Best Handgun for Concealed Carry

[T4R_KAI]

In light of all the madness going on in our country, i think its time i purchase a worthy handgun and apply for my CC.

Given that I live in San Diego, i know there are plenty of laws limiting what i can get and even how i have to store the gun at home (locked box...really?!)

So what are your suggestions?

I have some gun enthusiast friends that have mentioned the Glock 19 or 17.
Any other suggestions?

 

[Thai]

For me, i have tried pencil thin small guns.......but NONE of them proved reliable enough for use IMHO as conceal carry. I had Kahr and Sig...both crap.

My Sig Sauer P239 was great but a little big and limited ammo capacity. I wore that for years and years. Can't remember the last time it malfunctioned.

Then about 2 years ago, i got Sig P320 SUBcompact and i have been very happy with it. Thicker than what i want but i do have 12+1 round capacity. I have fired easily 600+ rounds...and have had two malfunctions...both of which is that the slide did not lock back after the last round. I was firing cheap ammo...so, not sure of reason...but that type of malfunction i am OK with.

You cannot go wrong with Glock. The newer ones are nice but i don't know much about them.

And yes, i ALWAYS have my P320 on me when i leave home except when i go to work.

For safe, i use: GunVault GV2000C-DLX.

Make sure that it has a AC/DC power adapter for external power supply (along with 9V backup). Quick access is the key. Don't trust biometric (fingerprint)...because you hands could be wet or chapped, etc..

 

[DavidR1]

Glock 19 is a very popular option and offers plenty of aftermarket support. The 17, in my opinion, is just to big.

Also the Sig P365 or P365XL are very appealing. This gun is tiny and would be very easily concealable. In this size, this gun carries more rounds than any other. I have a 19, but plan on picking up one of these for conceal carry.

 

[JAXJeremy]

You'll have to find the right pistol for yourself. Does it fit your hands, are you comfortable shooting it? If you've never owned one I'd suggest going to a range and trying several out before making a decision. I've got a number of pistols that I love to shoot but would never consider as a carry. Personally, I'm a fan of the M&P shield 9MM. its compact and easy to carry and conceal and reliable..downside of the small size is the low magazine capacity but a spare mag solve that problem..

Another pistol that's gotten popular is the Sig P365, it's been the topic of much debate the last couple of years. Considered revolutionary in the micro 9 world because it can pack 10 rounds in a flush fit mag the same size as my M&P shield..There were some issues with the first runs that were addressed in later models but Sig took a beating over it. Regardless, the updated versions have seen people put thousands of rounds through them..That's one I'd strongly consider if I were in the market for another carry.

 

[nevada]

you'll want to try as many as you can. each person is different, and there are a LOT of different pistols. they all have their own feel. what seems good to one person, may be very uncomfortable to the next. it is a matter of personal preference.


but, since you mentioned its for personal safety, do NOT buy the "cheapest one" you can find. you can find quality guns for $500+. so you don't HAVE to spend $1000.
but for the love of all that matters, don't get a Hi-point, or Jennings, or any of the other "budget" pistols.

 

[swampdodo]

Best thing you can do...go visit a gun range that rents a variety of guns...try them out...find one that 'fits' you the best. Like testing driving a car or truck.

And like car or house buying...you should leave your emotions at home when do finally decide to get one.

Has gun laws changed in Cali in the last 10 years...when I was living there, it seems like you were more likely to win the lottery than get approved for a CCW permit.

 

[Zeke588]

I carry a Polymer 80 PF940C (Glock 19) or my S&W M&P Shield. It really depends on what you feel like. Sometimes prefer the shield more than others. Summer time is for the Shield because its smaller and I can conceal it better under summer clothes. Winter time rolls around I carry the PF940C because of its larger frame. Its not about what is the BEST gun its what gun is BEST FOR YOU.

Rent multiple before you buy your own, see what feels good in your hands and concealed. Theres no right or wrong choice its a subject of opinions.

 

[Thai]

And BTW...personally, i would NEVER buy a USED handgun.

 

[Kandor]

I would also recommend going to a range and trying several different models. Keep in mind some of the larger models can be somewhat uncomfortable and more difficult to conceal especially in summer clothing. Get a good holster.

The Shield and Walther PPS are a good compromise in size, weight and capacity and both are very reliable and reasonably priced.

I would emphasize getting a comfortable gun/holster because if it becomes a hassle people will look for excuses not to carry it. A Ruger LCP is better if you will carry it every day than a Glock 17 that is sitting at home because you didn't feel like dealing with it.

 

[mesooohoppy]

Well you're in cali, so youre limited to the roster unless you buy an off roster gun (which can be crazy expensive).

For rostered handguns my vote goes:
Glock (19, 17, 26)
CZ (p01, sp01)
S&W shield (with LCI delete)*

As others have said, go to a range and shoot some firearms and see what fits you best.

I believe SD county doesn't do CCWs, so size isnt really a limiting factor here, since it wont actually be on you (* this is where I would knock the shield out).

