Thread: Self Defense/Concealed Carry Handguns

So hoping a few people might weigh in, I'm interested in getting a handgun for concealed carry/self defense. Looking for something affordable, easy to carry, and will be reliable. Does any one have any advice on the best calibers, brands, ect. Have though about a revolver but like the compactness, and additional capacity of most semi.

Also, looking for a good self defense class if anyone knows of a decent one in the area.

I carry a springfield xd service model. It is a great firearm and mine has over 4000 rounds through it. One thing you need to do is practice religously as well as find a gun that is comfortable in the hand. One big thing for me is a comfortable houlster. Don't buy a cheap gun because you want one for safety, save up and get a good quality firearm. As far as rounds go, 9mm is to fast in my mind, but personally i like a 40 and 45 acp. Also if you can handle it a 357 is a great round.

I've been carrying a long time and have found you really have a hard time with concealing with large frame pieces . When you get into a situation where you need a weapon ,it is most likely going to be up close and personal . A .38 ,380 or 9mm is plenty of gun . In auto my pick would be nothing larger framed than a Glock 19 and for a revolver the Charter Arms hammerless Off Duty is a moderately priced choice . The most important thing is that you understand the responsibility that goes with carrying.

Tofer,

The big trade off with a carry pistol is power vs concealability. There really is no perfect solution. One must compromize leaning one way or the other. The very best is to get one of each.

If concealability is your main concern you would do well to look at a Ruger LCP .380 auto. It's about the size of a pack of cigarettes! Keltec makes a similar model without the fit, finish, and accuracy.
If power is your main concern, get you a .45 auto. I like Kimber Custom Shop guns but most Colt 1911 clones are good.

I do agree with the Pest, stay away from cheap pistols.

Be safe man.

flea

Only pistol I own is a Springfield XD 40cal. I'm very pleased with it, although my wife shoots it better than me.

Just got a Glock 27, it is a subcompact 40 cal and is very concealable. Holds 9 rounds...and like Jeb said get a good holster. The only thing that some might not like is the fact that the grip is a little short although you can get a extender on the magazine.

http://www.glock.com/english/glock27.htm

The day I need need to carry a handgun for protection is the day I move.As for around the house,it's hard to beat an old 12ga with high brass #8 shot.

When you get into a situation where you need a weapon ,it is most likely going to be up close and personal .

This statement alone should make anyone second guess any notion of carrying a concealed weapon. The amount of time needed to draw a concealed weapon would be better spent actually defending yourself by other means. Let's pretend you actually make it to your weapon; unless it is drawn in a manner that you can actually shot the bad guy immediately (which is highly unlikely from a concealed position) then things become more difficult for you. At this point you would now be in a position of not only defending yourself but defending your handgun also. I might also add that your strong hand is out of the defense equation. We've all heard the expression "...could whop him with one hand tied behind...", well if that was truly the case why do you need a weapon in the first place?

[quote author=john g link=topic=434.msg3874#msg3874 date=1325592623]
The day I need need to carry a handgun for protection is the day I move.As for around the house,it's hard to beat an old 12ga with high brass #8 shot.
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[quote author=DUCK link=topic=434.msg3879#msg3879 date=1325603668]
[quote author=john g link=topic=434.msg3874#msg3874 date=1325592623]
The day I need need to carry a handgun for protection is the day I move.As for around the house,it's hard to beat an old 12ga with high brass #8 shot.
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