Author Topic: First CCW - Suggestions (Read 2532 times)

jmayton · « **on:** November 19, 2011, 10:15:50 AM »

So a group from my church wants to do a concealed carried class together so I'm thinking about what I'd like to get to carry. I'm now in Colorado so I'm not just worried about human predators. I've got several that I could carry with plenty of power for whatever I might encounter, but they're full-size and full-weight. I have a S&W 36 2" but it doesn't quite have the power I'd prefer. I'd like something in either .40 or .45. I'm primarily looking at the Glock 36 or 27 and I'm interested in the Sig 250sc but a friend has suggested the Kahr. Any suggestions or observations?

WD45 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 19, 2011, 12:03:03 PM »

I would suggest shooting some of the different ones if you can. Smaller and lighter are definetly easier to carry but carry more recoil and can be harder to shoot well when you get into the more powerfull calibers. The glocks never fit my hand very well but my brother loves them. Smith and Ruger both make light 357mag revolvers for ccw but you may want to shoot one with full house 357 mags before buying. Charter makes the bulldog in 44spl and the pug in 357 or 40 S&W. I have been looking at the EAA polymer compacts myself in 40 or 45. Now I know this is a lot of generalization but there will be plenty of other posts with what others like to carry and why. By the way you can get the EAA in 10MM

Brett · « **Reply #2 on:** November 20, 2011, 02:48:45 PM »

As WD45 has pointed out there are many good options out there today. One big consideration is comfort and concealability. In general a large caliber revolver is going to be heavier and bulkier to conceal than a large caliber automatic. I love the simplicity of a revolver but that big round cylinder posses a problem when it comes to CC. If your CCW is uncomfortable to wear or too big to conceal easily it will get left at home more often than not.

Another consideration is your budget, how much can you/ are you willing to spend? Quality revolvers tend to be costlier than quality bottom feeders. Kel-tec, Glock, S&W, Sig, Ruger, and many others make compact service caliber weapons (9mm - 45ACP) that are reliable and reasonably priced.

The best advice that I can give is to handle and shoot as many weapons as you can before making a final decision. Every ones taste and preferences differ somewhat. A gun that feel right and pionts naturally for me may not for you and vice versa.

For the record my most carried CCW is a 9mm Kel-tec P11. For me it seemed to be the best balance of power, capacity and concealability that I could find at the time I purchased. Since then a few new offerings have come onto the market that may rival my P11 but they don't have the track record of the P11 as of yet for me to get too excited about them.

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #3 on:** November 22, 2011, 01:17:28 AM »

I will bring up a point I found, for myself anyway. The larger and heavier the gun the less you will want to carry it. On the other hand if I'm gonna be hauling a gun around it just as well be large enough to shoot easily, cause I'm likely not gonna have time to think about form.

I purchased a fairly expensive holster and gunbelt to help distribute the weight of a P-239 Sig. Not known as a light gun, especially considering the size, it does however handle like a larger gun in my hands. It has a single stack mag which helps it stay close to my body, If I feel I need it an extra mag easily tucks into a Leatherman pouch.

Another thing to consider is the holster industry support for your choice of weapon. You might be satisfied with an Uncle Mikes floppy Cordura one size fits many holster but I'm not.

My best advice would be to shoot as many different models as you can. Look for one that fits you and your natural point of aim much easier to move the mountain to Mohammed as it were.

williamlayton · « **Reply #4 on:** November 22, 2011, 03:22:56 AM »

HUMMMMMM---READ---STIRSTIRSTIR

Heckfire boys, but one of everything and cut to the chase---you know you want to anyway.
I like a .45 but don't care as much for the .40--I do like the .357sig a tad better than the .40.
The 9x23 and .38supers are the best shooters so I would advise that you look at them also.
By reading this you should have figgered out that I have several combinations of all of these.

