Posted on 06/07/2010 6:24:12 PM PDT by Labyrinthos
I am in the process of shopping for my first concealed carry pistol. I have narrowed the field to the Glock 19 (4.02" barrel), Glock 26 (3.46" barrel), Baretta PX Storm (either 4" or 3" barrel), and Springfield XD (either 4.08" or 3.10" barrel) -- all 9mm/10+1.
My concern is that the sub-compacts feel uncomfortably small in my large hands. I have also been told that I should become proficient with a pistol with a 4" barrel, which has a longer line of sight, before moving to a sub-compact. On the other hand, I am concerned that the pistols with the 4" barrels will not conceal well, particularly the Baretta and Springfield, which have an overall length that is about a half inch longer than the Glock.
Another concern is the safety system on the Glock, which from what I have read, seems more prone to accidental discharge.
In addition, what kind of factory sights should I get? Several people have told me to stick with fixed sights for a CCW, night sights if available, because adjustible sights tend to get knocked out of line when the pistol is carried every day.
Lastly, the reason I am going with the 9mm is because I really like to shoot a lot at the range, and 9mm is significantly more affordable than .40 S & W and .45 ACP, particularly when I already have two .357's to feed. Given how much I like to shoot, the pistol I buy will need to be a workhorse with a proven record for durability and reliability.
Thanks in advance for all the wonderful advice that you will give me.
Only two pistols that I'd like to acquire lately are a the newly released Colt New Agent .45 ACP and an Hk USP Tactical Compact 45. I'd probably make either of those my primary carry gun, but I'm still searching for the best carry method.
One thing that I can tell you is that you'll collect a sock drawer full of unsuitable CCW holsters you don't use anymore until you find the one that you really like best.
Consider a .38 special or .357 magnum (shooting .38 Special) by smith and wesson. As reliable as a rock, if you stay away from environments where it is subject to abuse (not my first choice for Afghanistan).
Not as stylish as some, but effective, and reliable.
Not sure it's the same, but someone recently emailed me a pic of a S&W 629 that blew off top half of cyl and top strap.
the glock safety is ergonomically located. You can make a case that it is too much so. To pretend it has no safety is false. The 1911 safety is also ergonomically located, going to fire position when muscles twitch “Close grip”. By contrast double action revolvers have no safety, and have an enviable safety reputation despite that. Glocks with NY trigger (~8 lbs pull) have a much better reputation for safety than Glocks with lighter (~5 lbs) trigger pull.
A Glock is a 1911 in Condition Zero (ie no real safety).
Glock apparently makes two variations of the G19 in 10+1 (night sight and fixed sight) for those of us who live in states that limit the magazine capacity (i.e., NY, Calif, Mass, CT, etc.)
for later
Glocks have a bad reputation when used to shoot reloads. There is a weakness in the side of the chamber, and if a reload has been previously fired with the same side to the weakness, it will often fail toward your hand. Very unpleasant, I have it on good authority.
Either don’t shoot reloads, or have a very elaborate and formal method of keeping track of which way the round was positioned each time it is fired, so that is can never be fired twice with the weakness against the same part of the brass case.
I’ve got an XDm, 1911 EMP and an LCR. The XDm (same size as XD) is pretty large for concealed carry. The EMP is perfect size for concealed carry.
The LCR is even better because it’s so light and you don’t have to worry about whether it’s cocked or locked, etc.
Not to mention very concealable.
Yes, everyone makes Cal mags. I assumed you lived in a free state. If not, 10 round mags will be the best you can do no matter what handgun you pick.
No. It is not. It is a different and now much copied design that lives in the space between double and single action. The 1911 is a single action design.
The Glock, like the XD and the ParaOrd LD are about 1/3 to 1/2 cocked in the holster, with the remaining 2/3rds or 1/2 of the cocking stroke provided by the user’s trigger stroke.
If you say that 1/2 to 2/3ds is not safe enough for you I understand and support that.
Reality is what it is.
In a 1911.
Double Action Revolvers have different definitions for condition zero.
No one has mentioned an SA/DA without a safety, such as a Walther P99 or P99C AS. No one’s mentioned a SIG 229, either. The initial DA pull if you don’t have time to cock is stiff enough that accidental discharge is quite unlikely. Just something to consider. (Living in MA, Springfields are unavailable to me.)
In picking a CC weapon you need to consider afew things.What size of man you are,what weapon you can opperate with confidence,time and moneys needed to learn your weapon. I carry a glock 19 and love it.I've carried for over 15 years and this so far is the best cc weapon I've ever owned.Like you I have large hands to go along with my 6'2" 250 lbs body type.I was also worried about how the Glock 19 would do in my hands.Too my surprise it worked very well.In fact I'm shooting better now then I ever have.Also like you I love to shoot and the price of the 9mm is good for me.
My Glock holds 15+1 and I always have 46 rounds on me at all times.And if you want to go a little rogue you can get 33 rounders for it..(got to love it..)
Keeping in mind that there is no wrong weapon if no one know's you have it on you and when you need it you can hit your target..
good luck and keep shootin'
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