Chris Dawg

I have a big 357 revolver & 12ga Shottie for home protection.

I have recently decided that I need to carry. To me there are 3 factors will that help me with the decision of what gun I will need. 1, I need to be accurate with it, 2. it needs to be comfortable enough for me to carry, and 3. as big in caliber as I can afford (not $$ but with #1 & #2 considered). I don't think I can carry a 45 and be comfortable.

I had settled on a 9mm and am accurate with the few that I have rented. I just don't know that it will have enough kick for me to be OK with.

Being that I live in FL it may be a 9mm considering what I wear most of the time (tees and shorts). I realize in the end it is a personal decision, but I would appreciate experienced input. At any rate what do you guys think?

PaulJ

Glock 26? about $500 with night sights. I carry the .40 version (Glock 27) in Florida.
If you prefer revolvers: J-Frame (ok. its 38 special, not 9mm... close enough?)

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Chris Dawg

It might be the .40 is a better option for me. I need to shoot one and see what I think, maybe tomorrow.

Is the 38 special a little bit longer (more grains?) than the 9mm?

Kerbouchard

Well, it's of course a personal decision, but there are many .45's that are the same size as most 9mm's. Many people conceal a full size 1911 .45 and do it just fine.

In my experience, felt recoil is more dependent upon grip, weight and design rather than caliber.

The XD series seems to fit a lot of shooters, and the XD9 SC or the compact XD45 should not be difficult to carry.

I have personally retired my XD for a 3" 1911(Kimber Ultra). Very easy to conceal. Thin profile. And it's scary accurate.

If you could post a price range, how sensitive you are to recoil, preferred method of carry(if you have thought of one), capacity requirements, and aesthetic preferences, I am sure we could come up with something more specific...

As I am sure you are probably already aware, the best thing for you to do is rent as many guns as you can before making the decision, but we could perhaps, point you in the general direction.

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Jeremiah

Why don't you think you could carry a .45 and not be comfortable? If you want to, you don't need to compromise. Alloy framed compacts don't weight that much and are manageable as far as recoil. Not a problem under just a t-shirt.
But if you're looking for a 9mm, I would take a look at Kahr. I like my S&W 640 too much or I'd probably have one myself. Speaking of j-frames, .357 and .38+P are pretty proven rounds.
Congratulations on the decision to be prepared, BTW.

maclean3

Nothing wrong with a 9mm if you're using good quality ammo. I've got a G19 that I really like - and I'm a 1911 guy, go figure!

Curious why you've ruled out a .45, is it the weapon weight or recoil? If it's the latter, honestly if you can handle a .357 then the .45acp is a cupcake. Plenty of lightweight options in all calibers too, Glock has the 30 if you want a double stack and the 36 if you want something thinner. Both of those are reasonably lightweight compared to other guns out there. Then there's all sorts of 1911s to choose from as well H&K USP and USPC, Sig. You could also go with a J-frame if you like wheelies. They're good, reliable guns that are a breeze to carry.
Jack

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Ram Rod

If you really want a 45acp for carry---don't rule it out. I carry the mid size Glock very well in jeans and t-shirt, I just don't like wearing shorts (ugly white bird legs). I had been seriously working with my SIG P220 SAO and MTac Minotaur holster for the summer time carry, and If I had a bit more girth-it would be very possible and comfortable. The old saying "where there's a will, there's a way" should be viable for most, but there are limitations. Alot of 1911 model manufacturers now make very small 'carry' options comparative to their larger counterparts. Being the revolver fan you are, a 6 or 7 shot baby 1911 might well be a good alternative. The Glock G36 would be in the mix as well as maybe the G30 or 30sf (10 round capacity) in the 45's as well. If you absolutely cannot go in the larger caliber of your choice, then by all means go for the highest capacity possible in the alternatives.

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wvshooter

Since you're in Fla I would go with 9mm. You're going to need a light weapon and you will get more mag capacity with 9mm. The plastic Kahr's are very light or you might opt for one of the ultralite J frame revolvers.

You'll get more punch with 9mm out of a semi auto than 38 special out of a 2" barrel. The modern 9mm self defense ammo from Corbon or Hornady is very powerful.

Chris Dawg

Honestly the few 45's I have shot were full sized and heavy as hell. I was just thinking that I didn't want to carry around that weight all the time. The model 66 SW I have will make me start flinching after 50 or so rounds. I am sure I could get over it eventually, I am only up to 1500 rounds or so. I can shoot 38's through it all day though.

As far as what I would prefer would be an auto loader. Price is not really an option with most stock guns. I was looking at a Sig 239 SAS 9mm but it might be .40 is a better option for me. My uncle recommended a Para Ordinance pistol though, Para Carry 9.

Ram Rod

Have you seen this!?
Para-Ordnance Night Hawg

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