CCW Pistol Recommendations

[Storz]

^^ Thanks for the info. I've shot quite a few of the guns on my list through friends etc. The one that fits my hand the best and I enjoyed firing the most was the Bersa 380. I plan to carry IWB most of the time. I used to do quite a bit of small bore shooting back when I lived in MI (bullseye, silhouette etc) so I understand how important good fit is

 

[Metcalf]

My choice...

I'm partial to 1911's. This one is a very early model Kimber compact ( 4" barrel, officers frame, all steel ) in 45 apc. The holster I made myself and the clips are from Comp-Tac. I bought it used and still spend a fair bit more than $350.

I like how the thin 1911 carries, functions, and would carry one in 9mm, 38 super, .40, 10mm, or 45 apc. Caliber doesn't matter as much as shot placement. Bad guys are known NOT to give up the fight after being shot even with a shotgun, rifle, etc. Getting shots on target consistently under stress is what matters.

I would also suggest you look at the Smith and Wesson M&P line. Specifically the .40 caliber full size version ($450 at jet guns) specifically for the reason that you can get a .357 sig barrel and/or a 9mm conversion barrel. You can't do the same with the 9mm slide.

This is basically what I will be building next.....gotta keep evolving.

Good luck on your hunt!

 

[thebrassnuckles]

I've looked at the RIA Officers sized 1911 up at the gun shop a few times, it fits my hand well, and is actually pretty small, its just that its heavy and in the summer when its 100* here I wear pretty light clothes and worry about the extra weight.

Do you carry your 1911 cocked and locked? Its something I go back and forth on about carrying a 1911

I should add on my comment about limp wristing the P11 that it only happened once, and when I was made aware of it I had no other issues.

IMHO there is no other way to carry one. If i need it I want it to be ready. Condition 1 always.

I also feel that any change in the way you carry can be a potentially deadly mistake. If you carry in condition 1, and the the next day you carry another way and you need to use your weapon, when you try to take care of business and squeeze the trigger, and it goes click.. thats a pretty bad day.

(I dont have my CCW, I havent been able to figure out a "good cause" statement that my sheriff will accept.. I need to get on it. I am trying to get out of this godforsaken state, so paying the fees could be a moot point....)


I do think that if/when I do get my CCW I will carry my XD's. I went through 2 different handgun courses, and I can run the XD way faster and more accurately. that may be due to the size of my hands, or the fact that when I bring it up to the point position, it is already on the target..

Aso, with the 1911 I found that during type 3 malfunction drills, I sometimes bump the safety, effectively locking the slide in place until I realize what is going on.. again due to my hand size.
I love my 1911, but my XDs just work better for my hand size and muscle memory.

YMMV

 

[Metcalf]

I too carry a 1911 condition one ( cocked and locked ). Once you understand the functioning of the 1911 this should be a non-issue. Between the beaver-tail safety, the manual safety, and most 1911's having an extended beaver-tail over the hammer....there isn't an issue of the weapon going off inadvertently.

If you like the way a 1911 feels I highly suggest looking at the M&P line. With the manual safety version you can carry over almost all the controls from the 1911 in case you train back and forth. To me, the M&P feels VERY close to the 1911 with the 'small' backstrap. Bowie tactical even does an LX trigger for the M&P that is almost like your standard 1911 short single action trigger.

 

[WJinTRSC]

I agree with thebrassnuckles. I'm certainly not one to tell someone what to do w/ your money and I by no means know your personal situation, but you get what you pay for with guns. Take your time, shop around, talk to people and do some research. It will serve you well and you'll find a great deal on a gun really like as apposed to settling. I tried the cheaper route w/ my Kahr CW40 and wasn't happy with it at all due to reliability. It will soon be sold since I replaced it with a Glock 27 that I bought VERY LIGHTLY used for $450.00 on No-Tax-On-Guns-Day in SC. After lots of rounds and ZERO problems, I'm very happy with the decision and wish I had done that to start with. Just my .02

A gun is an investment.

