Pistola For Carry 40? 9mm? DAO? SA/DA?

[theorangeplanet 968]

I've went through several carry guns since I got my permit. I ended up with a Glock 26 even though I never cared for their looks and thought they were overrated handguns. It was an expensive road to go down... buying and losing on trades just to learn about what was important in my carry. It ended up being something that's no frills, consistent in function, and in just the right size for its capacity. Less is more when it comes to a defensive handgun and most 'features' are nothing but gimmicks.

 

Moral of the story; decide on a caliber and go to the Glock section to see what size you like. Walk out with the last carry gun you'll ever need. If you're one of those 5% that just doesn't like it no matter what, it's easier to sell or trade than any other pistol in order for you to try another...

[devildogdakota 804]

 

I've carried about 15 different pistols from mouse guns lcp, lc9, Sig P238, sub compact G29, G33, G36, J frame revolvers S&W 351 PD, numerous full sized guns including many Glocks, HK 45, FNP-45, FN FiveseveN, SR9, and two different 5" Kimber's. I've finally settled on one I feel is a perfect all around pistol. Its a FN FNS-9, factory Trijicon night sights, striker fired, manual thumb safety, 17+1 capacity (comes with 3 mags too), its 100% ambidextrous, good looking durable finish and fits me like a glove. It's about the size of a G19 but a much more comfortable grip, not bulky like Glock. It's plenty accurate and I haven't had a failure through a mixture of somewhere over 800 rounds of WWB & other cheap ammo to Ranger T +p, Gold Dots and Critical Defense. I usually use a Galco Softuck IWB holster until someone makes a decent OWB paddle holster for the platform.

Here's a pic of the rig...[img=http://forum.saiga-12.com//public/style_images/master/attachicon.gif]IMG_20130409_223613_963.jpg

How do you like that FiveseveN ? I was on a mission in December to get one, but a lay off put the brakes on that. Two guys I worked with that were in the market for one at the time were talking about them all day long, and after I did some research, I definately wanted one. The limited available manufacturers of 5.7 ammo (if I remember right) kind of turned me off, but other than that, I'd sure like to have one, due to its accuracy, ballistics, and (30 round) mag capacity that I read about.

It's my favorite pistol I've ever owned, held, or seen. I had two of them, one black and one FDE and I have to admit I got greedy and sold both along with 17 factory twenty round mags and 8xx SS197 rounds for a little over $6,000 on GB in January. Now I wish I would have kept one and will buy the next one I see on the spot. I was stockpiling SS197 from cabelas for $21.99/50 rounds for almost 2 years untilthe big craze iin December. Everyone tries to argue its a bad choice because ammo is expensive but that's just not true. The SS197 is a Hornady Vmax loaded to 1800 FPS IIRC. Elite Ammunition make some true power 5.7x28 and I bought 200 of their T6 rounds, a 100% copper bullet @ 2600 FPS! I ended up putting that up on a no reserve auction on GB and got $8/round, no bullshit, for the remaining 59 rounds I had. I've seen guys shooting a 8" paper plate at 100 yards on YouTube with open sights. It's a wicked little round and anyone who says its "just a 22WMR" are complete morons. 2600 FPS from a PISTOL!!

 

I saved one round just to have. This is a EA T6. They run about $46/25 rounds from the manufacturer but I believe they were shut down by ATF and I sold them for $8/rdIMG_20130409_231804_388.jpg

Amen for American capitalism! I remember a tightly grouped hundred yard video on it. I was impressed as all hell, as well as the FPS on it. You just renewed my ernest desire to get one again! Would be a helluva pistol to have at my side if I had to bug out with my bag in a hurry!

 

Sorry fellers, didn't mean to hi-jack the plane.

[corbin 621]

For caliber, if you're able, try to fire each one and see what feels best to you. Remember, you can't miss fast enough to make it up. Only hits count. A "weaker" round in their brain is better than a magnum that misses.

 

Only use decent defensive ammo for EDC. No FMJ for defense, if you can help it. Fire some defensive stuff at the range too.

