Like the title says, I'm looking for opinions on the best CCW for under $500. My nephew turns 21 in a few weeks and I've already got a CHL class set up for him, what he doesn't know is I'm going to buy him a new gun to take it with. I've got a full size M&P that I really like and I have heard pretty good things about the Sheild and Compact for the money. What do the brains of THF think?!

Beretta PX4 storm 40 cal

Glock 19!! Plain and simple.

I went from a G36 to a G29, could not be happier.

Bought new at gun show for 520.00 last weekend.

Shield
PPS m2

Buying a gun, especially a handgun, for someone else is pretty dicey. People's likes and dislikes are so varied that its hard to find exactly what they want without their input. It might not make quite as big a surprise, but I think I'd take him to the gun shop and let him pick something out.

Have used in 9mm and a good friend carries 9 subcompact every day. Good stuff.
only used 40 Cal Glocks but very good stuff as well.

Spot on..

He is more likely to consistently carry if his gun is small enough to not be a burden. I would definitely go with the Shield in 9mm with the manual safety. It is my favorite gun even compared to my Sigs. It shoots very comfortably and fits my hands perfectly.

Just don't get something bigger than the Shield if it is mainly for CCW - big guns are easier to shoot but they can be a PITA to conceal IMO.

Just my thoughts, you are an awesome uncle.

I do not plan on buying it without him, but I would like to have a few in mind when we head to the store. He's an awesome kid about to graduate from TCU and on his way to med school. He will likely end up in the north east so I want to make sure he's got some protection from the Yanks. He's not a huge kid and wants something easily concealable, so size is a factor for sure.

Shield 9mm. M&P compact, or glock 19 with anything but their terrible plastic sights.

Congratulations to him! As a person who has done that journey it is not easy!

Define "best".

For me, the best is a Kel Tec P-3AT. It is incredibly easy and comfortable to conceal. I would never carry anything bigger, so nothing larger than that would be a good CCW for me.

There are many opinions about most reliable, best trigger, best feel, etc. But IMHO, the best combination of size, caliber, ergonomics, and accuracy is a S&W Shield 9mm. Hard to go too far wrong with it.

Glock 19 Gen3 is in your range. Kahr CM9 is great if you want something smaller for a pocket gun.

Glock 43 hands-down. I'm not a huge guy either; it's very concealable, while still being large enough to shoot comfortably. Cheaper, lighter, and smaller than a 19, too. I find the M&P trigger to be horrible. I can't get a consistent pull on it without placing my finger on it awkwardly low.

I would inquire of the instructors doing the CHL class whether or not demonstration guns will be provided. Most in my area have two or three dozen handguns available to the class for handling and training purposes. That would be a most excellent time for your nephew to get a feel for what fits him well.

Also keep this in mind depending on where in the northeast he goes to school. Might be hard for an MD to get a top notch residency with a weapons violation!

Ruger LCR in 38 Special.

Shield
Xds
Lc9
Glock 43

Go to a local gun range and try several of the topic carry guns. Once you settle on a gun buy a good/comfortable holster and gun belt. If you buy quality and comfort you be more apt to carry all the time.

Shield is a great choice IMO

Thanks for the responses guys. I was at Academy today and I gotta say I like that Ruger LC9, I don't know if hell like it but they're cheap enough I might have to pick one up for myself!

I really like the M&P Shield. I can shoot Glocks the same but the grip angle doesn't feel natural to me.

Glock 19 or 43
Shield
Springer XDS
Ruger LC9S
Kahr CW9

I'd be happy with all of the above. Very nice gesture sir.

S&W M&P Shield 9mm
$389 2 mags

Kahr CM9/PM9 is the best CCW regardless of the price range....in my opinion....Especially with one extra mag.
100% reliable, accurate, and easy to carry.

It's my EDC. Sometimes I do carry the G26, but it's much less comfortable...