Looking for input on first CCW gun

[neomedic]

I feel these are the hottest CCW pistols in 9mm (Change the Ruger to LC9s Pro)

[bikeznbeerz]

I feel these are the hottest CCW pistols in 9mm (Change the Ruger to LC9s Pro)

Thanks man! This was really helpful. Also I looked up that blog on Lucky Gunner, that was super cool.

Anyone else have input on holsters? Being that it can be extremely hot here in the valley, I'd like a minimalist IWB holster that is comfortable being used without and undershirt in between. Any thoughts?

[Soginator]

I have the following 4 ccw guns: HK USP45c, SA EMP 9mm, Colt Defender .45, MP Shield 9mm.

Shooting the .45 is miserable for the 3in 1911. Now if you have a worst case scenario in CCW, odds are you won't shoot more than 15 rounds (2 mags + 1 in chamber), so you will probably be alright, but damn will your hand hurt. My vote in 3in 1911 goes to the EMP. The shield seems to be popular on this forum, but I had major problems with mine. If going off roster is a possibility for you (and make sure your IA allows it), I would suggest the XDS over the shield.

[neomedic]

Here is the link for those that want to read up:

http://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/review-9mm-single-stack-shootout/

And some stats:

[jkody]

I carry a Kahr CW9 most of the time in a crossbreed mini tuck IWB holster. I have plenty of other choices but that setup works for me and the CW9 is fairly cheap. My CW9 required a few hundred round break in period but eats Winchester Ranger 147gr just fine.

[Wicked Pete]

I have a S&W snubby and a Browning High Power (9mm) on my CCW. They both have good and bad characteristics.

The snubby is easy to carry, inside the belt, I forget it's there. Only 5 rounds.

BHP, full size "Combat Pistol" is heavy and not easy to conceal. Although...a better bet for distances up to 100 yds.

I like revolvers. If I had to buy something, I might look at the Air Lite (part plastic) series. I'd get a .357 magnum snub nose. A couple Safariland reloaders.

Good luck on your decision.

[pluke the 2]

Check out a p239. Not super small but a good gun. Barrel length somewhere around 3.3 and can be obtained for around $600

[Profiler]

I love my Sig p 239, but as a woman it is pretty heavy for a CCW. I just bought a p238 (.380), and I haven't shot it yet, but this looks like it will be my CCW for all reasons....

Profiler

[Daddo]

IMG_0066-2-2 (1).jpg
I use a Colt .38 Detective Special snubbie 6-shot revolver. No jams, no issues, no worries. 100% reliable ALL the time.

[L84CABO]

The Shield is certainly a fine choice. It's a quality firearm. It's VERY reasonably priced. And it's polymer frame with a stainless steel slide which will certainly stand up to the elements. Glock and Springfield both have a comparable weapon that's worth considering too. I wouldn't hesitate to carry any of them and would pick based on which one felt best in my hand.

A 3 inch 1911's can certainly have reliability issues as you said. And I'm not saying none of them are reliable. But given the inherent challenges with a 3 inch 1911, I've never had the energy or desire to try and find a reliable one. It's a headache I don't need. YMMV. But if you decide to try and find one, make sure you pick a MFG that has a really good reputation for customer service in case you need it.

Beyond this, one of the best things you can do is go to a range with a good rental counter. In an afternoon you will sort out more than anything any of us can tell you.

[Soginator]

A 3 inch 1911's can certainly have reliability issues as you said. And I'm not saying none of them are reliable. But given the inherent challenges with a 3 inch 1911, I've never had the energy or desire to try and find a reliable one. It's a headache I don't need. YMMV. But if you decide to try and find one, make sure you pick a MFG that has a really good reputation for customer service in case you need it.

I own both a colt defender and a sa emp. I have had 1 ftf(ire) on the defender during break in period. Both pistols have fired ~1000 rounds. No failures other than that one. I question when people say 3in 1911 are unreliable, as it seems that people are agreeing that it wasn't originally designed for a 3in barrel, not that it is actually unreliable. Maybe I am alone in the positive experience. They are heavy though. Shield is light, but I had major problems with mine. If the XDS was still on roster, I would get one in a heart beat and sell my shield.

[Mopar Guy]

I think the Shield would be your best bet in the guns you are considering. It is simple, has a safety and is easy to conceal and shoot. The others seem like more complex for an advance carry individual. The other gun to consider is a G26 or G27 since you are used to Glocks. Keep it simple for the first CCW gun. The key is to be comfortable with your carry weapon.

[jimsguns]

Why not consider a Glock 26 or 27 given that you qualified with a Glock 23 and are familiar with that platform already...

[Soginator]

OP I apologize, I just read the part about being exposed to the elements. I would not recommend one of the higher priced 1911's in that case. Definitely polymer, XDs and then maaaaybe shield. Something you wouldn't mind if the finish was ruined. On top of being made of metal and expensive, the 1911's are too heavy and would probably not work well with the clothes you would want to wear for outdoor adventures, unless you plan on carrying in a pack of some sort. I would go with a XDs, Sig, Ruger, and Shield, in that order. This is assuming the price difference doesn't matter to you. If it is a factor, you either need to make that clear or adjust the opinion for yourself.

Full disclaimer: I am a SA fan boy, and I also have had problems with the two SW guns I own. So I am extremely biased.

[Thanatos2203]

Shooting the .45 is miserable for the 3in 1911.

I have to completely disagree, in fact I personally group better with my defender than I do my full sized Sig 1911R. The 1911 platform handles the round very well even without special recoil compensation like the HK.

I own both a colt defender and a sa emp. I have had 1 ftf(ire) on the defender during break in period. Both pistols have fired ~1000 rounds. No failures other than that one. I question when people say 3in 1911 are unreliable, as it seems that people are agreeing that it wasn't originally designed for a 3in barrel, not that it is actually unreliable. Maybe I am alone in the positive experience. They are heavy though. Shield is light, but I had major problems with mine. If the XDS was still on roster, I would get one in a heart beat and sell my shield.

My Defender is still relatively new, but it has been 100% reliable and I would trust my life with it. I think those that are first to nix the 3" 1911 have never shot or owned one and believe the internet rhetoric and group think.

The Defender has a long standing history of being a dependable firearm. It also fits my hand incredibly well which was why I sold my Shield. I'm 6' 1" 165lbs and the thing disappears in my waistline. It has an aluminum frame so it is lighter than comparable steel framed handguns and lighter than you would expect when holding it. 7+1 .45 is fantastic little powerhouse for its size. I'm very happy with it and it was worth the price I paid. It gets my vote.