CCW Hand Gun

Asfand · October 10, 2011, 03:45 PM

Greetings All

I am thinking of applying for a CCW permit in CA. What handgun should I purchase. Here are the factors I am considering and in order below:

1) Controlability
2) Concealability
3) Stopping Power
4) Price

Any comments are appreciated.

Thanks

Asfand

zombieslayer · October 10, 2011, 03:47 PM

Makarov.

Japle · October 10, 2011, 04:23 PM

Good luck getting your permit. If you do, take a look at the KelTec P-11. Small, 10+1 round (CA limit), 9mm, light, dependable.

"Course, I don't know if it's on the stupid CA "approved" list.

Stressfire · October 10, 2011, 04:31 PM

Quote:

"Course, I don't know if it's on the stupid CA "approved" list.

That's going to be your major concern.

SW40F · October 10, 2011, 04:59 PM

1) Controlability - Tends towards larger, heavier guns,
..... but .....
2) Concealability - Tends towards smaller guns.

For concealed carry, with the intention of having a gun for closeup self defense at ranges from eyeball-to eyeball out to a few yards, you should find almost anything is 'controllable' with a bit of practice. Target practice 'controlability' may not need be as important as it would be if you were looking for a target gun...

Also, unless you are looking for a 'pocket' gun, plan on a good belt and holster. With those you can conceal almost anything if you wear clothing that is loose enough.

3) Stopping Power
There is no Easter Bunny, and there is no One-Shot Stop. Most guns give you at least 5 shots, and you can use them all. There will be a lot of back-and-forth on this subject, but in my opinion your choices are almost unlimited.

4) Price
Once you find a range of guns that meets your approval for #1, #2 and #3 above, pay what you want from that selection.

Any gun you pick will be up to the task. Some of your 'friends' will approve, and others will think you're crazy. The gun you buy does not care about opinions, only service to you.

Besides, you will probably buy another gun after your first...

Don Glock · October 10, 2011, 05:54 PM

you can buy a gun in Cali?

dwhite · October 10, 2011, 06:20 PM

<quote>
you can buy a gun in Cali?
</quote)

Sure! Ask the gang-bangers and drug dealers.

They all got'em.

It's only the LAW ABIDING CITIZENS that have problems getting them.

All the Best,
D. White

Marlin009 · October 10, 2011, 07:08 PM

A lot of variables there. Are we to assume since price was #4 that there is no budget?

Do you need the permit to purchase a gun?

PT-92 · October 10, 2011, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Asfand wrote:

CCW Hand Gun
Greetings All

I am thinking of applying for a CCW permit in CA. What handgun should I purchase. Here are the factors I am considering and in order below:

1) Controlability
2) Concealability
3) Stopping Power
4) Price

Any comments are appreciated.

Thanks

Asfand
__________________
An armed society is a safe society.

I would start by asking what your previous experience is (revolvers, semis shooting etc).

-Cheers

bigredfish · October 10, 2011, 09:40 PM

This in .357 Sig

youngunz4life · October 11, 2011, 01:06 AM

I recommend you buy a revolver that is within "your price range" the day you are at the gunstore, that fits in your pocket or is small enough that you figure you'll be able to conceal it however you do it, and that is a 357. You can vary off the 357 bit if you want(example: a 38 instead). Remember though, 357s shoot 38s or 357s anyways). Also, sometimes when you buy a gun from the gunshop they'll give you 50bucks off if you sing up for the CCW class the same day(or they'll give you a week to come back with the CCW course receipt to save the 50 bucks). In my case, they took off 20 bucks as well seperately because I was willing to pay them cash the day I signed up(instead of signing up and then paying cash if I showed up for class - the pymnt told them "I will be there").

Lastly, the advice had nothing to do with this last part, but:

I also recommend a revolver if you do not have much experience with weapons, firearms, handguns, and/or shooting in general.

