What would you recommend?

[ssfootball53]

I'm looking to buy a pistol of some kind that can be concealed if necessary in a year or so. What would you recommend?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[buckeye .45]

Any preference between semi-auto or revolver? Caliber preference?

[Ram Rod]

Well, if you can't be more specific than that, I think you'll have a long row to hoe.

[Packman73]

I carry a XD45compact. Works for me.

[HowardCohodas]

I'm looking to buy a pistol of some kind that can be concealed if necessary in a year or so. What would you recommend?

I recommend that you do some reading to acquaint yourself with the set of issues. Here is a good start. Concealed Carry Basics

After some background, you will be able to ask specific questions and get the wisdom available from the great people on this forum.

[ssfootball53]

Sorry about the lack of preference. I'd like a semi-automatic in at least a .38 caliber.

[buckeye .45]

How much prior shooting experience with pistols? Any that you just feel drawn too? Preference on safeties?

Basically right now the list is any of the common modern semi's in .380, 9mm, .40, .45

[Erik]

A used Glock 19; affordable, reliable, reasonable.

Then, find some training.

Maybe not in that order.

[ssfootball53]

Awesome. Thanks for th help.

[stanislaskasava]

I'm looking to buy a pistol of some kind that can be concealed if necessary in a year or so. What would you recommend?

First handgun? I recommend that you attempt to shoot whichever model of gun you decide to buy. Some ranges have guns for rent. Maybe rent one or two of each of the top 5 carry calibers (9mm, .40S&W, .45ACP, .38 special, .357 magnum). Take note of how the gun feels in your hand, ease of shooting, size, weight and shape, and which gun just seems the best for you.

You are going to carry the gun, right? Why leave it at home? Decide how you are going to carry (strong side IWB, pocket carry, smart carry, etc.) and find a quality holster (and belt, if needed) for that style of carrying.

Start saving now unless you're naturally wealthy. $100/month would be $1200 in a year -- more won't hurt. That will put you in a good spot to purchase a decent gun, holster, belt, practice ammo, range time or membership, eye / ear protection, cleaning supplies...

Oh yeah. Most importantly... stick around the forum. It is the best.

[LiveLFF]

In my opinion google and this forum are your friend. I researched and decided on a caliber after reading, and figuring my own preference for recoil ect.

I decided on a semi instead of a revolver.

So from there I started looking up the "best rated" 9mm(the caliber i decided).

After reading about ratings, brownsing forums(such as these) I narrowed it down to a few brands/models to try out. So I then went to my local gunstores and started asking questions, feeling them in my hand. I was somewhat new to handguns myself so I brought a friend who was also in the buying mood, so we both went to the gunstore. Since he knew a bit more about handguns, he could ask better questions.

Within a few months I finalized my decision on a Springfield EMP. Everyone's decision is going to be different, but my gun just "beckoned" me, couldn't help but go with it.

So inform yourself, gather knowledge, gather money, learn the rules of safety, then purchase what you feel would be best.

[thecheat]

Since it will be your first gun I would advise to go with 9mm. Good caliber with plenty of power but the recoil is minimal.

As far as semi-autos go look I prefer a Glock so I would advise you to check out the G19 (compact) and G26 (subcompact).

Good luck!

[ssfootball53]

Thanks for all the awesome information. It is just what I needed.

[TacticalCompact]

If you are serious about the possibility of getting a permit to carry it concealed, you might also want to check out the Kahr line of pistols. They make all-steel versions and polymer-framed versions, from 9mm to .45acp.

I have a P40, and just picked up an MK9. Sweet guns they are and highly concealable.

[fatboy97]

Semi-auto: There are a lot of very good guns that fill this bill. 9mm is a great start - cheap to shoot. You need to be able to practice, practice and practice even more. Being able to hit what you are aiming at is your first and most important part of carrying any gun.

The Glock 19 is reliable, concealable and IMO one of the best all around guns on the market today with the best size for carry capacity (15+1). It's also very affordable.