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Getting my CCW... What should I carry???
- Thread starter Pokey1
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I EDC a Taurus 651. Revolvers are great. DA/SA actions are great. DA/SA revolvers are even better. Allows for immediate reflexive response, or preparation for a precision shot. I've got RA and my trigger finger just doesn't have the strength it used to, so breaking an 8-10 pound DA trigger really sucks, especially on the range. With the 651, I have an option. I paid less than 300 bucks for mine, and prints fist-sized groups at 15 yards with both light target 38 special and with heavy self defense 158 grain .357. The Taurus isn't necessarily keepsake quality, but your carry gun does receive some wear and tear, and mine spends alot of time getting bounced around on my waist climbing mountains, too. The action is really smooth considering the price tag-both the hammer and the trigger are very clean and predictable. Sights took some getting used to, but once I had them down, they did great.
BOSS1
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Greetings,
Speaking as a long time shooter and former instructor, I'll add to some of the good advice you've been given:
- Selection is a very personal thing. One of the better things you could do would be to go to a rental range with a knowledgeable person and 'test drive' various models/types/calibers, etc. Choose what YOU like the most, not what the salesman has in the case or what your friends like. You might wanna take a couple three trips so as to not make snap decision. And no, you don't need a $2,000 1911 to be well equipped.
- I'd suggest starting w/ a .22 and working your way up to larger calibers if possible. There are many conversion kits that might work with a larger caliber handgun (something to consider).
- Take into consideration all your possible intended uses: CCW, target, recreation, competition, etc.
- Nothing wrong with a good revolver, in fact, for folks that want a simple, effective, and easy to maintain firearm, a good stainless 2-4 inch barrelled Ruger/S&W .38/.357 revolver is tough to beat. Versatile and effective.
- Be careful with purchasing anything used...not that their aren't lots of good pre-owned firearms out there, but make sure you know what to look for.
- Realize that unfortunately, some of the better defense guns can be less than comfortable to carry. Think about all the things you do: get in and cars, go to coffee shops, the rest room, etc. That nice big pistola might not be so stellar if its jammed into your side by those racey supportive sports car seats on an hour commute (and a hole in your leather seat might not be so welcome either). It would be better to get something small/comfortable enough you'll actually carry it compared to a great gun you leave at home because its too big/difficult to conceal, etc. I believe Clint Smith says, guns should be comforting, not comfortable. But you might have more off-body options (ie a CCW purse)...weigh the pros and cons, etc.
- Realize that the firearm itself is generally part of a larger 'system.' A quality belt, holster, mag/speed loader pouches, fit in as well. A flashlight, folder, etc. can also be added.
*** Get GOOD instruction...there's plenty of knowledgeable folks that can help you build a proper foundation...much easier than trying to un-learn bad habits. This is particularly true of CCW (ie potentially defense-related handguns). The WHEN of shooting can often be alot more difficult than the HOW of shooting. Avoid the military-style 'mow 'em all down' or gun store commando types. If the person seems reluctant to the idea of testifying as to exactly what they taught you and why in court, then you may want to consider looking elsewhere. There's several types of survival, physical, emotional, legal, financial...not trying to bum you out, but if you're considering carrying a firearm for self-defense, you'll need to educate yourself on these issues, as well as means/ability, opportunity, danger/jeopardy, preclusion (if these terms baffle your instructor, you might want to continue looking) and a whole host of other items. There is TDI (Tactical Defense Institute) in your state as a place to start considering. Thunder Ranch also has some decent videos you can purchase to get you going. Whatever you decide, learn to use whatever you decide to purchase responsibly and safely.
- Situation awareness is ALOT more important that the tool(s) you choose to carry. For the law-abiding citizen, generally speaking, a fight avoided is a fight won.
Just my $.02 worth.
BOSS
Speaking as a long time shooter and former instructor, I'll add to some of the good advice you've been given:
- Selection is a very personal thing. One of the better things you could do would be to go to a rental range with a knowledgeable person and 'test drive' various models/types/calibers, etc. Choose what YOU like the most, not what the salesman has in the case or what your friends like. You might wanna take a couple three trips so as to not make snap decision. And no, you don't need a $2,000 1911 to be well equipped.
- I'd suggest starting w/ a .22 and working your way up to larger calibers if possible. There are many conversion kits that might work with a larger caliber handgun (something to consider).
- Take into consideration all your possible intended uses: CCW, target, recreation, competition, etc.
- Nothing wrong with a good revolver, in fact, for folks that want a simple, effective, and easy to maintain firearm, a good stainless 2-4 inch barrelled Ruger/S&W .38/.357 revolver is tough to beat. Versatile and effective.
- Be careful with purchasing anything used...not that their aren't lots of good pre-owned firearms out there, but make sure you know what to look for.
