I'm looking for a reliable and accurate gun for concealed carry. I shot the Springfield XDS.45 a couple of weeks ago and really liked it but I've also read tons of positive reviews of the Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm and the Walther PPS. Just wondering what your thoughts were between these three guns and what your experience with each has been. I'm also open to other options, thanks in advance!
Help deciding on a concealed carry gun.
- Thread starter kevmg
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unclenunzie
Contributing Member
All three are well respected. I have the XDS in 9 and the PPS M1 in 40. Both are excellent in my opinion. For what it is worth, the NYPD recently authorized a version of the XDS 9 for off-duty carry. I like that. I do not think you can go wrong with any of the three - just pay attention to features and try them all if you can.
Big7
Member
Might take a look at Taurus Millennium Pro series.
Slim and safe to carry. ( Carry the PT-111) in 9 para. 12+1.
Slim and safe to carry. ( Carry the PT-111) in 9 para. 12+1.
guyfromohio
Member
I have not owned all three, but I give the PPS a very enthusiastic thumbs-up.
XDs was my first and one members of the local constabulary use. It was just too big for what I wear. Tried a Ruger LCP. Too small. Settled on a Ruger LC9S and it is just right. I go between the three depending on circumstances. Boy is that XDs sweet to hold, aim, and shoot.
Good Ol' Boy
Member
The only one listed that I've even held was the Shield. To me it seemed rather bulky for a small single stack.
I ended up going with the LC9s for a small carry piece. Conceals very well IWB with minimal clothing and is easy to shoot and fairly accurate for me.
I would definitely advise giving the LC9s a look although all three mentioned get great reviews. Whatever works for you is the way to go.
I ended up going with the LC9s for a small carry piece. Conceals very well IWB with minimal clothing and is easy to shoot and fairly accurate for me.
I would definitely advise giving the LC9s a look although all three mentioned get great reviews. Whatever works for you is the way to go.
browningguy
Member
I switched to a PPS a year or two ago for most carry, and I'm still very happy with it. I'll admit when I know I have to travel in certain areas I do put on an Xdm.
huntsman
Member
Whatever you chose you'll be looking again in a year because one doesn't really know what works(for them) until they carry on a daily basis.
guyfromohio
Member
There are times when I need more discretion. Those are the PPS days. Great shooter and VERY comfortable to carry. Capacity is the only downside IMO.
Tallball
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"Whatever you chose you'll be looking again in a year because one doesn't really know what works(for them) until they carry on a daily basis."
I feel the same way. I had different opinions before I actually started to CC. After doing so over many years, my opinions changed.
I now carry things like an LCP or LCR, or at the most a Bulldog or LC9. This may vary widely between individuals, but my experience has been that I find larger handguns to be a pain in the rear to carry. I have also (perhaps conveniently) come to feel that the realistic reasons I am carrying are because someone might attempt to mug or carjack me. The firearms I carry are convenient, and suitable for the sorts of threat that I feel I might realistically encounter. They may not be suitable for big-time gunfights, but they are convenient and comfortable enough that I will always carry them.
This is just my two cents and I know that there are others who feel differently.
I feel the same way. I had different opinions before I actually started to CC. After doing so over many years, my opinions changed.
I now carry things like an LCP or LCR, or at the most a Bulldog or LC9. This may vary widely between individuals, but my experience has been that I find larger handguns to be a pain in the rear to carry. I have also (perhaps conveniently) come to feel that the realistic reasons I am carrying are because someone might attempt to mug or carjack me. The firearms I carry are convenient, and suitable for the sorts of threat that I feel I might realistically encounter. They may not be suitable for big-time gunfights, but they are convenient and comfortable enough that I will always carry them.
This is just my two cents and I know that there are others who feel differently.
Agree, almost. Sometimes it works out good the first time around or maybe the second time. Just because you shoot a gun well or it fits in your hand just right does not mean it will carry just the same for you.
Then, you get into finding the right belt and holster, which I think is the biggest problem in finding the right gun to carry.
AZAndy
Member
That's certainly how it worked out for me. In a ten year period, I cycled through eight handguns. Either the weight was too much (1911), or I wanted a caliber upgrade (.380 to 9mm), or my hands got too old to shoot them much (642 and 438). I think I've settled on something perfect for me, but that's what I thought all the other times too.
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bannockburn
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kevmg
Any one of the three you have listed would make for a decent choice for a concealed carry gun. Go with the one that fits your needs the best. For myself I went with something a little bit smaller with a Kahr CM9.
Any one of the three you have listed would make for a decent choice for a concealed carry gun. Go with the one that fits your needs the best. For myself I went with something a little bit smaller with a Kahr CM9.
straightshooterjake
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You are considering three top quality guns in their class. You really cannot go wrong with any of them. I have seen a Shield go 1,000 rounds with no malfunctions, and a friend of mine has a PPS that has been just as reliable. I have less experience with the Springfield XDs, but I think it will do just as well.
However, I do recommend that you choose a 9mm. With these small guns, you get an extra round or two in the magazine with a 9mm. And with the low capacity of small single stack pistols, the extra rounds are a significant advantage.
