I'm having a tough time deciding on a carry pistol. I currently have a CZ-75, but that's a tad large for carry (even on a 6'3", 205lb frame). I've never carried before, so some advice from those that have used these pistols would be GREATLY appreciated!
My style of dress is jeans/slacks, with a t-shirt/polo shirt tucked in the summer. Winter is no prob due to other concealing garments. I'd hate to be relegated in the warmer months to a unkempt appearance with untucked shirts.
Of the pistols I've tried (1911, Sig 229/239, Glock 19, Steyr M9, various HK, various Smith revolvers, Beretta Cougar), I liked the Sig 229 and Glock 19.
Here's the list of candidates as of now: (looking for 9mm)
1) Sig 228/229 - Shot a 229 in .40 - best grip in the hand, excellent shot recovery (even in .40 which I don't like!). My concern is it's a bit large for IWB semi-comfortable carry?
2) Sig 239 - Shot it in 9mm. Like the idea of a stainless slide in a smaller package than the 228/229, but the grip wasn't as comfortable with my large hands, and the trigger reach was too SHORT. It's still in consideration as I've heard great things about this pistol with Hogue grips (does the trigger reach change?).
3) Sig 225 - They have one at my store right now. Nice, slimmer than the 228/229, haven't shot one. The grip is slightly more comfortable than a G19 (in the store), not as nice as the 228/229. Capacity is fine. Is this SIGnificantly more concealable than the 228/229?
3) G19 - Wow! From the way the 3rd gen felt in the store, I thought I'd HATE it at the range. The finger grooves are not in the best of spots on my big fingers. However at the range, it was very controllable, and didn't bother my shooting after 75 rounds. The grip angle is a bit funky, but I'm sure I'd adapt. The grip was better than the 239, but worse than the 229.
4) Kahr P9 - Nice little pistol in the store, but the grips are almost too thin. I'd add a Handall JR for sure. I'm not sure wth the size how the FEEL of the recoil would be, with not one to shoot in my neck of the woods. If reliable and controlable, a great size for carry!
Note: all had good triggers, though different. The mechanisms of each of these doesn't bother me. I like bar-dot sights a LOT, and perhaps that's why the Sig's sight picture realigned quicker for me. (though the SIG and G19 were at least as fast as my CZ75)
Any input on the reliability/use of these pistols for my intended purposes and what can/can't be carried easily would be great. I plan of course to get a quality holster for my carry piece, and likely ashley's, Heinie's, or Novaks for night sights. Thanks!
Cedric
PS: I'd also like to be able to take this pistol to a long, involved course such as Gunsite or Thunder Ranch. It doesn't seem to me like you should train that intensely without the weapon you'd be carrying.
My style of dress is jeans/slacks, with a t-shirt/polo shirt tucked in the summer. Winter is no prob due to other concealing garments. I'd hate to be relegated in the warmer months to a unkempt appearance with untucked shirts.
Of the pistols I've tried (1911, Sig 229/239, Glock 19, Steyr M9, various HK, various Smith revolvers, Beretta Cougar), I liked the Sig 229 and Glock 19.
Here's the list of candidates as of now: (looking for 9mm)
1) Sig 228/229 - Shot a 229 in .40 - best grip in the hand, excellent shot recovery (even in .40 which I don't like!). My concern is it's a bit large for IWB semi-comfortable carry?
2) Sig 239 - Shot it in 9mm. Like the idea of a stainless slide in a smaller package than the 228/229, but the grip wasn't as comfortable with my large hands, and the trigger reach was too SHORT. It's still in consideration as I've heard great things about this pistol with Hogue grips (does the trigger reach change?).
3) Sig 225 - They have one at my store right now. Nice, slimmer than the 228/229, haven't shot one. The grip is slightly more comfortable than a G19 (in the store), not as nice as the 228/229. Capacity is fine. Is this SIGnificantly more concealable than the 228/229?
3) G19 - Wow! From the way the 3rd gen felt in the store, I thought I'd HATE it at the range. The finger grooves are not in the best of spots on my big fingers. However at the range, it was very controllable, and didn't bother my shooting after 75 rounds. The grip angle is a bit funky, but I'm sure I'd adapt. The grip was better than the 239, but worse than the 229.
4) Kahr P9 - Nice little pistol in the store, but the grips are almost too thin. I'd add a Handall JR for sure. I'm not sure wth the size how the FEEL of the recoil would be, with not one to shoot in my neck of the woods. If reliable and controlable, a great size for carry!
Note: all had good triggers, though different. The mechanisms of each of these doesn't bother me. I like bar-dot sights a LOT, and perhaps that's why the Sig's sight picture realigned quicker for me. (though the SIG and G19 were at least as fast as my CZ75)
Any input on the reliability/use of these pistols for my intended purposes and what can/can't be carried easily would be great. I plan of course to get a quality holster for my carry piece, and likely ashley's, Heinie's, or Novaks for night sights. Thanks!
Cedric
PS: I'd also like to be able to take this pistol to a long, involved course such as Gunsite or Thunder Ranch. It doesn't seem to me like you should train that intensely without the weapon you'd be carrying.
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