Best gun for CCW?

[brighamr]

I'm going to be getting a CCW pretty soon here, and I'm trying to decide what handgun is the most accuracte, yet compact gun to carry? I'm liking the glock 35 and S&W .357, the only problem is both seem to be a bit bulky for everyday carry. Any suggestions? If so, please comment on accuracy and size (caliber is pretty much open for me)

[Cpl_Peters]

This all depends on what is most important to you caliber or size.

I think a terrific CCW weapon is the sig 232 .380 auto. Many will disagree with me and thats fine but the 232 is slim, light weight and no matter what anyone tells you a .380 still will have a enough power to kill a man dead one shot at CCW range (0-15 feet)

Also check out the sig 239, comes in three calibers (9mm, .357sig, .40)
I have the .40 version and like it alot, accurate and smooth, and concealable enough for me (though I do not have a CCW)

Alot of people like 1911 "carry" style guns because they are slim. The only reason I would have agaisnt a 1911 as a carry gun is the need to carry cocked and LOCKED. I dont like the idea of a safety on a carry gun. If you really need to draw your weapon you might be in a panic and just be focused on pulling the trigger, the safety would just get in the way of that and might get you killed.

AS for revolvers I am not sure, I only own one and it is not concealable.

[ts]

I always thought the Glock 26 was great. A bit thick though.

[50 Freak]

I carry a G27 typically and the Seecamp 32 when I need to carry something really small.

I am however leaning to getting a Kahr PM9 or PM40. Those are priced and sized perfectly.

[Budd]

Alot of people like 1911 "carry" style guns because they are slim. The only reason I would have agaisnt a 1911 as a carry gun is the need to carry cocked and LOCKED. I dont like the idea of a safety on a carry gun. If you really need to draw your weapon you might be in a panic and just be focused on pulling the trigger, the safety would just get in the way of that and might get you killed.

Practice - practice - practice.................................

[jvc707]

My Glock 27 is with me everywhere I go.

[techenigma]

Practice - practice - practice.................................

Practice is all well and good, but you never really know how you'll react when you're put to the real life test.
I wouldn't carry anything with a safety on it. Takes one step out of the equation, which gives you more time to focus on getting the job done.

IMO the more steps you need to go through, the more of a chance for a mistake. Just keep it simple stupid with a good DA/SA. As it were I agree that a p232 would be my ideal carry weapon.

[mike100]

I like the hk P7 since they are slim, compact in length, can handle +p 9mm, and only require gross motor skills to shoot.

[maxicon]

There are a lot of factors that affect which gun's the best fit for CCW, such as how important all these things are to you:

- How are you planning on carrying - pocket, IWB, OWB, bellyband, shoulder, ankle, buttpack, etc?
- How are you built?
- How do you dress when you carry?
- Will you be driving a lot?
- How do you feel about carrying heavy weights?
- How concerned are you about caliber?
- How are you at point-shooting with various types of gun?

Looking at it from these perspectives, some guns are clearly better than others for different people. You want something you'll be comfortable carrying and won't leave at home because it's a pain in the butt.

For instance, a skinny guy carrying IWB in a suit might not like a Glock or XD subcompact, because they're bulky. Some big guys are happy with a 1911. Driving a lot with an larger gun in an IWB can be very uncomfortable.

Carrying around the house, I prefer small and light, and my favorites are Keltec P3AT or S&W 642. My neighbor is OK with more expensive stuff, and prefers the S&W 340PD. The P239 is thin, but it's just too heavy for me, while the XD sub is lighter, but too fat (actually, I take that back - they're both about 32 oz loaded).

I'd suggest a Kahr PM9 or MK9, but I haven't owned one yet. The PM9 is next on my list.

[Richard]

I started with a Glock 19....then an Walther ....then S&W Airweight....NOW I carry a PARA ORD(Covert carry/ CWX645SN).

Now I'm looking into the S&W m&p compact.

My point is you'll wear for the occasion......One thing though, stick with the single stack...forget about capacity and concentrate on the round, 40cal,357sig, 45acp..etc.

[nearsightednate]

I believe everyone that's posted so far has valid points.

Here's my .02

With so many options out there, each persong needs to find out what works for them. Not 1 single gun will work for everybody in all situations. I feel it's important to go and try as many handguns as possible to find what you can shoot accurately, and what you can shoot comfortably. After all, what good is a defensive handgun if you can'y hit what you're aiming at? Take ergonomics, pointability, features, caliber, and size of handgun in to consideration. Find what works for you first. Now, worry about how to conceal it. Lastly, practice, practice, practice, as was said before. Develop the muscle memory and learn your firearm in and out. Practice drawing, dry firing, mag changes, clearing jambs, etc. A lot of these techniques can be practiced without spending money on ammo or going to the range.

With all that said I'll tell you what I did.

When I decided I wanted a 9mm, I went and shot Baretta's, Glock's, HK's, Sig's, cz's, xd's, and Walther P99. I shot close, far, fast, slow, etc. until I made a decision on what works for me. The Glock is what I went with. Don't get me wrong, all of them are nice and I enjoyed shooting them all. But in the end, Glock got my vote.

You'll notice I didn't list any 1911's. I'm also a firm believer in keeping it simple. I already own, and love, Kimber and Springfield 1911's. these are my .45's. I wo't get them in any other calibers. Just like 9 mm now. All of my 9mm's will only be Glock's. Now, I only have 2 styles of handguns. Glock's in 9mm and 1911's in .45. I can tell instantly even in darkness, what goes where. And, I practice with them as much as I can.

Sorry for the long post. Hope it helps you somehow.
Nate

[Mike-4]

I think an all around great CCW gun is the Glock 26 / 19. It is easily concealed with numerous aftermarket holsters, accessories, etc. Glocks are easy to learn how to shoot good and known for their reliablity / durability. Ammo is relatively inexpensive allowing you more money for practice.

I've owned just about every major handgun mfg out there including Sig, Beretta and HK and ended up with the G26 and G19. I've had mine for years and its replaced my snub nose .38 as my CCW piece. Good luck in your decision.

[TacFan]

kahr pm9 or pm40

[Budd]

Practice is all well and good, but you never really know how you'll react when you're put to the real life test............

Exactly - like the accuracy of the first round trigger pull of a DA/SA gun. It is an old debate. It is second nature to me when the .45 is drawn the thumb knocks down the safety as it is pulled. To each his own though.

[TacFan]

Kel Tec also has some options