Best Handgun for CCW?

[Eric Donovan]

I know there are some cheep handguns out there, and some expensive ones, and with all the talk about the LDA's, what is the best handgun for carry? :confused:

[Fast Eddy]

I know DR recommends the Glocks quite a bit. :cool: I just never liked the way they point and feel :( but I got to shoot one of DR's custom tuned glocks this week. WOW! :eek: Points good (a lot lower than stock) and the heat stippling was great, as was the trigger. So, I think is going to be tactical tupperware for me! :)

[GutShot John]

The best CCW handgun is the one you shoot the best.

[Al Adkins]

The best CCW handgun is the one you shoot the best.

Not really...:( I shoot the full size heavy M1911's much better than the lighter plastic guns, but I wouldn't carry one. I tried, but 43 oz. is just too heavy for my dress pants. :( Light is right for me, so right now I'm carrying a Kel-Tec .380. But I can't shoot it all that well. :o Still looking for a light weight gun that I can shoot well...:cool:

[GutShot John]

Not really...:( I shoot the full size heavy M1911's much better than the lighter plastic guns, but I wouldn't carry one. I tried, but 43 oz. is just too heavy for my dress pants. :( Light is right for me, so right now I'm carrying a Kel-Tec .380. But I can't shoot it all that well. :o Still looking for a light weight gun that I can shoot well...:cool:


Kel-Tec .380 that you can't shoot well? Why would you carry a gun that you can't properly place shots with? Shot placement is the biggest factor when you're talking about effectiveness/stopping an assault.

If the choice is between a 1911 that you can shoot well and a kel-tec that you can't... you're doing yourself a disservice with the kel-tec. Lots of people carry the full size 1911 just fine. No reason not to if that's your preferred. Find a better belt/holster combination or another gun that fits your needs and you do shoot well.

Ultimately the original point remains find a carry gun that you shoot well. You're responsible for every shot you fire and bullets always hit something (they never miss) if you're not hitting you're target, what are you hitting? Respectfully you need to rethink your priorities a bit.

There is no single "best" for everyone...only what is "best" for you.

[D.R. Middlebrooks]

Actually, I think you're both right. I build full size M1911 guns for guys and they inevitably stop carrying them because of the weight. I see it all the time. :(

I also build full size M1911's for duty (I call them "Work" guns because the guys carry them for work :cool:). But a duty rig or heavy tactical belt makes all the difference in the world for hip carry. It's just not always practical for casual carry. :(

I also know the Glock is the most popular choice, but most M1911 guys hate them. :( But with the back strap and grip mods it points a lot like a M1911. And they do work quite well. :cool:

And I do build some aluminum and Titainium framed M1911's, too.

Now, the argument that "any gun is better than no gun" is valid, to a point, but a light gun that points and shoots well is really the "IDEAL" carry gun for your average civilian. :cool:

It's a personal choice, no cut and dried answers...

[GutShot John]

Actually, I think you're both right. I build full size M1911 guns for guys and they inevitably stop carrying them because of the weight. I see it all the time. :(

I also build full size M1911's for duty (I call them "Work" guns because the guys carry them for work :cool:). But a duty rig or heavy tactical belt makes all the difference in the world for hip carry. It's just not always practical for casual carry. :(

I also know the Glock is the most popular choice, but most M1911 guys hate them. :( But with the back strap and grip mods it points a lot like a M1911. And they do work quite well. :cool:

And I do build some aluminum and Titainium framed M1911's, too.

Now, the argument that "any gun is better than no gun" is valid, to a point, but a light gun that points and shoots well is really the "IDEAL" carry gun for your average civilian. :cool:

It's a personal choice, no cut and dried answers...

Oh I agree that 1911s are too heavy for a lot people for CCW. I love to shoot 1911s but I don't carry them. I'm also reluctant of the notion of carrying a $2K gun that you're going to have to surrender if you're involved in a shooting and may not get back from your local LEO agency.

