View Full Version : Deciding on a new CCW pistol...
Chrisreedrules
09-25-14, 22:38
I'm going shopping this weekend for a new concealed carry pistol. HK45 w/SF X300 just doesn't cut it sometimes. I like to carry appendix iwb with the HK because of its size and difficulty being concealed on the hip but when I sit or bend over it feels like I have a metal shard sticking into my leg/groin. I'm thinking of just turning the HK into a night table boom stick or buying a threaded barrel and AAC suppressor and keeping it a "gun safe toy".
Here's what I plan on shooting to find the right fit for me:
*Glock 19 (gen 3 or gen4 I'm not too picky). If I go with the 19 I will still probably put an X300 on it (I'm a big believer in a bright light on a pistol for a number of reasons) but it should be easier to conceal on my hip than my HK45 was. I'd also put some night sights on it and an extended mag release and maybe a trigger job... Maybe. I like Glocks and have shot many. The 19 seems like it would be the ideal choice except for one major thing: "glock bite". I use a high/aggressive grip on pistols and the slide on the 19 seems to love catching the skin between my thumb/forefinger with every round. Not fun. I plan on trying a beaver tail grip adaptor to see how that works for me.
*S&W M&P9 Shield. Single stack 9mm. I've really come to like the single stack 9mms. Easy to conceal and comfortable for all day wear. Never shot this one though so I'm interested in seeing how it compares. I also like the idea of a traditional manual safety. Many ccw pistol aficionados don't care for them because "they are just one more thing for you to forget in a gunfight" but I've shot thousands of rounds through my HK45 and I feel completely comfortable with one.
*Glock 26. The "baby glock". Not sure about this one but I've never shot it so I can't say for sure yet. It seems to me that since I like being able to use a full grip on a subcompact that I would want to use an extended magazine on these, making it almost the size of a Glock19.
*Springfield XDS 9 and 45: I've shot both of these and I'm a little indifferent about them. I preferred the 9mm to the .45 for the simple fact that the .45 was a little unpleasant to shoot and had significant muzzle flip. Not to mention the .45 didn't hold as many rounds. I'm also not a huge fan on the grip safety on the XDS.
*Sig Sauer P938. I really like this pistol. It reminds me of a "mini 1911" in that it feels very natural to point and line the sights. I haven't shot one enough to have a real opinion on it though. My gf has one and loves it. Noticed the grip screws came loose after a few hundred rounds but not a show stopper and nothing a little loctite didn't fix. Also has a manual safety which I like.
...so there it is. I'm going to run about 100 rounds through each before I make up my mind. I've been looking for a while now so I want to be sure. Any opinions on these or advice? Thanks!
The Dumb Gun Collector
09-25-14, 22:46
I think you should also consider a HK P2000 in LEM.
Of those on your list the G26 is least likely to malfunction or give you trouble. I have owned several and they are, strangely, one of the few Glocks that has consistent, appropriate ejection. Also, they don't print much. That would be my choice.
I think you should also consider a HK P2000 in LEM.
Of those on your list the G26 is least likely to malfunction or give you trouble. I have owned several and they are, strangely, one of the few Glocks that has consistent, appropriate ejection. Also, they don't print much. That would be my choice.
x2 on the p2000. IMO it close to the perfect ccw option. I love my v1 and being hammer fired it's easier to get past the psychological barrier if running aiwb, atleast it was/is for me at least (silly I know). The LEM trigger is great.
The g19 would be my second choice, but I've always felt the grip force adapters were nothing but hokey. They work sure but still.
Regarding the shield mine rarely gets carried anymore. Nice gun all around but for me it's only real utility is in aiwb configuration but then its possible to run a slightly larger pistol with better ergonomics and draw characteristics (g19, p2k) so why limit yourself in that regard? OWB its to small for as much as it still takes to conceal it. So again a slightly larger pistol with slightly more capacity makes for a worthwhile trade off IMO.
