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This October 3 - I will be turning 75! I would like to buy my first handgun as a birthday gift for myself.

This old body has become a little....umm.. frumpy. 5'7" short, and 170lbs.
I want something that is easily concealable.
No wide, thick frame. Wheel gun MAY be too thick for what I want.
Probably small, light, and good trigger will draw my attention.
Probably 9mm
What model, manufacturer? I know this may develop a Ford vs Chevy thing but I still would like to hear your thoughts.

Where, on the body, do I wear it?
Holster?

What do I need to know?

Been hunting since 1947, reloading about 30 years, all rifle and shotgun so I have a few years of firearm familiarity.

Suggestions, recommendations?

Thanks
Jim


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Kel tec or Ruger 9mm compact.



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Springfield xds

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Sig 239

Smith & Wesson J Frame 38 special

Makarov 9x18

Appendix carry or strong side carry 3 to 430 for carry. Galco summer comfort and a good belt or something like a crossbreed style holster may work for you?

Last edited by Esox357; 09/20/14.
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How is your hand strength? My first thought, thought I have the KelTec, the XD-S and a Kahr CW-9, all three need good hand strength to cycle. The XD-S is my favorite of the three, but it's also the one that causes people the greatest difficulty with reliability, due primarily to very thin and abbreviated grips and stiff springs.

If you want a Revolver, any of the Smith or Rugers will be perfect.

If you want a semi-auto, my thought would be the Kahr CW-9. Reliable as all get-out, accurate to the nth degree, and reasonably easy to cycle. Also, it's normally under $400 and if you factor in cost, only the KelTec is cheaper and I doubt the KelTec's longevity and spotty quality control.

Kahr, CW-9 or CW-45. My top picks

Last edited by Dan_Chamberlain; 09/20/14.

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Ruger LC9s or S&W Shield


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first learn how to shoot a hand gun, then decide what you want.


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I'm your age and about the same size, except I got down to 155. I went with a Glock G19 and S&W 642. I'm left handed and have an issue with my arm and shoulder such that I can't do a normal strong side draw. I carry the G19 in a DeSantis Sky Cop, and the 642 in a DeSantis L-GAT, both for an appendix carry and cross draw.

Works OK for me.

Paul


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An all-steel J-Frame (S&W) .38 Special with some over-sized aftermarket grips of your choice. Best loads for short barrel .38 Specials come from Buffalo Bore and Speer's Gold Dot line.

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Originally Posted by smithwr
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This!

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If a 9 is your choice you can't go wrong with a Glock 19 or H&K VP9.

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If you want a 9 I'd go with a Ruger SR9c or an M&P 9c. If you are willing to go with a revolver I'd strongly look at a Ruger LCR it's available in 38+P and also 357 Mag. It's a handful in the mag but not punishing.


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I'm a couple of years younger, a bit taller and about ten pounds heavier.
I won't claim what I use would be best for you but it works for me.
Sig P45 carried with a Brigade Gunleather IWB just over my right kidney
6 plus 1 of 45 acp
A long golf shirt hides it pretty well.


















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Since it's your first, why not a 22LR and have some fun?

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Tough to beat a Kahr P9.


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s&w airweight in a revolver 38sp is a perfect lightweight carry gun. the kahr 9 is nice . glock 26 or 27 are very nice.cheaper stuff,taurus slim 9 or 40 carry really well

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Absolutely LOVE my Ruger SR9c. Great trigger, accurate and conceals well. I carry mine in a Blackhawk IWB CQC leather holster (actually made for the Springfield XD sub but fits the Ruger perfectly).

I will put on some Meprolites here soon. I also love the fact it comes with the ten rd mag for conceal ability plus another 17 rd to keep in your pocket. Pretty inexpensive, as well. I thnk I paid $420, IIRC.

While choosing a handgun is subjective, I would certainly try to check out the Ruger if you can.

[Linked Image]

Here's a shot of it next to my buddy's Kahr. The trigger was FAR better on my Ruger, it held more rounds, was a bit wider and heavier and fit my hand much better (I have larger than average paws). I liked the sights on my Ruger far more, as well.

[Linked Image]


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Another vote for the Ruger SR9-C

Bought one for my 74 year old Mother, as she could no longer pull the slide back on her Glock 19 due to arthritis in her hands.
She has no problem racking the slide on the Ruger SR9-C and she also likes the manuel saftey on the Ruger.
It has been very accurate and uber reliable.


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Here's a quick IPad shot of the SR9c in its holster to give you an idea...

[Linked Image]


It ain't what you don't know that makes you an idiot...it's what you know for certain, that just ain't so...

Most people don't want to believe the truth~they want the truth to be what they believe.

Stupidity has no average...
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1911... Preferably Colt.


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