CCW appointment coming up in a few months...what to get..

[96snake]

Got my ccw appt coming up in May and haven't decided what I should look into testing out. I'm pretty open on caliber, but I do have a 9mm now so that could make things easier if I didn't have to stock up on multiple calibers. A big requirement is that it must be small enough to pocket carry though. During the summer I wear a lot of cargo pants and t-shirts. Although I'm not saying I'll never carry IWB, I just don't see it happening that often because I don't think it will work considering I don't wear baggy t-shirts. There is, however, plenty of room in my shorts' pocket.

That being said, what do you guys recommend that fits those requirements and that I should try? I have handled a ruger lc9 and lcp and they were definitely a nice size and have had good reviews. I shot a kahr pm9 and didn't have any problems with it that I hear about constantly. Maybe it was because it was a rental and well broken in? Anybody carry an xds9/45? Are those able to be pocket carried? My cousin has an xd9 sc and while it is nice, I don't think I'd be able to pocket carry that. I love glocks but doesn't look like they offer anything that would peak my interest except maybe the 42, but I have heard those are somewhat big (for a 380). I am not opposed to revolvers at all either. I owned a ruger LCR and man that thing was sweet, but I feel like those big rubber grips would snag on anything and everything. S&w 642 seems like a no brainier too, but that would be pretty expensive to practice with unless I was able to find some cheap reloads or something.

I guess my budget would be around $800 give or take, so if you have any suggestions or I missed any good ones please feel free to let me know! Thanks in advance as always.

[dennis1979gm]

I have a CM9 that would fit the bill. Although not on the roster you could spend a little more for a pm9. I have a shield and I would consider it just a tad to big for me to pocket carry but you may have a little more room in your cargo shorts. Don't give up on the idea of IWB holster. With the right set up for your body type a terribly baggy shirt is not necessary. You have some good choices if you act in the next 2 weeks after that I would say PM9 and CA shield would be your main contenders after the 1st without going 380. I wouldn't recommend 380 just for the fact that ammo is 2x the cost of 9mm. That adds up quickly when training. Good luck in your quest and on your permit.

[96snake]

I wouldn't recommend 380 just for the fact that ammo is 2x the cost of 9mm. That adds up quickly when training.

Exactly why a revolver isn't my first choice, even though I quite like them. The budget for the gun and fees is easily covered, but routine practice and being able to do so with an expensive caliber might be a little difficult and I am not ok with having the responsibility of a ccw and not being proficient with it because of lack of practice.

[SoulStealer]

Shield
Glock 26
XDs 9/45
Glock 30S

[96snake]

Very nice SS. Is the XDS 45 much bigger than the 9?

[EspoMan]

XDS is supposed to be the best subcompact pistol out right now from what I've read. The price is too much however, so I went with the shield.

[SoulStealer]

Very nice SS. Is the XDS 45 much bigger than the 9?

Very similar in size. The XDs .45 recoil is also very manageable and is very fun to shoot. I actually prefer it over my G30S.

http://www.guns.com/review/2013/07/30/springfield-xds-pistols-side-by-side-9mm-vs-45-acp-video/

[NiteQwill]

I find myself carrying the XDS45 99.9% of the time. Easy to shoot, excellent grip area, accurate, acceptable defensive trigger, and manageable recoil.

The only downside is capacity... but that's why I also have a XDS9.

[DMotivate]

I currently have a LC9 and pocket carry it. It works, but it is still bulky. Jeans are usually not a problem but by the end of the you will for sure know it's there.

The problem with shorts sometimes is the pocket opening itself. Get used to a 2 finger grip as its almost impossible with the pinky extension.

If you are considering a Ruger LC9 make sure to get the LC9s with the upgraded trigger, they even have a Pro model that just released without the mag disconnect and safety. I dislike the long trigger on the LC9 and picked up a off roster S&W Shield which side-by-side are almost the same overall demensions but the Shield has a taller and beefier slide. For 'deep concealment' I bought a CW380 which surprisingly shoots very well and has a better feeling trigger than the LC9.

[desertjosh]

Get the LCR in 9mm and install a boot grip on it. Done and done.

[smith and wesson]

Shield
Glock 26
XDs 9/45
Glock 30S

My exact list plus if your a cz fan, cz rami.

[kjv146]

Shield or xds

and then also get something you can conceal very very well, like an LCP or Kahr 380.

[Mwfillmore]

I have a. Lc9s to pocket carry... It's definitely heavier than I would prefer. The g42 is nice, shoots easy but only gives you 6+1 of .380. For me, I'd carry the extra 2 ounces to bump up to the glock 27 9+1 in .40 cal
I don't have a shield but the non ca versions would be the one I'm after if I was to go that way.


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[TurboChrisB]

I have a LCR .357 with a boot grip that I keep .38 +P's in and a P938 9mm. Perfect for my pockets.

[96snake]

I have a LCR .357 with a boot grip that I keep .38 +P's in and a P938 9mm. Perfect for my pockets.

Totally forgot about the 938. How's the reliability on those? I can live with a trigger, but it's got to be reliable.