I don't think there is a "best" CCW gun

they are different for the person and the situtation


I have a Ruger LCP and a Glock 30
I carry one or both depending on what time of year(hot or cold) and the way I'm dressed and also where I am going

The Ruger or a 38 S&W stays with me even around the house, even mowing or working in the garage.

Ghale, PM if you ever think about selling. I'd love to get a set up like that so that I can train my wife on the auto's. She's got a .38 wheel gun now which I'd like to keep her on until she can have plenty of range time with an auto (mostly for clearing jams or misfeeds very quickly).

Thanks

x2!

Maybe the better question would be, worst CHL gun and why?

The best CHL gun is one that you will actually carry.

Raven .25 Auto.

My best is a PT145 and it is carried all the time. Follow up shots with a sub compact .45 aren't difficult. I shot 250 on my CHL renewal and all shots were within the 8 ring.

Thinking of a XD .40 SC

SA XD 40 cal

Been looking at the XDS.

Josh1604
Check out smart carry .com very good deep conciel holster for full size handguns or smaller!! And very well priced!!! I carry a beretta 9 mm full size an love it 15 rd clip an holster is designed for an extra if u won't. Pretty cool setup!!! Good luck

Exactly.

I have a Keltec P3AT for those times when I can only pocket carry. E.g. whenever I have to wear western clothing and a tucked in shirt.

A Keltec PF-9 for when I have the ability to wear cargo shorts or can carry inside the waistband with shirt untucked. S&W M&P Shield is also recommended for that and I may purchase one in the future. Others in this class are Beretta Nano, Springfield XDS 45, Ruger LC9. The PF-9 is what I end up carrying most of the time.

And a holstered S&W M&P 9c or full size 1911 for when it's cooler and I am wearing at least a light cover garment, jacket/coat, that I know I won't be removing.

I've found the glock 36 to be a good choice.

Beretta makes a sub-compact in 9mm, 40, and 45 and they run $450 NIB. Wanted a little more mmmph and went with the 40. I've been happy with it.

Ruger LCR 38 revolver. Especially so for a woman.

No slide to have to pull back, no not knowing if there is one in the chamber or not. Lightest to carry and lightest double action trigger there is.

This could go the direction of caliber wars and 1911 vs glock vs anything else. I don't think you will find concensus on a forum. Bottom line, buy what you will actually carry and that may be that one gun doesn't fit all situaions. If you are familiar and like the Glock platform then I would stick with it and seriously look at baby glock or the midsize like 19/23/36 frame size if you can carry it. And for the days you just can't pack more, it's hard to beat a little J Frame revolver, LCP, Kel-Tec, bodyguard.

anyone consider the Ruger LC9?

I've carried the Colt 380, Glock 21&17 XD 40 sub compact, Kahr CW40 and for the last year and a half a Kahr CW45. I like having the stopping power of the 45 and the Kahr is very easy to control and has been reliable for me. I also don't like to deal with anything other than point a click. No safety. I want stopping power versus volume of ammo. For me it is my best choice to date. I see no reason for me to look any further. Good luck and enjoy the hunt.

+1

The best CHL gun is the one that is on your person. If you don't have it on your person when the SHTF, then the whole point is moot. IMHO, the quality of new firearms today is high enough that you can practically pick any new firearm from the shelf and trust your life with it. I've had to deal with one lemon, a Kahr, but from what I've read online, it was the exception, not the rule. Pick one that feels very comfortable in your hands and that you will be able to keep on your person very often, then go put 500+ rounds down range before you start to carry it for self defense. After that, lather, rinse, repeat!

I have heard good things about the Ruger LC9 but after my experience with the LCP....no more Ruger small semi-autos. I got one of the early LCPs that was recalled. Great before the recall, never functioned well after two trips back to the factory. Then, the finish began showing rust after some holster carry. Never an issue I have experienced with years of carrying a Glock. Not reliable, and the finish was horrible. I would stick with the mainstays....glock, springfield, smith and wesson, sig, kimber etc.

Springfield XDM 3.8 Compact .40 or 9mm

I often carry my ruger "coyote special" LCP in my back pocket, hardly know its there.