I have a shield without the external safety (I'm a lefty, so I wouldnt use it anyways) that I've carried for the last two years. I wanted to start carrying with a single stack subcompact to ease into carrying everyday. I shoot/train every weekend, but for most who dont train enough, this firearm is NOT going to be fun when it comes time to use it (single stack, very short sight radius, very short barrel, limited capacity when not using extended pads, etc). The added stress from a perceived threat doesn't help either.

So, I'm switching to a g26 for every day carry now that I am more comfortable (I'll likely start carrying a 19 as well, just need to order a holster). I also have a 17 on my permit that goes in a bag with me (mags interchange).

Btw, you can absolutely conceale carry a 17. It's all about the carry style and what you're comfortable with, I carry appendix so it's very easy to conceal whatever I want.

 

[mrblah]

here are my 3:

kahr pm9
Smith and wesson 340pd
glock g26

 

[Mursenary]

P365 for carry

I purchased a Sig P365 with an extra extended magazine and an OWB Mitch Rosen holster. That setup is great! Tiny, with huge capacity. I plink with it, and carry it regularly. Very hard to notice under a normal-fitting t-shirt, and totally invisible when wearing a flannel, or Columbia outdoor type shirt. It's accurate, and has never jammed, even when shooting the cheapest 9mm ammo. Great carry pistol!

 

[Drobs]

And BTW...personally, i would NEVER buy a USED handgun.

I encourage this idea... More deals to be had for me.
Majority of my guns - handguns, rifles, and shotguns were bought used. Lots of folks buy a handgun, shoot it for a bit, and trade it on something else.

Lately, I've been pocket carrying a Ruger LC9S Pro. Disappears in the pocket. It's a dime a dozen low $ gun that is reliable and accurate.

I like Glocks and will rotate in a Polymer 80 SC (G26) or my Glock 19. Neither of which disappear like the Ruger.

 

[Scotty-D]

Beretta 950 25acp in my pocket and a Glock 19 on my side. You don't get to pick the day you have to use a gun....someone else does.

 

[Charlievee]

The one thats always on your person and chambered. Dont listen to "whats the best" go to a range (do they have them in cali?) And rent a few. See what you feel comfortable with. Then train, like the life of your loved ones depend on it and become well versed in the laws of where you live and travel. Dont underestimate a good holster, most people that carry have a box of old holsters that just didnt work for them. Most off the shelf holsters are crap. Oh, did mention training? Keep in mind its a life style, its not as easy as " becoming CC because of the crazy race baiting politics of the media" its a responsibility that many dont take seriously. The "gun" is not the weapon, the person behind it is.

 

[Hockey Hauler]

Get the one you WILL carry. If it feels great in your hands at the range but it's a pain in the ass to carry, you'll leave it at home. Yes, shoot as many as you can but also get to know what kind of holster and position will work for you and the gun. I'm at work right now in shorts and T-shirt with a 3 in. Smith and Wesson 686 Plus hidden away. For you capacity guys... I'm comfortable with only carrying 7 rounds of .357 Mag. I shoot this better than anything I have ever used. Heavy revolver but the right belt and holster makes it easy.

 

[swampdodo]

AND remember...'a hamburger wrapped in gold is still a hamburger.'

The good gun does not make a good, responsible shooter.

 

[Blue109]

I carry everywhere...without exception. When I need to really conceal because im going into a prohibited area I bring my walther PPS (original, M1) it is tiny and thin. It is ULTRA reliable and accurate. I have a very comfortable holster and wear it at 4/5 o'clock. It is effectively invisible and not to hard to draw with some practice. I carry with the flat base 6rd mag and usually throw an 8rd in the pocket. Ive got thousands of rounds through it without a single failure. I dont go to the range with less than 500rds. Im a walther whore so I have a P99 and a Q5 in regular rotation as well but the PPS is the definition of concealed weapon. Small enough to hide but big enough to matter.

 

[Charlievee]

I carry everywhere...without exception. When I need to really conceal because im going into a prohibited area I bring my walther PPS (original, M1) it is tiny and thin. It is ULTRA reliable and accurate. I have a very comfortable holster and wear it at 4/5 o'clock. It is effectively invisible and not to hard to draw with some practice. I carry with the flat base 6rd mag and usually throw an 8rd in the pocket. Ive got thousands of rounds through it without a single failure. I dont go to the range with less than 500rds. Im a walther whore so I have a P99 and a Q5 in regular rotation as well but the PPS is the definition of concealed weapon. Small enough to hide but big enough to matter.

PPS and 99c guy myself. Then there's the Q navy, Q45 and a .32 PP from72 I put new springs in...oh SW45....

 

[5thToy]

There is a lot of personal preference when it comes to action and ergonomics. That said, I have carried:

Glock G26, G27, G19
S&W M&P Shield 9mm
Sig P239
Sig P365

I trust my life to all of them. The G19 was great. I wanted something easier to conceal. I have yet to try any of the newer single stack Glocks. I still have the Sigs and highly recommend the P365.