Looking for input on first CCW gun

[bikeznbeerz]

Good morning all. This is my first post, so forgive my ignorance to any norms and nuances of the CalGuns community.

I'm hoping for some input on which gun to purchase for my first CCW gun. I qualified with my Glock 23 (gen 3); however, I'm looking for 3 inch(ish) guns to conceal. My current thoughts are: S&W Shield (40 or 9mm, still not sure) or a 3 inch 1911 such as the Colt Defender. With the Defenders and the Kimbers, I've read about FTF issues with JHP rounds, that concerns me. Would be open to other semi auto suggestions.

My stats and uses are as follows: 6ft, male, 180lbs, athletic fairly thin. Looking to carry IWB. Will be using primarily for hiking in the high country year round, and pretty much any time I go to Fresno to shop etc. I'm not super familiar with how much things like sweat, dust, rain etc matter to choosing a CCW gun. My gun will be exposed to all of that on a regular basis. Also, being in the valley, I need a gun that is easily concealed under minimal clothing (ie shirt and shorts).

What is your two cents? Considering I've never carried, I'm not sure if the difference between a 3 inch 1911 and a Shield will bother me on a hike or what not. I'd greatly appreciate your input! Thanks everyone

[theneko]

Hi, welcome to CG and CCW. You will get a lot of opinions on this but you are on the right track. Single stack guns like the Shield and Defender are good choices, though the Shield will be more comfortable. Some say 3" 1911's arent reliable, so you will want o be sure to test your Defender thoroughly with your intended carry ammo to make sure it functions perfectly.
I have had no trouble with my 3" or 4" 1911''s.

Strong side Inside the Waistband (IWB) holsters at 3:00-4:30 will be the most concealable and should be very comfortable for you. The advantage of the small guns like the Shield is that you can pocket carry in a pinch or even OWB if you want. Holsters are very personal but I prefer these-
OWB: Alessi CQC-S
IWB: Milt Sparks Versa Max II
Pocket: Desantis Nemesis

As you can see I prefer leather over kydex. Others will give you different opinions but I never liked the feel of kydex. The leather holsters I use have never been hurt or damaged by sweat, although I always wear an undershirt so they never touch my skin.

I had a Shield in .40 and sold it - thought it was snappy and hard to shoot. I much prefer it in 9mm...

[Mossy Man]

Of those, shield in 9mm

[AFTII]

If your issuing authority will allow it, and you can find one, I'd recommend a Sig P938. I had one on my last CA CCW and it was my favorite carry gun. Small, 8-9 rnds of 9mm, accurate, and smaller than either gun you suggested. With Hogue grips it is very comfortable to shoot and I never had any failure issues. My IA wouldn't renew it because it was not on the roster. I'm probably going to replace it with a S&W 442. It doesn't have the capacity and is not as comfortable to shoot, but it does conceal well.

[bikeznbeerz]

If your issuing authority will allow it, and you can find one, I'd recommend a Sig P938. I had one on my last CA CCW and it was my favorite carry gun. Small, 8-9 rnds of 9mm, accurate, and smaller than either gun you suggested. With Hogue grips it is very comfortable to shoot and I never had any failure issues. My IA wouldn't renew it because it was not on the roster. I'm probably going to replace it with a S&W 442. It doesn't have the capacity and is not as comfortable to shoot, but it does conceal well.

This is actually my dream gun. My IA would most likely allow it, however, the cheapest they go for so it seems is like $1,000 second hand and they seem to rarely come up. I've seen some people ask for $1600

[theneko]

if you like the 939 you should check out the EMP- easier to find.

[Bert Gamble]

The Sig 238 is also a nice gun if you are willing to go to 380 Auto.

[Griffdog]

Shield 9mm and still on the roster!! I also hike around the Sierras all the time and mostly carry mine in the front pocket of cargo pants or shorts.

[bikeznbeerz]

The Sig 238 is also a nice gun if you are willing to go to 380 Auto.

Absolutely, I think for certain situations it'd be an ideal gun, but with .380 I don't want to rely on it as my first and primary carry weapon. I want to start out with one good all around gun and then over time get into have maybe two or three guns for various carrying situations. Looking for the Jack of all trades at this point.

[Tovarish]

Skip the 1911 unless you're going to go for the full-size. You can't even get .45 to reliably expand out of a 3-inch barrel. And yes, they do tend to break.

Shield 9mm is the way to go. Don't bother with the .40. You get increased recoil and decreased capacity.

[bikeznbeerz]

Hi, welcome to CG and CCW. You will get a lot of opinions on this but you are on the right track. Single stack guns like the Shield and Defender are good choices, though the Shield will be more comfortable. Some say 3" 1911's arent reliable, so you will want o be sure to test your Defender thoroughly with your intended carry ammo to make sure it functions perfectly.
I have had no trouble with my 3" or 4" 1911''s.

Strong side Inside the Waistband (IWB) holsters at 3:00-4:30 will be the most concealable and should be very comfortable for you. The advantage of the small guns like the Shield is that you can pocket carry in a pinch or even OWB if you want. Holsters are very personal but I prefer these-
OWB: Alessi CQC-S
IWB: Milt Sparks Versa Max II
Pocket: Desantis Nemesis

As you can see I prefer leather over kydex. Others will give you different opinions but I never liked the feel of kydex. The leather holsters I use have never been hurt or damaged by sweat, although I always wear an undershirt so they never touch my skin.

I had a Shield in .40 and sold it - thought it was snappy and hard to shoot. I much prefer it in 9mm...

I've heard mixed reviews on the Shield in the 40 vs 9. I really appreciate all of the different points you made and will make good use of your input!

Of those, shield in 9mm

Seems like a popular choice so far.

if you like the 939 you should check out the EMP- easier to find.

The EMP is cool but from what I see its not any smaller or lighter than say a Defender (nor any cheaper) Maybe I'm wrong though.

Shield 9mm and still on the roster!! I also hike around the Sierras all the time and mostly carry mine in the front pocket of cargo pants or shorts.

Another vote for the Shield 9mm!

[bikeznbeerz]

Skip the 1911 unless you're going to go for the full-size. You can't even get .45 to reliably expand out of a 3-inch barrel. And yes, they do tend to break.

Shield 9mm is the way to go. Don't bother with the .40. You get increased recoil and decreased capacity.

Thanks for the input. The Shield 9mm is getting a lot of love here!

[Cool Custard]

Springfield emp, kahr cw9, shield 9mm

[003]

Keep in mind that out of necessity a CCW gun is a compromise of size, power, weight and concealability. Don’t lean too far toward any one aspect. A quality mid-size frame, similar to a Glock 19 is just about a perfect compromise.

Whatever you do, do not fall into the trap of smaller is better. Keep in mind the reason you intend to carry a gun; defense of self and family. Prior to making a final decision, ask yourself, if you would be completely comfortable/satisfied with the gun in consideration if you had to use it to defend yourself and/or your spouse.

[M&PMarine]

Just my 2 cents!!

Love my Shield, and it is a 40, no issues with it at all. I may be moving to start using my CZ P-01 as my EDC once my CCW comes in next Month though.

Have Holsters for both so mix and match depending on the situation I guess.