[archimeech]

I'm new to defensive carry. Still haven't gone for my ccw, but will before the end of October. What I want is a small compact or subcompact that will fit my larger than average sized hand and still be concealable. I also want something with knock-down power. I'm not sold on 9mm and their ability to only have to hit someone once before they hit the ground. I've ruled out the Tauras, everyone I know that's had one has had major misfire or jamming issues and I'm not fond of the proprietary nature of repairs on them either. I looked into Rugers but they were to heavy and awkward. Any thoughts, folks?

 

[CJ810]

I'm in the same place, except my hands aren't especially large. I've pretty much decided on the G27, or G23, if I don't like the way the G27 handles when I shoot it. I'll rent one soon.

 

[Rollo]

I'm new to defensive carry. Still haven't gone for my ccw, but will before the end of October. What I want is a small compact or subcompact that will fit my larger than average sized hand and still be concealable. I also want something with knock-down power. I'm not sold on 9mm and their ability to only have to hit someone once before they hit the ground. I've ruled out the Tauras, everyone I know that's had one has had major misfire or jamming issues and I'm not fond of the proprietary nature of repairs on them either. I looked into Rugers but they were to heavy and awkward. Any thoughts, folks?

The idea of a one shot stop is a myth. There is a very good chance that it will take multiple rounds from ANY handgun to bring a attacker down. As far as the Glock 27 goes I personally find .40 cal coming out of a sub compact polymer pistol a bit snappy for tastes. Your best bet would be to try to rent or borrow one to see how you shoot it.

 

[Ram Rod]

Have you thought about a G30? 45acp.

 

[justherenow]

Dont think that the larger caliber will be one stop wonders. There are documented cases where BG's have had multiple, I think in one case 17 rounds of .40 fired into them and still was fighting.

In my local area, back in 70's we had what was called the .22 caliber killer. He killed each person with one shot, a well placed .22.

So size does not ALWAYS matter. But for what its worth, you can beat Glock Perfection.

 

[jeep driver]

Are you limiting your choices to Glock? Others are just as reliable, XD subcompact comes to mind.

 

[wormy]

Try em all out if you can. Im a fairly small guy with small hands and I went with the Glock 23. It conceals very well. I carry in summer shirts and shorts IWB with no problem. The 23 will give you more rounds and fill out your hand better.

 

[Freedomofchoice]

The 27 is certainly a great gun, but if your hands are particularly large, you might prefer the G23 instead. I have both and prefer to carry the 23.

 

[orangevol]

G 27 is my EDC...:yup:

 

[cmdrdredd]

I'm new to defensive carry. Still haven't gone for my ccw, but will before the end of October. What I want is a small compact or subcompact that will fit my larger than average sized hand and still be concealable. I also want something with knock-down power. I'm not sold on 9mm and their ability to only have to hit someone once before they hit the ground. I've ruled out the Tauras, everyone I know that's had one has had major misfire or jamming issues and I'm not fond of the proprietary nature of repairs on them either. I looked into Rugers but they were to heavy and awkward. Any thoughts, folks?

If you want 1 shot stop you will need something not a pistol caliber. Never plan for 1 shot and done or you're done.

 

[Roy McC]

Glock 30SF or 29SF, awesome power.

 

[Vaquero 45]

Try an M&P Compact in .40 caliber. For me, anyway, it feels SO much better in my hand, and the shorter trigger reach and more rounded grip lets me control the gun better than my old G27. I am much more accurate and fast with the M&P. Recoil feels sharper in the G27 than in the M&P, probably because of the excellent ergonomics.

 

[TX-JB]

It doesn't really matter whether you start with the G23 or 27...before it's all said and done you'll end up with both... Glocks are like that. I started with a G19, it only took a few months before a G26 followed me home.

 

[dam294]

The 27 is certainly a great gun, but if your hands are particularly large, you might prefer the G23 instead. I have both and prefer to carry the 23.

I have a 27, not a 23. But I agree with this post. You don't gain much in "conceal-ability" with the 27 (especially since most folks put finger extensions on their 27's ) over the 23. And if you have large hands, you will probably find the 23 more fitting.

 

[gunthorp]

IMO the 40 beats the 9 (but not the 45) for effectiveness (on a pelvic shot,) and although snappy, it's worth the extra practice. Most of the recoil control comes from the pinkie on the front of the bottom of the grip. That's why the G23 seems easier to shoot than the G27, but there are extended magazines for the G27 that achieve the same result (at the expense of concealment.) I suggest using them until you're comfortable with a two finger hold. Shoot and compare with a G36, but don't try a Kimber Ultra, because for the same size, you get a 45 and room for the little finger, too.

 

[armado]

The G27 is a good choice, if your hand fits it. The G23 is easier to hold and shoot and is a great all around gun.

 

[gottabkiddin]

+1 on the "One stop shot" don't count on it. The Glock 27 is a good choice for CC. I would suggest getting yourself a good carry holster and a spare mag, and you should be good to go.

As far as the 9mm goes, with the proper round selection and a good platform to launch it from(G26), IMO offers a relatively close alternative in defensive value as the larger calibers, and you should be able to have a higher round count as the trade off. IMO, Any round that can deliver 400fp of energy is gonna be an effective defensive load for self defense.

 

[ntg]

I'm in a similar boat. The 27 is good in size for concealing, but snappy, but not uncontrolable to me. You'll have quicker followup shots (and more) with a 9mm. I've now tried a XD9sc, XD40sc, XD40 4", a Glock 19, a FNP9, a PX4 in 9, and a XDm40, and I honestly like the XD9sc the most. You get 13 rounds in a sub compact, it's quite accurate, and it points really well. Glocks are nice but don't point as good for me.
As for Ruger, have you looked at the SR9 (their only model I'm seriously interested in)? Tons of capacity and thin, but it is fullsize for length and height so concealing wouldn't be as easy. I wish they'd make a SR9sc...I'd really like to try one if they did. My two bits...maybe they'll help.

 

[Rexster]

One of my co-workers shots someone eight times with 10mm from a Delta Elite, and all the hits were quite good centralized torso hits. The bad guy died, but he managed to stay mobile for quite a while, managing to crawl out a window and out onto the grass. FORGET the flawed concept of one-shot stops! (It was not "mild" 10mm ammo; IIRC, it was the hot Norma stuff.) Stopping power is a big white Crown Vic with a big "tactical black" push bumper, at 30+ MPH.

Realistically, and particularly from short-barreled guns, everything from .38 +P to .45 ACP will have largely equivalent ability to cause damage inside a human body. I got away from Glocks about five years ago, due to an ill fit in my hands, and the mushy trigger, but if I had to go Glock again, I would rather them be 9mm than .40 S&W. Glock built its excellent reputation with the 9mm, and Glocks so chambered last longer. The .40 Glocks are more likely to be drama queens, including one of mine. (I am not saying ALL .40 Glocks have problems, just that 9mm Glocks are a better choice. I was, and still am, mandated to use .40 autos for 50+ hours a week.)

 

[chrise2004]

just find the largest caliber you can carry concealed and shoot accurately and well. Go to a range or find some buddies with the gun's that your looking at and go to the range and practice with them. You need to find the right gun/caliber that's what's best for YOU. Good luck.