I want a good carry/conceal pistol. Any suggestions? I want something small in actual size that can be hidden easily, but require something in a large enough caliber to have some snot to it. Sure would be nice if it was accurate at the same time. Is shootability too much to ask for? Thanks everyone!

I carry a KEL-TEC p-11 9mm .It is smaller than a 2" 38 and it holds 11 rounds .You can get a pocket clip so it can be carryed in a pocket or in the waistband without a holster. In my area cops isued a S&W 9mm carry them off duty because the S&W hi-cap mags fit the gun. It is rated for some use of +p ammo ,I carry REM goldensaber 124gr +p ammo.

I just bought a Bulgarian 9mm Makarov for $130. Post WWII military manufactured with a chrome bore and in excellent overall condition.
I am going to have it finished, internals and all, by Ed A. Brown Co. in their propriatary "French grey" which is a metal surface coating that makes the gun impervious to just about anything. I can have Novak carry sights installed for $120 through www.makarov.com
It came w/ 2-8rd mags cleaning rod and a spare set of grips.
I plan to carry it on a daily basis once it gets refinished.
Their reliability, IMO, is unmatched, and ...as always...if you do your part, the gun will do it's!

It might be helpful to let us know how much you have to spend. If you have the cash go for a Kimber compact, I firmly believe that bigger holes are better. or for a few hundred less you can get a Glock, I am a huge fan of the combat tupperware. Those things come so small that I can only get my middle and ring finger on the grips and thats a .45!

I installed a set of Novaks on Mrs. Charley's Mak. Makes a good gun MUCH better. Matter of fact, I would go with the sights before the refinishing, prority wise.
I carried a Kel-Tec P11 for two years, always worked, and so light you could almost forget it was on the belt. Now I carry a Para-Ordnance P12 with an alloy frame. Just something about making a bigger hole. I never felt underarmed with a 9x19, but the .45 just makes me fell better.

The Sub-Compact Glocks (#269mm, #27.40S7W & #33.357sig) are all good choices. Easy to conceal in a IWB or even a Smartcarry. The Springfield XD Sub-Compact in 9mm & .40S&W are another good choice. http://www.glock.com

My Glock 27 is just as accurate as my full size Glock 22 in the same caliber and just as reliable.

CZ also has a new Sub-Compact called the CZ Rammni in .40S&W and 9mm, a good feeling gun. CZ's are a great gun all together. http://www.czusa.com

Kahr also makes some really nice weapons that are super easy to conceal. In .40S&W and 9mm in both steel and polymer with single stack magazines. http://www.kahr.com/front.html


With all of that said, try to get to a range and try some of these out including the Kimbers and Para's mentioned above. They are all great guns but each person likes and feels comfortable with something differn't. Good luck!

Well I guess somebody has to give a nod to the wheel gun.Most of the time I carry a S&W Model 60 in .357 Magnum.Small, powerful, and shoots pretty dang good.All for around $500.

Hi bownutty,

In addition to not knowing your price range we also aren't aware of your experience level with handguns. As well as other relevant information. For instance will another person(s) be using it as well, (spouse, significant other, etc.). But some general information.

If you have no experience, or limited experience with a handgun you might want to consider a small revolver. Like a J frame S&W or a small Tarus, or even a used Colt. Small "snubnosed" revolvers are more difficult to shoot accurately but they have a very easy to learn manual of arms. They also frequently tend to be less intimidating to new shooters because there is much less likely hood of needing to perform an immediate action drill to clear a stoppage. Because of their trigger mechanisms and their natures they have no slide releases, no manual safety mechanisms to be activated/deactivated, and to a large degree they are less prone to accidental discharges over a pistol with only a "trigger safety system". They can be had in fairly substantial calibers as well. Additionally they are not "ammo sensitive" like most autos tend to be. In other words if you have a .357 Magnum you can shoot anything through it from full power .357 Magnum loads all the way down and through .38 Special wadcutters. Quite a power range.

Having said all of that, it should also be pointed out that if you already have some experience or are willing to seek and participate in some training there are many semiautos that can and will provide very good service as concealed carry pieces. They tend to be easier to shoot accurately than a 2" snubbie, have a larger magazine capacity, are flatter and a little easier to conceal, quicker to reload (generally), and also can be had in serious calibers.

When it's all said and done the best way to determine what will best fit your needs is to go to a local range that has a reasonable selection of rental guns. If you are not familiar with them make sure you let the rangemaster know so at that time. Rent and try as many firearms as you can that appeal to you for whatever reason. And if you are serious you might even want to attend a one day or weekend course on firearms safety, ccw laws in your state, and defensive shooting basics. After all of that you should have a much clearer "picture" of which gun will best fill your needs. Try to spend what you can afford to get reasonable quality and do your "homework" before you spend your money. Remember that usually you get what you pay for, but, there are a few exceptions. The Makarov was mentioned for one. It is an inexpensive gun, but it is not cheap. There are also some really good deals on used guns if you are careful and know a little about what to look for. Just insure if you buy a used gun you know and trust the shop/owner you bought it from and they will give you a limited warranty to allow you to check it and fire it!

Selecting a CCW doesn't have to be difficult, but you should be informed. Make sure you buy a gun you are comfortable with, has a good history of satisfactory performance/reliability, and only believe half of what you hear at gunshops and gun forums. The trick is learning to discern which half to believe, and which half is bull! Good luck to you and your decision to carry!

Stay safe and be competent.

Dave