Multi-purpose Handgun

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ffemt358
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Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by ffemt358 »

Looking for a new purchase and curious to see what kind of input I get. This is not to create a argument or to ask the age old answerless question (what gun is right for me ??) just to see what handguns different people on here are trusting with their lives. I am looking to buy a new handgun in the next couple months but I want something that fits all or most of my needs/wants. The one at the top of my list right now is the m&p shield, please share if you have one. My primary home defense is 00buck, however the new handgun will also be my bedside option if I don't have enough time to get to the 12ga. All suggestions are welcome but must meet the following :

-must be able to cc without wearing a trench coat or a shirt 68562 sizes to large :50cal:
-Im a lefty so holsters are already hard to find, must have some choices of good holsters (I currently use serpa)
-Weight isn't a major deal, however I don't want to strap a wrecking ball to my hip
-Nothing smaller than 9mm (380, 32 ect.)
-dark in color, nothing shiny or flashy
-Very Reliable and reasonably accurate with appropriate range time of course.
-ambidextrous controls are a plus but not a must
-semi-auto preferred but would consider a wheel gun if it feels right to me
-I have fairly large hands so a LCP size weapon probably wont be very practical for me
-must be new not used, there are some great used ones out there but I want my daily carry weapon to be new.
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Chasbo00
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by Chasbo00 »

Glock 19.
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ffemt358
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by ffemt358 »

Chasbo00 wrote:Glock 19.
Ive never been a Glock person, HOWEVER I have only shot one glock ever and it was years ago and I actually thought it shot very well so I cant say anything bad about them. I would also assume that holsters would be rather easy to come by even for a southpaw. ill check it out, thanks !
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by Palladin »

.357 wheelgun
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Chasbo00
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by Chasbo00 »

Here is a link to a recent thread you should find informative:

http://vagunforum.net/handguns/best-con ... 19211.html
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FiremanBob
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by FiremanBob »

My first answer to such questions is: Try a few on for size and feel, and then you will know. Only your hand can tell you what fits best.

My second answer is G19 or G26 (if conceal is paramount). Or, look at the Walther PPQ or the FNS-9. That FNS is a real surprise - one of the best triggers around, thinner profile than comparable Glocks, looks great and I think it has night sights standard. These all carry invisibly with the right holster.

For an even thinner profile, you're talking about single-stack. For that, a Springfield Armory compact 1911 in 9mm, with ambi safety, is a great solution. Or for 2/3 the money, a double-action Kahr.
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gunderwood
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by gunderwood »

Chasbo00 wrote:Glock 19.
+1

Try a Gen4 if you have large hands. The backstrap extensions make the gun much easier to shoot IMHO. Sights are a must have upgrade though. I like the Trijicon HDs (orange, but yellow works well too), but they don't come cheap. For a holster, I've tried a dozen or so and so far my favorite is from Raven Concealment Systems.
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gunderwood
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by gunderwood »

FiremanBob wrote:That FNS is a real surprise - one of the best triggers around
Funny how different people perceive things. I shot and IDPA match with a FNS-9 pick-up (local match so they have fun with it) and hated the trigger and shot poorly. I wasn't alone either. To be fair, more practice with that firearm will mitigate some of the problem. However, if it works for you, run with it!
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trailrunner
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by trailrunner »

S&W J frame
Glock 26
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ShotgunBlast
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by ShotgunBlast »

Chasbo00 wrote:Glock 19.
Definitely a popular option. I went with the Gen 4 Glock 23 in 40S&W. I can shoot it well and 40 stays on the shelf in my area longer than other calibers. You also get the option to drop a 9mm conversion barrel (or 357) in it so you get three guns that take up the space of one. As my daily carry (and SHTF gun), that's a big plus for me. Being a lefty I switched sides for the magazine release but the slide stop can't be switched. No big deal. Adjustable backstraps are a plus. Went and had an IWB holster made for me from https://www.shepherdleather.com/ A future purchase of a Kel-Tec Sub 2000 fits in perfectly with my Glock because they'll use the same magazines.

Real happy with both the G23 and the holster.
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UnderwaterMike
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by UnderwaterMike »

Love my Glock 26. Also have an LC9, and although the size is great, I hate the trigger. The Shield is a nice gun (my brother has one, as well as a G19), and I think it's a bit slimmer than the G26. All depends on what you're comfortable with.
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Jollyrogers66
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by Jollyrogers66 »

+4 Glock 19. Easy to find, very utilitarian and not flashy, relatively inexpensive (do you qualify for LEO/MIL/first responder discount?), concealable, round capacity, very reliable, very easy to disassemble, clean and customize, easy to operate, and holsters are very easy to find. Glock trigger is fine once you get used to it, plus that is customizable to your liking.

Or even go G26 for better concealment and get some larger mags for it as bedside or backup.
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by RO73 »

Glock 19 or M&P 9. Both reliable handguns and can serve multiple duties.
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by bryanrheem »

The M&P shield is a good choice. I carried a Walther PPS for a while and it was incredibly thin and accurate. I currently carry a Sig p239. I'm a right handed shooter so I've never inquired about ambi controls, although I'm pretty sure the Sigs are not lefty friendly.

I loved the PPS but am more of a DA/SA guy so the p239 suits me better. If you like 1911 style controls, you can look into the Sig p938.

Good luck! Single stack 9mms are fun to shoot!
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vaeevictiss
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by vaeevictiss »

I have an m&p40 i carry in a comp-tac minotaur holster. Great combination...love both.

I too am a lefty

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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by 38superfan »

All of the above recommendations are fine and it's up to you to see what works for you. I'm not knocking any other suggestion.

I have a Springfield XD45 Compact (4" barrel) in 45 ACP. I carry it in a Crossbreed Super Tuck with just a t-shirt over it all the time. It shoots really well and is a reasonable alternative to anything out there. The compact mag is 10 rds and I back its up with one or two 13 rd mags. I would definitely recommend an XD or XD(m) for EDC.
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by dmharvey »

My carry gun for the last several years has been a Taurus PT709 with a Crimson Trace laser. The gun has a single-stack magazine (7 rounds) so it is very narrow and easy to conceal. I've fired about 500 rounds of various ammo through it with zero issues and it seems to be pretty accurate. All things considered I really like the gun and I have no plans to stop carrying it any time soon. That said, if I were going to change up my carry gun I'd probably go with one of the S&W M&P pistols. Just my two cents and there's plenty of great options out there.

My dad has a H&K P200SK with the LEM trigger and it is a very nice gun that I'd definitely carry. Might be one to take a look at if you have larger hands.
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Rich
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by Rich »

FiremanBob wrote: That FNS is a real surprise - one of the best triggers around, thinner profile than comparable Glocks, looks great and I think it has night sights standard.
+1000. Most people probably never even consider the FNS but for me its the best available.
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Re: Multi-purpose Handgun

Post by Que »

I have owned Glocks before and loved the trigger, easy to find accessories and reliability, but it just did not fit my had comfortably. It also did not provide a NPA without intentionally angling my wrist. I own the M&P, which is very comfortable and easy to shoot, but it just seemed a bit larger than it needed to be.

I recently purchased the Walther PPQ M2 and find it to be the perfect marriage of the HK, M&P and Glock. The trigger is better than the Glock, IMO and it is very comfortable to shoot. Although I've not trained with it in harsh conditions, I have ran it in USPSA and Steel matches.

Magazines are found on Midway and holsters can be found, as well. I would recommend this gun to anyone looking for a great pistol to add to their collection or as a go-to EDC option.

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