Best overall cc weapon?
Best overall caliber for ccw?

I've been around guns for all of my life, mostly shotguns and rifles for hunting. I know almost nothing about handguns. Having recently completed the CCW course and applied for my carry permit, I was wondering what the experts feel is the ideal carry weapon for a newbie like me? I have a couple of junky
9mm semi-autos, but after both of them jammed several times at the range the other day, I figured a revolver would be more reliable in the event of a true life or death encounter. I'm not trying to start any arguments here , just want some ideas, especially with respect to caliber. Thank you all!

I had a salami and Swiss sandwich for lunch...

The one that's with you, and hopefully the one you shoot the best.

I prefer revolvers.

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SWCA #2817

I voted for best overall weapon.

Anywho, with double ought zero knowledge of your lifestyle, I suggest a 642-1 as a start.

Short answer - there isn't "one" .

Long answer - it sounds as though a range trip (one that rents guns, or with your experienced handgun using friends) is in order. If you are of average size and skills, you will probably decide on a 2-3" barrel .38 Special or .357 revolver, or a (reliable!) 3-4" barrel 9 mm/.40/.45 semi-auto. There isn't much to choose between these chamberings in terms of effectiveness with proper marksmanship.

Whichever you shoot well and will carry regularly is what is best for you. Good luck in your search.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

The amount of choices can be overwhelming. I usually start someone out with a Glock 19 and a 3" Model 60 (provided they have been shooting before, or, if they haven't we start out with a .22 auto and wheelgun), just so they can get a feel for both types. Then I'll show them a DA and a SA auto.

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Because of the metric system?

Asking which gun is best is like asking which automobile is best.

Revolvers can jam like semi autos. I own 5 S&W revolvers and have owned 2 that I sold. Out of 7 revolvers. ...all older where quality was good.....2 of the 7 have had problems.

If you buy NOT JUNKY autos you may won't have problems. It's like buying a junky Corvair and claiming all cars are bad

This question cannot be answered with the information provided. There are many factors to consider: who you must protect, ergonomics, weather, where you live...all these things will play a part in your decision. However, I generally say that if you are just protecting yourself and need something to help you break contact, a J-Frame snubbie in .38+P is tough to beat...

I've been carrying a J frame of one sort or another for well over 40 years. I recently purchased the M&P .380 and carry it often but my comfort lies with the revolver. It's not perfect but nothing is. I had to use my issued revolver during my LEO career and it saved my life so some of this is emotional. Try them all, that's the fun part, and then buy and carry what works best for you. Once you decide, make regular range time a priority. Being a good shot under extreme stress is part luck, part skill, but is a perishable skill.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

The gun you chose is up to you. I saw dozens of people who had been shot are killed or wounded. I don't carry anything less than a .38 spl or a 9mm.

You're in a revolver forum so you'll get a lot of revolver responses but I have a hard time believing any revolver would be better than a full size Glock in 9mm. Higher capacity. Reliability is there and 9mm is plenty powerful for self defense.

Best concealed carry gun?

Excluding reliability questions (each potential carry gun I get has to pass the same tests)...

It's the gun that you shoot the best with the most "potent" caliber and highest capacity that you will actually carry. The last part is the most important, followed by the firs part.

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- The Federalist #46 -

A 1911 in .45 ACP. Or something else.

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No good deed goes unpunished.

You want us to choose a wife for you, too? That's about what you are asking us to do.

For Pete's sake, man, get out there and date around.

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Pisgah

Too many variables to give a concise answer. I'll share some of my thoughts in case it may help. Of course, my opinions are worth what you paid for them.

You said you're a novice when it comes to handguns. To me, that means you should get a gun that's easy to operate under stress, so I would go with a gun that doesn't have a manual safety and uses the same trigger pull for each shot. Obviously, this includes DA revolvers, but also semi-autos like Glocks, M&Ps, or even DAO/DAK Sigs. Of course, if you're willing to invest the necessary time, it'll open up other options like 1911s or DA/SA pistols.

I think any reliability differences between revolvers and semi-autos are negligible, if you pick good quality guns, feed them good quality ammo, and perform regular maintenance with them.

As much as possible, get something that you will 1) enjoy shooting and 2) will actually carry. You may enjoy shooting a full-size semi-auto, but if it's too big for you to carry regularly it won't do you any good as a carry gun. Similarly, if you get a small, deep concealment pistol that you can carry all the time but you HATE shooting it because of recoil, slide bite, etc., you're not going to practice with it as much.

