I am thinking about getting my CCL and am trying to decide what type of weapon to get to carry. My background in guns is strictly shotguns. I am thinking about one of the small single-stack pistols in 9mm.

What are the most important features to consider when choosing a CCW? And why? I realize a lot of personal preferences go it these type of answers.

Thanks,

Tom

Hi TWall,

Consider taking a beginner handgun class. You will be able to handle and shoot a vareity of handguns. You may find a small revolver will suit your needs. So folks that carry regularly use many different modes of carry. Depending on the weather, I may use strong side carry, small of the back or a shoulder holster. I also uses a couple of different handguns as well. At the office, I use a Walther PPK/S with a small of the back holster that is well hidden. At my store, I may use a strong side or shoulder holster with a full size revolver or semi automatic. My PPK/S or small revolver works real nice in one of those vests with a concealed carry pocket.

Above all, find a handgun that fits you hand and you are comfortable with. Figure it out for yourself, don't let someone talk you into what they like.

When you find what you like, allow enough money to shoot enough to be proficent and be comfortable with you handgun. Practice regularly.

Good luck.

To me, comfort in carrying is the biggest factor. The bigger, the harder to conceal and less comfort. A concealed weapon is not intended for long range performance. It's only use is up close and personal so to speak. At a range where it would be hard to miss. For these reasons I chose a .380. The same folks that tell me a .223 is not adequate for deer might tell me the .380 is not adequate. I hope I never find out.
I have an inside the waist tuckable holster, but the most comfortable carry I have found is with Duluth Trading Foreman Fire Hose pants that have a zippered pocket on the right side. Wrap gun in hankie, drop in that pocket and forget it's there.

I would recommend going to a well stock shop handled as many different hand guns as possible.

I would stick with the major makers Ruger, Glock, Sig, S@W, Beretta.

After you pick a couple of models find a trainer that well let you shoot some and give you some proper instruction.

Learn how to shoot a handgun before you buy one. It well have a big influence on what you buy.

Don't forget about mindset and tactics also.

Bad shooting habits are hard to break.

Do not go to small every body wants a small gun they are tough to shoot.

Your in OH a lot of the year you wear some type of jacket you can conceal a larger handgun.

I have had many clients show up with very small guns and when they can not hit with them I place a mid/full size gun in their hands. They are amazed how well they can hit with them.

One can train to shoot small guns with acceptable accuracy but they are harder to shoot for sure.

I have carried many handguns in the last forty plus years from very small mini revolvers to full sized. Today my Every day carry (EDC) is a full size 1911 or a Clock 23.

Comfort is a function of a proper holster.

Many states are open carry friendly and one does not have to worry about a little printing.

I dress for the weather 99 percent of the time not worrying about if my firearm is seen or not.

You would think that people would noticed big shiny stainless 1911 but they do not.

To bad your not closer I would gladly give you the training necessary to get you on the way. Unless you want to come to Wis. for a couple days of training.

I offer very personnel one on one training not only training to use ones firearm but personnel risk factors and tactics.


I have many styles and sizes for you to try my rates are very reasonable.

I hold instructor certifications from 3 major certifying organizations in Rifle, pistol, shotgun.

I have taught hundreds of civilians, Law Enforcement and others to properly shoot and in tactics.

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your sound advice. I will find a local class or two. There is no sense getting a tool you don't know how to use, you usually end up getting hurt.

p dog,

I would love to take up your offer but I don't stray very far from central Ohio anymore.
i grew up north of Chicago and love Wisconsin.

Thank you,

Tom

You have received great advise. I just want to echo that fit is very important. The gun must be comfortable in your hand and you should be able to function all the controls easily. Large guns are bid and heavy. Sub compact can be hard to use because they are so small. Compact guns are typically a better fit. Larger grip for better control yet not so large as a full size.

OOps I said comfort biggest factor. Change that to safety biggest factor. For that reason I don't carry with one in chamber. Most disagree with that. My thinking is that with concealed carry, you are not going to win a fast draw contest. It takes an extra second to chamber a round, but I'll sacrifice that for the safety factor.
I did consider that in Ohio you will be wearing a jacket or coat much of the time. Here in Texas, contrary to what many think, we wear jackets and coats much of the year. We are now open carry too, but I choose not to carry with it exposed as that might be an invitation for trouble and my real goal is same as my goal with seat belts, never need them. I have a very small .25 ACP and at distance hitting something is very difficult, distance is not it's intended purpose. Someone once posted on here that the cheap knock about camera you have in your pickup is far better than the expensive one you have in the closet back home when you need one. If needed, any gun better than none.

I don't think there is an answer. After 9-11 to get on the Air Force base here they have all kinds of hoops to jump through. Barricades at the gates to make you swerve in and out and the guards check all ID cards. Extra guards. Does all that do any good? No. Someone has criminal intent pulls up to gate with gun in lap, poor guard has no chance. There are miles of chain link fence around the base. A truck could drive right over that, folding the posts to the ground.
Look at the BS at airports. Come on now, 85 year old in wheel chair being frisked?? True their detectors might sniff out a firearm, but there is a bunch of the security measures that is just for show.

I always carry with a round in the chamber. It’s not about fast draw. It’s about the potential for your off hand to be occupied protecting yourself or someone else or being injured. In these cases chambering a round under stress is not as simple or quick.