Need advice on concealed carry handgun

Me

[ChuckHam]

Okay, I'm going to take the plunge and get a handgun for concealed carry. I want a weapon with good knockdown power, I'm thinking .40 SW or .45. It needs to have a small frame since I live in San Antonio and the weather is warm most of the year so I won't be wearing heavy clothes. I also want single/double action. I'd also like advice on a holster as well. Weapon must be reliable and able to fire hollow point ammo without jamming. Thanks in advance for the help.

[Ender Wiggin]

I just checked out a Smith & Wesson Model 99 in .40- I really really liked it! Compact, light, accurate, 10 rd mag, no jams.

The only downside is the mag release, you cannot dump the mag one handed very easily. As I wanted it for IPSC and similar games, his was a "don't buy". But that was the only negative.

[185JHP]

Among the factors to consider are safety, reliability, and accuracy, and how much time/ability you have to practice. There's a place in Austin, TX where you can rent-and-shoot a variety of handguns. It's located in Oak Hill.

[Mulder]

bang

[joesnuffy]

San Antoine...land of the permenant sweat...
Get a salt proof one..
HK USP compact ..good sweat resistance... 45 ACP...

[Luke Skyfreeper]

The Kahr K40, or even smaller, the MK40:

Pack it into a holster from smartcarry.com. I prefer all steel, but if you really want to go light, you could look at the polymer versions (P40 and the new P40). The steel ones are around 24 ounces. With polymer, you're looking at around a pound.

[Shooter 2.5]

I like my Springfield Armory V-10 Ultra-Compact .45 with a Galco IWB Royal Guard and The Wilderness Instructor's belt.

Whatever you do, don't use checkered grips against your skin. Swap out for smooth grips. Plus, don't use rubber grips. They attract moisture and perspiration.

[ETCS]

A second for the HK USP compact. Take one for a test drive. Hard to beat the ergonomics of this gun.

[MediaMole]

Check out The High Road it is an active gun owners' forum.

Also, check out the archived posts at Thefiringline.com

[ChuckHam]

I don't see a hammer on that one. I'd like to have single action capability as well.

[Luke Skyfreeper]

Sorry, I meant to say "the new MP40."

[ChuckHam]

So you're recommending smooth plastic grips? I'm used to the checkered grips from my days of firing the M-9 in the military. Might take some getting used to with the smooth ones.

[nevergore]

Having carried for over twenty years the critical factors are weight first then size.....Light clothing is easily pulled out of place by heavy weapons...

Since concealment is your first factor, a nice lightweight .32 with jacketed hollow points would be a good starting point. This weapon would require correct shot placement but this should not be difficult with practice.

When you know your going to be placing yourself in harms way, then go for a flat body .45 auto with an alloy frame (not steel, too heavy) is good....I use a Para-Ordanance P-12....This is one of the more lightweight .45's but still too heavy for everyday carry.

NeverGore

[ChuckHam]

I understand what you're saying when it comes to shot placement, but in this day and age I'm afraid I may have to go center mass in the crunch and the .32 might not do the trick.

You do have a good point though about concealment. That's number one for me. After that comes knockdown.

[Luke Skyfreeper]

I don't see a hammer on that one. I'd like to have single action capability as well.

Ah. If that's a strong preference for you, you'll want something else, then, as the Kahrs are DAO.

[ChuckHam]

Yeah, I had a Colt polymer 9mm in DAO and didn't really like it. If I have the time to really aim my shot I much prefer SA.

[annyokie]

I have a Galco pocketbook for my .380 which has smooth grips.

[Mad Dawg]

I think the sig p239 is very concealable. With 7 in the magazine, one in the pipe, and a couple of spare magazines on your person, you'd be ready for most crises.

Of course, it comes down to what feels good in your hand and in your holster, but at least try a p239.

[ChuckHam]

I'm hitting the sack for the night, but please keep the comments coming. I'll check back in the morning.

[FreedomCalls]

The Keltec P3AT chambered in .380 just came out. It's what you need when you are in shorts and a tee-shirt in San Antonio. Anything larger is too big -- unless you are also really big.

[org.whodat]

Well haveing owned a 410 shotgun. I really have doubt's about anyone with a concealed weapon that has to ask someone else what he should carry. Maybe you should start out with a good gravel shooter and some marbles.

[Mulder]

If you want SA/DA, I would recommend a Sig-Sauer.

