Hi, I am in need of advice on a CCW gun the ones I have done some research on are Glock 26, Kahr CW9, and S&W 642. As far as the Glock goes I am concerned of the thickness but it holds 10 rounds, Kahr I have never shot a khar but I like the looks of them I have read issues with triggers. S&W seem to be lighter and limited to 5 rounds.Any advice or input?
CCW suggestions
- Thread starter wil1969
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These are the two guns I use for CCW. They may work for you and may not. It's a very personal decision with several factors to think about (caliber, weight, size, reliability, ergonomics, capacity, holster availability, accessories, cost and most importantly....how well you shoot it). For me, these are perfect.
Glock 36 Sub Compact Slimline .45ACP
S&W 624 3" .44Special
Glock 36 Sub Compact Slimline .45ACP
S&W 624 3" .44Special
The best purchase I ever made was my S&W jframe, my 442. Best decision I ever made. I wear baggy cargo shorts in the summer and I buy ones with deep hip pockets. It's with me always. I have a 3 inch model 65 also, but I can't carry it often in hot weather. I will own other handguns but will never sell the 442
JohnBiltz
Member
Those are 3 fine guns for CCW. I carry a G26. Its as small as I care to go and still feel good about having to fight with it and as big as I care to carry and feel comfortable wearing most anything. The other two would be what I might carry if I could not carry a G26.
Any of those should serve you well
at least til you a hankerin' for something else.
Seriously though, while I like the G26/27's I found that I could just as easily conceal a G23. I carried one for a couple years until the 1911 bug bit. I much prefer the power of the 40 over the 9mm so I would go with the 27 over the 26 and the 23 over the 27. Same with the Kahr, get the 40 rather than the 9. While you are at it, check out the 1911 commander on down to the 3" guns. I have two of the Kimber ultras and can not believe how small and lightweight they are. They are also very reliable.
at least til you a hankerin' for something else.
Seriously though, while I like the G26/27's I found that I could just as easily conceal a G23. I carried one for a couple years until the 1911 bug bit. I much prefer the power of the 40 over the 9mm so I would go with the 27 over the 26 and the 23 over the 27. Same with the Kahr, get the 40 rather than the 9. While you are at it, check out the 1911 commander on down to the 3" guns. I have two of the Kimber ultras and can not believe how small and lightweight they are. They are also very reliable.jad0110
Member
As others have said, any of them have the potential to serve you well. But I can't tell you which to get because I honestly don't know how well you'll shoot or carry them.
How do you plan on carrying? For example, all are doable for pocket carry, though most will find the G26 too big in that roll. For ankle carry, I'd say the 642 is likely the best choice. For belt (IWB or OWB), any will do the job.
If you can rent or try the guns out before you buy, that'd be your best bet. The little J Frames can be quite challenging to shoot, though I actually shoot them as well or better than Glocks (which flat don't feel "right" to me). The short barrel makes aiming with the sights more error prone, exacerbated by the fact that with so little weight at the muzzle it does not point as instinctively as a heavier, longer barreled revolver like a 3" S&W K Frame.
How do you plan on carrying? For example, all are doable for pocket carry, though most will find the G26 too big in that roll. For ankle carry, I'd say the 642 is likely the best choice. For belt (IWB or OWB), any will do the job.
If you can rent or try the guns out before you buy, that'd be your best bet. The little J Frames can be quite challenging to shoot, though I actually shoot them as well or better than Glocks (which flat don't feel "right" to me). The short barrel makes aiming with the sights more error prone, exacerbated by the fact that with so little weight at the muzzle it does not point as instinctively as a heavier, longer barreled revolver like a 3" S&W K Frame.
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1stmarine
Member
Glock 19, 23 or in .357 SIG. All time tested.
For the summer with light clothes get a keltec PF9.
For the summer with light clothes get a keltec PF9.
Go to the store, handle them all and if possible shoot them all and anything else you can get your hands on. Figure out which shoots best for you and feels best. Then try to figure out where and how you want to conceal it. Use the info you've gather to make an educated choice. The internet is full of misinformation and you will be betting your life on your CCW. Make it a good one.
That said, I think any of the guns listed are quality pieces. I would suggest you consider a S&W M&P9c and a Glock 19 as well. They're a little bigger which makes them easier to handle, aim and control. Most people don't find the size increase significantly more difficult to conceal.
