TBT
New Member
Posts: 11
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Post by TBT on Jan 18, 2004 22:33:37 GMT -5
Hey guys, new to the board and just now decided to post and get opinions. I’ve frequented the handgun reviews.com site for some time and have just recently noticed that there was a message board along with it. I guess I can chalk that up to my impressive observation skills.
I’m somewhat new to guns by most standards. I bought a Ruger P944 about two years ago to use at the range. About a year ago a personal situation forced me to look into carrying a weapon. I bought a Taurus PT140 and had nothing but problems with it. After several mishaps and warranty work, I decided that the gun did not have my faith. I will not carry a gun that I do not trust, so I sold it and am now back in the market.
My question to you all is simple. What is the best concealed carry gun out there in the market? After the Taurus abortion, I am focused on quality more than anything. I would like a gun that is also good at the range, but carry is the number one thing.
Money is not much of an issue at all for me. I would love to spend $500 and be done with it, but I have no problem spending a grand if need be. I’m partial to the autoloaders but will not rule out a revolver. I really like the .40 and 45 …
Right now I am thinking about going with the Kimber Eclipse Ultra II or the Kimber Ultra Carry II. I really like the feel of the Eclipse, even though it is a bit heavy. The XD line from Springfield Armory is a possibility, but their .40 models seem a little large frame wise for carry.
What would you guys recommend? Am I on the right track?
Thanks for any and all input. This site is a kings ransom in knowledge and I plan to utilize it when possible. Thanks again!
TBT
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Post by spencer411 on Jan 18, 2004 23:07:39 GMT -5
The Heckler and Koch P7M8 might be what you are looking for. It is safe, small, very reliable and accurate to boot. Your going to spend more than 500 on it though. But you said money is not an issue so I would def check them out. They are not the best looking guns, but if your smart that wont really matter if its really quality you are after. If your gonna trust your life with a CCW, the P7M8 is right up your alley. Although I think you can only get it in 9MM.
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TBT
New Member
Posts: 11
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Post by TBT on Jan 18, 2004 23:16:23 GMT -5
Well, I'm not real big on the 9mm ... but I will check it out. HK is know to be quality, but I kind of overlooked them.
What it looks like means nothing to me.
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Post by spencer411 on Jan 18, 2004 23:20:51 GMT -5
Yeah, I hear you im not huge on the 9mm either. But, I have a been told that this is arguably the best CCW available. Have only shot one, but it is def quality. You can tell when you shoot it. Very nice, but pricey.
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Post by MLB on Jan 18, 2004 23:26:13 GMT -5
"Best"? Well, that's hard to say. But I do know that many people interested in concealing a .40 like the Kahr PM40. Dosen't do much for me, but seems to fit the bill.
Hope this helps..
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Post by The Jeffly Has Spoken on Jan 18, 2004 23:31:29 GMT -5
Check out the Sig Sauer P239 in .40 S&W. It's my primary carry gun (when I can't carry the fullsize, that is) and I love it. Conceals well, and actually is a fun range gun, at that.
A lot of people absolutely love the little Glocks, too, and despite the flak I don't think their bad at all. They're also more in the $500 range.
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Post by raph8erxxx on Jan 18, 2004 23:34:58 GMT -5
I personally carry a smith and wesson model 60 .357 revolver. with a 2 1/8" barrel Its absolutly the most reliable gun i have and i have some high end semi autos. I work in conditions where dirt and such is a common thing so the revolver is a nobrainer. The .357 is a serious round out of a gun that size so recoil is a factor. The gun only holds 5 rounds but its a good trade for the size of it.
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Post by spencer411 on Jan 18, 2004 23:37:11 GMT -5
I wasnt even thinking about a revolver. But its a great option for CCW. You can get a very quality reliable revolver that is the perfect size for that.
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mikolev
Junior Member
Land Power!
Posts: 83
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Post by mikolev on Jan 18, 2004 23:58:07 GMT -5
I like the Taurus Model 605 in .357 magnum with a 2in. barrel. The .357 Mag is arguably the best self defense round ever made, and a revolver allows for less probability of gun malfunction. Also, Taurus has earned my respect and patronage with their revolvers, much more so than their semi autos.
