All who carry a concealed firearm had to start sometime, and everyone felt at least a bit self-conscious when they started carrying a handgun for self-defense. Choosing the right pistol, one that is not too small, not too big, and manageable through recoil is a good start, but there is a lot more to consider when picking the right pistol for carry.
As a wise gunwriter once said, any self-defense pistol caliber is good, as long as it starts with a .4. That is sage advice. And for many, the .45 ACP is king. But we are not talking about someone who has carried a gun for decades and fired tens of thousands of rounds in practice for this article. We are talking about handguns for beginners.
Being new to firearms or concealed carry is no excuse for not having enough stopping power. You would not send a rookie firefighter into a blazing inferno with a cup of water just because he did not have as much experience as a veteran hoseman. That being said, being over-gunned is just about as bad. While the .45 ACP is a worthwhile caliber, the gun will be larger, recoil will be more intense, and you’ll be no safer regardless how big the caliber is, if you do not hit your intended mark.
The 9mm on the other hand, has come a long way due to newer bullet and gunpowder technologies. It is the standard for many police departments, federal agencies (such as the FBI), and U.S. Military. There will always be naysayers, but the 9mm has too many proponents to subscribe to “the bigger the pea, the better the gun” these days.
In addition to offering plenty of stopping power, the 9mm is not plagued with as much recoil as the .40 S&W or .45 ACP. The 9mm often features a higher capacity (13 or more), which is appealing to many—even if the average number of rounds fired in a self-defense confrontation is only four. I agree with the old adage that it is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. More rounds, however, also means more weight and when a handgun becomes cumbersome, people tend to leave it at home… Consider that when picking a CC handgun.
Back to hitting your mark… Whatever handgun you choose, you’ll need plenty of practice. Dry-fire practice does not cost you anything, so there is no advantage to any caliber there. Live fire is another story though. When you start buying practice ammunition, the difference in caliber is immediately evident. The size and popularity of the 9mm offers significant savings when compared to other self-defense calibers.
Handgun Size
I recently attended a manufacturers round table. One of the owners of an ammunition manufacturing company remarked that after all of his testing, he would not carry anything with less than a 4-inch barrel. Full-size handguns offer certain advantages, but they are also harder to conceal. The size you select will depend on your body size, carry position, and personal preference.
The size of your pistol may also play a role in ammunition selection. Federal’s HST, is an awesome self-defense round. It was first introduced in 2002 and restricted to law enforcement only. That changed overtime, but so did the popularity of handguns with shorter barrels. Standard ammunition from a 3-inch barrel equates to wasted powder that burns after the bullet leaves the barrel. Once you select a gun, pair it with the right ammunition. For example, Federal also offers the HST Micro. This round features a faster burning powder to maximize the round in short barrel pistols.
Ammunition
The last section strayed into ammunition; the main point is to understand that all offerings, even by caliber, are not created equal. Some handguns seem to like a steady diet of one round over another and certain ammunition performs better out of different designs (longer vs. shorter barrels). The best advice is to buy a box of a few different brands or bullet types and head to the range for some personal research. Shoot for function and group. One brand may group better than other. Certain bullets may fail to consistently feed properly in a particular gun for some unknown reason.
Most self-defense ammunition will be of a jacketed hollowpoint design. All of it will be pricey when compared to training or practice ammunition though. Your final selection should be based on performance—both in your firearm and the target where it has to completely incapacitate your attacker. Anything less invites a counter-attack with potentially tragic consequences.
A few top picks for self-defense ammunition include Federal Hydra-Shok or HST Micro, Speer Gold Dot, Hornady Critical Defense, and Allegiance Ammunition’s OneStrike. Because OneStrike is a compressed metal powder, it offers devastating damage in the target without the concerns of over penetration or going through a wall and hitting a family member in a home defense situation. There are plenty of other quality offerings, but I carry or have carried each of these, depending on the firearm and defense scenario.
