• Xenforo Cloud has upgraded us to version 2.3.6. Please report any issues you experience.

Thinking About CCW

SummerStriker

SummerStriker

Silver Belt
@Silver
Joined
Sep 5, 2012
Messages
12,046
Reaction score
6,351
I'm thinking of taking a CCW class and buying a gun. I've read a number of articles about stopping power and number of bullets being important, but I don't know that I would carry a large handgun.

What appeals to me is something small that I could easily conceal and wouldn't be that uncomfortable or bulky in some sort of shoulder holster under my coat or inside my belt. I want it to be convenient.

Also, I've hurt my wrists a number of times and think a high powered gun would be difficult for me to train with much.

Any suggestions on what sort of weapon I should look into, and what sort of ammo to carry in it vs. train with? I've read that lowered powered handguns can make up the difference with expensive ammunition. Is that true?
 
Is this your first gun? An LCR is a nice gun, trigger is better than something like an LC9(which is atrocious) but I wouldn't consider it a good first gun. That double action trigger isn't exactly new shooter friendly. .38 specials don't kick much but in that light gun it's a little snappy. I guess .380s are a bit more expensive but .38 special is pretty cheap.

I would suggest you find some friends with some guns and try some out or go rent some at the range. I might get a bigger gun, maybe something in 9mm and practice with that until you get comfortable. You could even carry it, you don't need a super small gun to carry if you got the right holster. I have a friend, he's like 5'8" I guess 130 pounds idk, he's pretty skinny and he carries a commander sized 1911. You would never know if you looked at him.

I REALLY like my M&P Shield in 9mm. It might be a bit snappy to some but nothing anyone can't handle. That's probably an easier gun to shoot better than an LCR. To the poster who said he wanted an LC9, trust me don't get it, save up a little more and get a Shield. Same dimensions, less recoil, and infinitely better trigger.
 
Quick Shot xMLx said:
Is this your first gun? An LCR is a nice gun, trigger is better than something like an LC9(which is atrocious) but I wouldn't consider it a good first gun. That double action trigger isn't exactly new shooter friendly. .38 specials don't kick much but in that light gun it's a little snappy. I guess .380s are a bit more expensive but .38 special is pretty cheap.

I would suggest you find some friends with some guns and try some out or go rent some at the range. I might get a bigger gun, maybe something in 9mm and practice with that until you get comfortable. You could even carry it, you don't need a super small gun to carry if you got the right holster. I have a friend, he's like 5'8" I guess 130 pounds idk, he's pretty skinny and he carries a commander sized 1911. You would never know if you looked at him.

I REALLY like my M&P Shield in 9mm. It might be a bit snappy to some but nothing anyone can't handle. That's probably an easier gun to shoot better than an LCR. To the poster who said he wanted an LC9, trust me don't get it, save up a little more and get a Shield. Same dimensions, less recoil, and infinitely better trigger.
Click to expand...

If you can get your hands on one.
 
I've shot my buddies glock 26 dozens of times and it's a great shooting easy to conceal firearm. I'm actually buying one next weekend!
 
Thanks for the advice. Yeah, this will be my first handgun.

My wife started to bend on the idea of it after current events broke, but I've wanted one sense I realized I'd be carrying a night deposit across from the Walmart where a couple people have been killed in the parking lot.
 
Test fire a lot of handguns before making a decision. I'm not a big guy and I carry a SIG P220 Carry Elite in .45 caliber everyday. when you decide on a gun, get a good gun belt, a good holster and carry everywhere you can all the time. Also do not carry on an empty chamber like some yahoos do.
 
Last edited:
The LCR is nice, but I would go with the LCR 357 over the LCR 38. The LCR 357 will shoot both 38 Special and 357 Magnum, it's built stronger and is only a little heavier. But in a gun that size you're better off using 38 Special +P.

I carry a Glock 26, that's about as small as I want to carry. When you start getting into the smaller guns they're easier to conceal but they suck to shoot. I would avoid anything smaller than 38 Special or 9mm.

The best thing is to find a local indoor range that rents handguns and go try out a couple and see what you like.
 
Check 9mm and .380 ACP pistols if you want slim try some single stack weapons like Kahr, m&p shield, officer size 1911, and more
 
I would look into either the S&W's Shield or M&P compact. Maybe even a CZ SP-01
 
Whatever you get, a good holster is just as important as the gun you fire.

If your weapon prints, or you cant draw it effectively, having the gun will be more of a detriment than anything.
 
What do y'all mean by print? Like it's too close to your body that it leaves an imprint?
 
Print means if it shows the outline of the gun through the cover garment.
 
Summer Striker, have you had a chance to try any new handguns? My recommendation is to not go lower than a 9mm or 38 Special +P. The smaller the gun the more you will feel the recoil when you shoot.

Additionally, if you have never used a shoulder holster, I would not recommend them. They are extremely uncomfortable and do not conceal that well. Additionally the draw stroke on them requires a cross body reach which is an extremely telegraphed draw and also places your gun in a spot where it is easier for an assailant to grab.

I carry a gun anytime I'm out and 10 hours a day for work as a cop, so PM me if you have any questions.
 
I have a M&P Shield in .40, and I think it's amazing. The feel is good, I like the weight of the gun, fits perfect in my IWB hoslter, and carrying 7+1 is more than enough gun.
 
Protectandserve said:
Summer Striker, have you had a chance to try any new handguns? My recommendation is to not go lower than a 9mm or 38 Special +P. The smaller the gun the more you will feel the recoil when you shoot.

Additionally, if you have never used a shoulder holster, I would not recommend them. They are extremely uncomfortable and do not conceal that well. Additionally the draw stroke on them requires a cross body reach which is an extremely telegraphed draw and also places your gun in a spot where it is easier for an assailant to grab.

I carry a gun anytime I'm out and 10 hours a day for work as a cop, so PM me if you have any questions.
Click to expand...

Thanks again everyone. This is still hypothetical and it may be a long time before I can get one if I do, but I'll let you know and pick your brains again when it happens.

Thanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Threads
1,260,792
Messages
57,053,004
Members
175,520
Latest member
aprilshowers

Share this page

Back
Top