I'm looking to buy my first CCW and not sure which model or caliber.

Right now I only have two pistols,... a .22 Mag for plinking and a .44 Mag for hunting. I obviously would like something in the middle for CCW.

I definitely want an automatic, but I'm flexible on caliber, 9mm? or .40? or .45?

I plan to spend no more than $1,000.

Thanks for the advice.

If I could only own one handgun, it would be a Glock 19. Get an Advantage Arms 22 conversion for it. Get a Dillon 550B reloading press.

Entire books have been written about this. There are magazines devoted solely to this topic. I strongly urge you to "study up" before jumping at something that may not be for you. I would worry less about choice of caliber at this point than choice of a platform that you can handle safely and that's utterly reliable and concealable within your existing wardrobe. If it isn't, get ready to buy a lot of clothes, not to mention holsters.

A good starting point is Ayoob's Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry. This isn't as simple as saying, "I think I'd like a .45." It's really a lifestyle choice with potentially life altering consequences. Best to treat it as such and do your homework.

..what do you like? Double Action, Single Action, Safe-Action, Double Action Only?

You can more than get into something very nice under a grand...

My suggestion is that you go to a store near you and handle some semis and don't buy one... Then find out what you like and ask around to see what is available from friends or a big shop to shoot...

But regardless...whatever your choice you will end up switching guns within two years...99% do... Because when you buy the first one you find out you didn't know what you didn't know....

Bob

There is that.

I prefer the Double Action/Single Action models.

Also I'm 5'10 and do not have large hands. So of the .45 and 10mm double stack pistols feel a little big in my hands.

Do you have a CHL yet? How do you plan on carrying? How large of a gun do you think you can successfully keep concealed? If you've already narrowed it down to semiauto, consider the smaller single-stack pistols. You may be better off with DA only versus DA/SA in those sizes. No matter what you choose, realize that everything in concealed carry is a tradeoff between concealabilty and power.

Again, it's not something to rush into. As RJM pointed out, odds are high you may change your mind as you gain experience carrying. Some folks go smaller and lighter over time. Some end up with a "wardrobe" of carry guns to work with a variety of clothing. There's no single best answer for everyone.

Glock 19 would be a great start.

The best answer is first again.

Glock 19.

S&W 1911A1 .45 ACP

Glock 26 .

Glock....just decide on caliber and frame size.

Most of the best concealed carry weapons go for much less than a grand. Tons of good ones. Depends on your specific needs and how you intend to carry.

The Springfield XD-S looks like a winner to me.

Hi KW,

I have had my CHL for nearly a year, but haven't had anything to carry.

I prefer the DA/SA's because I like having a hammer. I guess it is something similar to my revolvers.

Whatever I buy, I do plan to shoot it a lot. And I also realize that eventually, I'll probably end up with three or four CCW's. I hunt quite a lot. So I have lots of rifles and shotguns, but I've never been bitten by the pistol bug until now. I enjoy shooting my revolvers, but they are hunting tools. I'm looking for a nice beginner CCW. I don't mind spending a little money on it, because I'm sure I'll have it for quite a while. For some dumb reason, I rarely sell my firearms.


Thanks for the help!!!

Glock 19.

Best?

Heckler & Koch P2000SK, 40 S&W.
Or P30 9MM.

[/quote]

Not all DA/SA pistols have a hammer. But if it fits your hand, you sound like you're looking for a CZ75.

Lots of great pistols these days. Your "software" is more critical than the hardware.

Glock, any Caliber. Which ever model fits your hand the best & you can comfortably conceal.
Doesn't matter as much which caliber you choose as the most important thing is being able to practice with your Concealed Carry Handgun until you are proficient and can safely use & carry that particular hand gun.

Buy a new Glock for $550 & spend the rest of that money on Ammo & Range Time.

Do you shoot your DA revolvers DA or SA??? If you have mastered DA shooting you may want to go with a Glock or a DAO (Double Action Only) semi like a Kahr or some of the SIGs. SIGs will have hammers but the Kahrs don't.....but the Kahrs are very concealable...

