Handgun opinions (vanity)

4/26/2010 | SnakeDoctor

[SnakeDoctor]

Although I own a couple of guns, they are mostly heirlooms or antiques, and don't get much use. I am in the market for a good all-purpose defensive handgun -- for home defense, target practice, concealed carry, and general training. I don't have a CHL at this point, but want to begin training to get one. I have had several models recommended to me -- HK USP Compact (45 or 9mm), Kimber 1911, Walther P99, Sig Sauer P229, Glock 19.

I went out shopping a bit this weekend at a local dealer. I was inclined to go with the Barrett 50 cal, but it isn't quite concealable enough (haha). Based on recommendations and reviews, I am leaning toward the HK USP at this point (though I am undecided on whether to go for the 9mm or the 45). From what I have heard, the HK USP is pretty-well the top-of-the-line for defensive handguns. The dealer also pointed me toward some new HK models that are supposedly upgrades on the USP -- the HK45 (the 45 version) and HK P30 (the 9mm version).

So, for FR gun enthusiasts -- what are your recommendations? Is the USP the appropriate choice for a general all-purpose handgun? Is it an appropriate weapon for beginning a training program? Would the Sig, Glock, Kimber, Walther or another model be a better choice? Would you recommend going with a 9mm or 45? And, for those that have tested both the USP and the HK45 or HK P30 ... are the upgrades on the newer models worth the additional $200-$300 price tag?

Thanks.

SnakeDoc

[absolootezer0]

some people don’t like the long trigger sweep- i can’t stand glocks because of that and because the handle isn’t comfortable to me, but i’ll never put down their price, light weight, ease of use, and reliability.

[thackney]

I know someone who would recommend 40 over the 45 or the 9.

Ping to you, Eaker.

[HD1200]

Get a Walther P22 and use high velocity ammunition.

1) ammo is far cheaper and actually available now.
2) little to no recoil so the female members of the family are more inclined to use it to learn.
3) high velocity 22 comes out of it at 2,400 FPS or so. If you are ever needing a firearm for defense, odds are you are going to empty the mag at the target anyway. It will put them down.

[SnakeDoctor]

What are the better holsters to use for concealing a larger gun in the summer? Paddle holster? A shoulder holster won’t work ... I don’t wear a jacket that often.

SnakeDoc

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_power_chart.htm

Handgun Cartridge Power Chart - Condensed Version

By Chuck Hawks

[Dan Nunn]

I can drop my 26 in my jeans pocket and you can’t tell it’s there

You must have HUGE jeans. I openly carry my Glock 26 whenever I'm in PA, and usually switch to my Kel Tec P3AT when I'm CCing in the PRNY because I don't have a shirt big enough to cover it in my OWB holster. Of course, I could get an IWB holster but then I'd need new bigger jeans.

[HD1200]

Also, the Walther P22 is far lighter and easier to conceal on your person than a big old 45, 40.

If you really think you want more firepower, move to the Ruger LCP .380. Small and lightweight, but has a bigger kick.

[CodeToad]

HK is great just the mags are expensive.

They are all good firearms. What fits your hands and budget, including magazines, means the most. I prefer a heavier caliber like the 40 or 45, especially for general purpose work. My daily carry is a Kimber Ultra Carry 1911. It is a 45, small enough to conceal extemely well, and it shoots like a dream; decisive trigger pull, smooth action, accurate, points well, etc.

[Recon Dad]

A few years back my son, who at the time was part of Marine Recon told me they were using .9mm and there were so many complaints with the stopping power they went back to the .45’s. They way he put it was, “you might as well throw the .9mm at them, because it was about as effective as shooting them.
The .45 is heavy and stops most anything, but it's heavy and the mags hold less rounds (probably don't need too many though)
The guy who gave us our CCW class suggested the .40 cal as almost the perfect caliber. It had stopping power and the mags held more rounds.

[absolootezer0]

depends alot on how you wear your shirts. a good IWB paddle holster is great, it’ll hold tight to your body. but you’ll really want to wear a tshirt under it- that leather will get very sweaty if its right against your skin. my preference is a belly band. holds the gun very close to your body, and i find them very comfortable.
theres also a few companies that make “concealed carry tshirts” they have a pocket under you arm made for your gun. they conceal very well.

if you wear big hawaiian shirts, shoulder holsters work fine.

[painter]

Navy Seals said the same thing and went back to the 45.

[Joe 6-pack]

All the firearms you mention are excellent weapons and up to the task of self-defense...it largely boils down to what you shoot the best, and best serves your personal needs (i.e. concealability, clothing you're going to wear with it, your personal size, recoil tolerance etc.)

Personally for me, I've found it hard to go wrong with the handgun lineup from CZ.

[Dan Nunn]

Would recommend a Serpa Holster

I second the recommendation of the Serpa Holster. I first bought a Fobus paddle holster and I usually ripped the gun out from my pants with the holster attached. That would be incredibly embarrassing at the least, and possibly life-threatening if I ever needed to use my Glock 26.

[absolootezer0]

The guy who gave us our CCW class suggested the .40 cal as almost the perfect caliber. It had stopping power and the mags held more rounds.

i'm a big fan of .38 super. not a very popular cartridge but it shoots a slightly heavier 9mm bullet a couple hundred fps faster. very comparable to a .357 mag.

[VeniVidiVici]

For when those zombies just refuse to leave you alone.....

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

Look at the belly bands, I use it winter and summer!
Mine hold 2 pistols and 2 extra magazines.

[LoneStarC]

If you plan (as you should) to get good training and to practice to proficiency, then consider a semi-automatic.

Find a dealer with an in-house range and try before you buy. Without getting into an argument over 9mm tactical tupperware, etc., you are getting a tool intended to, if necessary, keep you and your family members alive. Not a place to get a mouse caliber or an “bargain price” compromise.

A really good place to start is a Sig P239 in .40 S&W caliber. Slightly more expensive than similar competitors. If you decide on it, spring for a pair of Hoague grips (about $10).

[Sax]

Airsoft, 6mm. Extremely lightweight, reusable ammo, no waiting period or checks. The only trade-off is that the stopping power isn’t so hot.

[SnakeDoctor]

>> If you have a shooting range available that will rent these weapons for practice I would recommend going there and trying each of them. (it would be worth traveling some distance to find a range that rents).

That’s a fantastic suggestion. Anyone know of a good rental range in the Houston area where I can test-fire the USP Compact (45, 40, 9mm), HK45 and HK P30, 1911, Sig P229, Wather P99, Glock 19, .357, Springfield XD, etc.?

How much do rentals usually run?

SnakeDoc

[SnakeDoctor]

Haha. You’ll get an intruder to go ... “OWW! What the hell, man!?”.

SnakeDoc