 

To answer the question as to what features to consider, reliability should normally be number 1. Ease of use, number 2, IMO. That would include a comfortable grip, as well as safeties, levers and buttons that are large enough to operate under stress. You'd be surprised how fine motor skills go out the window when your life is on the line. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.

 

Concealability and number or rounds would probably tie for number 3. Some folks might favor one over another, but whatever. Obviously, it would be ideal to have something that's comfortable to shoot, holds a million rounds, can conceal easily and can stop a T-rex with a single shot to its toe....... but no such thing exists. It's all a trade off.

 

 

Choose what works for YOU.

[Squishy 1,149]

Yes, the one that I'll actually carry is a big motivator here. Do you mean 238 or 938?

 

Ooops P938 not P928. I took it out resently and firing at defensive pistol distance was cutting paper and obliterating the bulls-eye . Not a single FTF or FTE using both FMJ and wide mouthed hollow points. I added Hogue grips and a Crimson Trace laser, but did not sight in the laser or even use it this first outing, just open sights.

 

Yes, this is the one I mentioned in the OP, I was impressed with it after running it the first time. Around $700 is the going price I'm seeing. I may end up going back to it.

 

Wasn't the OP it was post #9. I like the "Blackout" model;

 

 

Good advice Corbin.

Edited April 10, 2013 by Squishy

[Long Shot 1,287]

XDS.

I'm assuming the XDS is 45ACP only. If I were going to stay with 45 I think I could make the P245 work...might be a tad bigger than the XDS but not that much bigger. I want to look at a 40 or 9.

Just my $.02

If a gun is not comfortable to carry all the time every day you won't have when you need it.

 

Shield in .40 S&W is my 2nd choice.

 

Springfield poured DNA from of slim, comfort, reliability, power, accuracy, speed, safety, intuition, form and function into a petri dish and sent it over to Croatia and the ideal CCW was born. XDS with crossbreed super tuck.

 

My favorite.

[Squishy 1,149]

Here's how the XDS and P245 compare;

 

XDS
Weight 21.5 oz
Length 6.3"
Height 4.4"
Width 1"

P245
Weight: 27.5 oz
Length: 7.3″
Height: 5.0″
Width: 1.34″

 

Edited April 10, 2013 by Squishy

[Spacehog 2,218]

XDS.

I'm assuming the XDS is 45ACP only. If I were going to stay with 45 I think I could make the P245 work...might be a tad bigger than the XDS but not that much bigger. I want to look at a 40 or 9.

 

My everyday carry pistol is the SA XDS as well. They do only come in .45 at this time, but I have heard that they might come out with a 9 and 40. It is very small and quite comfortable IWB. It is also very soft shooting for a sub compact .45. I recommend you try one before completely writing off the caliber.

 

My second choice would be the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield in 9 mm. Although I do not own one, I have shot two of my buddies' pistols and I have to say I am quite impressed with them. Great trigger for a non 1911, small, and very accurate.

[Long Shot 1,287]

Never met a Sig I don't like.

 

All I can say is don't try a XDS unless you are prepared to buy one.

[Cbass 23]

Sure I will play

 

For caliber I chose 9mm. I considered 40 same as you, but ultimately I felt that 9mm would be sufficient. If I shoot someone in the chest with 9mm or 40 cal I think the ballistics are pretty darn close enough. The real issue would be if I was over stressed and I missed to begin with. I need every round I can get out of the small platforms. I personally wouldn't feel like I was at a serious disadvantage with even a smaller caliber like 380 to be honest.

 

I looked at the Barreta Nano and a few other compacts but finally settled on the S&W Shield in 9mm. It feels great in my hand vs the others and that was important to me. I also like the external safety on the Shield as well. That is another personal preference thing however.

 

Good luck and I am sure you will be happy with whatever you end up with.

