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9mm for conceal?

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  • B-Laud

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    Mar 20, 2009
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    Hey guys, new to the forum. I'm looking to get my CHL next weekend and still have yet to buy my gun. I'm not sure how often I will carry my gun once I get my CHL but once I get it I'm thinking the smaller the better.

    I was looking at the new SA XDM 9, STI Escort, or maybe a Sig or glock. I just shot the STI and have to say it was quite nice and accurate for me.

    Any words of wisdom from those that carry a gun? I love that the new XDM holds 19 plus rounds for shooting at the range but I think I would enjoy carrying the STI because of size much more.

    There is a price difference XDM around 600-700 and the STI around 1100-1200. I wasn't planning on spending as much as the STI costs but after shooting it and seeing the size I am considering it.
    Target Sports
     

    Texas1911

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    The XDM is a bit large for a carry gun, especially in Texas where we generally wear less clothing due to our prolonged summer. The Escort, Sigs, and Glocks are better suited in my opinion being that they offer smaller frames. Something like a Glock 19, or a Sig 229, would be a good choice, as would the STI.

    If you are going to go single stack with the 1911, then I would probably opt for a .45 caliber. The 1911 design was centered around the .45 ACP chambering, and for carry purpose this will optimize it's reliability potential.
     

    B-Laud

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    If you are going to go single stack with the 1911, then I would probably opt for a .45 caliber. The 1911 design was centered around the .45 ACP chambering, and for carry purpose this will optimize it's reliability potential.

    I'm not stuck on a single stack but the XDM did look a little big to carry all the time. Anyone that carries an XDM want to chime in?
     

    navyguy

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    I must tell you that just about everyone that first goes to get their CHL thinks micro sized gun. And most, go away from the micro size after awhile. I ahve no experinece with the XDM, but have heard it is a good pistol.

    From my experinece let me suggest a compact or, sub compact. In no particular order
    Glock G19
    Glock G26
    HK P2000
    HK P2000SK
    Kahr PM9
    Sig P239
    Sig P229 or better P228
    and if your are a 1911 style guy, EMP

    Other then the Glocks, none the others I lested are inexpensive. . But all very good CCW guns. After going through all the things you are, I settled on a HK p2000 for my EDC. Why? From the time I took it out of the box, it just went bang without issue, on every time of ammo. it’s small enough for me to carry, and it shots to point of aim if I do my part. I can say the same reliability for all of the guns I’ve listed, but there is just something in the HK’s that gives me confidence. I have a Kahr PM9 that I will bring along when wardrobe requires and it’s okay for those situations. I don't shoot it as well.

    As far as “you don’t know when you will carry” you’ll figure that out. I bring a gun every day to work. But it’s not on my body all day. It’s in my desk drawer. Not the best deal, but better than nothing.

    Best of luck, and welcome to the forum. Let us know how your CHL class goes, and what you decide on.
     
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    You may want to look at the compact Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm. The service model is awesome! I am not sure about Kahr, but there is a less expensive CW9 model that may be a good choice also.
     

    MadMo44Mag

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    One of my carries is a S&W 908 compact single stack with 8 and 1 in the tube. Weight is good and very concealable.
    I've put several thousand round though this gun and never a problem.
    I have developed a load for this gun that is out of sight.
    124gn. Hornaday XTP, 5.8gn Power Pistol = 1130 fps
    At 25yds it is a nail driver.
     

    Texas1911

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    I must tell you that just about everyone that first goes to get their CHL thinks micro sized gun. And most, go away from the micro size after awhile. I ahve no experinece with the XDM, but have heard it is a good pistol.

    Yep, and I try to do my best to push people away from the tiny gun syndrome unless that is what their situation calls for. I've moved more people into G19s, and equally sized guns.
     

    Kerbouchard

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    The XDM is a great gun and I do carry mine on occasion. My normal carry is a Kimber Ultra Carry. As mentioned before, the single stack magazines do make a difference. You can comfortably conceal just about anything with the right equipment but the larger gun you go with, the more you will worry about printing and the more you will be prone to leave it at home.

    If the 1100 to 1200 is more than you want to spend, just remember that you will have to add about 100-150 dollars for a belt and holster. Not to mention the fact that 1911's require a 500 round break in period and ammo prices aren't getting any cheaper.

    Plus, with the CHL fee being $140 and the class will probably be around 100, the STI might not be in your budget.
     

    B-Laud

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    To put a little twist on this, are any of the above guns a good match for carry and for target competition.

    I plan on trying these guns prior to making a decision
    Walther PPS
    Glock 19
    Sig P239

    I'm thinking a single stack at the range might be less fun??
     

    JKTex

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    To put a little twist on this, are any of the above guns a good match for carry and for target competition.

    I plan on trying these guns prior to making a decision
    Walther PPS
    Glock 19
    Sig P239

    I'm thinking a single stack at the range might be less fun??

    True carry and target are different and not always suited for both. Speaking about 1911's a target gun will be a full size and have target sites. Full size can be carried just fine, but target sights are not good for carry. A commander size with sights more suited for carry is a great carry gun and while can be just as or near as accurate as a 5" gun, you may want target sights.

    It really depends on how serious of a target gun you need. I carry 2 different 4" Kimber's and both are very accurate, but I don't shoot competition etc. But both out shoot me, so I'd probably do just fine with either one.

