Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

I know this may have been asked before, but I couldn't find anything on a search. I'm looking for opinions on a good, decent concealed-carry pistol.

My current employment will be making me take a temporary move up to 250 miles away from home for up to 8 months down into deep South Texas along the Mexican Border. With recent news of all the disappearances of American citizens into Mexico, I want to make sure I'm protected for my family's sake. I will be (soon) attending a concealed-carry class to obtain my permit, but I first wanted to get opinions on what would be the best pistol to have.

My personal preference has been to 9mm pistols, but that is based on my Dad having one when I was a kid. Don't have much experience other than that. I have fired a .40 & .45 cal. pistol during an exposition, but not a lot of rounds fired to gain a valuable opinion myself.

What I'm looking for. Something light and concealable (of course). But also something that will make itself noticeable if called into action (ie: a small .22 pistol is not what I would consider something to make a statement with when needed in a dire situation).

Now I have heard that a9mm will not have a lot of "knock-down" power in a life-or-death situation, but that may be off-set with the number of rounds it can carry. A .45 can carry a punch if needed, but weight and recoil effect are to also be considered. Also keep in mind that price of either new or used guns will be a factor. Reliability and consistency will also play a major role in my decisions.

I work construction and will spend a large majority of my working time in my truck. This will be the primary "residence" of whatever pistolI make a decision on, but I will also be carrying this pistol on my person from time to time.

My background for those that are interested. I have been hunting (on a regular basis) for only the last 6 years. My primary knowledge with guns pertains to shotguns and black powder rifles only. I do not have much experience or knowledge with pistols. I have fired some from time to time that have belonged to friends or relatives, but not a lot. My main goal in all of this is to keep my wife and daughter from having to cash in on my life insurance policy.

The areathat I'm heading into(Brownsville, Tx - Rio Grande Valley) is a hot-bed of international activity. From drug smuggling to illegal-alien crossing, I want to make sure I'm prepared. Call me cautious or whatever, my family comes first.

Let the discussions and opinions begin...

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

I'd recommend you look into a Sig 9mm pistol. For accuracy, consistency, reliability, etc., I think the Sig is the best I've encountered. Nice triggers, and no dang fool external safeties to contend with either. Cost may be a little more than some others, but consider it a form of "life insurance" premium.
For concealability, check out the Sig 239: 9mm, 8shot capacity. 10round mags are available.
Another good one is the Sig 229: 10shot cap., and twelve shot mags are available.
Both are available in 40S&W if you prefer.
I have the model 239. I practice with Federal American Eagle 115gr. FMJ, and carry Federal Hydra-Shok, 135gr.
Here's a link to the Sig website;
Link: http://www.sigarms.com

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

Based on your limited usae of pistols .I would say a wheel gun ( revolver) in .357 Magnum. A Smith & Wesson Model 60 would work good.Easy to use, simple operation, don't jam,and good power..JMHO

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

No such thing as "knockdown power" with any handgun you could shoot. 9x19, with modern expanding bullet designs have a proven track record, so don't sweat that part.
Autopistols do demanda higher level of training and familiarity. Problem is, if you take your CHL course with a revolver, that's all you can carry.

As for the RGV, there a a couple of things you can do to keep the odds on your side:
1. Don't go drinking at low end bars.
2. Don't get so drunk you cannot recognize a potential threat,
3.Don't try to smuggle any dope.

I've got several handguns that can be suitable for concealed carry. If you'd like to meet at a local range and try some out, drop me an email. (I'm partial to Greg Ferris' place, Cedar Creek).

