Conceal carry options

Just start putting your hands on some is about the only advice you would need until you get a couple of guns in mind. No sharp edges, how it feels in your hand, reliability, and ammo capacity are what you need. I carried a full size glock with 10 rounds and got used to it after a week or two

Check out walther's ppk

My next purchase for CC

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Check out walther's ppk

My next purchase for CC

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Buy some good Kevlar gloves, too.

Original PPK = serious slide bite. If you get one, make sure it has the beavertail extension.

ETA: You can do better than a .380 (9mm = much better)

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Kahr CW380

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I'm really liking this idea. Have they started selling them yet?

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Kahr CW380



I'm really liking this idea. Have they started selling them yet?

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Well they released it at SHOT show last month but I think it's on the market already.

I only found a couple sites with them, but this one has one around the same price as an LCP. Seems like an excellent deal to me:

https://2afirearmsdealer.com/kahr-cw-380acp-258-msts-poly-1-mag.html

$320? Indeed.

To the OP, if your ok with 380, this would be my first choice.

oleyeller,
Whatever you get, you will need to practice. Depending on your experience level, consider professional training. To assist in practice, strongly consider buying a 22LR in a similar action as your concealed carry gun. for example, if you cc a semi auto, get a similar 22LR semi auto.

If the shooter is comfortable w/ the platform, semi autos semi autos are usually the best cc gun. You'll need to decide is you want to cc a double stack or single stack mag gun. Double stacks (like your Glock) carry more rounds, but are much bulkier. I much prefer single stack guns for inside the waistband (IWB) carry. Keep your Glock tucked into your waistband all day at home sometime and see if you'd like to cc such a gun. If not, look at a single stack. I usually recommend DAO type actions w/o an external safety lever. I think the Kahr CW9 has a nice combo of features at an affordable price.

I'd consider looking at the following guns.
single wide:
Kahr CM9/PM9/CW9
Bersa BP 9cc
S&W Shield
Kimber Solo
Beretta Nano
?Springfield XDs 9 when available
ETA: Ruger LC9

double wide:
Ruger SR9
Springfield XD compact or service
I'm sure there are some Sigs in this category as well, but I'm just not very up to date w/ the current Sig line up.
S&W M&P series
Glock M19

The best self defense calibers are 9mm, 357 Mag, 357 Sig, 40 S&W and 45 ACP; the 38 Special also has a good track record, but not like the above. For most shooters I suggest the 9mm. 380 pocket pistols are VERY handy, but I don't recommend it for one's only cc gun. Although I've got a 380 pocket pistol, I cc it only when I can't carry something bigger. I'm not as comfortable w/ the 380 for self defense as I am the others mentioned earlier.

If for whatever reason you don't want a semi-auto, a 5 shot snub nose revolver in 38 Spec is a good choice.

Consider HOW you'll carry your gun. Like most, I cc IWB. If you carry IWB, your next decision will be whether you use a tuckable or non-tuckable holster. Get a HIGH quality holster and a belt designed to carry a holster. Expect to pay some money and wait a while for your holster and belt.

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Even if you're looking for something really small (sub-compact), Kahr, S&W, Springfield and others are making some great little pocket pistolas in 9mm.

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I addressed this in my post. There is not a single subcompact single-stack 9mm handgun that can fit in almost every pocket. But, when you get into 380, the size is considerably smaller.

My dad can pocket carry his Kahr P380 in scrubs. But, my CM9 is too big for his pocket, and it weighs more since the gun is bigger AND the ammo is heavier.

I understand there are some guys that can pocket carry subcompact 9mms, but the 380s are much more efficient.

I will take an IWB 9mm all day, but if I have to change my attire and am not wearing a belt, then the 380 is perfect for the pocket.

EDIT: I definitely agree with Tiger. CC the biggest gun you can comfortably carry (stress on the word "comfortably"). If it's not comfortable, you will start leaving it at home.

I advise you check out my video about first time buyers. Although you aren't a first time buyer, I address CC sizes in my video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99BLwQL7HSA

I think the OP said he is buying his first CC handgun. I guess I just believe having the 9mm(or .40 or .45) is worth carrying a slightly larger and heavier piece. If he is going to pocket carry from time to time (I don't), it's definitely something he will have to think about. I agree that Tiger's advice to

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CC the biggest gun you can comfortably carry

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is the best piece of advice in this thread...becausing as you said, you'll stop carrying it if it's uncomfortable.

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During summer i wear cargo shorts 95 percent of the time and some gym shorts the other.

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This attire allows you to pocket carry some of the subcompact 9mms being suggested.

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I hadnt seen anyone mention the kel tec pf9, any opinions on these?

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Zero fun to shoot and about a 65% success rate. My friend had to send his back to Keltec twice, but at least it works now.

I would go Kahr CM9. It is the best bang for the buck and is one of the smallest single stack 9s out there. Mine has been fired about 4k times and still runs like a top. It's also not painful to shoot at the range because the bore axis is so low. That keltec just eats your trigger finger on recoil. The trigger guard bites into it after every shot.