Recommendations for a CCW pistol
- Thread starter Salibas007
- Start date
After trying a glock 19 today, I have to say that i was pleasantly surprised with it’s size and feel.
Maybe I have been too quick in disliking the platform. Still felt a little weird in my hand, but I can probably get used to it. I guess the up side is the endless supply of aftermarket parts.
Maybe I have been too quick in disliking the platform. Still felt a little weird in my hand, but I can probably get used to it. I guess the up side is the endless supply of aftermarket parts.
Cameron SS
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Ground Zero
Glock 19s are a good choice but personally when I carry I want the pistol I am the most proficient with. Which is why I carry a full size Sig 226R. Conceals just fine all year round with an IWB crossbreed holster.
Depending on your job and the type of clothes you wear, a 'midsize' pistol like glock 19 may be too big.
If I could only have ONE CCW in the USA, I would probably use the Glock 43. You have options for extended magazine baseplates and barrels to improve capacity and muzzle velocity. Even stock it is easy to shoot. It's small size allows you the maximum range of carry options. Other options would be Walther PPS or S&W shield. VP9SK is nice HK quality but its size approaches that of a glock 19.
If I could only have ONE CCW in the USA, I would probably use the Glock 43. You have options for extended magazine baseplates and barrels to improve capacity and muzzle velocity. Even stock it is easy to shoot. It's small size allows you the maximum range of carry options. Other options would be Walther PPS or S&W shield. VP9SK is nice HK quality but its size approaches that of a glock 19.
The Glock 19 Gen 5 (US version) is my favourite Glock handgun. Looks great, and shoots really well. I can shoot it better than I can my 17 Gen 5. 19 is an excellent CCW choice. Super reliable.
Sakoman .308
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia
I wonder if many people carry H&K P7M8 or PSP pistols.
Still alive
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Rainy mosquito infested part of BC
These guns are expensive even in the US.
They also balance a bit odd. Hard to explain. But the gun sort of feels like it wants to tip outwards in a OWB holster. It’s also heavy for its size, being all metal, which is about a G19. Also holds less ammo.
The loud decocking sound isn’t very stealthy either.
But the gun is reliable as hell.
Nothing more useless than the gun you left at home because it is heavy and awkward to carry.
Your carry pistol (the one you actually can carry all the time) is probably going to be aluminum or polymer frame and a singe stack.
If you have a place you always go to in the USA (like a winter home) or a friend you can trust down there, buy a good carry pistol and leave it there.
I have lots of 12.6 pistols I could carry, all the time, but am hard pressed to think of a non 12.6 that would work. The best candidate would probably be a FMK. Slightly smaller than a Glock 19.
Your carry pistol (the one you actually can carry all the time) is probably going to be aluminum or polymer frame and a singe stack.
If you have a place you always go to in the USA (like a winter home) or a friend you can trust down there, buy a good carry pistol and leave it there.
I have lots of 12.6 pistols I could carry, all the time, but am hard pressed to think of a non 12.6 that would work. The best candidate would probably be a FMK. Slightly smaller than a Glock 19.
If doing CCW in the USA, then I would go for a .380 in a small package. It has to be small and light for a pipsqueak like me to actually carry concealed, especially if it were in a hot climate down south during summer months. The .380 with Winchester Silver Tip ammo is adequate for truly defensive work which is up close and personal.
For most affordable go with the Ruger LCP:
If you have the bucks then go with a Seecamp in .380 that you can carry anywhere even with sweat given it is stainless and very small and light:
It's better to have a small caliber pistol on your person when you need one versus needing a pistol and knowing you have a large caliber pistol at home in the safe........
For most affordable go with the Ruger LCP:
If you have the bucks then go with a Seecamp in .380 that you can carry anywhere even with sweat given it is stainless and very small and light:
It's better to have a small caliber pistol on your person when you need one versus needing a pistol and knowing you have a large caliber pistol at home in the safe........
May a nonimmigrant alien who has been admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa possess a firearm or ammunition in the United States?
