Choosing a Concealed Carry Gun?

[KCD1974]

I have a Ruger LCP, this is my first carry gun. I hadn't shot one before I bought it (I grew up shooting though), I have yet to meet a gun I can't shoot with a passing grade, is that odd? I mean sure I'm far better with some than others but all go where they are supposed to, so I wasn't worried that I'd be able to hit what I needed to. I brought it to the range and at 15yds and in all shots were center mass and right where they would need to be. The "sights" do suck but stressed out you won't probably use them anyway. It's far from a fun range gun but that's not why I bought it.

After looking at a LOT of small pocket guns I went with the LCP on fit, finish, and feel. I liked it better than the others and it has stellar reviews of late online. Do I ever feel "under gunned" nope not at all, in fact most of the time I feel over armed. Why? I don't live in a particularly bad area at all, in fact a very good one, that also played into my decision.

I think it's very easy to get caught up in the "what if" game. Heck that's why I got a CCW in the first place, started on "camping" sites that turned into "survival" sites and moved into CCW sites. The way I look at it, I've been alive almost 37 years. Not one time have I needed a firearm, now I have one just in case. The world is changing no doubt, but I feel that any RELIABLE firearm that I carry will more than do the job in the very unlikely event I do ever actually need it, as long as I do mine (don't under perform and blame the gun) and make all reasonable efforts to avoid trouble in the first place. If you see something fishy, leave or go the other way.

My next purchase will be a XDM Compact 9mm. I almost went .40 but decided I'd rather go with the more affordable ammo and more practice (shot placement) route. If you place your shots well a .380, 9mm, .40. .45 will all do the intended job.

So try not to get caught up in all the what if's, pick a gun that you feel comfortable with bringing with you all the times you want it and forget what others say. My dad who is a retired LEO said why would you get a 9mm and not a .40. My reply, I still have 19 shots and I doubt I'll EVER need it, his reply, makes sense. Most LEO's NEVER shoot their guns remember that too.

Most of all HAVE FUN WITH THE WHOLE PROCESS, picking out new stuff is fun and that's the way it should be. It is an important purchase but it's also fun to go to the range. Plus who knows you may get the first one and completely change your mind in a week or two after carrying and seeing what it's really like.

So stay safe and welcome!

[JSDinTexas]

Keep hearing about "shot placement." Well heck yes - you need to hit what your trying to or it won't do much good.
But let's say in a sudden, violent, unexpected encounter, which they will be, we hit mass but are a little off center, say in the shoulder. A .45 230g JHP +P (RA45TP - 990 fps 501 lbs pressure), which I use, will still likely take the day when off center, and take off a good bit of shoulder too.
My point is: I have shot the LCP and do like it; it's a fun gun and attractive due to it's size - but would only use it for a #2 BUG on the ankle. #1 BUG is on the weak side.
A lot say "what your comfortable with" and I agree, but I prefer to say, "the biggest caliber you can keep in the mass with successive (3-5), rapid fire rounds at any distance up to 15 yards."
And if your using the .45 +P you'd better have a Glock so it doesn't blow up in your face

[davisway]

Personally I would not choose a .380 and I have owned one in the past. My CCW is a Walther PPS .40 cal. The Walther is very concealable being under an inch thick. Because it is this thin it only has a single stack in the mag (6+1). It is a quality, durable firearm and though somewhat expensive, not too much more than any comparable firearm. A LCP is somewhat smaller and thus more concealable but really the Walther is concealable in every way except maybe an ankle holster (which I have tried). In the end, I would do as much research as you can, hold & fire as many as you can and choose the one that you feel best with. Then practice your butt off.

[Pokey]

Sold my G19 yesterday....bought an XD9 sub compact today.