Mikebambam

So let me pose another question! Hopefully it hasn't been asked. What action do you recommend for CCW? My wife and I jus took our CCW class and the guy that taught it is very informed. He trains the trainers at all the local ranges. He gave me hell for purchasing a SAO P938 for my wife and I's CCW. He said that we would need to practice 2 hrs a week for 6-12 months in order to be proficient with it enough to carry daily. That obviously concerns me coming from a professional. Although he did talk up the quality of the gun he just never suggests newbies to get a single action as they require more steps to be ready to fire. My plan was to carry it chambered and cocked (forgot the term this is called! Condition 1?). I don't think my wife is as comfortable to carry this way since it will be in a pocket holster in her purse and will get knocked around a bit. So to sum up I am in the market for a double action compact for my wife but I like the safety feature and to throw a wrench in this I am left handed and would like to be able to use her gun safely as well. All this in a $350 or less price range! I can bet there are probably only a select few out there like this. i would appreciate the recommendations. Sorry for the lengthy post.

Riverkilt

Jeez, I only agree with him on one....the mouse gun.

I keep mine in the drop down sunglass holder in my car. Figure wherever the car is I'm there too so when I get out of the car I can just slip it in my pocket - or if its a prohibited venue I can leave it close in the car...

mmelugin48

Rather than a theoretical top 10 I thought I would list the 10 I do carry in the order of frequency of carry. A couple of factors. 1) I live in an area that has relatively little violent crime. 2) I live in coastal NC where it tends to be warmish 8 months of the year. Also there are things in life that we say we should do...then because it's easier or quicker...we do the easier thing....

1. KelTec P32
2. Kahr PM9
3. Glock 29sf
4. Kimber Ultra CDP
5. Sig P230
6. S&W 3913
7. Sig P225
8. S&W 36
9. Ruger SP101 (.357)
10. S&W 63

I would say the P32 and PM9 represent 60% of when I carry with the remainding 8 representing 38%...

mmelugin48

I take it you are both new to handguns? First I would suggest you buy a .22 pistol like the Ruger Target .22 to practice with. They are very accurate and they are cheap to shoot. This will allow you both to develop good shooting skills.

2nd I would suggest something like a Kahr CW9 if you want to stay w/ 9mm. Or maybe the smaller Ruger LCP in .380. The LCP is literally a "pocket pistol" yet fires a round that is generally deemed appropriate for slf defense. I have found myself that the smaller the gun (within limits...I have a tiny derringer I never carry) the more likely you are to carry it.

Dirty J

Any list that doesn't include the Kahrs and Walther PPS is a sham!

Some people give Walther flack for the mag release of the PPS/PPQ, but I find it to be far superior. No changing of your grip (at all) to drop a mag.

SiGDaK

I go with the K.I.S.S. concept for CCW. Personally depending on time of year, where I am, and what I'm doing.

My List:
Sig P226r .40 cal.
Sig P229r .40 cal.

I have shot smaller weapons, but the problem I run into is getting bit by the slide on recoil. So personally I don't like smaller weapons, or anything under 9mmP for personal protection. You need to go with what fits you, and your abilities.

JGKC9AYC

Those of you with large hands, are you like me & are uncomfortable holding some of these small firearms?
Perhaps it's just me, but if I can't get my whole hand on the grip, it just don't feel right.

Dirty J

I'm with ya. I don't like these lil' two finger grip pistols.

I'm a big fan of the Kahr CW9 over the CM9.

I like the Walther PPS, with the different factory mag options 6rd (flush), 7rd (just enough to get the pinkie on) or 8rd (full size grip).

They're just thin. That's what I'm after in a CCW.

4" barrel... full size grip.. but around 1" thick is just about perfect.

Vetteguy904

I'll refine my early post down to two. for summer, p938 for winter, p225 or the 938.

hwarang54

I know this sounds a little..... insane.... to some people, but you should purchase a p250 gen 2 2sum kit. It has ambidextrous slide releases and the mag release button can be changed. Also, the 2sum kit comes with 1 firing control unit (the mechanisms that actually make your gun go bang), a full size barrel, slide, and grip as well as a subcompact (or compact, I cant remember) barrel, slide and grip. You can chamber it in 9mm, .357 sig, .40 S&W or .45 ACP. Sig sells kits that allow you to change to any size and caliber (all sold separately). The trigger is DAO and the gun has no safeties. It is a point and shoot gun, no safeties to disengage or hammers to cock back. You have to practice to acquaint yourself with the long trigger pull. Apparently, if you ever shoot double action revolvers, this won't take as long. For me, it took about 50 rounds. I have only shot SA/DA, besides my p250.


Did I mention that the fire control unit is the ONLY part that's serialized?

Esox

I only need 3 to fulfill all of my needs.
P238.
P938
EMP 9mm

Simpleman71

Looks like there are lots of good ideas and options out there. The following are in my carry rotation in order of how often I carry them.

Sig P220 carry
Glock 23 gen 4
smith and wesson shield - 9mm
ruger lcp 380 - only carry when running

I have a crossbreed holster for my Sig P229 chambered in .40 but have yet to add it to my carry rotation. For what it's worth if I could only have one it would be the sig P220

Phinhead  

The only reasonable explanation for someone not having a Crimson Trace LCR near the top of the list is that you don't own one.

Mack

I grew up hunting with rifles and shotguns. Never shot a pistol till basic in 1968. Uncle Sam gave me a 1911. I like a safety. I think younger shooters like DAO because that is what they learned on. I carry a 938 or 238 edc. They handle just like the old .45. Comfortable and comforting...

Phinhead  

Walked into the store and they had a surprise Shield on the truck.

I took it home for my wife.

Some caparisons. I like my RS much better for carry, but the Shield is nice.