Jack,
Welcome to the world of concealed carry! As already mentioned, there's an almost limitless number of options available for concealed carry. Everyone has their own opinion. I'll give you my personal thoughts, but it'll be YOUR responsibility to find out what works for YOU.

To begin w/, don't guy a Judge for cc. If you can give a few more details on what you're looking for, more specific recommendations can be made. Nevertheless, I'll share some of my general recs.

Safety levers are fine, but I think it takes more training to handle such a gun well in a self-defense type situation. Consequently, I personally prefer my cc guns to not have an external safety lever. Guns w/ double stack mags (most Glocks, Springfield XD's, most Rugers and most S&W M&P's) are thicker than a single stack mag gun. Maybe a double stack mag gun will work well for you w/ concealed carry, but it didn't for me. My first cc gun was a full size SA XD 40 S&W. I didn't carry it long before I realized it wasn't going to work for me.

Best self defense rounds are 357 Mag, 357 Sig, 9mm, 40 S&W and 45 ACP. Unless you've trained a lot, I'd usually recommend a 9mm. Although I also cc a 380 ACP, I do so only when I can't carry a more powerful/bigger gun.

The Subcompact 9mm handguns are a very nice for concealed carry. In addition to being small and light, they are also very narrow as they have a single stack mag. I prefer single stack mag guns as they're much more comfortable to me when I carry inside the waistband (IWB). Guns from this category would include: Kahr CM9/CW9/P9, Ruger LC9, Walther PPS, Beretta Nano, Bersa 9cc, Kimber Solo and S&W Shield. I've got a Kel-Tec PF9 and have been very pleased w/ it, but some folks have had quality control problems w/ it; likewise for the Taurus Slim and Diamondback 9mm.

There are a few single stack 40's. Kahr and the Shield come to mind.

If you feel comfortable w/ the 45 ACP, there are also some nice single stack 45's: Kahr CW45/P45/CM45, SA XD-s 45 (like the Shield, this is a new gun) and Glock 36. Also, one can't leave off the 1911's, but the 1911 platform may require additional training to be competent w/ it.

A revolver (preferably DOA w/ shrouded hammer or at least a bobbed hammer spur) in 38 Spec is always a nice choice, especially for a newer shooter.

How are you going to carry your gun: IWB, pocket, outside the waistband, etc? That might make a difference in what gun best suits you.

Whatever gun you get, be sure you also buy a HIGH quality gun holster and gun holster belt.

Edited to change PPQ to PPS, as mentioned by KBeezy.

This post was edited on 10/20/12 at 9:07 pm

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Posted by dawg23

Baton Rouge, La

Member since Jul 2011

5065 posts

Posted on 10/20/12 at 6:50 am to TigerOnThe Hill

ThatsaFactJack:

Lots of good info already posted, especially from TOTH.

I wouldn't get too wrapped up in "pick a gun that feels good" or picking the one that looks "sexy" (whatever that is).

The number one rule is to buy the most reliable gun yo can find -- 'cause if you need it, you're really gonna need it. Sure, it needs to fit your hand, but that criterion should be limited to size and is of more importance to folks with very small hands. Most people's hands can accommodate any of today's self defense handguns.

A good Concealed Handgun Permit class will cover all this, and a lot more. I always advise students in my classes to to not run out and buy a gun just to bring to the class. They will be able to make a much more informed choice after we discuss all the pros and cons of self defense handguns (and they can use one of mine at no charge during the class).

Hope this helps.

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Posted by KBeezy