Good Luck. I think you are making a good choise and covering some bases ahead of time. I had to make multiple purchases before having my CCW because my other gun was too big as an example.

armsmaster270 · October 11, 2011, 01:19 AM

Go to the Rancho Cordova Shooting Center Off Sunrise by the old Mather AFB and rent some of their pistols/revolvers and see what you shoot best with and also fits your criteria. Then buy. We can not tell you what will fit you, only you can.

Mercenary · October 11, 2011, 06:41 AM

Depends on what your price range is. For $1K I would say the Springfield EMP. For $450 I would recommend a Springfield XDsubcompact. Both of those guns are a little on the heavier side which will translate into more controllability but each have a 3" barrel so you don't compromise concealability. Either of the above mentioned guns come in 9mm or 40 S&W. The EMP comes in 45 ACP. The XD comes in 45 ACP as well, but it steps up to a 4" barrel.

Also in the proce range of the XD's is the Smith and Wesson M&P compacts. They sport a 3.5" barrel but are lighter than the XD's. Again when you step up tp the 45 ACP, the M&P is 4".

Good luck. See if you can find a rental range and try some of those out.

Glockfan36 · October 11, 2011, 01:40 PM

Kel-Tecs are illegal in California. Man, am I glad I don't live there! You could also consider a subcompact Glock in 9mm(G26) or .40S&W(G27) Both of those would be worth considering. Of course, there's also a Taurus PT-111,
Ruger SR9C, S&W M&P9C, Beretta Nano, Beretta Px4 Storm.

Skadoosh · October 11, 2011, 02:09 PM

Ruger SP101.

peacefulgary · October 11, 2011, 04:07 PM

Quote:

1) Controlability
2) Concealability
3) Stopping Power
4) Price

This....

Or this....

Both are small, but not too small.
Both are easy to conceal, yet still easy to control.
Both offer 10+1 rounds of 9mm Para (and can use +P ammo too), and both can use magazines that offer even more capacity.
The Glock can be had at a fair price and the Ruger is a real bargain.

Gary

jimbob86 · October 11, 2011, 04:18 PM

Quote:

1) Controlability
2) Concealability
3) Stopping Power
4) Price

How about "RELIABILITY"?

That should be #1.

Controllability? =You being able to hit your target repeatedly, quickly.

Stopping power? It's a pistol: it's going to be lacking in that department.

As to relative power, I'd say find a gun and ammo combination that exceeds the FBI standards for penetration in ballistic gelatin, and delivers at least 350 ft/lbs of muzzle energy......

Price? Choose something you can afford to shoot often....... skills are perishable and so practice is necessary: over time you will spend more on the ammo+range time than on the gun.

tobnpr · October 11, 2011, 04:45 PM

Just got my permit last week.
I love my CZ-82...and am currently using it IWB. But, carrying around 2 lbs of steel isn't the most comfortable thing in the world.

I'm seriously thinking about getting another LC-9 like I bought my wife. Very thin, "full" 9mm power, very light, and an accurate shooter. Unlike the CZ, I barely knew I had it in my waistband.

Especially if you're going to EDC, and IWB at that, thin and light are important considerations.

zombieslayer · October 12, 2011, 10:01 AM

The original Makarov is a little easier to carry.

saypek · October 12, 2011, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Any gun you pick will be up to the task. Some of your 'friends' will approve, and others will think you're crazy. The gun you buy does not care about opinions, only service to you.

One of the best statements I've read in this forum.

Crankgrinder · October 12, 2011, 07:02 PM

in cali what you should do is go into a shady alley and ask a gang banger to sell you an uzi for about what youd pay for that glock. no realy i thought about that glock for a long time just never bought one, revolvers are the most reliable to me and rugers are the best revolvers to me, plenty of "stopping power" plenty of reliability. if you run out of bullets you can hit him with it.

Eagleks · October 12, 2011, 07:39 PM

It always amazed me that California is so restrictive on guns, etc.... and yet, they are # 1 in having the most serial murders in one state... ever. No one will ever get close to the record of serial killers in Calif.

