What is the best type of pistol for concealed carry?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 May 2014 19:41:29 -0400

My wife and I are both looking to purchase a pistol a peice for our conceal carry, my question is, whats the best type for a 6FT tall 170PD guy and for a 5FT 4IN 113PD girl? Curious peoples thoughts

Response by SGT Isaac Woods made May 26 at 2014 1:40 PM

SGT Isaac Woods — Mon, 26 May 2014 13:40:48 -0400

my answer to you is what feels best and comfortable to you

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 26 at 2014 9:07 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Mon, 26 May 2014 21:07:23 -0400

Best idea is to go to a local range (most allow you to rent and fire several popular choices). See what 'fits' you best.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made May 26 at 2014 9:52 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Mon, 26 May 2014 21:52:29 -0400

[Disclaimer: This goes without saying, but I'll say it anyways. I'm not a lawyer or a firearms expert. Just some guy on the internet. Always ensure that whatever you do comports with state & local laws, Army regulations, Post regulations, and your unit's policies. I am a Reservist, live off post, and never bring my firearms onto post.]

The one that you will
1. Carry
2. Be comfortable firing

The above isn't snark, but the best advise that I can think of. This translates to: You are going to have to experiment and decide what works well for you.

You are going to face trade-offs in size, caliber, accuracy, comfort, etc. Only you can decide what will work. Your biggest mistake would be to go with a "recommended" gun only to never use it. For instance, I once owned a Glock. As it turns out, I dislike them intensely. It shot well, but I would never consider it if there was anything else available.

My wife and I both carry Bersa Thunders in .380 with laser sights. Small enough to conceal with and IWB holster, accurate at the ranges we would be shooting for defense, and very comfortable to fire. I have big hands, she has small, both like to shoot. It also is nice that they are interchangeable in all aspects.

I "car carry" my Ruger P89 in 9MM. This is by far my favorite pistol in my inventory. However, it is more than a little big for day to day carry. (That said, it was my first carry gun, in a fanny pack)

I will very occasionally pocket carry (in holster designed for same) a KelTec P3AT. I quite honestly am not fond of this gun. It is unpleasant to shoot, has too small a grip for me, and isn't terribly accurate. It's only redeeming quality is that it IS small enough to pocket carry.

Since you tagged home defense, I will add that my go-to home defense gun is a Springfield XD in .45. I can shoot it comfortably and concealment isn't an issue. (the wife uses her Bersa for same)

Some generic for what it's worth advise:
A lot of people recommend DA-SA or DAO revolvers, preferably hammerless. Reason being that there are less mechanical parts, no safeties, etc. Fewer things to be hung up on in the heat of the moment. I have a few revolvers, but don't use any for concealed carry. I prefer the additional rounds offered by semi-autos.
The "right caliber" is one that you can handle well in the gun at hand. I would tend, especially for a smaller person, to stay away from .45's. I would also tend towards a smaller caliber as the ammo is generally less expensive. And actually practicing regularly matters - and is expensive.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2014 11:58 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 May 2014 11:58:08 -0400

I just purchased a sub-compact .45 Springfield Armory XD-S for carry and conceal. Its got a great feel to it and holds 7 rounds in a single stack configuration. it has great safety features on it and is only about 4.25" long and is very skinny so makes for easy concealment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2014 1:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 May 2014 13:50:34 -0400

I agree with the sentiments above it should be something you are comfortable and carry regularly.

I personally carry a Glock 36 subcompact concealed. And in my vehicle when not on post is my Glock 21.

Both are .45, to me with the price of ammo its better to stay with one caliber. But that is my personal opinion.

Response by CPL Corey Aldridge made Jun 27 at 2014 5:36 PM

CPL Corey Aldridge — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 17:36:26 -0400

I personally like the Glock 19 in .9mm. To me the reliability is unsurpassed.

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jun 27 at 2014 8:50 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 20:50:48 -0400

How concealed do you want it?

I rock a full frame 1911 .45 when clothing allows.
I have a SW Sigma .40 for other occasions.
I have a snub-nose .38 smith for runs (in the camelback) and other space-limited situations.

It is best to have a few options...like shoes, hats or any other accessory.

