Best first handgun for CCW

[justice4all]

is IMO the Kel Tec P32. Makes it really easy to abide by rule #1.
From there one can acquire bigger guns, but still have the little one for times when you can't have something bigger. Comments?

 

[Marko Kloos]

The P32 is a fantastic niche gun. It's a great pocket and backup gun, but I wouldn't recommend it as an "only" gun, especially not to a first-time handgun owner. Its small size makes it harder to shoot well than a decent compact or full-sized handgun, and its caliber is not regarded as a first choice for a main defensive carry weapon.

As a second gun, it makes sense for people who want a sweatpants or backup gun. As a first gun, I'd look for something else first.

 

[tetchaje1]

I agree with lendringser.

I wouldn't suggest a KelTec as a first time or only CCW.

SIG 239, Glock 26/19 (if you have already mastered the don't put your finger on the trigger rule), HK USP Compact, Smith revolvers, etc...

 

[Croyance]

As said, I think that the Ket-Tec is good for its intended niche. However, I believe that niche to be deep cover.
For general utility CCW, I prefer something larger, with a more effective round. Kahr, S&W, Glock, and others provide more fitting options, IMHO.

 

[dairycreek]

lendringser has given excellent advice.

And I would urge you to heed it! As far as a choice is concerned I would suggest a Glock 26 or a S&W J Frame. Good shooting

 

[Greg L]

For a first gun I wouldn't recomend a Kel Tec (I have/carry both the P-11 & P-32 so I'm not knocking the product). With the LOOONG trigger pull that they both have I would be worried if someone who learned on one of those picked up any other pistol. It seems like a ND waiting to happen. I know that I've come close after shooting one of them for a while and then pick up something else.

Something a bit bigger and more traditional would be my suggestion.

Greg

 

[Blackhawk]

Guys, he didn't say first handgun. He said first handgun for CCW.

The first rule of a handgun as a CCW is that you carry the thing without the hassle and inconvenience turning you off from the whole schtick. In that vein, I agree on the P-32 under the presumption that it's not your first gun.

For a first gun ever owned that's also intended to become a CCW, I'd also agree on the P-32. That's because carrying is harder than shooting from an attitudinal perspective. Who's going to carry something they can't shoot? Doesn't make sense. Get a P-32, learn how to shoot it well, then move into carrying.

The P-32 is cheap, and sometimes ammo is too. If you learn to shoot a P-32 adequately at SD ranges of 7 yards or less, you've become proficient at most of what you need to know.

Looks like I agree with you all the way down the line, justice4all, and it really feels strange....

 

[justice4all]

Blackhawk, not sure why it's strange...

Others, note I didn't say the gun one should learn to shoot on, or the only handgun one should buy, or any such thing. My point is this: Someone has $250, has got a CWP, and is now looking for a piece to carry. Everything you guys suggested, there would be occassions where they couldn't carry a G19, Kahr, even J-frame. There's never a place where you can't carry a KTP32.

If you can only afford one gun, and want to always have a gun on you, then I say get a P32.

 

[10-Ring]

As long as we're clear this isn't your only handgun and that it's something you'll have with you when you leave the house (like your car keys & wallet), and works reliably for you, it's a good choice.

 

[Soap]

CCW pieces are extremely subjective. My first CCW piece was (and still is) a full size 1911. I can't shoot the nostril guns are well as I can my 1911. The good thing is that, for me, carrying a full size is not a hindrance. The only occasion that I couldn't carry my 1911 concealed would be in the shower or while at the gym.

 

[Blackhawk]

Blackhawk, not sure why it's strange...

Just a joke. Note the

You're surely going to change your mind in a little while. You won't be saying the P-32 is the best first handgun for CCW.

You'll be saying the P-3AT is!

 

[justice4all]

Indeed.

I'm just glad I've had my P32 for a few years now, so I'll feel like I got my money's worth. I'm not sure I'd even buy one once the P3AT comes out.

I guess I'll be carrying 3 KT's soon, all at once, instead of just 2.

