Advice needed on a pistol purchase

[Lori Ann]

I need some good advice from my Forum Friends. I am considering purchasing my first pistol. I have 4 S&W revolvers, which I am very comfortable shooting, but for CC purposes I have been considering a semi-automatic pistol. I shot my friend's 9mm (jammed because I limp-wristed it). My sister-in-law has a Beretta Tomcat and loves it, but to me it seems a bit small. Friends at the gun club say "Get a Glock, they don't jam" but I think the jamming issue was me and not the gun. I am really confused at this point! I am S&W faithful but have seen mixed reviews on the the M&P Shield for example. Just not sure what to do and I don't want to make a big mistake. Help please.

[Chop]

If you are comfortable with a revolver, I would just use that for a CC weapon. I use a Model 65, 3inch RB. To me it is the perfect CC. I have never had a jam, nice balance for me, you can use .38's or .357's, its stainless so real easy to clean.

Chop

[Lori Ann]

Thanks Chop. I have a 686 Plus but honestly I find it is a beast to carry. My 637 is great too but it has an exposed hammer. What's a woman to do?!

[JJEH]

Well, there are some options out there... like 3913, CS9, M&P9c or M&P Shield. All good handguns. There are also some pocket pistols from other manufacturers as well, but I cannot give any advise on them...

Have a LC9 in the safe and it has a good size and weight, but the triggerpull is too long.

[Moonman]

Semi-Autos for concealed carry, require an extra level of practice with the DRILLS FOR FAILURE TO FIRE, STOVEPIPE, DOUBLE FEED, etc.

A LIMP-WRISTING problem is a definate NO-NO, some folks should JUST NOT CARRY A SEMI-AUTO.

I usually like to see the ladies carry a REVOLVER, if it doesn't go BANG, pull the trigger again. I also like to see it loaded with 2 different sources of ammo staggered, just to eliminate another possible variable.

A 3" barrell is nice a 4" is better for the sight radius.

The Maintenance of your carry firearm wether a semi-auto or revolver is a REGULAR MUST DO ITEM. Clean and Lube, Lint can cause you problems. Magazines must also be maintained for semi-autos.

[Lori Ann]

Thanks Jorge. Any jamming issues with the M&P9c or the Shield?

[Moonman]

Lori-Ann,

Maybe give a S&W MODEL 60 PRO (3") a look. tHE 60 PRO is .357 but can be loaded for 38 special,

I like FULL WADCUTTERS IN 38 SPECIAL, practice or self defense.

"J"-Frame is smaller, The PRO WOOD GRIPS are very nice and about

5/8" longer than a BOOT GRIP, for a nice holding piece.

[JJEH]

Originally Posted by Lori Ann

Thanks Jorge. Any jamming issues with the M&P9c or the Shield?

No issues with the M&P. I unfortuntely don't have a Shield...

[RSWMTB]

We train like we fight.

In a crisis, you revert back to training.

If you are rockin' revolvers, why not carry one, even if a smaller one?

The controls will be the same if they are same-brand guns.


.

[venomballistics]

you know wheelguns .. when you draw in the clutch, you are pre disposed to think "operation of a revolver"
I'd roll with that for a while since its what you already know.
meanwhile, evaluate calibers, the larger the better. see just how much gun you can really handle and don't let any of us guys tell you anything about smaller guns for ladies. My wife is just fine with a 45 cal 1911 and shes a real marshmallow. test drive everything you can

[Arik]

This is like "what car to buy" a lot of different answers based on needs.

If you want a semi for SD i wouldn't go lower then a 9mm. If you want 380 type small, compact fit in my pocket gun then i would stay with 38 revolvers.

For semi's there are a lot of good options as long as you dont go el cheepo. You get what you pay for and that might be fine with a tshirt or sneaks but not when it comes to your or your familys protection.

Some good guns are
M&P/P99/59XX/ 69XX
Glock
FN
HK
Walther PPQ/P99

These would be the top 5. All are in the $450-$550 range. You can find them used cheaper $300-450 range some older stuff like 3rd gen S&W steel autos usually under $350.

I would stay away from Larcin/Jennings, hipoint, keltec, Dimondback, Taurus plymer.

Glocks are more prone to limp wristing. Steel guns are less so. Beretta and 3rd gen Smiths come to mind but they are heavier.

Your best bet is to rent and try them out.

Something to consider. These guns are bigger, bulkier then most cc revolvers. A good belt and holster go a long way in weight dispersal. Holsters come in may looks and styles. I prefer kydex or kydex with leather iwb holster like crossbreed which are more for function then looks.

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[Moonman]

venomballistics is right about one thing, the 45 Auto and the LADIES.

We find in our classes that the ladies handle shooting the 45 Auto just fine after overcoming the "BUT IT'S A BIG 45".

