What are your "Must-Try" guns for a new guy looking for ccw gun?

[Doc7]

I've looked around but haven't found a list like this. I'm sure thousands of people go through this regularly.

I've taken NRA handgun classes, am picking up a 22 LR caliber practice handgun (not sure on action/model yet) but already looking toward the range visits where I rent various guns to pick my first CCW piece. What guns would you say are a "must rent/try" before the new user determines he's seen enough to invest in one?

Presumably this list would include a J-frame double action revolver in both steel and "air weight" classes, a Glock 19 and maybe some other Glock models, as well as a DA/SA type gun with a decocker, and a 1911. But are there specific models you would say are at least indicative of a manufacturer/type of firearm to be worthy of trying out before narrowing the search?

A list like this would help me and others determine how many range visits (and to which ranges) it will take to make the first plunge, even if we trade it in for something different in a year.

 

[steven58]

S&W M&P compact, S&W Shield. Springfield XD compact and or XDs come to mind.

 

[.455_Hunter]

In addition to recommending the J-frame revolvers, my additions include:

North American Guardian Series (.32 & .380)

Walther PPK .380 (new or used)

S&W 9mm 3rd Gen (used- 3913, 908, 6906)

As you can see, I don't care much for the striker fired, light trigger (with no safety) guns that currently dominate the market.

Have fun!

 

[Byrd666]

I would say the S&W M&P c9, is what I carry everyday. The Springfield XD or XDM subcompact is another. A good friend of mine carries the XD 3" in .357 sig and won't even consider anything else. Period. Another pistol I'd recommend would be the Ruger SR9c. That recommendation would come from my experience with the full size model and the fact that I occasionally carry it and that I used it to qualify for my CHL here in Texas. Some others would be the Glock 19, 26, 27, etc. I can't stand the Glock pistols as they fit my hand like a brick but, the are durable and reliable. Any CZ would be a good choice as well. Until I got my Smith, I was carrying a CZ 83. It is comfortable, accurate, and 100 percent reliable weapon. And after some of the accidental torture testing I put it through, it proved itself as such. And let's not forget my personal favorite for any pistol, any Sig Sauer would be a great carry piece. Though they can be pricey, and a few models on the weighty side, it'll be the only side you'll ever need to buy. As a matter of fact, I'll be purchasing a Sig P226 Elite SAO just as soon as my FFL dealer can find one for me. My last recommendation based on personal experience would be a Bersa Thunder 9 UC Pro. Had one before I had to sell it for an expensive move and sorely miss that pistol. Reliable, accurate, simple. simple take down and very comfortable to shoot.

My two pennies. Good luck in your search.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

J frame
Springfield XDs and EMP
Ruger SP101 of some flavor
Kimber Solo
S&W Shield

 

[MedWheeler]

Try to rent/borrow a flyweight 9mm (Kel-Tec PF9, or Diamondback DB9) if someone has one. That way, you'll satisfy a curiosity that is bound to arise at some time.

A lot depends on what you think you're actually going to carry. Only you know how you'll typically be dressed, and where you'll be going. Daily activities you're accustomed to will also play a factor. Are you very active, such as a runner, hiker, or cyclist? You might be thinking pocket-pistol category. Wear jackets or coats frequently? Maybe you'd prefer a belt-carried mid-size (Ruger SR9-ish) pistol.

What .22 are you looking at? If you haven't selected one yet, you might consider one that will be similar to what ends up being your carry gun. Then, assuming you can ever get .22LR ammo, you can practice in a more "real-world" fashion. Guns like the Ruger SR-22, Smith and Wesson M&P22, and Taurus PT-22 come to mind, and any of them could also double as a carry weapon also, should your primary go down. If you're considering a revolver as a carry piece, Taurus, Ruger, and Charter Arms make some reasonably-priced .22LR (and .22 Magnum) revolvers.

I see you are in New Jersey. What restrictions, if any, might you face there that we might not know about (other than being restricted to FMJ ammo only?)

 

[Beentown]

Kahr

 

[sota]

if you get a CCW in NJ and are not...
a current or former LEO
a judge
a high ranking gov't official
a security officer

let me know how you did it. NJ doesn't give out CCW's to the unwashed masses.


also... HK P2000SK should be on your list.

 

[JVaughn]

1911

 

[rugerdude]

There is no better bang for your buck than a Bersa thunder .380. I bought mine new last year for $265+tax (granted, that was an excellent price, they normally hover at $300). It is accurate, reliable, nice looking and simple to operate. It's DA/SA, which in my opinion is great for a carry gun. Though based on the Walther PPK, the Bersa actually has a couple nice advantages, such as windage adjustable sights and a slide release.