If you want a .40, try either the Sig 229 or Sig 239. The 229 holds 12 rounds, while the 239 holds 7 rounds and is single stack. (I'd also recommend checking out the 357Sig cartridge before you buy anything. It's basically a 9mm bullet in a .40 casing). Both the Sig models I mentioned earlier are available in 357 Sig, and it's just a simple matter of switching out barrels to change calibers. With the 239, it takes different mags also.

For a holster, try a Don Hume inside-the-waistband holster if you want something inexpensive but good. Also, look at Milt Sparks Versa-Max. They are about $100, but everyone who has one loves it. I just ordered one for myself.

One item that is essential to comfortable carrying is a good belt. I recommend the Wildneress 5-stitch tactical belt. You can cinch it down so it is comfortable, yet secure enough to hold the gun.

You'll also probably want to change your clothes in order to carry. Pants and shorts will need to be 1-2 sizes bigger, and shirts one size larger. Button-up shirts work great for concealment, unless it's windy, then an oversize t-shirt works great.

Hope this helps.

[Mulder]

Plus, don't use rubber grips. They attract moisture and perspiration.

And they will stick to your shirt, making drawing more difficult.

[Monty22]

A Glock 36 with holster IWB Clip from www.kramerleather.com

Can't go wrong there, trust me. Until we know for sure that the 10 round limit goes away, it makes little sense to buy a modern gun (even though I have) that it big and .40 or 9mm. Might as well get .45.

[yarddog]

As long as you are able to carry it comfortably concealed there are a whole lot of good ones. If you limit yourself to big bores then there is one that I always considered a little jewel of a gun and that is the Star PD. It is light, compact and a good shooter.

It hasn't been made in many years but I still see used ones fairly often.

I am not particularly fond of Glocks but concealed carry is one place some of their compact models make a lot of sense.

[Shooter 2.5]

When you're carrying against your skin, smooth is the way to go.

I took the rubber grips off my Stainless .45 and the area under the grips was pitted. It went back to the factory and they cleaned up the pits. I don't recommend rubber. I love my phony ivory grips.

I also believe in the flat mainspring housing on 1911's. When you fire with your thumb on the safety where it belongs, the palm is cupped so the grip safety isn't engaged like it should. Flat housings correct the problem.

I carry all the time and my rig is the exact same for the IDPA matches.

[Luke Skyfreeper]

In that case, I would be tempted to go with those who recommend a Sig.

[annyokie]

I get sweaty palms, but smooth is the way to go for me. TG, I haven't had to throw down on anybody, but it makes it easier for those drills.

[ChuckHam]

Well haveing owned a 410 shotgun. I really have doubt's about anyone with a concealed weapon that has to ask someone else what he should carry. Maybe you should start out with a good gravel shooter and some marbles.

What the hell are you talking about? I've fired many handguns over the years but never carried concealed. I'm not the least worried about my ability to handle the weapon or fire it accurately. If you had read my post I'm primarily concerned with concealability in a handgun of .40 or .45 caliber. Your comment is insulting and of no value here. Sounds to me like you're a person that doesn't like concealed carry. Too bad.

[Shooter 2.5]

I tried that Galco Summer Special and the rough interior made it impossible to get the gun out.

The Royal Guards are rough on the outside to grip the pants and a silky smooth interior for a fast draw. Plus, the split loops allow the holster to be captured om each side of the pants belt loop.

[annyokie]

Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain. You'll get good advice here.

[ChuckHam]

So far I'll have to agree with you. I'm searching the internet for the items you guys have recommended so far. I really appreciate the info from concealed carry veterans.

[ChuckHam]

Now I'm off to bed. See you guys on the thread tomorrow morning!

[Aarchaeus]

Kahr K40

[Don Carlos]

Gotta agree on the lightweight .32 cal. I Own a Springfield Ultra-compact V-10 (Nice piece!), a Taurus M-85 snubbie .38 special, and a Kel-Tec P-32. Guess which one goes with me without fail? That little 7 ounce Kel-Tec could be concealed in your speedo if you go to the beach!

I like the feel of the V-10, and the ease of concealing the snubbie. But the .32 with a IWB spring clip doesn't take two seconds to clip inside the waist-band.

My two cents.

[Mulder]

It needs to have a small frame since I live in San Antonio

If you go with the right set-up (belt, holster, and shirt), you can carry even a full-size handgun comfortably.

Conversely, if you don't do the belt and holster right, carrying a compact gun will give you fits.

[Shooter 2.5]

Great. Another V-10 fan.

I let a young lady shoot it and she was convinced she was shooting a 9MM.

