chuckakers 426 #1 February 27, 2009 No, not condoms. Silly libs. Hey gun guys (and gals), I think it's time to gun up. I've decided not to be sorry wishing I had one should I ever find myself in that position. My issue is probably pretty common. I will be taking a CHL class and intend to carry in select situations. I don't know a lot about handguns, but I know I want a weapon with a good trade-off between comfort and concealment vs knock-down power, round capacity, and dependability. How 'bout some opinions on semi-autos that I might want to look at and why.Chuck Akers D-10855 Houston, TX Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wayneflorida 0 #2 February 27, 2009 I don't conceal carry so I really don't have any advise. But good for you. PS. I do have some advise---- lots of target practice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StreetScooby 5 #3 February 27, 2009 While I've been an NRA advocate for years, I literally just joined. Time to step up here with these Obamanics.We are all engines of karma Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justinb138 0 #4 February 27, 2009 Quote No, not condoms. Silly libs. Hey gun guys (and gals), I think it's time to gun up. I've decided not to be sorry wishing I had one should I ever find myself in that position. My issue is probably pretty common. I will be taking a CHL class and intend to carry in select situations. I don't know a lot about handguns, but I know I want a weapon with a good trade-off between comfort and concealment vs knock-down power, round capacity, and dependability. How 'bout some opinions on semi-autos that I might want to look at and why. Comfort - go to a range that has a large selection of rental guns and shoot a bunch of them to find out what you're most comfortable with. I like XD's, M&Ps, and 1911s, but I find Glocks uncomfortable. Everyone's different. "knock-down power" - Any of the common defense calibers are effective (9mm, .40, .45, etc..), and shot placement will make much more of a difference than anything else. Choose something you can afford to practice with regularly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #5 February 27, 2009 Drop me a line and come visit. We can go to a local range and rent a few guns that I don't have. Basically you need to go shoot. There is a trade off with carriability and ability to shoot comfortably. The caliber debate will be debated for just about forever, so go with something .380 or larger and with what you want. There are advantages and disadvantages to each caliber. Small BUGs (back up guns) are nice for carry, but suck to shoot and practice with. Full sized weapons are great to shoot, but tough to conceal carry every day. Some people have a "summer gun" and a "winter gun" for dressing around their guns. I really like a baby-Glock for conceal ability and still having a decent caliber. I prefer 1911s (Kimber for me) for everything else (and every day carry).--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
