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.
After my 1911’s I am not sure I could ever go back to polymer.
There can be distinct disadvantages to having weapon that is too light.
It may be easier to carry, but it won’t absorb as much of the force of the recoil.
More recoil makes it more difficult to keep it on target for follow up shots and it can cause you to hesitate to fire, anticipating that ‘wallop’ of your hand.
If there is a post that is guanteed to get 100 + replies it is asking for advice on what type of gun to buy. I won’t give you advice on that front. The reason there are so many handguns out there is because there are so many particular tastes in it. My advice is to go to one of these gunstores that have an indoor range that carries the glock and XD and try them out. They are both popular guns and so they should be on a range. If not in the 9mm, perhaps they will have one in a 10, .40 or .45. Even if its not the same caliber, you will be able to get the feel of it and look down the sites.
I’m sure it’s a photoshop, but you are one guy who would look at it and go....”hmmmmmm”.....
Bingo. But I am a bit more discerning. That 500 S&W Mag and 460 S&W Mag are enough in the revolver world. I went to a T/C Encore frame to fire rifle cartridges from a single shot pistol format. My wife shot the .308 pistol with a 170 gr bullet on top. She almost chipped a tooth when it produced a lot more recoil than she anticipated. We now load .308 and .30-06 brass with 100 gr Speer "Plinker" bullets. That reduces the recoil to a manageable level in the pistol format. I would still like a 5.7x28 T/C rifle barrel. The blow back action of the FiveSeven pistol leaves the case neck with a slight balloon. Not good for reloading. I think a single shot chamber would support the brass properly and make it easier to reload.
I'd hit- oh wait, wrong thread.
I saw a T/C pistol in 300 winmag (or another above .308 caliber, I can’t recall which) in a gun store in Wyoming. The shop guy said it had only been fired a few times before being put on consignment. No takers. I wonder why?
Your’s is the correct answer.
Some firearms are just way over the top.
I had the pleasure of shooting a 1911 style pistol in 45 Winchester Magnum. The LAR Grizzly. After 10 rounds, the stippled backstrap made a significant impression in the web of my hand. It was less intense than the 7.5" Ruger Super Redhawk with 300 gr .454 Casull (Hornady) at 1500 fps. Those rounds sting your palm and leave your whole body a nervous, quivering mess after 20 rds.
I realized that I would get a hundred replies, and I honestly appreciate every one of them even though I don’t have the time to reply to most of them.
The big problem that I have is that I live in an anti-gun state, and there are only two gun shops with a range that I am aware of, that is within a two hour drive of my house, and it does not rent or loan handguns. I have been told that the reason they don’t rent or loan handguns is because under state law a person may only possess and fire the handguns that are registered to that person and listed on that person’s permit, and the only way to get the handgun listed on the permit is by transfer of ownership. Thus, my “legal” options are limited to touching, feeling, and holding different models in the gun shop, asking people familiar with these pistols for their opinions, and reading reviews and doing other research, which is how I narrowed the choices to the Glock 19, Baretta PX4, and Springfield XD,
With that said, I am leaning towards the Springfield XD. The Baretta looks nice, but feels heavier than the G19 and XD, and is slightly larger and I assume harder to conceal. I like the Glock, but do have concerns with the safety system, and for whatever reason, the Glock does not fit my large hands as well as the Springfield. So I will probably go with the Springfield XD 9mm, 4” barrel, 10+1, and then re-evaluate my needs and wants after I have been carrying for a year or so and have put a few thousand rounds through the barrel.
Unfortunately, I live in a state that limits the capacity to 10+1, and therefore, the XDm is not an option.
The reason I am going with the 9mm is because the ammo is a lot less expensive than the .40 and .45., and the cost adds up quickly when you shoot as much as I like to shoot. I already have a Marlin 1894 in a .357 and a S & W 686 with the 4" barrel, and I want something different that doesn't cost as much to feed.
That’s a tough situation to be in if you can’t take it out for a “test drive” at a range somewhere. Sounds like you’ve done your research. Good luck with the XD. My own personal preference is actually wheel guns for conceal carry. I have a few. My pistols I shoot for competition. Then again, as I said before, everyone has their preferences...
You should see it in person.
SnakeDoc
The Glock is no more accidental discharge prone than any other handgun. Ive carried one off and on for 20 years.
I’d say get the Glock 19. Make sure you get at least five extra high capacity magazines, in case they ban them in your jurisdiction in coming years. I have 25 or so glock mags.
My Glock 26 is substantially easier for me to conceal, however, than my 19.
I wish I’d seen that! I’m about maxed out at 300 winmag in a ten pound rifle.
I purchased a 10 inch 30-30 pistol barrel for my T/C G2 Contender. To check it out, I purchased a box of factory 150 gr 30-30. That was more painful than the .454 Casull with 300 gr Hornady hunting ammo. The rest of that box was reserved for use with the 30-30 lever action rifle.
I think you explained that issue thoroughly enough. :)
the PM-9 is an excellent handgun, but is prohibitively expensive for me.
THE BEST full size 9mm if you arent shooting a glock..in my opinion.
Ive got a P-99 in the drawer by my bed.
Make a trip to Oklahoma City, and visit the H&H gun range to test "all of the above" - or do likewise in Dallas or Houston. Better yet, I'm sure there's a good indoor range in San Antonio. Test all the guns you want and have a nice weekend with your wife too.
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