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Post by XavierBreath on Jan 19, 2004 2:48:52 GMT -5
A carry gun is a very personal choice. Above all you must have confidence in your gun's function and your ability to use it. Next on the list is the need for a private citizen to be able to conceal it. If you cannot carry it with the clothes you normally wear then you are likely to leave it at home more than you should. Caliber is important. You want to have as few shots fired with maximum effectiveness. The type of action of a carry gun is a source of endless debate. I play it safe and carry DAO pistols. Accuracy is crucial. If you cannot hit a moving target fast at 15 feet with your pistol, then you should consider a 2X4 instead.
The Kimber Ultra Carry is a fine weapon, and should be a very nice, concealable pistol. It's only pitfall IMHO is it's a SA pistol. I'm not a Kimber guy, but I have to respect their pistols. A 1911 style pistol conceals extremely well due to it's narrow width.
The HK P7 series of pistols are great carry weapons if you feel as though you can count on a 9mm. I like my P7. It's a German Police trade-in I picked up for $650. The HK squeezecockers are about the safest pistol out there. They are also very quick, instinctive and accurate. They made them in a .40 for a couple of years, but those are very hard to find. The rest are 9mm. Be aware that my first P7 broke on the first 100 rounds. They are not indestructible. They also require meticulous cleaning. But then any carry weapon should be clean as a whistle.
Other great carry guns to consider are Kahrs. Kahr designs pistols for the private citizen to carry concealed. They are high quality pistols with a lot of variations. I carried a Kahr K40 for a while. My wife carries it now.
If I did not mention Glocks I would be remiss. Glock makes some good small but fat pistols for concealment. I'm not a Glock fan, but that does not mean you should not take a look at their product. many people swear by them.
For a while I carried a HK USPc in .40. It's a great pistol, and I would stake my life on it. Problem is, I need a jacket to conceal it. That doesn't work well in Louisiana summers.
Expect to change guns and carry rigs several times before you find the one that is right for you. One size and one system does not fit all. I think you are on the right track though.
FWIW, I now carry a Paraordnance C6.45LDA, which is a 3 inch 1911 style pistol in DAO format. It carries 7 rounds of .45ACP. I carry it either in a Don Hume JIT under a jacket, or in a SmartCarry holster with a spare magazine. It has been the best compromise for me.
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Post by tptplayer on Jan 19, 2004 7:02:24 GMT -5
As always, XavierBreath does a great job of summing things up. I also feel there is a matter of perceived threat. If I were doing a drug bust, I would want at least one .45 and a backup. (A 12 gauge is hard to conceal.) As it is, I live and work in a safe area and I am in much more danger of being hit and hurt/killed by a drunk driver than being attacked by a thief or gunman. I have never been robbed face to face but have been hit twice and hospitalized once by drunk drivers. Maybe I should wear a crash helmet. I usually carry a Kahr PM9. If I carry something larger it is just because I can.
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Post by Ricochet on Jan 19, 2004 9:12:05 GMT -5
I would go for .40 caliber for home defense for sure. But for CCW, I would certainly consider 9 mm. In fact I would agree with the earlier post recommending a S&W Model 60 .357 revolver as a good option. I've shot one of those babies at the range recently and they are impressive. One thing I like with them is you can fire .38 or .38+P at the range until you get used to it and graduate to the full .357 cartridge.
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Post by TA on Jan 19, 2004 15:15:12 GMT -5
TBT,
I have an XD and I do have trouble getting it tucked up tight against my waist. I am going to experiment with different holsters, but I think it will print if not wearing something heavy over it. That being said, I am going to buy a Sig P239 for CCW. They are fairly compact and extremely well made. I am going to get the .40 S&W so I can also get a .357 Sig barrel and interchange. A very good gun and can be found for $550.00 or less.