Blessings

WD45 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 22, 2011, 05:23:20 AM »

You just love stirrin the pot don't ya William

... gotta love the 38 super ,especially on the 1911 format. There is a reason that the old time gangsters used it and the shootin game boys like it also.

TOGO · « **Reply #6 on:** November 22, 2011, 08:13:36 AM »

Since I am a satisfied owner of a G27 and its slightly larger brother, the G23 I will have to say G27. I'm sure the Kahr 40 is a fine pistol, I have heard complaints of folks with large fingers having issue with the amount of space between trigger and the guard. If it feels good in your hand, your heart and mind will follow, good luck.

jmayton · « **Reply #7 on:** November 22, 2011, 05:50:45 PM »

I have no issues with the Glock. Nor do I have an issue with a small 1911. I've shot the compact and subcompact Kel-Tecs and liked them. But went out yesterday and shot a friend's Kahr CW40 and really liked it. It's light, thin, simple, controllable, and I can hit with it. So, I may be leaning that way but I'm still open to other ideas.

Brett · « **Reply #8 on:** November 23, 2011, 02:34:08 AM »

Quote from: jmayton on November 22, 2011, 05:50:45 PM

I have no issues with the Glock. Nor do I have an issue with a small 1911. I've shot the compact and subcompact Kel-Tecs and liked them. But went out yesterday and shot a friend's Kahr CW40 and really liked it. It's light, thin, simple, controllable, and I can hit with it. So, I may be leaning that way but I'm still open to other ideas.

HAve you tried the compact versions of the S&W M&P or the Springfield XD yet? I've heard a lot of good things about them. I have a full size version of the M&P in .40 and like it very much as a house or woods gun. I imagine the compact version is a good CCW option.

Spirithawk · « **Reply #9 on:** November 23, 2011, 05:48:23 AM »

Someone else recomending a gun is like them recomending you a wife. It's a personal decision that only you can make. Sure, we can tell you that this one has a good rep, or that one not so much, we can point out good and bad features, but it's all pointless if it doesn't suit YOU and YOUR needs. I dearly wanted a Millenium Pro untill I actualy held one but I quickly discovered it didn't fit my hand worth a dang so so much for it being recomended by my friends. Best advice has been given. Go to gun shows, sporting good stores, pawn shops, anywhere that sells handguns, and handle as many as you can. Choose the ones you like the looks and feel of, at the prices you can deal with, and then research those you like best as to how well they perform. Then seek one out and FIRE it! Remember that you are going to choose something that, when and if needed, could easily mean the differance between life and death so be critical, be choosy, but mostly, get what ever you shoot best and you will actualy carry.

jhm · « **Reply #10 on:** November 23, 2011, 05:52:59 AM »

Heck stimulate the economy get at least one of each and enjoy them!! But seriously I carry a sig 239 in either 9mm or .40 and the weight isnt a problem with decent holsters, remember you will have to train your body to get used to the weight of any handgun, if you are only going to carry on a few occasions nothing will work, carry everyday when and where you can and you will get used to the weight, just try removing your wallet from the regular pocket you carry it in and place it in the other pocker for a day and your body will know it isnt where it should be. Jim

Brett · « **Reply #11 on:** November 23, 2011, 07:48:44 AM »

Quote from: jhm on November 23, 2011, 05:52:59 AM

... just try removing your wallet from the regular pocket you carry it in and place it in the other pocker for a day and your body will know it isnt where it should be. Jim

Doubt my wallet would even be missed.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #12 on:** November 23, 2011, 07:53:53 AM »

If its heavy or large it will be in the truck or at home . Try a 340PD the J-frame in 357 mag . Weight 12 ozs.

williamlayton · « **Reply #13 on:** November 24, 2011, 05:10:31 AM »

I just knew Brett was going to bring up the Glu---er----Glock.
Blessings

Brett · « **Reply #14 on:** November 25, 2011, 10:54:21 AM »

