Handgun Owners

[GVF]

Nothing wrong with a revolver, but if you're planning on carrying a .380 or 9mm semi auto is the way to go in my opinion. I carry both.

The revolver I used to own was no where close to being concealable. But, I darn sure knew that if I had it on me (carry permit of course), it was a very effective deterrent. King Cobra .357 Magnum in 6" Barrel.

 

[hog88]

.22's have bagged and tagged more than the other calibers combined. Viable alternative if you don't want a cannon going off in the house.

.22 rifle is the ultimate survival weapon.

 

[volinbham]

home defense and concealed carry can co-exist but you are making a trade off one way or the other it seems depending on how concealable you want to be. If you are talking about carrying a mid - to full size then the trade off is weight, comfort, concealability etc. If you are talking about a sub compact then it can still work for home defense but bigger sizes are easier to handle, aim, get back on target etc.

IOW - don't stop with one purchase! (at least that's what I tell myself )

 

[GroverCleveland]

The revolver I used to own was no where close to being concealable. But, I darn sure knew that if I had it on me (carry permit of course), it was a very effective deterrent. King Cobra .357 Magnum in 6" Barrel.
View attachment 262472

I have my grandfather's Colt Python, .357 Magnum. When you absolutely, positively have to stop someone, a truck or wake up the neighborhood. Am I right?

 

[GroverCleveland]

I have not seen it mentioned, but I bought a H&K VP9SK last year and enjoy shooting it. But a SIG is on my wishlist.

With regards to .22, I also have a Ruger Single Six. There hardly anything more satisfying than the sound of that gun's action.

 

[eskimovol]

MP shield is really popular, my wife loves hers. I may pick one up as well, my springfield is too big for concealing during the warmer months.

 

[VOLinAL]

I'd like to stay around the $500 or under range.

So I typically carry three different handguns. A 4 inch Springfield XD .40 with a Crossbread Supertuck, my wifes TCP .380, and my M&P Shield in 9 mm. I have also carried a Glock 19 as a duty weapon as well as a Glock 23. I personally am not a fan of Glocks but to each his own. I love my Shield and shoot it better than I did the glocks. My XD while big is the most comfortable due to the holster. The .380 just goes in a pocket holster and I barely notice its there.

As said before, if you can shoot something prior to buying I would do so. If not, at the least really grip everything you look at and find what is comfortable. Also, I holster is huge part of carrying and will go a long ways towards annoying you or you not even noticing you are carrying so spend money on something good.

For the money, you can get an M&P Shield from Palmetto State Armory between $209 and $250 when they are on sale which is often. If you want to spend a little more than $500 take a look at Sigs.

 

[chatsworth_vol]

My home defense gun is a Glock 21 .45. It's a great gun and my favorite to shoot, but it's huge. It's just too big to comfortably carry concealed. It wouldn't be too bad carrying openly in a law enforcement type rig, but any type of concealed carry is just impractical. My concealed carry that I use all the time is a Smith and Wesson M&P Shield 9mm. It carries wonderfully, shoots great, and was very budget friendly. I bought it new for less than $300. You definitely need to try out some guns before you buy though. Everything fits everyone differently. For example I bought a Ruger P95 9mm about 20 years ago, nice inexpensive gun, just didn't fit my hand right. The magazine release was positioned just right that in my hand the recoil would push it back just right to drop the mag (not a real good thing in middle of shooting) . I ended up trading it for a rifle a few years later.

 

[GVF]

I have my grandfather's Colt Python, .357 Magnum. When you absolutely, positively have to stop someone, a truck or wake up the neighborhood. Am I right?

Only shot a couple rounds .357 out of my king Cobra, and i'm sure it was every bit the .357 as the Python. For target and practice, and cost, I mostly shot .38's out of it. And with that 6" barrel and .38's, it was like shooting an air pistol. No need for a .44 magnum if you have a shootable .357. I really would not want to shoot a small frame police style .357.

 

[Tri-CitiesVol]

Just don’t buy Glock.

