Looking to get my chl. What are y'all's thoughts on a good pistol to carry? Why and why not? I have 1911's but there all 5 inch barrels so can't carry em. Don't know much bout smaller guns so need a little enlightenment. I'm 6'3 with big hands so I need something not to small.

Thanks

Garrett

Colt Defender

(I think we get a new thread like this every 2 days)

How small are you talking about (capacity & size)?

If you're used to that form factor/action, maybe you might look at a Sig P938 (9MM) or 238 (.380).

You can't go wrong with a compact or semi-compact Glock in 40 cal, 10mm, or 45. S&W makes a few good compact M&P's. Springfield makes a few good one's.

Figure out where you plan to carry, and work from there. If you plan to carry IWB, get a good holster with a thick, heavy duty leather belt for support. I carry a G29 and G20 95% of the time. My other CCW is a small Kahr PM40.

The barrel length doesnt matter as much as the grip length. The grip is what will 'print' and catch on your shirts. Your holster choice is just as important as what gun you carry. Back to your question.

I'm 6 5 and I carry a Springfield XD9 subcompact primarily. It comes with the compact mag that fits flush and an extended 16rd mag that makes it a full size grip. When I conceal I use the 13rd which is a fantastic option. Then for around the house, open carry, and extended range shooting you have the full size option.

Other honorable mentions:
Glock 19/26 (9mm)
Glock 30/36 (.45)
Bersa Thunder 380
Springfield XDS (.45)
Taurus 709 (9mm)

+1!!

No 9 mil love chad??

Ruger LC9 is nice. Takes some practice but shoots good.

Besides the size of the grip, the material can make a difference too. Rubber grips can stick to clothing and cause a difficult draw, and they can do things like cause your shirt tail to ride up and print the gun if you're carrying in the waistband. I guess you could call that a wardrobe malfunction.

P239 is a nice carry option. I'll either carry that, XD40sc, P238, or LCP. I had a G27, but ditched it for the XD. Out of my .40 cals, the P239 shoots smooth (its actually my wife's). The XD is a bit jumpy, but the G27 had even more felt recoil than the XD.
Best bet is to go handle and shoot as many as possible in the size range you decide on to pick what feels good to you. Your holster choice and adjusting it to you makes a huge difference on what you can conceal.

My carry gun is a Body Guard 380 S/W..complete with a laser

Ruger Lcp is what I've been carrying as of late. Pretty small but easy to hide.

You say pistol, but on the outside chance you mean handgun, go with good 2-3" revolver, 357 mag. Change grips till you find your comfort level, 6 bangs, no concern about safeties, mag being loose, no ftf. Every day seasoned shooters are going back to revolvers. At 6'3" you should not need over 6 bangs.

Ruger LCR, Sig 239, Glock 19/23, XD or M&P subcompacts.

Some of my favorites.

Glock 36!!!

938.

Be aware that if you take your CHL qual test with a revolver you can only carry a revolver. I would go with a Diamond Back, XDS, or LC9. Nothing less than 9mm!

Nope. IMO, if you are going to carry a 9, why not carry a 40 that shoots a bigger, heavier bullet with about 35% more energy. The 9 and 40 cal guns are exactly the same size, so there's no firearm difference between the 2.

I am looking for a 40 as well. I don't want a sub-compact, but still looking for something to carry comofrtably without alot of bulk. THink I have narrowed it dow to the M&P Compact 40. Any suggestions on something a bit smaller without getting into the tiny gun realm?

Chuck, that's about as compact as you can go with a compact double stack magazine. You can easily conceal that pistol with a good IWB holster that hooks onto your belt infront and behind the pistol. It spreads the weight out better, and proturdes less than the holsters that clip on at the pistol and protrudes more at the pistol.

The next size down will be your single stack pistols, and they can get smaller.

Kyle (KRoyal) made me a holster for my full size G20 (10mm) with tactical light. I've been carrying it a lot, and I love the holster. It spreads the weight out across the belt and conforms to your body very well. Since it's a full size and carried with a full mag of ammo, it is heavy for a CCW. Otherwise, I love it.

Holster pic here

Over the years of reading posts like this one on various forums, I notice that people tend to recommend exactly what they carry! Nothin wrong with that at all, but there are SO many good choices out there(both handguns AND holsters) it comes down to personal preference and what works for you. I have carried 9mm, .40, and .45 over the years in various ways. It's up to the individual to find what works best in the style you want to carry…..my 2 cents

Big +1.

There are options that are considerably different particularly if your trying to conceal in summer clothing. I summer carry a Diamond Back 9 in a pocket holster in shorts that no 40 cal could fit.

I think he was talking about guns like G19 and G23 being the same size, but different cal.

Has any body tried a Kimber Solo? They look pretty sweet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW5J-ae1zzw