Wanted: A practical but useful carry gun! Please help!

mbrokaw8 · 04-14-2008, 03:03 PM

I need to get a concealed carry gun, I would really like it to be a 9mm. If you (anybody) have any suggestions or comments please help! I would greatly appreciate it!

GunRangeSniper · 04-14-2008, 03:49 PM

The Kel-Tec PF-9 is nice. It is really small and easily concealed. Not a range gun thought, so small and light it really beats you up during prolonged firing. I also like the KelTec P3AT (.380). It has to be one of the most concealable guns ever.

Deep13 · 04-14-2008, 04:38 PM

Sig 239 single stack 9mm or .40 cal. It is the best selling CCW gun at the local shop.

ander254 · 04-14-2008, 04:43 PM

MP9C is a great gun or the MP40C for a little more umph

a lot of people like the XD9SC and 40 as well

DWARREN123 · 04-14-2008, 04:46 PM

I would suggest a CZ Compact in 9mm, GLOCK models 23/27 in 40 S&W, Bersa in 380. Just a few I have owned that worked.

Don357 · 04-14-2008, 05:09 PM

Depending on what you want to spend a Para Ord PDA 9mm is very good. Pricey, but good. +1 on Bersa in 9mm, CZ or Witness compact (same gun made in different countries), I personally do not care for Glocks, but they are good guns. I own 2 Kel-Tec P-11s, good guns but like was said about the PF-9 they are not range guns. Great at what they are designed for, but will wear you out after prolonged shooting. A FEG PA-63 in 9mm MAK or a CZ-82 9mm MAK are both good guns. the Sig 232 and the Walther PPK. You really can't go wrong with any of the above. Just see which one fits your budget and your hand best.

GlockMeister · 04-14-2008, 05:19 PM

Get a good old reliable Beretta in 9mm. Our military has used them for many years. Only complaint out of any of them was the lack of stopping power unless a head shot or other vital organ shot. Get a good reliable M&P in 9mm. Get an XD in 9mm. Check out the manufacturers website for specs.. Then go to a gun shop and personally check them out...Handle them. See if they have a rental program? If so, shoot the ones you want and get a feel of and for them. Good luck.

Marine1 · 04-14-2008, 05:44 PM

[quote=mbrokaw8;478162]I need to get a concealed carry gun, I would really like it to be a 9mm. If you (anybody) have any suggestions or comments please help! I would greatly appreciate it!

9MM's are okay, many departments used them many years ago, when first switching from wheel guns to automatics. Today the common career criminal packs larger caliber handguns. Most departments upgraded to larger calibers, too, because of stopping power. From a law enforcement point of view, maybe you should re-think about upgrading to a .40 cal or .45 . If you need to use your gun, in self-defense or your familys defense, (God forbid)...you will want a caliber with stopping power. A chest area hit with either a .40 or .45 calibre will certainly provide you with this protection. Just my opinion on this subject.

TXplt · 04-15-2008, 04:55 AM

Glock 26 with Tru Glo sights. Great CCW gun and very reliable. 10+1, and pretty compact. Good shooter. Need to use hi-performance ammo in any 9mm (i.e. Corbon DPX, JHP, Golden Sabre, Hydra Shock, Winchester JHP, etc.).

lowercase · 04-15-2008, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlockMeister

Get a good old reliable Beretta in 9mm. Our military has used them for many years. Only complaint out of any of them was the lack of stopping power unless a head shot or other vital organ shot. Get a good reliable M&P in 9mm. Get an XD in 9mm. Check out the manufacturers website for specs.. Then go to a gun shop and personally check them out...Handle them. See if they have a rental program? If so, shoot the ones you want and get a feel of and for them. Good luck.

I have the civilian version of the M9, the model 92FS. It's just a plain-jane gun, and I definitely have "cooler" guns, but every time I go shooting, the Baretta gets shot the most. It's just fun to shoot, not to mention reliable and accurate.