That being said, a compact (not sub-compact) with polymer lower is probably best jack-of-all trades. Still respectable accuracy and stopping power (caliber dependent, of course) and concealable in most situations.

Response by 1LT Shawn McCarthy made Jun 27 at 2014 8:53 PM

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 20:53:16 -0400

Make sure to keep it clean...pocket lint can jack up a carry gun quicker than sand.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 27 at 2014 8:56 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 20:56:16 -0400

I'm 5'5" but stocky, so it's hard for me to hide a full frame pistol. My summer concealment gun is a Russian Makarov. It's a little on the light side as far as stopping power, but I use good ammo (Hornady Critical Defense) and that little pistol is dead accurate. In cooler weather, when I'm going to be wearing jackets or sweaters, I can carry my Glock 23.

Being a bigger guy, you may be able to get away with most service pistols. The missus on the other hand is going to need to go to a compact or subcompact if she's carrying on her body. If she's carrying in her purse, she can carry whatever the hell she can fit in there....

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 9:04 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jun 2014 21:04:55 -0400

Ruger LCR

Five shot, comfortable in my large hands - but fits quite well in a woman's smaller hands, hammerless, double-action and light. Available in various ammo types. My preference is the 357 Mag version.

Response by SPC Ksejdi Duraj made Jun 28 at 2014 1:24 PM

SPC Ksejdi Duraj — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 13:24:38 -0400

Glock17 Gen3 with Sideclip for belt XD Loads magically

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Jun 29 at 2014 12:37 PM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 12:37:42 -0400

I would say it depends on what you are comfortable with. I'm a 5'2 woman and I carry a S&W Sigma Series 9mm, while my husband goes between a Stoger Cougar .45 and a S&W 45.
As for carrying them, look into a "Sneaky Pete" holster, which I prefer vice the ungainly fanny pack holster my husband often uses, and yes, your wife should wear it, since most crooks and bad guys go for the purses first, so carrying in your purse is pretty lame..
As far as the best weapon to carry in this day and age... I'd also suggest that it be loaded! Just saying

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Jul 9 at 2014 2:32 PM

Cpl Brett Wagner — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 14:32:50 -0400

I started to write a response but then read LTC Vincent Stoneking's write up and IMHO there is no need to read any further. He has said it all and said it perfectly. So much so I think I am going to copy and save it for future use, I will him the credit.

I own 1911s Kimbers & RIAs, a Beretta PX4, Glocks, Walthers & Sig Sauers. I am a 1911 snob but I must say the Glock is one of the best (accurate) shooters I have ever had. My Beretta in 40 cal for such a small handgun does a great job too. Walther too heavy to carry and Sigs are a bit over priced again IMHO.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2014 2:34 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 14:34:55 -0400

whatever you want, I would double up the caliber because you posted your wife's weight for the whole community to know!!

I carry a Springfield XDs .45.

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Jul 9 at 2014 2:51 PM

Cpl Brett Wagner — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 14:51:10 -0400

One thing I will say is this; the real safety on a gun is your trigger finger.

Response by TSgt Russ Grimes made Jul 9 at 2014 3:24 PM

TSgt Russ Grimes — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 15:24:23 -0400

my advice is the one you can easily conceal and shoot well...meaning you can hit what you're aiming at with it!

Response by PO1 Larry Swatsenberg made Jul 9 at 2014 10:25 PM

PO1 Larry Swatsenberg — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 22:25:04 -0400

There is plenty of good advice here on selecting a pistol that you can shoot well, and will carry, so I won't belabor that point.

My favorite all around carry is the Walther pps. It is a single stack 9mm that isn't much larger than a .380. It is reliable, accurate, and small enough to carry year round.

Remember that the first rule of a gun fight is "Have a gun"

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 12:41 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 12:41:41 -0400

Glock 17 and the Glock 26. 9mm. Mine is loaded with hollow point and ball mix. Don't need anything larger with a hollow point mix. The Glock 26 is the compact version and the plastic components make it small and very concealable.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2014 1:32 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 13:32:41 -0400

I have been very happy with M&P Shield in .40 S&W. I invested in an apex trigger kit and a good pair of night sights along with a G-Code Incog IWB holster that is very easily positionable and holds my extra mag with it too. I am the same size as you as well. The pistol also has the ability to switch to 9mm by just swapping in the 9mm barrel. Very handy as I shoot both calibers. I have shot it a lot and is very thin but still comfortable and easily managed. I agree with all above statements about shooting and getting what fits you the best. Go rent a couple from your local range if you can! Hope this helps.