[dubya 198]

I've carried about 15 different pistols from mouse guns lcp, lc9, Sig P238, sub compact G29, G33, G36, J frame revolvers S&W 351 PD, numerous full sized guns including many Glocks, HK 45, FNP-45, FN FiveseveN, SR9, and two different 5" Kimber's. I've finally settled on one I feel is a perfect all around pistol. Its a FN FNS-9, factory Trijicon night sights, striker fired, manual thumb safety, 17+1 capacity (comes with 3 mags too), its 100% ambidextrous, good looking durable finish and fits me like a glove. It's about the size of a G19 but a much more comfortable grip, not bulky like Glock. It's plenty accurate and I haven't had a failure through a mixture of somewhere over 800 rounds of WWB & other cheap ammo to Ranger T +p, Gold Dots and Critical Defense. I usually use a Galco Softuck IWB holster until someone makes a decent OWB paddle holster for the platform.

Here's a pic of the rig...[img=]http://forum.saiga-12.com//public/style_images/master/attachicon.gif]IMG_20130409_223613_963.jpg

How do you like that FiveseveN ? I was on a mission in December to get one, but a lay off put the brakes on that. Two guys I worked with that were in the market for one at the time were talking about them all day long, and after I did some research, I definately wanted one. The limited available manufacturers of 5.7 ammo (if I remember right) kind of turned me off, but other than that, I'd sure like to have one, due to its accuracy, ballistics, and (30 round) mag capacity that I read about.

It's my favorite pistol I've ever owned, held, or seen. I had two of them, one black and one FDE and I have to admit I got greedy and sold both along with 17 factory twenty round mags and 8xx SS197 rounds for a little over $6,000 on GB in January. Now I wish I would have kept one and will buy the next one I see on the spot. I was stockpiling SS197 from cabelas for $21.99/50 rounds for almost 2 years untilthe big craze iin December. Everyone tries to argue its a bad choice because ammo is expensive but that's just not true. The SS197 is a Hornady Vmax loaded to 1800 FPS IIRC. Elite Ammunition make some true power 5.7x28 and I bought 200 of their T6 rounds, a 100% copper bullet @ 2600 FPS! I ended up putting that up on a no reserve auction on GB and got $8/round, no bullshit, for the remaining 59 rounds I had. I've seen guys shooting a 8" paper plate at 100 yards on YouTube with open sights. It's a wicked little round and anyone who says its "just a 22WMR" are complete morons. 2600 FPS from a PISTOL!!

 

I saved one round just to have. This is a EA T6. They run about $46/25 rounds from the manufacturer but I believe they were shut down by ATF and I sold them for $8/rd[img=http://forum.saiga-12.com//public/style_images/master/attachicon.gif]IMG_20130409_231804_388.jpg

Amen for American capitalism! I remember a tightly grouped hundred yard video on it. I was impressed as all hell, as well as the FPS on it. You just renewed my ernest desire to get one again! Would be a helluva pistol to have at my side if I had to bug out with my bag in a hurry! Sorry fellers, didn't mean to hi-jack the plane.

 

Agreed. When (if) I find another one I'll be keeping it for good. I should have kept a couple hundred rounds and at least 2 or 3 spare mags though. Hopefully everything goes back close to "normal" eventually.

[jwl019 8]

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="Squishy" data-cid="888022" data-time="1365567649"><p>

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="jwl019" data-cid="888021" data-time="1365566867"><p>Just picked up the S&W M&P Shield .40 and love it. Haven't started carrying concealed since just mailed off my permit for approval this past week. The recoil is controllable and the trigger is great. It is going to be my heavier clothing weapon of choice and mh LCP w/crimson trace is my shorts and Tshirt weapon since small and have a knife clip installed on it. The LCP does havr a trigger that takes some getting used to though.</p></blockquote>

I hope it doesn't take as long for permit where you are as it does here. 90+ days. Applications are up 100% since January 1rst.</p></blockquote>

 

90 days would be fast here, the normal time is up to 120 days, but ours are up by that much too so hopefully I will have it by end of year!