Bob

Great advice, eloquently stated.

It's hard to find that perfect carry gun. This weekend I traded my Kimber Ultra Carry II at our local gun show because it was simply to large to conceal. Weight wise it wasn't to bad empty at 25ozs. But add 7-45 acp's and it would pull your pants down. I'm not a fan of the double action only pistols, but the Kahr 9mm felt pretty good in my pocket. My favorite lil compact in the Colt Mustang/ Pony's in .380.

Good luck.

I love my Springfield XDs .45 for CC but thats me

Agreed. And I comment only to say that it isn't a big deal. Buying a CCW is NOT a momentous decision that needs to have any long-term expectations associated with it--like buying a house; getting married; or moving out-of-state for a new job. If you buy used and then want to switch guns, you likely won't lose any money on the first gun if you sell it. Even if you do lose $50 on it after 2 years, who cares?! It's like you rented it for 24 months at $2 per month. I'd do that today with a lot of guns!

So, do your research and then make the best decision you can with the information you have--it's all you can do. As time goes on, you'll get more information (especially that which comes from your own experiences) and you'll likely want to get a different gun. No big deal. Get a different gun.

Good luck with your decision!

Maybe, but that would be because the 99% are dullards who won't take advice from the "1%" who told 'em to buy a damn Glock 19 and a Crossbreed. Those folks don't change guns except for carrying a Khar PM9 in a pocket holster when their required acoutrements don't allow IWB carry.

Would have to disagree... One of my girlfriends before we started going out came to a PPITH Class with a Glock 19...matter of fact she had two of them. One of the local officers who knew nothing but Glocks told her that this was THE GUN.

A) The grip was too big

B) Shooting for any length of time actually made her hands bleed...

She switched to a Kimber Commander size .45 and her speed and accuracy was much better...

Woman I worked with was a big Glock Fan...she even went to Glock Armorers School. The gun didn't really fit her hands either....it was a 19. After working with her she went from barely qualifying to low 90s... A few years later when she had become a Chief Probation/Parole officer in another county she called me and asked if I had ever heard of a Kahr... Yes...and it will fit your hand a lot better.. Few weeks later she called...she had just qualified with it and shot her highest score ever...first time out.

One of the guys in my tactical shooting group started out with a Glock 19...went to a Taurus 1911 and is now one of the top shots in the group... On the other hand one of the other guys who was a mediocre shot with his SIG P229 switched to Glock 19 and shoots 100% better.


19 is a GREAT gun...but it isn't optimal for everyone....

Bob

one that has not been said on here that is a great compromise of size, thickness but yet still shootable is a sig 239 , classic cig controls big enought to hang on to and shootable in .40s&w but way noticably thinner than a glock or sig 226-229 220

A) could potentially be true for women with really tiny hands, but I question whether she ever recieved proper instruction as to HOW to grip a Glock (or any other handgun), I see it all to often. The OPTIMAL grip will place the radius directly in line with the slide and allow a 90 degree placement of the index finger on the trigger.

Having said that, I saw a little 110lb Marine learn to run a 92F last year, her hands were so small it was almost comical, she outshot the majority of her male counterparts in the class.

B) Bleeding hands? Boo-[bleep] whoo. Buy a barbell and get a life.

The Khar is a great gun, but hitting is easier with a Glock, and trading 15rd for seven or eight is a HUGE decision.

Lot of good things can be said about Glocks, but having been issued Sigs since the switch to pistols and K and L frames prior, Glocks have enough differences in gripframe ergonomics that they feel odd in comparison. Like being right handed and using left handed scissors.

That said, my vote goes for a plain jane snub nosed J-frame as being an ideal tool for compact/concealed carry. Inside the pants, outside the pants, or even stuck in a pocket like a wallet, a J-frame is K.I.S.S. taken to an art form.

Pistol gack is fun to discuss but when it comes down to it, here are the questions I asked.

