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.

[MarkL]

Well haveing owned a 410 shotgun. I really have doubt's about anyone with a concealed weapon that has to ask someone else what he should carry. Maybe you should start out with a good gravel shooter and some marbles.

The problem is that going to a CCW firearm is completely different from either using a service pistor, or more commonly, not carrying a firearm all day.

I like to think that I've got some experience with shooting and drawing from a holster (I used to compete in IPSC shooting). But carrying a handgun in a holster, along with a few mags for just a few hours is WAY different from carrying a handgun concealed, all day. For a while, I thought about carrying either my Ruger Security Six or my S&W 625-5, but both are really too big and heavy for everyday, all-day concealed carry. I will probably wind up carrying my Star FireStar in .40S&W instead. It's small, concealable (although since it's all steel, not particularly light), and has reasonable firepower. Unfortunately, it's hell on the hand when shooting, but that's not really an issue for self protection.

Mark

[Noumenon]

I'l lsecond your observations on the SIG 239 / 229. The missu and I carry 229s in .40 as a matter of routine when we're out together. Out on my own, I tend to gravitate towards a Glock 20 (10mm).

[Mulder]

The missu and I carry 229s in .40 as a matter of routine when we're out together

I carry the same except in 357 Sig. I'm REALLY looking forward to getting my Milt Sparks Versa-Max holster. They have a 12-week backlog though.

[LearnsFromMistakes]

gotta-convince-the-wife-bump

[nevergore]

A .32 will do the "trick" in the center of mass...

A concealed weapon is only good if you carry it...Trust me on this, once the novelty wears off and you're stapping on a "hunk of iron" that gets in the way when you get in a car, sit in a booth at a resturaunt or unpolitely "hangs out" when seated at the lunch counter at the local Donut Shop, you have a tendency to say, I don't need to wear that today.

The weapon does you no good sitting on the dresser at home....

BTW, the reason the .45 was invented was to stop the "Moro?" tribesman in the Pacific who wore tough bamboo vests that stopped our GI's .38's....The street thugs in San Antonio you may go up against are going to be wearing cheap t-shirts or other lightweight clothing....a .32 will be more than sufficent.

NeverGore

[Ethrane]

Bought this last year in anticipation of MO passing a Carry law...and it's done!

http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-mc.shtml

Love it!

[img]http://www.springfield-armory.com/images/pistols/a1/PX9801L.jpg[/img]

[Ethrane]

Bought this last year in anticipation of MO passing a Carry law...and it's done!

http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-mc.shtml

Love it!

[ALASKA]

A second for the HK USP compact.

And I'll be the third. Awesome gun, especially when carried in a BladeTec paddle holster. This is the ultimate carry package in my own personal, correct opinion.

[archy]

If you limit yourself to big bores then there is one that I always considered a little jewel of a gun and that is the Star PD. It is light, compact and a good shooter.

I've always liked the little Stars, whose one minor flaw is that they don't share magazines with the larger and longer Colt M1911 pistols. That does make their magazines immediately identifiable and eliminates any confusion as to which are which, however. The adjustable sights of the PD are a bonus as well, particularly for those who wish to use 185 or 200-grain hollowpoints; I fed the two I've owned with 230-grain ball ammo and they worked just fine.

If another comes my way, I won't be letting that one get away from me.

[blackbart.223]

If I might suggest, I have a Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special. It is light and doesn't have any square corners to slow down the draw. Even though it's a double action revolver with five shots it will get the job done.

[ASOC]

At the risk of being flamed
Take a look at the Smith&Wesson AirWeight in 357 Mag
5 shot, alum frame, small as a Keltec and you can practice with .38 spcl.

Light weight and can be had as a "bodyguard" style - shrouded (sp?) hammer.

Wish I had waited - the .38 is a +P but the gunsmith who keeps putting the screws back in sez I should use a lighter load.....

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

I've got that pistol. It's easier to dump the mag if you use both your (if you're right handed) right index finger on the right side of the release and your right thumb on the left side of the release simultaneously which gives you much better leverage.

I would suggest a different handgun for CCW especially if you're in a warm climate. The SW99 is not small. It was my first handgun purchase because I was splitting the difference between size/caliber/quality for a good most of the year 'round carry gun. I have more months of cold to carry the SW99

I would suggest maybe take that money and get 2 pistols for the same price. A midsize .40 or .45 and a small .38 such as the Keltec p3at for when it's really hot and you don't want to have to layer up to conceal.

Some will also suggest a revolver and that is a good option as well.

Good luck.

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

I meant that last reply to be split up, the first portion to ender and the second portion to chuck

[paul51]

Roger all the Sig recommendations

[Lurker]

It weighs less than a pound, carries five rounds of .44 Spl ammo, doesn't jam, and I can put five rounds through the head of a standard police silhoutte target at 21 feet.

I paid around 350 bucks US for mine brand new.

IMO, can't beat it.

L

[2nd_Amendment_Defender]

I would recommend without hesistation the Glock 23 .40 S&W handgun. It's light, reliable holds over ten rounds and is powerful. I've never had a jam with it when using factory magazines after firing over 300 rounds through it.

Glock 23 .40 S&W Handgun

Glock 30 .45 ACP handguns are also good concealed carry guns. Kimber .45 ACP guns I hear are good but expensive.

[Ender Wiggin]

It's easier to dump the mag if you use both your (if you're right handed) right index finger on the right side of the release...

In IPSC and IDPA, a one-hand fast release is almost mandatory. Breaking grip and woggling your grip hand about to reach the controls is awkward and very time consuming.

As a contrast, with a Browning Hi Power or 1911 or Sig or Beretta, your thumb moves a little and pushes a button, and the mag pops out into your waiting paw or onto the ground. You do not need to break grip.

With a Hi Power my mag change is way under a second, with the SW99 it is about two, and then I need to reseat my grip to retarget.

This is OK for personal defence- I mean, how often will you need more than 10 rounds or need to shoot 20 rounds in 15 seconds?

I liked the feel and size and weight of the 99, I just can't use it.

[dd5339]

Chuck,

I agree with Mulder! I've got a FIST #14 holster, (great product by the way) that does duty as an inside the waistband, (IWB), Outside the waistband, (OWB) and while it is OWB it can either be under or over the belt.

It will allow me to conceal a 4" 1911, (Kimber Pro Carry I) with just a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, (my normal spring-fall attire).

The best advice I can offer to to try lots of different pistols in order to find something that fits you the best. Also DO NOT go cheap when it comes to holsters! Spend the money for quality, (Milt Sparks, Alessi, Rafter Gunleather, Tucker Gunleather, FIST) the quality of the holster makes or breaks the comfort and concealablity issue.

For some other forums to check out try:
www.glocktalk.com
www.1911forum.com
www.thehighroad.org

Semper Fi

[ChuckHam]

I really appreciate all the comments. I think I've got plenty of homework to do now. I'm going to research all the handguns you guys recommended and then come to a decision.

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

I gave you a more efficient way. I didn't say it was better than a different weapon choice. I just telling you what I found out from using the weapon.