Handguns for CCW, page 1

Factors to consider are numerous, but may include;

Revolver or auto - Nowadays very few people carry revolvers. However, bear in mind that they have several advantages. They are usually extremely reliable. The stoppage drill is extremely fast (just pull the trigger again). However, they have too many disadvantages for my liking. They are (on average) about 30% wider than a semi. They have very limited capacity (5-6 rounds). They are slow to reload. Modern semis from a decent manufacturer will tend to be very reliable, so this is not really a consideration. In short, a revolver will protect you as will a semi, but a semi has the edge in my opinion. The choice is very personal, so I'll let you decide.

Calibre - Minimum of 9mm in pistols, .38 Special in revolvers. There are countless threads and debates on calibre so I won't start another. Suffice to say that the majority of shooters on here will probably agree with these minimums.

Capacity - Not really an issue with revolvers, but more so with pistols. Some say the more the better. Others say you don't need more than 7-8 rounds if you know what you're doing. I for one would carry a weapon with a minimum capacity of 10 rounds given the choice. I'd rather have these rounds an not need them than vice versa. Handguns are relatively low powered weapons, and no one can guarantee a first round stop in any pistol calibre (no matter what they say). Also there is no guarantee that you will be facing a single adversary. There are too many variables that can go wrong in a shooting. Bear in mind however that big capacities = bigger grips (usually), so this may have a bearing on concealability. I carried a Walther P5C for many years, which has a capacity of 8+1, but this is because it was what I was issued. Given the choice I would have probably gone for sometthing with a few more rounds on tap.

Finish - CCWs are carry often, use little weapons. Therefore they will be subject to lots os sweat and other forms of moisture. With proper cleaning any finish will do, but stainless will make this a bit easier. Some companies offer after market finishes that are excellent (Robar etc.), but these will cost.

Sights - High vis sights with a tritium insert will make low-light shooting a lot easier. I personnally prefer 3-dot configuration, but some prefer other types. The main thing to consider is that they can be picked up quickly. Try a few different types, see what works for you.

Size - This depends on the carry method chosen. For example an IWB holster lends itself to longer weapons as the barrel helps stabalise the pistol. An outside waistband holster in the same carry position wouls be better suited to a shorter barrel in order to cut the chancs of the muzzle sticking out below the outer garment. Width is a more important factor in concealed carry, as a thinner weapon leaves less of a bulge. This can be corrected to an extent with decent gun leather however.

In summery, My choice would be a semi auto in at least 9mm witha hard wearing finish. It will have a double figure capacity and be topped with a decent set of high-vis sights. I carry outside the waistband on the strong side, so it will have a short barrel length.

These are my opinions, and others may differ, but I think that if you stick to the above guidelines you won't go too far wrong.

[edit on 26-4-2007 by PaddyInf]