Looking for a new carry gun

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Nextech84

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I currently own 5 handguns, but they are all full size. I don't really have any issues with CCWing such a large gun, but I would really like to get something a little more practical.

I love my Glock 22, and I carry it often. I like their durability, excellent reputation, and high ammo capacities. I have been thinking about a G26 for a long time now, but honestly the thought of paying for a pre-ban when a short drive across the border people are buying them new for a couple hundred bucks less, absolutely kills me.

I've also got a full size M&P .40 S&W, and I contemplated buying a compact model, but I'm really not comfortable with the trigger assembly.

Basically, I'm looking for recommendations. I want something that is durable and has decent capacity, preferably in 40 cal. Nothing too crazy, nothing too cheap. I can't afford to buy a nice HK or anything like that, but I am willing to spend 5 or 6 bills for a quality carry gun. Any suggestions/recommendations are appreciated!
 
Nextech84 said:
....
Basically, I'm looking for recommendations. I want something that is durable and has decent capacity, preferably in 40 cal. Nothing too crazy, nothing too cheap. I can't afford to buy a nice HK or anything like that, but I am willing to spend 5 or 6 bills for a quality carry gun. Any suggestions/recommendations are appreciated!
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You should be able to find a used Sig P229 for that price so long as you don't mind the weight. I have a 229 and it is a really nice size, 12 rnd un-neutered capacity. It is a medium frame. Big enough to feel full sized but small enough to not be full sized. The Sig P239 is also good, very slim, smaller and lighter, although not as light as the glocks and is lower capacity. I fell in love with the HK P30 when in TX visiting but alas, not here. Yet...

So you know, I like HKs (have 2 of them) and Sigs (2). Very different designs, but both very well made. If you like the HKs, try the Sig.
 
Do you have a issue with the design of the M&P trigger mechanism, or just dislike the awful mass trigger? If the latter, I suggest an M&P compact with a Greg Derr trigger job.
 
terraformer said:
You should be able to find a used Sig P229 for that price so long as you don't mind the weight. I have a 229 and it is a really nice size, 12 rnd un-neutered capacity. It is a medium frame. Big enough to feel full sized but small enough to not be full sized. The Sig P239 is also good, very slim, smaller and lighter, although not as light as the glocks and is lower capacity. I fell in love with the HK P30 when in TX visiting but alas, not here. Yet...

So you know, I like HKs (have 2 of them) and Sigs (2). Very different designs, but both very well made. If you like the HKs, try the Sig.
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I like HK's as well, but for some reason IIRC Sigs seem to not fit my hand so well. Perhaps I just formed a bad first impression and haven't given them a second chance. I will take a closer look at the 229 and 239 next time I hit the gun store. Thanks for the advice!
 
If you're looking for a powerful and comfortable carry gun, you might consider the Keltec PF-9.
I'll admitt the first one I got was a mess and was shipped back to the factory within 24hrs :( Turns out it was "older"(not upgraded) and beat from dry firing and display. Keltec took good care of me, they rebuilt a new weapon, which I recieved back yesterday. Its a completely reliable gun now, it ate every round I put through and is accurate for such a small gun.
 
PaiN said:
If you're looking for a powerful and comfortable carry gun, you might consider the Keltec PF-9.
I'll admitt the first one I got was a mess and was shipped back to the factory within 24hrs :( Turns out it was "older"(not upgraded) and beat from dry firing and display. Keltec took good care of me, they rebuilt a new weapon, which I recieved back yesterday. Its a completely reliable gun now, it ate every round I put through and is accurate for such a small gun.
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PatMcD said:
Take a look at Kahr.
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Airborn Ranger said:
You might want to look at the sub compact XD from Springfield Arms. The price is good and I just got one in a 40. Just my .02
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Unless he buys a used one face to face from somebody who already has it in state he can't buy any of these in MA.
 
Nextech84 said:
I like HK's as well, but for some reason IIRC Sigs seem to not fit my hand so well. Perhaps I just formed a bad first impression and haven't given them a second chance. I will take a closer look at the 229 and 239 next time I hit the gun store. Thanks for the advice!
Click to expand...

You might try the optional Sig short trigger. You may get a better fit in the hand. I will have my P229 at the NES Shoot tomorrow. It has the short trigger. You are welcome to try it out.

Mark L.
 
I'd say (not in any order)
Glock 23/27, M&P40c, Para CCO variant (pre ban for MA), S&W 4006 or similar...

***********************
My carry guns

1. M&P 9mm - compact

2. Ruger P345

Carry Guns I had & got rid of / reason:

1. PPK/S - gave me problems - otherwise would have kept

2. Glock 22 - ergonomics / bulky / uncomfortable - IMO

Other guns:

1. SW1911 - I've carried mine once in a while with a Don Hume PCCH Holster... loose fitting clothes worked out ok...

I usually carry IWB, but do have an Uncle Mike's shoulder rig that works with all my guns except for the 1911 (gets snagged ont he front sight)...
 
