New Member and Considering Purchasing my first conceal weapon

Hello everyone,

I have in Central Texas, just outside of Austin if anyone cares:), and though I have an HK .40, it is a bit much for a conceal weapon. I have seen quite a few Youtube videos and read many blogs and so thought I would put it out there. Seems the most popular one based upon what I have seen are the Glock 26, Beretta and a few others. I am also sure this is not the first time this question has been posted but could not put my hands on it.
Any advice on this purchase will be appreciated.

I can't type either as you can see, I live in not have in :(

Beretta PX4 Storm subcompact or compact is my suggestion, I like the G-19 if I were a Glock guy.

Two words for you, my friend.

GET TRAINING.

You can carry whatever you want, but if you are not well trained and committed to practice, don't bother.

My advice to you would be to get yourself to a gun range that rents guns. Try before you buy.

I agree with everyone here. In hot environments (I live in Utah, so summers are hot) concealment of many types of guns is difficult. I carry a Glock 23 in Winter (and year round when doing security work) and summers I carry a S&W M&P compact. I'm considering getting a M&P shield as soon as they are available in stores. The thinness of the Shield and the feel of the M&P grip are highly attractive qualities for me.
You will want to take defensive classes to practice specific techniques, but just find a concealment firearm you re comfortable with, get your permit and train!

Welcome to the site!

This is strictly my opinion, and has worked in many years of firearms training, and for men and ladies alike.

Get some basic training FIRST. At this point you need fundamentals, not run and gun, or force on force. Reputable instructors will provide a host of handguns and holsters for you to experience in class. That will give you some idea of where you're preferences might lead you in handgun selection. Then.....

Buy a handgun just like you would buy a pair of shoes. If Ol' Joe over here says he likes Charlie China tennis shoes, and you're looking for a new pair of shoes, do you run out and buy Joe's pick, just because HE likes 'em? Probably not. If a new shooter is asking what to buy for a carry gun, it doesn't matter what works for me, or anyone else. I suggest telling that new shooter to go to many gun shops, and/or gun shows, and handle all the guns they can get hold of. Just like they would try on shoes. Before long they'll be able to make a list of guns that feel ok, pretty good, real good, and "that really feels great in my hands". The last two are the ones to pursue, and here's why I say that....If a given handgun doesn't feel "right" in your hands, you'll not shoot it enough to become proficient with it, because it's not comfortable, and you won't like shooting it. Just like you rarely wear shoes that are UNcomfortable. If you're not gonna become proficient with it, save your money, and buy a ball bat to carry. With proper fundamentals, he/she can learn to shoot almost any handgun, or any caliber. Very few folks can re-train their hands to make just any handgun feel comfortable. The last suggestion... again....get some training......proper shooting techinques, practiced slowly, but proficiently, will breed speed. Do it slowly, and do it the right way, every time.......If you practice speed first, and introduce less efficient techniques into your training, you'll have to do it all over again to get it right. Most gun shops have a box of used holsters that you can experiment with after you've chosen what gun works best for you. There are many options for concealed/open carry.

By the way..... anyone who introduces a new shooter to our pastime by having them start with a large-caliber handgun, makes a very poor decision. Yes, some folks do ok starting out with large calibers, but the vast majority
will not continue to shoot if their very 1st experience is with .50 S&W. Start with a .22 caliber something, and as your technique/accuracy improves, work up from there. Caliber doesn't count until after you can hit your target.

If you're buying a handgun for home protection, and you choose to NOT have it on your person, you should consider where in your home you might be if someone kicks the door in. I don't see a person in a position to be able to ask an intruder to "hang on a sec, while I get my gun"

There always will be a trade-off..... light weight, more recoil...... shorter barrel, more recoil...I've known more than a few gents who didn't care for the recoil of what's often called a "ladies gun"... just sayin....

Again, just my ramblings.... but they work for me...

Shoot Safely....

Hi and welcome....take a good look at the new S&W shield.....JJ

Try many and find what fits and feels best. Get training and then commit to regular practice. My personal choice currently is and X-Dm 3.8 in 9 mm. I have carried Glock 19 and others.

Go down to McBrides on N. Lamar, and see if you can find something that fits.... :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mfehemr

Hello everyone,

I have in Central Texas, just outside of Austin if anyone cares:), and though I have an HK .40, it is a bit much for a conceal weapon. I have seen quite a few Youtube videos and read many blogs and so thought I would put it out there. Seems the most popular one based upon what I have seen are the Glock 26, Beretta and a few others. I am also sure this is not the first time this question has been posted but could not put my hands on it.
Any advice on this purchase will be appreciated.

---

Hello and welcome from Indiana! Its tough finding that perfect CC gun huh? The G26 can't be beat, but a little on the chunky side. The Beretta Nano is a nice small (and thin) 9mm pistol, that would be easier to conceal. Don't rule out some of the Khar pistols either. Good luck with your search!:smt1099

Welcome from Jersey

Get some training and experience. Try several different guns.

And then buy a Beretta! :smt002