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

I would recommend a quality revolver in 357 Mag with a 4” barrel. You have the option of shooting the 38 special for target and to familiarize you with the handgun and the 357 magnum round for business. The Ruger GP-100 is an excellent, accurate and dependable handgun at a very reasonable price.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

Ruger SP101 SS .38 +P. 3-1/16" Barrel

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

i have a smith 357 mag with a 2 1/2 inch barrel and with some rem golden sabers i dont think anyone wants to mess with you

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

I recently got one of the Kahr PM40 pistols. It is an excellent carry gun, accurate, light, compact, and comfortable to shoot. I would highly recomend them to anyone looking for a concealed carry gun. It also comes in 9m and 45 acp, but I think the 40 is probably your best all around caliber. Size and power is about at its optimum mix in the 40 cal.
www.kahr.com

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

I will second the vote for the Sig P239....an excellent weapon. I carry the Sig P229 in 40 S&W as my off duty weapon and would recommend it to anyone. However I think the P239 is a little better suited for concealed carry.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

I have both a Glock Model 19 in 9mm and a Ruger SP-101 in .357 Magnum. They are of similar size and weight, but I lean toward the Glock due to the 15 round capacity vs. 5 rounds in the SP-101. It is also quicker to reload. Love the Glock, reliable, durable, don't shoot lead bullets or super hot loads to avoid kabooms, and it will serve well.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

Going along with what Rebel Hog said, I'd go with the small snubnose revolver. It's quick, easy to use, and can be concealed anywhere. I have a CWP for the state of Virginia and own a small Taurus 85, .38spl snubby.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

No disrespect to those suggesting, but screw that snub nose revolver crap. You're working yourself into a situation where you have five or six rounds, maybe seven on some models, and you're out. Even if it is a .357 mag or 38, even a honkin 45 colt-one bullet, one kill. Try reloadin in a tactical situation. With a semiauto and a back up clip, reloading is much simpler.

A solid semiauto would be a better choice. You'll get more rounds, especially with smaller calibers, and they'll be easier to shoot. The recoil on my .45 acp 1911 is nothing compared to a snub nosed .357 magnum. As far as not having much experience with pistols, it's not a factor because it's easy to learn. You'll get some while taking your classes to get your permit, and after you spend some time on the range to become proficient you'll be doing fine.

There is validity to the lack of knock down power in 9mm. The Marines are being reissued 45s and old government models because the M9s aren't getting the job done. A small sized 45 could be a little heavy on the recoil though, but the 40 S&W is pretty nice. A favorite of mine is the Glock 23, it's a compact 40 s&w. Such a gun would be good for concealed carry, plus keep your bases covered should you actually need to use it. Use jacketed hollow points also. They increase the amount of damage inflicted on the person being shot due to the mushrooming of the bullet, and they prevent pass throughs. Full metal jackets will pass through and possibly hit a bystander. That's the scary thing with 9mm, the bullets are narrow and pointy compared to other calibers, so they'll go further and pass through more.

Overall, I'd suggest giong with a basic semiauto in 40 s&w or 45 acp. Shop around for glocks and Springfield XDs, maybe find a used one in good condition. Become familiar with how your firearm works, practice and become proficient, and know the laws of use of force in your state. Also keep in mind that near the border you might come across some drug smuggling activity. Consider having a scattergun with some tactical loads or a rifle with you also.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

You need to be very cautious of the size of the handgun that you select.How comfortable are you going to be wearing avest or a jacket during the summer months?Large handguns are nearly impossible to conceal unless you wear a vest or jacket. I can only imagine how hot it gets in southern Texas in the summer months. What message would it send if you were wearing a vest or jacket in the summer months? "I'm carring a handgun" maybe? If i were looking for a handgun for concealed carry i would start looking at baby Glocks, Kahrs, small frame revolvers with small grips, maybe even a Sea Camp .32. Go toyour local gunstore see what feels confortable in your hand, see what one you shoot well, see how concealable each one is. Look at holsters. How do you what to carry your handgun? Crossdraw, inside the waistband, shoulder rig? I can promise you this,whatever you deciede on it will be acompromise.You will have to make the finaldecision on what you want to compromise. Caliber, size, shootablility, confort,or concealability.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

Some good advice here, some ballistic info not so factual. For some good info on shooting statistics regarding one-stop shots visit http://www.handloads.com/misc/stoppingpower.asp?Caliber=0

Using hollowpoints, I wouldn't worry about over-penetration in any caliber.

