BTW, I don't care what Gaston says, Glocks don't have safties. Pull the trigger and they go bang. I treat mine like revolvers with light triggers.
Posted on 06/07/2010 6:24:12 PM PDT by Labyrinthos
I am in the process of shopping for my first concealed carry pistol. I have narrowed the field to the Glock 19 (4.02" barrel), Glock 26 (3.46" barrel), Baretta PX Storm (either 4" or 3" barrel), and Springfield XD (either 4.08" or 3.10" barrel) -- all 9mm/10+1.
My concern is that the sub-compacts feel uncomfortably small in my large hands. I have also been told that I should become proficient with a pistol with a 4" barrel, which has a longer line of sight, before moving to a sub-compact. On the other hand, I am concerned that the pistols with the 4" barrels will not conceal well, particularly the Baretta and Springfield, which have an overall length that is about a half inch longer than the Glock.
Another concern is the safety system on the Glock, which from what I have read, seems more prone to accidental discharge.
In addition, what kind of factory sights should I get? Several people have told me to stick with fixed sights for a CCW, night sights if available, because adjustible sights tend to get knocked out of line when the pistol is carried every day.
Lastly, the reason I am going with the 9mm is because I really like to shoot a lot at the range, and 9mm is significantly more affordable than .40 S & W and .45 ACP, particularly when I already have two .357's to feed. Given how much I like to shoot, the pistol I buy will need to be a workhorse with a proven record for durability and reliability.
Thanks in advance for all the wonderful advice that you will give me.
Hmmmm......curious if you will get any opinions?
Buy one of each and a couple of cases of ammo and some reloading gear.
something in a 1911 platform and forget the rest...
I have a Springfield XD .45, so I would say the Springfield.
Are you male or female?
How do you intend to carry the pistol?
Larger guns can be carried concealed, they just take more wardrobe planning.
There are lots of options for carrying on your person or in an accessory of some sort (purse, bag, “planner,” laptop case, etc.).
The Glock and the XD are both good choices. The Glocks are subject to NDs more often because many law enforcement agencies use them, and they get handled more often, so the chance of something bad happening increases. Plus, it seems that cops are more prone to the old “finger on the trigger” routine (Rule 2 violations).
Whatever you get, make sure it fits you and you can comfortably operate the pistol; loading, firing, unloading.
“I have also been told that I should become proficient with a pistol with a 4” barrel, which has a longer line of sight, before moving to a sub-compact. “
I’ll bet it was a gun dealer who told you that.
Quit listening to rumors an go shoot the glock an the XD......pick one . Both are good choices....
YOU have to be able to shoot it an have confidnence in it.....not your friends or a gun counter salesmans choice......yours !
I have the full-size Beretta PX4 Storm 9mm. It’s a great gun, and it has the best feeling grip/handle of any handgun I’ve shot. Personally the largest palm strap fits my hand, but I keep the medium on because it fits most shooters, and I like to share! Part of the reason I bought this gun is because of the manual safety. I shoot with a lot of people who are new to guns and I wanted a gun that had a visual safety in order to teach them to think about the sequence of firing a handgun.
I’m not sure I’d consider it as a concealed carry because of its size, but I do know I’ll buy its little brother when I’m ready for a new handgun. Fit, finish, and function are all exceptional with the one I own. But, if you’re going to shoot your gun a lot, maybe comfort is more important than size...
That being said, I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Springfield XD series. My friend has one and it’s a good gun.
Since you go to the range a lot, you should try each of your choices out. All the ranges around here, have a wide selection you can rent.
The 4” XD is too large.
Your range of choices make it clear your over-riding concern should be how it fits in your hand, and points.
Seriously. Your every choice is top shelf.
If you are not familiar with handguns in general, don’t count out the possibility of a revolver. A Ruger LCR or Smith or Charter snubnose .38 is relatively safe and reliable. 5 shots is enough for any problem you are ever likely to encounter, and it always goes bang. If you are set on a 9mm, just get one that everyone says is reliable and indestructible and practice with it, learn the controls. It doesn’t have to be a full-sized pistol. A double-action 9mm is somewhat safer to carry if you’re not comfortable with a cocked-and-locked pistol in your waistband. I’ll leave it to the numerous gun pundits to opine on what brand you should buy.
BTW, I don't care what Gaston says, Glocks don't have safties. Pull the trigger and they go bang. I treat mine like revolvers with light triggers.
Forgot to add to my list.....Single Action for consistent trigger pull.
As a glockaholic, I would recommend the 19. I have the 19 and the 26, as well as the 17 in a 9 mm. I also have a 22 and a 23. I have not bothered to get a 27 which is the subcompact 40 s&w.
I love the 19. I have quite a number of 9 mm handguns, from sigs to rugers to glocks s&w, etc. The glock 19 is my fave..., that and my sig 228. They are nice and compact, not too small a mag (the glock 19 is NOT a 10+1, but rather an 15 round mag) and it is just blisteringly accurate. I carry it and my sig 228 because the sig just feels so well balanced in my hand. I am slightly more accurate with the glock, and at 200 dollars less, you can’t go wrong.
I don’t care much for the 26. I have the pinky extension grips and they pinch my hand when I shoot them. They ARE just concealable as everything, but the 19 is almost so.
I use a “thunderwear” holster which fits in front of my crotch and no one ever knows I am carrying. Ever. Google them. They make a great concealed holster. Also Crossdraw makes a nice hip/side concealed holster.
Lotsa glock haters out there, but they are wonderful firearms and so easy to field strip and clean that an idiot could do it.
Only one caveat on glocks. If you load your own ammo and pour your own lead bullets DO NOT USE THE GLOCK BARREL. The twist on it will lead foul and then you will have a KABOOM on your hands. There are lots of good aftermarket barrels for Glock to use if you melt lead and pour your own.
Other than that, I would say you can’t go wrong with a Glock.
Final piece of advice. Borrow one of each and shoot a box or so of ammo thru it. Remember, the gun is only as good as YOU are with the gun. I have yet to hear of a bad guy who mocks the firearm you use to ventilate his chest as he lay dying. Find a gun you are comfortable with, then worry about carrying it concealed.
Hope all that helps.
I am looking for a thread from earlier this year that was about or lead to posts about a .44 that kaboomed the top off. There were links to another site (high road?) that got to the bottom of the cause. Anyone recall that? Any help finding it is appreciated. Thanks!
Now back to your regularly scheduled thread...
The grip safety of my XD-40 subcompact, plus the feel, is what sealed the deal. I don’t want to mess with a thumb safety in the heat of the moment, but it does give me peace of mind. The XD-9 would also be a fine EDC.
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