Looking for input on first CCW gun

[k1dude]

For the backcountry, a Glock 29 SF.

For Fresno and everywhere else, the 9mm Shield or a Glock 26.

[spyde12]

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

CZ P-01
I think this will meet your expectations.

http://cz-usa.com/press-release/cz-p-01-gets-nato-approval-the-next-generation-of-perfect-pistols/

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

[Maht_g]

If you're prone to heavy sweating I'd suggest a stainless gun to keep rust at bay... Try to rent a kahr pm9/40 or cw9... The cw is very affordable, pm series Is bit more pricey but also smaller. I have a pm40 and love it! High quality firearm.

[zoner]

Just bought a Shield 9mm NIB....the trigger pull at the break was about 8 lbs, hard to keep sights on target at the break. I bought a Apex fully machined sear from Midway($40) installed it myself and now have a real nice 4.5-5Lb trigger. So i have a nice and slim,light carry gun in a major caliber(NOT a .380) with a real nice trigger all for about $450....I'm real happy with mine......Mike

[Fox75]

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

My thoughts as well. Your familiar with the platform plus magazine and parts are interchangeable. Unless someone has a small build I really don't find it harder to conceal a double stack vs a single stack on the hip. pocket carry is a different story.

[bikeznbeerz]

FIRST OFF: Thanks to all of you for your input. It is very very helpful!

One thing I'll say that can be confusing, its that maybe with exception of Glocks (at least what I've read thus far), I've seen people say that they've had issues with pretty much every manufacturer out there.

Just my personal experience: I've heard the Shield is extremely reliable, I know several people who carry them daily. I've personally seen two XD's jam several times while my glock keeps eating anything and everything. I've seen Kahr CW9's jam. All this to say, it seems as though any gun and manufacturer can make a mistake. Some seem much more fickle with break ins and ammo brands JHP vs FMJ etc.

As far as carrying a Glock goes, something about not having a safety other than the trigger just freaks me out. I'm highly considering selling my 23 for that reason. So I'm looking for a CA Roster CCW gun thats easy to buy new and that is very reliable, and semi auto. So far it seems like the Shield 9mm is a good call.

[M&PMarine]

FIRST OFF: Thanks to all of you for your input. It is very very helpful!

One thing I'll say that can be confusing, its that maybe with exception of Glocks (at least what I've read thus far), I've seen people say that they've had issues with pretty much every manufacturer out there.

Just my personal experience: I've heard the Shield is extremely reliable, I know several people who carry them daily. I've personally seen two XD's jam several times while my glock keeps eating anything and everything. I've seen Kahr CW9's jam. All this to say, it seems as though any gun and manufacturer can make a mistake. Some seem much more fickle with break ins and ammo brands JHP vs FMJ etc.

As far as carrying a Glock goes, something about not having a safety other than the trigger just freaks me out. I'm highly considering selling my 23 for that reason. So I'm looking for a CA Roster CCW gun thats easy to buy new and that is very reliable, and semi auto. So far it seems like the Shield 9mm is a good call.

If you can take a look at the CZ P-01, a little bigger, a little heavier but at least for me a better Gun and I have my Shield to compare it to. No Safety but it does have a Decocker instead.

[Norcalkid]

FIRST OFF: Thanks to all of you for your input. It is very very helpful!

One thing I'll say that can be confusing, its that maybe with exception of Glocks (at least what I've read thus far), I've seen people say that they've had issues with pretty much every manufacturer out there.

Just my personal experience: I've heard the Shield is extremely reliable, I know several people who carry them daily. I've personally seen two XD's jam several times while my glock keeps eating anything and everything. I've seen Kahr CW9's jam. All this to say, it seems as though any gun and manufacturer can make a mistake. Some seem much more fickle with break ins and ammo brands JHP vs FMJ etc.

As far as carrying a Glock goes, something about not having a safety other than the trigger just freaks me out. I'm highly considering selling my 23 for that reason. So I'm looking for a CA Roster CCW gun thats easy to buy new and that is very reliable, and semi auto. So far it seems like the Shield 9mm is a good call.

[floogy]

I see plenty of great off roster choices, which aren't practical in 2015. I'd love to have the Walther or XDS, but it ain't gonna happen.

Best on roster choices are the Shield, Glock 26-27, Sig P238, Ruger LCR or Smith 442 snubnose if you favor a revolver. I have a Kahr CW9 but it is not my primary.

[jjmichael]

I don't even have to worry about this question because there is no way to get a ccw permit

[Rosamond]

Ultra Carry or Defender, recoil is not a problem if your a man. My wife has no problem with the recoil. As far as failures, regardless what gun you decide on, you should thoroughly test any ammo and gun combo you plan to carry.

[Intel0116]

M&P shield

[silas3d]

My brother-in-law has a shield and if I had any interest in CCW I'd get one too...

[bootstrap]

Glock 26, 10+1 w/extended grip

[dad4mnc]

Glock 27. You can use your G23 mags.