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KyJim · September 8, 2012, 10:07 AM

I think you would first want to narrow it down by purpose of the pistol. Will it be for home defense/range use, home and carry, or carry only? The 9mm is superior to .380 for defense, so I would normally suggest a 9mm unless you need a very small pistol. You seem to have that covered with the TCP.

If it's a home only or range only pistol, I would suggest a full size, hi-cap 9mm. At $500 (for good used pistol), there are a number of choices, even after those you have eliminated. If it is to possibly be used for carry, I would suggest a compact 9mm, single stack with a barrel of 3.5 to 4 inches or so. They are quite concealable in an IWB holster and you will still typically get 7 or 8 rounds (plus one chambered).

After deciding which way to go, see what your cousin has that he is willing to trade, handle them to see which you think you like (shoot them if you can), and then decide. You can check back here before you decide to make sure the value is somewhere in the neighborhood.

September 8, 2012, 10:07 AM	#10
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	I think you would first want to narrow it down by purpose of the pistol. Will it be for home defense/range use, home and carry, or carry only? The 9mm is superior to .380 for defense, so I would normally suggest a 9mm unless you need a very small pistol. You seem to have that covered with the TCP. If it's a home only or range only pistol, I would suggest a full size, hi-cap 9mm. At $500 (for good used pistol), there are a number of choices, even after those you have eliminated. If it is to possibly be used for carry, I would suggest a compact 9mm, single stack with a barrel of 3.5 to 4 inches or so. They are quite concealable in an IWB holster and you will still typically get 7 or 8 rounds (plus one chambered). After deciding which way to go, see what your cousin has that he is willing to trade, handle them to see which you think you like (shoot them if you can), and then decide. You can check back here before you decide to make sure the value is somewhere in the neighborhood.