- Realize that unfortunately, some of the better defense guns can be less than comfortable to carry. Think about all the things you do: get in and cars, go to coffee shops, the rest room, etc. That nice big pistola might not be so stellar if its jammed into your side by those racey supportive sports car seats on an hour commute (and a hole in your leather seat might not be so welcome either). It would be better to get something small/comfortable enough you'll actually carry it compared to a great gun you leave at home because its too big/difficult to conceal, etc. I believe Clint Smith says, guns should be comforting, not comfortable. But you might have more off-body options (ie a CCW purse)...weigh the pros and cons, etc.
- Realize that the firearm itself is generally part of a larger 'system.' A quality belt, holster, mag/speed loader pouches, fit in as well. A flashlight, folder, etc. can also be added.
*** Get GOOD instruction...there's plenty of knowledgeable folks that can help you build a proper foundation...much easier than trying to un-learn bad habits. This is particularly true of CCW (ie potentially defense-related handguns). The WHEN of shooting can often be alot more difficult than the HOW of shooting. Avoid the military-style 'mow 'em all down' or gun store commando types. If the person seems reluctant to the idea of testifying as to exactly what they taught you and why in court, then you may want to consider looking elsewhere. There's several types of survival, physical, emotional, legal, financial...not trying to bum you out, but if you're considering carrying a firearm for self-defense, you'll need to educate yourself on these issues, as well as means/ability, opportunity, danger/jeopardy, preclusion (if these terms baffle your instructor, you might want to continue looking) and a whole host of other items. There is TDI (Tactical Defense Institute) in your state as a place to start considering. Thunder Ranch also has some decent videos you can purchase to get you going. Whatever you decide, learn to use whatever you decide to purchase responsibly and safely.
- Situation awareness is ALOT more important that the tool(s) you choose to carry. For the law-abiding citizen, generally speaking, a fight avoided is a fight won.
Just my $.02 worth.
BOSS
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AND WE want to see pictures of all the options you end up trying
Yes you do and that is why you need to get in your car and drive to my house right away, don't worry about bringing anything, I have everything that we'll need right here
LOL Wow, Thanks for the offer!! That is entirely too generous of you
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This! I spent months debating and taking up salespeople's valuable time without buying anything. A few saturdays spent shopping for guns are a good ones. Also as you shop around you can find deals or, return to the shop with the best customer service (even if their cost might be slightly higher) you can always haggle.
My second piece of advice is also plan how you plan on carrying it everyday at the same time, because it will influence gun choice as well. It has taken me longer to plan my CC setup than to plan my wedding.
I ended up with a KAHR P9 so I could get the night sights I wanted (XS big dot) installed. I went with the KAHR because it was thinner and lighter than the Glock and didn't have a safety to turn off if the fit hit the shan. Thinness, No external safety (other than my brain), and Sights ended up being my top priorities. Which was a surprise because they were different when I first started looking.
Addendum: My sister ended up with a Ruger polymer revolver and she LOVES it. Mostly because she has a weak grip and autos would jam on her because of it.
Last edited:
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shoot as many different guns as you can and then decide.
You may want to look at a walther pk380 (my mom's carry weapon). I find the gun very comfortable, though I like 1911s personally, but everyone likes a different pistol.
I know there are some ranges that will rent out guns for shooting at the range, you may want to look into them to find more to be able to shoot. I know we have a local indoor range near me that rents out glocks and springfields along with a couple of revolvers for example.
You may want to look at a walther pk380 (my mom's carry weapon). I find the gun very comfortable, though I like 1911s personally, but everyone likes a different pistol.
I know there are some ranges that will rent out guns for shooting at the range, you may want to look into them to find more to be able to shoot. I know we have a local indoor range near me that rents out glocks and springfields along with a couple of revolvers for example.
snwbrdr202
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Pokey, let me buy you dinner and we can go to the gun range after to try out some guns.......... a date...perfect!! So, you want to pack something in addition to the deadly weapons that you already possess and carry on your person? Have you heard of overkill young lady? You don't need a gun, you got looks to kill....
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Just carry "me" and you will have nothing to worry about
except maybe your back!
except maybe your back!
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Just carry "me" and you will have nothing to worry about
except maybe your back!
Oh who cares about my back! I can just have a group of people surround me for security, and you are one of them!
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there will never be a winner.....i still vote 1911
Pokey, two of my small carry fav's to try out if you can... Ruger LCP in 380 completely disappears, and the Kahr PM9 is a quality 9 mm in a small package. Both shoot well.
Also check out Remora holsters as another option. Good to have a few different carry options.
Be sure to show us pics!
JD
Also check out Remora holsters as another option. Good to have a few different carry options.
Be sure to show us pics!
JD
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Anything you do get consider getting an action job and trigger job done. Most of them stock suck your accuracy will improve with a good trigger job.
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pk380 is a pain in the butt to strip and for that reason alone I'd advise against it. My ex bought one as my P22 is a blast to shoot and the guns are pretty close in feel.
I really like my scXD 9mm as my edc unless I'm going owb, then my Glock 20 is coming with me. And I'm definitely not a Glock fanboy, I just wanted a 10mm.
The only 1911 that I ever fell in love with was a Nighthawk T3. Gun feels amazing in my hand and the trigger is perfect.