First pistol

As others have stated, if you have the ability to go to a range, go and rent & shoot as many makes/models as possible and base your decision on what feels/shoots best for you. If not, go to a gun shop and simply handle, aim and point as many as possible. 9mm is a no brainier.

I won't recommend a specific firearm as what works for me may not work for everyone else. Stick with one of the top manufacturers and you'll be fine.

I will add this though. I've been carrying a firearm for 32 years (started at age 18). I've never entertained the idea of purchasing and carrying any sub-compact model (I've shot many) as I'm not willing to sacrific shootability for conceilability. I've never had anyone comment on a full size or compact imprinting on me.

 

You should be able to get your money back for the G26. I can't find a G26 within 500 miles of my house.

 

Easily double! same here been looking for 1 for months with no luck in Nor Cal.

 

This. I have one and it’s a full size service piece. It was actually bought from a pallet of them due to several police departments turning/trading them in for the next new thing. This was about 4 years ago and I shoot it fairly regular. Would not dream of trying to CC it.

 

OP I wish you nothing but the best. I hope you settle on something simple, common, and reliable and go train with it. Learn to defend yourself (this includes doing your best to not have to use your firearm to defend yourself). Also concealed carry insurance is a good thing.

for the rest of you... I present this mostly without comment *cough* people that think the XD and 1911(except for Clint Smith he can do what he wants) are good choices in 2020 *cough* people that think Glocks are overrated trash and you should buy x “more comfortable” striker fired pistol instead *cough*

https://youtu.be/eFJWnjkkjME

 

meh, that's been fixed for years

 

Cant even find any 9mm ammo to buy right now and if you do its x2 or more than it cost 6 months ago.
Seems like a bad time to buy... just now.

 

Seems like after Covid19 ammo was hit or miss.
After the Floyd fiasco ,4 weeks, all the 9mm dried up... show me sub $.20/per round right now.

I bought when it was cheap...just saying, nows not the best time to buy gun stuff... that is if you already have your shit.

 

A Dillon 550 is worth its weight right now.

 

Yup, been enjoying mine for a long time.

 

I'm glad i jumped on that train a while back its paying off finally.

 

While i am at it.
I like the old guns.
HK Vp70 was the first 'poly' pistol... back what 50 years ago?
I still prefer my 12 year old cheapo FM M95, with 'Detective' slide... Argentina, Browning Hi-Power clone. 1945 tech.
Worked it over with a BHSpringSolutions.com springs, better than new it is.

Also hard to beat a good old .357

 

1911's are really pretty and cool guns that clearly have withstood the test of time but they're also fairly large, frickin heavy and low capacity. Although if you hit what you're aiming at you probably won't need many rounds.

 

Dan Wesson Valkyrie 9mm 1911:
Weight - 28.8oz
Length - 8"
Height - 5"
Width - 1.45"
Capacity - 10

Glock 19:
Weight - 23.6oz
Length - 7.36"
Height - 5.04"
Width - 1.26"
Capacity - 15

 

And 3 times the price.

 

and 3X noticeable!

I own a 19 too btw.

 

I got a hellcat and been running some steel cased ammo. Doesn’t seem to have any issues. I just make sure to clean the gun up every time. Is there a reason you’re saying only brass?

 

Steel cased ammo has a lacquer coating that melts and accumulates and can fuse a round in the chamber.

 

wouldn’t cleaning while still hot work fine for cleaning it up? At least that’s what I read... I bought it because it was all I could get locally and I’m practicing to take my CC class. Should I just stop or keep going and cleaning?