Picking a carry gun is an exercise in compromises. The best advice I can give is to keep these thoughts in mind and try some different guns, either at a rental range or borrowed from other shooters you know, to find something that works for you.

The one that you can't see

Everything else is user preference.

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Jorge

I like em all. But if pick something from a major manufacturer starting with at least a .3 (i.e. .380, .38, .357 or 9mm) you should be well served. Dr.Lou has a good tactic as well: salami and Swiss sandwich for lunch..... flatulence .... its silent but deadly!

If there was "ONE" that is what everybody would carry. A lot of things come into play. How large a person are you, what will be your method of carry, are there caliber restrictions where you live, how recoil sensitive are you. etc etc etc. It is kind of like comparing a pickup truck to a Prius, they will both move you down the road but there are different in many ways. Revolvers are more operationally simple, if you are not a mechanical person they may be the way to go. Semi-automatics are easier to shoot well with practice, hold more ammo and are generally easier to conceal. Caliber is a consideration too. It is an immensely personal and practical set of variables to shuffle to come up with an answer.

This poll makes no sense......

Mg42 is all you need

My 442 goes with me everywhere, everyday.

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Keep on Chooglin'

The S&W 915 and 6906 can fire from the S&W 59 mag for reloads...as can the P-11 Kel-tec. All are light for carry. An ankle holster for the P-11offers a good hot weather clothing option or a back up for either of the two Smiths .They are reliable 9mm and give choices for varying situations . Though each has it's unique mag..the 59 mag will work in any of them.

No...you also need a helper to carry some of the accessories

Well I don't understand the poll but we all get that way sometimes.

After 50+ years of shooting and nearly 40 of carrying every day I have a good idea of what my ideal CCW is. Semi autos and I do not gee and haw. Revolvers are my weapon of choice and for year round everyday carry a snubby with no more than 2 1/2 inch barrel in 357/38 special. I have found I can hit what I shoot at with a revolver and can handle 357 recoil in about any wheelgun. Right now I am in the market for a new 637 with the Crimson Trace grip. Mostly because I want to try one.

The Poll makes no sense??

The best concealed carry gun I currently have is a Colt Officer's ACP 45acp
IMO the best carry gun ever is a J frame 2" snubby
Caliber would be 38spl/357mag/9mm para =940

It ABSOLUTELY makes ZERO sense!! Submitting ones personal opinion on the best carry gun does not support the choices offered in the poll. And the poll choices do not relate to one another. Again, it makes no sense. Maybe I shouldn't be so critical of inanity....

I carried a handgun for a living for 37 years. Carry concealed today and I'm attempting to help a younger friend of mine choose a weapon for concealed carry but he has no experience with any firearms. The officers shot better with the Glocks than with the S&Ws which were all fired double action.

Gonna start him out with a Glock 19, don't own a 22handgun. Personally I hate Glocks but I have access to one, not mine. In my last job I was tasked with transitioning a 120 Officer unit to Glocks from S&W revolvers. The Glocks were purchased by admin, not by this guy.

I assisted with training the trainers and transistioning the remainder of the 120. I watched 30,000+ rounds go down range, by officers of varying degrees of expertise. After a month of training 1 jam! and that occurred by an officer that tried to save the factory ammo that he was issued for training and run some of his skunky reloads. The jam was a load that hadn't been resized properly.

Bottom line: Glocks work, and the 19 is concealable, and parts and support are plentiful. Simple to operate! Rent one if you can if not they are around and are easy to sell if you don't like.

I carry both, but as I age, I prefer revolvers. Even if we are not older, there are too many variables with a semi-auto versus a revolver, the safety, magazine failure, limp-wristing and improper feeding happen to range conditions particularly to less experienced shooters. Under life or death stress, these are real concerns that can prevent your weapon from firing when you need it most. I do not always have time to train to overcome this, so the keep it simple, stupid (KISS) solution is to carry and train with a 357 revolver. If you train enough, a semi-automatic is fine. Like the man said, Glocks (and the CS45) work, but your 50-80 year old memory and reflexes may not always be there for the Glock (or other semiauto). Revolvers jam (I never had it happen), but the frequency of jamming and difficulty in clearing a jam is much less.