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Jul 13 at 2014 10:30 PM

PO3 John Jeter — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 22:30:08 -0400

My primary carry is a Glock 23 in .40 S&W with Crimson Trace laser grips. For my backup I have a Beretta Model 950 B in .25 acp. I would love to carry a .45, but since I work offshore I don't get enough practice time to stay as accurate as my personal standards require. I have found that the '23 conceals well under my vest for Patriot Guard Riders using a Serpa Blackhawk level II paddle holster and while I really miss the thumb safety of the 1911, the Glock fits my hand well and has a well deserved reputation for reliability.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 10 at 2014 12:22 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 00:22:30 -0400

A loaded one.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Oct 10 at 2014 12:28 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 00:28:30 -0400

The answer is going probably going to vastly different for both of you. Weight does not play a large factor, but you need to find something that fit the person correctly. Actually, if your going carry concealed, you may find your wife has it easier carrying a larger frame pistol because you might look strange with a purse?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 10 at 2014 1:14 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 01:14:54 -0400

Get her a PMR-30 .22MAG w/30 rounds, in case her marksmanship skills are not like yours.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 8:08 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 08:08:54 -0400

This is just my opinion on the firearms. I'm 6' 5" 230lbs and I love the feel of a 1911 .45acp and a desert eagle .50ae but that is just me. My wife is about 5'4" and she like the feel of a .357 and a 9mm. Those are what we are comfortable with shooting, and that is what matters on the firearms. If you're not comfortable with them you won't be accurate and it won't feel natural to you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 1:20 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 01:20:04 -0500

Go to a range and test a variety of guns. Make sure it feels right and is not to bulky for your stature. And if you are anything like most of us take your buddies and fire their arsenal as well.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2015 2:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 02:17:48 -0500

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member: What you choose to carry is going to depend on what you find most comfortable and useful. This is a long read, but I think it will help you.

All that being said, the best type of pistol is going to depend a LOT on your personal preferences, taste, experience, and knowledge.

There are several factors that you should consider (more on this in a moment) before deciding on a pistol, and both you and your wife should go to as many ranges as you can where they rent pistols. Try as many out as you think you might be interested in. My personal recommendation are the Springfield Armory, Glock, Sig Sauer, or, if you can afford it, the H&K brands. Other brands to consider are Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Berretta. I would stay away from lesser known brands (or even those that are usually pretty cheap - such as Kel-Tec).

Here are the factors you must consider:

