Recommendations for a CCW that is 9mm, 10 rd capacity, but very compact and easy to hide.

[Dunedain Ranger]

Well, i wound up getting my EDC 9mm CCW, pocket pistol. I went with the Sig Sauer P365.

It just so happened my local FS was running a "Sig" day. They had a nice Tacpak for 10% off, and thats what i got.

It came with 3 10 rounders, a case, and a holster, all for $540 incl tax and everything.

Gonna pick it up in about a week, and hopefully test her out soon after. Thanks for everyones input, advice, and help. Was appreciated more than you know.

 

[Phazer]

I prefer to carry the gun I shoot the best.
When/If the time needs it, I'd rather have that. When my life, or the life of someone else depends on it, I'd rather have the gun I shoot best.

So for the past two years I have been carry a bigger gun. Full size. With the right holster, you can conceal a bigger gun.

"Nah....I'm not concealing a rifle in my pants. I've got an old sports injury that prevents me from bending my right knee and makes me walk with a limp."

 

[MikeM]

Well, since I'm a lefty I never carried between there but I did initially around 8:00. First, AIWB for me is much quicker to the gun therefore to drawing, dot on target and shooting. Also IMHO it is easier for me to secure my firearm in the front of my body where I have the ability to protect it better. Lastly I am able to conceal a bigger gun better in front than at 8.

Lefty too, we should form a club. At 5'7". 250# I am to fat to carry appendix. When I carry its at 8. For work I wear button downs so a jacket is needed too.

 

[kev74]

SCCY lmao

Lol, they actually look like toys. I kinda figured they were junk. I own tons of pistols, and have shot many brands and types, but have never even held a SCCY.

I like my SCCY. I shoot it better than I shoot my Shield.

 

[Dr. Evil]

Lefty too, we should form a club. At 5'7". 250# I am to fat to carry appendix. When I carry its at 8. For work I wear button downs so a jacket is needed too.

When we both move to TN we'll form the club. 5'4" 155lbs and no stomach. Appendix carry gives me incentive to stay in shape lol.

 

[thisIslandEarth]

My CCW is a Sig 9mm P239. DA/SA. Not sure if Sig still makes that model anymore but I really like it. It's very accurate, easy to conceal and has a nice narrow profile. 8-round mags. I know a couple other guys that have them and nothing but positives AFAIK. Just my 2 cents...

 

[Podmonkey]

Just for the hell of it I am carrying my G19 in a Kusiak Signature IWB @3:30 with 1 offside IWB mag pouch. It conceals well enough for a grocery trip. I don't particularly care if I am made in my personal time.

That's 31 rounds for us free staters.
Don't fret too much , Governor Wolf oppresses PA in his own ways. Hopefully not after tge upcoming election

 

[Beerman]

Just for the hell of it I am carrying my G19 in a Kusiak Signature IWB @3:30 with 1 offside IWB mag pouch. It conceals well enough for a grocery trip. I don't particularly care if I am made in my personal time.

That's 31 rounds for us free staters.
Don't fret too much , Governor Wolf oppresses PA in his own ways. Hopefully not after tge upcoming election

Are you implying that a NY state resident can’t carry a 10 round capacity concealed handgun with additional magazines? Confused by the “That’s 31 rounds for us free staters.” statement.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Are you implying that a NY state resident can’t carry a 10 round capacity concealed handgun with additional magazines? Confused by the “That’s 31 rounds for us free staters.” statement.

No he's saying that because in a more free state such as his, he can carry standard capacity magazines for his Glock 19, which is 15 rounds, and with a spare magazine it's 30 rounds, add one in the chamber and now it's 31 rounds ..


Conversely someone in NY that isn't a "privileged individual" they'd have to carry a 3rd magazine to get to the same ammo capacity

 

[Beerman]

No he's saying that because in a more free state such as his, he can carry standard capacity magazines for his Glock 19, which is 15 rounds, and with a spare magazine it's 30 rounds, add one in the chamber and now it's 31 rounds ..


