Handgun Question

Based on my needs, intended use, and future plans, I have determined I want 10+1 capacity minimum. It will serve as a CCW occasionally, so width and protrusions are important but not critical. Pocket size is too small, but sub-compact with a magazine extension or compact would be OK depending on the manufacturer. Availability of adding a light or laser would also be useful. Budget is $500 give or take $100. (Sorry H&K :( )

As for caliber, I am more interested in capacity and availability than ultimate stopping power so 9mm and .380 ACP both fit the bill. I am a fan of Sig Sauer P250, and it can be had in either caliber, so that it where I am leaning.

Which caliber would you choose, and is there a better option than the Sig? (I have looked at Beretta, Glock, Walther. Smith & Wesson,

It all depends on what YOU like. I'd suggest a look at the Taurus lineup as well (lifetime warranty, well made and reasonably priced). My 24/7 Pro Compact is a 10+1 .45acp pistol, mall enough to conceal easily and has enough grip that you're not struggling to control it.

I'm actually looking to trade it for another compact 1911. As much as I like the little Taurus, I like my 1911's better. Sure, I give up 3-rds (7+1 compared to 10/12+1), but it's slimmer and I can operate it asleep, with my eyes closed, on my deathbed.

The same thing I tell everyone wanting a handgun: Go get your hands on EVERYTHING. Find what fits YOU best. Afte you get it, put at least 200-rds through it (or until you are comfortable with it's operation, where it shoots etc). Be safe and enjoy.

Search on here and you'll find a massive handgun thread with all of our opinions already.

My recommendation is just like Bob's, most ranges rent and have a price where you can rent everything for one price for like an hour. Do that.

My general opinions, for CCW, no safety, reliable over all, I didn't want 9mm or smaller. I use a Glock 23.

Here it is

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/concealed-carry-recommendations/21734/page1/

SWMBO's CCW is a Taurus Millennium Pro 9mm. Was 1st or 2nd year they came out that we got it, so around '05. It was "Gun of the Year," and was suggested by some LEO friends as a reliable carry pistol.

It's sufficient, would meet your needs/requirements, but I think there are better options.

I'd be shopping for a higher quality fire arm on the used market.

Our Millennium Pro is very picky about ammo, doesn't reliably feed the white box Winchesters that are available everywhere, but the cheap Remington UMC that everyone hates on work great. It's not the most accurate hand gun, and is a little on the snappy side even for a 9mm.

Our next handgun will likely be a Springfield XDM in 40 S&W. During the last ammo shortage no one had 9mm or 45 on their shelves but everyone had a dozen or so boxes of .40 S&W hanging out on the shelf at pretty much every store I went to.

• Lee

I suggest 9mm too. No need to compromise with 380 if you don't need a mouse gun. I second the Taurus suggestion, don't let elitists convince you that they are junk. They do occasionally sell a lemon, but I consider mine to be one of the best guns I own. I also likey Ruger P95, but at 15+1 (IIRC) it's a bit bulky for cc use.

The most important thing is the get the most reliable one that fits your hand the best. If that's a Taurus then awesome, same for a Glock or a Sig. If it doesn't fit your hand, you aren't going to enjoy shooting it, you won't practice as much as you should and should push come to shove and its use is needed lack of practice might yeild less than optimal results.

I would probably get a 9mm just due to its commonality, but I've always had a craving for something in 38 Super. Its a pretty rare and expensive bird.

http://us.armscor.com/products/1911-standard-gi-38-super

I have always liked the 1911 in .38 super, 9 round magazine almost meets your requirement

.45 Locally is still available while 9 and 38 spl are unobtanium. I never liked the .40. It had a lot more punishing recoil on a smaller framed gun than the .45. 9's are fine rounds with JHP. I'ev been a .45 fanboi for so long, it's just easier for me to keep one caliber in bulk with multiple handguns.

Springfield XD is great gun. I have qualified on several occasions with it. I dont like it as CCW for me but I am a small male(5'8). Personal preference will determine the best gun for you so try them all in the context of simulating how you would carry it. Some guns just dont fit. I have the same problem with any 1911 frame or my personal favorite gun, Beretta 92F.