If your married to the Glock platform go with the g19. If not I'd take a hard look at the p2000, and doubly so as you already have an HK 45. If nothing else the paddle release is superior. Shield would be last of those three if I were choosing. I can't speak to the other pistols mentioned.
I like the Glock 42, not much love for the .380 out there, but it fits anywhere and shoots really well for the size, I carried the glock 19 forever but moved to the 42 for the fact that I carry everyday. The real argument is how often you shoot v. how often you carry, if you carry often then I'd recommend go lighter, but body size does also count into the equation. Hope you find your answer.
Don't know if you've seen, but the new Gen 4's have been shipping with factory beavertail backstraps.
I have a Gen 4 19 and a Gen 4 26, I carry the 26 more. For a strictly-CCW gun, I don't think the G26 can be beat. I'd suggest you skip the pinky extenders for a GAP floor plate. All the pinky really does is aid in your draw. The GAP doesn't affect concealability, but gives you a solid grip during your draw. As for recoil, the 26 feels almost identical to the 19, just louder and with a hair more snap.
If you really think you'll always carry with a pinky/magazine extension anyway, then just get the 19. There's a small weight difference, but it's nothing bad, I just find the G26 more comfortable for all-day carry.
As for ejection and malfunctions and whatnot... 4k through my G26 and 1.5k through my G19, no malfunctions between the two, and consistent ejection.
Also I think Springfield is giving away 3 mags with a purchase of a Springfield until oct 31st, check with them for the offer because I don't have all the details on hand, just mentioning is all
Mauser KAR98K
09-25-14, 23:30
Other node to the P2000, or even the SK if you can find one with an LEM. The DA/SA V1 of the SK is brutal on the DA pull. Since you are used to the paddle release, grip and operation of an HK, see if you can try to stay with that platform. There is not much difference between most HK pistols in operation and field stripping, cleaning, etc. Except the VP9.
Also, have you considered the HK45c?
ETA: I normally carry a FS USP9 or 45, IWB. Lately it has been the P30, but it is OWB.
Chad allred
09-26-14, 07:10
I really love my 938.it shoots like a full size pistol and just vanishes when concealedhttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/09/26/evy3ehet.jpg
I've really come to like the single stack 9mms. Easy to conceal and comfortable for all day wear. Never shot this one though so I'm interested in seeing how it compares.
Walther PPS. Fantastic for CCW for the reasons you mentioned.
http://ssequine.net/walther ppss.jpg
I echo the P2000/P2000SK and PPS suggestions.
My current MEDC is P2KSK.
Nytcrawler93
09-26-14, 08:45
Nothing wrong with a PPS in 9mm. I owned one and it was extremely accurate. Kahr PM9 is hard to beat as well. The complaints are overblown.
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My recent VP9 purchase as a replacement for my PPQ got me intrigued about a P2000SK as a replacement for my PPS. My hold-it-in-the-gun-shop experience re-convinced by that the lower weight and especially the thickness of the single stack PPS made it more suitable to my expectations. I'm sure the HK is an excellent firearm, but the form factor of the P2000SK didn't meet my needs as well as the PPS. I've really come to like the size and profile of the PPS. The Shield was close in that regard, but at the time all they had was the manual safety version which I absolutely didn't want, and my experience with the Shield trigger wasn't very positive compared to the Walther. With an Apex trigger and no-manual safety version now available, it would have been a harder decision, but the PPQ meets my every need, so no inclination to re-visit.
gtmtnbiker98
09-26-14, 09:58
Small discreet carry, P2000SK LEM. The PPS is nice, but backstrap deactivation is the Achilles heel and the questionable future support of all things Walther is also something to consider.
*Glock 26. The "baby glock". Not sure about this one but I've never shot it so I can't say for sure yet. It seems to me that since I like being able to use a full grip on a subcompact that I would want to use an extended magazine on these, making it almost the size of a Glock19.
I'm a short, stocky guy and I AIWB a G26 every day when I'm home. It's very accurate and incredibly easy to conceal. I have the same sight picture and trigger pull as my G17, so the muscle memory transfers over in many ways. If you like Glocks, I would personally recommend you look into a Gen 4 19 if you think you could comfortably AIWB it all day. If you're just slightly too short like me (5'7"), then the 26 isn't a bad choice. It's comfortable enough that I never notice I'm carrying it.
