CCW suggestions please

[Chadk]

OK, I'm in a quandery. I cant decide what CCW to purchase.

I'd sure like some oppinions from the experts. I'll first give my criteria.

First if budget. I am pretty much capping myself at the $500 range.

Second would be caliber. Larger than .380. I am one of those that would be ok with a 9 and wouldnt mind a .45 either. I just purchased the Sig P238 for my girlfriend to cary when she gets her CHL and would LOVE to have the new P938, but alas this would be out of my price range. Cheapest at the gun show this weekend was in the $700.00 cash range.

Third, and the most difficult, is size. A few years ago i purchased a Taurus PT957 thinking this would be my CCW. This is just too large.
ULTRA / MICRO COMPACT. Almost everything out there that claims to be a pocket gun seems too large to me. I'm abour 6' and around 175lbs. Even a glock 26/27 seems way to fat for any pocket I've got, and would seem very noticible in an IWB holster on me I believe. (the glock just seems fat and also at the very top or over my price range I believe)


Fourth is reliability... this throws out ALLOT of manufactures for me personally. I own a Bersa thunder, and a couple of Taurus's handguns, but other than my Taurus 92 (way too large for CCW) i would not consider these reliable enough to have the confidence Im looking for.

I guess I'd prefer a SA trigger system, but it certainly seem that most of these style weapons are in the DA style, at least until you get way UP and out of my price range, and I know that many of these DA systems can be a nice smooth trigger pull so wouldnt mind exploring these options either.


Ok, so possible options......

I saw lots of the XD's at the show this weekend. They still seem a little large for me, but that and the Shield seem to be viable options I must consider. they seem to cost about the same. Right around the $500 range.


I dont own a 1911 and have been drooling over the RI compact. Saw these at the show. These are certainly in my price range. probably the only 1911 that is. Would give me the 1911 my collection is certainly missing and would / could be a viable option for CCW. Obviously the weight of this weapon would be a concern, but I dont think it would be much larger in size than ANY of the other options.

So please let me know your thoughts and what your carying.
Thanks very much for taking the time.

[ozo]

First of all...reliability.....it don't get much more reliable than a Bersa Thunder,
but you want a larger than .380
If a PT957 or a Glock 26/27 is too big for you, a 1911 anything will be too big for you.
SA or DA in a semi-auto.....I don't see it as really matters.
XD's are ok, depends on which one.
My suggestion is WAIT a while......check out many, many more
before you purchase. In the meantime, shoot her 238, a nice gun.....
you may decide you want one too.
During that time, put away your $500 and add to it, so when you
do decide which to get, you can afford what you really want.
My true solution has always been...AND it always works......
get one of each !

[ozo]

P.S. If a 9mm works for you, look for a
S&W 5906 or 6906
No semi-auto better than these, at any price,
and these can be had cheap.
[no better than these unless it's a 1911.... ]

[Double D]

I carry a 45 and have always carried a 45 with one exception, I carried an EMP 40 for a while, but sold it. I like a commander or officers 1911. I dont care about the size. I want a commander and thats what I get. I dont settle for anything less. Thats my choice. I dont compromise. If I dont have the cash for what I want, I save up and get it. If I were to buy a poly gun right now, it would be a springfield XDM 45 compact for carry. That is only if I werent going with my first choice of the commander 1911.

[Chadk]

Originally Posted by ozo

P.S. If a 9mm works for you, look for a
S&W 5906 or 6906
No semi-auto better than these, at any price,
and these can be had cheap.
[no better than these unless it's a 1911.... ]

Was not realy aware of the 6906. Seems like a great possibility with a stunning reputation certainly in my $ range. Thanks much for the feedback.

[Blackshirts]

would LOVE to have the new P938, but alas this would be out of my price range. Cheapest at the gun show this weekend was in the $700.00 cash range.

Sounds like you already chose and are looking for something to "settle" on. $200 more could be a much better deal than a cheaper gun if it is what you really want. Look around. Gun shows aren't known for their cheaper pricing. You may find one for less somewhere else. Used isn't a bad option either.

[Chadk]

Originally Posted by Blackshirts

Sounds like you already chose and are looking for something to "settle" on. $200 more could be a much better deal than a cheaper gun if it is what you really want. Look around. Gun shows aren't known for their cheaper pricing. You may find one for less somewhere else. Used isn't a bad option either.

LOL, honestly you probably hit the nail on the head. I'm absolutely in love with that little 380. a work of art as far as I'm concerned. I can imagine having the 9mm version, but man.....wondering of justifying the cost if something just as reliable and functional can be had for 3-500 less.

[CampingJosh]

When setting your budget for a carry gun, don't forget the cost of a good holster. Don't go cheap on the holster. Just don't. You end up with cheap junk. I've got a whole box full of cheap junk holsters, and they never come out of that box. They're not worth the packaging they come in.

Figure $50 minimum for a decent holster. Desantis and Galco have worked well for me. There are others just as good, and many custom holsters are better. But don't go cheap.

[RunningOnMT]

I can't believe you don't think Bersa is reliable enough. Well, there goes my recommendation which would have been a Thunder 9mm UC. In my opinion, you can't beat it with a stick and it fits your criteria perfectly.

[gunguy25]

My friend has a Bersa 380 and its a good shooting gun and was very reliable. As for me I have a Ruger SR9c and carry it in a Crossbreed supertuck it works so well that close friends that know i carry have to ask if am carrying even with a tucked in shirt they cant tell. a Ruger SR9c can be had around here for 399 plus tax and gun check.