An alien admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa is prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing a firearm or ammunition unless the alien falls within one of the exceptions provided in 18 U.S.C. 922(2), such as: a valid hunting license or permit, admitted for lawful hunting or sporting purposes, certain official representatives of a foreign government, or a foreign law enforcement officer of a friendly foreign government entering the United States on official law enforcement business.
[18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5)(B) and 922
<https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/may-nonimmigrant-alien-who-has-been-admitted-united-states-under-nonimmigrant-visa>
Nonimmigrant Aliens
Answers to some common questions for those who may be considered a nonimmigrant alien or for federal firearms licensees conducting business with nonimmigrant alien customers
<https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/nonimmigrant-aliens>
Wow. Lots of questions and chirping in this thread that have nothing to do with what the OP asked.
I will offer my input as I do have first hand experience. I lived in Texas for 5 years, and still hold a Texas CHL (although with the advent of open carry there, it's no longer called a CHL) you don't need to be a resident (or even a non-resident legal alien) to legally possess a firearm in most US states. I won't opine for the other 49, but in Texas, having a valid hunting license made me legal in the view of both Federal and State level government. I have no issue purchasing a firearm, obtaining a CHL, or doing any associated thing.
#1. Buy something that you can legally own here in Canada if this is your primary residence. This will facilitate getting quality training with it, as well as practice with it. You will need both of those things if you ever need to use a firearm in a defensive situation. In the words of Colonel Jeff Cooper "Owning a gun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician."
#2. Buy something that you will actually carry. Most people underestimate this. I started out carrying a mid sized double stack polymer 9mm, then switched to a very compact polymer 9mm most of the time....and through trying different holsters and asking myself hard questions I eventually cultivated the habit of actually being prepared for bad things should they happen. This is what I was carrying on most days prior to moving back to Canada. This is the setup that I found best for my rather large hands, my level of training and practice, and the environment I carried in. Note that I could easily carry this in a pair of jeans or cargo pants, with an untucked t-shirt - no baggy clothing or cover garment required. This includes summer months living in Houston, which makes any climate in Canada seem positively arctic.
Starting top right and working clockwise:
H&K P30 magazine in a CompTac IWB mag carrier. No I'm not carrying a P30 but it fits my P2000 and holds 15 rounds instead of 13. 147 Grain Federal HST if it matters.
H&K P2000 with a light LEM trigger, Surefire XC1, Trijicon HD sights, and a Talon grip decal. It's sitting in what has quickly become one of my favorite holsters - a very simple kydex IWB rig from JM custom Kydex. I shot this exact rig for one night in the Pat MacNamara low light course that I took and I am a big fan of it.
Simply Rugged belt pouch with 8 rounds of .327 Federal - Double Tap 100 grain JHP in a speed strip. Should be at about 1300 FPS out of that little LCR.
Luminox watch. Currently my favorite daily wear - simple, no-nonsense, tritium hands and dial, big face and case but very light weight.
Emerson Super CQC-8.
5.11 AAA penlight with tailcap switch. This is the configuration of light that I practice shooting with - the same grip works for this little light as well as normal size Surefire lights.
Wallet (shaped for front right jeans pocket) and car keys
Lip balm (because I can never be without).
Leatherman Juice C2. I use the screwdriver and plier functions regularly.
Ruger LCR with Hogue G10 grips and an XS Sights standard tritium dot sight. It's in a Galco Ankle Glove. I am shocked by how comfortable this rig is, and how easy it is to get to when sitting in the car.
BCM "The Colonel" knife. It's mostly a "get off me" tool.
H&K P30 magazine (yes, another one) in a Triple T Holsters IWB mag carrier. It's actually designed for single stack .45 ACP magazines, but it works like a charm for the H&K mags since they are a touch thinner than Glock mags.
Yes....that's a lot of hardware, and yes you need to invest time to learn how to carry it without it being a constant nuisance. The reality is that carrying is supposed to be comforting - not comfortable.
