quote:

Originally posted by impala#03:
I WENT TO AN INDOOR PISTOL RANGE IN PLANO, TX WHEN I WAS LOOKING FOR A CC PISTOL MANY YEARS AGO. I WAS ABLE TO TRY MANY HAND GUNS THEY HAD FOR RENT TO FIND THE ONE I LIKED BEST. AFTER YOU FIND THE ONE YOU LIKE, THEN IT IS TIME TO START HAUNTING GUN STORES, PAWN SHOPS, THE INTERNET AND THE LIKE TO FIND YOUR GUN.

Which one did you like the best???

I guess you would have to ask and answer a lot of personal questions before the answer could really be seen.

Do you want it to go bang EVERY time you pull the trigger? That question actually leaves a lot of guns out. Assuming they are loaded, revolvers do this...1911s and XDs... nope unless you have the correct grip on them to activate the grip safety. Same with some of the semi autos with the magazine safety that will not shoot without a mag in them. Even without a mag (maybe I got scared or nervous and ejected it) I want to be able to load one at a time and go bang.

Do you want to have to think about a safety in a high stress situation? Again, it rules out a lot of guns if the answer is no. If you want it to go bang every time and you don't want to fool with the safety, then the 1911s are out, unless you are foolish enough to carry one cocked and not locked.

Do you have a need to share the gun with someone like a girlfriend or wife that may not be as familiar as you are with guns? Maybe it's on the nightstand and you didn't wake up and she did. If you buy one now, you could buy a second just like it for commonality of use.

Now for the answers I came up with FOR ME and my family for under $500. I ended up with two guns. For every day carry, I have a Taurus 85 in 38 special. It is light, easy to carry and operate and very concealable. The second is a CZ85 Compact in 40S&W. It is not as small and concealable, but it fits my hands well and holds 10 rounds.

My criteria left out all single action pistols since I like neither the grip safety nor carrying "condition one" and having to fool with the safety. Both of my choices go bang every time with, or without, the magazine in the CZ. I can use the safety if I wish, but I can leave the hammer down and shoot the first shot double action.

So Larry, why not the Glock? Those that know me know I love my Glocks and especially my Glock 19, but I left it out for one reason. If you "limp wrist" a Glock, they will stovepipe and it goes bang once. Since I share with my wife and daughter I didn't want them to have to worry about it. I have seen it happen to women way too much.

Those are just my thoughts I went through when I bought mine. To each their own.

I recently bought a new S&W 638 for under $500 from a chain store. Used S&W's are sometimes even better buys. Shootable, durable, reliable, repairable, resailable are all reasons S&W revolvers make sense.

The best CCW is one that you are willing to carry at anytime with any type of clothing. A 22 long rifle 4 shot revolver in hand is better than the heavy/uncomfortable 1911 in the car. Another thing to consider is the fact that semi-autos litter. Think about it. Most semi's tend to be too blocky or heavy, most but not all. I too love Glocks and know they are without a doubt the most reliable, light semi on the market - IMO. I have a G-36 (45ACP) but it still is not a comfortable conceal gun and most aren't if you bend over or try to sit in a car/truck. I've tried most of them but the one that I have settled on is a Taurus Ultra-lite in a 38+P. I made a fleece lined holster for it and it sits in my boot VERY nicely. I actually forget it is there. If I wear shorts it fits nicely in my front pocket. Smith also makes a nice "ultra-light". Just my 2 cents worth.

quote:

Originally posted by Wm.S.Ladd:
Glock 26 and 27 are absolutely the most fucked up guns I've ever held in my hands. And I've held a shit pot full of guns in my hands.

Blocky, funky, clunky, crappy trigger, top heavy, wide like the deck of an aircraft carrier, unbalanced, and you can't wrap your fingers around the too short "grip."
-- For starters . . .

