Need suggestions on changing ccw guns

[JDMIS300]

Hello everybody, in the process now of looking to change my ccw guns. In my county we are allowed a maximum of 3 guns on the ccw permit. Currently I have an LC9, Glock 29SF, and Glock 17 on my permit. All excellent guns of course but I am looking at changing out the G29 and the 17.

The problem that I find with the 17 and the 29 is not so much related to the gun, but more to the tune of my own self prejudices. I grew up shooting only metal guns and keep trying to acquaint myself with shooting plastic, but so far have failed. I find that if I go shoot my Glock's at the range, I feel as if I have to... I don't enjoy shooting Glock's the same as I do 1911's, CZ's, Hi-Powers. Shooting Glock's, M&P's, XD's are almost like a chore. And because I don't enjoy shooting the plastic wonders, I don't practice as much as I know that I should. I just have no interest in them, although the previously mentioned are all solid and reliable firearms.

What I would like to do is get some suggestions on compact metal guns for ccw. I have my eye on the CZ 75b compact and the PCR. I would also like to add something 1911 pattern, aluminum frame would be best in a commander size chassis. Tried to research using the doj's online roster, but trying to cross reference by model code was making me cross eyed. Any suggestions from folks carrying a metal gun for ccw would be great. Thank you everyone in advance and I apologize for any grammar or spelling errors, having to use my phone to post since my laptop went down in flames! Thank you!!!

[EspoMan]

Sig P238?

[SkyHawk]

Sig P239 - you might fall in love. The free state version is still on the roster. Also +1 for the PCR. I have both, and then some, but still carry Glocks

P239 with short reset trigger (SRT) and factory Action Enhancement Package (AEP) is really nice, as is a trigger job from CGW on the PCR.

If you are in to 1911 maybe try and find a Springfield EMP via PPT, because not on roster. An alloy frame 1911 Commander might also be nice, the Ruger SR1911 model 6711 for instance, but harder to find for sure - not on the roster. Or Sig P938 is SAO with 1911 style controls, also not on the roster.

[5ZS]

For the 1911 pattern, there is the Springfield EMP 9.
I think (hear about), the Colt Defender in 45. can be converted to 9mm with a complete top, if you like less propriety in Springfield's EMP. But of course not sure on caliber conversion with your county/IA CCW requirements.

The CZ 2075 RAMI is still on roster and a little bit smaller than the compact CZ.

If you do not mind .380, the Bersa is another option.

[JDMIS300]

I rented a 238 not long ago. Wow, nice gun but I don't like the fact that it's .380 and it's a bit small. I already have my mouse gun which is the LC9. Surprisingly I can shoot the LC9 well, despite being plastic and DAO. I think that although the LC9 is DAO, the trigger pull is very smooth and seems to roll, that is in contrast to Glock triggers that have the squish and then wall. I just cannot seem to master that type of trigger.

[JDMIS300]

Sig P239 - you might fall in love. The free state version is still on the roster. Also +1 for the PCR. I have both, and then some, but still carry Glocks

P239 with short reset trigger (SRT) and factory Action Enhancement Package (AEP) is really nice, as is a trigger job from CGW on the PCR.

If you are in to 1911 maybe try and find a Springfield EMP via PPT, because not on roster. An alloy frame 1911 Commander might also be nice, the Ruger SR1911 model 6711 for instance, but harder to find for sure - not on the roster. Or Sig P938 is SAO with 1911 style controls, also not on the roster.

How do you like the 239 compared to the PCR?

I like the EMP but have read some mixed thoughts on them as far as reliability.

[OC_Gunner]

CCW guns aren't meant to be enjoyed at the range. My permit has a G26 and a j frame 642. Neither one is fun to shoot but great to carry and I'm proficient with both at defensive distances.

If you have a permit to easily transport your firearms to the range then I understand your point. If they are for personal protection then I can't see why range enjoyment should matter.

[Doheny]

/\ This.

[JDMIS300]

CCW guns aren't meant to be enjoyed at the range. My permit has a G26 and a j frame 642. Neither one is fun to shoot but great to carry and I'm proficient with both at defensive distances.

If you have a permit to easily transport your firearms to the range then I understand your point. If they are for personal protection then I can't see why range enjoyment should matter.

I suppose we have a different philosophy. Of course each gun has its trade offs, smaller is easier to conceal but is generally more difficult to shoot. I think we all know that. At this point I am trying to find that middle ground. I acknowledge that carrying a CZ75 TS is just not reasonably concealable, however I also acknowledge that these tiny mouse guns aren't very sufficient to neutralize a threat. I'm looking for enough size to keep everybody safe, but is still reasonably concealable. I know that if I were to add a G26 or SW air weight, I would rarely shoot those guns.

[BoJackUSMC]

I would replace glock 17 for sure... g17 is more like duty gun, open carry, HD, and range. If you like to go camping and hiking. You can keep your head 10mm glock, but I think you can replace glock 17 with single stack 9mm like xds, sig, glock 43x and shield.

[SkyHawk]

I find the G26 a pleasure to shoot and very accurate. The G27, while accurate, is not so much fun. If you want to love a G26 on the range, the very first thing you do is shoot a G27, or some 357mag loads from a snub revolver. Then shoot the G26 - it will seem like a .22.

I have a G26 on my permit now but I am switching it out for G43. The G26 is too similar to my G19 in terms of concealment and I need something more discrete on occasion.

[OC_Gunner]

I'm all for differing opinions. I'm not sure that you'll enjoy carrying something as heavy as a full size metal gun. Also not sure why you are sure a small 9mm is less likely to stop a threat than a full size 9mm unless I misunderstood your mouse gun comment.

[Mossy Man]

Have been carrying my PCR lately. With the VZ grips, its the same width as a G19, but the slide is slimmer around the corners.

[JDMIS300]

Have been carrying my PCR lately. With the VZ grips, its the same width as a G19, but the slide is slimmer around the corners.

Good to know. Thank you. How are you doing with the extra weight of the PCR?

[JDMIS300]

I respectfully say your mindset is way out of whack.

You're all about the hardware, but self defense and hitting what you're aiming at is about software.

What gun you choose doesn't matter. You say shooting plastic guns is a chore. Because you haven't switched your mentality from the emphasis on the gun to the emphasis on the results.

Carry 1 gun. Buy 2 of the same one. One to carry, one to practice with. Take some tactical training classes. Take a few a year. Start competing in IDPA with your carry gun.

Think of the gun as a life saving equipment. Think of training and competition as life saving skills.

I agree. It's the Indian. But why make it harder on myself? I have been shooting a certain set of guns since I was around 12 years old. That's what I am comfortable with and that's what I have grown my skills on. I think it's fair to say that I have given plastic guns a shot and I do see the appeal, the previously mentioned firearms are great guns. Don't see what's wrong with me saying that they aren't for me.