Top 6 Concealed Carry Handguns for Beginners
Springfield XD-E
The XD-E sculpts unmatched Point And Shoot ergonomics into a sleek frame just an inch wide for hand- and holster fit so satisfying you’ll take it everywhere. The low-effort slide practically racks itself, so handling’s a pleasure. The exposed hammer clearly shows gun mode, and the single/double action trigger shows respect for your shooting style, unlike many other compacts.
Then there’s the grip: GripZone provides active texture that matches your grasp like a handshake, improves stability, and feels incredible. Three magazine options let you personalize concealability and capacity. Impeccable feel, weight, and balance launch the XD-E from invisible to impactful in an instant, for go-anywhere confidence unlike any you’ve felt.
Whether you are a new shooter or skilled gunner, wrap your mitt around the new XD-E and you’ll know. This is more than a hammer. It redefines what your hammer should be.
Specifications and Features
Caliber: 9mm
Recoil System: Dual Spring w/ Full Length Guide Rod
Sights: Fiber Optic Front, Low Profile Combat Rear (Steel)
Weight: 25 oz
Height: 5″ w/ Flush Magazine, 5.25″ w/ Magazine X-Tension
Slide: Forged Steel, Melonite
Barrel: 3.3″ Hammer Forged Steel, Melonite
Length: 6.75″
Grip Width: 1″
Frame: Black Polymer
Magazines: 1 – 8 Round w/ Grip X-Tension, 1 – 9 Round w/ Mag X-Tension
Trigger Pull: Double Action / Single Action
MSRP: $525
Smith & Wesson M&P 9 2.0
The M&P M2.0 pistol is the newest innovation to the respected M&P polymer pistol line. Designed for personal, sporting, and professional use, the M&P M2.0 delivers an entirely new platform, introducing innovative features in nearly every aspect of the pistol, including trigger, grip, frame, and finish.
Highlights of the M&P M2.0 pistol include an extended stainless-steel chassis and a low, barrel bore axis for reduced muzzle rise and faster aim recovery. The M&P M2.0 pistol further improves performance with a finely-tuned, crisp trigger, lighter pull, and a tactile and audible reset. The pistol includes an aggressively-textured grip and four interchangeable palmswell inserts for optimal hand-fit and trigger reach. The M&P9 2.0 comes standard with two magazines, a limited lifetime warranty, and lifetime service policy.
Specifications and Features
- The low barrel bore axis makes the M&P pistol comfortable to shoot reducing muzzle rise and allowing for faster aim recovery
- Optimal 18-degree grip angle for natural point of aim
- Four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts for optimal hand fit and trigger reach – S, M, ML, L
- Aggressive grip texture for enhanced control
- New M&P M2.0 crisp trigger with lighter trigger pull
- Tactile and audible trigger reset
- Accurate 1 in 10” twist M&P M2.0 barrel
- Extended rigid embedded stainless steel chassis to reduce flex and torque when firing
- Armornite durable corrosion resistant finish
- MSRP: $629
Ruger LC9s
Ruger’s LC9s is a striker-fired pistol featuring a short, light, crisp trigger pull for faster, more accurate shooting. Slim, lightweight, and compact for personal protection, the LC9s is just slightly larger (less than 1″ taller and 1″ longer) than Ruger’s popular and compact LCP.
The LC9s features a dovetailed, high-visibility sight system with drift adjustable rear sight and fixed front sight. The LC9s comes standard with a finger grip extension floorplate that can be added to the magazine for comfort and improved grip. Safety features include an integrated trigger safety, manual safety, magazine disconnect, and an inspection port that allows for visual confirmation of a loaded or empty chamber.
Specifications and Features
Capacity: 7+1
Slide Material: Through-Hardened Alloy Steel
Barrel Material: Alloy Steel
Barrel Length: 3.12″
Grip Frame: High Performance, Glass-Filled Nylon
Slide Finish: Blued
Barrel Finish: Blued
Width: 0.90″
Sights: Drift Adjustable 3-Dot
Weight: 17.2 oz.
Safety Option: Standard
Overall Length: 6″
Height: 4.50″
Grooves: 6
Twist: 1:10″ RH
MSRP: $449
Kahr CW9
The CW9 is double action only with an internal striker and locked breech. The stainless steel trigger is exceptionally smooth throughout its 3/8″ ride from engagement to letoff, with a crisp “snap” at the end. From muzzle to butt, Kahr’s CW9 marries sleekness with power. The polymer frame is checkered and stippled for a non-skid grip.
Specifications and Features
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 7+1
Operation: Trigger cocking DAO; lock breech; “Browning – type” recoil lug; passive striker block; no magazine disconnect
Barrel: 3.6″, conventional rifling; 1-10 right-hand twist
Length O/A: 5.9″
Height: 4.5″
Slide Width: .90″
Weight: Pistol 15.8 ounces, Magazine 1.9 ounces
Grips: Textured polymer
Sights: Drift adjustable white bar-dot combat rear sight, pinned in polymer front sight
Finish: Polymer frame with black carbon fiber print, matte stainless steel slide
Magazine: 1 – 7-rd, Stainless
MSRP: $449
Glock 43
With the success of the Glock 26 and ever changing trends in the concealed carry pistol market, Glock redesigned its subcompact 9mm almost entirely to bring the Glock 43 to market. Glock’s new slimline pistol has taken the single stack 9mm segment by storm, outselling even the most popular contender.
The Glock 43 transformed how shooters thought of single stack carry guns—no longer were they uncomfortable and hard to shoot. Now, concealed carriers have the ability to practice with their carry gun without discomfort and an unpleasant shooting experience that some other single stack 9mm pistols offer.
Shooters are flocking to the Glock 43 thanks to new and refined features such as a finger groove-less grip, that is perfect for all hand sizes, and a reversible magazine catch coupled with the all too familiar Glock feel. Recoil is kept in check with a dual spring recoil system, and the ever-present Safe-Action system ensures that the trigger feels just like the Glock 43’s bigger brothers. Thanks to the new one-inch wide design, the Glock 43 will disappear under clothing like it isn’t even there.
Specifications and Features
- 9mm Luger
- 3.39″ Barrel
- 1:9.84″ Twist
- Right hand hexagonal rifling
- 6 Rounds
- Polymer Frame
- Striker Fired Action
- 5.5 lb Trigger Pull
- Overall Length 6.26″
- Overall Height 4.25″
- Overall Width 1.02″
- Overall Weight 17.95 oz Unloaded/22.36 oz Loaded
- MSRP: $499
Kel-Tec PF-9
The PF-9 is a semi-automatic, locked breech design, chambered for the 9mm Luger cartridge. It has been developed from the highly successful P-11 and P-3AT pistols with maximum concealability in mind.
The PF-9 has a single stack magazine holding 7 rounds. The PF-9 is the lightest and flattest 9mm ever made. The firing mechanism is double action only with an automatic hammer block safety.
Specifications and Features
- 9mm caliber
- 3.1″ barrel
- 7 +1 single-stack magazine
- Automatic hammer block safety
- Double-action
- Locked-breech
- Black polymer grips
- Parkerized slide finish
- Adjustable rear sight
- Accessory rail
- 5.85″ overall length
- 4.3″ tall
- 0.88″ wide
- 12.7 oz.
- MSRP: $356.36
Narrowing this list to only six means a lot of great guns were not included. If you have a favorite handgun that you would recommend for a beginner for concealed carry, list it in the comment section and tell us why?
[dave]
Thanks for all the feedback and comments. Would appreciate hearing from some females. Just trying to learn about different weapons. Would love to get into competitive shooting.
I won’t ever buy a striker fired pistol for myself for only one reason. It’s easier to feel if it’s cocked or not. It doesn’t mean my pistol is any better than others, but it is more suitable for me. I especially like the single action 4 lb trigger pull on my CZ-P07.I also like the 15+1 magazine. The added weight of 7 extra rounds tames the recoil enough to ensure “for me” the first few shots are likely to be a bit more accurate.
I’m sure others have different reasons for their purchases which suit their needs better
Seems to be the usual amount of self indulgent wanking here mixed in with some actual constructive criticism and actual fact based suggestions.
I can’t disagree with the idea of a small revolver in the 38+P an .357 chambering being a viable choice. I don’t know if it would be mine but it certenly is worth.
The platforms suggested here are also worth a look. There are also others, platforms, not mentioned here that might also fit the bill. Even old school pistols such as the Browning HiPower 9mm is a very concealable choice.
I favor all steel frames for CC, such as my IMI Baby Desert Eagle Compact in .40SW. However I also fully understand the love affair with the lighter weight polymer, Titanium, and alloy frams for obvious reasons.
Beginner or long time carrier, each choice is a personal one. Everyone’s requirements vary, so then will their choice of EDC/CC. Instead of pointing out deficiencies, exclusions, errors, or just because some want to show their “expertise”.
How about some suggestions without all the crap? Beginners only get more confused and less informed when reading thru such comments.
6
…38 +p for a new (newer) shooter or .40 considering the firearm will have to be concealed, likely a compact 40 or snubby revolver, let’s just hope they won’t actually have to use it as these are not even fun range guns for many. But I’m just wanking
TAURUS pt111 is more accurate than almost all you listed. As accurate as the GLOCK, has a manual safety, adj. rear sight, and a loaded chamber indicator. you can buy it and a thousand rounds of ammo for the price of the GLOCK, and probably have some money left over!!!
My CW9 is a great and accurate piece. But my wife and i carry hammerless 38s. Foolproof operation under most any condition. Squeeze trigger, go bang!
Remember the name of the article? …for BEGINNERS! Short barrel Revolver? Nope. Light, easy to conceal but harder to shoot.
EZ30 is what wife is getting. After test firing, it gives lower recoil then anything listed above. Fairly easy to conceal. Plenty of rounds.
I’d rather get punched as hard as Mike Tyson can hit me flush on the jaw then get hit with a 380 round at 5 yards DCM!
380 ammo gets the same ‘modern’ accouterments as the 9mm. And like Big Dave says…if you miss with a cannon (.45 in his example), you have still MISSED! Less recoil = higher degree of accuracy for many!
I chose the shield 380 EZ. It’s big enough to fit my hand comfortably but small enough to still conceal comfortably. If you are talking about the stopping power of a 9mil, what is the difference between it and a 380 at close range?
The “stopping power difference” will depend on bullet placement, barrel length, and load used. A few 9x19mm loads work very poorly out of short barrels while others are designed for short barrels and work much better. The best 9x17mm loads (.380) perform as well or better than the worst case barrel/load 9x19mm loads, but one thing remains overwhelmingly important.
Hits count.
Pick the weapon you prefer, but make sure you are able to put every round on target, even under the worst of circumstance.
Thank you HW. People that always state about caliber size. Would you rather get punched in the face by Mike Tyson’s best shot…or take a 22 to the face?
If you’re in a shoot out, and maybe the guy is on Meth/Crack whatever the case…sure. But I don’t think I’ve ever been even close to that situation. So I do not have an issue with small ammo pistols…it is about hitting your target first and foremost!
First thing, thank you for your service Dave.
When I was a beginner CC I relied on the advice of respected friends and family about the choice of firearm (SA or RVLR) to carry. Their advice was, what you carry, to a degree, is decided by the company you’re with. If I’m with carrying individuals I’ll go with a semiauto because if there is a jam, I’ve got cover and return fire until I can clear my weapon. Also, if there is a gun fight with us as a group, the extra rounds a semiauto offers is an advantage.
If I’m alone I’d want the peace of mind of a jam free engagement until I can stop the attacker, get to cover, or get away. I carry at least two speed loaders for a total of fifteen rounds for my S&W. Needless to say, with the revolver, I’d be very economic in my shooting; not round for round, but round per hit opportunity.
Also, when I was a beginner, my choice of holster was often driven by flashy articles about the newest and expensive offerings, but now my favorite and everyday holster is an inexpensive, soft leather, IWB in a cross draw configuration that is comfortable and holds my firearm securely all day and night long.
Thanus,
Great points and even better advice! Thanks for reading ~Dave Dolbee
You could save half the cost of the M&P 2.0 by switching to the Shield which was designed for conceal and carry. Many of these full size models have smaller counter parts specifically for conceal and carry. Keep that in mind when shopping. Extra mags are some time easier to conceal than full firearms depending on your build and body type.
If starting out, never over-invest in your first handgun. Though other folk’s opinions are worth considering, you will need to find what works best for you. As you grow with practice you will probably find a different one that better suits your liking. It’s one reason to consider a pre-owned firearm for your first, as the first owner took the biggest depreciation hit at trade time.
I think it is important to mention that 9mm in a light compact polymer can be quite snappy when it comes to recoil. I own a Kel-Tec Pf-9. It is my daily carry. I ended up putting a heavier recoil spring in it to make it more tolerable to shoot. My wife still can’t stand to shoot it. If you think you have wrist issues, or think for some reason you might struggle with the recoil a subcompact 9mm will deliver, I would advise trying one before you buy it. I love my Pf-9, but I realize it is not right for everyone.
I loved the feel of the 365 but the mag release felt darn near flush for me. I couldn’t get over that. I am hoping they come up with an extension or after market replacement
For a blog whose logo includes an end view of the cylinder of a revolver It seems that there is a pistol centric bias here. Especially since most of the pistols mentioned have similar capacity to a revolver. In one case, the Glock offers 6 rounds. The reason revolvers became popular in self defense circles was because they work every time you pull the trigger, provided the ammunition is good and loaded to capacity. When you consider that you can get center fire revolvers in calibers up to 44 magnum, there isn’t one pistol that outperforms them in terminal ballistics.
I bought a Ruger LCR in .327 Federal Magnum for my wife. I started her out with .32 ACP, and .32 S&W, She then progressed to the S&W Long. Eventually she was able to shoot some H&R Magnum including Hornady Critical Defense in .32 H&R Magnum. She is happy and no, I do NOT suggest she shoots the .327 Federal Magnum cartridge at this time. She is very recoil sensitive and semi-autos, at this point, are intimidating to her. The LCR holds six rounds of .32 and shoots five different cartridges, The Hogue Tamer grips also help with recoil,.
Wheel guns ?
That’s a poorly done list!
Since the article has pistol in the title, it kinda leaves the wheel gun out of the picture. Just saying.
I feel like this “list” just showcased popular names. You got the xd, you got the glock, you got the m&p….
But what makes those “beginner guns “?? Glock has no safety, XD is da/sa so trigger pull is advanced….. what an arbitrary list.
No shield with option for safety? No revolvers? No mention of price consideration; because you know ALL beginner shooters choose a budget option. Seriously: ARBITRARY list.
Who in their right mind recommends a Glock for beginners? Enough damn ‘experts’ shoot themselves with Glock’s unsafe trigger.
There are quite a few revolvers that would make a fine choice for a beginner. [And I don’t think even the biggest .45ACP advocate would go so far as to suggest .357 Magnum isn’t proven highly effective.]
J, I only suggest you check barrel length and test with the chosen load for your 357 because that is a cartridge that needs running room to get up to steam.
Some two inch barrel guns are actually less than two inches of barrel, and some loads that are outstanding out of a three or four inch barrel look impressive out of the shorter barrel because they have a muzzle blast about the size of a Volkswagen Rabbit but aren’t really delivering the punch needed.
Actually, the same rule applies to all calibers, and I worry about the short barrel craze.
You state the xd has unmatched point and shoot ergos. Actually, it’s the same inferior angle as most of the guns on your list and also the 100 yr old 1911.
Pretend like you are a kid again and use your finger as a pistol. Raise your “pistol” up and aim it like you are taking a shot, point your finger at your target. That is the angle and ergos that you want. What pistol does that ?
Mine! Both actually. My AMT 5″ government and my Taurus PT145. A big part of point n shoot ergos goes with how you train your arm, hand, fingers and body.
I will agree with that. If you’ve shot a 1911 or other similar grip angle gun for years, then you are probably used to it. But a new shooter isn’t. For a new shooter. A Glock just points more natural. Also, it is much easier to control the recoil. When you hold your hand up like your at signalling “stop” the pistol has the leverage advantage.
Mine also. Just checked. It was exact. S+W SD40VE. 1 Malfunction in 2 yrs. Not sure how many rounds but enough that I feel safe. Not my EDC a little heavy although I have cc’d it. Now either going to get Ruger LC9s(if I go semi-auto.) Or Ruger LCP .327 magnum ( Have not finished looking into and trying this Revolver.) As you can tell I am on a tight budget. Otherwise I might go for somthing a little better. However I feel safe with all 3 choices as far as reliability goes.
I just bought an lc9s. There are some things I don’t like about it, but then there are always some things that I don’t like. It’s got a good trigger but the actual trigger shoe sucks. It hurts my finger when I shoot it. I prefer a pistol without the thumb safety. And I really hate the magazine safety. I took that out. All in all not a bad gun, but my Glock 26 still conceals better.
If you are only going to own just one gun, whose primary purpose is defensive, do not select a pistol. Select a double action revolver. Why?
1. Lack of practice – I am going to predicate much of this advice on the quite reasonable expectation that you will obtain a firearm and a box of cartridges, find a safe and legal place to shoot, practice once or twice, clean the weapon, load it, and put it away with all of the best intentions to maintain proficiency. If that’s the case, and only time will tell, you are many times better off with a revolver.
2. Dormancy (compressed springs stored under tension for extended periods)
3. Ease of operation
4. Proper, safe, and effective pistol operation is much harder to learn and therefore much easier to forget.
5. Most revolvers have no shooter-operated safety mechanisms; most pistols do.
6. Safing the weapon
7. Clearing jams
8. Clearing “duds”
9. Mags are a b*tch
10. Universality of operation – All revolvers pretty much look and work alike, especially the “go boom” part (hammer and trigger operation). Pistols are pretty much different.
Says you!!
The last thing I want to do is reload a revolver in the dark while some jerk is shooting at me!
There’s more, but I won’t waste my time!
Have a good day.:-)
My thoughts exactly. I was disappointed that the article did not include revolvers. A revolver is a much better choice for the infrequent user. Especially for women, who might not have the hand strength to operate the slide on a pistol. And most important. To be ready for rapid use, a pistol must have a round in the chamber with the safety on. A double action revolver requires only a pull of the trigger. This could be very important in a dangerous situation.
I recommend the Sig P320 45acp compact. It is easy to conceal and for a .45, a large cal., it has hardly any kick and is very accurate. Also with nite sights, very nice little gun, with a big punch.
Took the words out of my mouth, Sig Sauer builds some superior firearms. With that said the p320 has been one of my favorites, but then I like my scorpion in .357 Sig. And my odd size rounds Polish 9×18 Makarov and 7.62×25 Tokarev. While I personally don’t own the 5.7×28 I have had the chance to fire one one several occasions and its recoil isn’t any more than a good .17 pellet air gun.
I think you missed one of the best carry pistols.
My wife carries a Glock 43 and I carry a Walther PPS M2. She now wants to trade hers in because the Walther is superior in every way possible. It just looks and feels and shoots better for a gun that is almost the same. I have tried all of the others and would never switch.
For a woman that’s afraid of powerful guns, a 380 or even a .22 lr is a good choice. Being able to put a hole in a bad guy and/ or stop his will to fight is far more important than anything else discussed for self defense, period.
I’d be happy to even trade you my Walther pps m2 (Leo edition with 3 mags) for your wife’s glock 43. I love the pistol but accidentally always hit the slide release consequently never being able to take advantage of the last rounds hold open.
No Sig P365 on the list? I’ve had one for a few months now and I have zero complaints with it. It performs flawlessly on the range and is small enough to conceal carry comfortably. The only drawback that I have seen is the ability to find one in stock. They are nearly impossible to find in stores (around Vegas anyway). I agree with revolvers being on the list as well. Maybe they are being left off due to their limited ammo capacity for a beginner. Who knows?
“Glock 19”
” but why would a small revolver be on this list?”
You left out a word that changes the whole meaning of what you’re trying to say.
I can’t believe you did not include the Sig P365. It is of the smallest, of the most accurate, with the best sites and trigger pull. It carries 10 to 12 rounds and is totally dependable. I know there are those Sig haters that want to speak of all the problems that have occurred with the P365, but usually they have never fired one much less owned one. I have put hundreds of rounds through one without a single misfire or fail to feed or fail to eject.
There are also better choices than some of these six such as the Walter PPS M2, the S&W M&P Shield 9 mil or other, the Sig P938 9mm or P238 380, a Kimber micro 9 or micro 380, the Springfield 911 380, the Taurus PT111 G2 and many more. The Springfield XD-e C, Ruger LCS9 and Kahr CW9 are good choices but I feel the S&W M&P 2.0 , an excellent firearm however too large to carry. I also feel the SCCY CPX-1 or 2 to be a better choice than the Keltec PF-9.
Out of all of these, which I presently own, have carried and fired many times, find the Sig P365 to be the best everyday carry firearm available. Not only is it comfortable to carry but a most important factor is it’s pleasant to shoot and very accurate with the Sig x-ray 3 night sights That results in more range time practice and firearm familiarity.
With respect to all the wonderful choices people make, those choices can transcend to the best selection for their individual preferences, confidence and comfort. These are however, in my humble opinion and from my personal experience, some of the best CCW’s available today , but certainly not limited to.
Yes there are revolvers that fit the criteria for simple and dependable consideration , my only concern being the limited number of rounds, slow reload restrictions and heavy recoil . For some that may be overwhelmed with even moderate recoil , a revolver in 22 WMR with Speer Short Barreled ammo could be an acceptable option for them.
Thank all for the opinions shared in this discussion , I evaluate everything in hopes of being more informed.
While I pretty much agree with everything you said here, I wanted to focus on the Sccy being superior to kel-tec. I’ve owned Kels p-11 and pf9. They’re pretty underwhelming overall and fully stripping them can be a disaster. Well I bought a Sccy CPX-2 about 2 years ago and it’s not only one of the best value CC pistols, but it’s a pretty decent pistol period. My only complaint is that the trigger sucks. I spent like 150 bucks at Galloway precision for the full trigger kit and upgraded recoil spring and I love this gun now. I’ve put at least 1000 rounds through it. Steel case, reloads, whatever and I’ve had maybe a handful of FTF or FTE and those were all from reloads. Sccy should be on this list, period.
Thanks Jay for reading and sharing good points, especially for commenting on how easy it is to service the CPX from disassembly to reassembly. It’s good you found the SCCY CPX for what it is and was ment to be.
I commend Joe Roebuck for his concept that it doesn’t have to be expensive to be a well designed, accurate and reliable CCW. It was accomplished with his CPX .
Earlier I failed to mention the Glock. I feel it is an excellent firearm, however I personally do not like the factory trigger, sights or guide rod . It takes another $300 +/- to address these issues.
I regret the negative and unkind comments left by some towards others sharing their personal opinions. We can all learn something from others if we can open our minds instead of our mouths.
With respect.
A Ruger representative at the NRA Show said the LC9s has been discontinued in favor of the EC9s.
I have numerous side arms, as probably most people reading this article do and I enjoy most of them for my carry, but always depends on where I will be going. If I am out in the woods, long long trek, I like y S&W SD9VE. Light as can be so I hardly notice it is there, 16 rounds per magazine and very easy to fire. For a quick outing to the local mall, I have fallen in lust with my Taurus Spectrum 380. Very small, well concealed firearm. Obviously I also keep an extra mag handy. Some people argue the 380 doesn’t have the stopping power. To that a simple one word reply is factual. BOLOGNA! If I fire a small carry it will be up close and personal. With the correct round, it will stip anything I need to stop. But there are several others I carry for otehr reasons, Ruger LC9, Taurus PT111, Glock 17, all for different reasons. Hard to anrrow to one specific all around carry but I would say the PT111 is up there if I had to choose.
Good article but I’ve got one small bone to pick: those are all excellent carry pistols for anyone. Pegging them as for “beginners” seems to suggest that more experienced folks should move up to a different class, like ones with higher calibers. Imho, those carry pistols would be excellent for any experience level.
I have found the Taurus G2 to be a very good and reliable CCH and it is available with double and single mags.
I’ll stick with my Taurus PT-111 Millenium Pro in 9mm. Light, easy to conceal, and extremely accurate 9mm. Pluss, it carries 12 + 1 rounds.
I’ve been looking at that weapon also for conceal carry. Wish it came in a DA/SA configuration
Good points Dean and Bob!
Dean, is yours the G2 PT-111, or the earlier stainless and grey Titanium Millennium Pro PT111?
Reason I ask , the earlier model is SA/DA . I have this one and find it to be excellent.
I have read the G2 model to be SA/DA also on some site reviews, on others I read ig to be DAO. I can’t share on this ad I only have the earlier model. Great points.!
If your talking about beginners then I’m surprised you did not mention even one revolver, I carry and love my smith and Wesson airweight .38. Much less likely to jam or have a problem that the shooter must resolve to fire again.
Absolutely agree – it is a shame that wheel guns no longer get the respect they deserve. I understand the capacity arguments but that doesn’t take away from the proven reliability and relative affordability of a solid snubby.
Exactly. Just bought my S&W 360 Airweight 357 not two hours ago and it is absolutely replacing my Glock 42 that replaced my Glock 27 for my CCW of choice. This is a work of art. And simplicity at its finest. A true masterpiece. Now to find the perfect holster. -Roll Tide Roll (Nemo)
I love semi auto pistols but why would a small revolver be on this list? I have carried a multitude of semi auto micro pistols (I am in the private security business) but a small hammerless revolver must be among this list because of reliability and simplicity for bigginers and for the ease of concealment. Your thoughts? It works for me…
Seriously, nearly all of that backtracks to the Luger P08 as the best 9mm ever. And I own one of those guns you like.
You ‘gun writers’ really need to get out more. My wife won’t use a semi-auto because they scare her. You clowns don’t even understand such obvious basics and yet pretend to tell the rest of us which ‘carry pistols are the best for beginners’. And yes, I fully understand the difference between a pistol and a revolver.
Shame on you.
Maybe you should be a staff writer and fill the rest of us in on what we should be carrying.
A little dramatic don’t ya think Ed?!?!
Big Bad ED, maybe with all your expertise you should train her not to be afraid of a simple pistol and fix your own problems at home!
Mr Dargatz, maybe Ed’s comments became a little over the top in the dramatic way he responded to the article. Do you feel you may have done similar in response to Ed ?
So much info or sharing of one’s thoughts loose their effectiveness when done in an unkind manor. Your intentions well ment, like Ed’s may become clouded in the dramatic presentations.
I remember from someone a good point I try to embrace.
“It’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice”. It cost nothing and often brings big dividends.
Ed, you do know that a revolver is not a pistol don’t you? Just curious.
A very serious mistake in the recoil information.
Reference Chuck Hawks pistol recoil tables (quick web search will uncover the address) and compare real recoil levels not “well, it’s a bigger bullet so it has to kick more.”
9×19 +P (115 at 1250) 1.5 pound pistol 7.3 foot pounds of recoil Glock 17
.45 ACP (230 at 916) 2.5 pound pistol 7.5 foot pounds of recoil (1911)
Most of the “recoil” is more related to how loud it was and how much others have talked you into believing that cartridge really kicks hard. A lighter pistol using 9mm+P will kick harder than the same round in a heavier pistol. That’s math.
Look for hand fit first, size wanted second, and then find a round you can control in that size and weight pistol.