1) Weapon size - this is both the overall size of the weapon, and the barrel length. Bigger barrel lenths (4", 4-1/2", 5-1/4") tend to be less concealable, but more controlable. Smaller, obviously, is more concealable, but as caliber size increases, recoil becomes more of a factor. Bigger framed pistols, tend to also be more controlable, and also carry more rounds.
2) Caliber. Obviously, bigger calibers have more kick, and you can't carry as many rounds... However, that is not always the case. My Springfield Armory XD(M) carries 16+1 rounds of .40 cal, whereas my wife's XD only carries 15+1 of 9mm... This is because the differences in the weapons, as well as the XD(M) is a slightly different design with higher tolerances. The same XD(M) in 9mm carries, if I remember right, 19+1. Obviously, smaller calibers may not have the "stopping power" you are looking for. That doesn't mean a .22 won't kill - it will, but it may not be an instant stop like a .45 might. However, that being said, if you're dealing with someone high on meth and crack, the .45 might not stop them either... at least, not with a body shot... I've never seen someone keep moving though if they took a .45, or for that matter, even a 9mm, through the head - but the head is 1/5 the size of the torso - so that should not be your primary first or second shot anyway.
3) Comfort: Smaller weapons are of course more comfortable to carry, and you have more options with where to carry them (such as in a coat pocket) - but keep in mind that where you carry a weapon can also have an effect on your ability to fire it - for example: If your wife carries hers in her purse, she should keep it in a pocket of the purse that is empty - this keeps debris and other junk such as lipstick tubes from interfering with the initial operation. I don't advocate carry in a purse under normal circumstances anyway.
4) Concealability: Smaller weapons are more concealable.
5) Hammer or Hammerless? Obviously, if your wife plans to carry in her purse, she should ONLY get a hammerless pistol. I've heard of cases where a pistol with a hammer failed to fire because a tissue or something in a woman's purse got between the hammer and the firing pin. Other than that, a hammer usually means the pistol either needs to be Double Action, or you need to cock the hammer first with your thumb. A hammerless pistol is usually Single Action as long as you have put a round in the chamber.
6) Safety: Some weapons have your standard thumb safety, and some have integrated safeties (such as Glock and SA). When considering safeties, think about this: A lot of people who don't practice "draw - safety off - aim - squeeze - fire - safety on - holster" wind up either having a misfire (where they try to shoot, but because they forgot to flip the safety off - don't) or they have a negligent discharge (because they forgot to flip the safety on/didn't practice that). Weapons that have integrated safety (my personal favorite is SA's XD series, which have a drop safety, a grip safety, and a trigger safety) are usually easier to use, but you run the risk of NOT having that extra little step you have to take as you draw or holster the weapon. Again, you should practice, practice, practice... See the four rules below, and pay particular attention to RULE #4 ANYTIME you draw or holster a weapon! If you are holding an SA XD series properly, your gun will fire, and if you are holding it improperly (such as it's not seated in the grip of your palm or your trigger finger is not squarely on the trigger) it won't fire... ALL that being said, you still need to practice, practice, practice...

Once you consider those, here are some additional thoughts: Many companies have several versions of a pistol, and they come in different sizes. You might find that you like the XD(M), in full 5-1/4" size barrel, but still want some concealabilty which it won't have. If that's the case, then you should perhaps look at the XD(S) or the XD Mod.2 series.

Last, you MUST train with, and practice using the weapons you and your wife decide on. You and your wife should shoot your pistols (and each others pistols - you never know when one of you is going to have to use the other person's pistol) at least once a quarter (preferably more often - but I know cost can be a factor) - put at least 100-200 rounds through each of them - until you are so familiar with shooting that you can do it in your sleep - and then you should practice regularly every few months on top of that!

There are four RULES you and your wife should follow at ALL times anytime you handle a pistol:

1. Treat every firearm as if it's loaded: Even if you're absolutely certain a gun is unloaded, still follow these rules for safe gun handling. You want these rules to be natural habits; holding yourself to them each and every time helps make them so.
2. Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy: Accept the mindset to always keep your gun pointed in a direction that would safely stop the bullet should it discharge. If you're not on the firing line or using the weapon for practice or protection, your gun should stay holstered muzzle-down, cased, or locked open and pointing down and away from people. If you're on the firing line, your gun should stay pointed downrange, at the bullet trap backstop at the end of the range. If you will be cleaning or handling your unloaded gun at home, find a safe direction ahead of time -- bullets penetrate floors, ceiling, windows, and walls. Masonry, a full bookcase, a full freezer, downward (if you're on the ground floor), or even a five gallon bucket of sand may be good options.
3. Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it: You are responsible for the entire path of every bullet you fire from your gun. If you hit your intended target, the bullet may still continue through. You must be aware of who or what is beyond the target!
4. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and ready to fire: Anytime you're holding a gun but not shooting, you should "index" your trigger finger. This means to keep your trigger finger straight, and to raise it up to rest flat alongside the body of your gun. Whenever you are not on target and ready to fire, your trigger finger should always be outside the trigger guard and resting straight and flat alongside the body of your gun.

I hope this helps you. If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message or friend me here.

V/R

Marc

Response by 1SG Rudolph Watt made Jun 18 at 2015 10:33 AM

1SG Rudolph Watt — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 10:33:27 -0400

Bear in mind that you are both different, one that good and feel great for you to fire may be too powerful and not as comfortable for her, my advice is to go to a range that have rentals and try different weapons and see which feels good to both of you.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 18 at 2015 10:54 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 10:54:21 -0400

I'm a 45 fan and like some of the others on this thread like the XDS. Interesting enough, the recoil is quite manageable. A good carry is a pocket holster in my cargo pants/shorts. Many like the small Glocks. If you prefer an IWB holster, take a look at N82 Tactical (stands for Nate 2 because there are two of them). Most comfortable I've ever had and the pull method precludes much of the risk of someone snatching it.

