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Help me find a concealed carry pistol

Posted on 9/22/16 at 10:56 pm
Posted by Tornado Alley
Member since Mar 2012
26510 posts
Posted on 9/22/16 at 10:56 pm
But first, I'll tell you more about my situation.

I'm a lawyer and our office is close to the ghetto part of town. A lawyer's office down the street from ours was burglarized earlier this month. I work late nights often and don't want to be caught SOL if it happens to us. Furthermore, there are simply a lot of crazies out there, and they seem to flock to law offices, for whatever reason. We do keep a pistol in the office, but I'd like to keep one on my person as well.

I've shot a Ruger LCP 380, and I thought it was fine. The long trigger pull didn't bother me. I'm not a gun expert nor did I grow up around them, for the record.

Nonetheless, here are my important factors:
- concealability - I don't want anything bulky and I don't really want to know its there, most of the time
- safety - I'd like the gun to have a safety, as I'm a very fidgety person and constantly move around, wiggle, etc.
- price - I'd like to keep the price below $350.00 if possible, but below $400.00 is a requirement
- ease of shooting - I know many of these pocket pistols have killer recoil, like the Ruger LCP 380, and I'd like to limit that as much as possible

I'm not well versed on caliber sizes and relative strength, nor do I understand why some of my friends only carry revolvers.

Thanks, OB
Posted by Chatagnier
Member since Sep 2008
6851 posts
Posted on 9/22/16 at 11:06 pm to
If you like the LCP 380 give the LC9 a look. It's not much larger and about the same recoil as the 380. Some others I would recommend are the S&W Shield and the XDS.

You can't go wrong with either of the last 2, it's more of a preference and hand feel thing.

Personally I'm not much of a fan of a 380 and a 9mm is a good place to start.

A revolver is also not a bad option being it's very simple to use for beginners. It's also very reliable. I would recommend a .357 and start out shooting .38 specials out of it until you get a good feel.

Qustion: Are you or do you have you cc license?
This post was edited on 9/22/16 at 11:10 pm
Posted by slinger1317
Northshore
Member since Sep 2005
5836 posts
Posted on 9/22/16 at 11:11 pm to
I have a Smith & Wesson M&P shield 9mm. I researched and tried them all and the shield consistently won out. YMMV
Posted by boatless2
Member since Mar 2015
612 posts
Posted on 9/22/16 at 11:13 pm to
Well, I would tell you to go get a shield or a 43, but they don't have a safety. Most of the pocket pistols don't have a safety either. Have you decided how you want to carry it? If in your front pocket, then the only real option is going to be the Lcp, bodyguard, or a small khar. ( Im sure there are others im forgetting)

If you're willing to carry a holster inside the waistband, go with a shield, but I would not get a safety, unless you practice often, because it will be one more thing to remember/focus on if SHTF.
Posted by SportTiger1
Stonewall, LA
Member since Feb 2007
28504 posts
Posted on 9/22/16 at 11:19 pm to
quote:

Smith & Wesson M&P shield 9mm


If you want a safety, this is probably your best bet, and maybe it is either way.

To the op- how big a boy are ya? It defnitely makes a difference
Posted by Bill Parker?
Member since Jan 2013
4470 posts
Posted on 9/22/16 at 11:24 pm to
If you are somewhat new to guns, I'd suggest you find a reputable instructor and take a gun safety course. Don't let pride get in your way - it's best to be a responsible gun owner.

Then handle and shoot as many handguns as you can. For a first-time gun owner, I always recommend a revolver. You can upgrade to a semi-auto later if you choose to.

Look into some of the lightweight 38 special revolvers. Ruger LCR is probably in your budget, Smith & Wesson airweight will be close.
Posted by Hammertime
Will trade dowsing rod for titties
Member since Jan 2012
43030 posts
Posted on 9/22/16 at 11:28 pm to
quote:

Well, I would tell you to go get a shield or a 43, but they don't have a safety
You can get a thumb safety on a shield. I'm looking at mine right now
Posted by ABearsFanNMS
Formerly of tLandmass now in Texas
Member since Oct 2014
17461 posts
Posted on 9/22/16 at 11:42 pm to
So TA, quick question: is this going to be on your "person" at all times or is it for the desk/center console?

If it is going to be on you at all times then replies above are all good suggestions. My wife has S&W bodyguard 380 with a built in Crimson Trace. It cost me $400.00 new but that was via a hook up I have. It does have a safety and the laser is likely a pretty big deterrent in and of itself. I load it with Corbon JHP.

