Searching for a new carry

TheTechGuy said:
Walther p99 - couldn't not [sic] really find a consistent price.
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As I write this, Bud's lists it for $499. :)

They have it listed as the P99 Compact even though Walther technically calls it the P99C.

FWIW they're not very common, not many FFLs stock them, and all Ulm-produced Walthers seem to have gone through periodic supply droughts over the last couple of years; I surmise that they've been imported in sporadic batches. However, now that Walther is doing their own distributing rather than relying on the whims of S&W, their supply chain may improve.
 
The Ruger was on my radar for a while but when I started looking at the Glock 43 I liked the look and feel a little bit more. Only when I realized the 26 was just a bit thicker glock with double stack. I wanted the extra capacity.

When I was taking my CCW class I learned more about the DA/SA guns and started to gain interest in finding a compact one over the 26. I have been leaning hard on the 26 the more I read and research on it. But the Rami is a big contender.
 
I changed my EDC from a S&W 642 to a Glock 26 a few years back because of capacity. If you want the DA/SA with a decocker, I would look at the Beretta PX4 line. The subcompact is closest to the G26 in size but doesn't have the rotating barrel. The compact is closer to the G19 in size, has a rotating barrel, and can be fitted with a smaller safety lever that is a de-cocker only. I'm not sure if that option is out there for the subcompact or not. The rotating barrel makes the compact version an extremely soft shooter. My daughter has one and it is really a nice shooting pistol.
 
TheTechGuy said:
But what to you mean by rotating barrel?
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First, Google "locked breech".

In most higher-powered semi-auto firearms, the barrel and slide initially recoil together and then separate. The most common methods for achieving this are a barrel that tilts via a swinging link (e.g. M1911), a barrel that tilts via a slanted barrel underlug (e.g. Browning Hi-Power, Glocks), or a barrel that is stopped by a locking block (e.g. Walther P-38, Beretta 92 family).

A rotating barrel is one of the less common alternate methods. This method usually utilizes a diagonal slot in the barrel that engages a pin on the frame. The slot causes the barrel to turn around its longitudinal axis as it moves back, and when the end of the slot is reached, the barrel stops while the slide continues rearward, ejecting the fired case. As the slide moves back into battery, it pushes the barrel back into the starting position.

The major advantage of this system is that the barrel remains pointed straight ahead for optimal accuracy, and the barrel rotation is relatively gradual, which tends to give rotating-barrel pistols relatively soft felt recoil. The major disadvantage of this system is that it's relatively sensitive to dirt and ice because the barrel movement is more complex than in a tilting-barrel pistol.
 
Check out a Bersa Thunder UC Pro. Nice size, weight, and capacity. Been on my radar for a while now. Lots of good reviews.
 
Really like the look of the Bersa and Glocks. The function and performance of the Rami is most fitting but sadly I don't find it appealing. I don't know if it's the looks or what, but I feel like I wouldn't carry is as often as I should if I got one.
 
I assume this is a stupid question due to being new in the semi auto world. But what to you mean by rotating barrel?
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Nope, not a stupid question at all. In addition to the mechanical explanation you already received, you might want to know that the rotating barrel is said to dissipate recoil energy and make it a softer shooter. I don't know if it is all due to the rotating barrel or other factors are in play, but the PX4 compact in my safe is an exceptionally soft shooter.
 
I'm a huge HK fan as well as Sig so I would suggest an older 239, 225 or, as sigarms228 mentioned, one of the newer smaller HKs. We had my P30LS out Saturday and it continues to impress me with it's stellar accuracy and reliability. I've also been a big fan of most of the CZs over the years just haven't gotten around to picking one up yet even though I've shot a bunch of them.
 
If you want a small DA/SA...they don't come much better than the Sig 239.

But it really depends on what fits your hands...sometimes, to me at least, too small is unshootable.../ Sig 239 is the smallest I would go in a DA/SA gun...
( but I would much rather have a 1911...in a small pkg 4" barrel, alloy frame.... in 9mm probably ..)..but not DA/SA like you asked about.
 
If you want a small DA/SA...they don't come much better than the Sig 239.
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The 239 shoots like a bigger compact but easily conceals like a smaller one due to the size of the bottom of the grip. When it comes to most other pistols, the same size, the 239 will hold it's own with most of them when it comes to accuracy.
 
