Looking for My First Handgun...

[JustaShooter]

Fourth of all, how does the LC9s accept ammo? Does it pretty much chew up and spit out everything it's fed? And what are everyone's opinions on Ruger? In nearly every other aspect of my life, I'm usually anti-name brand. However, in this circumstance, I understand I shouldn't necessarily skimp on buying a firearm that could save my life. I would just rather not overspend because of a name.

I haven't shot the LC9s, but have put many rounds through the original LC9 and it is not at all particular about ammo - in fact, I have yet to find anything it wouldn't handle, and would expect the same from the LC9s. That's pretty typical for Ruger handguns. Ruger makes very good, dependable handguns, at a very affordable price point - kind of the Chevy (or Ford, if you prefer) of American handgun brands.

[KMayUSA6060]

Update:

The LC9s is out of the question. I can't get a good feel on it when I draw it or hold it. Too top heavy and not enough substance in the handle.

The Shield feels great. Need to shoot it but it feels outstanding. Good side all the way around.

Planning a trip to Fin Feather Fur soon to check out all they have. Hopefully gonna see a KelTec PF9.

Looking, still, for any other suggestions! Thanks y'all.

[TSiWRX]

Hey y'all!

I took my CCW class on Saturday (January 16, 2016). My girlfriend and I each passed the tests with flying colors (only 100%'s in the class; not trying to boast, just the nerd in me being proud of that).

From one nerd to another, congrats!

I am looking for my first handgun, but I am a smaller guy. 5'8" 130 lbs soaking wet. I had my eye on a Smith & Wesson SD9VE. I like larger guns for their accuracy and how they fit my hand. I also had it on layaway for $259.99. I guess I feel more confident with larger handguns, but I can't conceal them well at all.

Concealment has a lot to do with the unique factors of your cover clothing as well as the subjective matter of what you feel is sufficient concealment. The right support gear - holster, belt, etc. - however, will make concealment of virtually *any* gun that much easier no matter what clothes you wear or how you regard concealment. As LegoGlock and others here have very wisely suggested, you'll want to budget this into your spendings. Since you're trying to watch the bottom line, this is just all that much more important.

In all honesty, I would budget in at least $75 for this, if not $100. I'm a geardo, and I won't lie and say that I don't do fancy gear, but I really am convinced that cost is but a sideshow, and that you truly can get excellent quality wares for very reasonable prices. But even so, there's still going to be a minimum dollar amount involved. There are excellent belts that can be had for around $30 or so. Add in about as much for a holster, plus shipping or tax for both, and you're at $75.

Look at Chris Costa. He's not a big guy, either, and at a class a few summers ago, he T&E'ed what I am pretty sure was the Armordillo X-FER: shoving a full-size handgun with a Surefire X300 directly down the front of his pants which, under a light shirt, simply disappeared even on his small frame.

In terms of the gun, don't worry about "accuracy." I've seen good shooters nail, consistently and repeatedly, "FBI-Q" sized steel at 100 yards with nothing more than a sub-Compact Glock 26, shooting just your average range-fodder., with a stock trigger. Drive single-hole groups at closer distances? Again, same.

That larger pistol will feel like it's easier to shoot for many reasons. Its physical mass will help dampen recoil. It'll typically "fill" your hands better - even for physically smaller shooters, unless their hand size is truly *very* small, typically, the ability to "get a hold of the gun" will help with subjective comfort. Typically, larger pistols have "better" - more visible - sights, which can also make the novice shooter immediately feel more confident.

A smaller pistol will take more time to master - so it's almost always better to start newer shooters with a full-sized gun - but in terms of objective, quantifiable, practical performance, as long as the shooter does his or her part, a smaller pistol will be just as "accurate/precise" as a larger one. Don't let that physical size become a mental block for you.

Despite the best gear, it's still quite possible that due to the way your wardrobe interacts with your body or with your perceived comfort or concealment needs (both, again, are subjective) will demand that you carry a smaller gun instead of a larger one. Don't let that get you down - just practice more, you'll be just fine.

I've shot quite a few guns recently, but nothing I've found that's concealable AND comfortable.

Gear will have a lot to do with the comfort part of the equation. Unfortunately, as comfort is by-definition subjective ("What's your Sleep Number?" ), this is something that you'll just have to work out, for yourself. Many of us here as well as on other gun-Forums are continually seeking a better setup.

Question - you've shot a bunch of different guns, but did you do it with an experienced shooter or instructor at your side? Why do I ask? because I wonder if you're actually as comfortable/uncomfortable with any particular gun as you could/should be, or if perhaps some of the problems that you may be seeing - whatever they are - could potentially be due to technique or to something that may be easily correctable. For example, you wrote previously:

I should say here before everyone else suggests the Shield that it just doesn't fit my hand right. Something about the grip is awkward, and I always want to angle the gun to the left or right to comfortably grip it. Maybe too long for my hand? Who knows.

I'm all for newer shooters taking the time to do their homework and shoot as many pistols as possible. As a matter of fact, I commend you for doing so! But one really has to be careful to run it out properly, and if you don't have the knowledge base to really know what you're doing wrong, well...that's a bit of a problem......

