Would like help deciding on a handgun

[Mike_wood11]

I’m looking to trade my current firearm for a handgun but I’m not sure what’s the best for concealed carry. And suggestions or tips help

 

[Cameramonkey]

Find a range that has a rental wall. Ask before you go whether you can switch guns during your range time. Some ranges allow you to trade out and try different guns during your hour. If they say no, find another range that does.

Go to that range and try shooting various quality guns from the rental wall. You will find one that feels good in your hand and naturally points. Others you might not shoot well at all.

 

[COOPADUP]

Tons of options out there. Rent a few from an indoor range and handle some in the gun store.
CZ's, Sig's, Springfield's, Glock's, etc.....

 

[bobzilla]

.50 Deagle or you are a wuss.

 

[Mike_wood11]

Find a range that has a rental wall. Ask before you go whether you can switch guns during your range time. Some ranges allow you to trade out and try different guns during your hour. If they say no, find another range that does.

Go to that range and try shooting various quality guns from the rental wall. You will find one that feels good in your hand and naturally points. Others you might not shoot well at all.

This is what I’ll end up doing, thanks for the info!

 

[Cameramonkey]

This is what I’ll end up doing, thanks for the info!

And if your local range doesnt have something you want to try, reach out here. Lots of good folks here that might have what you want and would be willing to meet you at the range to give it a spin.

 

[bwframe]

Glock 19/17 is THE most popular self defense pistol out there, period. THE most carried by law enforcement, private carriers and firearms trainers. Unrivaled in available magazines, components and carry gear.

I chose Glock for this reason years back, when moving to a modern polymer pistol. Never found a reason to specialize further.

IMHO, everyone should learn how to be effective with the most popular platform out there. You can specialize later, should you choose.

 

[Lpherr]

A handgun is like a condom.
It should fit you well (not everyone is built the same).
It should perform well.
And it should give you gratification.

 

[BackFromDC]

I think the Walther PDP is the new hotness. They say the PDP F-Series in 3.5 inches is great for concealed carry.

I've been carrying an FN 509 Compact, which I find a lot better than other options if you want something optics ready.

 

[spencer rifle]

Trying them out is food advice. Sig P365 and Glock 19 are too small for my hands. Glock 17 and P365XL and Macro fit well. Make sure you like the grip angle and it points naturally for you. Consider if you want a manual safety or not.

 

[mcapo]

IMHO, everyone should learn how to be effective with the most popular platforms out there. You can specialize, if you choose, later.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the advice. I fully intend to use this excuse reason when my wife finds out what happened on Gunbroker this weekend.

 

[bwframe]

...if you want something optics ready.

IMHO, any pistol bought from here forward should have the optics ready (MOS for Glock) option.

You don't have to use optics, but the option for future use shouldn't be ignored. Whether you ever use optics or not, resale value will reflect the option.

 

[bobzilla]

IMHO, any pistol bought from here forward should have the optics ready (MOS for Glock) option.

You don't have to use optics, but the option for future use shouldn't be ignored. Whether you ever use optics or not, resale value will reflect the option.

Resale value? what's that?

 

[Onebad06vtx]

Springfield xds

 

[BackFromDC]

IMHO, any pistol bought from here forward should have the optics ready (MOS for Glock) option.

You don't have to use optics, but the option for future use shouldn't be ignored. Whether you ever use optics or not, resale value will reflect the option.

it is the year of our lord 2023 and not having a optics ready model in your line up is just not smart...I'm still waiting on concealable CZs that are out the box ready with optics cuts...sending it in to get milled takes time and money no one would give up if there's alternatives

 

[Kirk Freeman]

So many option, you can throw them in a pillow case and draw a good one out (like Way of the Gun).

My recommendation: go to class, allow your software to select your hardware.

 

[Max Volume]

A handgun is like a condom.
It should fit you well (not everyone is built the same).
It should perform well.
And it should give you gratification.

And doesn't break.

 

[Bassat]

Try Kodiak Gun Shop and Range on the South Side of South Bend. I took my daughter there to test-fire pistols. I think it $25 or $30 for an hour. Change guns as often as you like. The big catch is: YOU HAVE TO USE THEIR AMMO IN THEIR GUNS. And their ammo prices are nothing short of ridiculous. All in all, cheaper than buying a bunch of guns and reselling them. One idea: shoot all the same caliber every trip. 1 hour shooting a few 9mm, next time try some .40 S&W, or .45 ACP. You get the idea. IIRC, they have an impressive array of 9mm rental guns. I rented a Glock 21. I bought one the next day. I love that gun.

 

[Chewie]

Resale value? what's that?

The result of finding out you spouse didn't really mean "do whatever you want"!

 

[WebSnyper]

I’m looking to trade my current firearm for a handgun but I’m not sure what’s the best for concealed carry. And suggestions or tips help

What do you have today, and why isn't it a carry possibility for you?(May or may not be obvious depending on what it is).
This info will help us help you.