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TBT
New Member
Posts: 11
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Post by TBT on Jan 19, 2004 18:29:47 GMT -5
Check out the Sig Sauer P239 in .40 S&W. It's my primary carry gun (when I can't carry the fullsize, that is) and I love it. Conceals well, and actually is a fun range gun, at that. A lot of people absolutely love the little Glocks, too, and despite the flak I don't think their bad at all. They're also more in the $500 range. Well this brings me to one of my serious dilemmas concerning the features of several popular choices for concealed carry. Maybe I am mislead, and I’m sure you all could straighten me out on it … As far as I can tell the Sig P239 has the same feature (or lack there of) that has kept me weary of the Glocks. The lack of a manual safety. I don’t know … that makes me nervous. To carry a gun without one in the chamber seems like a waste of time and I’m not sure that I would be comfortable carrying a “live gun” without a safety. Am I wrong for feeling this way? Maybe there is nothing to worry about. If there isn’t, then I do have the Sig and Glock to choose from as well. I really do like that Sig. Much better price than the Kimber Eclipse II I was leaning towards. And as the post above said, you can change in-between the .40 and the 357SIG cartridge. A nice feature indeed. Again I want to thank you all for the time you have taken to assist me in this decision. Reading from this fount of information on these pages has really made me realize how much I do indeed have left to learn. Thank you all. TBT |
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Post by cnemikeman on Jan 19, 2004 19:02:09 GMT -5
Well this brings me to one of my serious dilemmas concerning the features of several popular choices for concealed carry. Maybe I am mislead, and I’m sure you all could straighten me out on it … As far as I can tell the Sig P239 has the same feature (or lack there of) that has kept me weary of the Glocks. The lack of a manual safety. I don’t know … that makes me nervous. To carry a gun without one in the chamber seems like a waste of time and I’m not sure that I would be comfortable carrying a “live gun” without a safety. Am I wrong for feeling this way? Maybe there is nothing to worry about. If there isn’t, then I do have the Sig and Glock to choose from as well. I really do like that Sig. Much better price than the Kimber Eclipse II I was leaning towards. And as the post above said, you can change in-between the .40 and the 357SIG cartridge. A nice feature indeed. Again I want to thank you all for the time you have taken to assist me in this decision. Reading from this fount of information on these pages has really made me realize how much I do indeed have left to learn. Thank you all. TBT Well, I'm going to chime in and give you my .02. First, Xavier said it best: your CCW gun will be a personal choice. Your concerns on the SIG are understandable.... I believe most people carry one racked and decocked, so that the first pull is a double-action pull. It's not a 'revolver' style DA pull, but it does take some effort. The Glock has the safety pull on the trigger, and that is its safety device. They are solid, reliable guns for those who are comfortable with that design. The Kimber ( which will also apply to the HK) would be carried 'cocked and locked'.... the benefit of the 1911 style gun would be the added bonus that there are "3" safety mechanisms: the grip safety needs engaged, the manual safety needs clicked off, and the trigger needs pulled. Some people never feel comfortable with this method. Only you can know for yourself. One thing on a 1911 gun, I would say go for the LARGEST frame style that you can conceal. If you are 5'6" and 140, chances are you can't conceal a full size frame. I'm 6'1" and 235, so for me its a bit easier. I happen to like the "commander size" frame for CCW. Personal preference. Caliber is important, but shot placement is the MOST important.  3 hits with a 9mm outscores clean misses with anything else. ;D I think something along the lines of a S&W snubby revolver may be worth looking into. They are now incredibly light ( titanium frames now available) and pack a serious wallop. Of course, no "safety", but you've got to PULL that trigger, and it's not exactly 3 lb. pull, either. If you can shoot all of these before making a decision, it will certainly help out your cause. Good luck, and I'm sure you will find TONS of good advice here. We've got some top notch guys with top notch advice. DA and Xavier ( and everyone else not mentioned specifically ) are always willing to help. Keep us updated... MiKeMaN |
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3 hits with a 9mm outscores clean misses with anything else. ;D I think something along the lines of a S&W snubby revolver may be worth looking into. They are now incredibly light ( titanium frames now available) and pack a serious wallop. Of course, no "safety", but you've got to PULL that trigger, and it's not exactly 3 lb. pull, either. If you can shoot all of these before making a decision, it will certainly help out your cause. Good luck, and I'm sure you will find TONS of good advice here. We've got some top notch guys with top notch advice. DA and Xavier ( and everyone else not mentioned specifically ) are always willing to help. Keep us updated...