Looking for a carry/home defense pistol
- Thread starter adamBomb
- Start date
armoredman
New member
adamBomb, I meant it can be - most of us carry them hammer at half cock for traditional DA/SA. Good luck with your choice and I hope it works well for you!
CZs could be a good choice, but with your stated preference of a safety but not "cocked and locked' without a grip safety, it may not be for you. That said, they are great guns. My CZ 75B has well over 10K rounds (I stopped counting about a decade ago at 10K, I'm quite sure I'm over 20K by now, and likely significantly over 20K) with such a small number of hiccups that they really aren't worthy of mention compared to the number of rounds (I don't remember the exact number, but there is no doubt they are in the single digits, and probably could be counted on one hand). It is about as accurate as my 1911 (which is to say, tied for my most accurate gun). I had a CZ 40B which was equally good, though not quite as accurate, that I never should have sold. A bit under a year ago I bought a CZ P01. Good gun, though I'm still adjusting to it (it has been reliable, it is accurate, though not as much as my full size CZ 75b or Commander sized 1911).
A CZ 75B and 75 Compact have a manual safety that can be carried "cocked and locked" without a grip safety. They are DA/SA pistols, though the safety only works in SA mode so for a DA first shot you need to manually decock the hammer. The 75D, PCR and P01 have a decocker only for a possibly safer (or at least a reassuring) way to decock and use the DA trigger as the safety (i.e. they work like a SIG). The P-07 has a safety or decocker that can work either way. With some simple adjustments you can have it work has a decocker only or as a CZ style safety, but it can't work as both at the same time.
That said, my S&W 1911SC (1st gen) and my S&W M&P40c are quickly becoming my favorite carry guns when out of state (this summer I've spent a lot of time in VA where I can carry).
The 1911SC was my carry gun years ago until I dropped guns with a safety and went DAO, DA/SA (decocker only) or striker fired, and it has long been one of my favorite range guns along with my CZ 75B (and my most accurate also along with the CZ 75B). Now that I've gone back to using guns with a safety, it is no surprise that is high on my list again, though it doesn't meet your criteria (15 rounds).
For me, the S&W M&P40c is a big surprise. It is a good gun at the range, and it is the perfect balance of size/concealment ease, flexibility, and capacity IMO. It completely disappears IWB or IWB/tucked, and is very comfortable to carry. I've even managed to carry it in my pocket one day in a DeSantis Nemesis, though it did print and took the entire pocket so if anyone looked down my pants just right they might see the butt of the gun just a few millimeters into my pocket. The standard capacity of the compact .40S&W with a flush mag is 10 rounds (it is 12 in 9mm). If you went full sized, the M&P 2.0 in .40 holds 15 (in 9mm it is 17), and is about the size of a 1911 Commander. One nice thing with the compact is the flexibility. I can use the flush 10 round mags (12 if I had bought the 9mm) for very easy concealment and even occasional pocket carry, or carry with the full size mag with a sleeve when I want more capacity and maximum concealment isn't a necessity (I love 15 rounds of .40S&W). Even when I choose to carry the flush mag, I can carry the full size mag as a reload. I knew that on paper it would be a good carry gun, and figured that it would get a lot of carry time when I wanted something smaller than my 1911SC (Commander size) but bigger than my SIG P290RS, but didn't think it would become such a favorite (especially this fast).
All of the M&P line are available with a safety if you wish.
A CZ 75B and 75 Compact have a manual safety that can be carried "cocked and locked" without a grip safety. They are DA/SA pistols, though the safety only works in SA mode so for a DA first shot you need to manually decock the hammer. The 75D, PCR and P01 have a decocker only for a possibly safer (or at least a reassuring) way to decock and use the DA trigger as the safety (i.e. they work like a SIG). The P-07 has a safety or decocker that can work either way. With some simple adjustments you can have it work has a decocker only or as a CZ style safety, but it can't work as both at the same time.
That said, my S&W 1911SC (1st gen) and my S&W M&P40c are quickly becoming my favorite carry guns when out of state (this summer I've spent a lot of time in VA where I can carry).
The 1911SC was my carry gun years ago until I dropped guns with a safety and went DAO, DA/SA (decocker only) or striker fired, and it has long been one of my favorite range guns along with my CZ 75B (and my most accurate also along with the CZ 75B). Now that I've gone back to using guns with a safety, it is no surprise that is high on my list again, though it doesn't meet your criteria (15 rounds).
