Hi all,
I've been searching for a concealed carry firearm for when I'm riding my bike on the Silver Comet Trail. I need something small since the bike clothing I wear is not conducive to covering a full size firearm. (If you can tell from my avatar, I'm wearing spandex shorts and a jersey that fits closely).
After considering many factors, I've chosen to go with a 9mm. A major factor in that decision was the cost of ammo on the practice range. It was a choice between 45acp and 9mm, and I didn't even consider 40acp. In the end, I figured a 9MM +P would be more economical overall, with not a lot of difference in penetration and stopping power over a 45.
Next, I considered which 9mm would fit my need best. I'm going to be carrying with a belly band holster, or perhaps a small fanny pack holster. That means the best choice is going to be a sub compact single stack. Price does have an impact on the choice, so I ruled out the more expensive options. In the sub-$500 choices, I was down to the Shield, Nano, Ruger LC9, and the not yet available Remington R51. Kahr cm9 would be in there, too, if I could find one under 5 Benjamen's. Based on what people have said all over the internet, most seemed to prefer the Shield. I have spent some range time with one, and liked the feel and performance of it. I really like the looks of the R51, but because it is new, and may have gen 1 issues that don't get addressed for a while, I'm thinking it would be best to go with a proven design with most of the initial kinks already worked out.
I just decided today on which firearm to get, after several weeks of deliberation. And, I'm not in a hurry, since bike riding season won't start for several more weeks.
Now, my next dilemma is where to buy a Shield. And for this aspect of the purchase, price is very important. Here are my options. Academy Sports sells them for $400. But, the stores around my area are out of stock. The clerk behind the gun counter at my local store told me today he has never seen one available there. The next nearest store is 40 miles away, and they have a display only, but not a new one in the box. My preferred LGS's have them at $430. Both of these locations are store/range operations, and are both about 12 miles from me. One is a new, shiny, sparkly, upscale gun club with a range that is very nice. The other is a good, reliable, not so new, standard range, but they have a certified S&W armorer on site. Both locations have onsite gunsmiths. Or, I could drive 30+ miles and maybe find something in a price in-between. I'd rather stay local, and I'd rather go someplace where I could get my firearm serviced. (That would not be one of the big box stores).
So there it is. Since I haven't yet committed to anything, and laid down any money, I am still flexible and open to suggestions on everything from caliber to vender selection. Would anyone here have any opinions?
I've been searching for a concealed carry firearm for when I'm riding my bike on the Silver Comet Trail. I need something small since the bike clothing I wear is not conducive to covering a full size firearm. (If you can tell from my avatar, I'm wearing spandex shorts and a jersey that fits closely).
After considering many factors, I've chosen to go with a 9mm. A major factor in that decision was the cost of ammo on the practice range. It was a choice between 45acp and 9mm, and I didn't even consider 40acp. In the end, I figured a 9MM +P would be more economical overall, with not a lot of difference in penetration and stopping power over a 45.
Next, I considered which 9mm would fit my need best. I'm going to be carrying with a belly band holster, or perhaps a small fanny pack holster. That means the best choice is going to be a sub compact single stack. Price does have an impact on the choice, so I ruled out the more expensive options. In the sub-$500 choices, I was down to the Shield, Nano, Ruger LC9, and the not yet available Remington R51. Kahr cm9 would be in there, too, if I could find one under 5 Benjamen's. Based on what people have said all over the internet, most seemed to prefer the Shield. I have spent some range time with one, and liked the feel and performance of it. I really like the looks of the R51, but because it is new, and may have gen 1 issues that don't get addressed for a while, I'm thinking it would be best to go with a proven design with most of the initial kinks already worked out.
I just decided today on which firearm to get, after several weeks of deliberation. And, I'm not in a hurry, since bike riding season won't start for several more weeks.
Now, my next dilemma is where to buy a Shield. And for this aspect of the purchase, price is very important. Here are my options. Academy Sports sells them for $400. But, the stores around my area are out of stock. The clerk behind the gun counter at my local store told me today he has never seen one available there. The next nearest store is 40 miles away, and they have a display only, but not a new one in the box. My preferred LGS's have them at $430. Both of these locations are store/range operations, and are both about 12 miles from me. One is a new, shiny, sparkly, upscale gun club with a range that is very nice. The other is a good, reliable, not so new, standard range, but they have a certified S&W armorer on site. Both locations have onsite gunsmiths. Or, I could drive 30+ miles and maybe find something in a price in-between. I'd rather stay local, and I'd rather go someplace where I could get my firearm serviced. (That would not be one of the big box stores).
So there it is. Since I haven't yet committed to anything, and laid down any money, I am still flexible and open to suggestions on everything from caliber to vender selection. Would anyone here have any opinions?
