Which gun for CCW class

[NastyNate]

I'm finally getting around to taking my TN CCW class this Friday. I had an Indiana permit for 8 years but we didn't have to take a class. Anyway, I have the following handguns, and the class has no restrictions on what you test with or carry.
S&W 642
Walther P22
Sig 239
S&W 617
S&W 686
Ruger MkII

I can shoot the Ruger the most accurately, followed by the 617 and then the 686. I just feel kinda like a dork taking the class with a .22lr What do you think. I carried the 642 in Indiana and in TN until my permit was no longer valid.
nate

 

[Redhawk1]

Take what you intend to carry. I took my Colt defender in 45ACP.

 

[Wedge]

Agreed...take what you plan on carrying.

 

[MikeJ]

Agreed, take what you plan to carry. A CCW class is typically fairly easy as far as shooting skills are concerned, at least they are in Arizona. If you have difficulty in passing that shooting test at least you know you need practice if you are serious about defending yourself. Good luck.

 

[Black Snowman]

Don't be a dork, take your carry gun You said it not me

Another good point on using your carry gun is that it might expose shortcomings you weren't aware of. The instructer can help you with things like your carry method as well as your shooting.

As with everything keep in mind the instructor is only human and will likely have his own bias on things. Absorb all that you can learn and do what works for you.

Good luck, be safe and have fun.

 

[OH25shooter]

I agree. Take your carry weapon. I hope it's better than the course I just took for Ohio. Waste of time and money. But, I follow the law, so I signed up.

 

[MrTuffPaws]

One thing though. Check your state laws. I have heard (don't know if it is true) that in some states, if you take a wheel gun to class, you are only allowed to carry wheel guns. If you use an auto, then you can use either. Stupid, I know.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Quote:
--------------------------
One thing though. Check your state laws. I have heard (don't know if it is true) that in some states, if you take a wheel gun to class, you are only allowed to carry wheel guns. If you use an auto, then you can use either. Stupid, I know.
--------------------------

Arkansas has just such a law. I carry a .45 (a Kimber Custom Classic) so it doesn't bother me. But if you THINK you might like to carry an automatic, you have to train with an automatic.

 

[Shorts]

Agree with above, take the gun you carry. Be sure to check your states carry laws.

In TX, there are two ways to qualify for the CHL. If you use a revolver, you are only qualified to carry a revolver. If you test with a semiauto, you can carry both revolver and semiauto.

Also in TX there is a minimum caliber, which is .32. So be sure you are within the rules.

Here in WA, all you must do is put in an app and pass the background test and finger prints and whatnot. You can carry any pistol you choose.

All states are different so check your laws.

 

[Logistar]

I WOULD have said take the Rugar - the most accurate, least recoiling thing you have!

But after I figured out that this is not a shooting contest anyway, I agree with everyone else. Take what you will carry. You might get a few pointers from the instructor about it.

- and if anyone CAN fail the shooting tests I have seen.... I doubt a target pistol would make any difference!

 

[tc300mag1]

Take what you wold carry .. When i took ccw class they made sure to tell us a 22 would not be allowed

 

[customfret]

I took mine with a Ruger MKII, as the outcome of the test depends on how many holes you put in the center of the target. In Tennessee what you qualify with makes no difference with what you can carry, and my MKII is not only about the most accurate handgun I own, but the cheapest to shoot. You'll burn 48 rounds, if the test hasn't changed, & you can't use reloads.

 

[Ed Ely]

Too bad that you did not list a .22 caliber wheel gun.
Laugh if you like, but that is what I used for my CCDW.
In the break down and clean up end, it was a snap. I
cannot say the same for the Ruger.

 

[Ky Larry]

I took my CCW class with a Ruger P95DC. It shot very well and was easy to break down and clean. It was my carry piece before I discovered CZ's. Take what you intend to carry.

 

[crawfish]

If your state doesn’t tie you to a particular gun i.e. the one you pass the class with TAKE THE GUN THAT YOU ARE MOST COMFORTABLE WITH. Why handicap yourself with a gun that you shoot third best. After you pass your class then you can decide which you will carry. Your whole focus should be on passing that class so make it as easy on yourself as you can.