For some discussion with a bunch of pistoleros go to http://www.stoppingpower.net/

Statistics, and a lot of them, say the old .357 Mag is the best fight stopper around. Still, If you feel comfortable with an auto, I'd go with one. I'd look for a .40 cal Glock used. A .45 would be OK as well. Lots of police trade-ins around at decent prices. I'd also get night sights. The Sigs are more expensive but no more reliable and the Glock has all the accuracy you need for self-defense.

An auto not only carries more rounds, it's a whole lot easier to reload in a fight if you ever have to. Another thing to consider is that if a gunfight takes place around an auto, the .38's and 9's won't penetrate doors or glass like the heavier slugs of a .40 or .45.

I have carried for a few decades. I'm partial to bigger bores, and own about every caliber around, except the super mags. I find myself leaving my .45's in the safe and carrying a .40 cal Model 27 Glock compact most of the time with a .32 Kel Tec in a wallet holster-- just in case.

A 30/30 or cheap SKS behind the seat is a good poor man's assault weapon as well. And you simply can't beat a 12 ga with buckshot for a close range weapon.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

Many people may disagree with this but I have a smith and wesson sigman and 9mm that I love. It is a new model and It shoots tight groups at 25 yards. It also has a capacity of 16+1. No matter what you carry though you need to shoot it it often and shoot with the ammo that you would keep it loaded with.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

I strongly agree with the recommendations of a .38/.357 wheel gun. Avail in 5, 6, 7 or (even 8) shot models. Stick with good name manufacturers. I don't think anyone mentioned bobbed hammer for no hang up on a pocket draw presentation. You will need to really think about your holster options. You'll probobly need min 2 options, maybe 3.

Aside from the wheelguns, if you were to go semi-auto I would recommend the very simplist of models from Kel-Tec, Taurus, etc...

WHATEVER WEAPON YOU CHOOSE - BECOME VERY WELL PRACTICED WITH IT!

I whope everything goes well for you. But let me give you this advice.

Learn to identify problems or problematic characters quickly. Never let your guard down. Armed or not, never be around trouble. If trouble arises, even if it does not involve you - walk away.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

I carry a Ruger 45 Auto. I also carry at times a 4 inch Taurus 357 Mag with 158 grain lead hollow point +p 38 special ammo. If you can't do it with 6-7 rounds then you won't get it done. Most gunfights take place at 7 to 10 feet. Unless you are up against a Motor cycle gang you won't have time to shoot to many times.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

Most everything in life is a tradeoff. True, most gunfights take place at 7 yards or less and involve only a shot or two. I guess it depends if you're willing to bet your life on a 90% chance of success by preparing for the statistically average situation or you want to do everything you can to stay alive and prepare for the worst-case scenario.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

for me? small frame S&W Snubby such as the 340 PD in 357... or hammerless (shrouded) airlight like the 432 PD in 38 +P... i can stick it right in my jeans pocket and no one knows the difference other than it looks like my wallet or whatever... it's easy to get to, won't snag coming out and it'll do what it is meant to if the situation calls for it...

if you have to "reload" in a close range self defense situation you are probably already dead or damn close to it...

the small snubby is easy to control... more difficult to remove from your hand, is easily concealable and unlike an auto... won't FTF or FTE and stovepipe at just the wrong moment... simple and effective for the "inside the circle" situations...

but... that's JMHO...

J

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

:D:D. Amen!

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

I have a few different pieces that I carry. My favorite would probably be the Colt Govt Model 45ACP. The Govt model is a large framed auto, but it is very slim, which means that it is not hard to conceal...especially this time of year. I usually just tuck in my tee shirt (to keep the cold steel off my belly) and then put the pistol in my waist band just behind my left pocket and put a shirt on over top of it. You can't see it when I sit, and you can't see it when I stand, and I can get it out and ready to fire in less than two seconds. If you want something smaller I would recommend a snub nose 38 revolver. You won't ever go wrong with that choice, and if you are just interested in making a good show in case things turn sour...like someone pulls a knife on you...you could load the first chamber with rat shot.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

Very, very bad idea, IMO.
if the situation calls for deadly force, you don't have time to pepper someone with a shotload brfore you get to serious ammunition. Not only that, I don't want plaintiff's attorney to ask me in front of a jury whyI shot his client with less than deadly force. If you used something less thanlethal, it's pretty much a tacit admitance that deadly force wasn't justified, at least to many juries. If you blind him with birdshot, things will really get intresting. You have WAY to much to lose in a senario like that. The situation either calls for deadly force, and you shoot to stop (and maybe kill), or it doesn't call for deadly force, and the firearm stays holstered.