Who is the prettiest woman?

Catherine Deneuve

What is the best carry weapon?

Glock 19

What is the best car?

Chevy Suburban

What is the best meal?

Steak at Ruth's Chris

In each case, it depends on many factors.

WARNING: EXCEPT FOR CATHERINE DENEUVE, EVERY OTHER ANSWER CAN CHANGE AT ANY MOMENT IN TIME, DEPENDING UPON MOOD AND CIRCUMSTANCES.

My wife.
My snubby.

My Truck.

Bison burgers.

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Keep on Chooglin'

I had a feeling this was a very wide open question, but being new to the forums, I hoped it would create some variation in responses, which it certainly did! I thank all of you for your input and insight. If I could start over, I would simply ask what are the important points to consider in choosing a cc weapon intended to be carried for personal protection in everyday circumstances. As "pointless" and "meaningless" as my post may have been, I got some extremely valuable feedback in spite of my poor wording. Thank you all very much.
As for the poll, I have never posted one before and probably never will again since clearly I don't know what I'm doing.

Hey don't worry about it. It is the discussion that counts.

What's the best ccw carry weapon?

What's the best ccw caliber?

It's not a 9mm that's for sure.

For a 357 magnum snub nose revolver. ITP holster.

For a 45acp the 1911 combat or government model.

I always recommend a revolver to new handgun shooters.

Don’t worry about speed loaders. Focus on a full cylinder in 6” at 7 yards. Buy what makes the biggest hole that you feel comfortable with. No minimums or maximums, accuracy and confidence are most important!

Did I mention REVOLVER.

If it takes two square yards to shingle a two seat outhouse, how far does a rat **** have to fall to fall through a 2x4?

@the OP:

As worded, I have difficulty with what you are looking for in your survey. With your narrative, I have a better idea. Please keep in mind, we are all different and have different preferences, that is why Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors of ice cream!

For my quirks, I prefer wood and steel over polymer pistols. While I have a number of revolvers, I am very comfortable with the 1911, having relied on one when I did my time in the Army. What works for me may not work for you.

In my carry rotation, I have 5 sidearms, each fitting a specific niche. For example:

If I don't anticipate a problem, and there isn't hostile activity along my route, I will carry either my S&W model 36-6 or my Mauser HSC (380) with Hornady Critical Defense ammo.

If I have one of my gut feelings or there has been hostile activity along my route, I will carry either my S&W model 439 with Hornady Critical Defense ammo or a 1911 (government or Commander) loaded with hardball ammo.

If I am traveling long distance, and I can legally carry en route, I will either shoulder holster a Colt Trooper MKIII or a 45 or my S&W model 439.

Please note, I can only carry out of state, since my state doesn't recognize one's right to self defense.

If you don't have much experience with handguns, I would strongly suggest that you focus on a revolver. While the capability of firing 357s is nice, I wouldn't use a 357 for defense. Remember, you need to be responsible for every round you fire, so firing should be a deliberate act on your part. Therefore, I would suggest that a newbie look at perhaps a S&W Centennial or Bodyguard style revolver until they gain more experience and earned confidence.

With that being said, I feel that I must share this. I have been shooting handguns for close to 40 years. I have shot NRA 2700 precision bullseye matches, PPC matches, metalic silhouette matches, and fun matches involving steel plates and bowling pins. That was all before I became disabled. I now feel the need to carry, since I can't flee threats. I have fired in simulated stress situations, but not since becoming disabled. I plan to start shooting IDPA type matches in order to learn what I can do with respect to my disabilities. You need to anticipate what you may encounter, and how you would address the threat. There is a 50-50 chance that if I have to engage a threat, it would be while I am defending my 2 young children; therefore, job one is to cover their escape to safety.

Revolvers that I would suggest that you might consider would include:
A Chief's Special (model 36, 37, or 60) - 5 shot - J frame
A M&P with 3 or 4" barrel (model 10, 13, 65) - 6 shot - K frame

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Judge control not gun control!

Let me see - blond, brunette, or red head? But I digress. 32 years as an LEO + another 12 retired. I've carried every manner of the "BEST" CCW guns. The older I get, The smaller and lighter I like. I carried an S&W Shield with an Apex trigger kit for years and was convinced that was "IT". But then I found an S&W CS9. This is really "IT". I put a set of night sights on it, "BIG DOG" grips, and stoke it with 147 HST's. I carry a spare mag and I'm good to go.
This is what works for me ... opinions are like - well you know!