9mm, .40 or .45 - put'em on a dartboard and throw a dart at it. Pick the one it hits. Fire a box of any of the latest hollow point ammo to be sure it feeds and ejects properly then get another box to load the magazine with.

For the pistol - When you are surprised, suddenly very scared, as in not just "Surprise!" birthday party startled, but when the most primitive part of your brain registers "omigod i'm really about to die in the next second" and your entire life flashes before your eyes*:

1. Which pistol can you draw and fire that will put the very first round right where your hugely wide open eyes are intently looking?**

2. Which pistol will you have with you all the time, not just when it's easiest or most convenient to carry it?

3. Which pistol can you manipulate, make ready to fire and get into action right now when your motor skills deteriorate to the point where you have ten thumbs and the very atmosphere feels like molasses?

Notice the emphasis on you. What other people can use is nice and may or may not be helpful, but you wouldn't buy your pants or marry your wife based on what fits someone else's needs.

When you find a pistol that successfully answers the above, get that one. Don't worry about the brand or model, within reason - lots of reputable manufacturers make very reliable handguns these days. However, if two or more pistols answer all three questions, get the one that holds the most ammo. If it's a tie or no one pistol answers all three, let #1 be the tie breaker.

Just my free opinion, so take it for what it's worth.


*Your entire life won't but you'd be amazed at how much of it will flash before your eyes.

**Practice with it so hopefully you see the front sight on or near center of mass before pulling the trigger and not put a round in the guy's hand where his weapon is and where you'll most likely actually be looking.

CZ 75 Compact. 9mm. Buy it, shoot it a lot, and carry it constantly.

I can't believe all the people suggesting a glock 19 for a CCW. IMO its a holster gun. I own one myself its a great gun, but its too much gun for CCW, if you have 1 grand to spend perhaps 2 guns would be a good idea. maybe a 380 for summer carry and maybe a slightly larger gun for winter/more clothes carry. I personally carry a glock 26, advantages is I can shoot it as well as a full size gun it carries 10 rounds and is a very reliable gun. even this gun is quite a bit to carry and a gun that I don't know if the beginer CCW holder would be a good idea. I have a unique way to carry mine which did take some getting used to, but I carry it 95% of the time. unless you can carry your gun 95% of the time I don't see the point. suggesting a glock 19 will prevent most people from 95% carry.

Good post. Great post, actually.

The only time I ever had to go for my gun is when my daughter and I were taking a dog for a walk. We were dogsitting for some friends and were out for the last potty trip of the night. As we walked along, a pit bull came out from the side of a house, head down, and was making a bee line for my daughter and the dog. I stepped between them and started yelling at the pit bull to "stop right there" and "you go home! Now! Go home!" The pit switched its attention to me and walked up to about 3 feet away. We were having a little stand-off when I noticed my 1911 was in my hand, pointed at the pit's head. I was a little freaked because I thought it was going to attack, and a little freaked that I drew my gun so unconsciously. (...and if you care, the dog stared at me for about 5 seconds and then left. I never posted about it before, because I didn't want to start another "pit bull debate.")

But, I was very glad to know that when most of my brain was preoccupied with the "oh crap" moment, some part of it was able to take charge and give commands to the rest of my body. I still don't know how accurately I'll shoot under such conditions--hopefully I don't ever have to find out.

This I simply do not understand. Had you suggested a thinner pistol like a Khar, that would make sense, but suggesting a shorter "brick", as many like to refer to Glocks, IE a 26 in lieu of a 19 is, IMO, totally illogical. If you are big enough to pocket carry a Glock 26, you are probably big enough to:

A) Not need a gun for self-defense in the first place

B) A mini- UZI would be easy for you to conceal in a "holster" or a Desert Eagle

I'm 5'8"/170#, I can hide a Glock 19 in a Crossbreed very well. If you are a midget you might need a smaller gun, then it should be something THINNER THAN A GLOCK, ANY GLOCK.

Really, lots of good choices well within your budget.