I also don't know that I'd want to trust my life to a 1911 that wasn't built by D.R. or a gunsmith/manufacturer with a similar reputation for reliability...that starts to get pricey however, ask me how I know. ;)

For me the 1911 is a "war" pistol, for CCW a good (from a reputable manufacture like Glock, S&W) poly frame gun is what I go with. Light, lots of bullets and at ~$500 you can get four for the price of a high-end 1911.

I used to be a Glock guy but more recently I've found that I shoot the M&P much better and the more I shoot them the more they grow on me. I especially like their grip profile which coupled with interchangeable backstraps works very well for me.

[Ernie Johnson]

I consider a small pocket pistol a belly gun for the most part. A "BUG" (Back Up Gun) is just that, a back up for when you run your main gun dry or have it taken away. :o Unfortunately most folks CCW pistol is in fact a BUG, and for casual carry it's probably OK, and it's better than nothing. But ask yourself this:

"If I have to get in a gunfight today, do I have enough gun?" :confused:

[D.R. Middlebrooks]

"If I have to get in a gunfight today, do I have enough gun?" :confused:

Good question, Ernie... :cool:

I've had CCW permits since 1975. :eek: I was originally a Revolver guy and I used to think a 5-shot snubby was all I would ever need for casual carry. But since the events of 911, the dynamics of street survival have forever changed. It's no longer just some guy who wants your wallet and keys, it could very well be a Muslim fanatic who wants to take you and everyone around you with him to see Allah. :eek: Something to think about...

[Ted Jones]

What's better a 5 shot Snubbie or a .380 Kel-tec? :confused:

[N. Balice]

There are many variables to that question - which is better: What snubbie?
what .380? How well do you shoot either one, etc. (Seems like this has been covered in this thread alread.) Personlly, I would have to ask the question "why am I carrying a handgun?" My answer is to be able to Stop someone. I'm not confident any .380 offers that kind of "stopping" power so my lower limit would have to be a hot .38.

However, I believe we must make concessions if we intend to carry concealed so I'd rather opt for appropriate dress that would allow me to carry a suitable 9mm or better caliber. I think a .380 would tend to offer a false sense of security.

[Mike Wood]

I couldn't agree more. IMO the 380's and 32's are calibers that should not even exist because you can get the exact same size gun in a 9mm and any one can control a 9mm with even marginal technique.
Having said that... most people could also carry a full size gun in a more potent caliber with the proper holster. I just don't understand the need for guns that small unless used as a B.U.G. (Back up gun).
MW

[Ed Hanson]

What's better a 5 shot Snubbie or a .380 Kel-tec? :confused:

What do you guys think of the lightweight S&W snubbies? What about the Ruger SP101?

[D.R. Middlebrooks]

The lighter weight revo's kick pretty hard with hot loads, especially in .357 Mag! :( A bit much for the lady in your life, but guys buy them all the time for the women, go figure...

Let's take the S&W Chief's Special for example: It's a 5-shot .38 special. It weighs 19.5 oz. And it's amazingly expensive. :(

Now, let's look at the Glock 19: It's a 16 shot pistol. :eek: It weighs 20.99 oz. :eek: And it cost about the same as most of the fancy S&W Revo snubbies. :cool:

Bottom Line: The G19 delivers over three times the firepower of revo snubbie. Same price range, same weight, SAME OVERALL SIZE and a VERY SHOOTABLE pistol!!:cool: And if you can handle recoil the G23 is the same gun in .40 cal. :cool:

Now, the Ruger SP101 is a rugged little revo. A bit heavy, but very comfortable to shoot with mild (not too hot) loads. But the weight and ammo capacity is a negative in my view.

[Mike Wood]

I know he doesn't know anything about it but D.R. hit the nail right directly on my head with that post. I bought my wife a 3" SP101 in .357. It is a simple rugged little 5 shot revolver with a typical heavy Ruger trigger. My thinking was that I'm not seeing her do a reload anyway because she has no interest in what I do and I didn't want to get a gun too big for her small hands. Then I when I took her out to the range with some hot .357 and fired it was like WHOA!:eek: I forgot how much snap those things have in a light gun like that. Not at all pleasant to shoot. I'd actually prefer a .44 magnum (in an appropriate sized gun).