It's a little too big for me to want to carry concealed, though.

Cyrano · 04-15-2008, 10:23 AM

lowercase, take a look at the Bersa Thunder 9mm Ultra Compact. 10 rounds double-stack, 3 1/2" barrel, post and outline sights, controls the same as a M1911A1 except what on the .45 is a slide safety is a decocker on the Bersa. It's thin and will conceal easily. Cost is about $300 with 2 mags, most places.

The one thing I dislike about it is a S&W-type integral gun lock ahead of the slide release; but you can simply unlock it and leave it unlocked, so it's not a big deal. Load it with Hornaday TAP 9mm rounds and it will have adequate power for a one-shot stop. 9mm TAP ammo is almost as good as .45 ACP FMJ in terms of delivered stopping power (which I don't say about most 9mm bullets), and the pistol is much easier to conceal than a single-stack .45 ACP because it's thinner.

Go to the gun store and take a look at one, why don't you?

lefty o · 04-15-2008, 10:30 AM

browning hi power. pick a color, and caliber 9 or 40.

Coeloptera · 04-15-2008, 10:39 AM

I have a friend who's a corrections officer and he still swears by his Glock 17 for CCW.

Are you sure you're wedded to a 9mm? The Glock 36 chambers 6 rounds in a .45 with a single stack magazine.

The Glock 22 comes in .40 and the Glock 27 in .40 is sub-compact.

But if you want 9mm, then the Glock 26 sub-compact is an awfully comfy size.

Here it is:

- Coeloptera

PONTIACDM · 04-15-2008, 10:47 AM

I carry the Glock 26 for ccw. You would be surprised of the accuracy in such a short barrel. I am however looking into the Kel-Tec 380 currently. I think it would be easier to conceal this summer when wearing less clothes.

FS00008 · 04-15-2008, 11:22 AM

+1 on the Bersa. Very nice to shoot at the range even.

I'd have to suggest a .45 though (Personally my preference) or a Wheelgun in .357 like my S&W M640J.

ArkansasHunter · 04-15-2008, 12:00 PM

I'm haveing 2nd thoughts about 9mm pistols, meaning I like all the fire power available in them.
If the first shot doen't turn an assailant or kills them the 15, 16, 17, 18 ,20, 21 other shots should.
So personaly I like the idea of owning a 9mm semi-auto pistol for concealed carry.
I'm sure there's a 9mm cartridge available today that can get the job done if called on.
But which pistol to buy and easely concealble ill be a disision only you can make.
Fortunitly many members here know so keep checking back like I am because a new concealed carry pistol for me is in the budget.
A.H

andrew cochran · 04-15-2008, 12:52 PM

I am thinking about a Ruger S-R9

ander254 · 04-15-2008, 12:58 PM

I want to suggest again to look into a .40sw. You are only giving up a few rounds but are gaining a larger bullet. I am trying to decide myself what to get for CCW and stuck between a .40sw and a .45acp. I like the capacity of the .40 but I really like .45acp. For me the Glock 30 is too big for my hand. The 36 fits really nice but only is a 6+1 gun. I keep telling myself that if I need more than 7 bullets, I don't need to be carrying a gun.

Taurus Fan · 04-15-2008, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArkansasHunter

I'm haveing 2nd thoughts about 9mm pistols, meaning I like all the fire power available in them.
If the first shot doen't turn an assailant or kills them the 15, 16, 17, 18 ,20, 21 other shots should.
So personaly I like the idea of owning a 9mm semi-auto pistol for concealed carry.
I'm sure there's a 9mm cartridge available today that can get the job done if called on.
But which pistol to buy and easely concealble ill be a disision only you can make.
Fortunitly many members here know so keep checking back like I am because a new concealed carry pistol for me is in the budget.
A.H

Me too, I was always a .45 fan, but having 16-18 rounds of +P+ 9mm in hand without reloading seems hard to beat.

mytemac · 04-15-2008, 07:26 PM

I'm also looking to buy a weapon for ccw, For some reason I'm not much of a 9mm guy. I'm looking at the Ruger 345, .45. I shot the 45 a few times in the service. I accually carried a S&W 38 (flight crew), Something "American" about the .45. Any thoughts about the Ruger on this forum?