Also, no one can really tell you what is best for you, we can only point you in the direction of what are several good reliable & carry-able weapons.

As many have mentioned, you should definitely shoot several if you have a chance & then make your decision on what feels best; feel & comfort are the 1st steps to success & being happy with your choice, & it's a very personal one as well.

I tend to like bigger guns as shoot-ability is my prime consideration; I can wear clothing & holsters than will work with any reasonable semi-auto.

As such, I lean to 1911's, Beretta 92's & Glock 19/23 sized guns; calibers are 45, 40 & 9mm.

But I also make use of a Glock 26/27 & a J-frame S&W revolver frequently as well & those are as small as I am willing to go.

I'd also highly recommend that you look at the S&W M&P Series, the Kahr TP series, the various Sigs, & CZ Compacts; they will tend to fit smaller hands a little better than some other makes.

As for caliber, IMO, get the most powerful that you are truly comfortable & capable with..........some people are just not good enough with a 45 or a 40 to legitimately carry them & the 9mm with good ammo is plenty formidable.

Do not neglect the holster...........buy the best you can afford as it will make carrying whatever you buy a more pleasant experience & you will likely carry it more. Not carrying it because it's cumbersome means it's just a nice paperweight. Again, holsters are highly personal & subjective, & unfortunately, it's harder to try them before you buy. I like as thin as possible & with forward cant, so my #1 preference is Brommeland.

Good Luck & let us know how it turns out.

MM

Sorry, but I can't agree with that in the least..........in fact, I came close to calling it pure BS.

Good holsters make the difference..............

Not wanting to start a [bleep]-storm but................

MM

+1----we may be splitting vernacular hairs to some degree----many people think that concealed handguns and back-up handguns are synonymous....they aren't, at least IMO.

Not sure I follow this and it may be a bit misleading for someone reading this thread to gather some info to pick a concealed carry gun. But the Glock 19 is not a concealed carry pocket pistol along the lines of guns that do fit in that category such a a small J-frame. The Glock 19 is a valid choice for concealed carry, but it is larger and falls into the category of mid-sized holster guns. Nothing wrong with a gun in that category, but it is what it is and some may prefer something that falls into the pocket gun category.

The latest statistics released, which recorded 500 civilian self-defense firearm incidents showed that most of the encounters were inside four yards, were sudden, were brief, and had fewer than three rounds fired. The most common caliber used in all the recorded incidents were 9mm/.38 Special. Large caliber handguns are generally not recommended for such encounters. The weapon needs to be sized such that it is easily concealed and carried at the times needed. Some situations truly warrant a pocket pistol where a mid-sized hoster gun may be too large and too heavy.

Jeez, I carry a Glock 17 or Glock 22 concealed all the time. In fact they are my two smallest handguns. IWB with shorts and a light shirt works even in the hot summertime.

I suggest the G19 as the best overall compromise between reliability, size, weight, firepower, stopping power, and shootability under stress.

Of course we all need to choose what works for us personally. But when one asks for opinions on CCW, opinions are sure to follow.....grin

Of course the G19 is no pocket pistol.

The OP didn't ask for opinions on pocket pistols.

Whatever you shoot the best and feels the best to you plus is 100% reliable with your chosen carry ammunition.

for a guy that has never owned or carried a CCW before recommending a glock 19 isn't a good idea. I still stand by that. start someone off with a gun that big and it will just get left in the safe. I personally hate IWB holsters for everyday use. it also leaves you stuck with an untucked shirt tail which isn't always an option for alot of people. this is especially so with a mostly full gripped glock 19.

I think it makes more sense to start a guy off with a small gun and if they want more go up from there. if you conceal a full size 1911 or glock 17 or 22 or even glock 19 more power to you. I just think it makes more sense to let a person decide to up gun down the road. someone mentioned the glock as a brick, yeah its a bigger gun, IMO it may overwhelm people trying to carry it all the time. a kahr CM or PM9 is also a great choice. but for me the width isn't the issue is more size.