If you get slide bite, save yourself the trouble and get a grip force adapter if you get a Gen 3. Don't even think about it, you'll be glad you did.
Small discreet carry, P2000SK LEM. The PPS is nice, but backstrap deactivation is the Achilles heel and the questionable future support of all things Walther is also something to consider.
What's the problem with backstrap deactivation? I never remove it. Problem solved.
My current EDC is a glock 19 w/ SF x300u and Trijicon HD night sights, I carry IWB at around 4-4:30. I carry at 3 OWB occasionally. It hides pretty well in the Raven Concealment holster. However don't think you're gonna be able to appendix carry it. It's still a fairly large package in the holster
If you go Glock, the 19 is a great choice. If you decide on a 26, and then add magazine extensions to give your little finger something to hang on to, you will have a grip almost as long as the 19 but with reduced capacity. The 19 is about pwerfect for me.
I just pulled a new Gen 3 19 out of the safe last night to proof at the range and begin to carry instead of the 36 I have been carrying. It's nice that my X Concealment OWB holster will accomodate my 23, 36, and 19. The 19 is a little loose since I have had the 36 in the X Concealment, but the holster has a tensioning screw which is a big plus to me.
Now that the Insight APL has a new screw mount, I will use that on my carry gun. It looks like they have solved the retention issues that had lights flying off pistols.
I was looking for a SS 9mm too. I found a LNIB SIG P225 w/4 mags and fair price. Carries well and large enough for serious shooting.
Look at the new Walther CCP
Been carrying XDS for a few years now...works great for aiwb. Picked up SIG 238 for easier concealment and although the gun shoots great and is easier to conceal, I prefer the striker fired pistols for my EDC. Sold it and been considering a Glock 42 and ankle holster. Not really how I'd prefer to carry but my work attire doesn't really give me many options and I figure ankle is better than nothing.
I think its all personal preference. I like the XDS for AIWB as the grip safety gives me some piece of mind!!!
teutonicpolymer
09-26-14, 16:30
I'm going shopping this weekend for a new concealed carry pistol. HK45 w/SF X300 just doesn't cut it sometimes. I like to carry appendix iwb with the HK because of its size and difficulty being concealed on the hip but when I sit or bend over it feels like I have a metal shard sticking into my leg/groin. I'm thinking of just turning the HK into a night table boom stick or buying a threaded barrel and AAC suppressor and keeping it a "gun safe toy".
Here's what I plan on shooting to find the right fit for me:
*Glock 19 (gen 3 or gen4 I'm not too picky). If I go with the 19 I will still probably put an X300 on it (I'm a big believer in a bright light on a pistol for a number of reasons) but it should be easier to conceal on my hip than my HK45 was. I'd also put some night sights on it and an extended mag release and maybe a trigger job... Maybe. I like Glocks and have shot many. The 19 seems like it would be the ideal choice except for one major thing: "glock bite". I use a high/aggressive grip on pistols and the slide on the 19 seems to love catching the skin between my thumb/forefinger with every round. Not fun. I plan on trying a beaver tail grip adaptor to see how that works for me.
*S&W M&P9 Shield. Single stack 9mm. I've really come to like the single stack 9mms. Easy to conceal and comfortable for all day wear. Never shot this one though so I'm interested in seeing how it compares. I also like the idea of a traditional manual safety. Many ccw pistol aficionados don't care for them because "they are just one more thing for you to forget in a gunfight" but I've shot thousands of rounds through my HK45 and I feel completely comfortable with one.
*Glock 26. The "baby glock". Not sure about this one but I've never shot it so I can't say for sure yet. It seems to me that since I like being able to use a full grip on a subcompact that I would want to use an extended magazine on these, making it almost the size of a Glock19.