 

[thebrassnuckles]

I agree with thebrassnuckles. I'm certainly not one to tell someone what to do w/ your money and I by no means know your personal situation, but you get what you pay for with guns. Take your time, shop around, talk to people and do some research. It will serve you well and you'll find a great deal on a gun really like as apposed to settling. I tried the cheaper route w/ my Kahr CW40 and wasn't happy with it at all due to reliability. It will soon be sold since I replaced it with a Glock 27 that I bought VERY LIGHTLY used for $450.00 on No-Tax-On-Guns-Day in SC. After lots of rounds and ZERO problems, I'm very happy with the decision and wish I had done that to start with. Just my .02

A gun is an investment that your life, and others may, depend on

fixed it for you

 

[Zatara]

Pistols are a very personal choice. What works for one may not for another and because most modern pistols are good quality it only comes down to how they feel in your hand.
I have owned SIGS, HKs, Glocks, and various others over the years and now I only own and shoot Glocks and 1911s.
For me, they point naturally and I shoot them better than the others.
I would HIGHLY recommend a Glock 19 for your CCW.

 

[Wyowanderer]

I highly, highly, highly doubt someone getting tagged with 7+1 rounds of .380acp (aka: 9mm short) is going to continue the fight. There's a great round (Corbon DPX, I think) that is very reliable, otherwise ball ammo works great in them.

Yup. It's less important how big the projectile is as where you place it. I'd much rather use a gun I can control than a cannon I can't. But even a cannon will work if you practice, practice, practice.

 

[1911]

I've looked at the RIA Officers sized 1911 up at the gun shop a few times, it fits my hand well, and is actually pretty small, its just that its heavy and in the summer when its 100* here I wear pretty light clothes and worry about the extra weight.

A quality belt and a purpose-made IWB holster from one of the quality semi-custom holster makers are the keys to concealing a 1911 pistol. With the right equipment as stated, they actually conceal rather well because they are fairly thin. I carry either a full-size or Commander-size 1911 every day, and 99% of the time I'm wearing jeans and a t-shirt or a light-weight un-tucked short sleeve collared shirt.

Do you carry your 1911 cocked and locked? Its something I go back and forth on about carrying a 1911

Condition One (cocked & locked) is the ONLY way to carry a 1911; it's designed and made to carry that way and perfectly safe to do so.

 

[Scott B.]

^^ Thanks for the info. I've shot quite a few of the guns on my list through friends etc. The one that fits my hand the best and I enjoyed firing the most was the Bersa 380. I plan to carry IWB most of the time. I used to do quite a bit of small bore shooting back when I lived in MI (bullseye, silhouette etc) so I understand how important good fit is

That's good to hear. I wasn't sure of my audience, so I tried to post a generic answer (and maybe of interest to other readers.) Not intending to insult/offend.

 

[Storz]

Just got back from the gunshop, spent some time handling everything on my list and once again I am drawn back to the Bersa 380. It is the one I am going to go with

 

[nwoods]

There's NIB one for $275 on GunBroker.com
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=208231028

 

[Storz]

There's NIB one for $275 on GunBroker.com
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=208231028

Thats actually more than my local shop has them for :Wow1:

 

[Expedition Key]

Just bought the Bersa .380 myself. Waiting the 10 day wait for pickup, I'll post a review afterwards. I am very happy with the purchase, I probably spent at least 50 hours researching the thing before purchase.

I also ordered 500 rounds of UMC 95 grn, and 60 of the Cor bon dxp.and a aFobus holster.

I think I'll be happy with the purchase, the size, knockdown, recoil etc really fits my needs.

Any of you check out the video of the Bersa rep(s) continually firing 1000 rounds out one pistol... http://www.bersa.com/videos/test.html ...pretty cool

Kye

 

[gary in ohio]

I am going to be submitting my CCW paperwork next week and shortly there after recieving my permit for concealed carry :wings:

My search has begun for a pistol. I'll have a budget of about 350 max, so I am somewhat limited. I would prefer to go with 9mm, but may go with .380 as there are quite a few to choose from. My list so far

Kahr CW9 - fits me great, but a little over budget
Kel Tec PF9 - fits the budget, def small and compact.
S&W .380 Bodyguard - not too crazy on the 380, but its small and from a good manufactorer.

Any other recommendations?

The gun that works for you is the correct gun for CCW. There are a pile of compact 9m out there and more coming with next weeks shot show (anyone here going?).

Unless you have had a chance to shoot one of the guns its hard to tell whats correct for you. Lots of factors are in the decision, Your hand size, where you will carry, what state you live (or travel in). Find a range with a loaner program and spend some money renting a few guns before you buy.

I like my Glock 26 for carry, but that's me. Others, anything short of a double stack 1911 is to small. Your budget is on the low end of many compacts.


Whatever you do get a good belt, good holster and practice. Know your local/state laws and practice some more.