That said, I think any of the guns listed are quality pieces. I would suggest you consider a S&W M&P9c and a Glock 19 as well. They're a little bigger which makes them easier to handle, aim and control. Most people don't find the size increase significantly more difficult to conceal.
jad0110
Member
True, depending on carry method (like in or on the waistband). I carry 4" medium and large frame revolvers and used to carry a steel 5" 1911 IWB with a good gun belt and holster with no problems.
BIGGBAY90
Member
442 is great
dairycreek
Member
CZ PCR is a great CCW. Light weight @14 rounds!
TexasBill
Member
The 642 is going to kick like a Missouri mule, especially if you load it with +P ammunition. The itty-bitty grips don't help. I have a model 637 (I like hammers) and I switched the grips to a pair that let me use all my fingers and switched the loads to regular .38 Special and now it's my most frequently carried gun.
You might want to look at the Walther PPS in either 9mm or .40 S&W. It's nice and thin.
You might want to look at the Walther PPS in either 9mm or .40 S&W. It's nice and thin.
Don't forget m.o. theory for most American folks if it doesn't kick it doesn't work.
Haywireranch
Member
Really like my 642 I can't tell that much difference between 38spl. And +p
Ammo, has some kick but not bad and very nice grouping at 7+ yards which
Is good for me. I really like my 642!!!
Ammo, has some kick but not bad and very nice grouping at 7+ yards which
Is good for me. I really like my 642!!!
I see a lot of recommendations for the 442/642. They are great gun. Light, reliable, accurate and I have/carry one myself, but only when I can't pack something a little bigger. Also if you are a novice shooter, it far harder to shoot a .38 snub well and quickly than most semiautos. It really takes a lot of practice. Slow fire at the range for a dozen rounds or so may make you feel good about it, but when you are under the stress of NEEDING your CCW, all of your bad habits and techniques are going to come out. No matter what you get, you need to practice with it as much as you can. A snubbie just might not be the best way to go for a CCW unless you are an experienced revolver shooter already.
EDIT: I want to clarify when I said semiautos, I'm referring to compacts like the G19 or mid size Kahrs, not the ultra compacts like an LCP. The tiny semiautos can be as difficult to use as a snub.
EDIT: I want to clarify when I said semiautos, I'm referring to compacts like the G19 or mid size Kahrs, not the ultra compacts like an LCP. The tiny semiautos can be as difficult to use as a snub.
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smince
Member.
Unless, of course, you need more...
bestseller92
Member
I can highly and heartily recommend the Glock 26.
22-rimfire
Member
My choice is a S&W M442/642 (38spl). Carry a reload if you feel five shots aren't enough. Small revolver carry is simple, light, and easy to slip into your pocket. They don't take a lot of experimentation to find a holster and gun that easily works. I also think the Glock is a little thick, but I open carry (semi-concealed) a Glock 23 from time to time. I like the Kahr's but don't own one.
PcolaDawg
Member
I really LOVE my 642. It's a little large for pocket carry at times, however, depending on what pants I wear. So I've also got a S&W Bodyguard 380.
But the 642 is a great little conceal/carry weapon.
But the 642 is a great little conceal/carry weapon.
MtnSpur
Member
CCW
I carry a S&W 637 Airweight in a Don Hume OT and can wear light t-shirts without worry (it gets hotter than Hades in Texas in the summer).
Some will say but you only have 5 shots, yep and?
I do carry a Sig P239 on occassion and it rides well in a Don Hume OT also.
Carrying weight all day isn't fun as one gets older so it's all a matter of preference.
I carry a S&W 637 Airweight in a Don Hume OT and can wear light t-shirts without worry (it gets hotter than Hades in Texas in the summer).
Some will say but you only have 5 shots, yep and?
I do carry a Sig P239 on occassion and it rides well in a Don Hume OT also.
Carrying weight all day isn't fun as one gets older so it's all a matter of preference.
Shadow 7D
Member
Whatever you decide on, SHOOT IT
alot and preferably before you buy, little guns are NOT fun to shoot
Revolvers can function inside of a pocket, a semi gets 1 shot
revolvers click through
a semi is easier to reload
carries more shots
It's a trade off, find something you like and can hide, in the end it's up to you and what You LIKE
OK, read what CZ223 says
and now the grain of salt
A light gun such as the .40 Kahr, esp. the poly framed guns, or say an Airweight S&W snubby in .357 or worse... .44Mag
is a Specialist's gun, by that I mean, it will and does beat the begezuts out of you, the autos requre VERY good form and grip to keep from 'limpwristing' which deprives the slide of recoil force and... causes malfunctions. I would rather shoot the 9mm version ACCURATELY (close counts in HORSESHOES and HANDGRENADES)
Better to hit with a 9 than hit once, miss then malfunction with a .40, or hit with a .38 than miss with a .357 or .44mag.