If it is a desk/center console gun I like something more substantial. My 2 conceal carries are either my Glock 27 (Gen4) or my USP compact 40 S&W. The Glock is in my center console at all times unless I am in a State that doesn't have reciprocity. It's an great little gun but does rise more than my Glock 22 (Gen4). The Glock is an great everyday gun but when I want to step it up a notch I carry my USP.....just my opinion but H&K makes fantastic weapons that are as every bit as good if not better than Kimbers. O
This post was edited on 9/22/16 at 11:55 pm
Posted by Fight4LSU
Kenner
Member since Jul 2005
9755 posts
Posted on 9/22/16 at 11:49 pm to
I'd go with the 9mm S&W Shield in that price range. Very solid pistol.

Keep in mind, having a good holster is just as important as the gun. Don't sell yourself short with a cheap holster because that's how you wind up shooting yourself in the leg. Get kydex . I have a Stealthgear holster and I highly recommend it, but I've heard good things about crossbreed holsters too.
Posted by TigernMS12
Member since Jan 2013
5531 posts
Posted on 9/22/16 at 11:54 pm to
I have a Walther PPS and love it. I like the paddle mag release over the button. I'm much more accurate with it then the Shield, which I have as well. PPS is my EDC.
Posted by saintsfan1977
West Monroe, from Cajun country
Member since Jun 2010
7701 posts
Posted on 9/23/16 at 2:24 am to
Taurus Millenium G2 9MM sub Compact has good reviews

My Uncle bought one for under $300
Posted by Ed Osteen
Member since Oct 2007
57479 posts
Posted on 9/23/16 at 4:10 am to
M&P compact shield
Posted by Mark Makers
The LP
Member since Jul 2015
2336 posts
Posted on 9/23/16 at 5:17 am to
LINK

See that link, this is for the Springfield XDS 9MM and on sale for the cheapest you will ever find it, puts it under your $400 budget even after a firearm transfer fee. It does not have a manual safety as you requested but it does have a grip safety in addition to the trigger safety. I figured you may be unfamiliar with this type of safety and want to look into it. It's another popular concealed carry gun and compatible to the S&W MP Shield that others have mentioned. The bad news is that the sale ends in 21 hours so you'd have to make a quick decision on it.
Posted by ABearsFanNMS
Formerly of tLandmass now in Texas
Member since Oct 2014
17461 posts
Posted on 9/23/16 at 6:12 am to
That website has some fantastic pricing.
Posted by OneEyedWillie
Member since Mar 2016
182 posts
Posted on 9/23/16 at 6:28 am to
quote:

give the lc9 a look


I have a lc9 and it's what I carry. I have a laser on mine and I still hardly notice I'm carrying. It has the safety you want and I got mine on sale for $350 I'm pretty sure
Posted by Tornado Alley
Member since Mar 2012
26510 posts
Posted on 9/23/16 at 6:47 am to
I do not have a CC license but I will be taking a course this fall and then applying for said license afterword.
Posted by Tornado Alley
Member since Mar 2012
26510 posts
Posted on 9/23/16 at 6:56 am to
At first, I thought pocket carry was my preferred option.

However, I think I'd do an inside the waistband clip or low-profile holster. Furthermore, I don't think printing is a huge idea, as I wear a lot of jackets and sport coats.
Posted by Tornado Alley
Member since Mar 2012
26510 posts
Posted on 9/23/16 at 6:57 am to
Approx. 6'0, 200 lb.
Posted by Tornado Alley
Member since Mar 2012
26510 posts
Posted on 9/23/16 at 6:59 am to
Person, mostly.

I think I'll take it out of my waistband when I'm at work or driving, and probably put it on a drawer or my center console, respectively..

Buddy of mine has a bodyguard and likes it a lot. I may shoot his next weekend and see how it feels in my hand and on my waist.
Posted by Scooba
Member since Jun 2013
19999 posts
Posted on 9/23/16 at 8:14 am to
quote:


- concealability Stick with something single stack if possible. The mags that double stack are typically wider and even though you carry more rounds it may make it harder to conceal. I'm a thinner guy so a heavy gun sticks out like a sore thumb.
- safety - avoid glocks
- price - there are many to be had at under 400 but remember that your life may be in jeopardy and as long as it's not stolen, a gun may last forever. You definitely want a reliable and comfortable firearm, even if it ends up being $425. In the long run, you will spend MUCH more on practice rounds of ammo so try to be flexible.
- ease of shooting - I would recommend a 9mm. There is a reason it's the round preferred by so many Law Enforcement Officers. It is effective, cost efficient, and with a lower recoil it's both easier to handle and gets the gun pointed back at your target faster.


I have a S&W Shield 9mm in a remora holster. Should be right up your alley.
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