Conversely someone in NY that isn't a "privileged individual" they'd have to carry a 3rd magazine to get to the same ammo capacity

Ok, makes sense. Fewer big magazines = less fumbling, more rounds available in succession. More small mags = easier to conceal (negligibly) and another option in case of a failure, jam, etc. Apples/potatoes comparison, maybe. But things to consider, for sure. I’d love to have the option for bigger magazines in the Vampire State for sure.

 

[8w7]

Some of the comments here are pretty out there, people just aren’t thinking them through, or just want their choices validated.

1. Carrying a bigger gun because you were better at a class with one.

Yeah. Of course. If you found yourself in an unlikely scenario of having to shoot hundreds of rounds battling brain and hand fatigue at farther distances than average self defense distances, the bigger duty sized gun would serve better. But if you are using it at typical self defense distances of 10 yards if that or less at a man standing rather than a target half a man’s size, a smaller gun like a 26 or 365 will serve just fine. You’ll still be able to produce hits on target no problem. And if you can’t, training fixes that. It’s an extremely rare situation for you to be shooting multiple magazines at distance from behind a wall kneeling like you did in class.



2. Pocket carry can indeed be just as fast as drawing appendix. Again, that’s a training issue. Whenever I do pocket carry, ( It’s rare that I do so) I keep my hand halfway in my pocket or with my thumb resting in the pocket when inserting myself into a scenario where I’ll most likely have to use it. Pumping gas, entering the quicky mart, if in a room and someone of questionable looks enters, in a public bathroom, when walking the dog, etc. With a hand near a pocket and solid public awareness, you can have your gun ready to go at the blink of an eye.

These are all training issues regarding knowing your environments. Physically you can be just as fast if not faster if you walk into these places ready with your hand a fraction of a second away from the grip if not on the grip already because you saw something that you can perceive as a possible threat. Especially winter time under multiple garments.

 

[togmaster]

Some of the comments here are pretty out there, people just aren’t thinking them through, or just want their choices validated.

1. Carrying a bigger gun because you were better at a class with one.

Yeah. Of course. If you found yourself in an unlikely scenario of having to shoot hundreds of rounds battling brain and hand fatigue at farther distances than average self defense distances, the bigger duty sized gun would serve better. But if you are using it at typical self defense distances of 10 yards if that or less at a man standing rather than a target half a man’s size, a smaller gun like a 26 or 365 will serve just fine. You’ll still be able to produce hits on target no problem. And if you can’t, training fixes that. It’s an extremely rare situation for you to be shooting multiple magazines at distance from behind a wall kneeling like you did in class.



2. Pocket carry can indeed be just as fast as drawing appendix. Again, that’s a training issue. Whenever I do pocket carry, ( It’s rare that I do so) I keep my hand halfway in my pocket or with my thumb resting in the pocket when inserting myself into a scenario where I’ll most likely have to use it. Pumping gas, entering the quicky mart, if in a room and someone of questionable looks enters, in a public bathroom, when walking the dog, etc. With a hand near a pocket and solid public awareness, you can have your gun ready to go at the blink of an eye.

These are all training issues regarding knowing your environments. Physically you can be just as fast if not faster if you walk into these places ready with your hand a fraction of a second away from the grip if not on the grip already because you saw something that you can perceive as a possible threat. Especially winter time under multiple garments.

So wrong. Why do you qualify better in a "class"? Better is better and if you ever really trained with a small gun under stress you would quickly find their short comings. Secondly, do you really always walk around with you hand in your pocket? Can you always see a threat coming? Saying pocket draw is as fast as appendix is just silly and cannot be overcome by training. Any gun is better than no gun but if you ever train with both options under stress that you will perform better with a full size gun and from a belt mounted holster.

 

[Cooolone]

I don't understand the question...

My only suggestion is to carry the best gun you shoot!

For me, I shoot all my firearms well, so then I can chose, lol. Especially within 15yrds!

So chose wisely, not just because size... I was told once SIZE doesn't matter

 

[Podmonkey]

So wrong. Why do you qualify better in a "class"? Better is better and if you ever really trained with a small gun under stress you would quickly find their short comings. Secondly, do you really always walk around with you hand in your pocket? Can you always see a threat coming? Saying pocket draw is as fast as appendix is just silly and cannot be overcome by training. Any gun is better than no gun but if you ever train with both options under stress that you will perform better with a full size gun and from a belt mounted holster.

