Need Help finding a CC gun

S

sh0rtyf3

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Hello Everyone, I am brand new to the forum and joined to get some advice. I am purchasing my first handgun and need some help. I am wanting to find the perfect gun to conceal and carry. Im 23, 5'3 and 110lbs. I tried a 9mm; it was just to big and was not comfortable to shoot much less carry. I shot a 22 which I feel in love with how easy it was to shoot and handle, however its a bit big for CC and have heard mixed reviews on weather its a good gun to carry. I also tried out a Rugger 380; i didnt care much for it at all, it was almost too small to hold, I felt as though it was going to just pop out of my hands ( I had a good grip on it). Now I am just stuck and open to suggestions. I am not a gun expert by any means. Help!:confused:
 
I would like an automatic (i wouldnt be opposed to a revolver), the caliber would just depend on how much recoil it had being that I am very petite and I would like to carry it on my waist, I am not a fan of in the purse.
 
Well, no one can decide for you, but we can get a list of suggestions...

So you don't want a lot of recoil (which is reasonable), which helps cut down the possibilities as does being petite.

Do be aware of macho guys trying to steer you into the gun they like or what they think a little lady should want.

What do you have experience shooting now?

So far I am suggesting 380 or above in a automatic but not a tiny gun if you're concerned about recoil.

So that narrows it down to about 100 pistols. :)

The more details you can provide, you'll get more detailed specific answers.

Also, welcome to the forum.
 
The perfect gun is pretty subjective.

Without knowing what you are really interested in, I'd suggest looking at a classic snub nose revolver in .38 special like the S&W 637. It is small enough to carry, recoil isn't bad and it is a proven self defense cartridge.
 
The "perfect gun" is very subjective. What's perfect for me at 5'10, 240 lbs is different from what is perfect for you. My best advise is to try and experience as many different guns and calibers as you can before making a decision.

Find a buddy who knows something about firearms, find a range that rents firearms, and go shooting. Several times. Don't listen to your buddy so much as make up your own mind. Then, know without a doubt that just as soon as you buy one, another will come along that you like better. That's part of the joy of learning this hobby. So many choices, so little time.
 
Can you tell us what 9mm you shot was? I'll perfectly honest, you really need to be thinking 9mm or bigger. So, you should be thinking what does it take to make a 9mm good for me. I would say the key components of getting a good gun for you are:
Trigger Action: I like DAO or SA guns. Same pull everytime.

Grip size/Ammo capacity: just try lots of guns until you find ones which feel like a glove. Remember, polymer grip frames feel light unloaded, but this goes away after you load it.

Weight/Balance: heavier to a certain extent is easier to shoot. Lighter will be easier to carry.

Last, have you considered basic training. Good basic classes have lots of guns for you to try. In addition, the instructor is there to help you get a proper hold on that gun.

Please PM me if I wrote something confusing. Good luck.
 
I'm at the other end of the size spectrum, so I can't tell you what might work. In a slightly larger .380, a Bersa might be OK. I know of a few petite women who carry them, same with a Sig P232. This blogger carries a Bersa. Cornered cat might be worth your time to browse around.

A .38 snubnose may be good, but be aware that there is a wide variation in materials; one made of titanium or scantium or something like that will be lighter than an all-steel gun, but they'll also have more felt recoil.

My opinion tends to run that while caliber/stopping power are nice points to debate about, in a carry gun, what you need is a gun that you will feel comfortable carrying and shooting. A .32 or .380 in a holster beats the crap out of a .45 in a gun safe. :D
 
I shot a 22 which I feel in love with how easy it was to shoot and handle, however its a bit big for CC and have heard mixed reviews on weather its a good gun to carry.
Click to expand...

My mom is also a big .22 fan. She doesn't yet have her permit, but when she does get one I suggested that she at least look at the new Ruger LCR in .22LR (9 shot, polymer frame, snub revolver). These are quite small, lightweight, and have little felt recoil. Load it up with high quality .22 ammo (making sure to function test it over several hundred rounds) and you're GTG.

.22s aren't the best for SD (my personal favorite is .38 special), but they will do if you do your part, and they are certainly better than nothing ... or a gun that you aren't confident/comfortable with.


Also, I would highly recommend the Cornered Cat website (see Stephanie's link above). The author of that website also does not like purse carry, but she has other helpful suggestions.

Best of luck!
 
go to local gunstore and feel a Bersa concealed carry model 380...you may like the fact that it feels like a real gun yet isnt too small or large
 
Most of those little .380's recoil more than a standard sized 9mm. You should try the Glock 19 and Walther PPS in 9mm. I think you might like them.
 
I prefer a revolver for a CCW because of its simplicty and relaibility. The "light-weights" pose a recoil problem so an all metal model would be better. Any Ruger or S&W all metal snub nose 38/357 would be a good choice. You can fire light recoil 38 Special loads or full house 357 loads in the same weapon.
I carry the all stainless steel 2 1/4" 357 Ruger SP101 DAO(no hammer spur) daily.

DO NOT CHOOSE A 22 FOR SELF-DEFENSE!!!
 
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If you could go to a Shooting Range that rents Handguns and rent a few is the best way to decide. Se what feels good in your hand then rent it and shoot. If you can borrow Guns is also good. Ware are you located? Someone local may be able to help you.
 
I would suggest that you try a Keltec P32 if you get a chance. About the same size as the little Ruger you shot but with way less recoil. Also you can get magazine extensions or even a ten round magazine which all make the grip bigger. I have a couple and highly recommend them.
 
Id say the LC9 is considerably bigger than the LCP but not for it shooting the 9mm round. Been thinking of getting an LCP too just "because".
 
You're just like a lot of us - looking for the perfect CC gun. The problem is the smaller you get (so easier to carry) the harder it is to shoot well (recoil, accuracy, etc). So if the Ruger LCP is too snappy you need a heavier gun. If you want to carry on your waist daily you will probably still need a relatively small gun. Sort of a catch-22 - small but heavier. I would think a snubnose .38 special revolver would be similar to the LCP recoil wise but you might want to try for yourself if possible. Ruger has a .22 LR revolver (LCR 22) which is small, light, very tame recoil-wise, reliable, 8 rounds which might fit the bill. I would give it a try if you can find one - they sell pretty fast from what I've heard. The Walther PPS is a nice IWB conceal carry 9mm semi-auto that is supposed to be very easy to shoot and still is relatively easy to carry (thin, on the light side). The other small CC 9mms tend to be lighter and snappier to shoot, like the LCP. A lot depends on just how big a gun you are able and willing to carry on a daily basis. For someone with a small frame I would think you would have to stay pretty small.
 
If you select a small semi-auto pistol, be sure that you can pull the slide back to load it easily. Many of the smaller pistols have a very stiff operating spring to make up for the lack of slide weight compared to a full size gun.

If you select a small revolver (as I have) be sure that you can pull the trigger in double action (DA) mode easily and for the 5 or 6 rounds in the cylinder. Most of the smaller DA revolvers like the Smith and Wesson J frame series (Model 60, 642, etc.) take about 12 pounds of pull to operate. They do have a light and crisp single action trigger pull that is achieved by cocking to pistol's hammer with your thumb before you fire, but I'm no fan of cocked revolvers when under stress.

Here is a link to the Smith and Wesson J Frame (small frame) revolvers:

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...4_750001_750051_757768_-1_757767_757751_image

You might be the perfect canditade for the new Smith and Wesson 327 Magnum on a small J frame.
 
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