Basic, Reliable Pistol?

It is illegal in illinois and wisconsin to have a CCW, however I travel alot not in these states and have permit to carry out of state. But even in illinois the police are minuites away when seconds can mean life or death.

 

I understand the need to have retention while on duty, but don't you have more freedom to choose holsters when off duty?

An officer friend of mine uses a CompTac CTAC for concealed carry off duty. It does not have any manual retention devices on it.

 

If it's just for fun, who cares what size or style it is? Get a one of those snubbed AR15 jobs and go riot a pumpkin.

If you want a concealed gun, the issue isn't revolver or auto. It's you. You need to think:
-Can I operate this in my sleep?
-Can I reach all the important stuff (and operate it) with one hand?
-Am I happy with the wieght and girth? The feel in my hand?
-Can I line up the sights?
-Do I feel confident?

The confidence is the key element. If you think you can, you have a mental disposition to win, which gives you an actual edge in a danger situation.

Next,
-Can I conceal this?
-Can I wear this all day?

I wear a Baretta 96 Vertec. In the concealment world, it's a beast, but I can manage. If I had to do it over, I would buy a Glock subcompact with the pinky extender due to the simplicity and the smaller size. The Glock isn't as comfy to shoot, but I feel confident and I'm more likely to carry it every day. the gun that stays home is the gun that isn't helping you.

One other thing to think about, which I don't know how big of a deal it is... My friend said buy at least either a .45 or a 9mm. If gun laws become worse, you can count on those calibers being more plentiful and accessible because they are military standard issue.


LASTLY,

If you conceal, get a gun belt! Regular belts and Mexican carry is asking for trouble!
I really enjoy my IWB Ted Blocker. Insanely good ratings and I can sell my used one for the same price I bought it.

 

What's a "Mexican carry" ??

 

...with no holster.

And no, I'm not being racist. It's the typical term. Probably in 10 to 20 years you can come back and point fingers

Oh and another thing, I'm surprised no one is tooting horns for Sig Sauer. They are a bit fat feeling to me, but I consider them to be a solid gun.
Also not a whole lot of 1911 fans like I normally see... I would like some hot Kimber action, but for concealed I still worry about the snagging.

I should have mentioned that, if you are looking for concealed, see what it feels like to draw - a good gun for you shouldn't snag up.

 

If your not looking for anything with a lot of firepower, like a .22 get a browning buckmark. They Are really accurate and reliable.

 

Good advice! I've grown up around weapons from hunting and army, and often don't think twice about being confident. It's just natural. So my advice to add is practice, practice, practice.

I absolutely love my Sig P220 45. It's a beast!!! Well balanced and fits my hand perfectly. Key word "my hand" cause everyone's different.

Find your most reputable local gun shop, and go spend some a couple hours there. Gun people love to talk and educate people on guns. If all that their trying to do is sell you something, walk away!

 

i've been told revolvers are the most reliable. i seen an ad for academy sports for a smith and wesson for 350$

 

lsocoee, what did you end up going with?

 

nice

 

Just remember when you do get something that you are going to keep with you for trips to go to http://www.carryconcealed.net/ and plan out your trip. Reguardless if you have a CCW some states dont honor it/ dont have Open carry and stuff of that stuff. Being from Louisiana Orginally i know that your Auto is consider an extention of your home and you can do what you want to do with a FireArm inside you car.

I personaly have a Ruger P944 .40 S&W with Remington Golden Sabres not not that easy to hide if trying to carry. I did buy my wife a Sig P6 9mm also has Hollow Points in it, very easy to carry.

 

But... But... You could put your eye out!!!

 

beretta 92 FS if the army is using it, it must be good and realiable.

 

a year later...haha

 

I always advocate for a Sig P226 or P229, a Beretta 9mm, or a Kahr P9 Covert.

 

That's what I was thinking too.

I'm pretty sure the army switched to Glock... Glocks have higher round capacity, double stacked mags, and are lighter, just to name some pluses.

Barettas are still quality, and I love my 96 Vertec.