For me, the S&W M&P40c is a big surprise. It is a good gun at the range, and it is the perfect balance of size/concealment ease, flexibility, and capacity IMO. It completely disappears IWB or IWB/tucked, and is very comfortable to carry. I've even managed to carry it in my pocket one day in a DeSantis Nemesis, though it did print and took the entire pocket so if anyone looked down my pants just right they might see the butt of the gun just a few millimeters into my pocket. The standard capacity of the compact .40S&W with a flush mag is 10 rounds (it is 12 in 9mm). If you went full sized, the M&P 2.0 in .40 holds 15 (in 9mm it is 17), and is about the size of a 1911 Commander. One nice thing with the compact is the flexibility. I can use the flush 10 round mags (12 if I had bought the 9mm) for very easy concealment and even occasional pocket carry, or carry with the full size mag with a sleeve when I want more capacity and maximum concealment isn't a necessity (I love 15 rounds of .40S&W). Even when I choose to carry the flush mag, I can carry the full size mag as a reload. I knew that on paper it would be a good carry gun, and figured that it would get a lot of carry time when I wanted something smaller than my 1911SC (Commander size) but bigger than my SIG P290RS, but didn't think it would become such a favorite (especially this fast).
All of the M&P line are available with a safety if you wish.
Last edited:
brian33x51
New member
On the CZ pattern a tanfoglio witness or sar b6 could be functional guns. They don't have decockers but what I do is to put a finger in front of the hammer, pull the trigger and roll it out so the hammer goes down slowly. Before I was using a thumb to hold the hammer back while decocking which made me VERY uncomfortable. I don't even think twice about it with the new method. Both my large frame witnesses have marvelous triggers.
Don't count out the 12 and 13 rd 9mm compact pistols. At least take a look at those. The M&P 9c, tarus pt11 g2 pro are 2 of many I can think of off the top of my head.
Don't count out the 12 and 13 rd 9mm compact pistols. At least take a look at those. The M&P 9c, tarus pt11 g2 pro are 2 of many I can think of off the top of my head.
Last edited:
ammo.crafter
New member
15rd carry
That's a lot of rounds to have in a CCW.
Better to become proficient at accurately and consistently hitting your target than flinging lots of lead.
If you don’t mind 13-rounds get a Browning Hi-Power before they are gone forever. You will not regret it.
That's a lot of rounds to have in a CCW.
Better to become proficient at accurately and consistently hitting your target than flinging lots of lead.
If you don’t mind 13-rounds get a Browning Hi-Power before they are gone forever. You will not regret it.
Thanks for all of the replies. I am going to check out the Beretta Storm today. On paper, the compact version seems perfect as I do prefer a hammer vs striker fired if I can have choice...
I am looking for this gun to fulfill two roles (maybe I shouldn't be). I am looking for a home protection gun that has a safety. I want the safety for my home protection gun because if I wake up at night I want to be sure I dont pick it up with my hand on the trigger. As of now my current night gun just doesnt have a round in the chamber and I want to change that. While Ive never even picked that gun up by the trigger I dont want to make the mistake ever.
The other role I want this gun to fill is as a CCW at work. As of now, you cannot carry at my work (a university) but there are some initiatives to change that and I believe in the next year or so you will be able to (wishful thinking). My normal carry gun is a bodyguard 380 and I love it. At my university the buzz is mass shooters and its what everyone is talking about. Thus if I were trapped in a classroom/building situation I would really love a 15 round capacity. As a result, I wanted a bigger gun that would probably go in my backpack (thus need for a safety) while I carried my bodyguard in my pocket or IWB. So even a full size gun could work. I just want to be able to IWB carry it too if I ever felt I needed more rounds. I hope that makes sense.
So I am really considering the px4 storm in all sizes...I am also looking at some full size guns like the beretta 92. I like the 1911 as well but the round count isnt there.
I am looking for this gun to fulfill two roles (maybe I shouldn't be). I am looking for a home protection gun that has a safety. I want the safety for my home protection gun because if I wake up at night I want to be sure I dont pick it up with my hand on the trigger. As of now my current night gun just doesnt have a round in the chamber and I want to change that. While Ive never even picked that gun up by the trigger I dont want to make the mistake ever.
The other role I want this gun to fill is as a CCW at work. As of now, you cannot carry at my work (a university) but there are some initiatives to change that and I believe in the next year or so you will be able to (wishful thinking). My normal carry gun is a bodyguard 380 and I love it. At my university the buzz is mass shooters and its what everyone is talking about. Thus if I were trapped in a classroom/building situation I would really love a 15 round capacity. As a result, I wanted a bigger gun that would probably go in my backpack (thus need for a safety) while I carried my bodyguard in my pocket or IWB. So even a full size gun could work. I just want to be able to IWB carry it too if I ever felt I needed more rounds. I hope that makes sense.
So I am really considering the px4 storm in all sizes...I am also looking at some full size guns like the beretta 92. I like the 1911 as well but the round count isnt there.
adamBomb
I see where your coming from . Crazy world where living in , l also prefer a external hammer , my 3" 1911 I keep one in the chamber with the hammer down . In your situation indoors could be like a war zone , let's hope things change.
What ever firearm you choose make sure you get at least 200 rounds shot without a problem , your self defense handgun must be 100% reliable at all times . keep it clean and be safe out there.
Chris
I see where your coming from . Crazy world where living in , l also prefer a external hammer , my 3" 1911 I keep one in the chamber with the hammer down . In your situation indoors could be like a war zone , let's hope things change.