[aa1911]

Originally Posted by CampingJosh

When setting your budget for a carry gun, don't forget the cost of a good holster. Don't go cheap on the holster. Just don't. You end up with cheap junk. I've got a whole box full of cheap junk holsters, and they never come out of that box. They're not worth the packaging they come in.

Figure $50 minimum for a decent holster. Desantis and Galco have worked well for me. There are others just as good, and many custom holsters are better. But don't go cheap.

yup. I always tell people to double the cost of the gun; everyone I convinced to buy a handgun got the gun and then could not carry it or shoot it!

$500 for the gun, then you will need at least $500 for:

at least 10-12 good magazines (just my opinion; gun is worthless without ammo)
one or two holsters minimum
spare mag holders
a case or two of ammo (to start)
a bunch of SD ammo (which is over $1/round, ouch!)

and we've already well exceeded the price of the gun.

OP, whatever you settle on, as long as it's a known reliable performer and you practice with it regularly, it will be effective as a CCW; caliber/type aside. for $500, an XDM, Glock, M&P are excellent/proven polymer choices, hard to go wrong there. But a .380 will work also; is it a 10mm or .45? no, but again, practice will make it effective.

[PanhandlePop]

Do your best to rent or borrow some candidates and see what feels best to you.

As to your questions:
#1 don't ignore quality used guns in your price range. There are deals to be had if you shop.
#2 try some out. I like a 45 acp, but that doesn't mean you will.
#3 with a quality belt and holster, most handguns can be carried fairly comfortably and well concealed regardless of your size. Just dress around your carry piece. You and I are similar size and I have no problem with fat Glocks to full size 1911s. I certainly would not get hung up on pocket carry.
#4 most quality guns are reliable if properly maintained and that is up to the owner/shooter. Glocks are noted for their reliability (but opinions seem mixed on the Gen 4s), I've never had issues with my $600 and up 1911s, and, although you didn't mention them. revolvers are pretty darn reliable.
SA or DA? Either way spend enough range time and both are just fine.

[Chadk]

Originally Posted by RunningOnMT

I can't believe you don't think Bersa is reliable enough. Well, there goes my recommendation which would have been a Thunder 9mm UC. In my opinion, you can't beat it with a stick and it fits your criteria perfectly.

well, actually my Bersa is one that predates the thunders, but basically the same model. It is very good gun. I like it allot (nice adjustable sight and very accurate) but there is something wrong with the slide that will sometimes not let it return to full closure. There seems to be very small section of the track that gets tougher to pull, or return. I always thought that a breakin or constant racking would smooth this section out, but it has yet to so it will have some closure failures from time to time that make me not feel as confident in it.
I've been unable to locate the issue during a breakdown of the gun.

[aa1911]

ah yes, panhandlePop, you brought up a point I meant to make; OP, you are plenty big enough to conceal just about any handgun. I'm 5'8"/195lbs and easily conceal a Glock 35 or gov't 1911, you should have no problem. A proper holster and clothing will easily hide whatever you like; proper holster usually means an IWB of some type for maximum 'stealth' if you will.

And used guns are for certain worth a look if you're on a budget especially.

[Chadk]

Originally Posted by aa1911

ah yes, panhandlePop, you brought up a point I meant to make; OP, you are plenty big enough to conceal just about any handgun. I'm 5'8"/195lbs and easily conceal a Glock 35 or gov't 1911, you should have no problem. A proper holster and clothing will easily hide whatever you like; proper holster usually means an IWB of some type for maximum 'stealth' if you will.

And used guns are for certain worth a look if you're on a budget especially.

I'm absolutely open to used equipment considering the condition. I have made an effort to start looking for these opportunitites.

I have, what i consider, a great IWB holser this is how I normally carry. (except for pocket 22's) I purchased the N82 Tactical IWB for my Taurus PT957. I cant imagine a more comforatable IWB holster.

I kept holding that RI Compact 1911 up to my waist at the gun show at every booth. Although almost twice the weight, I dont think it's much larger than any of the above mentioned options. I wish i had of done some side by side comparisons. I remember seeing a ton of XD's, but dont remember seeing any Shields.

[stumpjumper]

nobody seemed to mention it but weight is a factor. i have a cobra ps380 that is nasty accurate up to 25yds, and nice and compact but at 2+ lbs, is a bitch to haul around all day. so it turned into a hd and range gun.

[1917-1911M]

Kahr makes a number of smaller, slimmer pistols, .380 to .45. Walther PPS, police pistol slim in 9, Ruger has slim LC9, New Smith Shield in 9mm.

As for me, carried a small Colt .45 for years. Just too big for lighter clothes in the south. Now, if I have my pants on....there is a LCP in the rear pocket, always. M1911

[jbrescue]

Look at the Glock 36 or the new Springfield XDS, both are very concealable and 45.

[Airdale]

Have carried a Springfield XDSC in 9mm since day one.
Carry in this Minotaur MTAC holster http://www.comp-tac.com/product_info.php?products_id=95

It took about two hours to get used to that combination and have never looked back.
Bought a extra body for the MTAC to fit my EMP (one of the advantages to the MTAC)
but haven't got around to switching.

[Double D]

If you get a good thick belt and a good holster, weight hardly matters. I can tote a full size 1911 if I choose to and it will stay tight against my hip with the gear I use. But, if you go buying nylon holsters and cheap belts, even a small 380 will seem heavy to you. Do it right and carry what you want with little effort.

[Chadk]

Originally Posted by jbrescue

Look at the Glock 36 or the new Springfield XDS, both are very concealable and 45.

Honestly I wasnt aware Glock had anything this thin. Single stack. New it would be slightly out of my price range, but glocks are pretty plentiful used i believe.

I have been looking the XD's on springfield. Certainly a consideration.