Handgun Advice

[preach4bass]

I'm looking to purchase a new handgun in the next couple of months.  I'd like to be able to carry it concealed, but would also like it to have some knock-down power.  I'm open to semi-auto or revolver.  I would like to have a good, quality pistol.  Any suggestions?

[fourbizz]

If I wanted a carry weapon, this would be it: https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/15379

I do hope to be able to get the full framed USP in .45 soon though.

[KevO]

My best friend has a glock 27 .40 caliber compact handgun.  It is an awesome handgun.  It is small enough to fit in your pants pocket, but I wouldn't recommend it because it doesn't have a safety.  I have shot it many times, it is accurate enough and would definately scare someone off.  My only complaint is the grip is short and my pinky finger hangs off.  They do however offer an extended clip to take care of that problem.  At around $500 I think they are hard to beat, I think I am getting one for christmas.  

Another one of my friends has a Kimber 1911 .45, that is a nice gun with a ton of knock down power.  I have never shot it but I know its a beast.  It is however about twice the size of the glock, and so is the price tag.  I think he paid $800 for a used gun.

Hope this helps a little...

[roadwarrior]

Nothin' to talk about: Kimber Pro Carry, Ultra Carry II

http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/ultracarry/

8-)

[frogtog]

.38 S&W S/N is all you need.

A good Slingshot will work wonders also.

[Bassn Blvd]

Can't go wrong with the Glock.  I've carried the .40 Glock 22 for 10 yrs now.  The 22 is a bit big to carry all day concealed but it's a fine quality gun.

[bowtech_182]

but I wouldn't recommend it because it doesn't have a safety.

That information is totally false.  The Glock design has 3 integral safeties built into it with the 4th and most important being in between your ears.  I carry a Glock 26 in the summer and a 19 in the winter.  I really liked the USP pistols that FOurbizz posted until I shot them. They had a slightly high natural point of aim for me which was very evident when I shot a couple IDPA matches with one.  THey are super nice pistols though.  You would also be well served to check out the Sig pistols, take a look at the P239.

Andy

[Catt]

Magnum Research Baby Eagle .40 S&W  

[firefightn15]

The Glock is a nice sidearm but the safety system is built different than others.  You should make sure you are very familiar with this weapon before you start carrying.  JMO

[flechero]

Preach,

That's more open ended than what rod should I buy!! ;D

Having said that, of all the weapons I have owned, the 2 I keep coming back to for concealed carry are a Kimber Ultra CDP in .45 and a Taurus titanium protector- which is a 5 shot .38/357 revolver the size of a J-framed Smith & Wesson. Either carries easily (concealed) under a t-shirt and there are hundreds of holster options out there for either. The J-frames can also be easily pocket carried in a pocket holster.

I do occasionally carry a Colt Pony Pocketlite or a Kel-tec (both .380acp) when dress requires extreme discretion, but I can tell you that as a primary, they fall into the "better than nothing" category. (at least in my mind)

Every one of my carry weapons is the "light weight" version of another (except the Kel-tec which is plastic framed). Although many people carry all steel versions comfortably... I could never get comfortable with 2 lbs of steel on my belt.

Just remember this as you shop... for concealed carry, you only have to hide the grip.

And lastly, spend the money for a good belt and holster... it makes the difference between all day comfort with your weapon versus a gun left at home where is does you no good.

[TopDog]

If I wanted a carry weapon, this would be it: https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/15379

I do hope to be able to get the full framed USP in .45 soon though.

Great gun!

I have a USP 45 myself!  

In a world of compromise....some don't. 8-)

[Siebert Outdoors]

I've got a USP 40 and a USP 45 Tactical. Sweet guns

For CCW I would really look at revolvers in 38-357 smith and wesson.

They are simple to use and basic.  

[jax]

You picked a good question. The answers will vary greatly. This is probably one of the most debated questions ever. Especially when you start talking calibers.