What ever firearm you choose make sure you get at least 200 rounds shot without a problem , your self defense handgun must be 100% reliable at all times . keep it clean and be safe out there.
Chris
JoeSixpack
New member
Larger guns can easily fill both roles.
A px4 compact would be a fine choice for both carry and home defense.
I carry a Taurus 99, which is very similar to a Beretta 92 w/adj. sights.
It really simplifies things as I can go from holster to night stand and back again.
Although it's large for a carry gun I don't mind the size or weight.
If you have a gun that is in double action mode the trigger is generally sufficiently heavy enough that you don't need a manual safety.. at least IMO.
Anyway I think the px4 compact would be a good all around choice if it fits you.
A px4 compact would be a fine choice for both carry and home defense.
I carry a Taurus 99, which is very similar to a Beretta 92 w/adj. sights.
It really simplifies things as I can go from holster to night stand and back again.
Although it's large for a carry gun I don't mind the size or weight.
If you have a gun that is in double action mode the trigger is generally sufficiently heavy enough that you don't need a manual safety.. at least IMO.
Anyway I think the px4 compact would be a good all around choice if it fits you.
Onward Allusion
New member
The PX4 is a good gun. It is a bit on the thick side, however. It's 1.4". That's almost a 1/4 inch thicker than a G17.
armoredman
New member
Had a PX4 Storm, good gun. High Noon makes some nice holsters for it.
JoeSixpack
New member
If the stats I just looked up is right the M&P40c is only 0.2" thinner and only 2.4oz lighter.. was the px4 really so heavy in comparison?
1.4 vs 1.2"
27.3 vs 24.9oz
The bulky I might give you cause the px4c does have a larger grip.
But the weight?
1.4 vs 1.2"
27.3 vs 24.9oz
The bulky I might give you cause the px4c does have a larger grip.
But the weight?
Doc Holliday 1950
New member
Adam,
Why do you require a safety?? As I wave been told, the safety adds just one more extra time/movement needed to use your Pistol in a Life or Death situation. Is that the only reason that you will not use a Glock 19 ????
Why do you require a safety?? As I wave been told, the safety adds just one more extra time/movement needed to use your Pistol in a Life or Death situation. Is that the only reason that you will not use a Glock 19 ????
The main reason I want the safety is that this gun will sit on my nightstand and if I wake up I dont want to accidentally pull the trigger when I grab it. Currently I have my glock 26 on my nightstand but no round in the chamber for this reason. A gun with a hammer/decocker is probably enough for me to avoid doing this too so I am considering those as well. I used to have my revolver next to me and never had a problem...Other reasons I prefer a safety on a gun like a glock is that there is no hammer for me to feel when I holster the gun, like a revolver, so if the trigger ever were to get caught on something like a string, tshrirt, etc you just wouldnt know until you got glock leg whereas a safety or hammer would prevent that unfortunate event. But yes I do understand its one more thing to think about.
Spats McGee
Administrator
Given the OP's requirements, the PX 4 seems like a good option, having both a safety and a hammer.
Glenn E. Meyer
New member
I would advise against keeping a gun in a back pack that is physically separate from you. Leave in your office? Going to take it to every meeting? To the john?
You are in environment with lots of folks. Back packs get lifted.
Figure out how to conceal a better gun than the 380 IMHO.
As far as the safety issue/hammer, I'd rather train intensively to be safe as compared to relying on extra mechanisms. But to each his or her own. Folks fumble the safety under stress as you would be if faced with a surprise rampage shooter.
Revolver shooters don't worry about that. So the issue is trigger pull - what else is new?
Mechanics don't substitute for skill.
You are in environment with lots of folks. Back packs get lifted.
Figure out how to conceal a better gun than the 380 IMHO.
As far as the safety issue/hammer, I'd rather train intensively to be safe as compared to relying on extra mechanisms. But to each his or her own. Folks fumble the safety under stress as you would be if faced with a surprise rampage shooter.
Revolver shooters don't worry about that. So the issue is trigger pull - what else is new?
Mechanics don't substitute for skill.
OldMarksman
Staff
Oh, no, not I! Ever! I know what I'm doing!
Seriously, though, I once failed to disengage a thumb safety on a pistol I had carried for some time. The stress? Training in the presence of a nationally known instructor.
Under some circumstances, the results could have been dire.
At the strong insistence of the trainer, I left the safety disengaged while drawing, shooting, and and re-holstering for two days.
I was uneasy about that. ams I ended up switching to a pistol equipped with a grip safely.
No reason to assume that a person who carries more ammo is less proficient with his or her pistol.
The cautions about keeping your backpack with you is valid. Maybe you have a place to lock it up? If you work out that set of problems, there are also backpacks and sling packs with integral holsters. I would want the trigger covered inside the pack, myself. If you don't buy a concealment pack, you might still be able to figure out a way to attach a holster to your pack. I would also advise dedicating a pocket to the pistol.