I'll just keep my Wyoming Arms 454! The looks of it does a lot of talking without saying a word.

 

MisterCMK,

Congrats on the MN carry permit! I just got mine in October. I have and carry a Taurus PT111 which is 9mm. I also own a Taurus PT1911 which I have carried on occasion. I'm pretty accurate with the 1911, because i've had alot of practice shooting it. I just bought the PT111 a few months ago, and need some more practice with it. But its a smaller gun, holds 13 rounds (12+1) and it has not ever failed to fire, eject, or anything (neither gun has for that matter). My brother just bought the XD40 sub compact.

I had compared the PT111 to the XD sub compact and bought the PT111 for 3 main reasons.

#1 the PT111 is narrower than the XD

#2 the PT111 has a safety on it (I have a fear of shooting myself in the leg)

#3 the PT111 was about $150 cheaper.

I believe you get a good gun for the price with Taurus, as neither of mine have failed to go bang ever. However the safety on the 1911 broke, and their customer service is probably the worst that you have ever seen.

Long story short I ordered a safety, a month later after recieving no safety I canceled the order, and ordered a wilson combat safety, then a week later I recieved the Taurus safety.

I carry my PT111 in a Galco OWB holster with thumbreak. I would recommend it.

 

> #2 the PT111 has a safety on it (I have a fear of shooting myself in the leg

Kind of my concern too since it will probably be carried in a cargo pants pocket.

 

IMNSHO, carrying a pistol/revolver in a pocket (not in a holster) is a bad idea.

1. IF you need to get to the firearm, it should be secure and easily acquired. IF the firearm is just 'in' the pocket, it can turn/flop, etc., and make a secure 'purchase' on the gripframe more difficult.
(It could also wind up pointing upward, at YOU!!!)

2. A 'loose' weapon CAN 'print' easier, negating any possible advantage you might have in a 'bad' situation.


Nah. . . reconsider 'loose' pocket carry. Please.
That's kinda like stuffing a firearm in your waistband, without a holster.
You're running the risk of a ND.

 

Truer words were never spoken, Keith! Concealed carry pistols need to remain CONCEALED!..............Loss of the element of surprise can put you at a great disadvantage, never show your cards. The mere sudden appearance of a weapon can be more than enough to send most punks running, when they were expecting "soft" prey. Keep it totally concealed and avoid ALL unwanted attention, including well intentioned members of the public who think YOU might be a "gun totin' crook" and report you.

 

Okay.. the one thing I have yet to see as a suggestion.. FInd a local gun shop that rents firearms, find the pistol that feel best in your hand, rent it.. fire it.. repeat process until you have made a choice that feels good.

I see the .380 and 9mm and dont disagree, in the right pistol they you can get off a very nice follow up shot quickly. But I still love my .40, and with the right round, and the right aim, I dont need a follow up shot as often as the .380 or 9mm..

 

Pat,
That's some good advice! (Renting different pistols to find one that fits you!)
Very good advice.

It's good that you have faith in your .40 S&W. I'm contemplating whether or not to buy one.
You see. . . I'm a BIG .45 acp fan! (Currently own three .45 acp pistols!)

I bought all of the reloading stuff for .40 S&W because a friend needed to get more practice (and I was 'coaching' him) for a position as an instructor on his LE department.
So, here I am, with about 100 lbs of brass, loading dies, bullets, primers and powder, but no .40 S&W pistol!

But, I am also a fan of the 9mm Parabellum. (Currently own two of 'em!)


Now, to the OP. . . consider this.
You can join GSSF (Glock Sport Shooting Foundation) and then request a 'purchase certificate'.
GSSF membership - $35.00 new member/ $25.00 renewal.
Glock 9mm and .40 S&W pistols can be purchased for (currently) $398.20 + 'fees'. Glock .45 acp and 10mm are going for mid $400.00s + 'fees'.


Pardon the pun. . . . That's about the most bang for the buck, that you'll find, in these times.

 

Kieth, I love my .45, and would have no problem with that as my preferred side arm, but it is a lot larger then my .40..

 

I understand.

For .45 acp, I've got Colt Gold Cup National Match; Glock G21; Glock G30SF to pick from.

THAT is one big reason for me to be indecisive about the Glock G23, in .40 S&W. (Again, I could get it for $398.20 + fees!)

 

I agree with this COMPLETELY. This is some of the best research you can do, and if you find a shop or a range where the owners are cool, it shouldn't cost you a fortune.

If you choose your caliber first, that'll make your process even easier.

I did this before I bought my Ruger P90. It's a big, heavy .45 and not suited to carry, but I knew I'd be buying it for range duty and home defense. I'm in Illinois, so I don't have to worry about carrying...one of only two states that don't allow it.

 

Yeah the range rental is good , or if you know someone with guns mabee you could go to the range with them & shoot them . When i started i used the pactice dummy rounds , learn to load ,chamber a round ,shoot , unload . Then lots of range practice. Practice with your holster , try to do it as fast as you can and being smooth at the same time, i found that grips are important so keep close atention to that when you buy a gun .The last thing you want to do is drop your gun .What ever gun you carry you should be good with it & know it inside & out . I carry a 1911 kimber ultra carry II in a don hume iswb holster but sometimes i think would like something smaller espesally in the summer time . My son wants to get a .380 so i will try it , if we can find the ammo . Not much .380 in south fl right now .... Lew

 

Word of advise concerning calibers to anyone contemplating a CCW pistol.............

Do not go below the .380acp/ .38spl range of weapons, .25acp/.32acp pistols have very questionable stopping power. They might be nice and light to carry, but lack good JHP ammo that will reliably stop threats, the power is just not there.

In fact if I had no other choice than those 2 calibers, I would opt for a good .22lr pistol. Some .22lr ammo is very potent.

 

Yeah i like 45 , havn't shot a .380 yet but the last time i was at the range i shot a 22lr walther pistol with cci ammo & it was nice ...

 

> Nah. . . reconsider 'loose' pocket carry. Please.

They make holsters just for cargo pants pockets. The main advantage (imho) is it is easily accessible while driving. I may still go that route.

I did not notice at first when renting it, but, I just realized the Springfield XD-40 does have a safety (I think). It is in the grip.

 

I carry a Taurus 9mm pt 24/7,because its the only hand gun i have at this time!As for as concealing it i purchased a canvas concealment jacket from glock!