Andy Taylor · October 12, 2011, 08:33 PM

As you may be aware, but in case you are not, you should be researching California gun laws etc here: www.calguns.net
Also CCW in Sacramento is no longer a problem unless you are prohibited from owning firearms.

October 11, 2011, 01:06 AM	#11
youngunz4life Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2010 Location: United States of America Posts: 1,877	I recommend you buy a revolver that is within "your price range" the day you are at the gunstore, that fits in your pocket or is small enough that you figure you'll be able to conceal it however you do it, and that is a 357. You can vary off the 357 bit if you want(example: a 38 instead). Remember though, 357s shoot 38s or 357s anyways). Also, sometimes when you buy a gun from the gunshop they'll give you 50bucks off if you sing up for the CCW class the same day(or they'll give you a week to come back with the CCW course receipt to save the 50 bucks). In my case, they took off 20 bucks as well seperately because I was willing to pay them cash the day I signed up(instead of signing up and then paying cash if I showed up for class - the pymnt told them "I will be there"). Lastly, the advice had nothing to do with this last part, but: I also recommend a revolver if you do not have much experience with weapons, firearms, handguns, and/or shooting in general. Good Luck. I think you are making a good choise and covering some bases ahead of time. I had to make multiple purchases before having my CCW because my other gun was too big as an example. __________________ "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" -Admiral Farragut @ Battle of Mobile Bay 05AUG1864

October 11, 2011, 01:19 AM	#12
armsmaster270 Senior Member Join Date: November 25, 2008 Location: California Posts: 1,951	Go to the Rancho Cordova Shooting Center Off Sunrise by the old Mather AFB and rent some of their pistols/revolvers and see what you shoot best with and also fits your criteria. Then buy. We can not tell you what will fit you, only you can. __________________ http://www.armsmaster.net-a.googlepages.com http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/f...aster270/Guns/ Retired LE, M.P., Sr. M.P. Investigator F.B.I. Trained Rangemaster/Firearms Instructor & Armorer, Presently Forensic Document Examiner for D.H.S.

October 11, 2011, 06:41 AM	#13
Mercenary Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2011 Location: NC Posts: 311	Depends on what your price range is. For $1K I would say the Springfield EMP. For $450 I would recommend a Springfield XDsubcompact. Both of those guns are a little on the heavier side which will translate into more controllability but each have a 3" barrel so you don't compromise concealability. Either of the above mentioned guns come in 9mm or 40 S&W. The EMP comes in 45 ACP. The XD comes in 45 ACP as well, but it steps up to a 4" barrel. Also in the proce range of the XD's is the Smith and Wesson M&P compacts. They sport a 3.5" barrel but are lighter than the XD's. Again when you step up tp the 45 ACP, the M&P is 4". Good luck. See if you can find a rental range and try some of those out. __________________ "The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government." - Thomas Jefferson

October 11, 2011, 01:40 PM	#14
Glockfan36 Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2011 Location: Kentucky Posts: 216	Sorry, but.... Kel-Tecs are illegal in California. Man, am I glad I don't live there! You could also consider a subcompact Glock in 9mm(G26) or .40S&W(G27) Both of those would be worth considering. Of course, there's also a Taurus PT-111, Ruger SR9C, S&W M&P9C, Beretta Nano, Beretta Px4 Storm. __________________ Mr. Gorbechev, tear down this wall!- Ronald Reagan

October 12, 2011, 10:01 AM	#19
zombieslayer Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,198	The original Makarov is a little easier to carry. __________________ "An angry prophet, denouncing the hypocrisies of our time"

October 10, 2011, 03:45 PM	#1
Asfand Member Join Date: September 20, 2011 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 23	CCW Hand Gun Greetings All I am thinking of applying for a CCW permit in CA. What handgun should I purchase. Here are the factors I am considering and in order below: 1) Controlability 2) Concealability 3) Stopping Power 4) Price Any comments are appreciated. Thanks Asfand __________________ An armed society is a safe society.