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I know I didn't really specify a price and that was due to wanting a wide variety of suggestions. But just shy of 1000 for a single stack maybe a little steep. Haha but I do love Sigs.
 
I would look at a Glock 43. The bigger the gun, the less you will carry. A Glock 43 give you many options as to where you want to carry it and how you dress. Also shoots very nice.
 
For an all metal TDA (traditional double action) semi-auto pistol, my first choice would be a SIG. The P239 is a great single stack pistol if you are looking for a pistol with a decocker but no external safety.

The P229 is bigger and heavier but lots of people carry it.

I also like the Beretta PX4 compact a lot. I don't own one but I do own three Beretta Cougars which have a very similar rotary barrel breech lock-up. Be aware that the PX4 subcompact does not have a rotary barrel lock-up.

I am intrigued by the Walther P99AS but I have never shot one. If you are looking for a striker-fired pistol with double action/single action trigger capability and a decocker, it would definitely be worth a look.

I don't have much experience with CZs. I know plenty of people who love them, however.

You might also consider a Kahr. Not a TDA with double action/single action capability. It is double action only but with an extremely smooth and pleasant trigger action.
 
Unless you pick up a glock and say to yourself "ahhhhh.........this is wonderful", get anything but a Glock. They are the ergonomic equivalent of holding a 2x4 with a weird grip angle, that shoots bullets. They function well for what they are, but I absolutely can not tolerate to hold one. Don't "settle" for a Glock.
 
Steel/Alloy S&W 3913 SA/DA, S&W 3943 DAO, both used thin single stacks, great CCW's. Although I carry sub-compact Glocks now. Don't forget the Springfield XDS 9 with it's grip safety feature.
 
Glock - just make sure you use a quality holster either kydex or thick leather that protects the trigger. Be real careful when re-holstering making sure no clothing enters the trigger guard.

Most importantly - finger off the trigger till read to shoot.

Why I like Glocks:
1. They pretty much all shoot the same. Learn the thumbs forward grip and you can shoot all of them.
2. Light Weight.
3. Accurate.
4. Reliable (AK47 of the pistol world).
5. Capacity.
6. Factory mags that work.
7. Affordable.
 
Another vote for for the HKP30SK or P2000SK. They for with what you are looking for. I am a Glock guy but the Glock is not a fit based upon what you have said you want.
 
DA/SA Carry Guns

My two favorite pistols are the CZ P-01 and the Walther P99. I love them for many reasons, but the ones that apply to your situation:

1. DA/SA triggers (with Decockers)
2. Concealable with a bit of work
3. Accurate
4. Ergonomic
5. Affordable

They're really amazing guns.
 
For EDC, I'd consider the issue as data-driven problem solving.

If you are going to be carrying it every day, it must be comfortable to carry, easy enough to conceal, work with a wide range of your clothing, and weather the abuse of daily use. Should that weapon ever be used, it must be one that you have trained with enough to be able to achieve multiple quality hits as fast as you can get them.

Personally, I don't shoot pocket pistols well enough to consider them, given the list of requirements above.

I try to conceal the largest pistol that I can plausibly have meet the requirements, which has lead me to the Glock 19, and others in that size profile.

For DA/SA, consider a P99AS or the CZ P-07. It will be lighter than the steel/alloy framed CZs, and is basically a hammer fired Glock 19 (which means it is the bees knees). I am less a fan of the P30 or P30SK, even with the LEM trigger, in that the overall trigger throw is very, very long, and I prefer the triggers on the others listed. This last bit is purely subjective. I'd add a Sig SP2022 or P229 into this list, but owning and carrying one, I find the slimness of the Glock 19, and the reduced weight, to have relegated the P229 to OWB carry while wearing a jacket (and usually a bat belt full of gear), or just as a range gun.

For striker fired, a Walther PPS or Glock 26/43 is about as small as I can manage, when coupled with pinky extensions on the magazines. Larger formats include the PPQ, Glock 19, and the Sig P320 compact.

As always, a good holster on a stiff belt can go a long, long way. Kydex all day, every day. It won't absorb sweat, it is thinner than just about every other material, stiff enough to provide safe reholstering and a close ride. Bladetech Phantoms are ~$30, and are probably the best deal in the bidness.
 
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