What can I say William, I have to give Block.. er I mean Glock credit where it's due. They have proven to be as dependable as a brick. Unfortunately they also feel like a brick in my hand. Ergo I opted for a S&W M&P. The M&P feels so much better in my hand and I think time will prove them to be just as reliable as the Block.. er Glocks.

williamlayton · « **Reply #15 on:** November 27, 2011, 02:48:06 AM »

I just can't get a good feel for the Glock grips and I am not particularly fond of the system either. I guess it is because I am an old fuddy duddy--I like a gun I can cock with my thumb.
Blessings

Empty Quiver · « **Reply #16 on:** November 27, 2011, 05:39:41 AM »

Quote from: williamlayton on November 27, 2011, 02:48:06 AM

I just can't get a good feel for the Glock grips and I am not particularly fond of the system either. I guess it is because I am an old fuddy duddy--I like a gun I can cock with my thumb.
Blessings

I get just a bit nervous putting one in the holster without being able to ride the hammer. Not sure what the Glockers do to reassure themselves. Say three hail Gastons, turn towards Austria and ram it home?

Rock Home Isle · « **Reply #17 on:** November 27, 2011, 05:57:36 AM »

Quote from: jmayton on November 19, 2011, 10:15:50 AM

So a group from my church wants to do a concealed carried class together so I'm thinking about what I'd like to get to carry. I'm now in Colorado so I'm not just worried about human predators. I've got several that I could carry with plenty of power for whatever I might encounter, but they're full-size and full-weight. I have a S&W 36 2" but it doesn't quite have the power I'd prefer. I'd like something in either .40 or .45. I'm primarily looking at the Glock 36 or 27 and I'm interested in the Sig 250sc but a friend has suggested the Kahr. Any suggestions or observations?

I bought a Springfield XD years ago in 9mm calibre and it was my carry gun in the winter when my outer garb would better conceal the print of a firearm of this size on my waist.

I also started going to the Defensive Pistol Shoots here in northern Colorado. At some of these shoots, they would have Steel Challenges at the end of the regular shoot. The guys with the .45 autos would dominate these shoots as it took the guys shooting the smaller calibres two hits to a .45's one to nock down the steel targets.

So I went out and bought a Springfield XD in .40 calibre in the exact configuration as my XD 9mm. Now those steel challenges are a snap. The 165 grain rounds have a nicely reduced recoil that allows me to get back on target quicker after each shot and slap that steel right along with the .45's...and if the steel is looking stubborn, the 180's always nock em to the ground. I can shoot a 9mm for a heck of a lot cheaper than either the .40 Smith & Wesson or the .45 auto, so most of my practise is with the 9mm. But when I pick up my .40 Smith and Wesson, it's the same gun with the same accurate results.

And I can shoot a .40 for significant savings over a .45 auto. I would recomend the .40 Smith & Wesson, its a great defensive calibre.

My summer Carry gun is either a Kahr 9mm or a Interarms Firestar, again in 9mm...ballistically, the 9mm has all that I need to defend myself should any human preditors see fit to try and make me into a victim.

Brett · « **Reply #18 on:** November 28, 2011, 12:51:33 PM »

Quote from: Empty Quiver on November 27, 2011, 05:39:41 AM

Quote from: williamlayton on November 27, 2011, 02:48:06 AM
I just can't get a good feel for the Glock grips and I am not particularly fond of the system either. I guess it is because I am an old fuddy duddy--I like a gun I can cock with my thumb.
Blessings
I get just a bit nervous putting one in the holster without being able to ride the hammer. Not sure what the Glockers do to reassure themselves. Say three hail Gastons, turn towards Austria and ram it home?

I'm accustomed to DA revo's so a DAO pistol seems natura/comfortable to me. The SA/DA platform and the cocked, locked and loaded carry of the 1911 gives me more pause than a DAO striker fired gun ala M&P, XD or Glock. Guess it's all in what you are used to.