All of which is counter balanced by how likely you will actually have the gun on you.
I carry my Shield Every single day.......... except those days when I have my G19.
Shield for work, G19 on personal time, basically weekends. I often carry the Shiled in my down time too frankly, only in an IWB as opposed to Shoulder carry. I would like to take a class someday with my Shield Plus, I'm pretty happy with hoe I shoot it. It is snappier sure, but I group well enough with it out to 10 yards, about the same as with my bigger guns. I'm content with 10+1 on tap for capacity.

 

[Phazer]

Any carry is better than not carrying.

Carry whatever works for you.

Train with what you carry so that you are proficient.

I really like using a Glock 19 with a red dot optic in a drop leg holster at courses. It's tons of fun. But...I know that IF I could carry, I'd be using my Glock 43 with micro red dot in an IWB holster. I find the 43 with a Pearce +1 mag extension to fit my hand very well (better than the thicker 19). The smaller 43 is less accurate, for me, at longer ranges. Sure, I can now shoot reasonable groups with the 43 at 25 yards. I just like the 19's "higher" capacity (though, still neutered to 10 rounds) and longer barrel for course drills. I have to force myself to use the 43, and practice concealed draws, at some courses by leaving the 19 at home. Regardless, practicing shooting with a smaller pistol is still better than a day at work.

 

[8w7]

So wrong. Why do you qualify better in a "class"? Better is better and if you ever really trained with a small gun under stress you would quickly find their short comings. Secondly, do you really always walk around with you hand in your pocket? Can you always see a threat coming? Saying pocket draw is as fast as appendix is just silly and cannot be overcome by training. Any gun is better than no gun but if you ever train with both options under stress that you will perform better with a full size gun and from a belt mounted holster.

Within self defense distances of 10 yards or less, are you saying that you cannot score hits on a human sized chest that you need a larger gun to do so? Is that what you are saying here? If you can’t and can only do so with a larger gun, than that is what training is for. Or are you saying that you need tighter groups on a chest to incapacitate someone?

As far as walking around everywhere with my hand in my pocket, you didn’t read what I wrote. I said when I rarely do pocket carry, like when just running to the store to pump gas, I’ll keep my hand close to the pocket ready to draw upon exit of the vehicle. That’s an acknowledgment that it isn’t a faster draw unless you do so.

 

[Saltwater60]

Within self defense distances of 10 yards or less, are you saying that you cannot score hits on a human sized chest that you need a larger gun to do so? Is that what you are saying here? If you can’t and can only do so with a larger gun, than that is what training is for. Or are you saying that you need tighter groups on a chest to incapacitate someone?

As far as walking around everywhere with my hand in my pocket, you didn’t read what I wrote. I said when I rarely do pocket carry, like when just running to the store to pump gas, I’ll keep my hand close to the pocket ready to draw upon exit of the vehicle. That’s an acknowledgment that it isn’t a faster draw unless you do so.

I’ll agree with you that pocket carrying can be an advantage at times, but those times are very limited. I was walking with my son doing pokemon and as we approached my car to get in and drove away a group of 4-5 teenagers were being rowdy, throwing trash and acting like fools. I prepped my son to get in on the drivers side as opposed to his normal passenger side and told him why it was important. I also had my pocket carried pistol on my hand and partially removed from my holster. Yes this can work, but if it’s in your paints pocket or even in my case the gun can get hung up on the fabric and impact your drawing. Yes training can help to reduce this, but you’ll never eliminate this possibility. Could the same be said about a shirt yes, but that’s less likely. As stated a gun in the pants pocket is better than no gun.
About carrying a small pistol I have to disagree and anyone or any trainer will tell you to carry the largest gun you can. They are more accurate, easier to handle, less muzzle flip, easier to draw/reholster, most ammo is made for larger guns and performs better. Mag changes are way easier on a larger gun. This is why I’m transitioning to a 365xl from my ruger lcpII. I shoot my ruger fantastically, but proper grip on the small frame and mag changes is not optimal.

