deersniper270

I'm looking into purchasing a carry pistol and I'm looking for some opinions. I'm 5'6" 130 so I have a smaller frame and need something that won't be bulky. Ive been shooting pistols a long time but ive only shot like 3 or 4 different kinds that werent carry size. Since y'all know your guns well and handle many different brands and calibers, I figured this would be a good place to start. Also, I'm not wanting a revolver.

Thanks, Thomas

John B.

i'm 5'8" and 170, I carry a glock 19, in a Crossbreed IWB holster during the winter...

buying a DB9 this week because it's about to warm up.

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Austin

The best way to start off would be to visit your local gun shops. Look around, and get a feel for which guns feel the best in your hands. After seeing which you like, read a bunch of reviews on them, youtube has a lot of "gun guys" that do good reviews as well. This will help you decide between one or another. Since the weather is warming up, and shorts/t-shirt is the likely clothing, I'd be inclined to go with a single stack "slim" design pistol or a pocket pistol.

tips n tails

Shot placement is key no matter what however Im fond of a G23C smaller frame 40 cal. Easily concealed especially with FL weather. Packs a punch that will dim the lights out.

Connor_Sarah

I am a very petite female, and I originally got a glock 36, 45acp, but found it a little too much bulk for me to carry concealed. After lots of research through various gun magazines, gun shops, and other resaources mentioned by Austin, I decided on a Kahr CW9. As I began to shop around for the best price, I got offered such a great deal on a Kahr CW40, I couldn't pass it up. Also did similar research for the best holster for it and got a Crossbreed Supertuck. I carry this everywhere I go, and keep it on while sitting at home. Don't feel it and can wear it with tank tops without any printing.

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Sailing_Faith

Gonna be really hard to beat a LCP for ease of carry. Larger guns CAN be carried, but are less likely to be carried as often.

The best CC gun is the one you actually carry.

scubapro

Personally, the biggest concern for a CCW is the holster set-up rather than the firearm. You would be surprised how many thin guys like you successfully carry a full-size 1911 daily for a CCW. I can effectively conceal and carry everything from a HK USP Tactical to a DB380 -- given the right holster and attire.

It will be a combination of pistol/holster that works best for you that ends up being the combo that you are willing to actually carry daily. For some, the pocket holster with an LCP, DB9, Kel-Tec, etc. is the best solution. To me, those are back-ups or always guns - with a larger pistol carried in an IWB holster.

IWB holsters will provide comfort and ultimate concealability for a daily CCW pistol. Stay away from the "stock" off-the-rack OWB holsters from Galco, DeSantis, Safariland, etc. They won't conceal as well and tend to not ride as "close to the body" that you will probably want.

I've heard good things about the Cross Breed IWB holsters and others -- that use a combination of kydex and leather. The wide leather panel provides comfort and the kydex offers thin rigid security for the firearm -- and allows easy re-holstering. For a thin guy like you -- I think that would be a great place to start.

I use a kydex-only IWB holster -- a P-chip from Dead Eye Luke -- but I have more "bulk" to my frame that allows it to serve me well. It is simple, lightweight, thin, and very affordable.

As far as the pistol and caliber goes, your choices are many! For many years, I resisted the Glock pistols. However, once I tried them -- and experienced the reliability -- I became a convert. In 9mm, the G19 is a great choice and plenty of firepower being 15+1 capacity. In 45 ACP, the G36 is about the same foot print -- but thinner, and only 6+1 capacity. I'm not a fan of the .40 S&W cartridge, but the G23 is the same size as the G19 with 12+1 capacity.

The nice thing about the Glocks is that they are easy to work on, have plenty of after-market support in terms of accessories, sights, etc. In addition, the out-of-the box triggers are good at 4-5 lbs with a very short reset for follow-up shots.

The Kahrs mentioned above are well made quality firearms in a single-stack magazine. If the long DAO trigger pull and reduced magazine capacity are acceptable to you -- they are a very good option as well. I just prefer the trigger on the Glock (or now the Walther PPQ) over the Kahr.

We hear a bunch on the forums about "caliber wars" -- and I engage in those discussions with the best of them. In reality, the improvement of bullet design and ammunition variety for self defense has produced excellent options that have narrowed the "advantages" between 9mm, 40 S&W, 357 Sig, and 45 ACP. With proper bullet placement -- any of those will do quite well. Ammunition will be less expensive with the 9mm, and that is the greatest advantage of the four common pistol cartridges listed above.

I'd recommend going to a range like Styx River or Jay's -- where you can try out rental pistols -- and shoot a few of the ones that interest you. Once you find a pistol/caliber that you like (and that you shoot the well with) -- proceed from there.

Good luck!

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Telum Pisces

My Walther PPS is my go to carry gun. It comes in 9mm and .40. I am a small guy as well and I find double stack guns to be too thick for comfortable carry. But that's just me. I will agree that the holster is a big part of what makes it comfortable. Don't skimp on that. I bought a custom molded UBG IWB holster and it's very comfortable for all day carry.

I also have a Ruger LC9. If it wasn't for all the safety crap all over it, I would like it better. But it's a great conceal carry gun as well. It's proven very reliable for me.

1956_4x4

Don't forget to include a good belt that's designed for the extra weight of the weapon. A good belt can make all of the difference in the world. I've been wearing belts from "The Beltman" for the past 6-7 years. They're quality belts and make all of the difference in the world.

Smitty

TheCaptKen

Saw this thread title and thought OMG, here we go again. My thoughts? Small, light and makes a loud bang.

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