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Old October 25, 2012, 01:10 PM   #26
ClydeFrog
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My input....

For a decent carry or protection sidearm, I'd buy a NIB/new semi-auto DA only pistol in .357sig, .40 or .45acp.
A compact or med frame will do okay. Night sights, lasergrips & 1913 rails are good add-ons but not required for a concealed carry pistol.

A Beretta PX4 C, a SIG Sauer DAK P224, P229R or P239 SAS, a HK LEM P2000 or P30 or a Kahr could do very well.

Carry only factory rounds too. NO reloads or hand loads.
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Old October 25, 2012, 01:19 PM   #27
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Thanks for your reply. This gun will be used mainly at the range for target shooting, but it will be carried on my side. Just a heads up.
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Old October 25, 2012, 02:09 PM   #28
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Have you fired both? If you can, do that first. Everyone will have their own opinion, and brand loyalists will tell you one is better than the other. The honest truth is, you can't really go wrong with either brand. I carry a Glock 19. My father-in-law carries a Sig 229 .40 (but has a G26 backup). He's completely happy with his choice, I'm completely happy with my choice. If price is a factor, the 229 is going to cost you a couple hundred more than a Glock. That's practice ammo money, and you have to decide if the 229 is that much better to justify it. If price isn't a factor, both guns are open game.

Again, if you can, try firing both. Only after that will you be able to decide. When I was picking out my carry gun, without firing, I was deadset on the 229, honestly. After firing 100 rounds out of both, I just couldn't get used to the 229 trigger, and that sold me on the G19. Sorry I couldn't give you a definitive answer, but it really comes down to what you're comfortable with.
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Old October 25, 2012, 02:31 PM   #29
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SIGs (especially older model ones) have strong reputations for absolutely excellent triggers. I'm surprised you seem to like the Glock better.

Either is excellent though. Go with the one that feels right to YOU and fits your budget. If I misread and you haven't shot both be sure to try that if at all possible. Thats important.
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Old October 25, 2012, 10:55 PM   #30
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I have also been considering buying another 1911. I used to own one and miss it dearly, as I do my revolver as well. Thoughts on a 1911 style firearm vs these polymers like glock?
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Old October 26, 2012, 11:22 AM   #31
loose_holster_dan
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1911 for carry?

$600 - sti spartan iii or iv
$900 - colt defender
$1300 - dan wesson guardian

all can be had in 9mm and 45
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Old October 28, 2012, 03:05 PM   #32
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I've recently started carrying my XD45 and it's not near as uncomfortable as I thought it would be.
13+1 rounds of .45 ACP is very comforting.
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Old October 29, 2012, 06:17 PM   #33
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Get a .40. I would steer clear of the 9mm. You want something that will get the job done. I know that will start a ruckus but you never hear a debate about a .45 and .40 being enough but the 9mm is always in the center of the the debate about what is enough gun. I think there is a good reason for that
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Old October 29, 2012, 07:04 PM   #34
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Get a .40. I would steer clear of the 9mm. You want something that will get the job done. I know that will start a ruckus but you never hear a debate about a .45 and .40 being enough but the 9mm is always in the center of the the debate about what is enough gun. I think there is a good reason for that.
I will say it then. The 40 and 45 are both underpowered and, especially in the case of the 45, highly overrated.
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Old October 29, 2012, 09:05 PM   #35
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Which gun is best for you I can't answer.

For me, looking at everything out there, I chose Glock. They are phenomenally reliable and well made. Their compact (or subcompact for that matter) are some of the best carry choices. Even people who don't like Glocks will concede that...just as I will concede that Sig makes high quality pistols and so do other manufacturers.

My personal bias is towards extreme reliability and proven design.

I would worry too much about the 9mm vs 40 vs 45 debate. All three are good self-defense calibers and the ballistics are not that radically different when talking hollowpoints. E.g.:

9mm Speer 124gr Gold Dot @ muzzle = 364 ft lbs
9mm Speer 124gr +P Gold Dot @ muzzle = 410 ft lbs
.40 S&W Speer 155gr Gold Dot @ muzzle = 496 ft lbs
.40 S&W Speer 180gr Gold Dot @ muzzle = 420 ft lbs
.40 S&W Speer 165gr Gold Dot @ muzzle = 484 ft lbs
.45ACP Speer 230gr Gold Dot @ muzzle = 404 ft lbs

Muzzle energy isn't everything but frankly it's a lot when talking about handguns and typical engagement ranges.