Never said what I carry. Mostly a Para-Ordnance P12, in an IWB holster. Reasonably thick pullover shirt and I'm concealed enough.
When carrying a small gun, a Smith M36 with bobbed hammer. Only five rounds, so I do carry one gunload of backup ammunition in a Bianchi Speed Strip, just in case.
Never had an LEO look at me twice, even when dealing with them up close.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

For knockdown power and reliability, it's hard to beat a small reolver in .357 mag. Smith, ruger, and taurus all make good ones. 2" barrels are easy to conceal but not the most pleasant to shoot. But a revolver is the simplest, safest platform. I read that most engagements are decided in 2 or 3 shots fired.
There are some great choices in autos. Go out and hold as many brands as you can to see what fits you hand. My best friend swears by Glock but the grip angle of glocks is uncomfotable to me. My drummer swears by his Walther p99 and I have to admit it is pretty sweet. Sig is good, so is the hk p2000 and usp (maybe the best). But check out the springfield XD. I will be buying one soon in 45 GAP. Khar has a well deserved rep for quality, as does CZ
You might go to a range that rents handguns and shoot as many as you can. Lets face it. The quality of most of the big maufacturers is good. Most of the preference among shooters is brand loyalty, asthetics, and feel.
let us know what you get
okcmco
BTW, I carry a colt 1911 chip maccormick factory racer in 45acp. but it mostly rides in my van

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

I carry a Glock 27 .40S&Wwhere ever I go. Very reliable, accurate and easy to carry.

There are a good many good pistols out there. I would suggest going to a range and renting a few and trying them on for size. You need something you can shoot comfortably but also be able to carry 24/7. If it's a pain to carry then you will proably leave it at hom where it will do you no good.

Do not skimp on the gun, ammo nor the holster. A good holster will all the differnce in the world.

Springfield XD's are another good pistol to look at.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

I have a similar back ground as you do. I don't carry, but usually keep one in the car when on trips or in the back country, etc and for the same reasons as you. I'd say the most important thing is to try as many as possible. I'd go against some posts here in saying that I prefer a semi-auto to a revolver and I think the semi autos are easier to learn. My thoughts only.

I found that simplicity is mandatory and the glock and Springfield XDs don't get any simpler. I think the XD wins in the comfort category, but is a bit heavier. I have an XD and love it. I would find it too heavy though for carry. My friend has a compact XD that he carries. It shoots as well as the larger models but I still think it is too heavy.

For an acutual carry gun that I was going to have on my person, I would look for the smallest lightest I could shoot accurately with. I would even go down to .380 if I was more accurate and more prone to carry it due to smaller weight and size. Another friend has a Kel-tec in 9mm. That I would consider in this category. I think the Kahr falls there as well, but I don't have any experience with it.

My comments go against the norm in that I think semi autos are easier and that I would go down in power to be lighter, accurate and concealable. These are my thoughts and are based on "knowing me".

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

Semi auto, not revolver.

Check this out:

Llama makes a .45 sub compact. Its a little wide asto accomodate the rounds but it is still a tiny gun and its .45 acp. Not to mention you could probably get it new for $250-$350. Its certainly no show piece but its a gun.