For your bride, take a look at the Sig 938. It's essentially a similar size to the crop of 380s out there but is more effective with its 9mm. The 7 shot magazine has a bottom finger rest. I have the Equinox version and like the sights. Sig was able to get the 9mm to work in such a small package through some interesting design hacks. A concern with women, like my wife, is the ability to cycle the weapon. She couldn't do that well with the SAs and Glocks 9mm. The Sig has a flat coil spring which is similar to a 380 spring in resistance but it compresses more. Give it a try. Sigs are pricier though. If you want something reliable and affordable, the Ruger LCP in 380 is very popular.

Response by Cpl Shawn Hueter made Jul 17 at 2015 9:18 PM

Cpl Shawn Hueter — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 21:18:15 -0400

I carry a Smith and Wesson M&P Shield 40 cal. Its a compact and feels really good. I have it in a Sneaky Pete holster with a Crimson Trace Laser Guard. I also have a Smith and Wesson M&P 45 full size. Also a great firearm.

Response by PFC Ray C. Scheesley made Jul 17 at 2015 9:20 PM

PFC Ray C. Scheesley — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 21:20:28 -0400

The best type of carry pistol for you to carry concealed is the one that is fitted for YOU and is comfortable for YOU and you alone. No persons are exactly built the same, therefore, no one pistol is right for everyone. Your carry gun needs to be tailored to you and your needs.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jul 17 at 2015 9:33 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 21:33:14 -0400

Practice pulling your pistol out of your holster without looking. Also practice magazine change out. Know how many rounds you squeeze off.

Response by SPC Thomas Baldwin made Jul 17 at 2015 9:51 PM

SPC Thomas Baldwin — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 21:51:58 -0400

I Like the Sig P250 9mm compact. I't fits in my big hand and still has 15 rounds. and you can change the calaber from 38, 357 Auto, 9mm, 40 and 45.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 18 at 2015 10:11 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 10:11:06 -0400

It really depends on what caliber of pistol round you're most comfortable with. If 45acp is your go-to round I would say Springfield XDS in 45 and in maybe 9mm for your wife.

If 9mm or .380 is yours and your wife's round of choice I personally prefer Glock. Glock just introduced its newest gun, the G43, a sub-compact single stack 9mm version of the G42, a sub-compact single stack in .380. Both are very small guns that don't "print" when you carry them concealed. The one drawback is the small mag size, 6 rounds.
It's also a sub-compact, so most people will need a grip extender so the weapon will fit comfortably in their hand. It's just a little piece of material that adds about 1" (2" extensions are also available) to the length of the grip so that it will fit more fully in your hand. That is pretty much true for most sub-compacts though.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 18 at 2015 10:22 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 10:22:07 -0400

Also invest in a good conceal carry holster. I myself prefer IWB (Inside Waist Band) centered in between the small of my back and right hip pocket. Placement for yourself depends on what you're most comfortable with and if you're right or left handed. I personally love Alien Gear holsters:
http://www.aliengearholsters.com/

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Jul 18 at 2015 11:20 AM

SFC Nikhil Kumra — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 11:20:58 -0400

I would suggest a Walther P22... They're a good size for someone with smaller hands, they're pretty cheap and they would get the job done..

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 11:28 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 11:28:03 -0400

Ruger SR40C or the SR9C are two of my personal favorites.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jul 18 at 2015 3:29 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 15:29:43 -0400

NEVER tell ANYONE your woman's weight! Never never never never never!