It's all a compromise.

For the OP, he's already accustomed to his 22Mag, and 44Mag.

Carrying a G19, or similar sized pistol, doesn't seem like much of a stretch to me.

He did indicate 9mm, 40 or 45. It's certainly his choice to make, but I wouldn't opt any of those chamberings in a pocket sized gun. That's just me.

I personally love IWB holsters.

And Glock 19's.


Travis

If someone won't carry a Glock 19 they will not carry anything else either that's considered a fighting gun.

J frames and 380's are nice to carry but they are not a fighting pistol. They are simply "get the [bleep] off me guns".

Fighting gun min is a Glock 26/27, Kahr CW size pistols and similar.

Dink

Sig 938 or believe it or not a Glock 19, yes I carry one frequently under a tee shirt and have not been "made".

You pulled that out of your rear end, because everything you just posted is made up B.S. when it comes to civilian concealed carry weapons. If you're talking fantasy combat computer games shooting zombies, you may have something. But a civilian in need of an offensive fighting gun may should be looking at a rifle with a handgun being used to fight your way to the rifle. In the real world, day to day in your home, your business, or out in public as a civilian, you need to think less about weapons for an extended fire fight against zombies, and think more about something you can easily carry, easily deploy, and accurately get off a couple rounds in about three seconds within a range of about twelve feet. Being about 50% of all such recorded incidents occur in the home, you probably want a round that will have low flash so you do not loose your night vision. It is not the only choice, but a J-frame shooting short barrel 38 Specials is not only an outstanding choice, it is often most recommended for such encounters. I'd save the fantasy zombie talk for computer games.

Best

Pocket carry is a sub category of concealed carry. I never do it, myself. I only carry concealed in an IWB holster, which doesn't require limiting myself to a handgun fit for pocket carry.

MM, Nothing personal, not trying to ruffle your feathers I Kinda feel the need to walk on egg shells when talking to anyone about choices in riflescopes and concealed carry handguns. Some get very personal when it comes to choices not their own. I was just trying to put some clarity on gun size and fit and add some perspective for someone new who may come across this thread looking for guidance. As example, your smallest concealed carry guns are the Glock 17 and 22 which are full sized duty guns that weigh over two pounds. This may be perfect for some in compact concealed carry, but for others, this may bring nothing to the table and be no more than carrying a full sized duty gun.

Not sure how compact the OP needs to fit his bill, but if the weapon is to be used for civilian concealed carry, I'd recommend staying in the neighborhood of a 9mm/.38 Special shooting ammo designed to work close quarter in short barrels with low flash. Getting too much larger than a 9mm/.38 Special in a short barrel compact gun, you start running into added recoil and muzzle flash that is neither needed nor wanted in a defensive close quarter encounter.

Best

Particularly short barrels are not required when carrying concealed, unless one is talking specifically about pocket carry, which is the least advisable method of concealed carry IMO. Short barrels also don't reduce recoil, as you seem to be suggesting. Quite the opposite, in fact.

mid-sized holster guns are also a sub category of concealed carry. Nothing to stop a gun sized in the pocket gun category to be holstered. Only point I was making is that some may have a need to pocket carry. Walking around shirtless in shorts is an example where one may prefer to conceal a handgun in their short pocket. Gun not only needs to be compact enough to fit, but it needs to be light enough to work. Another reason why I favor a J-frame, though that is not the only good option.

You're taking my post out of context. Not sure where you get that from my post. I wasn't saying a larger gun/barrel has more recoil. Was saying going too large in chambering in a short barrel compact gun may add to recoil and flash in a negative and excessive way. Using my LEO secondary conceal carry gun, being a snub nosed model 60 .357 magnum. Though I shoot 100% scores on daytime qualifications using full .357 mag ammo, testing has shown that using short barrel engineered ammo chambered in 38 Special increases efficiency when shooting low-light close quarter combat courses. This is due to this short barrel ammo having reduced recoil and reduced muzzle flash. Being that the latest statistics showed that 50% of the recorded self-defense handgun incidents occured in the home, that data shows that using such a reduced recoil, reduced muzzle flash ammo would be to a greater advantage than any terminal ballistic performance one would gain using the magnun ammo.

