TexasCHLforum.com

New to the forum and really appreciate all of the information I have been getting. I took my CHL in Dallas 3 weeks ago and submitted the paperwork 2 weeks ago. Looking forward to receiving approval soon(hopefully).

Right now I have only the Bersa Thunder CC .380 which I am really fond of(Desantis Insider IWB holster). First time shooting it(at CHL qualification and haven't fired pistol in 8 years lol) and scored 248/250 so I can't complain.

I would, however, like to purchase a 9mm for beefier home defense(CC would be a plus too). Really makes your head explode at all the choices out there!

As it stands now(with only online reading and information) I've got it narrowed down to the following(In no order preference):

Taurus 24/7 Pro
Taurus Millenium Pro
Ruger KP95 or P95
Kahr CW9

I do understand all mechanical things can have issues, and the above have had theirs, but thought I'd ask for any information that might narrow my choices down further. Once that is done I'll go and look at/feel/pet/drool over them in person lol.

Thanks in advance and glad to be a part of the CHL community!

Welcome to the forum.

I can't let a discussion of home defense go by without mentioning shotguns. You can find everything ever said about them on the web.

For home defense, you do not have to worry about the size or weight of a handgun. That allows you to buy some handguns that are easier to control, more accurate, and have larger magazines. Aside from that, I have no opinion on the pieces that you mentioned.

- Jim

Thanks for the reply Jim. I actually do have a Winchester Defender 12 gauge under the bed : ) I should have clarified further that when I said "only have" I meant in handguns. My 6-month-pregnant wife actually refuses to use(even with birdshot) it if I am not at home since it has pistol grips and she has weak wrists lol.

After the baby, I really need to get her out to get used to it, and hopefully she will get her CHL too.

Good for you.

I've found that women can become comfortable with shotguns, though with regular stocks. Few "fashion accessories" are more intimidating to a bad guy.

The first two shots are the worst: the first because you don't know what's going to happen, the second because you do. Recoil pads help, and you can get low-recoil rounds in larger shot sizes, or ask someone who hand loads to load a few.

If your wife is shy of recoil with handguns, I would definitely recommend looking for heavier pieces, not alloy frames (which are more expensive, anyway).

- Jim

You might want to add the Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm to research list. A LOT of people active in IDPA are switching to this line.

Let me confuse matters further by mentioning the Browning High Power and the CZ 75.

I shoot a High Power, my mother has a CZ 75; both are excellent pistols, and rather easy to shoot. The High Power is a single-action 9mm pistol, with a 13-round magazine; the CZ is a double/single-action 9mm, with a 16-round magazine. The CZ has (in my opinion) better ergonomics under recoil, while slide operation and controls (safety, mag release) are better located on the High Power. Both are incredibly reliable, at least in my experience, and both are more than adequately accurate for my shooting skills.

Outside of those two pistols, I really don't look at 9mms at all - I'm a .45 ACP guy - but I would highly recommend either.

Springfield XDs come to mind.

My wife used mine to qualify for her CHL renewal, and fired a perfect score, and now it's not mine any more.

Thanks all for the additional comments. I have added the Subcompact XD9 to the list and have been reading good things about it. Man, what an ugly thing a budget can be lol. I want one of each!

Larsin wrote:Thanks all for the additional comments. I have added the Subcompact XD9 to the list and have been reading good things about it. Man, what an ugly thing a budget can be lol. I want one of each!

Spoken like a true shooter. AS the yrs go by the guns will multiply.

Larsin wrote: As it stands now(with only online reading and information) I've got it narrowed down to the following(In no order preference):

Taurus 24/7 Pro
Taurus Millenium Pro
Ruger KP95 or P95
Kahr CW9

Welcome to the Forum!

A shotgun is the best for home defense, but since you want to double-duty the instrument, I'd go with the Kahr CW9. It's small, light and thin.

longtooth wrote:. As the yrs go by the guns will multiply.

I was kind of hoping for that when I put several guns belonging to my daughter in storage while she's in school.

So far, the count is the same!

I can't tell a male from a female gun though, so there may be a problem in that area.

I'll keep checking on 'em anyway.

Flint my friend,
Guns are different than cattle.
Carefully lay the picture of one you kinda like under a wanit pillow & sleep on it for a while.
The money tree will soon bear fruit.
Friends

When I first started carrying, I started with a Glock 27 (.40 cal) because I was overly concerned with the weapon being concealed. After I was comfortable with the 27, I started carrying the Glock 23. There was still no issue with concealment at all.

Since, I have graduated up to my favorite of all time...my Kimber Eclipse Pro II. I also carry a Colt Mustang .380 on my ankle at all times.

The wife now carries the 27 most of the time and the 23 occasionally.

Welcome to the forum.

I also carry the Bersa Thunder .380 most of the time. My husband had to go buy his own Bersa b/c we argued over who would get to carry it. It's one of the easiest guns to conceal on the hip.

When my clothes aren't as fitted, I prefer to wear my 1911. It's a bigger gun, so I can't always wear it, but it's my favorite.

After the baby is born & your wife is more comfortable, get her out to the range. If your in the area north of Houston, she may learn a lot by taking one of Donna Vandermolen's classes at Thunder Gun Range. Donna is very encouraging to new women shooters; she will help her find her niche.
I wasn't comfortable shooting larger calibars at first either. It may take some time; if she's willing, just be patient with her.

Thanks all for the additional comments. I can see my new hobby will warrant more consulting work and/or overtime lol.