Which one should I get?

[Scout123mh]

Hello

I am a newbie here. I just got my LTC/A (no restrictions) in Massachusetts (License To Carry "A" can have restrictions or no restrictions in MA) and am now looking to buy my first protection gun. I would like to carry a concealed firearm (these are the name they call handguns in Massachusetts >firearm)

I don't know which one to get! I love the Ruger Mark III with the 5"barrel but I have a feeling it is not a "carry" gun. Someone told me that the Glock 17 or 19 (chambered in 9mm) is good (it seems expensive so I can imagine the bullets for it would be too!) but is 9mm really okay? (thought it had to be higher like 10mm for protection)

Don't mean to sound dumb. I will be joining a gun club to practice practice practice but right now I have no weapons - I know I must sound so unknowledgable

Scout

[ljenkmd]

First, Congrats on the concealed permit. As to a proper firearm, you will get lots of opinions. My opinion is that a 9mm is more than adequate. The most important thing you can do once you select your gun is to practice, practice, practice!! 9mm is cheap to shoot and there is a wide veariety of good defensive ammo to select from. A 10mm is a poor choice, due to limited and expensive ammo. 40 or 45 cal are also good options, but again will be more expensive to shoot. A well placed shot with a 9mm round beats a miss with any other caliber every time. Ideally, you should shoot several different guns before deciding. I just purchased my first handgun in April, a Springfield 9mm XDM (very sweet gun) and have over 4000 rounds through it already. The more you shoot, the better you will be at it. Also look into taking some good handgun courses. Nothing beats good instruction to keep you safe!!

[buddy]

Welcome to the site.
I am no expert, but personally I do think the 5" barrell is a bit large for carry. The glocks are very popular and dependable. Personally I carry a springfield xd with a 4" barrell in a crossbreed supertuck holster, and have no issues. You will get many opinions in response to your post. 9mm is a good defense round in my opinion. get some good JHP like hydro shock or speer gold dot and you should be fine, imo. However, my carry of choice is a .40 because I feel most comfortable with that particular gun. 10mm is not necessary and in most areas hard to find ammo for.
I would go to the range and fire a lot of different guns before I chose one to bet my life on. Shoot different models and calibers. You will know what one is right when you shoot it.
Good luck and congrats on the permit.

[Glockster20]

Congrats on your permit. Yes you will get lots of opinions on which gun... I agree that the 9mm is plenty for two legged animals. Hard to go wrong with a Glock 19 but you may want to try handling different firearms and see which one fits you best. Even more concealable than the G19 is it's baby brother the Glock 26. It would make a good Summer/warm weather carry piece. The Springfield XD's are good but maybe not quite as affordable as a Glock. Again, try different ones and see which fits you best. Definitely get some training!!

[capo2186]

Welcome from PRMA! What city did you get your license in? I too am from mass. I carry a SIG P229 in 9mm. It doesn't matter the size of the bullet but rather how well you can place the shots.

[sFe]

You should determine what size of gun will fit your lifestyle firstly. Then if your comfortable(price/kick) shooting the highest caliber in that size frame stick with it, otherwise go down a caliber and try again.

[Rabbitcreekok]

I suggest that you take your time and visit several gun stores and fondle a wide variety of guns. You must find one that you are comfortable with and that feels like an extension of your arm. If possible, find a gun store with a range and a wide selection of rental guns and shoot the ones you think you like. Then make your purchase decision.

I consider 9mm ti be a good carry caliber. There will be many that think bigger is better and there is some truth in that philosophy, but as stated before well placed shots are what count. More folks are killed with .22's than any other caliber. Not saying you should carry a .22, but those killed are just as dead.

Once you purchase a gun, decide on how you want to carry it and find a suitable carry holster.

Then run lots of rounds through the gun on a regular basis. Shoot as ofter as possible, daily, weekly or for sure monthly. You might get that Ruger Mark III for practice since you can shoot it cheaply. But don't neglect practice with your chosen carry gun.

JMHO

By the way, look at the Sig P239 for a very nice carry gun. The Gen 2 SAS is really nice.

[capo2186]

I suggest that you take your time and visit several gun stores and fondle a wide variety of guns. You must find one that you are comfortable with and that feels like an extension of your arm. If possible, find a gun store with a range and a wide selection of rental guns and shoot the ones you think you like. Then make your purchase decision.

I consider 9mm ti be a good carry caliber. There will be many that think bigger is better and there is some truth in that philosophy, but as stated before well placed shots are what count. More folks are killed with .22's than any other caliber. Not saying you should carry a .22, but those killed are just as dead.

Once you purchase a gun, decide on how you want to carry it and find a suitable carry holster.

Then run lots of rounds through the gun on a regular basis. Shoot as ofter as possible, daily, weekly or for sure monthly. You might get that Ruger Mark III for practice since you can shoot it cheaply. But don't neglect practice with your chosen carry gun.

JMHO

By the way, look at the Sig P239 for a very nice carry gun. The Gen 2 SAS is really nice.

+1 on the P239. The only reason I didn't go with this, is it didn't feel to good in my hand. I have large hands and it didn't feel as good as the P229.

[Rabbitcreekok]

+1 on the P239. The only reason I didn't go with this, is it didn't feel to good in my hand. I have large hands and it didn't feel as good as the P229.

I also like the 229 and the advantage of the larger double stack magazine. However, the 239 is a little easier to conceal and lighter to carry. I think folks should get the gun that they will carry everyday. I would bet that a lot of the posters on this and other forums that speak about carrying small cannons, don't actually carry that gun everyday. Your gun is useless if it is at home because it is too uncomfortable to carry.

[sFe]

I also like the 229 and the advantage of the larger double stack magazine. However, the 239 is a little easier to conceal and lighter to carry. I think folks should get the gun that they will carry everyday. I would bet that a lot of the posters on this and other forums that speak about carrying small cannons, don't actually carry that gun everyday. Your gun is useless if it is at home because it is too uncomfortable to carry.

I personally carry my xd45 service daily. Though I am currently looking for something along the lines of an lcp for the convenience of pocket carry when I don't feel like wearing a belt.