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?
Glock 19, always. Cheap and reliable. In any, go to a range, rent the guns, and try them out.
At least 12 bullets per mag as stock mag
I would advise not getting hung up on mag size.
If there’s something you need to get done in 12 that you can’t get done in 8 or 10, the mag size is not your #1 problem. :)
My daily CCW is the OG Ruger LCP with a laser sight. Extended mag gives me 7+1.
https://ruger.com/products/lcp/models.html
I’ve been eyeing the LCP Max which is 10+1 stock, but when it first came out there were quality control issues, I haven’t heard if they ironed them out yet or not.
https://ruger.com/products/lcpMax/models.html
Extended mag for it brings it to 12+1.
Now I know, I know, “.380? Really?” So hear me out… not all .380 rounds are created equally. There’s this guy on Youtube who ran through a BOATLOAD of different brands running side by side comparisons. Something insane like 20+ videos in the series JUST on .380.
His conclusion here:
My completely unscientific experience with an LCP MAX is that if it starts out cleaned, it will reliably shoot at least 3 mags. I have never had a failure to feed on the first mag of the day. However, something about it’s action seems super rough on the brass, and brass powder and flakes build up very quickly inside the gun. Because of that, after a number of mags I will begin getting feeding issues. I’ve watched for this pattern and it has consistently happened numerous times for me. I clean it, and more brass than I’ve ever seen on any other pistol comes out.
This is not exactly ideal, but for a CC pistol with only one magazine carried it doesn’t seem to be a practical issue.
Yeah, the primary issue I kept hearing at launch was NIB guns with rust(!) Which is unacceptable especially since the LCP and LCP II were solid.
That’s really good advice. The only reason I wanted to go with a little bit increased capacity is cause we are just getting our first gun and wanted something noob proof as in: hope I can hit whatever I need to hit with this many rounds lol.
As a noob, I think the sense of reassurance in having a few extra just in case is why I’m thinking about this.
I think this gun will primarily be collecting dust in a safe right next to my nightstand with very very occasional CC, so not really an EDC material TBH. I was also thinking about just getting a G26 as I’ll have the 9mm caliber I want in a smaller form factor so if and when I decide to carry it, it won’t be uncomfortable.
I used to be hung up on mag size but, picked up a XDS9 for 300 bucks with $300 rounds during the ammo shortage and figured I’d just sell the gun
Boy was I wrong this thing became my daily carry and it’s just the right size to IWB carry and conceal nicely
Springfield’s XDs line is decent, I have the original 45 version. Easy to carry and shoots well. Shot the 9mm version also, which is nice for lesser kick and higher capacity. The new Hellcat Pro in 9mm might be a good option to try out. Slightly bigger than the XDs but should still be concealable and carries 15+1 with the standard magazine.
wow that hellcat pro looks amazing. It’s insane how many options there are LOL. I might have to go to a shooting range that carries a very wide variety of guns cause I will definitely need to test them all before buying
Definitely do some rentals if you can and find something that fits you. I’ve been thinking of ordering a hellcat to replace my XDs, but wouldn’t mind trying it first. Guess I’ll be going to the rental range in the near future too.
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 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!