My vote goes to my 642CT. Nice all around carry gun, it replaced my M&P40 Sheild over a year ago, and I like it.

I find a J-frame easier to conceal than a Shield, and I can shoot 357 from it fine. However, it has less capacity and a much longer reload. My 686+ is a bit much for concealed carry unless it is cold outside and I'm not planning on going inside. An M&P 9c makes a lot of sense, but I don't like autoloaders. So...the J frame is my normal choice. But a Shield or 9c are great choices that I'd never argue with.

What you are willing to carry, can conceal and shoot well with covers things for me.

I prefer 1911's and J frames.
20160106_101636 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr
20150109_135938 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

My calibers are 45ACP, 9mm, 357 Magnum, and 38 Special.

On the poll...you're doing it wrong...

Exactly...that's why my response was arbitrary and nonsensical.

Hard to respond to a survey when the options are also questions.

However, I prefer 45acp or 10mm in a 1911 and 357 mag in a J or K Smith.

Attached Images

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I didn't chose on the poll because it really made no sense to me?
I guess to others that answered your poll it did..

Best overall weapon for CCW would be a 2" J Frame S&W
Best overall caliber for CCW would be 38/357

Reason = Size, Weight, Ease of Operation, Reliability, Availability of ammo, Ammo variety..
Malfunction clearing, This can be a real issue = My Compact Colt has a 23lb recoil spring & 22lb mainspring, Anyone can open up a revolver or simply pull the trigger again.. You have to really train with an auto to know what to do to get muscle memory in the event of a malfunction under stress..
My Wife can't pull the slide back on the Colt & has trouble with the magazine release, slide stop lever etc. BUT can easily work a revolver always/every time..

I need to pick myself up another Centennial J Frame Smith
Wouldn't mind owning another 640/940/642/442/36 & Glock 19 either, They always Worked.. Like 9mm Para, 38/357, 45 acp..

Things change, Like becoming disabled & unemployed with little to no disposable income..

For me currently these two are what I have..
It would be nice to have something smaller/easier to Conceal Carry = J Frame Smith..

Although I have a number of choices the two weapons I take turns carrying are a "J" frame no-lock, or my Glock 19. As a novice it makes sense to go to the revolver first until you get more familiar with a semi auto. The reason is you need to learn how to clear possible malfunctions with a semi auto. While a malfunction could occur with a revolver, it is extremely rare. For instance make sure the ejector rod on the cylinder is screwed in good. Sometimes with shooting it could back out a little and freeze up the cylinder. That happened to me once which is the only experience I've had with a revolver malfunction.

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Mbr; LEAA,KSRA,M.C.League

Define concealed carry and how one would typically be dressed.

I don't understand the poll?

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K & N S&W revolvers

Great info here, but I wanted to offer some additional info to back up my J-Frame recommendation:

Immediate action for failure to fire...
Auto: re-seat the magazine by sharply slapping the magazine base pad, cycle the slide, and pull the trigger.
Revolver: just pull the trigger again.

Revolvers can be shot multiple times from inside a pocket, too. And though they only carry five shots, they're pretty light and really easy to carry concealed. If you're protecting others a high capacity auto is the better tool, but for the simple defense of yourself a lil' snub does pretty well...

I left out the m58 in 41 magnum.

We are all different in many ways what works for me may not work for you. If you can shoot a 357 Magnum accurately then thats the most effective round. Shot placement trumps caliber. I like a model 66 2.5 inch barrel or a PC 686 2.5 inch barrel. You can have it magna ported to reduce muzzle flip. If the gun is for in the home defense youre not going to fire a 357 magnum in a small room. The sound and flash is over the top. The nice thing about the 357 is that you can shoot plus Ps or standard pressure 38s in the same gun making it more versatile. A military surgeon recommended Hornady critical defense for me as the load. I give him credit for seeing the damage first hand. There is also nothing more intimidating then facing an L frame revolver.

The old adage the one your wearing .. For me that's my 40c ..

The definitive answer to your poll:



A 3" Model 657 .41 magnum with VZ G10 stocks carried in a Milt Sparks PMK holster.

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No good deed goes unpunished.