04-14-2008, 03:03 PM	#1
mbrokaw8 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 5	Wanted: A practical but useful carry gun! Please help! I need to get a concealed carry gun, I would really like it to be a 9mm. If you (anybody) have any suggestions or comments please help! I would greatly appreciate it!

04-14-2008, 03:49 PM	#2
GunRangeSniper Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Alabama Posts: 12	9mm Concealed Carry The Kel-Tec PF-9 is nice. It is really small and easily concealed. Not a range gun thought, so small and light it really beats you up during prolonged firing. I also like the KelTec P3AT (.380). It has to be one of the most concealable guns ever.

04-14-2008, 04:46 PM	#5
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 773	I would suggest a CZ Compact in 9mm, GLOCK models 23/27 in 40 S&W, Bersa in 380. Just a few I have owned that worked. __________________ Have a nice day!

04-14-2008, 05:19 PM	#7
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 5,362	Get a good old reliable Beretta in 9mm. Our military has used them for many years. Only complaint out of any of them was the lack of stopping power unless a head shot or other vital organ shot. Get a good reliable M&P in 9mm. Get an XD in 9mm. Check out the manufacturers website for specs.. Then go to a gun shop and personally check them out...Handle them. See if they have a rental program? If so, shoot the ones you want and get a feel of and for them. Good luck. __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!

04-15-2008, 04:55 AM	#9
TXplt Lost in the Ozone Again Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 2,773 Images: 4 Blog Entries: 2	Glock 26 with Tru Glo sights. Great CCW gun and very reliable. 10+1, and pretty compact. Good shooter. Need to use hi-performance ammo in any 9mm (i.e. Corbon DPX, JHP, Golden Sabre, Hydra Shock, Winchester JHP, etc.). __________________ Old fighter pilots never die.....They just wind up in Texas

04-14-2008, 04:38 PM	#3
Deep13 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 203	Sig 239 single stack 9mm or .40 cal. It is the best selling CCW gun at the local shop.

04-14-2008, 04:43 PM	#4
ander254 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 235 Images: 5	MP9C is a great gun or the MP40C for a little more umph a lot of people like the XD9SC and 40 as well

04-14-2008, 05:09 PM	#6
Don357 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Semmes Alabama Posts: 269	Depending on what you want to spend a Para Ord PDA 9mm is very good. Pricey, but good. +1 on Bersa in 9mm, CZ or Witness compact (same gun made in different countries), I personally do not care for Glocks, but they are good guns. I own 2 Kel-Tec P-11s, good guns but like was said about the PF-9 they are not range guns. Great at what they are designed for, but will wear you out after prolonged shooting. A FEG PA-63 in 9mm MAK or a CZ-82 9mm MAK are both good guns. the Sig 232 and the Walther PPK. You really can't go wrong with any of the above. Just see which one fits your budget and your hand best.

04-14-2008, 05:44 PM	#8
Marine1 Runnin' With The Big Dogs Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 862 Images: 4	[quote=mbrokaw8;478162]I need to get a concealed carry gun, I would really like it to be a 9mm. If you (anybody) have any suggestions or comments please help! I would greatly appreciate it! 9MM's are okay, many departments used them many years ago, when first switching from wheel guns to automatics. Today the common career criminal packs larger caliber handguns. Most departments upgraded to larger calibers, too, because of stopping power. From a law enforcement point of view, maybe you should re-think about upgrading to a .40 cal or .45 . If you need to use your gun, in self-defense or your familys defense, (God forbid)...you will want a caliber with stopping power. A chest area hit with either a .40 or .45 calibre will certainly provide you with this protection. Just my opinion on this subject.