Oh, and they also make a .22lr version. I found one used for $300 with 3 mags in great shape and snapped it up IN A HURRY. So now I've got one for business and one for pleasure.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Walther PPS
Bersa Thunder Ultracompact 9,.40 or .45

 

[Doc7]

Only restriction on purchase for me is 15 round capacity though may go to 10. Nj residency is not really relevant for my range rental planning and CCW mindset though as I will not be in NJ for much longer; sorry for not clarifying that but by this time next year i'll be in the south Atlantic states. I also have a second home in a much more gun friendly state at this time.

Thanks for the tips so far! This isn't just a list for me. If you had a new hand gunner who was looking at CCW pieces without predisposition towards action types and makes/models, what would you insist he try out, to gain breadth of knowledge, before focusing on a couple specific items for his developing preferences? Some great answers so far that I already have on my list as must-rents before deciding which one fits my particular preferences the best.

 

[Bobson]

Try a CZ75B for the SA/DA type. Nice thing is it can be carried hammer down, or cocked and locked, like a 1911.

 

[dacavasi]

DA/SA guns have, in my opinion, a bit steeper of a learning curve, due to the substantial difference in 1st shot trigger pull (DA) vs. follow-up shot trigger pull. Obviously many people trust their lives to these actions but for a beginner a DA-only or striker-fired choice might be easier to adopt.

 

[basicblur]

For smaller guns, the Ruger SR9 and S&W M&P9 SHIELD (the SHIELD is a softer shooting gun than the SR9).

Moving up in size, my favorite is an XDSC9 (don't care for the M series), but I'd probably be equally as happy with an M&P (wasn't an option when I bought my XDSC9). Biggest difference (for me) is do you want that with a grip safety or without (although some M&Ps can be had with thumb safeties).

In my neck of the woods, for some reason M&Ps seem to be especially price attractive these days!

 

[Bobson]

DA/SA guns have, in my opinion, a bit steeper of a learning curve, due to the substantial difference in 1st shot trigger pull (DA) vs. follow-up shot trigger pull. Obviously many people trust their lives to these actions but for a beginner a DA-only or striker-fired choice might be easier to adopt.

I agree. Good to point that out.

 

[tarosean]

If you had a new hand gunner who was looking at CCW pieces without predisposition towards action types and makes/models, what would you insist he try out, to gain breadth of knowledge, before focusing on a couple specific items for his developing preferences?

I am only going to list full size guns as they dont punish the user as bad and will give you a baseline feel to the gun.

SAO Trigger
1911
Hi Power

DA/SA Trigger
226
92FS
CZ75

Striker Fired
G17
M&P9
XD


If you dont like them in their full sizes, your probably not going to like them in their compact versions. All can be carried though.

 

[Bobson]

G17
. . .
If you dont like them in their full sizes, your probably not going to like them in their compact versions.

I think the G17 is an exception to this. I recall hearing that the G19 (midsize 9mm Glock) is Glock's best seller year after year - even ahead of the full size G17.

The OP said he intends to try the G19, but I wanted to encourage him further. OP, if you have any interest in Glocks at all, be sure that you do try the G19, even if its the only Glock you handle. If you don't like it, you can probably avoid Glock across the board after that.

 

[bannockburn]

1) S&W J frame
2) Ruger LCR
3) KelTec P3AT
4) SIG P238
5) Kahr PM9
6) Glock Model 26
7) S&W Shield
8) SA XDs
9) Ruger SR9c
10) Glock 19

 

[highlander 5]

Webley Fosberry auto revolver

 

[DNS]

I just switched to a Ruger LCR.
Full size with a lot less weight.
Comes in 357, 38, 22magnum and 22lr.
Plus its a Ruger with a great warranty.

 

[Doc7]

Thanks for the ideas so far. I definitely agree with you guys that the popular Glocks are must-tries so I won't be neglecting that suggestion, rest assured.


Are there any DAO semis that aren't striker fired?

 

[Bobson]

Are there any DAO semis that aren't striker fired?

The DAK (Double Action Kellerman) trigger offered by SIG is probably the closest thing, to my knowledge; but I may be mistaken.

 

[Byrd666]

These are a few DAO pistols

Beretta PX4
Kel-Tech PF-9 P-11 I believe
SCCY
S&W Bodyguard

Just off the top of my head

 

[tomrkba]

Glock 19
Glock 26
Any SIG in 9x19
1911 in 45 ACP
S&W J, K, L and N Frame loaded with 38 Special
Any semiauto 22 handgun
Any mini semiauto such as the Ruger LCP
Any service semiauto in 40 S&W
The same gun used by law enforcement in that city or county
Any other gun they express interest in that I can rent or borrow. Many guys want to try the Beretta 92 because the military uses it.