...I also talked to a customer (I work at a place that sells guns; while I am the golf person, I help in hunting more often than not) yesterday who has the SCCY. He said he always pulls his shots because of the awkward trigger pull.

^ Ah, but that should actually read: "because the trigger pull is awkward for him, and he hasn't dedicated himself to practicing enough with it so that he overcomes HIS deficits as a shooer."

I'm not so great with my little Kahr PM9 or my S&W M&P 340. But it's not the gun's fault that I can't master their triggers, because I've seen what guys who really put the time into getting to know these weapons can do.

Get my drift?

I really like it that you're picky, and that you're trying to do as much leg-work as possible in finding that just-right gun for you.

I don't think that your budget makes it impossible, but I do think that it does make it harder.

I'm assuming that you're renting guns at a range and trying them out? Or are you borrowing from friends/family? If it's the former, that's a drain on the wallet, too - and instead of continuing to do so, I would like to suggest that you look for a local novice/beginner level class where the instructor/school brings forward a large selection of quality pistols to allow their students to shoot and gain experience from, all under their watchful eye, so that the student can make a well-informed choice.

This is going to hurt your wallet up-front, as classes of this type usually cost around $100 or so, but I really think that it should be considered an investment.

[KMayUSA6060]

I really like it that you're picky, and that you're trying to do as much leg-work as possible in finding that just-right gun for you.

I don't think that your budget makes it impossible, but I do think that it does make it harder.

I really appreciate you taking the time to post a lot about the gear and other factors that go into concealed carrying.

My questions to you are...

A) What's the best gear you've found? I know about Alien and Blackhawk. There's a place in Canton I've heard about too.

B) Should I carry on my hip or on my back? I'd prefer not to stick anything in the front of my pants, for obvious reasons.

C) Are there any firearms you suggest in my price range? And what are your experiences with them?

Thank you very much, again.

God Bless you, yours, and America.

[Bama.45]

Great post Allen.

Personally I think the M&P line of firearms are good quality for the price,for a Glock you're going to pay $100 or more over the cost of an M&P... They are proven dependable firearms for the most part.. I bought my wife the Shield 9 because my Glock 19 didnt feel good in her hand.. She loves the shield 9 and has gotten pretty good with it.. I wouldn't have bought her a firearm for self defense that I had doubts about. Because let's face it, we all buy and carry our firearms for self defense and to save our life should god forbid we need it... Firearms and self defense can be skimped by on, and I full well know about buying on a budget, but at the same time I refuse to buy something that I have doubts about simply because its easier on my wallet.

But whatever you decide with, I strongly suggest training and as much of it as you can afford.. Because at the end of the day 95% of the time the gun doesn't make the shooter more accurate, faster, safer etc.. Safe gun handling, accuracy and confidence come from good training and putting a lot of rounds down range. But putting rounds down range before getting good competent training is useless, because you may well be engraining bad habits that will be the devil to overcome..


This is just my opinion and worth as much as you paid for it.

[Brian D.]

B) Should I carry on my hip or on my back? I'd prefer not to stick anything in the front of my pants, for obvious reasons.

Small of back carry may conceal better but most feel its disadvantages outweigh that. Harder to access, more possibility of sweeping yourself and others. (The gun must travel in a wider arc.) Worst downside is if you happen to fall and land flat on your back. Spinal injuries have occurred.

Think of your beltline as a clock. 12 o'clock is the buckle, 3 o'clock your right hip, 6 o'clock your spine line, etc. The majority of right handers tend to belt carry someplace between 2 and 5. There are small numbers of "appendix" (1 o'clock) toters out there and they will make a strong argument for that. They (hopefully) come to that after much consideration and practice of the technique. I don't think it's the way to go for inexperienced carriers.


Lots of things to ponder, aren't there?

[NavyChief]

OK, good advice so far, but I'll weigh in with mine. In my opinion there are two guns that are very, very hard to beat (in order of my preference):
1. Smith & Wesson M&P9c
2. Glock G19
Both are just about "bullet-proof" (pardon the pun); the M&P9c comes with interchangeable backstraps (as does the Glock in the Gen 4) to better fit your hand; both have a plethora of aftermarket parts should you wish to even further tailor them to your specific desires.
Carry - I'd urge you to stay clear of small-of-the-back (SOB) carry. Not just for the possible injury issues Brian mentioned, but also because (as he also mentioned) in a close-in "encounter" it's going to be much more difficult - if not impossible - to bring your gun into play.

Above all - make every effort to shoot your choice before you buy. Don't know your location, but I'd be willing to bet almost wherever you are in the state someone on these forums is near you and probably would be willing to meet you at a range.

[KMayUSA6060]

Excellent advice on the carrying position. I definitely like the idea of carrying at 2-4 o'clock. Just need to find a gun that will accommodate those positions while also not looking like a pointy tumor on my body.

Next Thursday I'm going to a local range. I'm in the Akron/Barberton/Wadsworth area, so if anyone has any suggestions on good ranges, let me know. I really want to try out the Shield. That's my #1 right now. I also want to try the KelTec PF9.