Sig P365 if you are going to carry it as well, P320/229/226 if you are only using it in home. All 9mm, some available in .357 Sig

 

[InVOLuntary]

I've been searching too. There is a stable of good midsize to conceal well under the $500 ceiling. I have had handguns in years past, but none in quite some time. This time I have to consider my wife wanting to get one, so I have spent a good deal of time researching. For the money in the $500-$600 range, I personally am a die hard Beretta model 92 fan. That was my favorite I ever owned. For dependability and accuracy, it never fails and being on the heavy side, shoots like butter with low recoil. they have a slightly smaller compact 92 that has my attention.

For the others I have done research on, the Bersa Thunder 380 is very popular and highly rated, and inexpensive. It's in my top 3 to decide on. Other affordable compact models in the $200-$350 range that were appealing to me so far is SCCY, Taurus G2C, Canik, S&W SDVE. These are all 380 or 9mm.

I have not ruled out a .22. For home defense, this is a good option. As well as for cost of ammo. Well placed shots are highly important, and .22's can be very effective inside the home.

I've put a lot of time into researching, and as noted above, don't buy what you haven't shot. What looks cool or appealing, you may not like after you buy and shoot. Case in point, my step son has one of those palm sized Ruger 380's. I shot it. Hate it. Had I not shot his, that pistol would still be on my list. I'll drum up my list I had going and come back and post it. because of other commitments I'm paying right now, we just haven't bought yet. Had I got taxes back instead of paying, we probably would have gone and let her shoot accouple and purchased by now.

I have the bersa thunder 380 double stack. Love that gun. Holds a bunch and is a metal gun so it's a tad heavier than the poly guns. I don't mind the weight as it's very stable to shoot.

Another thing you should consider is the action. If you decide on semi auto you can go single action which means the gun has to be cocked on the first shot. 1911s are single action. You can go double action where you pull the trigger and it cocks the hammer/striker back with each trigger pull. The trigger is a little bit stiffer with double actions. Glocks are double actions. Then you have the double action/single action. This is the best of both worlds but less to choose from. Double action/single action will allow you to carry one in the chamber with the hammer down and safety on. The first round will be double action with a stronger trigger pull and single action with following shots.

You should try them all to see what's comfortable to you.

 

[bag12day]

I have very little experience with handguns. I've owned rifles and shotguns my entire life, and I'm looking for a home defense weapon/concealed carry. Looking for some suggestions if anyone is willing to offer some advice.

I've been looking mostly at 9 mm semiautomatic so far. Am I going down the wrong path? It doesn't seem like a revolver would be very conducive to concealed carry.

A lot of variables in this question. Kids in house, neighbors with shooting distance, townhome, ability to train with a handgun in the method you will carry, looking to clear the house if broken into, Move you and family to a safe central location and wait for LEO, etc... For Pure home defense a 20Ga youth model pump shotgun with 6 or 8 shot with a good light.
9mm is a good round and in modern high performance ammo is plenty lethal and really cheap to practice with.
You may be able to find a deal on a used gun that is a LEO turn-in but the best advice I can give you is to not try to save 2-300 bucks on something you will depend of for your life or that of your family. I have seen folks spend $90 for a class, 80-100 for Permit and then want to buy a Hi Point POS for $180 knowing if it doesn't go bang you might pay with your life trying to save money. It may work fine 189 times out of 195 shots but when are you gonna have that FTF. I ain't gonna buy a bargain basement parachute and I don't recommend doing it for a firearm.

 

[JCHateSteve]

I have very little experience with handguns. I've owned rifles and shotguns my entire life, and I'm looking for a home defense weapon/concealed carry. Looking for some suggestions if anyone is willing to offer some advice.

I've been looking mostly at 9 mm semiautomatic so far. Am I going down the wrong path? It doesn't seem like a revolver would be very conducive to concealed carry.

Let's drill down a little. Do you currently have a weapon for home defense? Is this going to be something you need to conceal or is accuracy/stopping power more important? Any combination is a completely valid answer. But, this thread is all over the place. What is it you actually want/need?

 

[bag12day]

Just don’t buy Glock.

