About to take class - What gun to buy?

[cintron.ben]

New guy here..

I am about to take the class in the very near future with my Mom and Dad. I am 22 years old and live in College Station (going to A&M). Looking for some consolidated advice as I have been lurking the forum for the last couple days searching.

I currently own a Taurus PT92, but with a 5" barrel, I won't be concealing it anytime soon. I am going to be selling it and purchasing one more fit for EDC. My thoughts so far:

1. I want something small enough that I will carry every day. I don't think for me, at this time, it is practical to get a large frame auto.

2. I have considered a .380 TCP, LCP, or the like. I've read a lot of reviews and opinions and have read that it is not enough stopping power to be your only gun. It seems to me that 6 shots of hollow points is enough to me, but I suppose it would be different if you are dealing with multiple BGs.

3. If not a .380, then I would most likely be going with a 9mm. I've considered the XD, PT111, PT709 Slim, and a few others.

Thanks in advance,

Ben
4. Open to any advice in general. I am trying to find something that would be comfortable for EDC with jeans and a t-shirt or button down.

[dicion]

I currently own a Taurus PT92, but with a 5" barrel, I won't be concealing it anytime soon.

Why not?

Many of us here on the forums carry full-size handguns concealed all the time. It's not really as hard as you probably think it is.

[chartreuse]

Even if you do decide you want a smaller handgun when you start carrying, there's no rush to get rid of your current one. Plenty of folks take the test with a full size sidearm, and you'll have weeks between the test and your plastic arriving to find a good deal.

[cintron.ben]

I currently own a Taurus PT92, but with a 5" barrel, I won't be concealing it anytime soon.

Why not?

Many of us here on the forums carry full-size handguns concealed all the time. It's not really as hard as you probably think it is.

I don't doubt that I could, but my wardrobe will not normally be best suited for it. I am pretty set on getting a sub compact, just not sure which one.

Even if you do decide you want a smaller handgun when you start carrying, there's no rush to get rid of your current one. Plenty of folks take the test with a full size sidearm, and you'll have weeks between the test and your plastic arriving to find a good deal.

This is very true, but I tend to start researching something and when I get my mind set...
I am not in a rush to get a new gun, but once I decide on one, and find a good deal, I will be purchasing it

[razrbak]

Considering the 709 Slim 9mm myself for my BUG and the eventual CC for my wife. I have read some scetchy reviews however... it appeals to my cheap-side, but if you can't depend 100% on it when (God forbid) it is needed- esp. for the wife... well you know.

[A-R]

Even if you do decide you want a smaller handgun when you start carrying, there's no rush to get rid of your current one. Plenty of folks take the test with a full size sidearm, and you'll have weeks between the test and your plastic arriving to find a good deal.

This is great advice. You already know how to shoot your PT92, so use it to qualify. Then if you really don't think you can adequately conceal it and don't have money to keep it and ALSO buy a more concealable gun, then sell it and buy something else. BTW, I'm sure you already know this, but Champion Firearms in CS has some good prices. I always stop in there if I'm in B-CS. Better selection and prices than most gun stores in Austin.

As for alternatives, you need to decide how you want to primarily carry this gun?

If it's primarily pocket carry, then go try different guns at a gun store slipping them into the pockets you would normally use - there can be significant difference between what will carry comfortably and not print obviously in Dockers vs. jeans vs. cargo pants vs. dress slacks etc. Most gun stores will allow this (just don't start walking toward the door)

LCP/TCP type in .380 is as small as you want to go, and most consider it only a BUG or last resort gun (yours truly included). But it's better than nothing.

Also definitely try a snub-nose revolver, S&W J-frame, Ruger LCR, Taurus 85s etc. Unless my pockets are very small or pants too tight, I actually think a snub-nose carries BETTER in a front pocket, conceals better (doesn't print like a classic semi-auto gun outline - the cylinder breaks up the "gun pattern"), a .38 is a bit better defensive round than a .380 because while it's moving at roughly the same speed, typically the bullet is heavier (about 95 grains for .380; 115 and up for a .38)

Lastly, if pocket carry is your primary mode of carry, there are the 9mm and .40 pocket guns like Taurus 709 Slim, Kahrs, and depending on size of your pockets possibly even baby Glocks, XDs etc. There are also some .380 guns in this same size range, but why carry a .380 when a 9mm is same size gun? Caveat to this being if price is a big factor, a Bersa .380 (either the Thunder or the concealed carry version) are both very good guns at reasonable prices in this size range.

But if you just want a smaller/lighter gun for belt carry (inside or outside the waistband), then you have a huge range of options. First thing I'd point you toward are any of the good polymer-frame guns - Glocks, Springfield XDs, S&W M&P, Sig makes a few, H&K makes some, Beretta, Taurus, Ruger, Walther, you name it. And of course others will tell you to look at aluminum-framed 3-inch barrel 1911s.

