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.
The HK P30 is comparable in size to the USPc (at the bottom of the picture).
The HK Mk23 SOCOM and Desert Eagle are of comparable size (though the Eagle is still larger). The Mk23 is considerably larger than the largest USP in the first picture ... and the P30 is still smaller than that.
SnakeDoc
That is why I'm looking. I had an e-mail that blamed "Chinese ammo". That other (same gun was a hand load double charge IIRC. Myths need to be corrected.
There’s one you lack at 58!
Thank you. The one in question was a S&W .44 mag.
go this link.
http://www.forum.fishgame.com/showthread.php?t=105
There are numerous postings at many gun forums from 2009. All seem to tell the same story........ Chinese ammo. Some question the story.
Glock 17 or 1911 5”, in an AIWB holster.
Thanks.
LOL !
Did ya see the NEW 50GI 185gr solid copper hollow point at guncrafters industries ?
Check it out....they have 45 auto variant as well....
The 50 version expands an stays togeather. Big ouch. About 1100 fps I think....
Ordered 400 rounds......
You’ll find the Beretta and the Springfield a bit bulky and/or heavy for concealed carry. Of the pistols you’ve listed, the Glock 26 is the best choice. Since you already own two .357s, you can shoot them for fun and shoot the subcompact Glock for proficiency. You can also get the magazine for the Model 19 and an adapter that fits around it to give the Model 26 a full length grip and 15 round capacity.
Get it with night sights. You’ll save about $50 on them if you get the pistol from the factory with the night sights. Your other option would be Tru-Glo night sights. These have tritium and fiber optic inserts, making them very bright in daylight or low light conditions. They have metal guards around the sight elements. These will cost you around $140. Make sure you get the night sight ones. There are less expensive Tru-Glo sights that don’t have the tritium inserts.
Neither of your revolvers have safeties, so why are you worried about one on a semi-auto? The safety is don’t pull the trigger. If you don’t pull the trigger, it won’t fire.
I put a 20" 500 S&W barrel on my T/C Encore frame. Shooting the 440 hardcast in that configuration beats the hell out of your shoulder. It was fun to shoot, but the shoulder pain persisted for weeks.
EXCELLENT! Congrats on joining the ranks of the thoughtfully armed.
I have a Glock 17 which is like the 19 but longer grip and longer slide. If I were to buy a CCW piece, I’d get a Glock 26. The benefit of staying within the Glock family is that any of the 9mm magazines can be used in the smaller models. The 26 can take G19 and G17 mags, along with the 30 round after market mags. The 19 can take G17 and 30 rounders too. Basically this means if you buy a 26 you don’t have to worry about limited rounds in a firefight if you are carrying extra mags because you could be carrying mags that hold 17 rounds.
Also of note: There is not a lot of difference between the 17 and the 19 but going from 19 to 26 is a bit more of a step because you lose a place on the grip for your pinky finger. Personally I’m ok with this.
Here is a video of a guy reviewing the 19:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri5AyXzxb4o
Here is the same guy doing the 26:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPvMJcmpVsQ
I too carry a P3AT on a daily basis. In the winter, though, I usually go with my (heavier) S&W 442 .38sp revolver.
An interesting choice which will surprise a lot of people. John Browning’s favorite pistol was one he invented. It was not the Cold 1911, nor the Browning Hi-Power. Nor was it the Colt Woodsman. It was the model 1900 Colt or FN version of the .32 acp. Browing kept it loaded with one in the chamber. I can’t recall for certain but think he kept the safety off.
William Faribairne who some consider the toughest fighter ever, also chose the Colt .32. He preferred it for it’s natural pointing properties. He used it many times as head of the Shanghai Riot Police and never found it wanting or so much so that he mentioned it. Fairbairne later trained the British Commandos and American OSS which became the CIA.
I once knew a Belgian soldier who fought in some of the most brutal wars during the 50’s and 60’s in the Congo. His favorite guns were the Uzi and the Browning .32. HE said the little .32 was deadly. A true story, he and another soldier rescued two White girls from Congolese soldiers. It was one of the first times the Uzi had been used and it was good.
And, most folks underestimate the 9mm...especially it's effectiveness with modern hollow-points. It's a SURE killer if you hit right. And, most folks OVERESTIMATE the effectiveness of the larger calibers.
A man is "stopped" when he loses oxygen to the brain, "gives up" or literally "loses his brain" (head shot).
FBI says 4 out of 5 "give up" once shot in the vitals. The bulk of the remaining 20% have to bleed out...and that can take over a minute, or even several minutes depending on how many times you hit the vitals/arteries. You get some advantage with .45 or .40...but for that 20% it's not as good as a head-shot follow-up no matter the caliber.
That's why I'm silly enough to carry a Sig P232 in .380. It weighs less than a pound...small and comfortable so I will actually CARRY it...4 of 5 will drop with a shot to the vitals...the remaining 20% will be shooting back no matter what I carry.
Shot placement (head shot follow-up) is the most critical element in the ENTIRE analysis.
There are videos and reviews of the Bersa Thunder .380 on YouTube. I highly recommend this pistol for a backup/conceal.
...riiiight.
We really do live in the golden age of awesome handguns. I think before you decide you should also try the Springfield XDm 3.8 in 9mm if that is the caliber you prefer.
I have owned many XDs but was taken aback by this little gem that carries 20 rounds! I’m sort of big, it’s got a short barrel, long handle. Conceals on me EASY outside the waist holster and my shirt out. I’m not a big 9mm fan, but hey, 20 rounds.
I’m so fond of the XDm 3.8 in 9mm, I’m going to have to get me the .40!
thanks for the info. I want to get a couple more guns when $$ are available (HA).. I have one 38.
I will check into this.
Long time no see!!!!!
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