OP asked, "Simple question. Which pistol for concealed carry, for less than $500? Basic calibers only, not talking about mouse guns and such, just a good reliable, reasonably accurate pistol for day to day carry. Could be a snub nosed .38 or a semi auto .45".

How many rounds have you put down range with a G26/27, not just held?

A G26 may feel good to the OP with a mag extension.

I've got a Taurus PT-145. Over 2oo rounds and never a miss-fire. Carries great and makes nice holes.

Okay, let me weigh in with my take. Since 1973 I've packed a lot of handguns. Five days a week it was what I have been issued to pack but concealed wasn't the issue (full-time LEO). My favorite was a 4" S&W Model 66. Should I be transfered to Mars that is the one gun I would take with me. Least favorite was a Sig 226 in 9mm (because of the caliber, it's a fine gun). Currently it is a Sig 226 in .40 (good gun, better caliber). Along the route I've carried several other flavors of handguns including various 1911 .45 variants, N-frame Smiths, Glock 17, etc.

But these are all rather large and hard to conceal. Everyday, day-in, day-out concealed carry over the long term is a whole nother matter. Larger/heavier handguns do not lend themselves to everyday concealed carry and they end up out in the car/truck. Now what good are they when they aren't within quick grab of your hand??????

So the two guns that I've had with me most whenever I leave the house is an S&W 642 and/or (lately) a Keltech 380. I know, I know, I know, these leave a lot to be desired. BUT they are always with me 'cuz they are in my pocket. No matter what I leave the house wearing, I have a pocket and one of these guns is in it. When I'm at the bank, in line at the store, or pumping gas, I have one within one second of my hand.

I've had guys make fun of them. Then I ask them to show me what you have right now,not back in the jockey-box of the truck as that doesn't count. I got bigger guns back in the truck too. I also have all manner of latest-greatest holsters and such that just doesn't work very well when I've got a pair of shorts and a t-shirt on when I run to the store to get the wife some mouse-mattresses.

So the point I'm belaboring here is this....big, bulky, heavy, handguns are great but don't do you much good if you don't have them readily at hand when seconds count!

The #1 thing about a concealed carry handgun is....CARRY!

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Norman:
when I run to the store to get the wife some mouse-mattresses.

not making fun, but I gotta know: What are mouse-mattresses?

Hey Daniel, just an update here. I fondled a Glock 19 a couple days ago and was impressed. They wanted $499 for it locally. It felt real nice; it nearly came home with me...

Daniel77......girly period things

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Norman:
Daniel77......girly period things

I feel stupid now.

I thank you all for your contributions. A lot of good ideas here. Please keep them coming.

My favorite revolver was a SS 1976 Ruger Security Six 4 inch 357 mag carried it everywhere but one day a club member offered me a Ruger #1 30-06 for it, so it went,hated the #1 & sold it.I have 3 carry weapons: 38spec,357mag & 45acp.I have a LE friend who carries a 380 semiauto but can't locate any speer gold dot ammo.

Mouse gun: Ruger LCP(but I can carry it in my T-shirt pocket when I'm in flip flops and a banana hammock(JK about the hammock)

Rat gun: S&W 642 .38+P, small enough for deep CC but plenty of punch

Crazed-on-PCP-attacker stopper: Haven't bought it yet.....maybe one of those Kimber Ultra-Carry II .45 ACP real soon though.

I found a local shop that has a Ruger P89 in like new condition. The shop owner sold the gun new to a guy who traded it for a Glock that he just "had to have."

It comes in the case with four magazines for $350 and as I said, it looks and feels virtually new.

I'm not crazed about a 9mm, but what are people's thoughts on this firearm?

Shof

I would much prefer the Glock.

quote:

Originally posted by daniel77:
Simple question. Which pistol for concealed carry, for less than $500? Basic calibers only, not talking about mouse guns and such, just a good reliable, reasonably accurate pistol for day to day carry. Could be a snub nosed .38 or a semi auto .45.

