[reid36]

I cant seem to settle! I have gone throught the following pistols in the last year trying to find the warm-and-fuzzies I want in a carry piece:

XD-40
PX4 .40
SP101
SW 6904 9mm
XD9SC
G26x2
G30
G36
G19
G33
P239 9mm
HK P2000 9mm

The most recent was the HK P2000 which I wrote about on this forum. I love the pistol but find that it is not my all-season answer to the CCW question! SO here I go again. Being that I'm a starving student with a limited budget I always have to sell the last one to finance the next one, a cycle that I am quite anxious to break.

It seems my fall back is always the G26, I just love it, so I'm selling my P2000 to finance another G26 and hopefully this time it will stick.

Anyway, do any of you experience this feeling of un-satisfaction? It's driving me crazy, I just want to feel content about the pistol I carry so I can focus my energies on other things. What should I do? :dunno:

Oh ya and If anyone is in the market for a practically new P2000 let me know.

 

[bane]

but find that it is not my all-season answer

Maybe you can clarify what you mean by this to start with... maybe that will help people narrow down what you are "itching" for... ???

 

[reid36]

now that its getting warmer and I'm out and about more often I realize that to carry in shorts (my first summer with CFP) Smart carry is the answer and the P2000 is too big for me to smartcarry. Works great in jeanes and long shirts but no so hot in board shorts. I know the G26 will fit the all-season requirements but I know I'll find myself wishing it had a decocker again. Maybe I just need to get comfortable with one in the pipe in the glock. I know its not going to mysteriously go off on it own, but I'm still a bit apprehensive. I'm sure its one of those things that once I do it the apprehension will go away, just like the first OC, CC trips.

 

[Paul]

Maybe I just need to get comfortable with one in the pipe in the glock.

BINGO!

I carried COLD (not sure if that is the opposite of HOT but hey its the best I could come up with) for the first few months that I had my permit. I wanted to be 100% comfortable with carrying, holstering, unholstering, storage, everything before I carried HOT. Now I carry hot everyday, everywhere.

I have a primary carry gun that I carry 95% of the time, XD45 Compact. The other 5% I carry a KelTec P32 or P3AT. Sometimes the XD45 just doesn't work for me but the KelTec in a pocket holster can go anywhere and in any dress option.

Another suggestion, maybe you aren't carrying the "right" (subjective) way. With all those guns you have gone through I can't imagine you have taken the time or waited to get a GOOD holster for all of the guns. A good holster makes a huge difference.

 

[reid36]

Maybe I just need to get comfortable with one in the pipe in the glock.

BINGO!

I carried COLD (not sure if that is the opposite of HOT but hey its the best I could come up with) for the first few months that I had my permit. I wanted to be 100% comfortable with carrying, holstering, unholstering, storage, everything before I carried HOT. Now I carry hot everyday, everywhere.

I have a primary carry gun that I carry 95% of the time, XD45 Compact. The other 5% I carry a KelTec P32 or P3AT. Sometimes the XD45 just doesn't work for me but the KelTec in a pocket holster can go anywhere and in any dress option.

Another suggestion, maybe you aren't carrying the "right" (subjective) way. With all those guns you have gone through I can't imagine you have taken the time or waited to get a GOOD holster for all of the guns. A good holster makes a huge difference.

The P2000 was my first experience carrying hot and I felt much more ready which I liked alot so I'm now convinced that its the only way to go.

When I started carrying I went all out on a holster and jumped straight into the MTAC, which is an amazing rig. Since then I just buy different kydex bodies to accomodate the current pistol. its never been the carry of the pistol but the pistol itself. it either lacks some functionality, dont like the way it shoots, or any number of things that turn me off to it.

 

[bane]

I agree with PW. What led me to this conclusion and helped me to feel more comfortable about it was that I realized that if carrying HOT were at all considered dangerous or risky (while it's quietly in your holster, that is) then the State most likely would not authorize CC'ers to carry HOT... the fact that the State doesn't consider it dangerous/risky is enough convincing for me b/c they are usually the first ones to say "NO" to something that's unsafe.

 

[rdoggsilva]

Why not give a 1911 a try. It sure gives me the warm and fuzzes. :mod:

 

[Shaolin]

That's alot of guns.

 

[Dustin WJ]

I started with a Glock 17 and I LOVE it.

 

[glock fan]

Where leagal, I'm usually carrying my G23 and two G27 pistols. It may not be the gun, but the carrying method that you're not comfortable with. It took me a few months to figure out what fits me best. If I'm only allowed on gun, it's my G23 in either a SOB or IWB holster.

If you're sure that the problem is the pistol, you may want to consider a 1911. The pistol is slimmer than most double stack semi-auto, though the price is usually on the higher end.

My thing with Glock is the "affordability" and "reliability" factors.

gf

 

[Mazellan]

Have you tried any Taurus pistols or there is also Steyr that I have heard some say are comfortable to shoot (not tried the steyr's but have shot a Taurus. Just wondering if you have tried them. Taurus also has a 1911 (as others have mentioned) style that will not break your budget. I hope this helps. Good luck. It sounds like your as picky with guns as I am with cars. (I hate car shopping!! :ack: although I love to test drive.)

 

[xmirage2kx]

XD-40
PX4 .40
SP101
SW 6904 9mm
XD9SC
G26x2
G30
G36
G19
G33
P239 9mm
HK P2000 9mm

That is a long list. I will help you out some:
A Glock is a glock. If you dont like one hot in the pipe, dont get one.
XD is a glock (i know I will get flamed for this). Add a few consumer requested items and it is really the same gun.
S&W semi autos are also like glocks, just tweaked a little.
Now you are left with

PX4 .40
SP101
P239 9mm
HK P2000 9mm

The SP101 is a revolver... Sounds like you are more the semi-auto type (there are SO many good revolvers, only inculding this is a waste, so lets stick to semi auto)

Now you have

PX4 .40
P239 9mm
HK P2000 9mm

The PX4 ($600) ia a larger gun than the HK P2000 or P239 and you thought the HK was to big so forget the PX4.