I'm not picking sides and drawing lines in the sand, it is just the opposite. I was just pointing out where some had drawn a line in the sand as certain hanguns being not an option, when in reality, all the facts and data show differently. Because of my occupation and my position, quite a number of folks new to guns have stepped forward seeking advice on concealed carry handguns. This is especially true since the latest school shooting. Not every handgun is the perfect size and choice for every person.

Best

No, but the OP did say that some double stack pistols felt a little big in his hands. That may indicate a need for something in Kahr realm or similar -- or simply something with a single stack mag. Of course, only he can tell by actually handling some candidates.

I've never seen a grown man, who wasn't from the "shire", who's hand was actually too small to obtain a proper grip on a Glock. I teach people to shoot for a living, and I know what a proper grip looks like. I see grown men unable to properly grip a 92F all the time, but never a Glock. Women are a different story.

Yep every shoot out is at 5.9 feet with three to five shots fired.

Well unless you get one that is not average.

Please continue to carry your j frame it might work out for you. Then again it might not.

Dink

Some prefer using the straight thumb / close to the slide grip technique for combat shooting, and may prefer a smaller grip than normal to hold that high. Through Sig, our team came up with a new smaller grip design specifically for shooting straight thumbs. I've seen guys with big hands prefer small grips and guys with smaller hands prefer large grips. It's not cookie cutter by handsize alone.

Here is a average gunfight for you. The only difference is the bad guy had the snubby loaded with speer +p (135 grain I think). Its worth looking at the pics.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/98...h_Moar_Graphic_Pics_on_pg_29_and_30.html

Dink

If you were my instructor I'd shoot myself.


Travis

You probably wouldn't need my help Travis.

I know that.

Happy New Year buddy.


Travis

LMAO gotta agree with you there travis, TAK I dont know you so I maybe way off base here but I get this image of you of a short lil fat guy that is taticool all the time mouthy as [bleep] and dont really know [bleep] except on the web , a reall top class gamer, and paint ball champ. If this is way off try being more helpful and bit more open minded that all people are different and have different likes and dislikes we dont all want to wear taticool stuff everyday some of us live in the real world

It ain't about what unenlightened people "prefer". Some guys "prefer" to cornhole other men, that don't make it right.

This sight is replete with near midgets who "prefer" a 14in LOP on a rifle or shotgun, and say a shorter stock just doesn't "feel" right. Men who actually KNOW how to employ, and obtain fast hits with, such weapons, and actually own and employ shooting timers, "prefer" shorter stocks, 'cause they "feel" with their hands and think with their minds.

A man's hands ain't very elastic. Being able to locate your trigger finger in a position to quickly pull the trigger straight to the rear is a non-negotiable. Having the radial bone of your forearm DIRECTLY behind, and inline with, the slide greatly facilitates recoil management and the ability to track that front sight from target to target.

A person with smaller hands may have to forego the latter to obtain the former with a large grip handgun. IE, he will "crawl around" the strong side of the grip. Most often this grip can be managed okay with a two-handed grip. Make the same guy shoot one-handed and he's in a world of hurt, but his opponent likely won't be.

So what. Bricks -- I mean Glocks -- are fugly.

TAK is one of those guys that is spot on 50% of the time. Plus, he wrote one of the best Pollock jokes ever on this site. So I am forced to like him.

A little bit.


