[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

[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

[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.

[org.whodat]

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.

[Mulder]

If you want SA/DA, I would recommend a Sig-Sauer.

If you want a .40, try either the Sig 229 or Sig 239. The 229 holds 12 rounds, while the 239 holds 7 rounds and is single stack. (I'd also recommend checking out the 357Sig cartridge before you buy anything. It's basically a 9mm bullet in a .40 casing). Both the Sig models I mentioned earlier are available in 357 Sig, and it's just a simple matter of switching out barrels to change calibers. With the 239, it takes different mags also.

For a holster, try a Don Hume inside-the-waistband holster if you want something inexpensive but good. Also, look at Milt Sparks Versa-Max. They are about $100, but everyone who has one loves it. I just ordered one for myself.

One item that is essential to comfortable carrying is a good belt. I recommend the Wildneress 5-stitch tactical belt. You can cinch it down so it is comfortable, yet secure enough to hold the gun.

You'll also probably want to change your clothes in order to carry. Pants and shorts will need to be 1-2 sizes bigger, and shirts one size larger. Button-up shirts work great for concealment, unless it's windy, then an oversize t-shirt works great.

Hope this helps.

[Monty22]

A Glock 36 with holster IWB Clip from www.kramerleather.com

Can't go wrong there, trust me. Until we know for sure that the 10 round limit goes away, it makes little sense to buy a modern gun (even though I have) that it big and .40 or 9mm. Might as well get .45.

[Aarchaeus]

Kahr K40

[Mulder]

It needs to have a small frame since I live in San Antonio

If you go with the right set-up (belt, holster, and shirt), you can carry even a full-size handgun comfortably.

Conversely, if you don't do the belt and holster right, carrying a compact gun will give you fits.

[LearnsFromMistakes]

gotta-convince-the-wife-bump

[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!