Canadian border people get very paranoid very easily. Years ago my dealer had Rossi SS mod 88 2" 5 shot 38spec revolvers with rubber grips for sale .It fit by hand perfectly so I bought one it's really accurate for a belly gun and another friend has one same comments very accurate and easily concealable. I traded off a Walther PPK s 380 that was compact it was concealable.Nothing is inexpensive any more after our discount dealer moved to az I stopped making purchases.

i like the XD sub compact 3" I bought a crossbreed super tuck for it and it works well

I keep trying to tell people the CZ83 in 9mm Makarov is a good choice (better than a .380 ACP any day), but I don't think anybody believes me. How much do they cost in the US anyway?

Look at used, I just picked up a CZ75B at a gun show last weekend for well under your budget; with two magazines and a hundred rounds of Hornady XTP(?) Before you pooh-pooh the 9mm read Evans and Marshall's studies. It's a real eye opener about defensive handgun calibers.

Rich

It all depends on what you consider concealable and what you are willing to carry.

I have been carrying a handgun concealed for many years.
Perfectly legal since 1976...

There are two basic conditions of Carry, Legally concealed, and whatever else.
A seperate thread is in order.

Rae59 got it right. I've owned several compact 45's over the years, from a Glock 36 to a Kimber custom shop Ultra CDP II. Know how often they got carried? Not very. My mouse gun (Ruger LCP in 380) is always with me in a pocket holster in my front pants pocket. I don't have to design my whole wardrobe around the gun. I can tuck my shirt in. I don't have to wear a vest with a T-shirt in the summer. Nothing against the Ed Norton look, mind you.
It's worth a lot to me since I simply always have it on without having to jump throough hoops.
Remember the first rule in a gun fight.....

Buy yourself a Glock mini in 45 ACP. They are very accurate and easy to conceal.

glock should make single stack in 9mm, that skinny 45 does feel good in the hand.

nEVER HEARD IT REFERED TO AS A MOUSE MATTRESS

another thought: I bought a Belgian Browning HiPower in 40 S&W for $450 shipped here the other day. One sweet handgun, and a good caliber.

Rich

I bought (for $506.45 after taxes) a new CZ 75B in .40 S&W in black polycoat. I love it. It is my daily CCW carry piece. CZ has some of the best ergonomics going and I have 12+1 chances for a happy outcome (plus 2 reloads @ 12 each!)

quote:

Originally posted by StormsGSP:

quote:

Originally posted by daniel77:

quote:

Originally posted by TWL:
I'm sorry?
You've set the value of your life at------ $500.00?

It's a hypothetical question, meant to provoke thought like: what whitetail rig would you outfit for $1000 scope, bullets and all, which rig for $2000? etc.

For a forum that is supposed to be filled with knowledgeable men exchanging ideas and wisdom this place sure does seem to be full of guys who contribute little and piss and moan a bunch.

Personally, I like a mil spec 1911 by most makers, which should come in within budget and our servicemen have killed unknown thousands with. Why do you think you must be carrying a tricked out, high tech, $1200 piece to defend yourself?

Most Glocks and the Springfield XD are around this price range, or at least I've seen them for this kinda money. The Taurus and Rugers are within this price range.

Value is what I am asking about. A $500 gun will kill you just as dead as the latest and greatest creation that all the wannabees must have.

Very timely post. I am still in college, and just got my pistol license. Want to get one, but honestly I can't afford to pay what you guys with full time jobs can. In the mean time, a sub-$500 or so pistol will have to do.

I gotta' ask: how the hell does a guy who can afford to hunt sheep, goats and take all manner of domestic and international trips to big game hunt (and have the, taxidermied) not have $500 for a piece?

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Norman:
Okay, let me weigh in with my take. Since 1973 I've packed a lot of handguns. Five days a week it was what I have been issued to pack but concealed wasn't the issue (full-time LEO). My favorite was a 4" S&W Model 66. Should I be transfered to Mars that is the one gun I would take with me.

