Concealed weapon suggestions wanted

canislatrans54

canislatrans54

New member
Although I don't travel, & I realize there are many places (buildings) that don't allow concealed weapons......given the current rise in the popularity of "the knockout game", as well as seemingly growing numbers of mass shootings...I am giving some thought into possibly applying for a carry permit sometime during 2014-2015.

I won't be overly concerned with having a large capacity magazine.
Nor am I overly concerned whether it's a semi-auto, or a revolver.

I would want something compact.

And, also a caliber that would be capable of "stopping power"...(ie: not a killing shot, yet I want the other guy to be incapable of running off).

I'm not overly picky about manufacturer, although I have always been fond of Ruger, Taurus, Beretta, and Browning. But I know there are many others (S&W, Springfield, Walther, ect.), who make excellent pistols as well, so I'm not against looking into any manufacturer suggestions.
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What's the opinion....38 Special vs .380 vs .9x19mm (9mm) vs .10mm vs .10x22mm S&W (.40S&W) vs whatever??
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I've never owned a large caliber centerfire handgun.
I've owned several .22LR semi-autos & revolvers over the years...as well as a couple worthless .25 cal compact semis back in the '80s.

Given the current total lack of available .22LR ammo, I figure it'd be better to go centerfire......that is, if those calibers are any more readily available.
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Ruger SP-101 or Ruger LC9 are my favored 2. Have several others, but those are my favored 2. The Ruger LCP or Kel tec P-3AT are too small to be manageable. The Sp-101 .357mag is an absolutely fantastic piece.

I'm super interested in getting a SigSauer P938. My wife has a P238 that's probably the finest micropistol on the market. The 938 is just a bit larger, firing a 9mm instead of a 380auto.

I like owning a Ruger LCP .380acp for the simple fact that I can hide it in absolutely anything. I can hide it on long runs in nothing but a pair of jogging shorts.

As far as stopping power considerations .38 vs 380 vs 9mm vs etc etc...

.40S&W and .45auto get pretty nasty in micro pistols. I have a Springfield Micro Compact 1911 in .45acp and my wife has a Springfield EMP 40, pretty sick pistols, but also pretty sick recoil. But it's nice knowing that the first one counts for a lot.

I wouldn't mess with 25acp or .22lr/WMR.
 
Glock 26 all the way.

If that's gonna be too big, take a look at the XDS 9 or you could wait for the new Glock 42!!
 
If you want something small, I'd put a Glock 26/27 as the largest gun to consider.

While I'm not real big on a 380 for defense, push come to shove I'd rather have a 380 than nothing & I'd rather have a 380 for that purpose than a 22 or 25.
 
Considering you've never owned a large caliber centerfire handgun... I'd stay away from an auto for now and go with a wheel gun. Find yourself a little snub nosed 38 that fit your hand well and go with it.
 
Glock 19.
Small enough to conceal yet big enough to shoot well.
9mm has enough stopping power and allows for maximum mag capacity.
 
S&W M&P compact in 9 mm is what I carry. Doesn't kick hard, ammo is everywhere, and a friend of mine that carries with a Springfield XD or XDm says the trigger is better. It comes with palm swell inserts for small medium and large hands. The 9mm will definitely stop a man but it could very easily kill them too. Shot placement might be a big factor but under the kind of stress a situation like you'd use it for, picking where you shoot a guy is hard to focus on. I've been lucky since I've started carrying, which is less than a year, and I haven't had to draw it on anyone or anything.
 
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Originally Posted By: H82MissGlock 19.
Small enough to conceal yet big enough to shoot well.
9mm has enough stopping power and allows for maximum mag capacity.


This dude is smart.
 
This is what I have right now. Taurus M85 +P .38

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I think my next one is going to be the S&W M&P Shield in a 9mm.
 
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I think Furhunter & Yellowhammer make a good point based on your handgun experience. I have 1/2 doz semi-auto centerfires, but my most carried is a Colt Agent 38. Its an 80's parkerized version, rides easy in my front pants pocket, 158gr + P lead semi-wadcutters. Lots of good options were mentioned also, just depends on your taste, & $$.
 
My main carry is the Springfield XDS 45, I can really hide it with the N8 2 Tactical holster. It was also the first 45 I ever owned and for such a small gun I was surprised how easy the recoil was, not bad at all.

I also have the Ruger LCP 380, I can carry that little gun in anything, ever my coat and tie.
 
Totally agree on the Glock 19. It's what I carry for those reasons. Its as simple as it gets which makes it easily functional in high stress situations. It's enough gun to nullify recoil and make it easy to shoot well.
 
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I have basic personal criteria, You dont need a cannon and simpler is better. .380 is on light side and I would rather have a .22 mag. 9mm,.38,40 offer good range.
My first look for constant carry would be a revolver in airweight or lightweight alloy, This is for carry not to beat someone with. I think they are in the 11 plus ounce range.
They are not intended for constant range use just there when you might need it.
 
The Ruger LCR .38spl is compact and very light weight and easily concealed. I really enjoy mine. I carry it quite a bit.
Glock 26/27 is another good choice. Cant go wrong with either one although i prefer the .40 cal over 9mm.
 
Originally Posted By: GCSmith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm...

This or a Springfield XDs. Both are nice and slim and great little carry pieces.
 
"And, also a caliber that would be capable of "stopping power"...(ie: not a killing shot, yet I want the other guy to be incapable of running off)."
If this is your mindset you do not need a handgun for defense. You need a taser or a dog. First rule of firearms is DO NOT SHOOT SOMETHING YOU DO NOT WANT TO KILL.
Not trying to be a jerk but it is the reality of carrying a gun that you may kill someone some day in defense.
As for the gun you need to take all these opinions as that, opinions. Go to a place that allows you to rent and shoot different pistols and revolvers and shoot as many as you can. Find friends or neighbors that will let you shoot theirs and then decide after you handled and shot a few to see what fits you. Glocks are no better or worse than M&Ps or XDMs or SP101s it is about what works for you and no one can tell you that.
 
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