Need advice on concealed carry handgun

Me

[ChuckHam]

Okay, I'm going to take the plunge and get a handgun for concealed carry. I want a weapon with good knockdown power, I'm thinking .40 SW or .45. It needs to have a small frame since I live in San Antonio and the weather is warm most of the year so I won't be wearing heavy clothes. I also want single/double action. I'd also like advice on a holster as well. Weapon must be reliable and able to fire hollow point ammo without jamming. Thanks in advance for the help.

[Ender Wiggin]

I just checked out a Smith & Wesson Model 99 in .40- I really really liked it! Compact, light, accurate, 10 rd mag, no jams.

The only downside is the mag release, you cannot dump the mag one handed very easily. As I wanted it for IPSC and similar games, his was a "don't buy". But that was the only negative.

[185JHP]

Among the factors to consider are safety, reliability, and accuracy, and how much time/ability you have to practice. There's a place in Austin, TX where you can rent-and-shoot a variety of handguns. It's located in Oak Hill.

[Mulder]

bang

[joesnuffy]

San Antoine...land of the permenant sweat...
Get a salt proof one..
HK USP compact ..good sweat resistance... 45 ACP...

[Luke Skyfreeper]

The Kahr K40, or even smaller, the MK40:

Pack it into a holster from smartcarry.com. I prefer all steel, but if you really want to go light, you could look at the polymer versions (P40 and the new P40). The steel ones are around 24 ounces. With polymer, you're looking at around a pound.

[Shooter 2.5]

I like my Springfield Armory V-10 Ultra-Compact .45 with a Galco IWB Royal Guard and The Wilderness Instructor's belt.

Whatever you do, don't use checkered grips against your skin. Swap out for smooth grips. Plus, don't use rubber grips. They attract moisture and perspiration.

[ETCM]

A second for the HK USP compact. Take one for a test drive. Hard to beat the ergonomics of this gun.

[MediaMole]

Check out The High Road it is an active gun owners' forum.

Also, check out the archived posts at Thefiringline.com

[ChuckHam]

I don't see a hammer on that one. I'd like to have single action capability as well.

[Luke Skyfreeper]

Sorry, I meant to say "the new MP40."

[ChuckHam]

So you're recommending smooth plastic grips? I'm used to the checkered grips from my days of firing the M-9 in the military. Might take some getting used to with the smooth ones.

[nevergore]

Having carried for over twenty years the critical factors are weight first then size.....Light clothing is easily pulled out of place by heavy weapons...

Since concealment is your first factor, a nice lightweight .32 with jacketed hollow points would be a good starting point. This weapon would require correct shot placement but this should not be difficult with practice.

When you know your going to be placing yourself in harms way, then go for a flat body .45 auto with an alloy frame (not steel, too heavy) is good....I use a Para-Ordanance P-12....This is one of the more lightweight .45's but still too heavy for everyday carry.

NeverGore

[ChuckHam]

I understand what you're saying when it comes to shot placement, but in this day and age I'm afraid I may have to go center mass in the crunch and the .32 might not do the trick.

You do have a good point though about concealment. That's number one for me. After that comes knockdown.

[Luke Skyfreeper]

I don't see a hammer on that one. I'd like to have single action capability as well.

Ah. If that's a strong preference for you, you'll want something else, then, as the Kahrs are DAO.

[ChuckHam]

Yeah, I had a Colt polymer 9mm in DAO and didn't really like it. If I have the time to really aim my shot I much prefer SA.

[annyokie]

I have a Galco pocketbook for my .380 which has smooth grips.

[Mad Dawg]

I think the sig p239 is very concealable. With 7 in the magazine, one in the pipe, and a couple of spare magazines on your person, you'd be ready for most crises.

Of course, it comes down to what feels good in your hand and in your holster, but at least try a p239.

[ChuckHam]

I'm hitting the sack for the night, but please keep the comments coming. I'll check back in the morning.

[FreedomCalls]

The Keltec P3AT chambered in .380 just came out. It's what you need when you are in shorts and a tee-shirt in San Antonio. Anything larger is too big -- unless you are also really big.