Spirithawk · « **Reply #19 on:** November 28, 2011, 02:30:41 PM »

What I like about the Kel Tec's being double actions is that in a pinch, when fractions of a second count, I can draw and fire without having to fumble for a safety. Yeah, I know, heard it before....practice and a safety is no issue. Yeah well tell that to the guy with cold hands or who's only thought is to draw and fire before being shot himself! I garauntee you the guy asaulting you won't have a safety engaged!

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #20 on:** November 29, 2011, 01:17:11 AM »

The less you have to do to fire the less you need to think about the gun and the more you can think about the attacker.

myronman3 · « **Reply #21 on:** December 01, 2011, 03:21:48 PM »

i can have any gun i want to, and i carry a glock 23. there is no higher compliment i can give a weapon.

dougk · « **Reply #22 on:** December 02, 2011, 08:27:48 AM »

Quote from: jmayton on November 19, 2011, 10:15:50 AM

So a group from my church wants to do a concealed carried class together so I'm thinking about what I'd like to get to carry. I'm now in Colorado so I'm not just worried about human predators. I've got several that I could carry with plenty of power for whatever I might encounter, but they're full-size and full-weight. I have a S&W 36 2" but it doesn't quite have the power I'd prefer. I'd like something in either .40 or .45. I'm primarily looking at the Glock 36 or 27 and I'm interested in the Sig 250sc but a friend has suggested the Kahr. Any suggestions or observations?

You should look at the Glock 29, the 10mm should handle most of what you might encounter.

dougk · « **Reply #23 on:** December 02, 2011, 08:31:52 AM »

Quote from: myronman3 on December 01, 2011, 03:21:48 PM

i can have any gun i want to, and i carry a glock 23. there is no higher compliment i can give a weapon.

Hey Myron

I dont consider myself a Glock guy and I prefer the refined Sig Sauer pistols. But my goto sidearms on the ranch are both Glocks in 10mm. The Glock 29 is perfect for pock carry and it takes the punishment, the Glock 20 has the Wolf 6 inch barrel and extended slide and is my first back up when hunting hogs.

Doug

myronman3 · « **Reply #24 on:** December 02, 2011, 12:00:04 PM »

yup, i have a glock 20 as well and i love the 10mm. it is just too big for me to conceal and it is heavier, too. the 23 is about perfect for my frame.

jmayton · « **Reply #25 on:** January 04, 2012, 05:28:04 AM »

Well, over the holidays I got to go to a great range that rents guns. So, after shooting a G26, Springfield XD Sub-Compact, Taurus 709, Kahr CW9, Sig 290, G36, and a Colt Defender the clear winner is the Kahr with the Springfield XD a very close second. The Springfield has a great trigger and was the most accurate of the bunch but it's heavy and fat. The Kahr has an amazing trigger and is light and thin. If I went for a .45, the G36 would be the choice.

So looks like I have a Kahr in my future.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #26 on:** January 09, 2012, 09:17:15 AM »

Rev. Moon will like that !

Steve E · « **Reply #27 on:** February 07, 2012, 03:22:34 PM »

I carry the CW45 and my Wife carries the CW9. They both shoot great and the recoil seems easy on them, the polymer frames might help soak up some of the recoil impulse.

Steve E..........

Swampman · « **Reply #28 on:** February 07, 2012, 03:26:40 PM »

If I were going to bet my life on it, and I was willing to carry a big heavy gun it would be a Glock 19. I'm going to buy a Ruger LCP because I'm not willing to carry a big heavy gun.

williamlayton · « **Reply #29 on:** February 07, 2012, 11:23:36 PM »

As much as I detest a Glock--the feel in my hand and its operating system---absolutey detest--I am going to say (one time in my life) (and I may come back and delete this)--if I had never owned a semi-auto it would probably be the one I would choose.
Choke--ugh-sputter-spit-where is the mouth wash.

Blessings