The very first gun I bought (for carry) was my model 66. I do love mine too, except it's got the 2.75" (I think that's it) barrel.

quote:

Originally posted by Kamo Gari:

quote:

Originally posted by StormsGSP:

quote:

Originally posted by daniel77:

quote:

Originally posted by TWL:
I'm sorry?
You've set the value of your life at------ $500.00?

It's a hypothetical question, meant to provoke thought like: what whitetail rig would you outfit for $1000 scope, bullets and all, which rig for $2000? etc.

For a forum that is supposed to be filled with knowledgeable men exchanging ideas and wisdom this place sure does seem to be full of guys who contribute little and piss and moan a bunch.

Personally, I like a mil spec 1911 by most makers, which should come in within budget and our servicemen have killed unknown thousands with. Why do you think you must be carrying a tricked out, high tech, $1200 piece to defend yourself?

Most Glocks and the Springfield XD are around this price range, or at least I've seen them for this kinda money. The Taurus and Rugers are within this price range.

Value is what I am asking about. A $500 gun will kill you just as dead as the latest and greatest creation that all the wannabees must have.

Very timely post. I am still in college, and just got my pistol license. Want to get one, but honestly I can't afford to pay what you guys with full time jobs can. In the mean time, a sub-$500 or so pistol will have to do.

I gotta' ask: how the hell does a guy who can afford to hunt sheep, goats and take all manner of domestic and international trips to big game hunt (and have the, taxidermied) not have $500 for a piece?

Well my Uncle bought me that trip to Alaska. He owns his own company and is wealthy, his son isn't really interested in hunting, so he decided to get me a trip. I didn't do anything to deserve it. We are very close and I wasn't going to talk him out of it...

I studied abroad in New Zealand, I got out hunting with kids I met at school. It was cheap as can be to hunt there. No License or fees. Just gas money to get to your hunting spot and whatever equipment you need.

When I was in NZ I bought a full tahr skin, and brought it back with the animals I shot. My taxidermist, and friend, has always loved tahr, but never mounted one. We made a deal, I bring him back a full tahr skin for him to mount, he gives me $3000 (cost of a full tahr mount) credit for work. So I am getting $3000 work done with a lot less in out of pocket expense.

Hope I haven't come across as some spoiled rich kid... I'm just a normal guy that has been really lucky. I work when I can and most of my money goes towards hunting stuff or outdoor gear.

Best,
Alex

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:
I keep trying to tell people the CZ83 in 9mm Makarov is a good choice (better than a .380 ACP any day), but I don't think anybody believes me. How much do they cost in the US anyway?

Wink, thanks, I just ordered one of these. Hope it fits in front pants pocket--suspect it will.
Cost was $230 including shipping. 500 rounds fmj non-corrosive ammo from Wolf for $110 from Sportsmansguide.com after discounts.

In your photo, what kind of fur is that black and white stuff?

Also, although I'm less financially challenged than some, I'm looking for something with a little more gusto than a .380, but that will still be relatively small (to fit in a pants pocket) and accurate. I'm thinking that 95 gr FMJ at 1000+ FPS will get into the CNS or thru the chest cavity of most targets. This is like a Colt Mustang 380acp with a little more oomph (100+FPS faster)?
I've got a couple of 7.62x25's that are good to carry in a large vest, but am looking for a handgun just a tad smaller.

There really are a lot of choices under $500. I usually carry my Glock 27...very accurate and reliable. Another, and less expensive, option would be the CZ-82. These are C&R handguns and shoot the 9 makarov round. Very accurate and highly functional. You can get them from Aimsurplus and other places for just over $200. I've got two and love the way they feel and shoot.

I don't know if you've already found something yet, or not. IMO, one of the best things to start with is a pocket gun -- Kel-Tec makes some options, the Ruger LCR seems like a nice gun, and, a used Glock or XD should be in that price bracket.

