I have never owned a gun, but have shot occasionally here and there on a shooting range. I understand the basics of gun safety and can get around the day-to-day of gun ownership. My wife and I are thinking about doing a full on safety training + CC so that both can use this gun we are purchasing in case anything happens.
I have been eyeing a few guns here and there, but wanted to get your thoughts on what would you recommend in my situation:
- At least 12 bullets per mag as stock mag
- Lowest recoil possible
- Compact enough without it being an issue on accuracy (need something that is big enough to be accurate but small enough that I can CC from time to time, very occasionally)
- Easy enough for my wife to handle. She’s not into guns, but probably something that would throw her off is a lot of recoil
- Comfortable grip
The guns that I have tested up until now:
- Glock 19 Gen 5
- S&W M&P M2.0
Guns I am still considering:
- Sig Sauer P320
- Sig Sauer P365 XL
Any thoughts?
The best thing to do is go to a gun range that does rentals and just try different stuff until you find what you like. That said, all the guns you have listed are solid choices. You might look into trying a Smith and Wesson Shield EZ for your wife. I haven’t shot one so I can’t 100% vouch for them, but I see them recommended all the time for women and people with weaker hands. Glocks are nice for their reliability, and the fact that they have a huge aftermarket which gives you a lot of options in terms of customization. You might also check out some of the stuff CZ has to offer. P-10s have been going for a little bit north of $300 lately, which is an absolute steal. They’re about as reliable as Glocks, but a lot of people feel the CZ has better ergonomics.
Oh nice, haven’t considered the CZ or the Shield EZ. Will definitely take a look. Trying to convince my wife to get her own gun so that I can get anything I want, but probably what’s gonna end up happening is I’ll get hers, then get her used to it and then buy mine a year later for my bday (lol, she won’t be able to say anything (͡•_ ͡• )
I wish I had gotten my Shield EZ in 9mm instead of 380 because the small difference in recoil isn’t worth the difference in ammo price, but it’s a great little gun that’s super easy to shoot and handle.
yeah, I just definitely want a 9mm gun. Not thinking about any other option TBH
I would say definitely take a look at the P365 before you make your final decision. If you plan to conceal carry a pistol keep in mind that generally smaller ones are easier to conceal and less likely for you to leave at home.
Here’s a website to compare the sizes of different models:
I think Sigs are great. I have tried just a few and it’s always one of my top choices. I think I am down to those 3 G19, S&W M&P 2.0 and the P365XL. Probably will have to rent them all, shoot them one by one and then decide on whats the best one for me.
In terms of CC, I am barely gonna CC. just occasionally at best, so although size is a component for me (I won’t get a huge gun and try to conceal it), it’s definitely not the priority here (low recoil, accuracy) are definitely more important for me as this will be a “shared” gun with my wife until I can convince her to get her own LOL.
Thank you for the advice!
I own a Glock 19 and a Glock 43x. The 19 collects dust in the safe. The 43x is 10+1, significantly thinner, yet with the same grip length making it a joy to shoot. The difference in weight and profile on the hip is very noticeable, and the 43x vanishes under all of my lightest summer clothing.
I’ve carried many handguns. Like, more than a dozen over the last decade or so? I’m convinced. This one is perfect. I still like to lay the 19 at my bedside though.
I was leaning towards a Glock 26 as you have more options in terms of how many rounds but didn’t know a 43x even existed lol. I think for my use case either a 26/43x or a 19 is enough. As I mentioned, the most important thing for me is accuracy and low recoil as I am barely going to carry this gun on a day to day basis. This is gonna be mostly sitting in a gun safe.
I know I earlier suggested other guns, but if you do go the Glock route, I would suggest the 19 over the 26, if it comes down between the two. Both can be CC’d but the 19 is more shootable. Although the 26 has a smaller barrel and grip, it is just as wide as the 19, so for practical carry terms it makes nearly as big of a print.
If you do go for a 19, you may perhaps find one used or for a good price, and take your excess budget towards getting an optics cut slide and optic. Or if you can find a 19 for sale already with one. You will still have to practice, but your accuracy and importantly, practical accuracy will improve faster.
A Glock 19 can also easily host a flashlight, which you might not use but it doesn’t hurt to have.
I have an ez shield, and a canik tp9. The shield for carry, canik for home, both are great. I got my wife the walther ccp, it is really soft shooting and racks easy. I’m a huge fan of it and may even consider trading my ez for one myself.
Go to a range that rents and try a bunch.