I completely agree with the suggestion of a G19 or 23. Or possibly even a G17. The G23 is pretty snappy although no where near what that SP101 is with full power loads. To be honest magnum loads in a barrel that short are not practical as you will get similar ballistics with much less recoil and blast with +p.38 Special. This is what I put in her gun. The Glocks offer much more firepower, much more control-ability and are just as reliable. I do not believe I'd put a Glock loose in a purse though- it might catch on all the shit in her purse and go bang.
I bought her one of those expensive leather purses with the hideaway holster in a compartment in the middle for Christmas one year. All she has to do is rip open the velcro and her hand is on it from outside the purse. She never uses it and it was a complete waste of $130...go figure. Women.....she has 400 purses and 5000 pairs of shoes now. And she bitches when I buy one freakin' gun- never does her any good though.:p
MW

[MamaLiberty]

IThen I when I took her out to the range with some hot .357 and fired it was like WHOA!:eek: I forgot how much snap those things have in a light gun like that. Not at all pleasant to shoot. '


First mistake, I'm afraid. sigh I carried a Ruger .357 snubby for quite a while, and the 38+p was as snappy as I want to shoot from it. Regular .38 semi-wadcutters make a fair defensive round, actually. I fired one cylinder full of .357M when I first got the gun and was afraid I wouldn't be able to use my hand the rest of the day. Not good for sustained practice. :)


I do not believe I'd put a Glock loose in a purse though- it might catch on all the shit in her purse and go bang.


NO gun should ever be put in a purse or pocket without an appropriate holster. ANY gun could "go bang" if the conditions were right and the trigger was not protected.


I bought her one of those expensive leather purses with the hideaway holster in a compartment <snip> She never uses it and it was a complete waste of $130...go figure.

Just wondering if she had anything to say about that purchase. Most women don't care to have someone else pick out such a personal item without having some say on what they want.

I'm also wondering if your wife took a pistol class or other professional instruction prior to any of this. And, last but not least, are you pushing and shoving her into this... or leading the way?

Advice from an old lady... slow down, back off, give her some space and let her choose her own path. You'll both get there much sooner that way. :)

[Mike Wood]

[QUOTE=MamaLiberty;1827]
NO gun should ever be put in a purse or pocket without an appropriate holster. ANY gun could "go bang" if the conditions were right and the trigger was not protected.

I agree totally, hence the reason I bought her the "carry purse". I'm sure that you are aware that women from all walks of life carry guns loose in their purses all the time.:eek:

Just wondering if she had anything to say about that purchase. Most women don't care to have someone else pick out such a personal item without having some say on what they want.

It was a Christmas gift, so no she didn't get to pick it, and yes this was a dumb mistake on my part.:o

I'm also wondering if your wife took a pistol class or other professional instruction prior to any of this. And, last but not least, are you pushing and shoving her into this... or leading the way?

The only instruction that she's had is the instruction that she received at her 1st Steps Class for her permit. She has no interest in what I do. No I did not push or shove her into it. She liked the idea of carrying a gun to protect herself, just not the part where she'd actually have to practice etc.

Advice from an old lady... slow down, back off, give her some space and let her choose her own path. You'll both get there much sooner that way. :)

Trust me on this, I'm completely "backed off" and she has more space than she needs. Don't assume all men are pushy assholes. I'm just an asshole, not pushy.:)
MW

[MamaLiberty]

I agree totally, hence the reason I bought her the "carry purse". I'm sure that you are aware that women from all walks of life carry guns loose in their purses all the time.:eek:


Yes, I am aware. As a certified firearms instructor, I talk to people about this sort of thing all the time. Usually, once they learn (and see demonstrated) how dangerous this is - not to mention the liability - they usually make other choices.


It was a Christmas gift, so no she didn't get to pick it, and yes this was a dumb mistake on my part.:o


Well, let that be a lesson to you! LOL Women are weird about that sort of thing, even the best of them.


