[mapanggulo]

And our state will officially have a Concealed Carry Law in effect.

I'm signed up for a class, but dont have a clue when that will be...since everyone involved is still hashing everything out.

One problem I have though is I dont have a handgun I feel comfortable with carrying concealled (never mind the fact that the only one I have in a caliber I'd think about carrying, I can't shoot reliably).

Money isnt the issue, just can't make up my mind of what to get. Like Sigs alot, but was also impressed with Kimbers when I shot one. Course CZ's are looking good because of the price too (that would allow me to get one and keep alittle for a project of mine).

 

[Fuelburns2]

It would appear that you aren't interested in a revolver, right? The guns you mentioned seem to be full sized. Consider where you will hide it. I haven't taken a class yet because I can't decide how to hide my Ruger so that I can get to it quickly.

List off some features that appeal to you and I'm sure you'll get some really good suggestions. Size, caliber, capacity, etc.

 

[Justin_Thompson]

If Kansas does what I think it does, you won't need to bring your own gun along for the safety course, so you can get your license and then you have until January until you can legally start carrying concealed. Plenty of time to work out your own details.

 

[hoashooter]

I'm jealous---Illinois will NEVER have any type of concealed carry as the Chicago area runs the state politics :evil:

 

[claybird]

Map, Check out the CZ75 Compact, Great carry gun and well worth the price . Also very well built piece.

 

[uglydog]

All the brands you mentioned make good compact guns, pick out the one you like best. I had a full size CZ-75 years back and wish I never got traded it off. It was a very well made gun and was very dependable. The price was not hard to take either. The 85 series are said to be an improvement but I can't remember the differences well enough to give a yea or nay. SIG has several compacts and in varying sizes. The only one I have heard bad about was a Pro (I think that is a SIG gun, if not disregard) in 40 S&W. It was a problem out of the box and actually got worse the more it was tinkered with and fired. That is the only Pro that I have seen so can not say if it is indicative of all Pro models or if that particular gun was a lemon. Otherwise I think well of SIG, I have a Browning marked 220 that I enjoy shooting and have shot sevweral other models in the past. Kimber is pretty proud of their guns and carry a price tag to match. I think Springfield is just as good quality but at a cheaper price. The only caveat I have about short 1911s of all makes is that the really short ones like the 3"-3.5" barreled Ultra Compact can be picky on what ammo type it will feed. My Springfield Ultra Carry ate all types of 230 gr bullets except Wolf, but did not care much for 185 gr bullets except for Silvertips and Golden Sabers. The Federal 160 gr Personal Defense loads were the worst by far in that gun. Except for a Kel-Tech P-40 as an ankle gun I have gone away from the typical subcompact guns. The intermediate duty guns with 4" barrels and full size grips are as easy to conceal with a good inside waist band holster carried just behind the hip and a little thought to clothing and are much easier to shoot well. I've been carrying a Service model XD-40 quite a bit lately and no one has commented on it being seen. I've been wearing shorts and T-shirts or button down short sleeved "fishing" shirts so it isn't like I have a lot covering it. Body shape is important to an extent but there are few that can't hide a gun with a little bagg clothing. Some bodies I don't want to see carrying a gun, others I wish they would carry a howitzer if you know what I mean.

 

[mapanggulo]

It would appear that you aren't interested in a revolver, right? The guns you mentioned seem to be full sized. Consider where you will hide it. I haven't taken a class yet because I can't decide how to hide my Ruger so that I can get to it quickly.

List off some features that appeal to you and I'm sure you'll get some really good suggestions. Size, caliber, capacity, etc.

I wouldnt say I'd rule out a revolver in the selection, its just that I'm more familiar with Auto's. I'm partial to more full sized handguns that anything, but reliaze that they arent exactly concealable for me.

Caliber wise I'll probably go with either a 9mm or .40 cal. I've handled alot of small frame guns, but none really fit worth a dam, so it will probably be mid size frame gun that I choose.

 

[mapanggulo]

I've got a week off coming up (plant shutdown), so I'm going to spend some time looking around at some gunshops in the area.

Went in a store down the street from me with the intent of looking at concealable handguns and ended up looking at a large frame one...go figure :roll:

It was a CZ 75, slightly smaller than my Beretta, but not much at all and not easily concealed. The guy at the counter did say they make a compact version...woudnt mind looking at it.

 

[bobbfwed]

The CZ-75 is a pretty nice gun. SIGs aren't bad either. But if you want a fantastic gun. I'd go with the H&K P2000. This is, technically, a compact, but the grip is a "full size". The gun is extremely comfortable, extremely accurate, and reliable. I also own a H&K USP, if you want a true full size gun, the USP is incredible. Another gun to consider is the Glock 36. Which is a .45 caliber, but it is fantastically small, while still comfy.
I have large hands, so I have to be pretty particular about which guns I get. I prefer large frames when I'm choosing guns.

As for caliber, the 9mm is nice for target shooting, it is cheap, abundant, and allow better penetration power. The .40 on the other hand is heavier, will reduce the capacity of the gun, and has a greater kick. But when you are talking about defense (home defense, or person public defense) penetration isn’t always good. Over penetration is huge factor to think about. If you have to shoot someone will the bullet travel through the person and beyond? The likelihood of someone having body armor in public is extremely unlikely. .40 FMJ bullets have about 20% more stopping power over 9mm FMJ; but .40 JHP have about 50% more stopping power over 9mm JHP.

So when I finally decided on a concealed weapon for carry, I picked myself up a H&K P2000 .40 with Hydra-shock JHP. With this setup, you get 12 bullets (instead of 13 9mm), you get an extremely reliable and accurate double-action small frame pistol all for under two pounds.

 

[Justin_Thompson]

There's just one problem with us having concealed carry here in Kansas. Permits won't be issued for six months. While you can apply July 1, 2006 they won't come out until January 1, 2007.

Six months better not be the waiting period for all permits or else it's gonna suck big time.