Good first ccw?

[HockeyBjj]

Looking to get a handgun that's small enough to carry for around $400 as a budget. I've shit friend's handguns in the past, but I definitely have more experience with shotguns and rifles with all the hunting.

Little research turned up a cannik tp9, Walther ppx, S&w shield with extended magazine, bersa thunder 9, or a ruger sr9. Strongly leaning towards 9mm as the caliber, but could be swayed by someone with more knowledge. Not looking for a tiny subcompact, just something that would be this enough to be concealed.

One of my friends has a gun with a shorter grip that's designed to have the pinky fit under rather than on, and that just fits my hand very poorly. Probably because I have smaller hands for a guy, my pinky on that we uncomfortably half on and on so I'd prefer full grip.

Help a new guy out by pointing him in the right direction? As someone who predominantly shoots rifles, accuracy (with the parameter of carry size and relative price) is the the top priority

 

[Protectandserve]

Of those there, I would go with either the M&P Shield or the Walther. Find a gun that you can get all fingers on, if your pinky hangs off the grip you will have a hard time controlling the follow up shots.

We have a lot of guys at my PD who carry the M&P Shield for an off duty gun. The other really popular one is the Glock 26.

Best bet is to find a local range that has a few you can rent and test out. Especially if this is going to be your carry gun.

 

[RerouteToRemain]

Pretty much what protectandserve said

Another import thing is training. I would suggest taking a basic pistol class, practice what they teach you and then take an advanced pistol class. Then continue to practice what they teach you. Oh make sure the place reputable. There are some great self defense techniques and shooting scenario's they will teach you.


Oh also as far as sub compact carry hand guns you will likely not notice a big difference in accuracy. Just don't buy a POS. Really if you are in a SD senario it will likely be very close range and .5 moa difference in accuracy at 3-10 yards won't make a difference. You would likely be just be point shooting(instinctive shooting) or very roughly aiming down sight anyway.

 

[Long Dark Blues]

How big of a guy are you?

I'm 6'1", 240 lbs. and have no problem concealing my full-size M&P40. Longest I've carried it was 8 hours, and without any discomfort.

I was looking into buying a SHIELD, but it just didn't feel right in my hand. Even with the extended magazine, just didn't feel like I had a good grip on it.

 

[D Train]

Ruger LC 9
G 26
Taurus Mil Pro

My CCW is the Taurus Mil Pro in 9mm. I'm not a big guy and it carries well yet is still comfortable to shoot.
My wife carries a Ruger LCP (.380) and while it is tiny, it isn't comfortable to shoot AT ALL. I probably wouldn't recommend a gun that small.

 

[Protectandserve]

How big of a guy are you?

I'm 6'1", 240 lbs. and have no problem concealing my full-size M&P40. Longest I've carried it was 8 hours, and without any discomfort.

I was looking into buying a SHIELD, but it just didn't feel right in my hand. Even with the extended magazine, just didn't feel like I had a good grip on it.

I was gonna say this. I'm by no means a big guy, 5-6 155lbs and I CCW a SIG P220 Carry Elite in 45, an extra mag and my badge and have never had concealment problems in jeans/shorts and a loose fit T-Shirt.

I carry in an inside the waistband holster from Galco made of kydex. Never had anyone notice, even people who know I carry routinely have to ask if I have a gun on. Was at one of the local LEO only gun stores and their was a guy roughly your size trying to get a glock 26. Said he couldn't conceal anything bigger. His partner who was there carried a Glock 21 SF(he was taller and a bit thinner). Guy behind the counter asked what I carried, pulled up my shirt and showed him my SIG. Guy and the other two both said "shit we didn't even notice you had a gun on."

Other thing that will really help you is getting a proper gun belt. Normal leather belts do not have the stiffness to hold up a gun and holster.

 

[Long Dark Blues]

Other thing that will really help you is getting a proper gun belt. Normal leather belts do not have the stiffness to hold up a gun and holster.

Absolutely. I had problems at first with the weight as my belt was old and shitty and just kept curling.

I bought one of these bad boys on recommendation from my cousin's husband:

http://www.hanksclothing.com/amish_belts_ccw.html

Best thing ever.

 

[Scrody]

Bersa thunder 380. They have a 'plus' model that carries 15 in the mag. They're not quite a pocket gun, but still pretty slim. Cheap too.

 

[Err]

Never carried and I'll never be able to carry. That being said, if I could it'd probably be a Makarov. I've owned one for quite a while now and put hundreds and hundreds of rounds through, factory and reloads, with no hiccups.

 

[Protectandserve]

Never carried and I'll never be able to carry. That being said, if I could it'd probably be a Makarov. I've owned one for quite a while now and put hundreds and hundreds of rounds through, factory and reloads, with no hiccups.

One of the gun stores I worked at before becoming a cop we had a Makarov that had a roughly 24lb double action trigger pull. We tested it with the fishing line test measure. Literally had people who were unable to pull the trigger double action and dry fire it.

 

[Ash E Larry]

Springfield has some very nice sub compact models, 9mm & 40. I have the 40, and i couldn't be happier with it. The posts above all have good information as well, just have to pick what best fits you and go from there.

I am 6'4, 240lbs, so for me i have a large amount of options on guns to carry.

 

[doyourkegles22]

Glock 19!

I CC mine every day, unless I go on base. I thought it would be too big for Florida but no one notices. My usual dress code is shorts and tank tops. I carry OWB as well.

Even though I have a 1911, I can still use the G19 as a home defense weapon since it carries 15 rounds and is large enough to fight with. I couldn't shoot the sub compacts to trust my life with.

Good luck!

 

[ironwolf]

I carried a g19 (well actually, 3 g19s that I rotated through) for like 7 years, all seasons.

IMO, The best all around handgun available.

 

[Roaming East]

i carry either a Sig p229 or a PPK. pick something thats comfortable for YOU to carry around all day without issue. lotta subcompacts and compact frame pistols to chose from and they are all pretty tight.