Another ccw questions/references thread

[penguinofsleep]

I'd like some feedback (or constructive criticism) on the following:

EDIT: Located in (South) OC.

Best place to try or at least see, hold, etc ccw accessories?

Feedback on any of the following firearms or places where I can try them out:
- M&p shield (haven't tried, but liked m&p full size series. m&p compact series not as much)
- Ruger Lc9 (tried, wasn't spectacular in any way at all, but found it pretty solid, especially for what it is, aside from trigger could be slightly better)
- Beretta nano (haven't tried)
- Walther pps (haven't tried)
- Springfield emp9 (tried, liked, but heavier vs other subcompacts, and even as a big fan I'm not 100% confident about carrying any 1911 platform for ccw)
- Small .38 revolver (tried several before, but haven't found one that is ideal for me yet).
- Open to other suggestions but I've tried several others not listed here and wouldn't like for this purpose. These include kahrs, g26, g27, xdc, sr9c, sig 238, another sig that i can't remember, and about 2 or 3 more. actually i wouldn't mind the sr9c for a compact/g19 sized carry, just not a subcompact.

So far I've read a few threads here and at other forums on the above. Also watched a few videos on youtube. These 2 were particularly insightful

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qY3gNMVMpHg

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pU7FmTSolEM

And thanks to those who answered my questions I posted in another thread.

[ruddogg]

Most of those guns are off roster, so your best bet is prob someone here on Calguns that have them. As far as accessories, Turners? Bass Pro? Some of the bigger retail stores.

Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk

[Dvrjon]

Where are you located? It will have a bearing on folk's ability to help.

JR

[CaffeinFeign]

[QUOTE=Dvrjon;13556208]Where are you located? It will have a bearing on folk's ability to help.

yes that would.. I have personal insight to three on your list...

[skosh69]

Where are you located? It will have a bearing on folk's ability to help.

JR

Exactly!

[penguinofsleep]

Sorry guys, thought my profile still had my location posted. I am in South OC, within a 20 minute drive of On Target (if traffic doesn't go crazy). Also updated in OP.

[skosh69]

When I visit Aliso Viejo, I try to stop in SaddleBack Valley Gun Center and the OC Armory when I have time.

[hks95134]

I'd like some feedback on the following:

EDIT: Located in (South) OC.

Best place to try or at least see, hold, etc ccw accessories? Including belts, holsters (of all varieties), etc.

Feedback on any of the following firearms or places where I can try them out:
- M&p shield (haven't tried, but liked m&p full size series. m&p compact series not as much)
- Ruger Lc9 (tried, wasn't spectacular in any way at all, but found it pretty solid, especially for what it is, aside from trigger could be slightly better)
- Beretta nano (haven't tried)
- Walther pps (haven't tried)
- Springfield emp9 (tried, liked, but heavier vs other subcompacts, and even as a big fan I'm not 100% confident about carrying any 1911 platform for ccw)
- Small .38 revolver (tried before, but haven't found one that is ideal for me yet).
- Open to other suggestions but I've tried several others not listed here and wouldn't like for this purpose. These include kahrs, g26, g27, xdc, sr9c, sig 238, another sig that i can't remember, and about 2 or 3 more. actually i wouldn't mind the sr9c for a compact/g19 sized carry, just not a subcompact.

So far I've read a few threads here and at other forums on the above. Also watched a few videos on youtube. These 2 were particularly insightful

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qY3gNMVMpHg

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pU7FmTSolEM

Any tips, feedback, or other useful info on the Application process? Can be anything from say this not that to don't get such and such as the person handling your paperwork when you go in etc.

And thanks to those who answered my questions I posted in another thread.

Penguin, I'll give you my own independent views, which you can take or leave as you see fit. And then I'll read the other comments and agree or disagree, since I have some time on my hands today.

For reference, I will be dropping off my own LTC application at the sheriff's office on Monday, and will be taking the Calif CCW class (that's what it's called) on Tue & Wed. I already have everything that I will need: the pistol, the holster, the extra mag, a mag pouch, and a gun belt, etc.

I'll apologize in advance for sounding preachy -- just the way I type.

The most ideal and efficient cartridge is the JHP 9mm parabellum. The 45 ACP or the 38SP are similar in performance, as long as you also use JHP's for these.

The 380 is the lowest that our local sheriff's dept will allow you to go -- ergo no 25's or 22's.

You should plan on JHP ammo because these have less of a tendency to cause collateral damage.

As for the makes above, all pistols tend to fall into two categories -- Glock and non-Glock (Old School) in terms of design. Which ever design you like should work for you. On the Glocks, a light trigger pull is probably going to be disqualified by the inspecting deputy.

And revolvers are simply revolvers. They don't hold as much ammo and they don't shoot quite as fast, but the average number of kills shots required for the average kill is 2 rounds, and so a revolver could do that 3 times. Whereas a 10 round pistol could do it 5 times. That's the only main difference. Anyone having problems racking a slide would do better with a revolver, of course. Anyone confused by the workings of a pistol would be happier with a revolver too.

If you're planning to get a revolver, make sure you get a couple of speed-loader clips as well.

You need to think about a CCW holster as well, either inside the belt or outside the belt. The holster should of course be custom fit to the handgun (pistol or revolver). I recommend getting the holster with the gun.

You will need to take a 2 day class, so you should find one of these locally and take it. The instructor needs to be state certified to teach it. If he is, then your county should hopefully accept it or have an approved list that it is on.

Whatever gun you get, you will just need to try out first and fall in love with it. I love mine. It is a full size 45 ACP with a really nice high riding CCW holster. So the myth about a full sized pistol not being good for CCW does not apply to mine.

Good luck.

[penguinofsleep]

appreciated hks. agree or disagree with me on any points, that's fine. not here for a room full of yes men (or women).

also another point, are minor modifications such as new sights, different mag release, refinish slide, deburr/bevel edges, or something like replacing a spring or two that wouldn't lighten or shorten the trigger pull, etc. allowed?

[hks95134]

appreciated hks. agree or disagree with me on any points, that's fine. not here for a room full of yes men (or women).

I think you are on the right track by asking around and then alpha testing them each yourself. When you finally find the right one you will fall in love with it.

[penguinofsleep]

edited, moved extra info here, feedback on following:

Any tips, feedback, or other useful info on the Application process (OC)? Can be anything from say this not that to don't get such and such as the person handling your paperwork when you go in etc.

Right now I IMAGINE that I would want IWB (not sure on position yet, maybe 5-7 o'clock as that'd be the most comfortable, but also hard to access if I were knocked down) or pocket carry. OWB would probably be difficult for me most of the times as I do not usually wear an outer layer. Ankle would probably be hard as I wear shorts often. Haven't considered thigh, shoulder, and a few other positions, but I imagine they aren't common for a reason.