Response by 1SG David Lopez made Jul 18 at 2015 3:43 PM

1SG David Lopez — Sat, 18 Jul 2015 15:43:19 -0400

Glock 22, LE addition. 17 round mags, comes with 3 mags, night sights, cool, sexy, did I say cool.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 12:47 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 12:47:32 -0400

I am your wife's size. I recommend a Walther PK380 or Glock 42 (.380) I find the Walther be every ergodynmaic and very comfortable in my hands with little recoil. The Glock has a heavier trigger pull, but is very concealable since itz only an inch wide. Both have after market accessories if she wants. As for you, I'd recommend a 9mm or .45 ACP. Depends on your price range, you can easily spend $400-1k. Ruger, Glock, S&W, Tarsus and Kimber are good manufacturers to look/research into. Take your time and research. Go to gun shows and use gunbroker.com to get a feel for pricing. Vendors may be able to knock a few dollars off at a gun show (this has been my experience). Using the Internet is harder. Know your state laws and establish an FFL contact to help you with the transfer process. Best of luck!

Response by SGT William Howell made Jul 20 at 2015 8:09 AM

SGT William Howell — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 08:09:36 -0400

To each his own. My day to day carry is a 1911 or a CZ, but when I am in shorts I carry a .32 Beretta Tomcat.

My suggestion is this. Go to a range that lets you rent. First pick a caliber that works for you. My opinion the bigger the better, but if you can't control it or conceal it is not the right gun. Second, find a gun that works for you. It needs to be something that you can shoot, but also conceal. I am not a Smith and Wesson fan for political reasons, but their Shield is a good conceal carry. Ruger has some great guns that value for the money and second to none. Sig makes a great gun, but they are pricey. I don't like them because the controls are made for normal sized hands and I have ogre sized hands, but may work great for you and your wife. I would stay away from Sigs polymer framed guns, they are like shooting a Broom Handled Mauser. Glocks are a gun you either love or hate. I love mine. Top of the line are FN or HK. I shoot my FN better than any other gun I have, but it is uncomfortable to carry concealed.

Used guns are usually the way to go. You can't really wear out a modern firearm.

My last bit of advice is train with what ever you get. Start with the basics. Loading and unloading safely. Work on mag changes doing static line stuff. Then work on moving, shooting and reloading behind cover. Train like you are going to be in a gunfight. This is not something you do overnight it takes week or months to get good. You have to get your body used to doing things naturally. I can do mag changes in the dark as well as daylight and that has taken years to get to that point.

Good luck and let us know what you ended up getting.

Response by SPC David Wyckoff made Jul 20 at 2015 9:39 AM

SPC David Wyckoff — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 09:39:42 -0400

Firearms are like underwear, if they don't fit you then you won't wear them.

No wait...sorry that was another conversation. :)

But seriously, I think LTC Stoneking gave you the best answer so far.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Aug 1 at 2015 11:55 AM

SSgt Terry P. — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 11:55:35 -0400

the PPK .380 is compact and dependable in my opinion

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 8:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 08:24:09 -0400

every person is different. It needs to be one you are familiar with and have practiced with. Go to your local gun shop and put a few in your hands, or better, take a class and lean from experts. But in my own opinion, since I have a small selection to choose from, get some practice before you buy. go to ranges and shoot, make a date out of it with your old lady.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Aug 4 at 2015 8:32 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 08:32:14 -0400

You have to ask yourself this question. What is right for you? I would also say, you need to be considering two, not one. While height and weight are factors, it is really going to be more about hand size and a lot of the mid range pistols will allow you to tailor the grips to each of you. I would have you two at least consider finding a pistol that works for both of you...inter changeable mags and ammo could be important if the SHTF...but that is your call.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Oct 14 at 2015 12:31 AM

SGT Michael Glenn — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 00:31:40 -0400

My best advice is to get to a few shooting clubs in your area and try different ones, Many in this area go for subs or mini hand guns for the lack of better words.I do not like them as the kick is farrrrr to violent and re-iam is a task if your popping several rounds off one after the other. The reason they buy them is because they feel they conceal better, which they do but at a sacrifice to ever hoping to use them in a real situation which kinda defeats the purpose. Then you have the more versatile ones that have interchangeable barrels. which to me make no sense in a tactical situation...HOLD ON MR THIEF...I NEED TO CHANGE BARRELS SO I CAN USE A DIFFERENT AMMO ON YOU!!! The weapon you choose should be good fitting in your hands, not too heavy and not too complicated. It should be of a model that has easy replacement parts if needed. I personally carry a Sig Sauer P250, Its light, has a nasty trigger draw( takes forever to squeeze it it seems, but this teaches trigger finger control). Its just a matter of what you like and feel comfortable with.