[Squishy 1,149]

I've went through several carry guns since I got my permit. I ended up with a Glock 26 even though I never cared for their looks and thought they were overrated handguns. It was an expensive road to go down... buying and losing on trades just to learn about what was important in my carry. It ended up being something that's no frills, consistent in function, and in just the right size for its capacity. Less is more when it comes to a defensive handgun and most 'features' are nothing but gimmicks.

 

Moral of the story; decide on a caliber and go to the Glock section to see what size you like. Walk out with the last carry gun you'll ever need. If you're one of those 5% that just doesn't like it no matter what, it's easier to sell or trade than any other pistol in order for you to try another...

 

I'm trying as best I can to avoid what you talk about here. I hate selling or trading items for less than I gave for them. While I like SIGs and the SA/DA configuration I'm staying open minded about other options. And as I've said I have the benefit of being able to try a wide range of pistols at the range especially Glocks.

[XD45 7,124]

I really want to say Kahr CW45. I have carried many different pistols over the last 20+ years. I started out with a compact (but heavy) 45. Went through various 9s. Never carried or owned a 40 because every time I think about buying a 40 I just buy another 45. I wound up with a Kahr P9 which is a great carry pistol but when the CW45 came out I ran to the nearest gun store and bought one. I put away the P9 and haven't touched it since. In fact I'm selling it to buy another 45.

 

Anyway, the CW45 is only slightly bigger than the P9. It carries well as you would expect. It also shoots very well and is not uncomfortable at all for a 45 this small and light.

 

But since you said no 45, I'll suggest the CW40. It's almost as good as the CW45.

[kevinfreel 215]

I just got my permit as well. I went with a m&p 40c. Interchangeable back straps and is fairly pleasant to shoot. My pf9 on the other hand is a cunt its to small uncomfortable to hold and I hate the trigger. The m&p shoots nice triggers OK and recoil is manageable. Conceals fairly easily although that's not a huge concern for me being in ct. I carry iwb with a T-shirt on.

[mostholycerebus 415]

Im in the same boat as OP. We may get CCW here this summer, so im looking at options. I think im going to start with the SA XD(m) 3.8" .40S&W. It carries 11 rounds of .40, or 16 rounds with full-size grip extension. I looked at both M&P and SA because their aftermarket is SO large, you can find practically anything. I can get a drop-in conversion barrel to plink with 9mm, or even a longer or match grade barrel, threaded as well so I could add a compensator.

 

If the XDS in .40 is out before I purchase, ill take a look at that one.

[Sdustin 578]

With Guns like the keltec pf9 and ruger lc9 there's no reason to be stuck with a pussy ass .380. I mean the 9mm+p is two times the power in almost the same package.

 

I said get two guns. One that's super small for summer carry. I have a cheap uncle mikes IWB "holster" it's more like a felt pocket with a plastic clip. But it works and is really light. Combine that with te pf9 that is a 12Oz gun empty and I can carry this slipped into my sweat pants waist

Band. It doesn't get any more concealeable than that.

 

Then of get a bigger size weapon for winter carry. And from the sounds of it you already have two very good choices for that. And if your not good enough with a .45 that's full size, shoot more. But it's smart to want to carry what you know and have confidence that you will be able to mak the hits that count when they are needed.

[menace667 194]

Recommending a pistol to someone else is inane for many reasons. What i always do is take people to the range with 8-10 or my pistold of diff calibers and sizes andet them find what wirks for them.

 

When suggesting a caliber it comes down to what you are comfortable shooting best and your preference in capacity or stopping power. If you compare a 9mm to a .40 cal round, the .40 has considerably more energy so it would be considered the better stopping round. The 9mm will isually carry more round in the magazine, so there is a trade off.

 

A .40 cal is said to have more recoil in smaller pistols but i own two and feel it is easily overcome when you get accustomed to shooting the pistol some. That being said, a 9mm will almost always have faster returnto target time. I will say that for CC purpose i would not go below 9mm, especially in winter months.

