My First Carry Gun

[andrewP]

You're getting good advice in this thread. I'll second the points about 9mm being the likely best compromise caliber in terms of terminal performance, capacity, recoil, etc, and about the absolute NEED for a high quality belt and holster. High quality 9mm JHP rounds (Cor-Bon DPX, Speer Gold Dot, Federal HST, maybe Hornady Critical Duty, though that last one is not as well proven) perform about on par with their .40 and .45 counterparts, and do so with more capacity in the gun and less recoil. A good solid belt and a well designed, well made holster make a world of difference for both comfort and concealability.

As far as what gun to choose goes, everybody's perceived needs are different. I'd start by outlining what's most important to you and go from there. It sounded like concealability was one of your highest priorities. If we take that and add it to 9mm as the caliber of choice, some of the best options that pop out on the other side of the equation are the S&W Shield, the Walther PPS, the Springfield XDS, and the SIG P239. There are certainly lots of others out there, but that'd be a place to start.

[bocag18]

Wow, all of you have given me some great ideas! Thank you so much.

[Randygmn]

If you decide on .380, (for whatever reason you choose), you'll be doing yourself a major disservice if you don't seriously explore the glock 42. The recoil is nearly nonexistent compared to every other .380 on the market. It isn't too small wherein it becomes uncomfortable to train with. It's a little larger (not much) than other mouse guns, but still small enough to be easily concealed in a plethora of carry options. The reliability is a given and will go bang everytime (not all mouse guns can claim that). I have 1020 rounds through mine and its run 100% flawlessly.

[gunsmith]

For 10 years I've carried 24/7 and that is due to the fact that I have a .380 as one of my carry guns.

In my (very carefully considered) opinion you NEVER want to be in the position of saying to yourself....I'm only going to (fill in the blank...take out the garbage / mow the lawn / run down to the store for a gallon of milk) I'll leave the firearm at home.

I don't have 2 mindsets....I'm always armed. My .380 is smaller than my wallet.

My EDC is single stack 9mm that is only slightly larger / heavier with identical controls.

Guns are like 'money in the bank' sell them for what you paid for them.

You are going to start a small collection of guns....I'd say your first Carry gun would be one that you would 'always carry' with no thought for 'I don't have the right belt' etc.

[AFTERMATH]

My first carry gun was a Llama, double-stack .45acp.
Carried it every day for years.

I wouldn't recommend it.
(Though, it makes my XD .45 feel like a feather.)

A reliable 9mm is a good choice. Find something that fits you and invest in it. Good holster, good belt, extra mags, don't forget to consider what the accessories for the specific pistol you choose are going to cost.

That Llama I had - turned out that extra standard capacity mags were running $50ea, back then... I haven't even seen 'em in awhile. Though, I learnt to convert.
Then I learnt, that spare parts, are virtually nonexistent. Oops...

Sometimes you've just gotta find out the hard way...

[LePetomane]

My carry gun is a Glock 26. It is a nice gun to shoot and I can conceal it well. I'm not one of these types who goes nuts over Glocks. I don't think it is any better than the Beretta Nano that my wife carries. It's just the gun that I have.

[bocag18]

Found my carry gun

[Hmac]

You've settled on 9mm...good choice. Now you need to decide form factor....full size vs compact double-stack vs single stack. As long as we're airing our biases:

- 9 mm is the way to go
- no manual safety on a carry gun
- single stack will give you the lowest and most comfortable carry profile
- it is extraordinarily unlikely you'll ever need to defend your life with a concealed handgun. It's even more unlikely you'll ever need more than 7 shots to do it.
- if you feel better with a supported little finger, get an extended (7 shot) magazine
- if you're a belts-and-suspenders kind of guy who feels better wearing an extra pair of suspenders, carry an extra magazine. Another reason single stack is preferable.
- Walther PPS for the win

[PHATSPEED7x]

I personally carry a S&W M&P9 shield now. Before that it was it's bigger brother the M&P9 Compact. Great shooter. I've also carried the Glock 26 subcompact, and the Glock 19 compact. Those are also good choices for a reliable 9mm carry pistol.

Once you decide on a gun, the right holster can make the difference of you carrying it everyday, and leaving it at home. Even if it's a smaller gun. I personally carry mind in a forest city tactical kydex holster. It's OWB, but conceals nicely under a over shirt during the summer time, or my zip up hoodie in the winter. If your looking at IWB carry the kydex/leather breed of holsters (several good makes out there) are what most people go with. I personally use a Versacarry holster. Zero bulk, and carries easy. Only problem is you must remove to re-holster.

Good luck on your decision.

[teamkix]

My first carry gun was a Sig 2022 9mm, very nice gun but a little large for my taste, like I said though its a great gun.
For the last 2 years, I have carried a Springfield XD9 Sub-Compact in a Blackhawk CQC OWB, don't like the IWB feeling. Very happy with this setup and very fond of the gun.
With that said, I believe my next will be a Springfield XDS, not sure yet of 9mm or 45, kind of partial to 9mm but do like my other 45's.
Find what you're are comfortable with and able to carry the way you like and you'll be happy, until you try something else, then you'll want that !