Thinking about my first CC gun. LCR? Bodyguard? Other?

Right now I am trying out several options to see which one I like best. There may not be a "best" answer". There may be several good options to choose from depending on the situation.

Also, I find it impossible to determine whether I am going to like a gun just by holding it at the LGS or trying it out rented at the range. I need to own it for several months before I make up my mind. But that's me.

Right now I am trying out a Taurus 85 Ultralite revolver, a Sig P290RS and a Walther PPS. I have a Sig P232 I also try from time to time, and I am actively looking to buy a Bersa 380 Concealed Carry version. The different shapes, sizes, weights, etc. make a difference in both carrying and shooting. The smaller the gun, the snappier the recoil and the less I practice with it, but the more likely it is I will drop it into a pocket when I am running out. Not an ideal situation but it is what it is.

Good luck!
 
Mike,

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See those two J frames in the photo. They are good ones for ultra concealment. And the Ruger SP101 ain't bad either.. just heavier.


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See the one on the left. That is my first CCW gun when CHL started here in Texas. The one on the right, the .357 version, is my Summer gun now.

I highly recommend them.

But you will need to practice. Practice often due to the fact they are harder to shoot than most other guns and they only hold five rounds, thus you learn to shoot strait and fast.

Deaf
 
new shooters?

hi, if you have to ask
get more training
get more familiar with all guns
be around shooters who will ask the other questions; probably need to go to some tactical school or matches.
around here its steel targets at outdoor shooting range.
because the necessary questions to be prepared aren't necessarily which revolver or pistol
its more like being aware of your backround,
being totally familiar with your gun
being able to draw and shoot accurately in many positions and circumstances.
p.s.> I don't have a CCW and consequently don't carry.
 
You've got a TON of information in this thread! All of it good! Bottom line - you have to feel good/confident/competent in your choice. A revolver is fine, so is an auto. You'll eventually get to the point that one gun is not enough. You'll possibly need something that conceals better, or has more power, or is fine for the house but you'll never conceal carry, or a dozen other things. Rent a bunch of guns and seriously analyze YOUR needs, not anyone elses opinions.:D
 
I've had an eye on one of these for a long time. I have never tried moonclips but they look like a great reloading alternative. Plus, I think this one does without the dubious internal lock.



Target shooting or plinking with air-weight J-Frames may not be as fun as some other guns. They carry very well though. I have never tried one IWB but if you are worried about the added width from the cylinder, it isn't an L or N frame. It isn't much fatter than a double-stack semi and the revolver's mass distribution lends itself to better concealment in my opinion. Due to that size and mass distribution, I love these in pocket carry (and will love them more when I get one without a hammer). It won't work with every outfit but with the right pocket holster, you'll go far.

(With a growing interest in J-Frame pocket carry, I've actually considered sewing alterations for anchoring a holster...)

On shooting .357 out of something so small, I always wonder how much bang you get for your... bang. So much energy is lost in such a short barrel that I have serious doubts that the trade-off is worth it. The .357 kick in that small package can seriously impact accuracy and assault your senses in a defensive situation. After the short-barrel energy loss, is the boost over .38 special or +P really worth it?
 
A pocket gun is a terrible first gun. They are more difficult to shoot even for a experienced shooter. Start with a mid size gun like a Glock 19 or Smith and Wesson 686. The revolver you could shoot mild 38spl and then work up to 357 mag. A revolver is a great first gun. You can find a nice used Ruger gp101 with a 4" barrel for a good price. Smith and Wessons will be more money. Rossi makes a nice one pretty cheap. I bought one for my Dad and it was suprisingly accurate. Its was a great deal and I would buy another one for a glove box gun.
 
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