Buying first pistol for carry, any advise?

Z

ZipTieNinja

Joined
Mar 17, 2001
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83
I'm doing the research, but not getting too far. All the gun makers say that theres is better than the rest (of course). I have looked at H&K, Glock, Sig, Beretta, Walther... I would like to have dependability and accuracy, in as small as possible package. Not asking much am I? :) Does anyone know any statistics on the accuracy of any of these guns in .40cal? Any help would be greatly appreciated. If there is any gun makers I left out let me know. Thanks people.
 
I have no experience with Walther, but the other makers you mentioned all produce highly dependable guns with good combat accuracy. You should make your decision based on the operating system you prefer (DAO or DA/SA, in these cases), the size of the guns in relation to the size of your body and your chosen carry method, the feel of them in your hand, and how well you shoot them. Find yourself a range that rents guns and give as many a try as possible.
 
I would like to have dependability and accuracy, in as small as possible package......in .40cal
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Take a look at Kahr K40, P40 or the small MK40. Very smooth DAO trigger. :)
 
Hi....if you want small, dependable and accurate in .40 I recommend the Glock 27. I carry mine everyday (off duty, Glock 23 on duty) and have fired over 5,000 rounds without a single problem.
Nick
 
I agree with Nick, the Glock 27 is a good choice. As far as accuracy, my 27 is as accurate as the 23 or 22. You lose a little bit of pinpoint accuracy, but make up for it with faster sight picture. Accuracy to me (Gunsite lesson) is hitting an 8" circle at the distance you wish to shoot. Longer distance takes more time to make the hit.
 
Hey there Ziptie!

Buy the one that you're most comfortable with and that you'd stake your life on (if your looking for a handgun for defensive use).

I've owned .40's by many of the manufacturers you mention and I would heartily recommend the H&K USP40 Compact or Sig P229 (current manufacture)over the other 40's mentioned. Many claim that the USP is chunky, but it is really no bigger than the Glock 23. The USP takes some getting used to, but it is the most dependable .40 I've ever shot.

I've owned many Glocks, and if you were to go that route I would suggest a 17 or 19. They are the most reliable of the bunch (in my experience) and have fully supported chambers. Parts are also very universal and easy to find for Glocks. The larger caliber Glocks do not have fully supported chambers, which could be an issue if you plan to fire handloads (not that Glock recommends it). The non-fully supported chamber is considered a weak point by many, although I seriously doubt you'd have any problems if you stick to factory ammo.

The early Sig P229 .40s had some teething problems, but I've shot some current production 229s and they are absolutely terrific. Definitely something to consider. If you're buying a gun because of recent ebents I would take a hard look at caliber choice. The US and most other militaries use 9mm NATO for their sidearms. Having a pistol in that caliber almost guarantees an abundance of ammo (one reason I'm picking up a Glock 17 :) )

The Kahrs are great guns, but again I'd stick with the 9mm, preferably a new manufacture P9. I own a P9 and P40 and the 9 is much more reliable and holds more rounds (9 versus 7 total). The P9 is also a little slimmer. Be aware that if the P Series Kahr you're looking at does NOT have a screw onder the slide stop going through the frame, it is an older model that will need to eventually be sent in for the modification. My P9 doesn't have the screw and functions fine, but I've heard of others having reliability problems with older guns. The P9 is a joy to shoot (unlike the P40, hey whady expect form a 17oz. gun firing the .40?) and is easy to maintain.

Boiled down version (based on my experiences - with reliability and compactness in mind):

In 40, I'd buy-
1st-HK USP Compact
2nd-Sig P229
3rd-Glock 23 or 27

In 9mm
1st Glock 26
2nd Kahr P9 (new manufacture)
3rd Sig P228 or P239 (depending on ergonomic preference)

Hope this helps and remember to buy the pistol that best fits you and to fire at least 200 rounds through whatever pistol you purchase to break it in. Let us know what you decide.

Chris
 
It looks like you WILL be buying yourself a Glock model 27. You really couldn't have made a better choice, as you WILL LOVE that little power-house!.:).

BTW...When you get your new "27", buy yourself a couple Pearce "Plus 1 Extenders" to put on the bottom of the magazines, as they REALLY make the 27 feel EXCELLENT in your hand, and also give you 11 total shots, rather than "just" 10.

And speaking of feeling EXCELLENT in your hand, also get an "Agrip" on your new little Glock. Those Agrips REALLY feel GREAT!
 
HK USP .40 - the first and last word.

It's like this - the HK USP gives you every option you could ever want in a pistol. Single action / Double Action? No Problem. Double Action only? No Problem. Decocker? Sure. Safety? Your choice - you can have it with or without. Lefty versions? They have them as well, or you can get an armorer to have the ambi safety / decocker installed.

The Glocks have a couple advantages - they are less expensive (therefore, more popular), and you can still get preban mags for less (good luck with preban .40 USP mags for less than $90). Everyone and their brother has a Glock. I've got one too.

But, when it comes down to it - I still prefer my USP. It just fits my hands better.

Go to your local store and hold both. See which one you like better. Check your local ranges and see if you can rent and fire both. Choose the one you are most comfortable with.

