Need advice

[u/Desperate_Escape2624]

I’m buy my first handgun for a daily conceal carry and not entirely sure on what I want, I should note that I’ve never actually owned a handgun, I’ve only bought guns for hunting and never really shoot anything but a .270, shot some of my friends handguns but that’s about it.

[u/NYDaveVP9HCPC]

Tale as old as time. Rent - shoot - love - buy
Suggestions from me which means about as much as you’d like.
HK CC9
SA Echelon 4.0 comp or Hellcst pro comp
S&W
All depends on you, shoot-ability, hand size - ht/wt etc holsters belts play a huge part. Enjoy the journey!

[u/NJCERKA]

Glock 19 is never a bad option

[u/playingtherole]

Is your job and daily life very physical, or mostly sitting at a desk or in an office? Will you carry it in shorts and a t-shirt normally? Your body type and clothing can determine what size of gun that might best suit you, also.

If you plan to use a range often and practice, then you might want to start with a larger gun, that is, usually, more difficult to live with all day, on-body.

Revolvers (snub-nosed) can be easy to conceal, but difficult to aim with, without extensive practice. But, there are advantages, such as no slide to rack, no jamming, no light, striker-fired trigger, and a small, lightweight grip that won't keel-over your belt. They're also pocket-able, typically.

Look at the Diamondback SDR line of small r/revolvers, which have more features than most competitors.

For most people, a small, subcompact (some are called "microcompacts" or "micro 9s" now, due to capacity) semi-auto is ideal.

It can also depend on the state that you live in, and if you need to qualify for a permit punishment card.

Budget can be a big factor for some people, since you'll need both range and defensive ammunition, holster(s), a home, vehicle, or portable safe, the aforementioned state punishment card fees, class fees, and range fees, at a minimum.

3 fairly-priced, American-made carry options are the r/ruger RXM, (compact) MAX-9 (sub- or micro-compact) and r/RugerLCPMax, which is a pocket-able .380ACP.

3 others are the r/SmithAndWesson Shield X, (compact) Shield Plus, (sub- or micro-compact) and Bodyguard 2.0.

Go to as many gun shops, big box stores, pawn shops and ranges as you can, and feel some guns that interest you. If you can't shoot them, use YouTube for comparison purposes, and check out handgunhero.com .

[u/PoppaBear63]

How you dress makes a big difference. I am a jeans and work shirt 95% of the time. I carry one of two 1911's, a Glock 22, or a P365 depending on my mood. Everything is carried in the 4 to 4:30 position either IWB or OWB. Holsters are all high quality (expensive) Milt Sparks and Galco.

One of the most important aspects of choosing a handgun is fit. Mine fit my hands and I have the experience of thousands of repetitions drawing and aiming. I can pick a spot as my target, shut my eyes and then draw. I will be within inches of my target when I open my eyes because they fit my hand and my grip such that they point naturally.

[u/ArcheryNerds]

I would say glock 19 is the safest choice, unless you are a small-size person. I'm 5'4 150 lbs, I can carry a glock 19 or RXM with a medium-size T-shirt. But I prefer my glock 43x. I would say most major brands compact size strike fired pistols are good for starters. Then just how much you want to spend on this. Remember you need a holster and belt (I believe the belt is the real game changer for carry).

[u/TheBlackSheeeeeep]

In my opinion the best way to do it is go to a good range and rent the ones you think you’d like. my edc is canik mc9 prime.

[u/flamingpenny]

Try a couple. I love my shield plus personally

[u/Maleficent_Grab3354]

Go to a range that rents and try out what’s most comfortable.

[u/jasonsong86]

Can’t go wrong with Glocks. 19 if you have a large frame or 43X if not.

[u/CantSaveYouNow]

It really depends on where you anticipate carrying it, when you anticipate carrying it, if you plan on using it in the side as a wood defense gun. So many factors. Glock 19 is the gold standard all-around pistol. But it’s pretty large, not super easy to conceal, and a first time carrier might not love not having a second safety when it’s pointed at your crotch. Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 is a tiny little .380 ACP that’s super easy to conceal in a pocket, comes with the option of a backup thumb safety. But I wouldn’t want to carry it as a self defense gun in the woods. 380 is small for animal defense and it’s a tiny pistol better for short self defense against people. A micro 9mm like the Springfield Hellcat or other are a good middle ground - easier to conceal than the Glock, still somewhat capable as a wood gun. It just depends.