 

[Ala Dan]

Carry guns come in many sizes and calibers. What ever you decide to
carry, TRAIN with it to the point that you become proficent.
Then, and only then you will feel comfortable and have peace of mind
while armed.

In other words, DON'T just try to pass the class and then lay the
weapon down. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE to be the best you
can be!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[SAG0282]

Thank God I live in WA.....that test nonsense seems annoying.

 

[NastyNate]

Thanks for the comments guys. I still haven't made up my mind. As for practicing with what I carry, I do that at least once a month. I've got approx. 1200 rounds through the 642, about 300 of those at +p. I just can't put them all within an inch like I can with the mark II.

 

[admar2]

train with what you are going to carry, become proficient with it, and TAKE THE TEST WITH WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO CARRY.

the TN shooting requirement is ridiculously easy. taking it with "the gun I shoot best" just so you can make a pretty little hole in the target is crazy.

 

[OEF_VET]

Take the test with what you intend to carry. The range qualification requirements are insanely easy here in TN. Heck, they're so easy, any half-serious shooter should be able to pass them with a weapon they had no previous experience firing. It won't matter if you put all the holes into the 'X' ring, or if you just barely manage to get enough holes inside the silhouette, you'll still pass; you'll still get the same permit.

If you don't trust your skills with your planned carry gun to pass a simple test where there are easy passing requirements and little or no stress involved, how do you ever expect to be able to use it on the street, when your life is at risk?

Just a thought to ponder.

Frank

 

[rdbrowning]

When my brother took his MI CCW class two years ago he did not own a concealable pistol so he took his Ruger super Blackhawk 44 mag. No I am getting ready to take mine and the only concealable pistol that I own is a Browning 25ACP. I think I might opt for my Super Redhawk instead. I don't intend to cary the Browning and it is not very shooter friendly, but then it isn't very shootee friendly either.

 

[Trebor]

I discourage my students from taking the class with a .22. I'll allow it, and sometimes it's the only gun they have, but I do encourage them to use something else if possible.

Unless you have a physical problem that limits you to a .22, (and I've had students like that), take the class with a realistic defensive pistol. You'll get more out of the experience. If you want to shoot Bullseye, shoot Bullseye, but that's not the point of a CCW class.

Btw, one other reason not to use a .22. Almost every student I've had whose used a .22 has had a problem keeping the gun running for the class. Most .22's aren't up to firing 100+ rounds quickly in a short span of time without starting to jam by the end of the class. Ruger Mk II's and Browning Buckmarks seem to be particularly sensative, in my experience.

 

[triggertime]

The qualification test, if you can call it that, is basically 50 rounds shot at a B27 silhouette target from between 3 to 7 yards. All 50 shots must be within the silhouette image to qualify. That said, some instructors will still pass you as long as all 50 shots are on the paper, regardless whether they're inside the silhouette image or not.

I'd suggest using the 686.

 

[NastyNate]

Well, I had the class yesterday. It was not really what I was thinking it was going to be. Mostly common sense stuff about handguns in general. Stuff I've known for years. The instructor was a hoot though and had many personal stories to use for examples. I ended up taking the Sig P239 because I've been thinking about carrying it for my main CCW and leaving the 642 to when I need deep concealment. Anyway, got a 100% on the written test and 95.2% on the shooting. Just need to send in my paperwork now.
Nate

 

[stans]

If possible, take what you plan to carry. When I took my class I used a S&W model 19 with a four inch barrel. I was required to pass the class in order to apply for a CCW permit, so I wanted to be sure I could qualify. As there were no regulations requiring qualification with your carry gun, I opted for my model 19 rather than my CCW S&W 640-1. I did use full power 357 magnums. The instructer looked at me a little funny when I ran the qual target all the way out to 50 feet (maximum at the indoor range), but nothing was said after the required number of rounds were fired and I had chewed out the "X" and only one shot was just barely outside the "X" in the target.

If I had to do it again, I would take my 640-1.