In reply to pinchvalve: Hi, when I was looking for a CCW, I asked an old friend who happened to be a retired deputy. His comment was that when LEO's arrive at a scene with a body, it is much easier to explain one or two holes: there was a threat/attack, a discharge, (a verbal command to drop the weapon, another discharge,) threat stops. If LEO arrives on the scene and there is a body with multiple holes, you will be going down to the station to explain why there was so many. If you have time to fire that many rounds, you probably have time to disengage and/or leave the scene. You will need a lawyer to leave the station if allowed to leave at all. His recommendation was to use the biggest caliber you can handle. If you can handle a .45, use it. I carry a compact .45 and with a good holster it is invisible. I carry an extra magazine. In todays society, one or two rounds is self defense, more than that you have some expensive explaining to do. It is bad enough that you might have to use it to protect yourself. It is worse if the 'state' or 'system' wants to use you in a way to make their point, or just to get re-elected.

mike wrote: In reply to pinchvalve: Hi, when I was looking for a CCW, I asked an old friend who happened to be a retired deputy. His comment was that when LEO's arrive at a scene with a body, it is much easier to explain one or two holes: there was a threat/attack, a discharge, (a verbal command to drop the weapon, another discharge,) threat stops. If LEO arrives on the scene and there is a body with multiple holes, you will be going down to the station to explain why there was so many. If you have time to fire that many rounds, you probably have time to disengage and/or leave the scene. You will need a lawyer to leave the station if allowed to leave at all. His recommendation was to use the biggest caliber you can handle. If you can handle a .45, use it. I carry a compact .45 and with a good holster it is invisible. I carry an extra magazine. In todays society, one or two rounds is self defense, more than that you have some expensive explaining to do. It is bad enough that you might have to use it to protect yourself. It is worse if the 'state' or 'system' wants to use you in a way to make their point, or just to get re-elected.

not really, you shoot until the threat is neutralized. a person can sustain several fatal wounds and still do a ton of damage before they die. life isn't like the movies.

Taurus Judge. Nothing says protection like a handgun fulla shotgun shells.

The Sig P250 is a great gun if you don't mind the long trigger pull. But based on your post I'd suggest the Glock 26. Compact and easy to conceal but can also take magazines from the 19 and 17 so capacity is no issue. Even takes the 33rounder if you wanna get crazy.

This appeals to me

http://www.amerioutdoors.com/Crimson-Trace-LG-446.htm?feed=Froogle. I admit, I am all about aesthetics as well- I dislike 1911's looks, an I don't like snubby revolvers. I REALLY like the Glock/Sig look.

in response to the question, Glock 19, spend the money you save on ammo and range time.

i started with a damn cheap Star Ultrastar 9mm that was single stack 9mm and 10+1. little heavy for CCW but not impossible, and it was reliable as an anvil.

I've currently got two that I use/carry on occasion. 1. Smith and Wesson M & P Shield. Comes up a little short of your 10+1, but not far. The "flush fit" mag is 7+1 and the slightly extended mag is 8+1. Its a very good carry gun. Right now, I typically carry it in a simple soft leather holster in the back of my waistband. Pretty much invisible and very unobtrusive. It is even "sort of" a pocket gun if you want it to be. ( With "Skinny jeans" or equally ridiculous hipster clothing - not a pocket gun, decent cargo pants/shorts - easily conceals in a pocket).

My second gun is a Springfield XD subcompact. Truthfully, its ever so slightly too large for concealed carry, at least for someone with my frame. If I have a decent sized jacket on, I can conceal it reasonably well, but it still "prints" through anything short of a winter jacket. The standard mags meet your 10+1 requirement and extended mags up to 16+1 are available.

Both shoot very well, have been very reliable and meet or undercut your price point.

Check out a Baby Desert Eagle (IWI Jericho). I have a smaller hand and the fit is perfect. It comes in standard and compact, difference is barrel length, and rails are standard top and bottom.

mndsm wrote: This appeals to me http://www.amerioutdoors.com/Crimson-Trace-LG-446.htm?feed=Froogle. I admit, I am all about aesthetics as well- I dislike 1911's looks, an I don't like snubby revolvers. I REALLY like the Glock/Sig look.

To me, the XD and the M/P's are just hideous. FAt, way too many angles, squarish and too many nooks/crannies in them. They're just... ugly. So there you have it, aesthetics are definitely a personal choice.

A point about how guns look. If this is a CCW then nobody should ever see it. This isn't about having a flashy car, it's all about function. Other than the range, not a soul will ever see you holding it, except the guy your defending yourself against, and I doubt he'll care if it's ugly.

Glock 19 is always the answer

Storz wrote: 1911 is always the answer

I couldn't agree more! lol

I need to quit being a slacker and go do this, ugh. Only money right?

Now that I'm going to pick up a tow rig, I saw this on a 4Runner forum yesterday for the center console. I really like the idea of it being in a holster, concealed in the center console.