Sig P365 if you are going to carry it as well, P320/229/226 if you are only using it in home. All 9mm, some available in .357 Sig

Seems like some pretty blanket statements here. Why on Glock? Cause Gaston or plastic gun argument? 2 out of 5 of my daily carries are the P226 Dark elite and P229 both in .40 which I carry on my person not at home. The others are a GLOCK G22 and M&P 40C and a small single stack Ruger .380 for my bathing suit wear.
.357 Sig is really nice if you work for an agency and get 1000 rounds of practice ammo yearly. Cost of .357 is about twice that for 9MM per round.

 

[Tri-CitiesVol]

Seems like some pretty blanket statements here. Why on Glock? Cause Gaston or plastic gun argument? 2 out of 5 of my daily carries are the P226 Dark elite and P229 both in .40 which I carry on my person not at home. The others are a GLOCK G22 and M&P 40C and a small single stack Ruger .380 for my bathing suit wear.
.357 Sig is really nice if you work for an agency and get 1000 rounds of practice ammo yearly. Cost of .357 is about twice that for 9MM per round.

They are ugly.

The 365 is just a game changer for CC. I tote around a 229 and love it, but it prints easily. I have a Ruger LC9S for my skinny jeans.

 

[txbo]

Just don’t buy Glock.

Sig P365 if you are going to carry it as well, P320/229/226 if you are only using it in home. All 9mm, some available in .357 Sig

Au contraire, the Glock 19 is the most popular concealed carry pistol in the world. It's a great choice.

 

[txbo]

They are ugly.

The 365 is just a game changer for CC. I tote around a 229 and love it, but it prints easily. I have a Ruger LC9S for my skinny jeans.

LOL. OP, taking self defense advice from a man that wears skinny jeans can be hazardous to your health.

 

[DEFENDTHISHOUSE]

I have very little experience with handguns. I've owned rifles and shotguns my entire life, and I'm looking for a home defense weapon/concealed carry. Looking for some suggestions if anyone is willing to offer some advice.

I've been looking mostly at 9 mm semiautomatic so far. Am I going down the wrong path? It doesn't seem like a revolver would be very conducive to concealed carry.

Go to a gun shop/range that rents handguns. Try a few and see what you shoot best. You could also go to a class. Explain your situation to the instructor and he will get you squared away. Please understand carrying a gun is a lifestyle change. Also remember it’s not supposed to be comfortable, it’s supposed to be comforting. Best of luck to you.

 

[TN404]

I had a 9mm double stack to carry at first but found myself not carrying bc of the weight. Loved the gun but didn't tend to carry. I now have a Springfield 911 .380 that shoots great and is easy to carry in a JM4 magnetic holster. JM4 Tactical Magnetic Holsters - Changing the way you carry
The worst carry gun is the one you don't carry. Have a .45 for home defense for stopping power and lack of wall penetration. Careful, it gets addicting!

 

[VOLinAL]

Au contraire, the Glock 19 is the most popular concealed carry pistol in the world. It's a great choice.

To me, Glocks are the worst feeling gun in my hand. For the money I dont think you can beat a shield. I have not seen the new Sig much as i have been out of the gun game for a bit. Might have to try it out.

 

[BarrythesnoUT]

Just don’t buy Glock.

Sig P365 if you are going to carry it as well, P320/229/226 if you are only using it in home. All 9mm, some available in .357 Sig

I looked at a couple of Sigs and Smith & Wessons today. Trying to find one where I like the grip. And I'm taking the advice I got here and shooting them before I buy. Thanks for the input, everyone.

 

[BarrythesnoUT]

Let's drill down a little. Do you currently have a weapon for home defense? Is this going to be something you need to conceal or is accuracy/stopping power more important? Any combination is a completely valid answer. But, this thread is all over the place. What is it you actually want/need?

I need something I can primarily conceal. I've considered a second weapon with a little more stopping power for home defense, but funds right now probably limit me to one gun. About the only thing I have which could loosely be considered 'home defense' is my Mossberg Turkey gun, and that's not something I'd want to shoot several times in quick succession.

