Firearm choices....
 

Looking at purchasing 2 more semi auto pistols over the next 6-8 weeks. Also would like constructive input if at all possible. Meaning if your in the Glock fan club, do not just say bad choice because you are impartial to glocks.

1st. In the process of obtaining conceal carry and have narrowed down choice to the Kel-Tek PF9. A true compact 9mm loaded weighing under 16oz. In my price range of $300-$400. Any one know what automatic hammer block saftey actually is?

http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/pf9.htm

2nd) something bigger than a 9 for open carry/home defense in the $500-600 range. Can not decide between the XDM .40 and M&P .40. ( I know, 40 may be hard to find ammo later on, but will stock up now) Anyone have experiance with either of these or both? Whats the differance between the XD and XDM? Anyone think that being 'hammerless' could run into issues? Or is it a moot point?


thanks in advance for input :bear_thumb:

Re: Firearm choices....
 

the pf9 or p11 is a good choice. The auto block device, if I can explain it properly, is simply a device that disallows the firing pin from moving forward until the trigger is fully depressed. Many modern pistols, auto loading and revolvers, have these saftey features now.

the Pf9, as with all kel tecs and small framed polymer guns, can be a bit snappy. Its good for size and weight. You may also want to consider a bersa thunder .380 in the same price range.

as for #2) Nothing is really wrong with hammerless, some people like to have more external control over their weapon. I like hammers, but wouldnt NOT get a good gun because it was hammer less. I like the XD's. I dont like the .40 cal. If you havent shot a .40, go do so before buying a gun chambered in it.

If you can open carry a high cap 9mm or "high" cap .45 would be a good choices to consider.

Re: Firearm choices....
 

Regarding small polymer frame autoloaders, they are very susceptible to a malfunction induced by "limp wristing." They work, but keep a firm hold. Snub nose revolvers don't have this problem and are still quite concealable. It's something to consider.

Another point, if you want something bigger than a 9 for open carry and home defense make sure you get something that's actually bigger than a 9. A .40 isn't. A .45 isn't. Regardless of what know it alls will try to tell you the target will never know the difference between those three. If you want something that will actually have a greater effect on something other than ego you need to start looking at real magnum calibers. The 9x23 has a lot going for it, the .357 magnum is probably the most versatile but you'll either have to handload or look real hard for ammo that lives up to the cartridge's potential. A .44 is big. Real magnums have their own complications and are generally best used by experienced shooters. Most shooters would be best off picking one of the major service calibers and learning how to use it. Learning how to use it involves shooting up lots of ammo so most shooters would be best served by something chambered in a cartridge that is available and affordable. Tactics > superstition.

Re: Firearm choices....
 

.45


I have a couple of G30s and I love them. I've also got a 92fs but it is too big to CC for me. The G30 is just right with 10+1 in it and a 13 rd. G21 mag as an extra mag.

I've had 1911s, but I do like the G30s....



I have said I would never own a Glock for over 20 years, but I bought one finally and it is my weapon of choice.

The XPs are supposed to be really nice also.


Go to a range that you can rent them and try them out.

That is the best way!



J-Frame S&W 38 makes a good BG or light carry, use +Ps and you won't go wrong.


Just my .02



:15_1_70v:

Re: Firearm choices....
 

Kel-Tec PF9 will demand a holster...it is not a pocket pistol.....not pants pocket at least....would be fine in a coat.

Kel-Tec 380 or the Ruger LCP are the best size/weight for pocket carry.

Not sure if you are interested in pocket carry or not.....

Small revolvers also do not make very good pocket guns....too large.


Glock 19 is size limit for me in terms of holster carry.

I like Glocks for all around fighting guns. They are not target pistols...strictly fighting guns.

Need more data on why you need gun to better advise.

Re: Firearm choices....
 

Just one opinion but you�re welcome. Good hunting.

Re: Firearm choices....
 

You said that you are not interested in Glocks -- I hope that is because you have fired them a few times and determined that they are not right for you due to accuracy and comfort.

The best advice you can get is on the shooting range. Whatever you are most accurate and comfortable with is the best gun for you.

Re: Firearm choices....
 

My favorite plastic pistol is a .45 H&K USP, but the M&P is next. I put about 100 rounds each of 9, .40 and .45 through M&P's when testing them last year, and liked the M&P's a lot, especially for the price. I've never shot well with the XD's, so I've not bothered to try an XDm, even though Springfield's ads sure make them sound sexy. Maybe the "m" in "XDm" stands for "marketing"? :tongue_ma:

I'd say you should try them in both .40 and .45 and get the one you shoot best. I'm not a fan of .40, except in a heavier gun, like the older Sig p226 stainless frame pistols. The snappy recoil makes it harder for me to get an accurate follow up shot, so I prefer to use .45.

Don't worry if you like the .40, it is popular with LEO's, so ammo availability should not be any more of a concern than it is with 9mm or .45.

Re: Firearm choices....
 

Kel-Tecs just feel so cheap to me. Not something I want to bet my life on.

Re: Firearm choices....
 

Huh?
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/79...lis_medium.jpg

Re: Firearm choices....
 

Not that I hate glocks, just I have small hands, and finding a comfortable grip is challenging. If I liked revolvers, would not be as difficult.

Re: Firearm choices....
 

Re: Firearm choices....
 

I'm going to suggest CZ P01, RAMI or the XD's. Both brands are good. Nice fit for me on both.

Re: Firearm choices....
 

Well, I decided on the M&P 40 ( this one actually had a thumb saftey (rare on the 40) and NO Magazine saftey,yeah) I am really diggin the leg holster , will come in handy in open carry and WROL scenario :applause_

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f6...g/DSCN2365.jpg

Re: Firearm choices....
 

I know you've already decided, but still wanted to weigh in.

I really like my Ruger LCP as a CCW piece, but .380 ammo is getting so hard to find I can't recommend it anymore.

Have a .45 XD full sized tactical for home defense, and absolutely love it. Awesome pistol, and am glad I laid in a stockpile of ammo when I could at reasonable prices. Also, I have small kids, and they connot physically work the slide on the pistol. But if I was starting from scratch today, I'd probably choose the XD .40SW version (XDm is overpriced), because bulk ammo seems to be a little more available and at somewhat better prices --- not to mention that the .40 SW round is much higher velocity. And I do think its widespread use in law enforcement says something important about its capabilities as a personal defense caliber.

The SW M&P 40 sounds like a fine pistol, from what I've heard about it. My own experience is with the Springfield XD, and I can't say enough good things about it.

Re: Firearm choices....
 

He didn't say he's not interested in Glocks. He said he'd like some real input, not just "Glocka Akbar" from the converted masses.

:15_1_70v: