I'm dead set on glock. Single stacks you have the g42 in .38 and g36 in .45. I'll probably pick up the g36 since I can't find .38. When I tried them out, just holding, their weight with no bullets seemed about the same. The slide release on g36 seemed a bit stiff but I think it was just that gun. With that I plan on getting a g36. Maybe g42. Who knows I'm wishy washy.
I too would encourage you to look at a 9mm for a conceal carry weapon. I have a Beretta 92 compact and I love it. I also have a Walthaer PPK that is one of my favorite guns to carry but obviously thats a 380 not a 9mm.
the Dude abides... I'm not saying I'd run a 5k with one on my ankle, but as I don't wear skinny jeans and most of my day is spent either in a car or at a desk, it's not bad at all. I literally know dozens of guys, from 5'7" - over 6' tall who wear a 26 on their ankle all day every day. 19s not that much bigger.
My primary carry gun is a Springfield XDS .45. When the time comes I need to ensure that I'm under threat and will be shooting at someone less than 30 feet away. I have 5 and 7 round magazines for it. Here it is with several .380's and standard 9mm frame pistols plus a .38 revolver with a large grip.
Somethings to keep in mind. I had no idea the .380 was so much lighter loaded, I also don't know why the SF is heavier than the S. Still can't decide on 42 or 36 for me, most likely 42 due to the weight difference then also picking up a glock 30SF or S depending on how one feels in the next few months.
Just a thought.........holster and belt have a lot more to do with comfort than weight of the pistol. I can carry a commander length 1911 (32oz unloaded) loaded with 8 rounds just as comfortably as my Sig P238 (15oz unloaded) with 6 rounds. I carry both in a Crossbreed Supertuck along with a Cabelas brand double layer 1.5" belt. Comfort level is the same, but I opt for the smaller pistol when I'm wearing a t-shirt and shorts just because it won't print as much.
T-shirt and shorts I wear my De Santis holster with my glock 32c (double stack .357sig) and forget at times I have it on. That's 15rds of ammo(+2 on mag) I shoot a lot and i break clay targets at 75yds with no problem with it. I also won a beretta px4 storm in .40 cal back in March and like it a lot. I would like to see what the 9mm in the px4 sub compact is like. But when it comes down to oh **** situations for self defense. Anything .380 and above will work... It's all about well placed shots and making them count. A guy with a full auto .458 that panics and couldn't hit **** is worse then a guy with. .22 that puts every bullet on target.
They shoot nice but are fat little bulldogs and weigh quite a bit for how small they are. Other than having a rail, they are outshone by the 26 in just about every way. Now the .40SW PX4, however, is a really nice subcompact platform. When compared to a Glock 27 (subcompact .40) the Beretta is noticeably less harsh to shoot. The extra weight does a lot of recoil absorption. I know some people who carry a 27 and all of them would admit that it can get a bit hard on the hands toward the end of a range day.
Dan, I have a S&W Shield .40 and love it. The size is perfect for my hands. I'm 5'8" as well and have smaller hands. Glocks are just too bulky for me. The only thing I would have done different is get the shield in 9mm. The .40 is just a little bit too much for that small of frame. That said, if you want to extend the justification for bears, look at the Ruger GP101 in .357. It's a small frame so you can conceal, it gives you the firepower of the .357 and for normal shooting, the option of using the .38 special. It really is an all-round handgun. I didn't get one because I got a really good deal on my shield. Also, if they still are, Macks Prarie Wings was having a sale on guns. They were cheap enough to ship to an FFL, pay the FFL cost, and still come out saving $50 or so.
I went and held a dozen guns tonight including ruger sr9c, shield 9 and 40, glock 19, 23 gen 4, 17, 22, xds 9 and 40 amd several others. I REALLY liked the 19 and 23 gen 4. They both felt great in my hand. Ugly guns but loved them. Got a few more to track down and have to wait for my permit to carry then I'll be ready to buy! Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk
I can't wait until I turn 21 and get my own sidearm. I plan on getting the permit to carry and conceal carry. I might even get two guns, one for personal defense and one for bears.
Well I bit the bullet and bought a glock 29 gen 4 10 mm. It fit my hand perfectly and feels great. After I bought it I took it straight to my friends farm and shot 10 rounds and I'm in love. Recoil isn't bad at all! Very happy with it. Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk
Dan, Compared to a G26 or the G19, is it alot more recoil? My friend keeps telling me to buy the 10mm. Also, is it .380, 9mm, .40, .45, .357, 10mm, .44?
I've never shot any other glock but I did shoot my friends springfield xds 9 and the recoil on mine isn't a whole lot more. I was actually surprised that it had so little. I love it. Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk
I'm shooting at the range right now. Uhm are ranges nit usually temperature controlled? I think it is about 90 here seeing as how I'm sweating just standing
awesome. ranges around me are very limited and usually consists of giant dirt piles and some benches out a ways from town or friends farm. Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk
I think a large part of recoil is improper grip. Just my theory from my limited knowledge and experience. Well see when I buy that G30
Excellent choice. The small frame Glocks are the best shooting Glocks I sold my full size because I shot my subcompact better. Make sure if you're using it for defense you shoot it enough to trust it's reliability and yourself in a situation when you might need to use it. Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