    1 of mine is a compact which has an officers frame which it great for carry, shoot awesome, but I'd rather have a full size grip if I'm shooting a lot. The other is a full size frame so the grip is the thing that's less concealable than the other (although still conceals fine) but it's about to go off and have some work done, including a bobtail which will make it even better for carry.

    But again, it depends on what you mean "target". To some that's just shooting paper targets. If the gun is for SD or carry, then you don't need a "target gun", you need to shoot and practice with the SD/carry gun.
     

    iratollah

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    A P239 is my EDC and I have no problem putting a couple of hundred rounds through it at the range. I did put some Hogue grips on it.

    One key to concealing well is having a good belt and holster. I used to occasionally carry a P228, (until I gave it to my son), my holster held it nice and tight against my body. Never got made.
     

    Skip

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    I started out with a Bersa 380, and it wasn't long before I was going bigger. I mostly carry my S&W 457 .45, It rides really nice with my slide. I also have an XDm40, that one is going to be more for IDPA, but if I could just find the right holster for that one, I would carry it since I like to wear over size t-shirts.
     

    Texas42

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    Depending on the weather, I carry a kel tec 3AT (mouse gun T-shirt) and a Glock 19. I think the glock is a little big. If I were to get another glock, I'd get the subcompact. It really isn't that small.

    Any thoughts on the Ruger SR9? I hear it is really thin, which would be important for IWB carry, which I think it is best for most cases.

    Don't skimp on the holster. If you do, you'll end up buy a couple of less the good holsters and then spend money on a good holster.

    Sorry for the grammer.
     

    navyguy

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    Capacity for range depends on what you're going to be doing. If you're doing casual shooting at paper or even steel targerts, capacity really isn't a big deal. No matter how much your mag capacity is or isn't, you're still going to have to stuff the mags the same amount of times. If you are shooting competition, that's a different story.

    As for defense, of course more capacity is a good thing. But if you beleive the statisitics, other than police stand offs, most self defense situations are settled with one or two shots.
     

    CALI

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    Since you didn't mention anything about thumb safety. The Glock 19 is probably the all around gun. I personally carry a Glock 26 and never ever had a problem. But soon to be the wife's carry gun. Then...it will be a Glock 19 for carry to replace my G26. I'm a Glock fan and the only carry gun besides my Glock that I carry is a S&W 642 (during summer).

    I also have a friend that uses his G19 for IDPA and he's pretty good with it. I use my Glock 34 for that.

    I highly advice you to rent and even borrow from friends the different pistols you mentioned if available. Do not rush it just to have a gun for your CHL. You'll be surprise how different they are in design and how you are planning to carry/conceal them.

    Good Luck...
     

    Furyataurus

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    You should look at the HK P2000SK, 10 round 9mm mags or 9 round 40/357Sig mags standard, plus you can have the higher capacity mags the P2000 uses for back-up or competition use i.e. 13 round for 9mm and 12 round for 40/357Sig, some P2000SK owner's do just that.

    Have you looked at FN?

    [url]www.fnhusa.com[/URL]
     

    TAZ

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    Unfortunately, by the time its all said and done, youre going to end up with a couple of guns and a lot of holsters. Its a fact of concealed carry life so just warn the credit cards and spouse:)

    A lot of what you can comfortably carry AND conceal will depend on your body shape, and your life style. Over the last few years I have gone through the following guns as my carry guns: Makarov, Browning HP, USP45, USP45C, 1911 Commander, 1911 Government, Walther P99, M&P9, G21SF, XD45, HK45, and G19. Each of those I was able to carry all day without any comfort issues using a quality IWB holster mated to a quality belt. Each was concealable within reason using a loose fitting covering garment such as a Hawaiian style shirt, polo or even a thicker weight T-Shirt. In over 10 years of carrying I have yet to be made by anyone including family who know I carry and always end up having to ask. Each time they come back with the same thing... Damn you had that stashed away. You just need to know the limitations that each gun brings to the table. Bigger guns with longer/thicker grips like the XD, 1911G, USP... will mean that you need to be a bit more wary of bending over, slouching...

    For my shape and ability to wear untucked clothing without standing out, those things worked fine.

    If youre on a budget a G19 is probably going to be a very good all around gun. Its a good carry gun and a fun range gun. It probably wont win you any bullseye competitions, but for IDPA and IPSC you can hold your own very well. Its also easy to feed and parts are easy to find (applies to most Glocks though)
     

    brickboy240

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    My CCW pistols have been everything from a Colt Combat Commander to a SIG P228 to a Glock 22. Yes, the G22 is a bit big and heavy for CCW but with the right holster and clothing, it does disappear well because it is so flat.

    Recently, I too have thought about going to a smaller carry gun. I have been looking at the M&P 9mm Compact and a Glock 26. Both seem really light and small, but the M&P has a better grip that can be changed and does not have the annoying "hump" on the back that Glocks are famous for.

    You might want to look at the S&W M&P 9mm compact. Yeah...I am usually a Glock guy when it comes to polymer guns, but I have to admit that the M&P compact felt good in the hands and was priced right.

    The M&P 9mm Compact just might be my next carry pistol - I could almost carry it in my front pocket.

    - Brickboy240
     
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