccommend either the G26 or G19. I found that the G26 was easier to carry. My wife agrees!!
The G26 will accept standard capacity G17 or G19 magazines and falls into your price range. Give it some serious thought!! 1st choice - Glock 26 or 19
Others (in no particular order)
Steyr M9 compact
USP9 compact (used)
Kahr P9
Walther P99
All those guns are compact and suited to conceal carry but not the smallest.
Taurus Millenium or Kel Tec P-11 for shorts and T-shirt duty. Stick with plastic given your climate (for starters).
Others (in no particular order)
Steyr M9 compact
USP9 compact (used)
Kahr P9
Walther P99
All those guns are compact and suited to conceal carry but not the smallest.
Taurus Millenium or Kel Tec P-11 for shorts and T-shirt duty. Stick with plastic given your climate (for starters).
lonegunman
New member
Here is my general advice:
First dont take concealment advice from people who dont live in hot, humid climates. They generally recommend things that are too bulky to conceal under light weight summer clothes in the deep south.
Second, you really need 2 guns.
One of these should be for very deep concealment, and for that I would recommend the Keltec P32. You can get it for a little more than $200. For that price, if the finish gets a little banged up or crusty with carry (and it will in a humid climate), who cares? You can put one of these in a pocket holster, and it will conceal just like your wallet. There is no excuse to be unarmed if u have a P32. Some will throw off on the 32 ACP, but it is a whole lot better than the 45 you left at home because it was too big to conceal. As long as you have at least a pair of shorts on, you can conceal a P32.
The other gun I would recommend is the FULL SIZE auto of your preference. The particular brand, type, and style should be whatever you prefer. You are really very unlikely to go wrong with any of the major manufacturers, and all of them will conceal about the same.
You will find many people who would recommend a mid-size gun, like a mini Glock, or a Kahr, or a compact 1911. A lot of people think these guns are easy to conceal, but I have found that a mid size gun conceals no easier for me than a full size gun, and has the disadvantage of a short barrel, short grip, and sometimes less capacity. In general they are harder to shoot well, and less comfortable to shoot also. Under a coat or jacket, a full size gun can be concealed as well as a mid size gun.
Now tell me this edsel, which restaurant are u a chef at down there?
First dont take concealment advice from people who dont live in hot, humid climates. They generally recommend things that are too bulky to conceal under light weight summer clothes in the deep south.
Second, you really need 2 guns.
One of these should be for very deep concealment, and for that I would recommend the Keltec P32. You can get it for a little more than $200. For that price, if the finish gets a little banged up or crusty with carry (and it will in a humid climate), who cares? You can put one of these in a pocket holster, and it will conceal just like your wallet. There is no excuse to be unarmed if u have a P32. Some will throw off on the 32 ACP, but it is a whole lot better than the 45 you left at home because it was too big to conceal. As long as you have at least a pair of shorts on, you can conceal a P32.
The other gun I would recommend is the FULL SIZE auto of your preference. The particular brand, type, and style should be whatever you prefer. You are really very unlikely to go wrong with any of the major manufacturers, and all of them will conceal about the same.
You will find many people who would recommend a mid-size gun, like a mini Glock, or a Kahr, or a compact 1911. A lot of people think these guns are easy to conceal, but I have found that a mid size gun conceals no easier for me than a full size gun, and has the disadvantage of a short barrel, short grip, and sometimes less capacity. In general they are harder to shoot well, and less comfortable to shoot also. Under a coat or jacket, a full size gun can be concealed as well as a mid size gun.
Now tell me this edsel, which restaurant are u a chef at down there?
Hello Fellow Floridian!
The curious daughter should be a non issue. Either your weapon is stored in a safe or on your person. It doesn't have to be expensive, just secure from little curious people. I've seen small handgun safes at Walmart for under $30.00 that would work perfectly.
The Kahr MK9 is my choice when I have to go light. In a IWB holster it conceals very well with just a T shirt and blue jean type shorts. Any bulge made can easily be mistaken for a pager, even when bending over. I've carried Glocks throughout the years, but they are a bit thick. Imagine trying to conceal a bar of Irish Spring soap and you pretty much have a G26/27. The thin profile of the Kahr really helps. I've also put some hot +P ammo and Nato Spec 9mm 124 grain ammo through it with no problems. A nice controllable weapon with any load.
I believe the Kahr Mk9 makes a great concealed carry for the beginner until they are more comfortable with carrying and can learn to adapt their mode of dress to accomodate a larger weapon. Even for experienced users it makes a great gun for those times when you just can't carry a full size gun for whatever reason. It's my walk the dog gun and T shirt and shorts gun when I just can't carry the Kimber.
Good Shooting
RED
The curious daughter should be a non issue. Either your weapon is stored in a safe or on your person. It doesn't have to be expensive, just secure from little curious people. I've seen small handgun safes at Walmart for under $30.00 that would work perfectly.
The Kahr MK9 is my choice when I have to go light. In a IWB holster it conceals very well with just a T shirt and blue jean type shorts. Any bulge made can easily be mistaken for a pager, even when bending over. I've carried Glocks throughout the years, but they are a bit thick. Imagine trying to conceal a bar of Irish Spring soap and you pretty much have a G26/27. The thin profile of the Kahr really helps. I've also put some hot +P ammo and Nato Spec 9mm 124 grain ammo through it with no problems. A nice controllable weapon with any load.
I believe the Kahr Mk9 makes a great concealed carry for the beginner until they are more comfortable with carrying and can learn to adapt their mode of dress to accomodate a larger weapon. Even for experienced users it makes a great gun for those times when you just can't carry a full size gun for whatever reason. It's my walk the dog gun and T shirt and shorts gun when I just can't carry the Kimber.
Good Shooting
RED