*Springfield XDS 9 and 45: I've shot both of these and I'm a little indifferent about them. I preferred the 9mm to the .45 for the simple fact that the .45 was a little unpleasant to shoot and had significant muzzle flip. Not to mention the .45 didn't hold as many rounds. I'm also not a huge fan on the grip safety on the XDS.
*Sig Sauer P938. I really like this pistol. It reminds me of a "mini 1911" in that it feels very natural to point and line the sights. I haven't shot one enough to have a real opinion on it though. My gf has one and loves it. Noticed the grip screws came loose after a few hundred rounds but not a show stopper and nothing a little loctite didn't fix. Also has a manual safety which I like.
...so there it is. I'm going to run about 100 rounds through each before I make up my mind. I've been looking for a while now so I want to be sure. Any opinions on these or advice? Thanks!
I am a big fan of the G19 and that is what I would select. I also do not have slide bite so that isn't an issue I have had to deal with. Here are reasons why I did not choose the others.
Shield: The S&W Shield would maybe be my second choice; I like the Shield but you lose a lot of capacity for essentially just a slimmer pistol (the barrel length difference is not an issue to me and I would use the longer mag anyways).
Glock 26: I just prefer the G19 and I hate subcompact grips. I like to practice with my CCW and I hate practicing with short framed guns.
Springfield XDS: I don't trust Springfield XD pistols and I don't really like the trigger pull, price, bore axis, and other things compared to the Glock.
Sig P938: I hate the trigger pull on it, I do not trust it as far as reliability, it is a little smaller than I would like, and I just am not a fan of Sig quality. If you really want a 9mm 1911 style CCW type gun then you might want to check out the Dan Wesson Eco 9mm as they have a pretty good reputation.
Well from the ones you mentioned they are all pretty different, double stack with a light G19 to a 3in XDS.
The XDS 9 or 45 is a very nice carry, but agree the 45 is a bit much in that size, as much as I liked the 45 I could shoot the 9 much better/faster. I would look at the XDS 4.0 9mm, for me it makes no difference in conceal ability and the 4in shoots much better.
Not on your list but since your looking at the G19 I would seriously consider the PPQ. Also with a light I don't know if the nite sites would be worth it?
As far as the baby glocks You hit the nail on the head!
I would go with the PPQ/ hand held light if you want a double stack or the XDS 4.0 9mm if single stack. I really like everything about the XDS except I disliked the trigger before shooting the PPQ and HATED it after shooting the PPQ. I am going to do a trigger job on the xds and see what that does.
Everyone is a little different so let us know what you decide, and how it works for you.
I should also mention that I'm a big fan of glocks and also 1911s...and I was not a fan of the stock trigger in my XDS so I put in a PRP Trigger Kit. Big difference! I bought before they offered the XDS in 9mm so mine is the 45...if i could do it again I would go with the 9mm but I have over 1000 rounds through it and have yet to have any issues.
For me, the double stacks are much harder to conceal.
I also AIWB carry and love my Sig RCS. The compact grip doesn't print and I like the extra barrel length over an officer's. There's no way I could AIWB carry a double stacked anything. I have very low body fat so I need a thin gun.... and GO ALLOUT - you're a rare breed - it's usually one or the other. I hate Glocks and love 1911s. It's kind of like saying "I love Macs and PCs!" - it just doesn't sound right. :)
Shao - got that right! Never liked Glocks and as far as factory Glocks I still dont. But, with some frame work I have found they can be completely different guns!
P2000sk or Kahr PM9/MK9? I had the HK but currently using the MK9.. Not too thick and not too skinny for my hands like the shield or LC9.
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Small discreet carry, P2000SK LEM. The PPS is nice, but backstrap deactivation is the Achilles heel and the questionable future support of all things Walther is also something to consider.
Not really sure where all of this comes from. The backstrap on the PPS is a non-issue. As far as Walther support, now that they have a standalone operation here in the US the service should be without a problem.
Not really sure where all of this comes from. The backstrap on the PPS is a non-issue. As far as Walther support, now that they have a standalone operation here in the US the service should be without a problem.