The 45 is more like a big push, not REAL SNAPPY, and they do well with it.

Ladies DO CARRY full size 5" 45 AUTOS, and carry them well they do.

All practice drills apply to the 45 Auto as well.

[jcalvin]

I sport a M&P 40c for my everyday, and I do mean everyday allday carry, in a crossbeed type holser. Works great, shoots great, good capacity, not so small I can't hold it with my big mittens. You just have to carry what YOU like and what YOU can shoot. and never forget, a well placed 22lr is much more effective than a 500 that you can't handle.

[venomballistics]

Originally Posted by Arik

This is like "what car to buy" a lot of different answers based on needs.

If you want a semi for SD i wouldn't go lower then a 9mm. If you want 380 type small, compact fit in my pocket gun then i would stay with 38 revolvers.

Given observations of the 9MM's performance I'd choose a +p friendly 38 every time.
if we look at the energy budget of 9MM and a standard pressure 38 its pretty close to equal. The bullet weight advantage goes to the 38 .. +P affords that little bit extra.
Better still .. 357 magnum, it can fire 38, 38+P and if you can find some 38+P+

[JJEH]

Lori Ann, to make things easier - go to a local range where you can rent several models. Try 'em out and see how they and you perform. You might have then 2 models you would prefer and collect some detail info about them.

Right now it looks like overwhelming for you on pistol vs. revolver, .38 or .45 caliber, +p or regular ammo, etc...

I'm a pistol guy and - for several reasons - I wouldn't carry a revolver. Other people have different opinions - what is okay.

Point is, try as much as you can, see what's comfortable to you and go from there - before you purchase!

[Lori Ann]

Whatever I get, if anything, I will have to put it in a CC purse that has the built in holster in the center. My 686 plus is just too heavy to carry in a purse BUT the 637 is a great .38 and very practical to carry. Honestly I don't care for pistols much with the exception of the amount of ammo they hold and being able to have an extra magazine available. I have speed loaders but I'm not proficient with them by any stretch. I am definitely fine with a revolver and know I can handle one in a "difficult situation". The draw to a pistol is definitely SD and ammo availability.

[Arik]

Originally Posted by venomballistics

Given observations of the 9MM's performance I'd choose a +p friendly 38 every time.
if we look at the energy budget of 9MM and a standard pressure 38 its pretty close to equal. The bullet weight advantage goes to the 38 .. +P affords that little bit extra.
Better still .. 357 magnum, it can fire 38, 38+P and if you can find some 38+P+

What i ment when i said 9mm was not winchester 115gr fmj plinking ammo. Instead something along the lines of 124gr HP +p or +p+ Gold Dots, Rangers, Barnes..etc...etc.. Quality SD ammo

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[Lori Ann]

Hornady Critical Defense?

[Moonman]

Check Buffalo Bore Ammo, Expensive but GREAT AMMO!!!!!

[Lori Ann]

Just looked up Buffalo Bore Ammo on-line. Expensive! But definitely would do the job.

[venomballistics]

you don't by chance feed that 686 of yours full house 357's do you?
if so your well evolved in the game. try a few 45's 40's and 10MM along the way.

[Lori Ann]

Yes, I do on occasion but for $$$ sake I mostly shoot .38 +p ammo. It's slightly less but every little bit helps. I keep her loaded with the Critical Defense and put it in the nightstand just in case....

[jlrhiner]

Somewhere around you is a gun range that rents guns. Go and try several different ones. Make it a regular Tuesday night (or whenever) thing for a couple of months. Money well spent.

The limp wristing issue is a matter of conditioning and practice. Some pistols (those that are very light) exacerbate the problem.

Now, having said that, i tried for 2 years to get my sister capable of shooting a Glock 27. After 2 or 3 rounds, she'd get a stove pipe or failure to feed. She finally gave up and its in the safe. She does just fine with a 3" barrel Mdl 36.

The point being my sister has the benefit of having a crazy brother that she could try a variety of handguns before settling on one. Go rent a few. Usually you'll be able to tell if you like them with in a few rounds.

Good luck.

[venomballistics]

Originally Posted by Lori Ann

Yes, I do on occasion but for $$$ sake I mostly shoot .38 +p ammo. It's slightly less but every little bit helps. I keep her loaded with the Critical Defense and put it in the nightstand just in case....

outstanding, the only thing you seem to be missing is faith in your own ability to make a choice here. Trust me, you really don't need us

[Lori Ann]

I always need my friends. Asking questions on the forum is the best because you get a variety of answers and it helps you to broaden your knowledge base. Expert advice from S&W friends, doesn't get any better than that. As far as renting Jim, there is a public range nearby, but I truly have never seen anything posted that they will rent guns to shoot for the day. I will check into that for sure.