Last cravat, a snubby .357 isn't a bad choice, but, if you are shooting .38's or low puff .357, don't think you are OK to carry HOT .357 SD rounds, practice with what you carry, but the .357 does let you shoot the lighter .38, but that means you should carry them too.
alot and preferably before you buy, little guns are NOT fun to shoot
Revolvers can function inside of a pocket, a semi gets 1 shot
revolvers click through
a semi is easier to reload
carries more shots
It's a trade off, find something you like and can hide, in the end it's up to you and what You LIKE
OK, read what CZ223 says
and now the grain of salt
A light gun such as the .40 Kahr, esp. the poly framed guns, or say an Airweight S&W snubby in .357 or worse... .44Mag
is a Specialist's gun, by that I mean, it will and does beat the begezuts out of you, the autos requre VERY good form and grip to keep from 'limpwristing' which deprives the slide of recoil force and... causes malfunctions. I would rather shoot the 9mm version ACCURATELY (close counts in HORSESHOES and HANDGRENADES)
Better to hit with a 9 than hit once, miss then malfunction with a .40, or hit with a .38 than miss with a .357 or .44mag.
Last cravat, a snubby .357 isn't a bad choice, but, if you are shooting .38's or low puff .357, don't think you are OK to carry HOT .357 SD rounds, practice with what you carry, but the .357 does let you shoot the lighter .38, but that means you should carry them too.
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thefamcnaj
Member
I like alternating between the g19 and g30. I carry both iwb, year round. i carry the kel tec pf9 if I'm just going out in a rush for a little while. the pf9 is a great ccw, I just like having more rounds than 7+1. The g27 was the first gun i ever carried but, its a tad snappy and may be difficult to make an accurae follow up shot, should the need arrise
1stmarine
Member
A Carry gun is supposed to be comforting and not comfortable.
Get a nice 9mm, 40 cal or 357 sig (mid frame) and then get a PF9 for the summer.
Glocks can be 'boring' but that is a good thing. They do not give any trouble and that is a good thing with any tools. Specially tools that can save your life.
Go and handle them and see if they fit well. Ask some friends and shoot them.
I carry a light gun when I go away from downtown an a big momma when I have to enter hostile territory.
You have to make your decision based on your needs. My advise try what you want to buy if you have the possibility.
In the clubs I go it is common courtesy to offer your system to folks that want to try them and many people make the offer back. Obviously, given that initial assessment they are going to be right there with you and you consider them safe and sound to handle your firearm.
Cheers,
E.
Get a nice 9mm, 40 cal or 357 sig (mid frame) and then get a PF9 for the summer.
Glocks can be 'boring' but that is a good thing. They do not give any trouble and that is a good thing with any tools. Specially tools that can save your life.
Go and handle them and see if they fit well. Ask some friends and shoot them.
I carry a light gun when I go away from downtown an a big momma when I have to enter hostile territory.
You have to make your decision based on your needs. My advise try what you want to buy if you have the possibility.
In the clubs I go it is common courtesy to offer your system to folks that want to try them and many people make the offer back. Obviously, given that initial assessment they are going to be right there with you and you consider them safe and sound to handle your firearm.
Cheers,
E.
doc.lonestar
Member
I am not an advocate of buying a weapon or not buying a weapon due to capacity. Buy what feels right in your hand and that you can control. I own and carry both a revolver (Ruger LCR) and semi (Glock 23,30 or a 1911 Commander) - depends on what I am needing to do and what I am wearing - comfortable with either. I do prefer my Glock 30 as edc.
Width is going to be perception - when I first picked up my 30 I swore the thing was too big to ccw. Again, this is my primary edc. Point being - find what you shoot and handle best and then go from there.
If round count is an issue w the revolver just make sure to carry a couple of quick strips....
Width is going to be perception - when I first picked up my 30 I swore the thing was too big to ccw. Again, this is my primary edc. Point being - find what you shoot and handle best and then go from there.
If round count is an issue w the revolver just make sure to carry a couple of quick strips....
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