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jar said:
Do you have a issue with the design of the M&P trigger mechanism, or just dislike the awful mass trigger? If the latter, I suggest an M&P compact with a Greg Derr trigger job.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, I am all too familiar with the Mass compliant triggers, and I have gotten used to them for the most part. I just don't like the feel of the new M&P triggers. I did get to shoot a LEO version before they replaced the trigger mechanisms and I absolutely loved it! But when they finally hit the shelves and I picked mine up, I was a bit disappointed.

Where is Greg Derr out of? What would a trigger job run me, and what kind of pull can I expect?
 
Airborn Ranger said:
You might want to look at the sub compact XD from Springfield Arms. The price is good and I just got one in a 40. Just my .02
Click to expand...

I have wanted one of those ever since I first laid my eyes on it in a gun magazine. The XD was actually going to be my first handgun purchase. Unfortunately, as Jon said, I live in Mass :(
 
mark056 said:
You might try the optional Sig short trigger. You may get a better fit in the hand. I will have my P229 at the NES Shoot tomorrow. It has the short trigger. You are welcome to try it out.

Mark L.
Click to expand...

Thank you sir for the offer, I just may have to take you up on that! Is your Sig in .40 cal? Can you purchase them with that option, or is it an aftermarket part that you install yourself?

Also, I probably won't make it until sometime in the afternoon. I've never been to an NES event before.. Are they having a scored shoot first and then people shoot for fun?
 
Honestly, if you like glock, I think its hard to find anything else that just fits the same way that glock does. I love my G23, I carry a G33, and I think a G19 in 9mm or even a G26 would be great.

GO for the gold, go for glock[grin]
 
bostonasphalt2 said:
Honestly, if you like glock, I think its hard to find anything else that just fits the same way that glock does. I love my G23, I carry a G33, and I think a G19 in 9mm or even a G26 would be great.

GO for the gold, go for glock[grin]
Click to expand...

I was convinced that the G27 would be my carry gun. My brother has a 26 and with the mag extension it is comfortable and handles well. Like I said before though, it just bothers me to spend 7 bills on a used one when 20 minutes away you can buy it new for at least a couple hundred less. Basically I wanted to see if people preferred a better handgun in the same price range. Just trying to get the most bang for my hard earned buck. That being said, if I don't come up with a better alternative, I guess I will just have to track down my 27.
 
Here's another vote for the Glock 26/27.

I know paying the Mass premium really really sucks. And good for you for finding out all of the other options before pulling the trigger so to say. But there really aren't many choices in MA that are comparable to the Sub compact Glocks for size, reliability, and capacity... with the exception of the M&P sub compacts.

I say just get the Glock and be happy. In a couple of months after your purchase... the extra $150 or so you spent won't make a difference.

Another thought... have you shot a G26 vs. G27? Both are great, obviously... but the G27 is quite a bit snappier. Enough so for some to stay away and opt for the 26. I have the 26 myself. I'm not trying to discourage one way or the other... just saying you should try firing both before choosing.

I know your brother has a 26... but you're welcome to try out my 26 anytime you want!
 
[smile] I am taking a trip up to A & G in lowel to possibly check out M&P 357 Sig - compacts they have advertised.

I'm not sure if it's availalbe to Ma**h***s yet, but they have them advertised on their website.

I've had ZERO problems with my M&P9 compact.

Another thing I wanted to mention is that the triggers vary between the full size and compact M&P's. search the threads here...

My 9c's trigger is around 7(ish) pounds... I got it new and did NOT have work on it.
 
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You've answered your own question. If you like the Glocks, it will be cheaper for you to get a G27 than any other gun when you factor in the new holsters and mags you would need for the new gun. If you go Glock, the mags and holsters from your G22 will all work. It's really the most efficient way to go even if you have to pay an extra $100 for the gun. If you've got Glocks, the versatility of just adding another one beats out a whole new setup.
Just my $ .02 worth.
 
Where to buy, North Shore

Glock 27 looks good.

Can someone suggest a North Shore area dealer?
With knowledge to walk a newbie through a Glock purchase.

CLT-A for years...
 
I carry a Walther P99 or P99 compact in 9mm, but I'm anxiously awaiting the new Walther PPS to show up on the Mass EOPS list. Single stack 9mm, light, thin, very concealable, accurate, great trigger, with Walther reliability. I've ordered a Milt Sparks holster for it which should be here by Christmas. [hmmm] I think it will become my primary carry gun.
 
Marcus in the Darkus said:
I carry a Walther P99 or P99 compact in 9mm, but I'm anxiously awaiting the new Walther PPS to show up on the Mass EOPS list. Single stack 9mm, light, thin, very concealable, accurate, great trigger, with Walther reliability. I've ordered a Milt Sparks holster for it which should be here by Christmas. [hmmm] I think it will become my primary carry gun.
Click to expand...

You're more optimistic than I am given the M&P45 debacle.

I agree though. The PPS is really nice.
 
In warmer weather I carry the J frame.....winter it's the G23. I always wanted the G27......couldn't part with the $$ to buy one in Mass. I thought the G30 I inherited would become my carry gun, but it's the same size as the 23 with more weight.

I may be back on the hunt for a G27 also.
 

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