I was in your same situation almost when I lived in B-CS 12 years ago. I didn't want to try to conceal a large gun, so my first CCW was a Colt Mustang .380 (a "baby" 1911). I carried it IWB and in pocket depending on dress. Colt hasn't made that gun in years, but Sig just came out with a nearly identical clone in the P238. Of course, after a year I traded in my Mustang for a Glock 23 (a great move up in caliber, but lost a lot of $$ when Colt stopped making the Mustang and it became a $900 collector's item)

[Bonc_CHL]

I love my Springfield XDSC 40cal. Shot a friends one day and just had to have one!
Still waiting to shoot my BIL's Glock 23, I like the feel but yet to shoot it.

[cintron.ben]

Thanks for the detailed reply austinrealtor. I have just started my research of the 709 slim and am going to take that, and other comparable 9mms into my consideration. Thanks for the advice.

[cintron.ben]

I love my Springfield XDSC 40cal. Shot a friends one day and just had to have one!
Still waiting to shoot my BIL's Glock 23, I like the feel but yet to shoot it.

My friend has one, and I didn't particularly like it when I shot it. I want to try one in 9mm and see if I like it.

[PJK]

My advice to you is to go to a large store with a large collection of guns and browse. Explain to the person helping you what you are looking for. Hold as many guns as you can and see what is comfortable for you. While you are doing this, ask them about the different ways you can carry them concealed. Depending on how you want to conceal it will greatly impact the gun you want to buy. Carrying a compact 1911 in your front pocket is very difficult, but if you are comfortable wearing outside the waist band with an untucked shirt you can get away with a full size semi. Don't worry as much about caliber, worry about what you are comfortable shooting. The best gun is one you will carry every day.

I personally carry an LCP in the pocket with a pocket holster every day. This conceals VERY well, especially for someone that wears slacks and tucked in shirts every day. With 7 shots of .380 with Gold Dots, I am confident I can get away. Especially since I have an extra magazine in my other front pocket. In addition, most days I carry the sub compact Glock 26 in a IWB (in the waist band) holster by Comp-Tac. You can still tuck your shirt in to conceal it. I LOVE this gun. It takes abuse very well and they are very reliable. There are times though that I can't carry it such as my work out shorts at the gym. The LCP will conceal in my gym shorts. I feel confident that between these two I am safe.

You might make a trip to Houston and go to Collectors Firearms and ask for Alex. He is very knowledgeable and he will spend as much time with you as you need. He helped my wife find her first CC firearm recently after she got her CHL. He spent almost 90 minutes with her. She really wanted a jFrame, but once she compared it to other guns she settled on a Beretta TomCat. She now has a IWB Tuckable and a Pocket holster. She never goes out without the gun now.

Remember, caliber is not as important as finding a gun you will carry. I have heard people say "You are not safe unless you have a .45 with 16 rounds and 3 extra magazines. Yes this is safe. However, chances are you will never need to use the gun. Get what works for you now based on how you dress and what you can conceal. You can always add more guns in the future.

Remember, carry all the time or guess right. Get the gun that will allow you to live this way.

[PJK]

One more thing. Collectors also buys and takes guns on trade.

[cintron.ben]

Great advice PJK. Planning on going to check out as many guns as possible.

[RPB]

I carry my Taurus PT92 in a Wilderness Safepacker on my belt to stores, or carry it to church.. or on my seatbelt when traveling in the car.
No worries since it is tuckable because it's on the belt itself.
No worries about "printing" or it "falling out" in a bathroom etc. because it's concealed.
No worries about squatting instead of bending over etc.
No worries where to carry an extra mag, or even an extra pistol or moneyclip.
I did cut their small logo off the flap, with a razor blade.
If Asked (but no one ever has) ... The Wilderness Safepacker contains my PDA (Personal Defense Assistant)

[OldCannon]

My $0.02, since everybody else is contributin'

1) At your CHL class, use the semi-auto pistol you shoot best with. You're getting scored, and you don't want to take the chances of failing. I saw a girl try to qualify with a 642 snubbie revolver and failed miserably (twice). The class is NOT about seeing how you can shoot with a concealed gun, but just determining that you can reasonably operate a pistol and shoot straight. At 15 yards, unless you're some amazing pro, you're not likely going to score well with a short-barreled anything. I'm not saying it can't be done, but why take that chance? Heck, I qualified shooting with my Glock 34, which I would NEVER carry and only use at IDPA/IPSC shoots.

2) Go to an indoor range that rents pistols and try as many as you can. A new pistol is a big investment, and you don't want "buyer's remorse" for a pistol.

3) Caliber -- For CHL class, go ahead and shoot a 9mm. For carry, use what suits you. I carry with 9mm or .40S&W, depending on what I grab out of the safe. I don't personally recommend .380 because the loads tend to be too light and you see more FTF problems with them, but if you train to recover from that, and you REALLY want to carry a .380, more power to ya!

[Carry Big Stick]

I have to seconded the take your test with the gun you have now... I let my wife use my full size G22 and I took it with my G27. I know I could have scored better with my full size since it isn't as snappy as the sub-compact. Like others have said don't worry about caliber and worry more about finding a gun you are willing to carry all the time. A mouse gun in my pocket is better than a .45 sitting at home. Find the one you think suits your needs the best and you will be more likely to carry it more often.