My suggestion is to get a Glock 19 sized pistol, and carry that, one spare magazine, and a flashlight as the minimum.
#3. Be prepared to buy and try a LOT of holsters before you find the one that works for your gun, your body, and your clothes. This is a universal truth for anyone who actually carries - as opposed to those who just talk about carrying.
I will offer my input as I do have first hand experience. I lived in Texas for 5 years, and still hold a Texas CHL (although with the advent of open carry there, it's no longer called a CHL) you don't need to be a resident (or even a non-resident legal alien) to legally possess a firearm in most US states. I won't opine for the other 49, but in Texas, having a valid hunting license made me legal in the view of both Federal and State level government. I have no issue purchasing a firearm, obtaining a CHL, or doing any associated thing.
#1. Buy something that you can legally own here in Canada if this is your primary residence. This will facilitate getting quality training with it, as well as practice with it. You will need both of those things if you ever need to use a firearm in a defensive situation. In the words of Colonel Jeff Cooper "Owning a gun doesn't make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician."
#2. Buy something that you will actually carry. Most people underestimate this. I started out carrying a mid sized double stack polymer 9mm, then switched to a very compact polymer 9mm most of the time....and through trying different holsters and asking myself hard questions I eventually cultivated the habit of actually being prepared for bad things should they happen. This is what I was carrying on most days prior to moving back to Canada. This is the setup that I found best for my rather large hands, my level of training and practice, and the environment I carried in. Note that I could easily carry this in a pair of jeans or cargo pants, with an untucked t-shirt - no baggy clothing or cover garment required. This includes summer months living in Houston, which makes any climate in Canada seem positively arctic.
Starting top right and working clockwise:
H&K P30 magazine in a CompTac IWB mag carrier. No I'm not carrying a P30 but it fits my P2000 and holds 15 rounds instead of 13. 147 Grain Federal HST if it matters.
H&K P2000 with a light LEM trigger, Surefire XC1, Trijicon HD sights, and a Talon grip decal. It's sitting in what has quickly become one of my favorite holsters - a very simple kydex IWB rig from JM custom Kydex. I shot this exact rig for one night in the Pat MacNamara low light course that I took and I am a big fan of it.
Simply Rugged belt pouch with 8 rounds of .327 Federal - Double Tap 100 grain JHP in a speed strip. Should be at about 1300 FPS out of that little LCR.
Luminox watch. Currently my favorite daily wear - simple, no-nonsense, tritium hands and dial, big face and case but very light weight.
Emerson Super CQC-8.
5.11 AAA penlight with tailcap switch. This is the configuration of light that I practice shooting with - the same grip works for this little light as well as normal size Surefire lights.
Wallet (shaped for front right jeans pocket) and car keys
Lip balm (because I can never be without).
Leatherman Juice C2. I use the screwdriver and plier functions regularly.
Ruger LCR with Hogue G10 grips and an XS Sights standard tritium dot sight. It's in a Galco Ankle Glove. I am shocked by how comfortable this rig is, and how easy it is to get to when sitting in the car.
BCM "The Colonel" knife. It's mostly a "get off me" tool.
H&K P30 magazine (yes, another one) in a Triple T Holsters IWB mag carrier. It's actually designed for single stack .45 ACP magazines, but it works like a charm for the H&K mags since they are a touch thinner than Glock mags.
Yes....that's a lot of hardware, and yes you need to invest time to learn how to carry it without it being a constant nuisance. The reality is that carrying is supposed to be comforting - not comfortable.
My suggestion is to get a Glock 19 sized pistol, and carry that, one spare magazine, and a flashlight as the minimum.
#3. Be prepared to buy and try a LOT of holsters before you find the one that works for your gun, your body, and your clothes. This is a universal truth for anyone who actually carries - as opposed to those who just talk about carrying.
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Yes. Even now that I'm back in Canada, I generally don't leave home without a multitool, flashlight, and a good sized defensive folder. If you make the decision to do it, you can learn and adapt to whatever you are motivated to do.
