Help Me Choose a Gun for LTC

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

I voted "other" as all of the listed pistols would work for LTC. Pick the one that fits you best and that you shoot best with and you'll be well served.

[NiteQwill]

Have you considered an EMP40? I wasn't a believer until I shot one. And I carry a EMP9, very comfortable and a pleasure to shoot/hold. The only downside is the price...

In any case, can't go wrong with a Glock 27 (with pearce grip).

[coq]

I voted G27 considering your criteria. My experience is with Glocks 19, 30, 36 and 33 (same size as 27), and Kahr PM9. All are great guns, but I usually grab the PM9 or G33. By far the Kahr is easier to conceal, and lighter and more comfortable to carry IWB. However, power and capacity are comforting these days, so more often than not, I choose the 33. I would not say choose the one you shoot best...I'd suggest the one you're most likely to be carrying.

[glockman19]

I voted other...

...I carry LTC three different guns...a S&W 442/642, Glock 26 & Kimber Ultra.

Of the three I prefer the S&W 442/642...because it is easy to carry in my pocket. I can shoot it from a pocket without worry of snagging. I only plan on using my LTC to get me out of a situation to safety...IMHO my carry gun is NOT for a "gun fight" I have many other firearms for that scenario

[sholling]

Hands down the M&P. I find the ergonomics far better than a Glock and the S&W's lifetime warranty is much better than Kahr's 5 year warranty and the adjustable grip size and ability to accept a laser backstrap put the M&P way ahead.

[Turo]

I'm not generally a Glock fan, but I thought the G27 was pretty nice. The only thing that's holding me back is that its the most expensive.

That's because it's awesome! My 27 is the sweetest little gun I have/have ever shot.

My vote is for the 27, you can use 15rnd Glock 22 mags for reloads if you've got them, and parts are really easy to find, along with holsters.

[Whatisthis?]

I think the main two will end up being G27 and M&P40c.

If you have preban glock mags, it's a plus for Glock. Keep in mind that you can use high cap mags in M&P40c, but, I don't think the M&P was around that long ago.

They are both roughly the same price. However, with the M&P, I think you will want the Apex trigger kit. The Glock would for sure be good to go right out of the box. If you don't mind the stock M&P trigger, then that doesn't matter.

I personally am in a debate between the G26 and the M&P9c and I constantly find myself going back and forth (I still have to wait 6 months until I can purchase a handgun). I feel the M&Pc pretty much corrected the things that people do not like about the baby glocks or wanted the option of (i.e the backstraps before the Gen 4, general ergos, and optional rail use) with the same reliability as a Glock and a much better trigger ONCE the apex trigger kit is installed. I personally am leaning towards the M&Pc. I haven't shot either personally, but I did shoot the M&P9 full size and I definitely prefer that over the Glock 17.

[PsychGuy274]

I think the main two will end up being G27 and M&P40c.

If you have preban glock mags, it's a plus for Glock. Keep in mind that you can use high cap mags in M&P40c, but, I don't think the M&P was around that long ago.

They are both roughly the same price. However, with the M&P, I think you will want the Apex trigger kit. The Glock would for sure be good to go right out of the box. If you don't mind the stock M&P trigger, then that doesn't matter.

I'm in CO so mag limit doesn't apply.

I'm sure that if I get the MP40c that I'll also get the APEX trigger kit. I've heard nothing but great things about it.

Have you considered an EMP40? I wasn't a believer until I shot one. And I carry a EMP9, very comfortable and a pleasure to shoot/hold. The only downside is the price...

In any case, can't go wrong with a Glock 27 (with pearce grip).

While that is an awesome gun, it's just way out of my price range for now. Right now I'm worried about getting a cheapish gun that is reliable so I actually have something to carry. I can always upgrade later.

I voted "other".... Sig P239. While not a sub-compact, they are easily concealed, just not in a pocket. Single stack for slimness and up to 10+1 capacity in 9, 7+1 in .40. With either a DAO or DAK trigger it is a very effective tool for the purpose.