 

[8w7]

About carrying a small pistol I have to disagree and anyone or any trainer will tell you to carry the largest gun you can. They are more accurate, easier to handle, less muzzle flip, easier to draw/reholster, most ammo is made for larger guns and performs better. Mag changes are way easier on a larger gun. This is why I’m transitioning to a 365xl from my ruger lcpII. I shoot my ruger fantastically, but proper grip on the small frame and mag changes is not optimal.

Of course you can be more accurate, handle it easier, have less muzzle flip, have it easier to reholster, etc but at 10 yards or more likely 10 ft for personal defense which is what these smaller guns are for, how much better are you going to be that all that matters?

If you were on duty with the job to pursue or in a societal collapse situation you’d have a point. But let’s be honest here. You yourself will have no issues drawing something small like a Glock 43, 26, Sig P365, etc, or even an LCP and score 3 hits center mass at an assailant at the gas station 10 ft away that is making a move to rob you.

If you however wanted to be a hero and run to engage a mall shooter or are carrying during a societal collapse, you absolutely have a valid point. The biggest gun will be what you need and all those things you mentioned about reloading, faster sight acquisition, etc absolutely matter.

For personal defense at 10 ft, no so much. 3 shots center mass is 3 shots center mass whether it comes from a 5 inch barrel or a 3 inch barrel at 10 ft.

 

[Steal2B]

My CCW is a Sig 9mm P239. DA/SA. Not sure if Sig still makes that model anymore but I really like it. It's very accurate, easy to conceal and has a nice narrow profile. 8-round mags.

You got good taste but the P239 was discontinued and replaced by the P225A which was quite popular but likewise replaced. The closest SIG to them now may be the P210 carry Tuxedo gun.

P239

P225A

P210 carry

 

[Saltwater60]

Of course you can be more accurate, handle it easier, have less muzzle flip, have it easier to reholster, etc but at 10 yards or more likely 10 ft for personal defense which is what these smaller guns are for, how much better are you going to be that all that matters?

If you were on duty with the job to pursue or in a societal collapse situation you’d have a point. But let’s be honest here. You yourself will have no issues drawing something small like a Glock 43, 26, Sig P365, etc, or even an LCP and score 3 hits center mass at an assailant at the gas station 10 ft away that is making a move to rob you.

If you however wanted to be a hero and run to engage a mall shooter or are carrying during a societal collapse, you absolutely have a valid point. The biggest gun will be what you need and all those things you mentioned about reloading, faster sight acquisition, etc absolutely matter.

For personal defense at 10 ft, no so much. 3 shots center mass is 3 shots center mass whether it comes from a 5 inch barrel or a 3 inch barrel at 10 ft.

Yes and no. Longer barreled pistols increase the bullet velocity and ensure proper projectile expansion in most cases. Yes there are projectile designed for short battles guns, but the expansion from what I have seen is not as good or as consistent. Also the powder load in some is reduced in an attempt to reduce muzzle flip.
I’ll agree in most cases it won’t make much of a difference, but it could. I’m switching to a sig 365xl over my ruger lcpII and I feel it’s a great move for many reasons.

 

[8w7]

Yes and no. Longer barreled pistols increase the bullet velocity and ensure proper projectile expansion in most cases. Yes there are projectile designed for short battles guns, but the expansion from what I have seen is not as good or as consistent. Also the powder load in some is reduced in an attempt to reduce muzzle flip.
I’ll agree in most cases it won’t make much of a difference, but it could. I’m switching to a sig 365xl over my ruger lcpII and I feel it’s a great move for many reasons.

For the big two in 9mm, Speer Gold Dot and Federal HST which everyone should be carrying anyway, that’s a non issue. They expand enough from guns with 3 inch barrels like the Sig 365. I would much rather spend the money on ammo than pay for it in weight on my body daily.

With a .380, you do have a point. There is no bullet out there that expands consistently and penetrates sufficiently according to FBI specs. Just not enough case capacity.

 

[Edwardteach72]

For the big two in 9mm, Speer Gold Dot and Federal HST which everyone should be carrying anyway, that’s a non issue. They expand enough from guns with 3 inch barrels like the Sig 365. I would much rather spend the money on ammo than pay for it in weight on my body daily.

With a .380, you do have a point. There is no bullet out there that expands consistently and penetrates sufficiently according to FBI specs. Just not enough case capacity.

I belive Hornaday critical DEFENSE (not duty) is also optimized for a 3" barrel... still wouldn't be my choice over Speer Gold Dots (not G2) or HST

 

[Dr. Evil]

Some of the comments here are pretty out there, people just aren’t thinking them through, or just want their choices validated.

1. Carrying a bigger gun because you were better at a class with one.

Yeah. Of course. If you found yourself in an unlikely scenario of having to shoot hundreds of rounds battling brain and hand fatigue at farther distances than average self defense distances, the bigger duty sized gun would serve better. But if you are using it at typical self defense distances of 10 yards if that or less at a man standing rather than a target half a man’s size, a smaller gun like a 26 or 365 will serve just fine. You’ll still be able to produce hits on target no problem. And if you can’t, training fixes that. It’s an extremely rare situation for you to be shooting multiple magazines at distance from behind a wall kneeling like you did in class.

Guess you are talking about me lol. I hadn't shot in a while when taking the class. I also said with more training I would be able to become more efficient with a smaller gun. My question is, why though would I not want to use the gun that I shoot proficiently with less training? IMHO a smaller gun has a steeper learning curve. I prefer to not have a steeper learning curve. If I start out shooting a larger pistol that I can carry well it's not like I would get less accurate over time. Quite simple. I want to carry the gun I shoot the best regardless of distance. If I can have accuracy at some further distances than most self defense shootings I certainly won't be less accurate at self defense shooting distances. For me, carry the biggest gun I can shoot well. BTW, there was no kneeling behind a wall in the class I was at. It was standing shooting at different distances and doing different drills. What gives me the most confidence at the present time is what I want. Not to mention the adrenaline dump as well as other things that physiologically occur that add variables to the situation. The better I feel about the gun I carry and shoot now is where my confidence lies. For me, bigger is better.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Guess you are talking about me lol. I hadn't shot in a while when taking the class. I also said with more training I would be able to become more efficient with a smaller gun. My question is, why though would I not want to use the gun that I shoot proficiently with less training? IMHO a smaller gun has a steeper learning curve. I prefer to not have a steeper learning curve. If I start out shooting a larger pistol that I can carry well it's not like I would get less accurate over time. Quite simple. I want to carry the gun I shoot the best regardless of distance. If I can have accuracy at some further distances than most self defense shootings I certainly won't be less accurate at self defense shooting distances. For me, carry the biggest gun I can shoot well. BTW, there was no kneeling behind a wall in the class I was at. It was standing shooting at different distances and doing different drills. What gives me the most confidence at the present time is what I want. Not to mention the adrenaline dump as well as other things that physiologically occur that add variables to the situation. The better I feel about the gun I carry and shoot now is where my confidence lies. For me, bigger is better.

Also the time spent training on the smaller gun to get AS proficient as the larger gun..... well if that's the plan, imagine how much better you'd get with the gun you are already better with, if that same amount of time was spent on the gun you are already better with..


Better example..

If I'm 10% better with Gun A than I am with gun B, and I need to spend 4 weeks training with gun be to get to the same level as gun A.. well now I've spent time and money to get where I could have been starting at. But then same time take those same 4 weeks, but with gun A and get EVEN MORE PROFICIENT.. and now (made up math and numbers) I can be 20% better with gun A than I would be with gun B

 

[Dr. Evil]

Also the time spent training on the smaller gun to get AS proficient as the larger gun..... well if that's the plan, imagine how much better you'd get with the gun you are already better with, if that same amount of time was spent on the gun you are already better with..


Better example..

If I'm 10% better with Gun A than I am with gun B, and I need to spend 4 weeks training with gun be to get to the same level as gun A.. well now I've spent time and money to get where I could have been starting at. But then same time take those same 4 weeks, but with gun A and get EVEN MORE PROFICIENT.. and now (made up math and numbers) I can be 20% better with gun A than I would be with gun B

What he said.

 

[spat]

Guess you are talking about me lol. I hadn't shot in a while when taking the class. I also said with more training I would be able to become more efficient with a smaller gun. My question is, why though would I not want to use the gun that I shoot proficiently with less training? IMHO a smaller gun has a steeper learning curve. I prefer to not have a steeper learning curve. If I start out shooting a larger pistol that I can carry well it's not like I would get less accurate over time. Quite simple. I want to carry the gun I shoot the best regardless of distance. If I can have accuracy at some further distances than most self defense shootings I certainly won't be less accurate at self defense shooting distances. For me, carry the biggest gun I can shoot well. BTW, there was no kneeling behind a wall in the class I was at. It was standing shooting at different distances and doing different drills. What gives me the most confidence at the present time is what I want. Not to mention the adrenaline dump as well as other things that physiologically occur that add variables to the situation. The better I feel about the gun I carry and shoot now is where my confidence lies. For me, bigger is better.

You want a small gun because you will spend thousands of hours carrying it, and *maybe* once in your life, for a few seconds, shooting it outside of a range.

For people who say "I want the best gun I can get if I'm ever in a gun fight"

I say "then carry a long gun".

And they will immediately respond that is too difficult and impractical.

So, you do *not* want the best gun for the fight. You want a compromise between the best gun for the fight, and one that's easy to carry.

Once you recognize that *any* pistol is a compromise, then you need to start evaluating what compromise is best for you.

I think that unless you have a very high risk lifestyle, then that compromise should lean more towards the carry side than the shooting side.

That LCP is certainly not as good as a G17 in a fight.

But the LCP is orders of magnitude better than what 90% of people carry. So by carrying at all, you've already chosen to sacrifice much of the ease of carrying in favor of being prepared.

 

[Edwardteach72]

You want a small gun because you will spend thousands of hours carrying it, and *maybe* once in your life, for a few seconds, shooting it outside of a range.

For people who say "I want the best gun I can get if I'm ever in a gun fight"

I say "then carry a long gun".

And they will immediately respond that is too difficult and impractical.

So, you do *not* want the best gun for the fight. You want a compromise between the best gun for the fight, and one that's easy to carry.

Once you recognize that *any* pistol is a compromise, then you need to start evaluating what compromise is best for you.

I think that unless you have a very high risk lifestyle, then that compromise should lean more towards the carry side than the shooting side.

That LCP is certainly not as good as a G17 in a fight.

Buy the LCP is orders of magnitude better than what 90% of people carry. So by carrying at all, you've already chosen to sacrifice much of the ease of carrying in favor of being prepared.

And if you want to be the most comfortable don't carry any gun

 

[Edwardteach72]

How is the LCP better than what most people carry, when most people are carrying G19 size guns.. or even P365xl/G48/43x size guns??

If anything the LCP is once again in the lacking department

 

[spat]

How is the LCP better than what most people carry, when most people are carrying G19 size guns.. or even P365xl/G48/43x size guns??

If anything the LCP is once again in the lacking department

No, most people are carrying nothing.

That is by far the easiest thing to carry, and the worst to shoot LOL.

 

[Defilade]

You want a small gun because you will spend thousands of hours carrying it, and *maybe* once in your life, for a few seconds, shooting it outside of a range.

For people who say "I want the best gun I can get if I'm ever in a gun fight"

I say "then carry a long gun".

And they will immediately respond that is too difficult and impractical.

So, you do *not* want the best gun for the fight. You want a compromise between the best gun for the fight, and one that's easy to carry.

Once you recognize that *any* pistol is a compromise, then you need to start evaluating what compromise is best for you.

I think that unless you have a very high risk lifestyle, then that compromise should lean more towards the carry side than the shooting side.

That LCP is certainly not as good as a G17 in a fight.

But the LCP is orders of magnitude better than what 90% of people carry. So by carrying at all, you've already chosen to sacrifice much of the ease of carrying in favor of being prepared.

I carry an HK..."No Compromise"