Someone mentioned the M&P 9C. We had one where I worked, but I never even considered it due to the price. Anyone know what they run for if they go on sale? I love the M&P series, just have always been skeptical of its "higher" price tag (considering my budget).

Any other concealed carry guns people would suggest?

I will be the first to admit I'm relatively new to the firearms hobby. My buddy got me into this stuff a couple years ago, so I'm still learning the ropes. I will never act like I know everything, and I never want to give off that impression. Ignorance is what gets people killed when it comes to firearms (and yes, I'm looking at you, uneducated gun control advocates who think every gun can be an automatic with a click of a button or flick of a switch). I'm always eager to learn, so I appreciate all of the comments. Soaking it all in! Keep em coming!

God Bless you, yours, and America.

[pirateguy191]

Hey Chief, tell KMay how big you are. It's not that hard to conceal with the right gear and clothing choices.

[MyWifeSaidYes]

Have you tried on a leather or leather hybrid IWB (Inside the WaistBand) holster with ANY gun yet?

Until you have, you won't realize just how much a mid-sized gun can be snugged against your torso and be effectively concealed.

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If you want a better experience with a SCCY, replace the trigger with one from RTKtriggers.com. They work wonders for the Ruger LCP.

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If you are employed, save a few dollars from your next paycheck or two and save up for a good brand name. There are some name brands command higher prices.

Many store will offer financing or layaway programs. This makes it easier to afford higher quality arms.

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...Second of all, is the M&P series really worth spending the money on? I know that compared to some firearms, M&Ps (full size, compact, Shield) are on the cheaper end. But for my budget they are on the higher end. The 9c has and does intrigue me. I qualified with the full size M&P 9...

Huh? M&P's are on the cheaper end???

You lost me there.

[JustaShooter]

Next Thursday I'm going to a local range. I'm in the Akron/Barberton/Wadsworth area, so if anyone has any suggestions on good ranges, let me know. I really want to try out the Shield. That's my #1 right now. I also want to try the KelTec PF9.

I am a little south of you, and generally go to Midwest Gun Club in Canal Fulton or now that they've opened, AJ Harris Tactical in downtown Massillon - new, state-of-the-art indoor range. The only range nearer to you I'm familiar with is The Marksman - and I'm afraid I was so unimpressed with that range I never plan to return.

BTW, if you are up for it, I'd be happy to meet you some time and shoot with you, maybe help out where I can and let you try the carry guns I have or can borrow from friends, etc.

[JustaShooter]

Huh? M&P's are on the cheaper end???

You lost me there.

Context is king:

compared to some firearms, M&Ps (full size, compact, Shield) are on the cheaper end. But for my budget they are on the higher end.

[NavyChief]

Hey Chief, tell KMay how big you are. It's not that hard to conceal with the right gear and clothing choices.

Good point. I'm 5'4" and while my weight varies a little, I average around 135-140. While I currently carry an M&P9c, I have carried over the years:
S&W 2" Model 13 (a 6-shot revolver),
S&W 4" Model 66 (also a 6-shot revolver),
S&W 3" Model 60 (5-shot revolver),
S&W 5906TSW (full-size 9mm),
Springfield Armory 1911A1 (full-size .45)
Springfield Armory XD45C (a "compact" .45)
Springfield Armory XD9Sc (a "compact" 9mm)
Glock G19 (mid-size 9mm)

The only one I had to give up on for concealed carry was the 5906TSW. And that was because of its relative rareness I couldn't find a decent holster. I had a local guy fabricate me one, but it just never quite "worked." Plus the fact, as a full-size all-steel former LE duty gun, it weighed about as much as a boat anchor. It's still my favoritest gun, but has been relegated now to a range toy.

Carrying a gun involves some "lifestyle choices." You'll have to - in many cases - decide what's more important: Protection of self and loved ones, or "lookin' good." Interestingly, us smaller guys can typically conceal easier than big guys. Why? We can (generally) wear a little looser fitting shirts without anyone thinking anything about it. So if you're willing to dress a little more - casually - you can pull off carrying pretty much anything.

[carmen fovozzo]

I think your going to find the grips on the guns you want to try at the range about the same as the LC9.

Hope you find what you want. Good luck at the range...

[KMayUSA6060]

Have you tried on a leather or leather hybrid IWB (Inside the WaistBand) holster with ANY gun yet?

Until you have, you won't realize just how much a mid-sized gun can be snugged against your torso and be effectively concealed.

---

If you want a better experience with a SCCY, replace the trigger with one from RTKtriggers.com. They work wonders for the Ruger LCP.

---

If you are employed, save a few dollars from your next paycheck or two and save up for a good brand name. There are some name brands command higher prices.

Many store will offer financing or layaway programs. This makes it easier to afford higher quality arms.

I have not tried many holsters. I was always of the belief that I should find a gun first then match the holster to the gun. I will definitely looking at different holsters from here on out to see if anything makes it easier to conceal.

I'll look into the trigger. Is the SCCY that reliable?

Yes sir. I have been saving a little bit each check for a firearm. Working retail and having debt doesn't always allow me to put away any solid chunks of money though. Looking for a new job but being degreeless in today's society blows.