[jrp]

Take a look at the Smith&Wesson CS45.
Ultra-compact traditional DA auto.
Here are the specs:

SKU: 103014
Type: Pistol
Model: CS45
Caliber: .45 ACP
Barrel Length: 3-1/4"
Capacity: 6 Rounds +1
Action: TDA
External Safety: Ambidextrous
Hammer: .260" Bobbed
Trigger: .305" Combat 3-1/4"
Grip: Hogue Wrap Around Rubber
Front Sight: White Dot
Rear Sight: Fixed 2-Dot
Frame: Compact
Finish: Satin Stainless
Over all length: 6-1/2"
Weight: 23.9 ounces
Material: Aluminum Alloy / Stainless Steel

[Travis McGee]

10 X .45 all the way!

[Don Carlos]

V-10 is a lot of gun for the price. Had mine worked by a local Ex-USAF armorer, for the princely sum of $35.00 and it made a nice pistol VERY nice. Basically, a hand filed and polished trigger and re-tensioned (by bending) spring, and it felt like a $1000 custom job.

[MarkL]

Well haveing owned a 410 shotgun. I really have doubt's about anyone with a concealed weapon that has to ask someone else what he should carry. Maybe you should start out with a good gravel shooter and some marbles.

The problem is that going to a CCW firearm is completely different from either using a service pistor, or more commonly, not carrying a firearm all day.

I like to think that I've got some experience with shooting and drawing from a holster (I used to compete in IPSC shooting). But carrying a handgun in a holster, along with a few mags for just a few hours is WAY different from carrying a handgun concealed, all day. For a while, I thought about carrying either my Ruger Security Six or my S&W 625-5, but both are really too big and heavy for everyday, all-day concealed carry. I will probably wind up carrying my Star FireStar in .40S&W instead. It's small, concealable (although since it's all steel, not particularly light), and has reasonable firepower. Unfortunately, it's hell on the hand when shooting, but that's not really an issue for self protection.

Mark

[Noumenon]

I'l lsecond your observations on the SIG 239 / 229. The missu and I carry 229s in .40 as a matter of routine when we're out together. Out on my own, I tend to gravitate towards a Glock 20 (10mm).

[Mulder]

The missu and I carry 229s in .40 as a matter of routine when we're out together

I carry the same except in 357 Sig. I'm REALLY looking forward to getting my Milt Sparks Versa-Max holster. They have a 12-week backlog though.

[LearnsFromMistakes]

gotta-convince-the-wife-bump

[nevergore]

A .32 will do the "trick" in the center of mass...

A concealed weapon is only good if you carry it...Trust me on this, once the novelty wears off and you're stapping on a "hunk of iron" that gets in the way when you get in a car, sit in a booth at a resturaunt or unpolitely "hangs out" when seated at the lunch counter at the local Donut Shop, you have a tendency to say, I don't need to wear that today.

The weapon does you no good sitting on the dresser at home....

BTW, the reason the .45 was invented was to stop the "Moro?" tribesman in the Pacific who wore tough bamboo vests that stopped our GI's .38's....The street thugs in San Antonio you may go up against are going to be wearing cheap t-shirts or other lightweight clothing....a .32 will be more than sufficent.

NeverGore

[Ethrane]

Bought this last year in anticipation of MO passing a Carry law...and it's done!

http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-mc.shtml

Love it!

[img]http://www.springfield-armory.com/images/pistols/a1/PX9801L.jpg[/img]

[Ethrane]

Bought this last year in anticipation of MO passing a Carry law...and it's done!

http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-1911-mc.shtml

Love it!

[ALASKA]

A second for the HK USP compact.

And I'll be the third. Awesome gun, especially when carried in a BladeTec paddle holster. This is the ultimate carry package in my own personal, correct opinion.

[archy]

If you limit yourself to big bores then there is one that I always considered a little jewel of a gun and that is the Star PD. It is light, compact and a good shooter.

I've always liked the little Stars, whose one minor flaw is that they don't share magazines with the larger and longer Colt M1911 pistols. That does make their magazines immediately identifiable and eliminates any confusion as to which are which, however. The adjustable sights of the PD are a bonus as well, particularly for those who wish to use 185 or 200-grain hollowpoints; I fed the two I've owned with 230-grain ball ammo and they worked just fine.

If another comes my way, I won't be letting that one get away from me.

[blackbart.223]

If I might suggest, I have a Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special. It is light and doesn't have any square corners to slow down the draw. Even though it's a double action revolver with five shots it will get the job done.