Yes, the .40 S&W gives you a little more power. It also comes with more kick. I don't care for .45ACP for carry because of the capacity tradeoff, but then, many people happily carry 5-shot snubs so in the end, you have to suck up all the data you can find and weigh it in your mind. If you're down to choosing between a Glock and a Sig, you are already choosing among the best guns on the market, so to some extent you can't go wrong.

I carry a Glock 19 with the +P 9mm and have no worries.
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Old October 30, 2012, 11:19 AM   #36
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I will say it then. The 40 and 45 are both underpowered and, especially in the case of the 45, highly overrated.
I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not...

If not, then from this, I can assume you'd say the 9mm is underpowered as well. 44 Mag is a lot of gun to carry around for almost everyone, and most people would say a Desert Eagle is overrated. If you're trying to make the point that you'd take a long gun over a handgun in a gunfight, well, I'd agree with you there, but I have trouble concealing my Wincester Model 70, my Mossberg 500, and AR.

I'd say that years of ballistics testing and real world street performance would say you're wrong.

Please tell us what you'd recommend, and give me your ballistics testing and real world street performance data, so we can compare it to the two (or three) most popular calibers you think aren't powerful enough.
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Old October 31, 2012, 09:16 PM   #37
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at a gun for carry
You are wrong. You are looking at a FIRST gun for carry.

There will be more. You may keep the first or you may not. I would try to find guns that hold value for resale as you get started. My first gun was not such a model and therin lay my mistake, not in picking a gun with the wrong characteristics. Had I purchased a Glock police trade in then wanted to convert to something else in six months once I had an idea what I didn't like about it I may very well have walked away with money in my pocket on the Glock. Of course, there are other similar options besides Glock and a lot of variance in how well new guns hold value.

How many of you were CERTAIN that first gun you bought for carry was perfect? How many of you still carry it?
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Old October 31, 2012, 10:03 PM   #38
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My vote would go for a Glock 26 or 19. I don't think you can really go wrong with a Glock
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Old November 1, 2012, 06:02 AM   #39
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I would just go grip a few pistols at your local gun shop and do a little research on them, then make a decision. I'm pretty sure at one point or another you'll purchase more firearms in the future as well, so just have fun with it and GOOD LUCK!
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Old November 1, 2012, 07:29 AM   #40
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I want something that can get on target quickly after firing, so possibly a heavier gun to reduce recoil.
You may want to check out the HK P7 PSP. They are still available for good prices as German surplus guns. They are slim, and compact, but shoot like a full size pistol. Great range gun, but carry well. Very accurate, and reliable. They are a bit heavy being all steel, but with a decent belt and holster, carry well.

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Old November 1, 2012, 08:10 AM   #41
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GustheSig,
judging by your handle you are partial to sigs. However, if you decide to venture outside your comfort zone, you should put the Kel-Tec PF-9 on your short list. At around $280 it's very affordable. But the nicest part about it is that you won't need a holster to carry it. For $18 you can get a little metal clip that mounts on the slide. It makes for a uniquely comfortable and practical carry weapon. I added a CT laser to mine and the whole package costs me $410.