Buying a hand gun is a very personal choice. Your life may depend on it. This influences everyone's opinion more than we realize. We trust our lives to our choices. If anyone disagrees with our choice then they must be wrong because we trust out lives to OUR choice. That is the basis or gun debates.

Choosing a caliber used to matter more than it does with our modern ammo. "Knock down" power is a myth. With modern ammo and powders caliber doesn't matter as much. Each has a pro and a con. It is up to you what cons you can live with. 45s move slower and hold less but are larger bullets. 9mm mover faster and hold more but have less recoil. .40s were supposed to be a blend but have turned into more of the wretched child than anything else. What you choose is your choice. All three are good choices.

Choosing a gun is about the same way. You have 1911s, metal guns, plastics guns, striker fired guns. You have to find what is comfortable for you. Go look at guns and write down what you like and dislike about each one. This will start to help you narrow your search. Asking on the internet can get overwhelming very quickly.

I carry the S&W M&P (semi auto) Full size 9mm. It is a "plastic" gun. It hold 17+1. I carry it with an Inside the waist band holster everyday. Sometimes 16 hours a day.

http://www.smith-wes...711&isFirearm=Y

Bud guns shop generally runs a good deal on them. I think they have a $50 rebate.

I personally dislike the maintenance involved with 1911s. I like the light weight of the plastic guns over full metal. I chose my M&P over the Glock and the XD because the M&P fits my hand better and has a higher capacity. I chose the 9mm over the .40 and the .45 due to ammo cost, less felt recoil which means faster follow up shots and better bullet placement, and larger capacity. Ammo cost was the big deciding factor. You MUST train with it which cost money on ammo.

Those are my preferences. Your preferences may be different. Try to find a gun range that rents guns. That will help you more than anything.

[Root beer]

What about this one?

http://i.pbase.com/u30/num3/upload/18916847.goldeneagle.jpg

[bowtech_182]

I will also second what Flechero says about a good belt and a holster.  If you are going to carry you really need a REAL gunbelt.  There is a difference between a belt and a gunbelt.  It iis all about stiffness and lateral stability.  I destroyed 3 regular belts in 2 years.  2 years ago I bought a Gunners Alley gunbelt and it is still going strong.   Well worth the $50-70.  For holsters check out the Comp-tac line.  I can carry my G26 in a CTAC iwith a tucked in t-shirt with 0 worries about being spotted

[skunked_again]

Nothin' to talk about: Kimber Pro Carry, Ultra Carry II

http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/ultracarry/

8-)

great minds think alike.................

and they shoot like a dream

[Bassn Blvd]

Why would you want the safety?   If your gun is properly holstered it will NOT go off.  If you pull your weapon for use, then you don't want the safety on.

[Micro]

Tons of really good choices.  I carry a Glock 36 when I carry.   Tried and true .45 ACP in a compact, single stack package.

[IDbasser]

1911's are easy maintenance.  Para Ordnance makes awsesome guns.  Here is a link to a good quality in the pant holster, magazine puoches, and belts.  The guy who makes them lives here locally and does really good work.  I have some of his stuff, and many police officers here in the area have bought from him.  

http://www.concealco.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=ACL&Category_Code=051IWB

http://www.paraord.com/new/product_conceal.php

[A.Do?]

Why would you want the safety? If your gun is properly holstered it will NOT go off. If you pull your weapon for use, then you don't want the safety on.

Maybe it's just me but I'd like to have the safety because my firearm is NOT always in my holster. As I'm new to concealed carry, I like the added assurance that my firearm won't have an inadvertent discharge. Flipping the safety shouldn't take you that long to do. It's not like we're in the wild wild west! ;D

I have a usp compact .40 and love it. Glocks are love or hate gun to most.  Go rent a gun at a range and make sure you like the feel of the gun in your hands before you buy.  Don't skimp on the holster either! A good IWB holster will make concealed carry 100x better. If you have the money and time, a milt sparks versa max is hard to beat! It has a wait list and often goes for 2x the retail value on ebay!