 

Standard 9mm loads run between 115 and 125 grains for the projectile and somewhere in the ballpark of 300 ft.lbs. of energy at the muzzle. Typical .40 cal are 165-180 grains for the projectile and about 500 ft.lbs. of energy at the muzzle. A.40 cal does typically have a more traumatic wound channel due to the fact that the projectile is heavier and moving faster on impact allowing kore energy transfer. Easy way to see the comparison is go to hornaday website and look at their ballistic calculator page and compare the exact same two rounds in the different calibers to see how different they perform as a base line.

 

Now onto personal choice. The .357sig is my favorite pistol caliber. It equates to carrying a revolver with twice the rounds in it. The cartridge is hotter than both the 9 and .40, with more energy to boot. The ammo is harder to come by in stores, and slightly more expensive, but is worth it. You can buy the ammo online all day long and as long as you dont buy it twenty at a time it is almost always cheaper to buy online and ship than to buy and pay tax in store.

 

The beauty of it is that the magazines are interchangeable with .40, so you can buy either a .357sig or .40 pistol and the barrel for the other caliber and have two guns in one. That way if you are either out of ammo or just feel froggy you can swap between the two. This is completely safe to do and manufacturers have no issue with it. I have thos set up on both of my M&P pistols.

 

I did read a post above where the guy with the glock does this except with a 9mm barrel, and as i understood it from a Glock representative at my P.D. said this is not recommended and they will not warranty any failures due to it. The other benefit to the 357/.40 set up is there is no need to buy $200 "match grade" barrels for the conversion. Almost all factory barrels can be had for less than $100.

 

Good luck on your search. Use the rental option at your range to its fullest and get something you will be truly happy with and that fits you.

[XD45 7,124]

Recommending a pistol to someone else is inane for many reasons.

 

Definition of irony? Say that, and then proceed to write a full page of recommendations.

[mostholycerebus 415]

Ideally, move to an open carry state and pack a Draco.

[God and Guns 3]

My EDC is a Glock 30, 45 cal. In my case I went to the range and spent a couple months trying out everything they had. My rule was I would only buy a pistol I had personally tried out and compared to others at the range. I am happy I did as actually shooting them was a real eye opener. The Glock was not at all at the top of the list when I started out but I have been very happy with it. Scary accurate. The XDS was not around yet and I would like to try it at some point. I also found out in the process that I have big hands. Never knew that. A lot of people feel the G30 grip is too chunky to be comfortable but for me anything smaller is less comfortable, and anything below a G26 in size is a no go. I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with a Kahr for this reason. So it definitely depends on what works for you. The G30 is on the bulky side for CCW though, but I have had no problems carrying IWB. YMMV though.

[Squishy 1,149]

Again, too many thanks are warranted in this thread to get around to all of them so thanks to each and every person who's posted here. I have read each post carefully and there have been some important points and great information shared.

 

Since the OP I've done some reading about what I had heard in the past about Glocks being "unsafe" in the minds of some people. The conclusion I've come to is that it's not that they are unsafe it's that there is less idiot proofing with a Glock than other configurations (Or, you could say fewer external safety features). Glocks have less room to be mishandled and you have to have to be disciplined about keeping your finger OFF the trigger until you're on target and ready to fire.

[RobRez 1,895]

I chose a S&W .38 special. I would recommend a .357 snubby, I shoot this pistol because it was my Grandfathers gun, and hence, it's just what I had as far as a small frame revolver.

Nothing can ever possibly Jam with it, and it is so light on the belt that I can forget I am even wearing it!

Most importantly, I am rather profficient with this pistol! Pop cans out to 15yards are easy-peasy, and a 12" gong @ the range @ 50yds usually ends up in 4 out of 5 hits.....Granted, I am no Bob Mundon, but I can shoot my snub nose good enough for self defence, for sure.

Nothing more reliable.

[semper299 284]

I went with a 9mm, and specifically the Kel Tec PF 9. It is supposed to be the lightest 9mm made, and I can carry it IWB, in a pocket with a pocket holster. They can be had for under 300, and they really are good guns.