I've looked at several today but I haven't had a chance to shoot anything yet. Sigs, H&K, and a couple of Smith & Wessons. But there are a LOT of choices out there.

 

[JCHateSteve]

I need something I can primarily conceal. I've considered a second weapon with a little more stopping power for home defense, but funds right now probably limit me to one gun. About the only thing I have which could loosely be considered 'home defense' is my Mossberg Turkey gun, and that's not something I'd want to shoot several times in quick succession.

I've looked at several today but I haven't had a chance to shoot anything yet. Sigs, H&K, and a couple of Smith & Wessons. But there are a LOT of choices out there.

Short vesrion, the Sig P365, Glock 26, S&W Shield and Springfield XDS are probably the best carry guns out thier.

Long version, 9mm is probably your best bet on calibur. Just buy quality defense rounds for when you carry. Hydroshock or gold dot hollow points are great. I use Hornaday Critical Defense which are also nice. It also let's you buy cheap ammo for practice. The problem with sub compacts is they aren't much fun to shoot at the range. Their small size can make getting a propper grip a challenge and they kick harder. So the smaller 9mm round is better thier as well.

Many folks carry a compact (like a Glock 19) over a sub compact. They are harder to conceal but more pleasing to shoot. How you carry is going to have a big effect on what size gun will work. So you'll want to figure that out. Belly bands and under the shoulder holsters are better for bigger guns. But they don't offer the same ease of draw as an appendix carry. If you want to pocket carry it's sub compact all the way.

For the Subs the Sig p365, Walther PPS, Springfield XDS, Beretta APX, and S&W M&P Shield are the best IMO. I hate the ergonomics of Glocks. But, if you like the feel of them, it's really hard to beat one. They have better after market support than anything that isn't a 1911.

For compact just look at the next size up of those same guns except Sig and Walther. Look at a P320 in that size. I have one as my home defense gun and it's awesome. The Walther PPQ has maybe the best trigger I've ever shot.

Caniks are great too. So have a look at one. They come with a nice pancake holster too. They are a really attractive budget pick. I love H&Ks but they've come down if you found one in your price range.

 

[BarrythesnoUT]

Short vesrion, the Sig P365, Glock 26, S&W Shield and Springfield XDS are probably the best carry guns out thier.

Long version, 9mm is probably your best bet on calibur. Just buy quality defense rounds for when you carry. Hydroshock or gold dot hollow points are great. I use Hornaday Critical Defense which are also nice. It also let's you buy cheap ammo for practice. The problem with sub compacts is they aren't much fun to shoot at the range. Their small size can make getting a propper grip a challenge and they kick harder. So the smaller 9mm round is better thier as well.

Many folks carry a compact (like a Glock 19) over a sub compact. They are harder to conceal but more pleasing to shoot. How you carry is going to have a big effect on what size gun will work. So you'll want to figure that out. Belly bands and under the shoulder holsters are better for bigger guns. But they don't offer the same ease of draw as an appendix carry. If you want to pocket carry it's sub compact all the way.

For the Subs the Sig p365, Walther PPS, Springfield XDS, Beretta APX, and S&W M&P Shield are the best IMO. I hate the ergonomics of Glocks. But, if you like the feel of them, it's really hard to beat one. They have better after market support than anything that isn't a 1911.

For compact just look at the next size up of those same guns except Sig and Walther. Look at a P320 in that size. I have one as my home defense gun and it's awesome. The Walther PPQ has maybe the best trigger I've ever shot.

Caniks are great too. So have a look at one. They come with a nice pancake holster too. They are a really attractive budget pick. I love H&Ks but they've come down if you found one in your price range.

No, it was still expensive. But I wanted a look at it.

 

[JCHateSteve]

No, it was still expensive. But I wanted a look at it.

When I bought my P320, I debated a VP9 heavily. If you're willing to up your price range, H&K is the way to go. If I had unlimited funds, I'd have a safe full of them.

Luckily, there is a glut of good ploymer frame 9mm handguns for us mortals.