However, I do recommend that you choose a 9mm. With these small guns, you get an extra round or two in the magazine with a 9mm. And with the low capacity of small single stack pistols, the extra rounds are a significant advantage.
badkarmamib
Member
"Whatever you chose you'll be looking again in a year because one doesn't really know what works(for them) until they carry on a daily basis"
When I first got my CCW, I carried a Beretta 92FS. Now, I carry an XD-S in .40. When the XD-S first came out, they offered 9mm and .45 ACP. I was waiting for the .40. When it was released, within a week, my father asked my opinion. I told him I was seriously considering it. We went that weekend and each got one (happy birthday/Christmas to me)! After my wife tried it, a third was bought. My father has large hands, my wife has tiny hands, and I have average-sized hands. All three of us find the gun comfortable with the same backstrap (large, IIRC). I preferred the feel of the XD-S in my hands over the Shield (subjective), and have never even held a PPS, but I am very happy with my Springfield.
When I first got my CCW, I carried a Beretta 92FS. Now, I carry an XD-S in .40. When the XD-S first came out, they offered 9mm and .45 ACP. I was waiting for the .40. When it was released, within a week, my father asked my opinion. I told him I was seriously considering it. We went that weekend and each got one (happy birthday/Christmas to me)! After my wife tried it, a third was bought. My father has large hands, my wife has tiny hands, and I have average-sized hands. All three of us find the gun comfortable with the same backstrap (large, IIRC). I preferred the feel of the XD-S in my hands over the Shield (subjective), and have never even held a PPS, but I am very happy with my Springfield.
Rick McC.
Member
For many years I carried a 1911.
Starting a few years ago, keeping up with current events; I started carrying hi-cap pistols, usually an M&P9 or 9c.
Then, my back started be be disagreeable on a more continuing basis. So for the better part of a year; I 've been carrying a Performance Center Shield 9, or Shield 45.
Of all the poly pistols, I prefer the M&P line, because they point very well for me, and I prefer their triggers over any of the several glocks or XD's that I owned in the past (and the glocks all pointed "off" for me).
When motorcycle riding, I carry a CM9 in a Sneaky Pete.
Starting a few years ago, keeping up with current events; I started carrying hi-cap pistols, usually an M&P9 or 9c.
Then, my back started be be disagreeable on a more continuing basis. So for the better part of a year; I 've been carrying a Performance Center Shield 9, or Shield 45.
Of all the poly pistols, I prefer the M&P line, because they point very well for me, and I prefer their triggers over any of the several glocks or XD's that I owned in the past (and the glocks all pointed "off" for me).
When motorcycle riding, I carry a CM9 in a Sneaky Pete.
98Redline
Member
If it will be your first carry gun then I would advise to go with a small form factor gun as opposed to a larger one.
An LCP is small enough that you will always be able to carry it which is much better than buying a larger gun and finding that there are times when you have to go without because what you happen to be wearing does not work with the larger gun.
First rule of gunfighting: Have a gun.
An LCP is small enough that you will always be able to carry it which is much better than buying a larger gun and finding that there are times when you have to go without because what you happen to be wearing does not work with the larger gun.
First rule of gunfighting: Have a gun.
I agree with 98Redline. first rule of gunfighting; have a gun. You have some good guns that you like; pick out the best that fits you and shoots well for you. If after awhile you feel that something else suits you better then allow yourself to change your mind and gun. As we evolve over time so will our choice in guns.
Valkman
Member
I did not cycle through a bunch of guns for CCW, I bought a Kimber Compact CDP and that was my carry gun from '03 to recently. Now I go with a XDs in .45 or a 4" XD if I can carry a bigger gun. Hard to argue with 13+1 of .45. The Xds is a fine gun - I've had no problems with mine.
A LCP or similar can be carried literally anywhere; I carry my P32 on long runs clipped to my UnderArmor (with the $11.00 Kel-Kec frame clip) without even noticing it is there. Sometimes, if I feel the need, I carry a 9mm Shield or J-frame, but even that small step up is very noticeable if you are moving actively. But there is never a reason (other than legality) for me not to have the little P32 on me. It is a great gun.
Speedo66
Member
True, the best caliber, best gun won't do you any good if it's in your house because it's too big or heavy to carry or hide. The LCP is one of the smallest, reasonably priced, fit anywhere pistols out there that is also reliable, more so than some pricey boutique items. Excellent customer service also from what I read.
Go small, less is more.
Go small, less is more.
ManInLowCastle
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PPS or Glock 43. Both are great options. In all honestly just about anything out there now works pretty well and is reliable. It comes down to preference.
Ruger KLCR .357 w/ CT grips, loaded w/ .38+p has been my choice for several years, Just recently got a Glock G43 Talo edition 9mm and outfitted the mags with Pearce +1 magazine extensions. 7+1 vs the 5 shots from the KLCR and both are darn near identical in size. Both small enough for comfortable, discrete carry yet large enough to shoot effectively.
Shootshellz
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First rule of gunfighting: have a gun. Second rule: carry one you can hit with. A mousegun does you no good if you can't hit the broad side of a barn with same. By the way, your wardrobe choice is secondary to carrying concealed (first things first). My choice: S&W Shield (sans safety) in 9mm Luger caliber.
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