The backstrap issue was certainly a problem at one point. I had an early PPS that had issues around 2K that resulted from backstrap wear. I never took the backstrap off either. Not sure if it is still a problem, but there are other similar reports out there too if you google. It's a nice pistol but I don't trust that design feature.
Might be a little off topic but, anyone tried the lone wolf - timberwolf glock lower?
A g26 with gap floor plates is an amazing carry piece. I sold mine several years ago because I wanted a full size to go with my g19 and I regret the decision. I can carry the g19 IWB pretty easily but the g26 with gap floor plates was definitely easier to conceal.
Right now I have two main carry pistols; a g19 (IWB or owb with a inforce apl) or a Kahr cm9.
The Kahr is a great shooter and has been reliable but the trigger takes some getting used to. I may replace it with a shield (safety less) or another g26 gen 4.
If you like and train with the paddle mag release on the HK you might want to really think about the PPS as it shares that feature. I tried the p2000 but found it really didn't get me anything for the use case I was doing for.
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Maybe look into the P99c also.
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I'll echo some of the other statements. Had a Gen 4 26 as my EDC as well as my Gen 4 19. With the exception of a few situations, the 19 was as easy to conceal AIWB with an extra mag opposite hip horizontal. I ended up selling the 26 and getting another 19.
While I really like the 26, the 19 provided the same concealable package for me at 6'2" 245, but your mileage may vary.
Super Hans
09-27-14, 19:33
G26 for Summer
G19 or G17 for Winter
depends on the weather which Glock I carry
I had a Glock 19. It was a pretty good carry gun, but no way does it come close (for me) to a single stack sub-compact for IWB or OWB carry. I dumped the G19 (for other reasons) and got a PPQ. Great gun, same size and weight as the G19, just as concealable, but again, the PPS blows it away for convenient concealed carry.
I'm also short at about 5' 6.5", and if you're considering the S&W Shield, I'd also take a look at the Walther PPS. I usually alternate between a PPS and a Glock 26, depending on what I'm wearing. I can get away with carrying a Glock 19 in the winter months when I'm wearing a jacket.
However, I don't carry AIWB because I don't feel that my body type would lend itself well to that carry position (slim with little to no chest, haha), so you may have different priorities and options.
I had slide bite trouble with my Gen 3 G19. I got a FDE Gen 4 G19 that came with the factory beavertail and it completely took care of that problem for me. If slide bite is all that's keeping you from a G19 the beavertail will make it a non issue.
G26 or G19
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Chrisreedrules
09-28-14, 19:09
Went with a gen4 Glock19 in black. I also through a Surefire X300U and some Trijicon night sights on it. My lgs threw in a free kydex OWB holster for it that supports the light so that was cool. I like it a lot, I just need to get a few thousand rounds through it and I'll like it a lot more. I'm so used to my HK that almost everything I try just doesn't quite feel right now haha. I think I'm still going to get a little Sig P938 though, it's hard to beat the single-stack sub compact for concealability.
Shield 9mm carried 2 different holsters. In the picture of 2 holsters,
the Shield holster is on the right. This is a DeSantis Mini Scabbard.
The new one is a DeSantis #2 Speed Scabbard.
2879128792
2878928790
Shield 9mm carried 2 different holsters. In the picture of 2 holsters,
the Shield holster is on the right. This is a DeSantis Mini Scabbard.
The new one is a DeSantis #2 Speed Scabbard.
2879128792
2878928790
Hah! i have Speed Scabbards for every pistol I own. It's a great holster and my clear preference for OWB (I only carry OWB).
Chrisreedrules
09-28-14, 21:02
I'm a Raven Concealment guy myself and I prefer IWB. I do have an AIWB holster from Armadillo Concealment which is really nice though.
For my M&P9c, well used...Older #2 Speed Scabbard by DeSantis.
28795
Sounds like an awesome setup..nice decision! I like the add ons as well!!!
That's one hell of a lgs and the upgraded sights would have been my first reccomendation followed by an extended mag release.
