Any weapon recommendations?

[Akzl]

Kimbers are great (just ordered one) but if money is an issue there are nice carry guns for less. Try renting an XD9 SC and also some of the S&W snub wheel guns, my wife has a 649 and enjoys shooting it, I carry a 642 when my back is acting up.

[G30 Steve]

Originally Posted by OC Newbie

How about the KImber Ultra Carry or HK USP Compact 45 ACP or Glock 30 or 36?

My G36 serves me well. Seven rounds of .45 ACP plus a spare mag is my usual set up. A .40 caliber G23 is a good choice too. If recoil is a problem a G19 9mm is exactly the same size as the G23.

My G30 is great but I have large enough hands. Most females I know don't. The G30 SF might work for you if you really need 11 rounds at your disposal.

I suggest you go to a range that rents a variety and see which one fits your hands the best and that you are most confident in shooting.

Welcome to the club.

[BonoVox]

Originally Posted by OC Newbie

How about the KImber Ultra Carry or HK USP Compact 45 ACP or Glock 30 or 36?

Ultra Carry II is a great gun too. The Ultra CDP II has a few options over the Ultra Carry II. If those extra options are important than it is a great deal.

Here is what you get extra for the money. Hope I did not miss anything.

Entirely built in the Custom Shop for enhanced concealed carry.

Carry melt treatment rounds and blends edges to avoid snagging on clothing or holsters.

Blackened aluminum frame with 30 lines-per-inch checkering contrasts with the premium aluminum trigger, stainless steel slide and satin ambidextrous thumb safety.

Hand-checkered, double-diamond rosewood grips and low profile Tritium night sights finish these elegant carry pistols.


Otherwise they are pretty similar guns.

[OC Newbie]

Thank you all for being so welcoming! I am definitely planning on trying out other guns next Wednesday in class and I will take you up on your offers of trying out yours. I'll have Greg point you out or feel free to come up and introduce yourself to me. I will be easy to spot since I am the only female in the class.

[rundmlee]

Originally Posted by OC Newbie

I had originally thought of going with the Glock 26 but when I held it, admittedly didn't try shooting it yet, it felt too small...

I can understand how the Glock 26 could feel small.. especially when your pinky dangles off the handle. However, once you start shooting it, you'll realize that the dangling pinky is not that big a deal.
Now.. if it still feels weird to have a dangling pinky, then a Pearce Grip extension (just the extension, not the +1 or +2 type grip) does help to make it feel better grip-wise.
If you are going to be at Evan's next Wed for Greg's class and if you are interested, I would be glad to bring my Glock 26 with the Pearce Grip extension for you to handle as well as shoot.

[swdr]

Originally Posted by OC Newbie

I am taking Greg's training class at Evans.

In that case, just get the Kimber Ultra CDP II. (It has Tritium night sights, so you can even defend yourself in the dark. Heh.)

OTOH, I agree with rundmlee on the Glock 26. I have large hands and had no trouble drawing/firing it with a normal non-extended magazine -- with dangling pinky. 9mm is good for a pocket gun, but if you have a gun-purse (talk to FI about it in Greg's CCW class) or can wear concealed on a belt, then go with a .45.

The main thing with recoil is the weight of the gun -- the more weight, the less recoil. To find out how the usual caliber suspects (9mm, .40 and .45) affect recoil, try out guns of equivalent weights in those calibers.

[True Brit]

Originally Posted by SVTNate

That's not his picture. It belongs to Ken Lunde, who does take great pictures, and has an impressive collection of firearms. He posts on SigForum pretty often, and you can find a link to his photo gallery which is well organized and has lots of pics of various pistols.

And you noted his name below the picture I take no credit for it.

[OC Newbie]

I would love to try the Glock 26 with the extension. I didn't even know there was such a thing. You are also correct when you guessed that it was the dangling pinkie that made me uncomfortable. It just felt weird but I want to give it a chance and see if I still feel that way actually shooting it because I like the size and weight of it.

Thanks again everyone for being so helpful and friendly. I feel like I've made a whole new set of friends today! I have to admit to being a bit hesitant to post at first because I am so green as to the subject matter and I didn't want everyone to read my posts and think "Oh great, an annoying ignoramous has joined our group."

[True Brit]

Originally Posted by OC Newbie

How about the KImber Ultra Carry or HK USP Compact 45 ACP or Glock 30 or 36?

Or...the HK45c...I am sure Julie will let you try hers or I have a couple of them if hers is not available. But you might prefer the "uber safe" squeeze cocker safety of the P7M8 and the P7M8 likes long fingers.

The P7M8 is similar to the P7M13 so...watch this video and then part 2 and part 3.

[mjregi]

Originally Posted by libertarian

The ONLY recommendation that makes sense is "What works for you and you're comfortable with."

Try (rent or borrow) as many different guns as you can until you find one that makes you go "WOW I LOVE THIS GUN" and then buy that one.

Good luck and welcome!

I couldn't agree more.. Once you make your selection get proper training.

Welcome to the group...

[Mad Geek]

Welcome to CalCCW, OC Newbie!

You've fallen in with a great bunch down there in OC. Greg is a great person for trainer (as well as a GREAT Social Director) and the rest of the guys and ladies that hang together down there will help you any way they can.

Glad you found us, it's great to have you join us.

[RomanDad]

Originally Posted by OC Newbie

Thanks for the advice. I am taking Greg's training class at Evans. He is so great! I shot the Smith and Wesson 906? 908? 9mm the other night and liked it. I had originally thought of going with the Glock 26 but when I held it, admittedly didn't try shooting it yet, it felt too small. After I had tried out the 9mm and thought that that was what I was going to go with, I was shown the Kimber Ultra CDP 45 and now am confused.

I have a glock 27\33 (same as the 26 but in .40.\357 sig) LOVE it.... And Im a very big guy... Get a pearce grip mag extension....

[OCRancher]

You said you had long, slender fingers. Try HK 45C. A double stack mag makes for a fatter grip, but if your fingers are long enough, you will like the HK. Smooth, holds 10 rounds of 45acp, and reliable.

That said, I love my Ultra CDP II, and I have large hands.

Now, do we discuss brass catchers?

[Dan M.]

Originally Posted by OC Newbie

Oh great, an annoying ignoramous has joined our group.

Heck, we've already got lots of those around here.

[RomanDad]

Originally Posted by Dan M.

Heck, we've already got lots of those around here.

Dont be so hard on yourself.... Youre not that annoying....