Newbee question on Pistol selection for CCP
 

I have several rifles and shotguns, but not a single pistol in the house. With that said I am seriously considering getting my CCP and picking up a pistol. I plan to carry on me most if not all the time (where permitted).

An aquaintence has a couple for sale and so I wanted to know your opinions on them....
Kimber .45 ACP Pro Carry II pistol
Kahr PM-9 pistol

I'm also considering a glock , but not sure which one would be fit the CCP requirements (size, weight, accuracy, ease of shot, etc....)

I'm basically looking for all y'alls opinions, recommendations, and experiences with what you'd consider thee best CC pistol.

Oh and I guess the best size round, and holster etc...(Remember, I'm new at pistols so any and all help will be appreciated)

Thanks in Advance,
RK

Re: Newbee question on Pistol selection for CCP
 

Well now....

Some folks like snub-nosed revolvers: S&W J-frame, Ruger SP101, etc.

Others prefer autos...Kahr, S&W, Walther, Bersa, Keltec, etc. The Kimber Pro Carry is a little large for CC (I owned one).

Depending on your ability, the minimum caliber I would recommend is 38 Spl or 9mm.

I like Glocks (no-brainer).

The two most popular Glocks are the G19 (9mm) and the G23 (40 S&W). I would recommend either for WINTER concealment. Also, look at the G36 (45ACP).

For SUMMER carry, try any of the sub-compacts: G26 (9mm), G27 (40), or G33 (357Sig--my choice).

Re: Newbee question on Pistol selection for CCP
 

Not to highjack the thread but I sure would love to hear why.
I see in your sig you work with them. I am in a place that does not allow you to try & buy. The only experience I had with Glocks was at least 14 years ago. I was not happy with them but would love to hear how they are now. Perhaps another thread?

Re: Newbee question on Pistol selection for CCP
 

Over the last 30 years, I have owned, test fired or at least handled about every handgun there is...well, almost. I learned that there is no PERFECT handgun...that each one is a slightly different type of tool...each has pros and cons and shortcomings. I thought I had developed a pretty good idea what I was looking for, and for years the Glock was NOT it. It took me a few stabs at owning one or two before I finally got it...

Glocks are highly utilitarian, are (were) relatively inexpensive, lightweight to carry, easy to detail-strip, simple to operate, surprisingly accurate (once I learned how to shoot them), surprisingly reliable and durable, widely utilized by law enforcement (a solid endorsement, IMO), wide variety of calibers and model configurations (more than any other make I can think of), and last but not least, have great parts interchangeability, which I consider a must for a survival weapon.

I realize many of you younger guys are still looking for the "perfect" weapon whether it be rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver or whatever...attracted by the latest and greatest new thing on the market (I did at one time). Today at age 60, I admit I am tired of looking for that elusive ideal, and have "settled" for that weapon that I consider to be the closest to it. I still check out others from time to time, but am not very interested in making radical changes to my arsenal any time soon. However, I would like to try one of those phased plasma rifles in the 40 watt range...:biggrin:

Best of luck to all of you in your journeys...

Sincerely, SC

Re: Newbee question on Pistol selection for CCP
 

Thank You SC for the info. Again sorry to original poster if off topic.
SC I am not a youngster & like you just like a stable unit that works well.
I have always thought the Glocks had a lot to offer based on some of the things you mentioned.
I will try to get a test on one but it is near impossible here.
What I did not like before in a 45 Glock that a fellow competitor used in IPSIC many years ago which I got to try.

1) it had far too many jams ( which could have been the reloads as much as anything ) But he was a good reloader. So I wonder.

2) The trigger I remember being a bit odd.

3) overall width at the time seemed large.

I have always been with the 1911 types in various calibers.

Thank again

Re: Newbee question on Pistol selection for CCP
 

The Glock 19 (9mm) is a common carry pistol.

One critical point to keep in mind is the SIZE. Carrying a concealed pistol, especially during the summer when clothes are lighter, is not easy. Keep this in mind.

Re: Newbee question on Pistol selection for CCP
 

I love my G19 and I would never sell it, but it feels far too big for CCW, so I bought a Kahr. It is light as well as very thin!

Re: Newbee question on Pistol selection for CCP
 

If you are unaccustomed to handguns, I suggest the revolver, 38 5 shot with light frame and heavy loads to bring it up in performnce, or the charter bulldog 44 if you want to go to the 40s.

You can't put a lot of hot practice rounds throgh a light frame revolver (1000s will stretch it), but you can conceal it and it is just fine for strong loads if you shoot in defense with those and practice with lighter loads.

Then you don't have to jack in round 1 or remember the safety under stress, just pull the trigger.

Re: Newbee question on Pistol selection for CCP
 

While I am a fan of small, size is not as important as finding the right conceal holster or method. I've got everything from a 44 mag down to a PPK 380. Snob nose 38s aren't bad either, fit fairly well in a pocket holster, and so on. It's the comfort factor that is the bottom line on what you will be happy with.

The PPK 380 is the one that will still be there at the end of a 12-16 hour day with the least interference caused by the weight, bulkiness, and concealability under all my daily activities.

While I wish I could say the 1911 was the right one or even the G23 Glock, for me it has to pass the test of being the one that will be there when I need it, no matter what. The maximum requirement for me is a compact 380. Anything larger and the possibility of it getting left at home because of one of the above factors increases. I think for most a j-frame 38 or a G26, G27 would work just as well. Lot of personal choice going on here.

Re: Newbee question on Pistol selection for CCP
 

Re: Newbee question on Pistol selection for CCP
 

Over the weekend I just traded a G33 for some cash and my old PM9.
I liked the Kahr, but did experience a couple of feeding issues while practicing which could mean death in a real-life situation.

So far I love my G33. I will never be outgunned with the light cover-defeating .357 sig round, which also feeds inherently better due to the bottleneck design. Oh yeah, the pistol also holds 10 rounds (9+1).

It is slightly more noticible for me to carry, but only for me. Btw, I currently carry in my front pocket.

Re: Newbee question on Pistol selection for CCP
 

I carry a g19 in a smart carry holster. I can carry 16 rounds in the gun and another mag with 15 more. I carried it all summer long with gym shorts and a t-shirt, and even people who knew I was carrying (family) couldnt tell it was there.

www.smartcarry.com

That is where I got the holster. Check into it before you decide that a g19(or any other gun you prefer) is too big to carry in the summer.

Re: Newbee question on Pistol selection for CCP
 

Wow, thanks for the responses...

There's a lot to digest, but it sure seems there's an over whelming leaning towards the Glock. They do sure seem like a great weapon.

Another good friend of mine (retired sheriff) also recommends the glock with 40 calibre. He even has volunteered to take me around to a few gun shops etc...and another is going to take me to a range for some (FUN). Although I don't know what his weapon(s) of choice are....I believe S&W 9mm?

Please keep the responses coming, and when I get something I'll post up.

Thanks again,
RK