Choosing the right pistol

I have tried a ton of them looking for the perfect CC (for me) I settled on a HK P2000sk with the LEM trigger. I love it but I would like to try the Sig 365. So I guess the answer is try a lot and find something you like. Hit some ranges. Ask some questions. I’ve always been willing to let someone take a few shots with mine at the range if they wanted.

 

Basic biology. When you hold your breath, CO2 builds up in your body and your focus and coordination drops. You will be less steady due to this. This occurs even in the space of the second or two when you hold your breath before a shot. You are actually at your most steady in the 1/4 second or so between your natural exhalation and inhalation. I was taught to just breathe normally, and send the shot at that point.

You may not notice a big difference using this techniqe at typical hunting ranges, but when you're really reaching out there it does make a difference. I typically shoot to 700 yards, my longest first shot cold bore hit being at 1200 yards. My friend, the ex-sniper, shoots at 1500 yards and up. At those ranges, breathing and steadiness are critical.

 

The S&W 9mm revolver is probably worth more than any of the others. I go to a lot of gun shows and have only seen a couple of them. Do you have the model #? Also, life is too short and precious to bet on plastic pistols.. LOL

 

Just to be clear, I hang out with a lot of guys who shoot Glock's and shoot them well. I am a gun racist when it comes to polymer framed pistols. I am a dedicated Sig/HK/Beretta/Colt guy.

Great advice on shooting a bunch of them to see what fits you!

 

What they said ^^^^ I found the VP9 melted to my hand like butter, the trigger is silky smooth and a real nice reset so for my hand it was the best fit and it is a joy to shoot. Get the best fit for you then allocate 5% for ammo and training!!!!!! Good times ahead!

 

If you want the safest small most accurate pistol made 9mm plus p plus loads invest in a used H andK P7m8 and be done ! Expensive yes worth it plus you won't lose money if you sell it.

 

To the OP, I would walk away unless you are getting a smoking steal of a deal that allows you to keep what you like, or flip into something better. There are plenty of excellent used handguns on the market, find out what you like best and buy that one.

 

Right, this is really why I was interested in the first place. I have been wanting a new pistol for CC but have not been shopping around prior to this 'opportunity' dropping in my lap. Prices came back quicker than expected so i'll be posting those shortly. Curious on everyone's feedback.

I'm sorta seeing this whole thing as a backwards way to chose a gun, esp a CC with everyone's great insight.

 

Lot of good comments here. Since i wasn't even aware of the rent-and-shoot option, that's what we're going to do next. We being my wife and myself together. Was hoping that Lady S&W might work for her but we'll see.

 

All the indoor gun ranges near me have guns to rent. I would check there first instead of a gun shop. Then you just rent the guns and get a lane to shoot in one place.

 

Prices came back last night. Now i'm leaning towards buying the G42 and S&W since the prices seem ok to me. After reading all the great comments, i might just buy and hold and look to rent the gun on the ranges, figure out what actually works for me, then see if either gun is a good fit.

If the prices are in the right range, maybe i can then re-sell to buy what works best for me. But, this seems like a bit of hassle as well because as @Rex Kramer said, there's a ton of used guns on the market i see, just from doing a quick search.


- Glock $250 (holds 6rds)
- S&W 9mm $450
- Lady smith 38spl $225,
- Derringer $225


I found the S&W 9mm on a site $765, and looks like S&W only started making it a few years ago. This almost seems like the best 'value' but again, i understand that's not the point after reading all the comments. But, maybe it would help me get the right product once i take the time to figure that out

 

Offer $600 for the G42 and S&W together, see what happens.

 

if it were me i'd pick up the glock and the 38spl for good resale value. i've owned one of those glocks but wasn't a huge fan of it. But I do like other glocks.

 

Don't buy a firearm based on convenience and don't buy a Glock unless you are well versed in firearms.

Yes yer finger and brain are your safety but Youtube some negligent discharges with Glocks. Usually re-holstering and an obstruction gets in trigger guard. Usually trained pros too!

The Glock lack of a legit safety is a huge concern for most less than pro shooters. Unless you want to devote many many hours of training (and you should with ANY firearm!) do not start with a firearm that has no safety.

I agree that safeties are a drag so opted for a Sig Sauer P229 DA/SA. DA/SA if you don't know is double action/ single action. No safety but first trigger pull ~10lbs and impossible to pull accidentally. After that ~3.5 lbs. Super easy to train for. A couple trips to the range and you get the hang of it. Way safer for me!

I just don't carry or shoot enough to feel safe with a Glock or ANY side arm that doesn't have a solid safety device. I liked the Springfield XDs for having at least a grip safety as well so very hard to get an ND.

YMMV

Greg

 

I carry a g42 or fns9c daily. I was always a glock fan until I started buying FN

 

What's the price range for one of these? (new)

 

Have never heard of FN Herstal till you posted this. will check it out. prices seem in-line with Glock from what i can see. also seems compact as well. how's the safety work? same as the Glock?

 

i am the same

 

I found a NOS Legion P229 9mm for $1000. Sig makes a variety of styles with different triggers and grips and sites etc. I think you can find a base model for ~$700.... Legions got a bad rap for "fragile" finish but it's just a color that doesn't age well although mine is still mint after a year... Legions are Pricey but have all the upgrades I'd get so a bargain for me...and LOVE the GrayGuns trigger. For a compact it's a straight shooter! 15rnd capacity.

There's others! Someone posted the Baretta DA/SA PX4 which I've shot and likes. I also had a Springfield XDE that was ~$450, liked it fine but a 3.3" barrel I think and I couldn't shoot as straight as the Sig.

I'm a 1911 Colt .45 man at heart but don't get the chance to shoot and train enough to handle it's manual safety.

Mans got to know his limitations!

G

 

Personally rather have a safety for everyday carry. There is not a single situation where the time it takes to flip the safety off is going to cost you your life. Peace of mind knowing no accidents can happen is much more valuable to me.

For this reason I carry a Sig P238.

I actually like the concept Springfield uses on some of their pistols where the safety is on the grip. Best of both worlds.

 

Lots of positive feedback on this thread for various Sig models. I'll rent one when we go to the range

 

i'd also recommend trying a springfield xd or xdm

 

yes, got the springfield on the rental list too. also lot of good comments on the Sxd being better for beginner CC.

 

I was hoping to be down closer to the $400-$500 range, hence the reason i'm looking at the used models i originally posted. Seems like $700-$900 is the common range for new. i know they're all over the place but looks like if you buy new, that's about what yer gonna pay

 

a safety is optional. non safety I would not compare to a glocks safe.

 

Sig makes fine weapons. I would suggest holding a few different sized glocks / sigs / springfields in your hand to see what fits best and also keep in mind how you plan to carry it. My HK VP9 fits my hands better than any gun I’ve ever held but it’s a little big to conceal IWB so I only take it with me when I conceal OWB which is very rarely (camping, hunting, fishing, working in the woods). The sig p238 stays with me the rest of the time.

 

The Sig P238 and P938 are basically the same other than the caliber. My P938 is a small frame 1911 model in 9mm. It has a bit more recoil than the P238 but i like the extra velocity. I also have the pinky extender mags for comfort and control.