04-15-2008, 10:23 AM	#11
Cyrano Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New York Posts: 2,287	lowercase, take a look at the Bersa Thunder 9mm Ultra Compact. 10 rounds double-stack, 3 1/2" barrel, post and outline sights, controls the same as a M1911A1 except what on the .45 is a slide safety is a decocker on the Bersa. It's thin and will conceal easily. Cost is about $300 with 2 mags, most places. The one thing I dislike about it is a S&W-type integral gun lock ahead of the slide release; but you can simply unlock it and leave it unlocked, so it's not a big deal. Load it with Hornaday TAP 9mm rounds and it will have adequate power for a one-shot stop. 9mm TAP ammo is almost as good as .45 ACP FMJ in terms of delivered stopping power (which I don't say about most 9mm bullets), and the pistol is much easier to conceal than a single-stack .45 ACP because it's thinner. Go to the gun store and take a look at one, why don't you?

04-15-2008, 10:39 AM	#13
Coeloptera Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 1,844	I have a friend who's a corrections officer and he still swears by his Glock 17 for CCW. Are you sure you're wedded to a 9mm? The Glock 36 chambers 6 rounds in a .45 with a single stack magazine. The Glock 22 comes in .40 and the Glock 27 in .40 is sub-compact. But if you want 9mm, then the Glock 26 sub-compact is an awfully comfy size. Here it is: - Coeloptera

04-15-2008, 10:47 AM	#14
PONTIACDM Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: OHIO Posts: 616	I carry the Glock 26 for ccw. You would be surprised of the accuracy in such a short barrel. I am however looking into the Kel-Tec 380 currently. I think it would be easier to conceal this summer when wearing less clothes. __________________ We are best friends but if zombies are chasing us. I'm kicking you in the leg!!

04-15-2008, 11:22 AM	#15
FS00008 Сергей Иванович Мосин Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Posts: 952 Blog Entries: 1	+1 on the Bersa. Very nice to shoot at the range even. I'd have to suggest a .45 though (Personally my preference) or a Wheelgun in .357 like my S&W M640J. Last edited by FS00008; 04-15-2008 at 11:24 AM.

04-15-2008, 12:00 PM	#16
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,675	I'm haveing 2nd thoughts about 9mm pistols, meaning I like all the fire power available in them. If the first shot doen't turn an assailant or kills them the 15, 16, 17, 18 ,20, 21 other shots should. So personaly I like the idea of owning a 9mm semi-auto pistol for concealed carry. I'm sure there's a 9mm cartridge available today that can get the job done if called on. But which pistol to buy and easely concealble ill be a disision only you can make. Fortunitly many members here know so keep checking back like I am because a new concealed carry pistol for me is in the budget. A.H

04-15-2008, 12:52 PM	#17
andrew cochran Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Little town in ARKANSAW! Posts: 2,138	I am thinking about a Ruger S-R9 __________________ If you don't have anything good to say... Don't say it!

04-15-2008, 12:58 PM	#18
ander254 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 235 Images: 5	I want to suggest again to look into a .40sw. You are only giving up a few rounds but are gaining a larger bullet. I am trying to decide myself what to get for CCW and stuck between a .40sw and a .45acp. I like the capacity of the .40 but I really like .45acp. For me the Glock 30 is too big for my hand. The 36 fits really nice but only is a 6+1 gun. I keep telling myself that if I need more than 7 bullets, I don't need to be carrying a gun.

04-15-2008, 07:26 PM	#20
mytemac Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Cape Cod Taxachusetts Posts: 7	ccw I'm also looking to buy a weapon for ccw, For some reason I'm not much of a 9mm guy. I'm looking at the Ruger 345, .45. I shot the 45 a few times in the service. I accually carried a S&W 38 (flight crew), Something "American" about the .45. Any thoughts about the Ruger on this forum?