Kevin
 
Glock or HK. Thats what I keep hearing, so I will
definitely give them another look. I also looked at Beretta as a possibility. Does anyone have any warnings about them. The Glocks and HKs all have polymer frames. I know they have embedded steel frames, but I like the feel and weight of an all metal gun. Probably due to the fact that I have logged more time with a Ruger MK 2 Target pistol, will a 7" bull barrel. Heavy gun! Anyway, I looked at (online) a Beretta 96 Brigadier, and like the features. I got my hands on a 92 at the local shop. Had nice weight, even if it was a little bit bigger than I was looking for. Are ther any oppinions out ther on them? By the way, my first choice was a HK MK23, but the price I found was $2,350!! Is that normal? I have an $800 price limit.

Anyone have any first hand experience's with a Berretta, good or bad?

Thanks again everyone.
 
2 things. Both equally important. Get one that you can shoot well, and get one that you WILL carry.

Story. A friend and myself just "flew a 3 day mission" down to a certain komunust, (yes komunust), state. Ultra concealment with serious firepower was required. My friend took a HK USP 40 cal. I took a Glock 29 10mm. My buddies HK USP was carried concealed BTS style (inside the wasteband, strong side hip, no holster) for about 4 hours... until he couldn't stand the pain of the hammer, decocker, and slide release digging into his gut any more... while i carried my G29 (also BTS style) the whole 3 days in perfect comfort. My buddies HK USP ended up riding in the back in a bag... unaccessable in a hurry... for the remainder of the trip... figuring he would rely on me to cover his butt till he could get to his gun... talk about a hope and a prayer!

Moral of the story? If ya ain't gonna carry it... it's worthless as a CCW.
 
I hear American Derringer is making a .50BMG single shot...

That should have some "potential"... ;)
 
Originally posted by CPR
The Kahrs are great guns, but again I'd stick with the 9mm, preferably a new manufacture P9. Be aware that if the P Series Kahr you're looking at does NOT have a screw onder the slide stop going through the frame, it is an older model that will need to eventually be sent in for the modification. My P9 doesn't have the screw and functions fine, but I've heard of others having reliability problems with older guns.
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Chris, I have never heard of this. How did you find out? Did you get a recall notice or anything from the manufacturer? Could you tell me more? Please respond directly to me via email (unless others are interested, too).
 
As fond as I amof my 1911 Series 70, I have to say that for a gun to take out of the box and bet your life on, a Glock in any configuration is hard to beat.
 
Originally posted by Coonskinner
As fond as I amof my 1911 Series 70, I have to say that for a gun to take out of the box and bet your life on, a Glock in any configuration is hard to beat.
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Agreed. :)
 
I can't speak for the H&K, and the Sig's; but I can speak for Kahr in .40 and Glock in .357Sig.

I personally own and love my MK40, when I need to carry on me the Kahr can be carried all day long in its Blade-tech holster with very nice comfort. If needed, the MK40 is just the right size to fit in the front pocket of loose jeans or the BDU's I bought for work pants. Getting used to the Kahr's triggy is a bit tricky because it is a LONG DAO pull, but it is smooth and with some range time you will know exactly where the trigger breaks. Personally, I can shoot as well with little Kahr as I can with my Colt Officer's Model. The Kahr is heavy for its size, but with the .40 the weight is welcome. I also shoot a .454 so I am not very recoil sensitive, but after a couple of hundred rounds in the Kahr my wrist will be sore.

I have yet to own a Glock, but Glock is on my wish list. Those tupperware guns take a licking and keep on clicking. My shooting buddy has the Glock in .357Sig (357mag in an auto!) and I have shot his gun several times. The Glock always goes bang, and the bullet always goes where you point the gun. The Glock is modified DAO and its trigger pull is not as long as the Kahr. Yeah, its plastic but you can beat it around and such yet that Glock will still look about the same and keep on firing.

Neither the Glock or Kahr have an external safety, just remember "Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire at your target."

Hope this helps you make a decision. I do agree with another poster, if there is a range in your area that has these guns available for rent, rent them and shoot them.

May I also recommend www.thefiringline.com if you haven't already visted that fine forum please do, the ppl there are friendly and helpful.
 
My daily carry is an H&K P7 M8. The P7 series is not for everyone, but the USP should do it for everyone else. :)

Glock would be my next choice, followed by SIG.

--Bob Q
 
Originally posted by ZipTieNinja
... I would like to have dependability and accuracy, in as small as possible package....
Click to expand...

I would carry a Seecamp .32 cal; along with my GLOCK 19 .:D
 
This is almost like asking for advice on the best car to buy. You'll get a lot of opinions-all good. All the brands you mentioned make good quality products.
IMHO most folks have better guns then them-as far as ability. Its more important to get comfortable with and practice with whatever you have then getting what others say is the best. By practice I don't just mean target shooting. Include drawing,reloading,tactical shooting situations,etc. I go to various ranges and glance at the people around me-$700-800 guns,aimpoints,etc. and they can't shoot worth a dxmm. I was at a range recently with a local LEO friend. I couldn't believe what others were shooting considering their lack of skill. I brought an older revovler that I hadn't shot in years-S&W model 10-4" barrel.iron sights. I could shoot rings around everyone there that day. In a "real life" situation it wouldn't matter what they were carrying . My model 10 would have beat all of them.
I just wanted to say also that I'm not patting myself on the back. I've known and worked with folks much,much better then I am and always just considered myself a good but not great or expert shooter.
 
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