Travis

I just might enjoy that joke !! or even meeting face to face and discussing gun ideas an issues with him and other on thissite for that matter . way too many people act different face to face than on the key board and that is a shame, I try too but am not always the best communicator with the written word

LMAO gotta agree with you there travis, TAK I dont know you so I maybe way off base here but I get this image of you of a short lil fat guy that is taticool all the time mouthy as [bleep] and dont really know [bleep] except on the web , a reall top class gamer, and paint ball champ. If this is way off try being more helpful and bit more open minded that all people are different and have different likes and dislikes we dont all want to wear taticool stuff everyday some of us live in the real world [/quote]

Tacticool? I confess to wearing 5.11 pants most of the time. Retired with two 18 series MOS's, 18B and 18D. Played paintball once, but I've been shot with Simunitions much too often. Live in the real world? You and my wife might be in agreement on that.

Just quote my posts and type "+1". You'll always be right!

Happy New Year and GFY.


Travis

We don't give a [bleep] about your pants TAK. Now be a gentleman and type out the joke regarding Kiolbasa and the clerk.


Travis

Just quote my posts and type "+1". You'll always be right!

Happy New Year and GFY.


Travis [/quote] +1 GFY

A man walks up to the counter and asks for two pounds of Kielbasa and a pound of polish sausage and the clerk behind the counter shakes his head and replies:

"You must be a pollack"

The pollack smiles and replies,

"Because I asked for polish sausage?"

"No, cause this is a [bleep] hardware store."

Pretty much what he said! I'm usually packing my Glock 32, same size as a Glock 19 in a IWB holster every day. A good IWB holster makes a lot of difference on being a "comfortable" rig. I also alternate with a Commander size 1911, same type of IWB holster.
While heavier than my Glock, I also find it a very comfortable way to pack a 1911.
At a bare minimum, I sometimes go jogging at night with just a S&W .38 snub nose in a pocket holster & 1 spare speed loader.

But like Montanna Marine said, opinions vary, especially on what we pack personally for CCH. We are all making suggestions based on personal preference. That's the great thing about 24CH. We are getting great advise & opinions from other like minded people. And we can agree to disagree. That's the beauty of it all.

If I can't learn something from another member's recommendation or experience, whether I agree with him or not, what's the point of being a 24HC forum member?

And the best overall compromise for a CCH that I prefer, may not work for every one. It's just my personal opinion, based on my personal experience. Hopefully it will help someone with their personal CCH choice, whether they agree with me or not.

Still made me laugh. That's your Christmas gift to me.

GFY.


Travis

I agree completely. I don't see how carrying a G19 or similar is difficult.

I also don't see how carrying a snub nose .38 or .357 is a disadvantage if you're comfortable with the six round capacity. I can shoot snubbies just fine to the 25yd line. A bit more if I have some beers in me.

One thing most folks miss is you gotta buy and swap and trade to find what works for you. But most of the handguns in today's market are not a bad choice.

One last thing before I ask you to GFY; running with a snubbie works great on short runs. You start running 7 miles and up and it will wear a hole through your flesh. Which is fine, if you aren't bothered by a hole in your flesh.

GFY,
Travis

Ruger LC9

I try not to run seven or more miles anymore unless I already needed to have the gun out.

damn I must have been carrying between the cheeks case that where I have a hole in the flesh

That's because your vagina has gained a foothold.


Travis

For some of the old bean eatin' bastids in here, that's the only concealed weapon they need.

Thanks Travis, for the GFY.
I'm too fat to jog 7 miles, but I did try a Galco Belly Band. It just makes my S&W snubbie wear a hole in my Big Fat Gut! Thus the jogging shorts pocket carry.

I put a pocket clip on my LCR. It is bitching if you have a shirt tucked into your shorts/chonies.


Travis

No, I just decided being able to pick up heavy schit was more likely to keep me out of a nursing home than being able to run long.

OP, great post from Jim In Idaho
here is another 2 cents worth
I know you stated auto well
You have a 22 and a 44 revolver platforms?
Why not stay with a similar platform Revolver
and go with a 640 S&W great for pocket IWB/OWB carry etc.
and will digest a ton of hot 38s
All the autos suggested are proven Just remember to insure what ever you choose is utterly reliable and practice practice practice. Remember ccw is to have it with you and not home in the safe because it is uncomfortable to carry or shoot.

