I need advice on gun selection

[Gr8Xfatman]

My wife and I were discussing gun selection for CCW. As I mentioned in another thread, I wont use my HiPoint C9. My plan was to get a Charter Arms undercover in .38 SPL, or a Rossi R461 2in. in .357. Either of these guns would be under $400 out the door. She asked "Is that all our lives are worth, $400"? I'm embarassed to say that I never looked at that way before. She really caused me to think about gun choice and how serious it really is.
Can you guys help me with sugestions on a reliable carry gun. We can't afford $1000, but can go up to maybe $700 out the door.

[DRSFEFA]

Of the three currently on my permit, none are over $550.00 and I do not feel undergunned or quality challenged.

I have:
Ruger KP345
Rossi 461 2"
Kahr CW9

The Kahr is by far the lightest and easiest to carry. All three are as relaible as a rock.

[cksh8me]

I'd buy used before I'd buy new either of the guns you mentioned.

You can buy a new glock for less you can find a used glock for much less.

J frame Smiths can be had in your price range too.

[hygyliac]

http://www.calccw.com/Forums/general...n-choices.html

do you have other pistols already in mind? Maybe the members can also give comments on what you intend to carry.

[hygyliac]

Originally Posted by cksh8me

I'd buy used before I'd buy new either of the guns you mentioned.

You can buy a new glock for less you can find a used glock for much less.

J frame Smiths can be had in your price range too.

very good points , then you can PPT more than one pistol. One for you and one for your wife.

[Gr8Xfatman]

Just got these suggestions from a neighbor. I like them, but wont they be too big for CCW?
Taurus International Manufacturing Inc

Taurus International Manufacturing Inc

Magnum Research

[X-ffdo]

You are going to hear all kinds of angles on this one!.
If you do not have a lot of money available, a common situation these days with most of us, the economy is failing. Then you must find an "undervalued stock". Look around to see what "tools" most law enforcement dept. are using. They look for the most bang for the buck, exceptions are high profile outfits like USSS, (they use Sigs). Generally they buy guns that are tested for ease of function, reliabilty, simplicity of operations, which translate into training savings cost, and cost of the weapon.
First. Find a gun range that will rent you a variety of guns. Shoot a wide variety and experience the weapon, "test drive before you buy", you would not buy a car, just on someone else word, without first driving it. Another thing you can do while shooting at the range, look at the next person close to you, what is he/she shooting, if they seem friendly ask them, I bet you money they will even let you shoot it! You might let them shoot yours, get a different prospectve, shoot the gun but be aware the person will have his/her bias. Caveat emptor! As you develop your own bias be aware also that it will change over time. Our experiences shape us!
Use the KISS principle as much as possible.
Gun/hand fitting. What fits your hand might not fit your wife's hand.
Accuracy. You may be more accurate with some specific guns. Don't argue with facts, if you cannot hit the target with your $2,000 gun but can with a $500 then you know what to do.
Ease of field stripping, cleaning. If field stripping your gun reguires a degree in mechanics then you will be more apt not to clean it. It shout not be a PITA.
Carrying. Watch for weight and size. Carry the smallest gun with the largest caliber you can shoot well.
Caliber. Minimum caliber for self defense, 9mm, also, test drive .40 S&W and the king .45ACP. Avoid anything smaller, including the 38 Spec. due to poor track record in field ballistics.
target practice is a different issue, caliber is immaterial, it is of course best to practice with what you carry, to be realistic.
Final.....flame factor. Different groups gravitate to different guns. It changes with time. Today the hot gun may be tomorrows forgotten gun. Stay with a keeper.
Brands to look at:
Sig., H&K, Glock, Many kinds of 1911/ O Frames manufactures. You might look for a used gun, example, there is very little anyone can do to a Glock, or an H&K, although they tend to be expensive, excepting the Glock which seem to be priced more reasonable.
A 1911, different deal, they are a tinkerer's delight, you will go the full spectrum, the good the bad and the ugly.
Lastly, when you go to the range, watch who is having the malfunctions and what is it they are shooting.
The most important thing is training. After you have chosen your weapon, unless you train, you have nothing. I have a story of someone who drew his/her weapon which had a manual safety, under stress he/she forgot to disengage the manual safety....no bang! That is why some of the weapons today, only have internal safeties. Had that person practice enough this would not have happened, because learning is reinforced through repetition it would have been a built in action. This is why you see some departments that have issued weapons with internal safeties only. That way it is simple, less to foul up and also it will translate into training savings, less to teach/practice.
Good Luck. We are here to help you.

[Akzl]

For wheel guns the S&W 642 or 649, I've had both on my permits, now a 642 because of the weight for back issues, both are proven for CCW and fit your budget easily, I bought both for under $500. As for semi the Springfield XD9 SC inexpensive to shoot and extremely dependable, they are out there in the $4-500 range too. Mine has been flawless.

[X-ffdo]

IMI baby Eagle. Jericho. A CZ clone. Good gun, time tested, reliable, heavy all steel gun. Magazines are the weak/critical link. OK. If you do not mind the weight. Slide safety. Look for a used compact Witness Gun, same thing. Have had extensive experience with them, good if you can find it, their safety is more like a 1911, frame safety which is preferred by most, inexpensive and reliable, very accurate, no longer on DOJ list, unfortunately. Some compacts and full size. CZ-75 clone. One of the renowns.
Taurus has had quality issue with their semiautomatics. Customer service not good. Their revolvers seem to be OK. I have heard that their tracker line is supposed to be their best. Have had no personal experience with them, info is hearsay/read." Follow your feelings Luke"

[Bombard]

Originally Posted by gr8fatman

My wife and I were discussing gun selection for CCW. As I mentioned in another thread, I wont use my HiPoint C9. My plan was to get a Charter Arms undercover in .38 SPL, or a Rossi R461 2in. in .357. Either of these guns would be under $400 out the door. She asked "Is that all our lives are worth, $400"? I'm embarassed to say that I never looked at that way before. She really caused me to think about gun choice and how serious it really is.
Can you guys help me with sugestions on a reliable carry gun. We can't afford $1000, but can go up to maybe $700 out the door.

The guns I currently have on my CCW are

Glock 23
S&W 640
Kahr PM 40.

All are available used for under $500.

OTOH - since you are a member here, you might look around and decide on what's absolutely perfect in a new gun regardless of the price. Say, a Kimber Ultras Carry II, just as an example. Then post here that you're looking to buy one, new, and ask if anyone knows where to get one at a good price.

You might be surprised.

[X-ffdo]

Have a question for you, Bombard. How is the recoil, muzzle flip with your PM40?

[right2defend]

Originally Posted by X-ffdo

Have a question for you, Bombard. How is the recoil, muzzle flip with your PM40?

Just had to chime in. I also have the PM40 and it's not bad at all. Slightly more than the PM9 but completely reliable and manageable. If you want to "try before you buy" just let me know via PM.

[X-ffdo]

Thank You, Sir.

[paul0660]

factor practicing into the purchase budget. Add a couple hundred bucks for practice ammo and excellent quality carry ammo and maybe your wife will feel more appreciated. I don't think your OP choices are bad, although buying a .357 snub is probably a waste of money, most people settle for .38 +p in that platform. I like revolvers and DAO pistols, but if you buy a used pistol you might end up with a problem gun with no warranty coverage. I would take a used smith or new rossi or taurus snub, and practice a LOT, including reloading.

[CCWInstructor]

I like 357 revolvers for the weight. The underlug makes recoil nice when you shoot 38's.