Posted on 12/08/2011 1:28:50 PM PST by CodeJockey
I am taking my CCW class on 12/17 and am excited about finally making it happen. I’ve been doing so much research (on-line initially) on pistols and really don’t want to jump the gun (no pun intended) and go out and purchase something inappropriate.
I will want to own two pistols initially. One for home defense and the other for concealed carry.
My question: Striker fired vs double/single action with a good old fashioned hammer. Both have pros and cons, but from what I have read it just boils down to a matter of personal preference. There are tons of forums that talk about the issue, but I always value my FRiends opinions.
(Btw I rally like the Walther PPS 9mm (striker fire) for concealed.)
I had a Para Carry 9 before I went with a Kimber Ultra Carry II. I loved the Para, but I just wanted something in a larger caliber. I’d give the Para LDA line a look.
I like Rugers because I'm frugal.
I use two for CC, a Taurus .38 Ultralight revolver and a Ruger SR9C 9mm auto. Both hammerless. It really is personal preference...but I don’t want to snag on something if I need it quick. My 2 cents...
Ask your instructor and classmates. Rent different weapons, and see what feels and suits you best.
I have a SW MP which is Double only. It’s fine, but for pleasure it’s nice to have a double/single or a single only. I really miss my 1911 for fun.
I am pretty sure that John Browning preferred striker or hidden hammer on his pistols but designed some of them with hammers because that is what the manufacturer or buyer wanted.
I personally prefer hammers as it is so easy to tell they are cocked. Also prefer some type of mechanism to safely drop the hammer with a live round in the chamber.
I got a .38 revolver for my wife. I like the reliability of a revolver not jamming. We chose the recessed hammer design. There is enough there to pull it back with your thumb, but not anything that could snag when drawing your weapon.
Good advise, he is a 30 year veteran of our local police department. I am sure he will have an opinion.
I have a .22 revolver to bring to the range. Nothing fancy, but I'm starting from square one.
I don’t think you can beat a hammerless snubbie 38 Special or 357 mag for everyday carry. I don’t like hammers because they can snag on your clothes. In a real life situation that could cost you your life. Any likely confrontation will likely be at point blank range, so you don’t need to cock it. I like that you can easily carry them in a pocket in any weather (with or without a holster as you prefer), and slip your hand on it without drawing attention. And there’s no safety to forget about, and no jamming issues.
If you like a small .380 like the Walther, I would opt for the Sig Sauer P232.
My wife really likes her hammerless S&W bodyguard .38 with handy laser. Truly a point and click interface.
I’ve been carrying a Colt Python .357 lately. It was my fathers, and is probably the most accurate weapon I’ve ever shot. Believe it or not, it conceals nicely with a 6” barrel.
Othertimes, it’s a GLOCK in .40.
It really depends on what I am wearing.
Same here.
I liked the SR9 so much I bought the LC9 on black Friday. My first pistol was a Ruger SingleSix. My other handguns are mostly DA/SA CZs and a Browning hi-power.
Btw, the best pocket holster I’ve found for the LC9 is at High Noon holsters. Add’l mags are a little pricey at $30.00, Cheaper than Dirt.
I use a S&W Model 60 or 686 for concealed carry. The 60 is easier to conceal, the 686 better for general shooting and home defense - but I carry it sometimes.
I like having the hammer, because I normally fire single action. If there is any prep time at all, I pull the gun and get ready to use it with my thumb on the hammer. If I raise it all the way, that means I’ve decided I have to shoot. For that, I practice cocking as I raise it.
I don’t pocket carry, and my thumb normally covers the hammer as I pull anyways. I’ve only pulled a gun once for real, 30 years ago. It was a 22, and there were 8 guys, but they stopped trying to surround me when the gun appeared in my hand. One advantage to the 22 was that I had fired perhaps 10,000 rounds thru it, so I was completely comfortable with it.
That is the advantage to the 686 for me. I shoot it a lot for fun, so I know it far better than the 60. But it is harder to conceal...
Ruger LCR (revolver). Hammerless. Pistol design really absorbs recoil, saves your thumb and wrist and keeps you on target better.
Also has double action. Great for you because you’ll never accidentally shoot more than you have to - some lawyers like to argue gun design because with single pull you may shoot one more time than needed. If you admit that depending what state you’re in, you’ve just screwed yourself.
What he said. I've carried for years. I love glocks. I love shooting 1911s. I love HK usp's. And I've carried them all and shot them all in competition.
I was highly skeptical when a buddy suggested I try a S&W .38+P airweight revolver with the totally shrouded double-action only hammer. It only took a week and some serious retraining and practice, but it's pretty much all I carry now. Super safe, super reliable, drops in a pocket or waistband with no effort, carries beautifully in the appendix position, and is easily the most concealable and versatile non-mouse gun I've ever owned.
PPK in .380. easy to conceal. Doesn’t snag. Comfortable trigger pull. Learn to shoot it without sighting. Excellent stopping power. Very dependable and durable.
My wife has one of these with a Crimson Trace sight. She really loves it! (She is a small lady, but handles the .45 just fine.)
I carry a 38 snubby in my boot, and it's really concealed.
At times I also carry a 357 but unless I've got on loose and/or heavy clothes I might as well open carry that big boy.
Mine has it, as well. It was a promo item at the local shop. Love it. Had to slightly alter my grip so I don’t obstruct the laser, however. I still like to use my full size 1911 for target shooting, but it’s nice to know I have a compact that I can use reflexively, if necessary.
What can you hit with? Remember, a .22 that hits is worth way more than the 9 mm that misses or the .44 mag that is in the safe. Your first choice should be about what you can shoot accurately under pressure. I once knew a granny that could shoot your eye out at 25 feet with a .22. VERY SCARRY what she could do.
If hammer / no hammer causes you to miss or fumble with the weapon, don’t get it. And practice practice practice.
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