I don't take any of this personal. Just offering my experiences and perspectives.

Choosing a CC weapon is a very individual choice. There are a lot of different correct choices. Different needs, circumstances, preferences, yada, yada, yada.

The one you shoot best. As long as you can and will carry it concealed w/o getting made.
I much prefer automatics because they hide better than most revolvers and they hold more ammo. That and revolvers, if you drop them on hard surfaces, don't fire when you pick them up 50% of the time. BTDT
I would pick a cartriage that I could shoot the best as well. If that's a 9mm, then pick a high quality load.
Just for the record, my choice is a SIG 220 in .45 ACP. It has the advantage over the various 1911 models and the Glocks because, unlike them, they have no controversy surrounding their design and reliability. E

I always threw my first shot wide when I was buying and using Sig pistols. Keep it simple, you don't want to have to guess where the rip cord is on the parachute when you falling. G19.

Son, you are venturing into uncharted waters on this subject. It is almost a guarentee that the first will not be the last and your choices and teperments will change.
Just get you a good'un for the first---no cheapies allowed when it comes to your life----Then start looking again.
Semi's are easier carriers but Rollers will work with the right rigs.
Blessings

The bussiness of having the first or second shot thrown due to the DA/SA transition is not a problem with the new SIG designs. Or maybe I should say it isn't a problem for me.
I've been shooting DA/SA semi auto handguns since the first M39 Smiths hit the market back in the 60's. For years, I wouldn't even own one because of this.
I do own and have shot a Smith 1006 quite a bit. For me to hit anything in a hurry with shots one and two, I have to cock the pistol and fire both rounds single action.
When I got my SIG 220 last year, I started out practicing with it using that technique. But it didn't take long to discover that I was actually faster going DA with #1 and that I did fine with the follow up shot.
Apparently the makers of the SIG pistols were able to design a DA system that allows them to make a shorter, much smoother pull as well as a similar SA trigger break. I can tell you that it works very well for me.
Which is a he!! of a thing to say for a die hard 1911 fan. E

The best CCW is:
1) the one that has a trigger action that suits you - some people prefer SA, others prefer DA, others like DA 1st shot then SA

2) the one that fits your hand the best and points most naturally - you want a gun where you can hold it in your hand, raise to eye level with your eyes closed, and when you open your eyes, the sights are right on, or at least very close. You want a handgun that you don't have to work at to point at the target - in a defensive situation you have enough other things to worry about.

3) that you can shoot the best - some people can shoot a 9mm better than a 45, others it doesn't seem to make much difference. Some people can shoot a 3.8 snubbie fast and well, others can't. What works for you, works for you; it doesn't matter what works for someone else.

4) that you can conceal comfortably and carry all day long without checking it or feeling it is dragging you down or making you feel lopsided. This is to a significant extent a matter of the gun/holster/belt combo. Some people can wear an inside-the-waistband holster concealing an S&W 44 Mag, others can't. Depends on body build, body size, holster selection, etc.

And remember, the belt and holster are as important as the gun when it comes to comfortable concealment - don't cheap out. A good stiff belt will hold the holster securely and stably so it is always in the same place when you reach for it. A good holster is immensely important to achieve good concealment. If you are good with an inside-the-waistband holster, that also means you need to buy your pants a couple inches larger to accommodate the holster.

5) Caliber is the last thing you should worry about once it is adequate. Anything from .38 Special, 9mm, 40 S&W to .45 ACP works.

Lots of possible choices including Glocks, S&W M&P, H&K, SIG, Beretta, Kahr, etc.

What I suggest is that you try shooting as many handguns as you can beg or borrow from your friends to see what suits you best. We're lucky that we have a lot of choices out there to try. I can tell you what I like but it may or may not work for you. Take suggestions but find what works for YOU - then ignore what anyone else says. :-)

Good advice right there from Jlin222.

For really small I carry a Colt Cobra(I know it is not a semi). When I go bigger I carry a CZ 83.