Disclaimer: This gun you shoot because you have to not because you like to. It was what George Zimmerman carried and used, although now I'm sure he wishes he'd stayed safely in his car.
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File Type: jpg PF-9 01 small.jpg (240.6 KB, 100 views)
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Old November 3, 2012, 04:26 AM   #42
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My handle is from my fraternity. My nickname was Gus. I am a Sigma Chi. I took my test and passed with 94% at the range. I was told by my gunsmithing friend that I should just go handle a few of them to see what fits the best. He recommends a revolver for strictly personal protection because they work 100% of the time, and if something doesn't fire, just keep squeezing the trigger. This makes sense to me, but I shoot recreationally a great deal and as stated, I am a rifle person (mid to long range). I like a good accurate gun, partially because I am a fairly accurate shooter. For first carry, I am really looking into smaller pistols. For recreational, I have been looking at 1911s. They felt the best to me. I tested pointing with a glock 22 and my instructor (my gunsmithing friend) noticed my grip automatically being altered to fit the grip. It was an indicator in my mind that perhaps I should try other guns. I like glocks and I want to shoot them, but it is an odd grip from my natural grip. The 1911 style grips I used at the range felt great in the hand. I don't know how well carry size 1911s do, but I have been looking into them. I used to own an XD9 and I never really shot all that well with it. Perhaps it was due to grip angle. I have looked at walthers, but I still prefer the Sigs for polymers. Thanks for all of the help. I am still looking and shopping, but Deer season is coming up and I will be spending more money and time on chasing huge racks here in a few weeks lol. May have to put off a nice pistol purchase for a bit.
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Old November 6, 2012, 10:00 AM   #43
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He recommends a revolver for strictly personal protection because they work 100% of the time, and if something doesn't fire, just keep squeezing the trigger.
Everything mechanical is prone to failure. A better way to put this is a revolver is generally more reliable than an auto, but they DO NOT work 100% of the time. I've seen several revolvers in my lifetime that were locked up. unshootable. Try shooting full power .357 Mag through an airweight, and if you don't have a grip like a vice, by the third or fourth shot, there's a good chance the slugs have worked their way out of the round and have locked up the gun. I've personally seen this, and I know Massad Ayoob mentions it in at least one of his books. That's just one example.

Basically, I don't want you to get into the mindset that a revolver s 100% reliable. That will give you a false sense of security. I really can't believe a gunsmith told you that a revolver is 100% reliable. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that perhaps you were paraphrasing him.
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Old November 6, 2012, 11:07 AM   #44
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I started out carrying a semi auto but went back to my roots I carried a revolver in the Air Force and I liked it then and was able to shoot it well. I am now carrying a Smith and Wesson 686 with a three inch barrel, it has some weight so it reduces the felt recoil. it is accurate, and it is a proven caliber. I carry Remington 125 grain semi jacketed hollow points. both Smith and Wesson and Ruger make great revolvers'. I also like to carry a 1911, I like the gun and the caliber; but recovery back on target is a bit slower but still a great carry weapon. I do carry a Smith model 60 in 357 with a 3 inch barrel for the times I dress up a bit. Just my nickels worth.
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Old November 6, 2012, 11:17 AM   #45
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It is each persons choice as to what they like. You like the 1911 go for it but remember it is a cock and lock system. One can carry a 1911 CCW fairly easy. I have but I prefer the Sig P220 or my S&W686 3 inch. I don't care for Tactical Tupperware. If you have to reposition your hand on the grip of a Glock maybe you should consider a different gun.
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Old November 10, 2012, 11:40 PM   #46
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I was paraphrasing my friend. In an actual situation, more than likely a shot will have to be taken through a coat pocket or something for self defense. Semi autos will shoot probably around 1 round in that situation due to the slide not resetting inside the coat pocket. This is why he recommended the revolver. Also a misfire is easier to fix in a revolver, reason why he said this. That is what he meant by reliability.

I have handled quite a few and I have pretty much decided on a carry size 1911, now I have the problem of searching through a million choices for a quality gun.
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Old November 11, 2012, 03:56 AM   #47
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springer xdm .45 acp, in 3.8. tucked into an IWB desantis pro stealth.

http://www.the-m-factor.com/html/specs_11.html

http://www.desantisholster.com/store...-BAND-HOLSTERS

I live in FL too. So I don't buy the u can't carry a double stack .45 in hot weather. I do it every day w/ shorts on.
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Old November 11, 2012, 05:37 PM   #48
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glock 19 or 17, sideguard brand double snap holster, 5 extra mags, a good solid class that instructs you how to fight with a pistol.
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Old November 12, 2012, 05:10 AM   #49
GustheSig
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I just dont grip the glocks very well. Looking at the 1911s... as stated...
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Old November 12, 2012, 06:13 PM   #50
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I just dont grip the glocks very well. Looking at the 1911s... as stated...
www.10-8performance.com

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfJj9...eature=relmfu\

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYEd-3iy4QM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iS2OIykIMo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcDHiverbP4

rather than type up what is already out there take a 1/2 hour and watch these fellows speak of the 1911

I love 1911's but I just don't carry them anymore when there are pistols that shoot just as accuratly with little down time just like most of my motorcycle riding friends have switched to fuel injected models and ride more rather than sit in the garage and do preventive maintance
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