 

[menace667 194]

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="Darth Saigus" data-cid="888161" data-time="1365607667"><p>

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="menace667" data-cid="888158" data-time="1365607265"><p>Recommending a pistol to someone else is inane for many reasons.</p></blockquote>

<br />

Definition of irony? Say that, and then proceed to write a full page of recommendations. <span rel='lightbox'><img src='http://forum.saiga-12.com//public/style_emoticons/default/haha.gif' alt='Posted Image' class='bbc_img' /></span></p></blockquote>

 

Not sure how irony applies at all. I made no formal recommendations about a pistol or brand at all. I posted verifiable facts about the two calibers he asked and suggested considerig a third option and why.

 

I did say my preference and why, but concluded by suggesting that he determines what best serves him by testing them out. Some people prefer capacity, some "stopping power" and some have totally different desires and needs.

[Squishy 1,149]

I went with a 9mm, and specifically the Kel Tec PF 9. It is supposed to be the lightest 9mm made, and I can carry it IWB, in a pocket with a pocket holster. They can be had for under 300, and they really are good guns.

 

At half the price of many I've considered at it's hard not to give this one a close look.

[semper299 284]

I went with a 9mm, and specifically the Kel Tec PF 9. It is supposed to be the lightest 9mm made, and I can carry it IWB, in a pocket with a pocket holster. They can be had for under 300, and they really are good guns.

 

At half the price of many I've considered at it's hard not to give this one a close look.

 

I had pretty much written off Kel Tec, mainly due to one of their guns I owned 10 or 12 year ago. Gun worked fine, just was really uncomortable to shoot. A buddy of mine talked me into trying out his PF9, and I loved it. The trigger pull is long, but smooth, and it is around 7-8 lbs. To be so small and light, the recoil is not bad at all. I believe it holds 7+1. Kel Tec customer service has always been very good to me. I paid right around $250 for the gun, then I sent the slide to Kel Tec and they sent me a hard chromed one for $75.

[dubya 198]

I went with a 9mm, and specifically the Kel Tec PF 9. It is supposed to be the lightest 9mm made, and I can carry it IWB, in a pocket with a pocket holster. They can be had for under 300, and they really are good guns.

 

At half the price of many I've considered at it's hard not to give this one a close look.

 

I had pretty much written off Kel Tec, mainly due to one of their guns I owned 10 or 12 year ago. Gun worked fine, just was really uncomortable to shoot. A buddy of mine talked me into trying out his PF9, and I loved it. The trigger pull is long, but smooth, and it is around 7-8 lbs. To be so small and light, the recoil is not bad at all. I believe it holds 7+1. Kel Tec customer service has always been very good to me. I paid right around $250 for the gun, then I sent the slide to Kel Tec and they sent me a hard chromed one for $75.

 

I've owned both the Keltec and LC9 and for another $50-$70 I would go with the Ruger. Nothing wrong with the Keltec but the Ruger felt more solid if you know what I mean.

[jerry52 893]

Again, too many thanks are warranted in this thread to get around to all of them so thanks to each and every person who's posted here. I have read each post carefully and there have been some important points and great information shared.

 

Since the OP I've done some reading about what I had heard in the past about Glocks being "unsafe" in the minds of some people. The conclusion I've come to is that it's not that they are unsafe it's that there is less idiot proofing with a Glock than other configurations (Or, you could say fewer external safety features). Glocks have less room to be mishandled and you have to have to be disciplined about keeping your finger OFF the trigger until you're on target and ready to fire.

Your finger should always be off the trigger until you Identify your target. This is how people shoot themselves in the foot when drawing ha ha. There are a lot of Glock's out there and they are only safe if you make it safe. You are responsible for gun safety not the gun.

[Syndicate 812]

I still say CZ

[Squishy 1,149]

I still say CZ

 

The model you mentioned isn't being made any longer from what I can see and pretty much isn't available. I guess people that have them are hanging on to them.