Tiny Kahr's in .40 are not fun to shoot, and they are (IMO) better suited to deep concealment / back up than they are to a primary carry.

I have an SP2022 in 9mm that I love, but I can only conceal it in the winter. The P239 is too expensive for me right now and I haven't handled one yet.

I carry a PM9 everyday... But I'm trying things to alter my wardrobe to carry my PX4.
+1 on the PX4 being a great gun.
The Kahr in .40 is very difficult for follow up shots. Especially with hot SD loads. I tried my buddies PM40 and I just couldn't get confident with it for an accurate rapid second shot. The Storm in .40 is easy.

I'm actually eyeing the PX4 more and more. I think I'm gonna see if I can rent one or find someone who has one. Gun Genie is having a sale on them right now I think.

Is it the concealability or the reload time that puts you off?

I don't know. It's really just as simple as 'I'm not a wheelgun person.'

[pontiacpratt]

Good news! Your a free stater. Get the Px4 compact.

[Whatisthis?]

I will keep saying the M&Pc is my choice, but because this is for your CCW, I would choose the one that points/shoots best for you. In most situations, I doubt you will have enough time to just take the proper stance and align your sights perfectly. This means that you need to rely on your training or ability to point and shoot. Idk if you're the same way, but when I try guns out, I typically have one that I can tell just points better. For me, this is the M&P.

[voiceofreason]

However, with the M&P, I think you will want the Apex trigger kit. The Glock would for sure be good to go right out of the box. If you don't mind the stock M&P trigger, then that doesn't matter.

I've shot old M&Ps, one that was manufactured in September 2011, two with the APEX installed, and one w/ a trigger job by a gunsmith in Michigan.

I believe the current/newer M&Ps come with triggers that are just fine as far as grittiness and pull weight.

They will not have the positive reset of a Glock trigger, no matter who does the trigger job (for now at least).

There is a bit of pre & over travel, but not enough to be a huge deterrent to shooting the gun.

I would change the sights on the Glock for sure. The factory M&P sights are quite nice IMO. Not big on white dots personally.

[Ubermcoupe]

Im partial to the G27 because that is what I use (when I can).

[k1dude]

Thickness of the gun and length of the grip are the 2 most important criteria when evaluating the concealability of a gun. At least in my experience because I'm thin. That's why I picked the Kahr in your poll. I also have to carry outside the waistband because I'm skinny. But, if you're a big guy, you can pretty much carry a hog-leg inside the waistband and get away with it. So if you're thin like me, get the Kahr with a OWB holster. If you're a big guy, get the S&W or the Glock and carry with an IWB holster.

Personally I carry a PM9 and would recommend the CW9 over the CW40 due to the snappiness (Is that a word?) of the .40 cal round.

I'm one of the few that don't get the APEX love for M&P's. I have a M&P 45 that I installed the APEX DCAEK kit and it made no difference whatsoever. It felt exactly the same before and after. Also, the trigger was 5.5 pounds before and 5.5 pounds after. It was wasted money. I'm thinking of putting the stock trigger spring back in to lighten up the pull. At least then I'll feel like something changed.

[SanPedroShooter]

I am also thin, and looking at a Kel-Tec, but I can carry my G19 w/ a 15 rounder IWB all day if I have to, its just not very comfortable. Why do you say you "have to carry outside the waist band cause I'm skinny"?

My biggest problem is my wardrobe. I wear regular jeans, but I am thin enough to wear a M t-shirt, even though I am 6 ft tall, so while I can just barely conceal a g19, a single stack nine would be fine IWB.

For your consideration: Open carry at the range (notice my friends sks/detachable mag) These are my "civilian clothes" black t shirt, jeans. There is no way my shirt is going to cover that gun. I think a lot of problems could be solved by a bette holster. I really like my Fobus for OC, but for IWB, all I have is a cheap galco clip on.


Sorry for the thread jack, but I am interested in what tall skinny guys do about a CCW.

[Coyote Brown]

I'm curious , how does one buy a kel-tec pistol in Cali ? A P-9 has always looked like a great LTC option in free states .