A DeSantis Nemesis is a reasonable, effective pocket holster.

The most important aspect to a CCW piece is that you carry it. The second most important is how reliably it goes bang.

For carry issues, I suggest joining a carry forum -- my favorite is The Gun Counter. If nothing else, make some friends near you on one, go shooting, try out their carry gun, and borrow some holsters, etc to try it out.

My favorite IWB holster is a crossbreed supertuck, my favorite method of carry is in a shoulder rig, and my favorite way to carry in a car is w. a safepacker strapped to the seatbelt.

quote:

Originally posted by TWL:
I'm sorry?
You've set the value of your life at------ $500.00?

I think it's a reasonable number. I can purchase a very reliable Ruger SP101 .357 revolver for that (in fact, I did). What did you pay for your sidearm? What if you paid $5000.00? Can I respond to you by saying the same thing to you, only adding a zero? Let's not be so harsh, many people can find very good sidearms for concealed carry and home defense on a budget.

Maybe guns are too expensive in cali?

By the way, I'm "on the job" too Stay safe Brother.

quote:

Originally posted by wino:
Ruger SP 101, if you can find one.

The only small frame I know of that can stand a steady diet of full power loads.

Another vote for the SP-101. If I spent $1000 on another gun I would not have to worry about some drug crazed scum bag slitting my throat, my wife would take care of it.

I will probably be criticized for not recommending a large caliber pistol ( and I have many from .454 on down including Glocks, 1911s, etc.)but portability and comfortable concealment results in constant carry and not just when you're wearing a coat, belt ... The best concealed carry weapon is the one you have on you when you need it.Sure, I slip my Glock 23 in my waistband when I am wearing a coat but in Texas it's hot most of the year. Hence, I carry a Ruger LCP almost all the time. It's either in my pocket or in my Fobus paddle holster. It is a constant companion - often while wearing shorts and a "T" shirt. Cost - around $300. I have never had a jam or misfire and it is surprisingly accurate. My 2 cents.

I carried a ruger P89 on the job for years was a ruger armorer for the dept. The P89s were great guns never had trouble with them shot many thousands of round of +P+ through them.

We then went to ruger P93s they were junk trouble with them from the start.

Got rid of them and went to glocks.

quote:

Originally posted by Kamo Gari:

quote:

Originally posted by Matt Norman:
Okay, let me weigh in with my take. Since 1973 I've packed a lot of handguns. Five days a week it was what I have been issued to pack but concealed wasn't the issue (full-time LEO). My favorite was a 4" S&W Model 66. Should I be transfered to Mars that is the one gun I would take with me.

The very first gun I bought (for carry) was my model 66. I do love mine too, except it's got the 2.75" (I think that's it) barrel.

3" Model 65 RB. I'm kind of a fan of 3-4" medium frame revolvers for this particular use, plus it fits my hands better than anything else I've tried.

Best of luck with your choice.

Quote: but not mine!
"Glock 26 and 27 are absolutely the most fucked up guns I've ever held in my hands. And I've held a shit pot full of guns in my hands.
Blocky, funky, clunky, crappy trigger, top heavy, wide like the deck of an aircraft carrier, unbalanced, and you can't wrap your fingers around the too short "grip"."
MY COMMENT: One thing I have noticed in my 40 years of shooting and gun experience. "Whatever gun a man owns is the best gun there is". I have Smith revolvers, Glocks, Sigs, but when I carry a gun it is a Glock---It has one safety (my finger) fire is on the trigger/safe is off the trigger. It has the same trigger pull every shot and goes bang when I pull the trigger. I try to never blast someones elses equipment even if I think it is 2nd rate. HOWEVER, I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE GENTLEMAN THAT MADE THE QUOTE ABOVE SHOOTS? If you are giving advice by telling me that what millions of Glock owners and myself own is crap---Please also tell me what is so wonderful, at least in your mind.