Help me find the perfect conceal carry pistol

[ericcartman]

Now that I have my concealed carry permit, I’m looking for the "perfect" carry gun. 

First my criteria for the “perfect” gun (in order of flexibility):
1.   Under $500
2.   .45ACP  (but I’ve not ruled out a .40)
3.   Looking for a popular model that has (or most likely will have) Crimson Trace grips available.
4.   I’d prefer a pistol with a thumb safety.
5.   Of course, it must be compact and concealable.

What I’ve looked at so far:

1.   Glock 30 – Out of the question.  It feels like a brick with a stick handle.  No offense Glock lovers, this model’s just not for me.
2.   Springfield XD subcompact .40 – It’s not a .45 and doesn’t have thumb safety but it does have a grip safety.  I did like it.
3.   Smith & Wesson M&P .40 compact – I liked it too, but it’s not a .45 and doesn’t have a thumb safety, however the price is right and there is currently a mail-in rebate to get 2 free magazines.  I want to check out the .45 compact, it has the thumb safety, but not (currently) included in the rebate offer.
4.   Taurus Millennium Pro 145 – I’ve not handled yet, but the specs put it right in line with the above criteria except the CT grips.

I’m leaning toward the M&P .40 right now because of the feel, price, & mag offer but I do think the grip safety on the XD would make me more comfortable carrying.  I may just wait for the M&P .45 and hope S&W extends the rebate and includes this model.

Any suggestions and opinions are appreciated.

[Team CTC-Jon]

Cartman,

The $500 price is the limiting factor here.  I think it is a tall order.  If you were to bump it up to $600 you would open up the possibilities significantly.

You might keep an eye open for a used Kahr K or MK .40, or P or PM 40.  They are more concealable than a double stack.  If you are serious and carrying everyday, the double stacks are very difficult to get a way with.  I prefer pocket carry.  Poke the gun in the pocket and scoot out the door.  No belt required, and you can tuck or untuck your shirt and no worries about accidentally getting your shirt hung up on it if you lean over to pick something up.  You can even get away with carry in the workplace, even in a gun-hostile environment.....not that I would recommend it.

There are always the compact 1911s as well.  That would give you your thumb safety, but again, a belt holster is required.

Thanks,
Jonr

[Due North]

Here ya go - my Springer Champion (under $500), outfitted with CT LG-401's in a custom (but inexpensive) Nick Matthews IWB rig......Wilson Combat ETM 8-round mags, etc........all together, about $650.00. It's all business, wears comfortably, and it'll get the job done ! CT ROCKS !   

[ericcartman]

Cartman,

The $500 price is the limiting factor here.  I think it is a tall order.  If you were to bump it up to $600 you would open up the possibilities significantly.

You might keep an eye open for a used Kahr K or MK .40, or P or PM 40.  They are more concealable than a double stack.  If you are serious and carrying everyday, the double stacks are very difficult to get a way with.  I prefer pocket carry.  Poke the gun in the pocket and scoot out the door.  No belt required, and you can tuck or untuck your shirt and no worries about accidentally getting your shirt hung up on it if you lean over to pick something up.  You can even get away with carry in the workplace, even in a gun-hostile environment.....not that I would recommend it.

There are always the compact 1911s as well.  That would give you your thumb safety, but again, a belt holster is required.

Thanks,
Jonr

I'm definitely most flexible on the price, but at the same time I don't want to spend a fortune.  The ones I listed, except the Taurus, are all over $500.  Under 500 was just an Ideal range.  $600, even up to $700, wouldn't be totally out of the question.  I've accepted long ago that firearms are an expensive hobby.

As for carry options, I'm new to the game and haven't experimented much, but most likely I'll use some type of holster.

A compact 1911 would be a great option, but I haven't seen one for less than $1000 and that's just too much money.  I'd rather not get a used pistol, not that there's anything wrong with it, just personal preference.

[Team CTC-Jon]

Hey, you might be in luck.  Springfield has a micro-compact GI for MSRP of $667.  It's on their website.

Thanks,
Jon

[ericcartman]

Hey, you might be in luck.  Springfield has a micro-compact GI for MSRP of $667.  It's on their website.

Thanks,
Jon

Thanks, hadn't seen that one before, a definite possibility.
Now if I can only find a local dealer that has it.  I've been looking for a full size Springfield GI (OD finish) for a while and no one has it and they can't seem to get them in either.

[HowardCohodas]

Have M&P 45fs with LaserGrips as EDC. Recently acquired M&P45c. $515 from Bud's including shipping plus $12.50 FFL transfer. Fantastic feel. Shoots better than I do so far. Will become EDC when LaserGrips available for it.

[ericcartman]

Update:
Made my purchase today.  I went with the XD subcompact .40.
Now if it will quit raining this weekend, I can take it out for some practice.

I'll probably order CT grips and a couple extra mags next weeek.

[Team CTC-Jon]

Eric,

Excellent choice.  We have run several thousand rounds through several XD's with good results.  Good accuracy, and no malfunctions.

The LG446 ought to fit it, so long as it isn't one of the models with a thumb safety.  Happy shooting!

Thanks,
Jon

[LanceinOregon]

Update:
Made my purchase today.  I went with the XD subcompact .40.
Now if it will quit raining this weekend, I can take it out for some practice.

I'll probably order CT grips and a couple extra mags next weeek.

You made a real good choice in going with a compact .40    The words "Compact" and ".45" just don't go all that well together in my opinion.   I would rather have 10+1 rounds of .40 S&W like I do with my S&W M&P 40 compact, than 6 + 1 with some compact .45

And there is such excellent ammo on the market for the .40 S&W, that you really are giving up very little in stopping power.   Here is a photo of my two favorite .40 S&W defensive loads.   On the left, Federal's 155 gr HST loading.   And on the right, Winchester's 165 gr Ranger T load.







HAPPINESS IS SEEING WHERE YOUR GUN WILL SHOOT WHEN YOU GRAB IT: 

[FlaCracker]

Like the man said, the $500 limit is tough.  I am presuming that's $500 for the gun only.  That being the case I would suggest looking at the Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II .  (http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/crimson_carry/)

It's .45 ACP and comes with factory installed CTs.  Its a little pricey ($1100 to $1200) but keep in mind CTs for an after purchase install will run $300 to $400.

[bilgerat57]

Everyone has a different preference for various reasons, but there's two things that I believe everyone can agree with about carrying a concealed weapon.
1. You get what you pay for. That doesn't mean spend a fortune. It does mean get the qualities you want for the money you spend. Reliability is a top consideration. In my opinion it outranks price every time.
2. How much is your life, or someone elses life worth to you? The extra hundred dollars can mean the difference between a functional weapon and a piece of junk that malfunctions because of a minor glitch of some sort.

  Invest wisely, my friend....

[storm52]

Rain shouldn't be limiting factor. SA named it XD for a reason.

[Bauptown]

When you get tired of the oz  weight when carrying,  PM me , I have one of the more popular CCW pistols the Kel-Tec 380, and its for sale.

[DragonTalonTSiAWD]

Keep the Kel Tec and get a Ruger.  It has a slide lock, no safety (most of the pocket 380s don't though) and its DAO.  I use mine as a back up to the back up if you know what I mean.  I would like to try the Kahr P380, it looks promising. 

But on another note, just find one that fits you.  It's not about size, or what others use, its about what fits your hands like a glove and what you can shoot.