I am only advocating the .45 for this simple reason. I am 250 lbs and I think, if im in a situation where somebody is shooting a gun at me, I probably want to reach them for one reason or another. Being 250 lbs, I believe I might be able to shake off a couple of 9mm rounds and still do some damage (not saying I wouldnt pay the consequences later) but with a .45, I do believe I would think twice before getting back up. I dont know maybe thats just the Marine in me. Hope it helps.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

With the Quality ammo available today the 9mm Luger will work just fine!Glock,Sig,Ruger,Taurus are a few good ones you should check out.The great .357mag in a 6-Shot revovler 4" or 6" with your little handgun experience would be easier to handle,Also a quality 1911 .45acp is allways a great choice.Basically whatever shoots and feels good to you.Maybe buy one for you and your wife AND your daughter!!!!!!Viva Tejas

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

para-ordance 45 wart hog 10oz unloaded very small and designed to have minimal recoil im getting one as soon as i get the funds shot one at the range and love it they cost between 400-800 dollars shop around to get a good price if in pa i can tell you where to go for best price

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

If you can "shake off" a double tap hit to center mass with a couple of Corbon 115 grain 9mm+P then a 45 ACP round ain't gonna do any good either.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

Irish, the man is looking for a concealed, carry hand gun for protection. He's not going into battle. If you can get the job done with 6 rounds, you better move out of that neighborhood.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

You know what I mean, the .45 IMO is most famous for its "Knock Down power" I dont know about your fancy ammo, but I do believe if you are using fully jacketed round nose bullets (which is what we use in the beretta 9mm in the Marines), I dont see a 9mm bringing me to the ground on the first shot, unless it is a fatal shot, which we allKNOW is not always going to be the case.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

by international law the military must use ball ammo (FMJ)... in the civilian ranks that isn't so... a high performance JHP is gonna make a real mess of anything it enters... unlike a FMJ which is meant to just make a nice neat hole and wound channel...

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

Yes I know all about the ball ammo, I am Air Force. Believe me, I would much rather carry a 1911 on my hip than an M9 since we are forced to use FMJ. However, using modern ammo the 9mm can be just as effective as the 45 ACP. Most people can handle the recoil of a 9mm much better than that of a 45, so they can shoot it better. If you can shoot a weapon well, it increases your confidence, which makes you shoot more, which makes you shoot better etc.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

I think guys that put too much confidence in the new ammo for 9's and lighter are overlooking the fact that we don't get to pick the place and time for a dangerous encounter. These rounds just won't penetrate car doors, windshields, steel doors, walls like heavier rounds will.

I generally carry a .40 or .45, with a hollow point in the tube and then alternate FMJ's and hollowpoints. I want the ability to shoot through an object if the BG has cover.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

I think some guys watch too much TV. Most handgun shootings occur within 7 yards. As far as a 9mm penetrating windows, car doors etc, maybe you should do a little testing before you form an opinion.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

Now this is true and untrue, I have watched ballistic and performance tests and the .45 acp has the ability to penetrate cinder blocks. IMO that means it can go through a car door as well. Now on that same show, it proves that when shooting through automobile glass, that often your rounds are deflected so much, thata human size target is quite safe from a single shot through a windshield. I havent seen these tests with a 9mm though.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

Law enforcement tests consistently show that auto glass is the toughest barrier to penetrate and hollow point ammo continues to have problems with the jacket separating from the core and even if they penetrate have come apart and lack significant penetration beyond the glass.

Since the guy who started this thread said he will carry this gun in his truck most of the time, I think it prudent that he consider the ability to shoot through auto glass.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

The .40S&W Speer Gold Dot in 180 grain has been tested against automobile glass and doors and has tested well. It passed in a joint test here and passed the FBI test. It is our duty ammo and I also carry it in my off duty weapon. Excellent round.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

just to put my two cents in. i will recommend the glock 30. it gives you the sub compact glock size in 45 acp. it holds 10+1. i shot one today and it really doesn't have that much recoil or muzzle flip. i was extremely surprised to find this out. i actually think that the subcompact 40 had more muzzle flip. also i tried out the gun in a concealed carry holster both in the front and the back and it wasn't noticeable at all and i'm skinny. so i would definately recommend the 30. plus i saw some personal defence loads that had been shot and frankly... any person that got shot with one of the wouild about have to be dead or wish they were. they were mean looking to say the least. so there's my $.02.

RE: Looking for a good pistol for concealed carry
 

that's a very good idea and it isn't the first time i've heard it. that's what i would recommend doing too. when i get my cwp that's what i'll do. personally it makes the most sense.