What brand of Holster if you don't mind me asking? I've been considering an x300 for my 17 and will need a new holster to go with it.
Chrisreedrules
09-28-14, 22:29
The holster is made by a local guy (hence why they gave it to me free). It gets the job done but it seems a bit bulkier than my Raven Concealment Systems Phantom holster. Which btw is what I would recommend. And depending on how you like to carry, the Armadillo Concealment X-FER holster is worth a look.
I think you should also consider a HK P2000 in LEM.
Of those on your list the G26 is least likely to malfunction or give you trouble. I have owned several and they are, strangely, one of the few Glocks that has consistent, appropriate ejection. Also, they don't print much. That would be my choice.
I agree with this. My wife owns the P2000 and loves it.
G26 for Summer
G19 or G17 for Winter
depends on the weather which Glock I carry
G19 for Summer
G17 for Winter
The holster is made by a local guy (hence why they gave it to me free). It gets the job done but it seems a bit bulkier than my Raven Concealment Systems Phantom holster. Which btw is what I would recommend. And depending on how you like to carry, the Armadillo Concealment X-FER holster is worth a look.
Thanks I'll check em out! For my 17, I just carry on my hip on an HSGI Battle Belt. I'm currently running a silent thunder or g-code both with RTI so I can easily switch from this to my 1911. 17 is too big to easily conceal so it's rarely carried.
Might be a little off topic but, anyone tried the lone wolf - timberwolf glock lower?
I'm not a fan.
I have the 17 and mags didn't drop free, and the rear trigger group pin frame holes were pretty far from oem (too small).
Overall the texture wasn't aggressive enough for me to not have to have it worked over anyway so I have own frames shapes a bit and textured.
Lots of headaches without much improvement over oem in my opinion.
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Excellent feedback...makes my decision to stick with stock modified lower even easier!
I have two gen 3 Glock 19's with night sights and crimson trace grips and a shield 9mm but since we are coming out of summer I can be found carrying the Shield 90% of the time with two spare seven round mags. I prefer the 7 round mags with Pearce mag extensions the eight round mag makes it about the height of my 19. I am going to get some new sights for it probably 10-8. I carry appendix usually(I have a gut being 5'8" 210lbs) although I do have a thunderware holster and Cross breed IWB holsters to use depending on what all is going on and how I am dressed. I will be getting a Raven Concealment holster and mag pouch for it and am thinking of the INCOG IWB for appendix to replace my cheapo holster since I am on a mission to lose my post service weight gain. I find that my shield is 100% reliable and just as accurate as my Glocks. I carry the shield most because of the weather and how I dress but I usually have my 19 in my sling bag that doesn't scream gun. So in a way my 19 is my back up gun to my shield. In the winter I wear more clothing so I will probably go back to my 19. I think my shield recoils about the same as the 19 too. I see no significant difference in how they operate (they point a little different but come on not THAT much).
If one is all you are buying get a 19 gen 3. I do not like the checkering of the gen 4 for CCW. I had one and without an additional shirt between you and the gun it will scrape off some skin. I can carry my 19 (and have) concealed ALOT. I have shot the 938 and the XDS 9. I do not like the ambi mag release of the XD guns and I think that both recoil more than a shield or Glock 19. If your primary gun will be a 1911 then the 938 will be perfect. If your primary gun will be an XD then get the XDS.
Went with a gen4 Glock19 in black. I also through a Surefire X300U and some Trijicon night sights on it. My lgs threw in a free kydex OWB holster for it that supports the light so that was cool. I like it a lot, I just need to get a few thousand rounds through it and I'll like it a lot more. I'm so used to my HK that almost everything I try just doesn't quite feel right now haha. I think I'm still going to get a little Sig P938 though, it's hard to beat the single-stack sub compact for concealability.
Fantastic choice! Glocks are boring but tend to work and be easy to live with day to day. It's like a base Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Ford Focus or F150, or Chevy Impala or Silverado. Nobody is going to write songs about them but that's what most people have for the right reasons.
G23 has been my main CCW for a while. G19 with fatter bullets.
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