Preferred Secondary

[Wondering Nomad]

I'd like to take one of the tactical carbine classes later this year and to do so means I will need to purchase a new handgun. I have a Colt Gold Cup and a Glock 27 now but do not see those as appropriate secondaries weapons for the class. The Colt is too nice and the Glock too small. I was thinking a new Sig Sauer P229 would be good but am not sure of caliber selection.

What is everyone using for their classes? Is one caliber preferred over another? Do the California 10 round magazine laws effect your decision? If you could, would you rather have 17 9MM rounds or 12-14 40 S&W rounds?

[Greg-Dawg]

No mags over 10 rounds allowed in CA.

Get a Glock 17 with extra mags.

[Wondering Nomad]

No mags over 10 rounds allowed in CA.

Get a Glock 17 with extra mags.

I'm familiar with the California laws. My question was...if you are limited to 10 rounds, do you choose a larger caliber to make up for the limited capacity? If you are not limited to 10 rounds, do you choose a caliber that allows for a larger capacity?

[Greg-Dawg]

Capacity isn't relative when you know how to shoot and can reload.

Therefore, shoot with what you're proficient with. I can do either: 1911 with 7 round mags, Glock 17 with 10 round mags or even a Glock 35 with a 15 round mag.

[racky]

go cheap with a 9mm

[ZRT650]

I would say get a glock in 9mm either the 17 or 19.

[joelogic]

Train how you are going to fight.
For classes I use my USP .45.
For IDPA I use a G34.

[9mmepiphany]

to answer your "real" question... no, capacity has no bearing on choice of calibre when choosing a gun for serious duty. it's the corollary to going down in calibre to gain more rounds. what a 10 round mag limit does affect is the size of the gun you select without compromising function.

you should choose a gun/calibre for function and accuracy, taking into consideration the situation of your use...access to reloads. capacity should never replace the need to practice reloading.

if i had your guns, i'd just carry the Gold Cup....but i'm the kind of guy who used to carry a Colt Python as a duty gun too.

if you want to buy something new, get something with a common chambering to the guns you already have. maybe a Glock G34, G30 or G19?

[Juice5610]

Use a kimber 1911 .45 acp or a 9mm smith and wesson m&P

[El Gato]

I'm familiar with the California laws. My question was...if you are limited to 10 rounds, do you choose a larger caliber to make up for the limited capacity? If you are not limited to 10 rounds, do you choose a caliber that allows for a larger capacity?

For a class?

I generally tell clients to bring what they carry...
I really don't understand the point of bringing something to class that they are only going to use in class. A couple of weeks ago I took a POST carbine instructor class and used my MM grip AR... why?... cause I can throw it in the truck, behind the seat and travel. The registered AW rules are too tight IMHO and I don't want to lose it if the truck gets stolen. The MM grip OLL is replaceable... hence.. I shot what I am going to be using... out of town as I write this on a romantic weekend getaway..blahblahblah.. with the boss/wife...the mm AR and a handfull of loaded mags in the truck...

as to handguns...
having taken 3 classes with Thunder Ranch...
the first one I took 3 guns...
my duty gun (glock 22), a beretta I carry and just love to shoot, and my off duty carry gun (glock)

2nd trip -
glocks

3rd trip
my now off duty carry 1911

[till44]

I'd say go with a Glock in 9mm, either a 17 or 19. Maybe check out the S&W M&P as well. My dad was recently looking at them and was pretty impressed with the ergonomics.

[L-2]

Agreeing with some others here, I think your Glock 27 will do fine for the class. When I had a G27, I preferred using it with the magazine finger extensions.

I suspect the carbine class will spend an hour or so on handgun transitioning. Many people use or carry the Glock 27 as their main gun. Holsters are plentiful.

If anything, have, borrow, and bring a spare rifle just in case of a rifle breakage during the class.

But if you want another gun, having three handguns isn't too many. Do spend some time shooting the new gun (a few hundred rounds at least) if you do bring it to class though along with practicing with any holster.

Caliber selection is opinionated and becomes a personal preference. Most schools or classes will have no problem with the 9/.357SIG/.40/.45ACP calibers and definitely not much discussion regarding .40 vs. .45ACP.

Edited to add: Talk to the folks running the class, too, regarding your concerns. I've owned all three platforms for a number of years and am proficient with them (SIG, 1911, & Glock). If I was teaching the class, I'd be interested in your skill level; I'd recognize you're familiar with the Glock and 1911 manual of arms; a red flag would go up if I learned you just bought a SIG (assume standard DA/SA type) and had limited to little "trigger time" with it. Upon re-holstering you may be used to just putting the gun back into a holster (Glock) or flipping the 1911's safety up. With the SIG, the de-cock lever is pushed down prior to re-holstering. It's something for you and the instructor (if he or she knows you have a new gun) to be aware of and to watch.

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

For a class?

I generally tell clients to bring what they carry...

This. Unless you intend to carry what you're thinking of buying, stick with what you already have/use.

[Flopper]

No mags over 10 rounds allowed in CA.

Come on man, that's just not true.

[Wondering Nomad]

Thanks for all the replies. I just read the "9mm not an effective round?" thread and that also helps me to make a decision. I think I'll opt for a midsized Sig or Glock in 40 S&W. I figure these options will give me a larger frame that will offer me better control, more accuracy and the potential for larger capacity magazines outside of California. I'm already comfortable with the caliber and it gives me an excuse to buy a new handgun this year.