The only instruction that she's had is the instruction that she received at her 1st Steps Class for her permit. She has no interest in what I do. No I did not push or shove her into it. She liked the idea of carrying a gun to protect herself, just not the part where she'd actually have to practice etc.


Oh boy... well then she's got a real problem. A "1st Steps" qualifies for a CCW? Don't know what to tell you here, but that class makes her ready to carry a gun like my favorite sauce pan makes me a gourmet cook. Not.

Again, she somehow has to learn about the legal limits and liabilities of carrying a gun, not to mention having some hope of using it effectively in an emergency. I do hope she will get some further training soon, and that will most likely help her understand how important practice is.

I have written a small book, primarily for women. The first chapter is the story of the man I had to shoot to save my life 30 years ago, and a detailed account of all the mistakes I made unknowingly - because I'd had no training at all then. It might speak to her where your words fall on deaf ears. I'll be glad to send it to anyone who gives me their email address. For email, please use "Booklet" in the subject line so my spam filter won't eat it.


Don't assume all men are pushy assholes. I'm just an asshole, not pushy.:)
MW

I'm sorry if that is the impression you got! :) You seemed to be a tad over eager and I figured that your enthusiasm had just overwhelmed her a bit. That can come across as "pushy" if you gave her too much information/help, too soon. As for the other... you would know best. ;):p

[Mike Wood]

Oh boy... well then she's got a real problem. A "1st Steps" qualifies for a CCW? Don't know what to tell you here, but that class makes her ready to carry a gun like my favorite sauce pan makes me a gourmet cook. Not.

Again, she somehow has to learn about the legal limits and liabilities of carrying a gun, not to mention having some hope of using it effectively in an emergency. I do hope she will get some further training soon, and that will most likely help her understand how important practice is.

I have written a small book, primarily for women. The first chapter is the story of the man I had to shoot to save my life 30 years ago, and a detailed account of all the mistakes I made unknowingly - because I'd had no training at all then. It might speak to her where your words fall on deaf ears. I'll be glad to send it to anyone who gives me their email address. For email, please use "Booklet" in the subject line so my spam filter won't eat it.


Well, the class itself was put on by my good friend Charlie Tuggle who is a former Police officer and a very good competitive shooter (IDPA 4 Gun Expert) in his own right. He added quite a bit to the class that would normally not be in there including quite a bit on liability issues. But....... it's only one class. And NO instruction of any kind will be effective if it is not followed up on with practice. Please read the thread on Competition vs Combat under the Troubleshooting heading. Lots of good stuff in there relating to this.

Yes she does have a real problem because she's stopped carrying her gun altogether unbeknown to me. Perhaps she does need some pressure.:( I did not expect her to practice etc. but I'd rather have her carrying untrained/unpracticed like 60+% of the CCW world than to go out with nothing but skin to defend herself with. I am thinking about signing her up for a FF class with D.R. along with my son's sometime. One of my sons was actually shooting in competition with me for awhile but he slacked off due to ammo/component costs.

My email address is mikewood7@verizon.net.
MW

[MamaLiberty]

it's only one class. And NO instruction of any kind will be effective if it is not followed up on with practice.


Exactly. And a strong sense of self preservation and personal responsibility for life and safety really has to come first. Then the training and practice usually follow pretty naturally. If she has a commitment to life and is willing to take charge of preserving that life, she'll eventually figure it out. :)


I'd rather have her carrying untrained/unpracticed like 60+% of the CCW world than to go out with nothing but skin to defend herself with.


Unfortunately, if she is not willing to train even minimally, the chance of her being able to be effective with it in an emergency is vanishingly small. But yes, I suppose that having a gun is better than not having one in any case.


I am thinking about signing her up for a FF class with D.R. along with my son's sometime. One of my sons was actually shooting in competition with me for awhile but he slacked off due to ammo/component costs.


That sounds promising! I sure wish I was close enough to take one of DR's classes! And I really understand your son's problem. With the cost of ammo and so forth, I'm just glad I don't have any other vices. :D

Booklet is on the way! :)