 

[DAL]

S&W 642

My S&W 642 absolutely disappears on my smallish frame, no matter if I'm wearing a t-shirt and jeans or shorts or slacks and button-down shirt. Plus, the concealed hammer makes it a breeze to draw. Another excellent choice, although not a concealable, is the Glock 26.
DAL

 

[JeepDriver]

I'd suggest checking out the Sig p239. I own one and have spoke to several other with one and I can't say a negative word about the gun. You can pick from a 9mm, 40 S&W, or a 357 Sig. Great CCW gun, the DA pull is smooth and the SA pull is really nice. It conseals very easily. But every one is different.

 

[Smoke]

Para LDA?

Thats what I think anyway.

 

[Airwolf]

I did a lot of research before settling on a first handgun. I intended it to be for CCW and wasn’t sure if/when I would be purchasing additional guns so this one had to be as much of a jack-of-all-trades as possible. I settled on a Walther P99.

Reasons?

Polymer frame/Tennifered slide. Makes the gun nearly impervious to normal wear and tear and cuts way down on the possibility of corrosion.

Ergonomics. Multiple back straps and very positive reviews on how almost everyone felt about the fit and feel in the hand.

DA/SA. Safety of long first pull, light SA and unlike the Glock or XD the ability to have a second strike without cycling the slide. Yes, I know that you should always do a tap-rack-bang after a failure but I like having as many things going for me as possible.

Flush decocker. Nothing exposed to snag on anything.

Mag release. The USP type lever works without having to move your hand from a firing grip.

Easy field strip. The gun is brain-dead simple to disassemble, clean and reassemble. If you had to you could do it one handed.

I went with the .40S&W to get a little more “umph†over a 9mm (since I’m in the PRK mag capacity .40 vs. 9 wasn’t an issue).

Is the Walther perfect? Nope. Every tool is a compromise in some way. I’m a bit more accurate and consistent with my XD-9, my USP 45 is a joy to shoot but too large to CCW. P22, fun but hardly a carry piece. The Springfield Ultra-Compact I picked up Sunday is a joy to handle and aim, the trigger is superb and conceals better than the P99, but it’s only 6+1 capacity.

 

[El Tejon]

Whatever pistol you like best.

 

[longeyes]

Once I get out of California and have a carry permit, I plan to pack either my S&W 442 or my Glock 26, or both. I prefer a cartridge with more punch than the .32auto. For quick, reliable, all-weather, all-terrain, all-angle, all-ammo deployment, it's pretty hard to top the S&W Airweight line.

 

[EJ]

S&W J frame

 

[sixgun_symphony]

Detective Special

 

[Kahr carrier]

NAA Guardian or Smith J frame.

 

[GeorgeH]

I think buying your "back-up" first makes sense. It will get you into the habit of being armed all the time. Once you have developed the habit of carring, then move up to your primary defensive handgun.

 

[22luvr]

I have no problem with the P32

I've carried a P32 for 3 full-time years. My lifestyle situation does not warrant being loaded down like a SWAT team member so the P32 was often my primary self-defense piece.

I also carry a Smith 340SC .357 mag but I don't feel it conceals well enough to take places where the P32 is "invisible."

For me, the P32 is an easy gun to carry and make effective hits with, drawing from the pocket. My personal requirements are to be able to draw rapidly from the pocket and put an entire magazine into a paper plate at 5-7 yards and, with practice, the P32 does this with ease.

It is a known fact that most armed encounters are within THREE FEET, LAST THREE SECONDS, and involve THREE SHOTS. With that in mind, drawing, acquiring target, and firing are paramount.

The P32, because of it's size and texture, can be whipped out a lot quicker than my J-frame.

I know my opinions go counter to many prevailing attitudes regarding self-defense but remember.......it is what you think works best for your own particular situation.

 

[V-fib]

My pick, Ruger Sp101 .357 rugged, well made and above all else very dependable

 

[Bainx]

You can't beat a wheel gun for starters. Point, pull trigger, repeat as needed. Works every time.