This just leaves you with the P239
Good all around gun, only holds 8 ot 9 rounds (8 for the .40/.357 or 9 for the 9mm) but much better than G36's 6 rounds.
Has your wanted decocker and you can't go wrong with a sig.

I suggest going with the P239, and if you don't like it you can always sell it for $100 more than you bought it for on KSL.

 

[MasLakas]

It may not be the gun, but the carrying method that you're not comfortable with.

:agree:

It also sounds like you are looking for a one size fits all firearm for cc. I carry a XD45 Service IWB and have adapted my clothing to fit my carry setup. I am very fair skinned so I do not wear shorts and I always have a long sleeve button up shirt on during the summer because skin cancer is nasty but that is another topic. I am thinking of getting a small auto for pocket carry when I just do not want to strap on the XD. This will require a second firearm. I understand the poor starving student situation but find some thing that works great most of the time and as your finances improve, your firearm selection will also.

 

[glock fan]

That is a long list. I will help you out some:
A Glock is a glock. If you dont like one hot in the pipe, dont get one.
XD is a glock (i know I will get flamed for this). Add a few consumer requested items and it is really the same gun.
S&W semi autos are also like glocks, just tweaked a little.

I agree for the most part that "A Glock is a Glock". With respect to trigger pull, function and reliability, Glocks are all the same. Some folks cannot handle the .40 caliber models, but can handle the .45 caliber or 9mm just fine. I found the .40 caliber models to be "snappy" at first. With practice I've become very comfortable with my Glocks. Can't beat the durability and ease of operation, not to mention the minimal maintenance requirements.

I'd have to disagree that the "XD" is a "Glock". I currently work at an indoor range where we have both the Springfield XD 45 and Glock 21. Both shoot .45 Wolf Ammunition (cost cutting factor). We have 6 of each pistol. The Glocks have seen more rounds than the XDs'. Each Glock has handled probably around 30,000 rounds each over the last 8 years or so. The XD pistols have probably seen around 6,000 or so rounds each in the last 2 years. Each XD has gone back to Springfield at least once for "free warranty work". All of our guns are cleaned at least once a week. Due to the frequency of repair work, we've started calling the XD "Extra Delicate". We will be replacing all of the XD pistols with Glocks in the next 6 months or so.

The Smith & Wesson M&P is a good gun, just don't like the trigger. There's a break in the middle of the trigger which feels odd as if I'm "flinching" when shooting. I like the fact that the M&P comes with a take down tool, but don't like the way it comes apart.

I'm not here to slam any firearm, simply stating the facts based on hands on personal experience.

Good luck in finding the "right" gun.

gf

 

[bane]

Wow, first time I've ever heard the XD as being unreliable...

 

[xmirage2kx]

Wow, first time I've ever heard the XD as being unreliable...

How many people drop 6000 rounds through their carry weapon? I can tell you it isn't that many, plus you care for your guns better than rentals get cared for. XD are not a bad choice, but I have never beleived they are the same quality as glock... IMHO

 

[bane]

Huh, well I've owned my for maybe 6 months and I think I'm around 1000 rounds... so, in 3 years I guess I'll have put 6000 round through it.
But yes, I positive I treat it better than a rental. I certainly don't let it get shot as much as most rentals and only clean it once a week. It gets cleaned after every shoot within 2 days.

 

[MarshallDodge]

I cant seem to settle!
Anyway, do any of you experience this feeling of un-satisfaction? It's driving me crazy, I just want to feel content about the pistol I carry so I can focus my energies on other things. What should I do? :dunno:

Oh ya and If anyone is in the market for a practically new P2000 let me know.

It's hard to tell what you are looking for and what you didn't like about the guns you had. :dunno:

There are a lot of things you have to consider when purchasing a gun including ergonomics, accuracy, size, and caliber to name a few things. When you purchase a gun for concealed carry sometimes you have to give up a few things for the sake of concealability. You have a lot of polymer framed guns on your list. Personally I don't care for them. Not that there is anything wrong with them but they tend to be bulky. Out of your list I liked the XD the best because of the ergonomics and trigger.

When I first got into handguns I purchased a Taurus PT99 based on the advice of a guy at the gun shop and a couple friends, but never fired one before I bought it. I liked the gun but never realized how bulky it was until I shot a friends Colt Gold Cup a few years later. The gun fit me so much better and I loved the single action trigger. The Taurus is long gone and I own several 1911's, not saying they are the best gun or the best for you but they really fit me well.

There are times when I have to settle for a smaller gun when I go out and that's when I put on my Kahr. It's biggest asset is that it's slim but I am not as accurate of a shooter with it as a 1911. I don't plan on taking any 25 yard shots with it so it's not a real concern.

To sum all of this up I would recommend renting some guns or go shooting with a person that has a varied collection and get some trigger time with them. Once you find a couple that you like do some research and ask around to see how they perform.

 

[Kevin Jensen]

Wow, first time I've ever heard the XD as being unreliable...

Not me. Just ask the guys at Barlows Customs what they think of the XD's.

Ever seen a C model Glock do this?

I hear that the cracked locking block is a common problem.

Glocks aren't the only gun that go Ka-Boom.

 

[glock fan]

Great phots. How many rounds went through the gun before the problems occurred?

gf