CCW - looking for some handgun advice

[Nerdygamer89]

Hey folks, I'm going to get my concealed carry license pretty soon but am having a bit of trouble deciding which handgun to purchase. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just a reliable pocket handgun that's easy to carry in any attire.

At the moment I'm torn between a Kel-Tec PF-9 and a Ruger lcp which are chambered for 9mm luger and .380 ACP respectively. Right now I am leaning toward the PF-9 due to the greater stopping power of the 9mm round when compared to the .380. From the reviews I've read the PF-9 is an excellent value for its price, is very light with no rough edges and it's very reliable, so it's pretty much everything I'm looking for. The only rough spots for the PF-9 seem to be a sizable muzzle snap (small 9mm handguns tend to do that) and nasty trigger rebound.

The lcp on the other hand seems a little less rough around the edges as far as things like trigger rebound and muzzle snap, so it seems to be a bit more comfortable to hold/fire in general. Also, I may have an opportunity to test an lcp soon, so that may have some bearing on my decision.

My preferences aside, what do you all think? Know of, or have any decent pocket carry handguns, or want to comment on the PF-9 or lcp? I'd appreciate any input!

Disclaimer: Not interested in politics here so no, I don't want to hear about how guns are "icky and kill people" in this thread. Thanks.

 

[WolfThomas]

Living in Australia, I've minimal personal experience (for now), but I've heard good things about the S&W bodyguard pistol (it's like 13cm long!).

Also remember shot placement is more important than stopping power.

 

[Nerdygamer89]

Living in Australia, I've minimal personal experience (for now), but I've heard good things about the S&W bodyguard pistol (it's like 13cm long!).

Also remember shot placement is more important than stopping power.

Thanks for the reply! The bodyguard looks like a pretty nice little handgun, but unfortunately it's a also a bit out of my price range at the moment. I hate buying a gun even partially based on price, but what are ya gonna do?

In terms of shot placement I've heard the PF-9 is quite accurate for a pocket handgun, so that shouldn't be a problem.

 

[DefunctTheory]

If you're looking for a small pistol, with little regard for stopping power, go 22LR. Slim, light, and wont hurt any body if you can't aim and miss.

You also might want to look into some 1911 style pistols. 45ACP magazines stack ammo one at a time, resulting in a thinner magazine profile then many 9mm. many manufacturers make conceal carry versions as well.

But between those two... Ruger ICP.

EDIT; if price is a concern, check out Taurus. They make pretty good hand guns at a reasonable price.

Slim Pistols:
http://www.taurususa.com/gun-selector-results.cfm?series=700&toggle=tp

Conceal Carry:
http://www.taurususa.com/gun-selector-results.cfm?name=Concealed%20Carry%20Pistols&page=1

Conceal Carry 45 ACP (Not 1911):
http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=39&category=Pistol&toggle=&breadcrumbseries=

Conceal Carry 22LR:
http://www.taurususa.com/product-details.cfm?id=88&category=Pistol&toggle=&breadcrumbseries=

 

[emeraldrafael]

Yeah... I carry 1860s colt pistols. SO I cant really answer.

 

[spartan231490]

Hey folks, I'm going to get my concealed carry license pretty soon but am having a bit of trouble deciding which handgun to purchase. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just a reliable pocket handgun that's easy to carry in any attire.

At the moment I'm torn between a Kel-Tec PF-9 and a Ruger lcp which are chambered for 9mm luger and .380 ACP respectively. Right now I am leaning toward the PF-9 due to the greater stopping power of the 9mm round when compared to the .380. From the reviews I've read the PF-9 is an excellent value for its price, is very light with no rough edges and it's very reliable, so it's pretty much everything I'm looking for. The only rough spots for the PF-9 seem to be a sizable muzzle snap (small 9mm handguns tend to do that) and nasty trigger rebound.

The lcp on the other hand seems a little less rough around the edges as far as things like trigger rebound and muzzle snap, so it seems to be a bit more comfortable to hold/fire in general. Also, I may have an opportunity to test an lcp soon, so that may have some bearing on my decision.

My preferences aside, what do you all think? Know of, or have any decent pocket carry handguns, or want to comment on the PF-9 or lcp? I'd appreciate any input!

Disclaimer: Not interested in politics here so no, I don't want to hear about how guns are "icky and kill people" in this thread. Thanks.

The nine mil doesn't have more stopping power than a .380. It's velocity is too high, and you usually get a through and through shot that doesn't translate much of the energy. This is part of the debate between .380 and 9 mil in both law enforcement and military side-arms.

I'd go with a .380 revolver. Reliable, common ammunition, and iconic. What more could you want.

 

[theonlyblaze2]

Man up! Carry around a Broadsword like the Highlander. Nobodies gonna fuck with you then.

 

[RJ Dalton]

The only advice I can give you is don't look down the barrel.