October 10, 2011, 03:47 PM	#2
zombieslayer Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 3,198	Makarov. __________________ "An angry prophet, denouncing the hypocrisies of our time"

October 10, 2011, 04:23 PM	#3
Japle Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2004 Location: Viera, Florida Posts: 1,340	Good luck getting your permit. If you do, take a look at the KelTec P-11. Small, 10+1 round (CA limit), 9mm, light, dependable. "Course, I don't know if it's on the stupid CA "approved" list.

October 10, 2011, 04:59 PM	#5
SW40F Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2001 Location: Western MI Posts: 563	1) Controlability - Tends towards larger, heavier guns, ..... but ..... 2) Concealability - Tends towards smaller guns. For concealed carry, with the intention of having a gun for closeup self defense at ranges from eyeball-to eyeball out to a few yards, you should find almost anything is 'controllable' with a bit of practice. Target practice 'controlability' may not need be as important as it would be if you were looking for a target gun... Also, unless you are looking for a 'pocket' gun, plan on a good belt and holster. With those you can conceal almost anything if you wear clothing that is loose enough. 3) Stopping Power There is no Easter Bunny, and there is no One-Shot Stop. Most guns give you at least 5 shots, and you can use them all. There will be a lot of back-and-forth on this subject, but in my opinion your choices are almost unlimited. 4) Price Once you find a range of guns that meets your approval for #1, #2 and #3 above, pay what you want from that selection. Any gun you pick will be up to the task. Some of your 'friends' will approve, and others will think you're crazy. The gun you buy does not care about opinions, only service to you. Besides, you will probably buy another gun after your first...

October 10, 2011, 05:54 PM	#6
Don Glock Junior member Join Date: September 16, 2010 Posts: 1,141	you can buy a gun in Cali?

October 10, 2011, 06:20 PM	#7
dwhite Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2007 Location: Wake County, N. Carolina Posts: 379	<quote> you can buy a gun in Cali? </quote) Sure! Ask the gang-bangers and drug dealers. They all got'em. It's only the LAW ABIDING CITIZENS that have problems getting them. All the Best, D. White

October 10, 2011, 07:08 PM	#8
Marlin009 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 187	A lot of variables there. Are we to assume since price was #4 that there is no budget? Do you need the permit to purchase a gun?

October 10, 2011, 09:40 PM	#10
bigredfish Member Join Date: May 31, 2010 Location: Apopka Fla Posts: 65	This in .357 Sig

October 11, 2011, 02:09 PM	#15
Skadoosh Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2010 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 2,016	Ruger SP101.

October 11, 2011, 04:45 PM	#18
tobnpr Senior Member Join Date: August 1, 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 4,556	Just got my permit last week. I love my CZ-82...and am currently using it IWB. But, carrying around 2 lbs of steel isn't the most comfortable thing in the world. I'm seriously thinking about getting another LC-9 like I bought my wife. Very thin, "full" 9mm power, very light, and an accurate shooter. Unlike the CZ, I barely knew I had it in my waistband. Especially if you're going to EDC, and IWB at that, thin and light are important considerations.

October 12, 2011, 07:02 PM	#21
Crankgrinder Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 917	in cali what you should do is go into a shady alley and ask a gang banger to sell you an uzi for about what youd pay for that glock. no realy i thought about that glock for a long time just never bought one, revolvers are the most reliable to me and rugers are the best revolvers to me, plenty of "stopping power" plenty of reliability. if you run out of bullets you can hit him with it.

October 12, 2011, 07:39 PM	#22
Eagleks Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Posts: 575	It always amazed me that California is so restrictive on guns, etc.... and yet, they are # 1 in having the most serial murders in one state... ever. No one will ever get close to the record of serial killers in Calif.

October 12, 2011, 08:33 PM	#23
Andy Taylor Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2010 Posts: 499	As you may be aware, but in case you are not, you should be researching California gun laws etc here: www.calguns.net Also CCW in Sacramento is no longer a problem unless you are prohibited from owning firearms.