Response by SSG Charles Holleran made Feb 20 at 2016 7:21 PM

SSG Charles Holleran — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 19:21:08 -0500

Glock 26 9mm

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2016 12:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 12:17:37 -0400

i would get glocks so you can share magazines. My wife (5-1) has a Glock 26, I'll carry the g-19 most of the time. (or i would if I owned any weapons that Democrats want to strip from me)

Response by PO3 Joseph Garcia made Nov 17 at 2016 3:31 PM

PO3 Joseph Garcia — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 15:31:22 -0500

I have loved pistols my entire life, but i will follow it up with saying the most comfortable firearm i have ever personally carried has been my small frame revolver. The contours are more rounded than most pistols, and mine being hammerless allows for me to fire from my pocket successfully in a "get off of me" scenario.

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Aug 8 at 2017 4:48 PM

PVT Raymond Lopez — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 16:48:06 -0400

I taught my 5'7" 100 pound ex fiance' to shoot .45 ACP Colt Combat Commander she made a lot of money wagering and destroying the egos of certain people!!

Response by MAJ Albert McCaig made Sep 8 at 2017 9:27 PM

MAJ Albert McCaig — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 21:27:14 -0400

The best concealed carry firearm is the one you are comfortable with and can actually shoot. Other than cheap, Saturday night specials, there are many good small frame pistols. I'm a big guy who wears a lot of suit coats. I like my Glock 19 for that in 9mm. I used golden sabers for punch. When in jeans I use a j-frame S&W .38 with +P hollow points. For a small handed person, consider the small Glock or even the Ruger LCP. If you get too small you lose accuracy. But, for small framed people do not get big bore, Big Bang magnums. They simply will not practice with a .357. As I said, get one you will actually use.

Response by Amn Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2018 3:18 AM

Amn Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 03:18:36 -0500

i think you gusts also goo for glock or tiffany hanguns<a href="https://jacksonvillegunrunners.com/2018/02/13/best-concealed-carry-guns-small-hands/
">Best Concealed Carry Guns For Small Hands</a>

Best Concealed Carry Guns For Small Hands - Jacksonville Gun Runners: Firearm Instruction

Everybody needs two handguns you need your main carry gun something full sized reliable and accurate like a Glock or something, and then you need something small and concealable for a backup gun. There are a lot of choices you could get a baby Glock, but actually we don’t like them because they are really …

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Feb 20 at 2018 9:39 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 09:39:18 -0500

Ok, here are a few questions I would ask : Carrying can lead to its own set of problems, are you both in a job where you need to carry? If not strongly consider the options. If you are in place where Grizzly's and wolves are pretty common it might be a good choice. If you live on post, almost a sure fire way to meet the Commanding Officer. That said until you both go in and rent a few different guns, shoot them, be familiar with them, nothing any of us is going to tell you what is best. My GF is a very good pistol shot, but she has a hard time with the slide on a semi auto. I don't have the greatest vision, so what works for me does not work for her. You may love a .45 1911/but would it work for her maybe. She may be comfortable with a .380 (which with the right round, can drop you cold, providing you do your part).

Response by 1LT Voyle Smith made Feb 11 at 2021 4:24 PM

1LT Voyle Smith — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 16:24:25 -0500

I’ll gladly describe what works for us: I carry a Glock 43 in 9 mm, either in a simple OWB slide holster on my belt or in a concealed belly band holster called the “Brave Response” from concealed carry.com. The latter is $70 but it’s worth the price. I’m 6’3” and 215 lb and my wife is 5’8” and 130 lb. She carries a Glock 42 in .380 cal. usually in her purse. We like the Glocks because they don’t have any external features like an exposed hammer or safely lever that can snag on clothing. They lay flat against your body so they don’t “print” an outline that’s visible. But please get training on their use if you decide on Glock: the first round from a loaded magazine has a long trigger-pull ,but all subsequent rounds will have a hair trigger. See the photo for a Glock 42 in the Brave Response belly band with one spare magazine and a Ka-Bar folding knife.