[–] monkeytoe101 ago (edited ago)
NAA Guardians
I carry a Ruger LCP daily, its a .380 and its enough. It weighs 11oz, is light even when loaded and is conciliable without much effort. I have an attached belt clip on the slide and it just clips to my belt. I carried a full size 1911 .45 for years and it got old quickly because of its weight and size. I have a lot of confidence in the .45 but my ideas have changed. One: no one going to shoot anyone at a distance of more than a few yards, you might but it would be rare. Two: The main reason most carry is for defense, you can do that easily with a .22, meaning it will get them off you pretty quickly. The .380 meets that criteria. Try a few guns and get what you can shoot well, is comfortable and practice to gain confidence, thats much more important than size and caliber. Just my thoughts.
[–] 2716057 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago (edited ago)
There's a number of ways to go about this. First, and foremost, you need to learn the four core values of gun safety. Beyond that, there's a TON of online safety instruction you can read, as the gun community is absolutely focused on safety... Unlike what most media will have you believe.
You can also find what your state/city/county requires as far as a concealed carry permit. Nearly every single residency requires some level of formal training, which you can take even if you're not looking for a concealed carry. Many of these cost money, but if you want some formal training...
Then there's hunting training. They go over safety as well, but they're more geared towards regulations for hunters... But a little extra safety is never a bad thing. These also tend to cost money, so unless you're planning on hunting, it may not be what you're looking for.
Then there's your uber-tactical training... People go on run-n-guns, they practice drills in the desert/forest, and they do draw-drills. This isn't technically bad, but it's probably more than you need, and it's a lot of "tactical" stuff most people will never need (IMHO, as an ex-military, ex-ops guy).
There's a lot of homework you can do to stay safe, and if you bring more specific questions, we'll be more than happy to answer them.
You're going to have to just test around. I like to suggest to people that they go to their local range and test things out before they buy anything. You're going to have to make the decision on if you want (not an all-inclusive list):
Personally, I prefer a striker fired (DAO) S&W Shield in either 9mm or 40S&W. It's a single stack with no safety, and it's reliable. I like DAO, striker fired weapons without safeties because I can count on every trigger pull to be exactly the same as the last. There's no difference between the first and the second draws, and I know exactly what to expect every time. This is important to me, since in the heat of a duress situation, you may not remember that the net trigger pull will be lighter on a S/DA, or to turn your safety off, or that you need to rack the slide on a SAO weapon... There's already so much going on, and you're already under extreme stress, one wrong mistake will render your weapon useless.
But, again, this is all up to the owner (you) to decide if that's what you want from a weapon or not...
[–] password-123 0 points 2 points 2 points (+2|-0) ago (edited ago)
You're going to want something you can carry in a pocket holster probably, so something in .380 or 9mm (not many pocket 9's), or maybe a small revolver (I'm not familiar with them). Keep in mind that pocket guns are hard to shoot well, so I recommend either getting a larger gun for learning the ropes plus your carry gun, or doing a lot of homework on how to shoot a handgun properly & renting a larger gun a few times (you'll need someone to come w/ you to rent a gun I think). Either way you should definitely practice with your carry gun as much as possible.
Also, don't worry too much about caliber, shot placement is more important. Although you still shouldn't use anything below .380 for self defense.
Whatever you do, do your homework. There's plenty of informative videos on youtube to answer any questions you may have, whether they be on safety, a firearm, legality, or just shooting tips. I recommend hickok45 & Jerry Miculek, they're both very respectable people.
[–] InternetExpert ago (edited ago)
In 9mm, Kahr pm9 or cm9. In 380, Kahr p380 or smith and Wesson bodyguard. The glock 43 is much bigger, harder to conceal and the kahr shoots like a bigger gun in the hands.
[–] definitelynotabot 0 points 6 points 6 points (+6|-0) ago
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380. Fits in pockets, boots, coats even gym shorts. But don't take my word for it. Find a range near you that lets you rent guns and try different ones. They'll probably be able to help you get info on concealed carry classes in your area and maybe even provide some training materials to get you started. Once you get a gun you like, practice with it...not only at the range, but practice drawing your weapon (while unloaded) from wherever you may be holstering it on your body. You want to be able to access it quickly and safely. Start now so you're ready for summertime.
[–] Totenglocke ago
I'm not a caliber snob (studies have repeatedly shown that lethality is about the same across all calibers - it's shot placement that matters), but I try to avoid .380 due to the absurd cost of the ammo.
[–] definitelynotabot ago
ammo cost is something OP will need to figure into his decision.
lethality is about the same across all calibers - it's shot placement that matters
I feel like people don't mention this enough! Its not the size of the bullet, its where you put it that counts.
[–] [deleted] 0 points 8 points 8 points (+8|-0) ago
[–] InternetExpert 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Agreed. Call around and find a range that will show you how to use it and typically they will have a $15-20 unlimited rental where you get to try as many pistols as you like.
[–] zaitcev ago
Lots of good suggestions already, and yes - please get to a range and rent a few examples. That said, I'm not a fan of Bodyguard in this application. Trigger on it is not novice friendly. In my practice, beginners get best results with Glock 42 in this class. Ruger LCP is second. Also consider Kahr CT380 (slightly bigger than their CW380, but easier to hold with confidence).