Need advice on my first concealed carry

I'm looking to buy my first concealed carry but don't know where to start. Honestly I don't know anything about pistols (brand reputations, metrics to determine reliability, etc). I qualified on an M9 on the range, and it felt way too big for my hand.

I'd like to keep it under 500 (under 400 preferable) but obviously I don't want a piece of shit. Compact sounds the right size for me (good balance between capacity and concealability) but I'm open to suggestions.

Can you guys give me some recommendations for a reliable, but reasonably priced handgun? Thanks.

 

can't help on the gun but from what I've been told by coworkers is prepare to buy quite a few holsters until you find something comfortable enough to keep.

 

I've concealed carried a Glock 30, MP shield 9mm, and a Ruger LCP, and Ive found the LCP to be the most comfortable.

For me, comfort was the deciding factor as the big Glock 30 and even the Shield just dug into my waist too much. When I carry the little LCP 380, I forget it's there.

 

XD, Glock, S&W, ruger...are reputable brands. SIG and H&K are getting into higher prices. 9mm, 357, or 40 decent caliburs.

 

what state are you in?

 

a good belt also...Im still not happy with my belt/holster combo.

 

Currently in Florida, moving to South Carolina in June. But I'm also a resident of Georgia.

 

Since you say you don't have a lot of experience with pistols I would recommend taking a basic pistol course first from a reputable insructer. Then find a shop/range that will allow you to test fire pistols before buying. Once you settle on a pistol get to know it and become comfortable with it before using it as CC.

I prefer a 9mm M&P for CC with an IWB Crossbreed holster for appendix carry.

 

check your current state and future state travel and concealed carry/reciprocity as well.

 

See if you have a local gun range/shop near you. Most do rentals on their range and offer a package deal so you can try out all their conceal carry handguns on their range. See what feels comfortable to you and in your hand. That's a good jump off point to atleast know what you're wanting in a caliber/capacity/single stack/double stack etc. All the guys above have your info on quality. Don't buy a hi point cause you like the price. Just like suspension on here. Buy once and do it right. Your life may depend on it one day. Hopefully not tho

 

Only you will be able to tell for sure. There are too many variables to look at when asking this.
-What size hands to you have?
-Do you have a natural kung Fu grip or are you light handed?
-What is your definition of "light"?
-How do you plan on carrying i.e. on the belt inside pant, out side pants, ankle body back pack, fanny pack, etc.?
-What is your preferred caliber?
-What modifications on the weapon are you prepared to do or do you want to carry right out of the box?

All of these questions will be answered in time and that will be with shopping around, holding them, holstering them, and most importantly shooting them. Bullets do not lie. If you are dead nuts accurate with a cheap weapon but not so accurate with, say, a Glock, stay away from the least accurate in your hands. Key words there... IN YOUR HANDS! Do not test accuracy on a stand or sand block. That will do nothing to prove the weapon for you.

Me personally, I have owned Glocks, an XD and now a Taurus PT140 Gen 2. I sold the Glocks and the XD. My carry is the PT140. It is in a .40 that holds 10+1. I do carry everywhere that I can legally. I love this weapon. Compact, light (for a .40), and accurate. Has a little more kick to it over other platforms but I can manage the recoil fine. I have shot the PT111 Gen 2 which is the 9mm version. I like that one as well. Same exact size dimension wise as the .40. Same weight loaded as the .40 is loaded but more rounds are able to be loaded. My Taurus cost me about 350 if I recall. 9mm is less than that.

Note: If you do look into the Taurus PT platform, only look at the Gen2. The first gen Taurus are not well liked in the shooter community. The Gen 2 is changing peoples mind.

 

+10000000000000000000000000000000000 on this!!!!!

 

There is no "one" CCW gun lol... Here's how it goes. You buy a mid sized semi auto that shoots well and you think is the answer think glock 19. Then it is too big to easily conceal and it weighs too much. Enter the mouse gun ruger LCP. Then you feel like it is underpowered and not very accurate. They are hard to shoot accurately and not very comfortable or fun to shoot. Then you think revolver and everyone tries a S&W snubbie 38. They are her to shoot accurately as well without trigger time. I think I would suggest a glock 43 for a starter. Try to find a range that lets you shoot a vast array of guns. Then buy what you like. I carry a G36 or a snubbie revolver.

 

Love your comment and your avatar.

 

I use to work at a range/shop as a rso. Can't tell you how many people asked for one cause they liked the price and it's a gun they are all the same right. Drove me up the wall.

 

this is true, but the one thing that's for certain with the OP: 1911's are out...
too big.

 

I'm very familiar with pistols. Weapon safety rules, handling procedures, loading/unloading/speed reloading, disassembly/assembly, cleaning, maintenance and shooting. I spent weeks doing it. I just don't know brands and reputations. All I've shot in the military is an M9.