[Horace & Daniel]

Lori Ann,

I don't know your level of experience, but I would suggest taking an introduction to firearms class for women. One of the courses near me has a class where the ladies shoot about a dozen or more pistols and revolvers, from .22, .380, .38, 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. I don't know where you are located, but I'd wager there would be a similar class within a few hundred miles. The class here is $90 and is well worth it.

And, I would also suggest you try to carry your weapon on your person. Misplacing your purse or having your purse stolen is bad enough without having a loaded Roscoe inside.

Hope this helps.

[Old cop]

Lots of good advise here and there are plenty of small semi autos out there. After trying them all I still go to my J frame for EDC and after 40 + years doubt that will change.

[tops]

Originally Posted by Lori Ann

. My 637 is great too but it has an exposed hammer. What's a woman to do?!

Bob the hammer or buy something with an enclosed hammer. Don't ever trade. Larry

[M3Stuart]

I only like to carry in my pocket. I found that I don't like the airweights. That's just me. I carry an ordinary, slightly-beat-up model 36 in a pocket holster. I also have a M60-9 (that's a .357 2" pre-lock type). The 60 fits in some pants in the same holster as the 36, but not in others. I also have a IWB holster for it, but don't carry it that way much.

I also have a semi-auto CC pistol - but here's the rub: the goofy "mag maintenance". Turns out, if you leave a mag loaded for any length of time it wears out the mag springs. Soooooo, you will have to rotate mags, replace the springs, or some combo. At any rate, the mag springs wear out over time and that causes feed issues.

Mags and mag springs aren't cheap.

So personally, I recommend AGAINST using a SA pistol for a nightstand gun - because people forget to rotate or test the mags, and, over time, I find that I don't like worrying about the mags so much that I don't use it for a CCW. I just stick to my revolvers - for the nightstand, truck and CCW. They're just so darn reliable!

Edit: My CCW revolvers have hammers. They don't snag on my pants when I practice and I have no interest in any of the bobbed, hammerless or bodyguard styles. It's just not an issue - to me anyway. YMMV.

[blujax01]

Lori Ann, my wife Luscious carries an M&P9C in a hobo made by Coronado Leather. Coronado Leather | Handcrafted Firearm Concealment Leatherwear Handbags/ Luggage/ Jackets/ Law Enforecement

She has the magazine extension (pinkie extension) so she can get a full grip on it. This reduces flip.
She prefers 147 grain hollow points of my own making which are tuned to her gun. Not "full house" rounds but plenty stout. Something along the lines of the Gold Dot. Speer Ammo - Personal Protection

And practice is king!

[shield]

Originally Posted by M3Stuart

...but here's the rub: the goofy "mag maintenance". Turns out, if you leave a mag loaded for any length of time it wears out the mag springs. ....

Actually, it's not a problem to leave them loaded:
mag wear

[Hill_Country]

Lots of good advice in this thread. There can be additional considerations, though. In Texas if you qualify with a revolver you can't carry a semi-auto, but qualify with a semi-auto and you can carry either. When I got my first CHL I didn't own anything but revolvers and borrowed a Glock from the instructor to qualify so I didn't have a limitation on my CHL. Before I had to qualify again I picked up an S&W 908 (value version of a 3913). Qualified and put it back in the safe. But somewhere along the line I took the 908 to the range and I gradually got hooked. It kind of opened up a whole 'nother world of weapons.

I still have my revolvers, but sometimes a pistol just fills the bill. Now my rotation is a CS9, 908 or 6906 with a J frame as backup as required.

If one is comfortable with revolvers, there's no need to change. Learning new things is always good, though.

[Eph6:16]

Lori Ann,
You asked about Shields jamming. I have a 9mm and it has not malfunctioned in any way after several hundred rounds. I made an effort to limp wrist it and could not cause a jam.

It's not an infallible weapon, none are, but the issues reported for the 9mm so far have been minor imho. The 40 has a serious problem with the magazine release.

Purse carry reduces some of the Shield's appeal since the added thickness of an M&P9c won't be as noticeable but the extra rounds will.

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[Eph6:16]

Originally Posted by M3Stuart

I also have a semi-auto CC pistol - but here's the rub: the goofy "mag maintenance". Turns out, if you leave a mag loaded for any length of time it wears out the mag springs. Soooooo, you will have to rotate mags, replace the springs, or some combo. At any rate, the mag springs wear out over time and that causes feed issues.

I've had a Ruger P85 loaded for the better part of twenty years and it functions fine. I have two mags and generally keep both at full capacity. I have heard this is bad but so far so good.

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[Lori Ann]

I appreciate all the GREAT advice! Went to the gun shop tonight and made a surprising purchase. Check out my new post..."And the winner is....!" Thanks again!