[Dang3r]

Glock 42 should be suitable.

[dtox9]

Originally Posted by Jordan's World

Thoughts on a good first hand gun? In the process of obtaining my concealed carry permit here in FL, so will be a CCP.

I want something small yet powerful.

Thanks!

Get to a range that has rentals...
Glocks are great machines... but if a first time gun owner... can be very dangerous pending your level of training and practice (and confidence).

Check out Smith & Wesson's Shield EZ for a first firearm...
compact for concealed carry, reduced weight spring for easy operation, and added safeties... Should be a real quality beginner's market firearm IMHO.

The SIG models listed previously should be impeccable, as well...

I haven't seen much conversation here about Springfield Armory..
some like'em... some don't... I carry their XDS, and have since they first came out... Solid, dependable, easy to conceal, easy to shoot, and accurate.

[ramman434]

Originally Posted by Jordan's World

Thoughts on a good first hand gun? In the process of obtaining my concealed carry permit here in FL, so will be a CCP.

I want something small yet powerful.

Thanks!

I'm in the same boat here in Ft. Lauderdale. I plan to find a good place where I can rent and test fire a bunch and see what fits. My brother-in-law got a Glock 17 right before quarantine, so I haven't had a chance to test that one yet.

[andrewmr]

Originally Posted by Jordan's World

Thoughts on a good first hand gun? In the process of obtaining my concealed carry permit here in FL, so will be a CCP.

I want something small yet powerful.

Thanks!

Jordan,

I see you live in Orlando Florida. Not a lot of opportunity for jackets or heavy shirts. Which means it's tougher to carry concealed.

Small semis are easier to hide in your waistband, small revolvers are more reliable than semis but are a little thicker and as such "print" more than semis.

I've carried for many years and have gone from a full frame 1911 to a 9MM doublestack and then back to a full frame 1911. I did carry a 9mm shield and a .380 for some time. But in the end I traded weight for stopping power and ended up with a 3inch 1911. And will most likely carry that until I stop carrying.

I would suggest you go to a gun store and ask them to show you a variety of pistols. Preferably a gun store with a range attached and a rental program. DO NOT ask the sales guy for an opinion as you will simply end up with what he likes. If you get a sales guy that can't keep his opinions to himself, ask for someone else to help you or go to another store.

Hold the guns and see what feels comfortable in your hand. Once you have it narrowed down to a few different models see if they have that model in their rental program. Most likely they will as they have popular models for rental for that very reason.

If the gun you picked shoots comfortably then you are set. When you are making the purchase of the gun you can sometimes ask them to include a few hours of range time and/or some instructor time.

Good luck with what you choose and may you never "need" your firearm.

[unluky]

Originally Posted by andrewmr

Jordan,

I see you live in Orlando Florida. Not a lot of opportunity for jackets or heavy shirts. Which means it's tougher to carry concealed.

Small semis are easier to hide in your waistband, small revolvers are more reliable than semis but are a little thicker and as such "print" more than semis.

I've carried for many years and have gone from a full frame 1911 to a 9MM doublestack and then back to a full frame 1911. I did carry a 9mm shield and a .380 for some time. But in the end I traded weight for stopping power and ended up with a 3inch 1911. And will most likely carry that until I stop carrying.

I would suggest you go to a gun store and ask them to show you a variety of pistols. Preferably a gun store with a range attached and a rental program. DO NOT ask the sales guy for an opinion as you will simply end up with what he likes. If you get a sales guy that can't keep his opinions to himself, ask for someone else to help you or go to another store.

Hold the guns and see what feels comfortable in your hand. Once you have it narrowed down to a few different models see if they have that model in their rental program. Most likely they will as they have popular models for rental for that very reason.

If the gun you picked shoots comfortably then you are set. When you are making the purchase of the gun you can sometimes ask them to include a few hours of range time and/or some instructor time.

Good luck with what you choose and may you never "need" your firearm.

100% this. Gun store sales guys can be the best thing ever or the worse thing ever. Many are very opinionated, but many are good too. I agree- if being pushed - go somewhere else. As he states above - If it does not fit you - it won't be the best thing for you.

Don't let the counterman sell you on the "stopping power" debate either. Get what you are comfortable with - no matter the caliber. Stopping power is no longer a matter of compromise - it is a matter of bullet technology. I worked on the V-Crown project when Sig got into the ammo business and with the design we came up with we had a .380 within literally inches of meeting all FBI protocols - including barriers, clothing, everything. To meet that protocol you have to test so many rounds in all those mediums and then every single one has to pass. Normally you never test 380, but we wanted to see. We tested it 4 times and always had ONE round that would be just shy (less than an inch several times) of required penetration on each test. From 9mm past 45 and everything in between exceeded it easily. It's all in the bullet - not in the round. Yes, caliber, energy, all that - but a modern PD round is made to perform no matter what is in it's way - you'll be fine. Hopefully you will NEVER have to use it.

So buy what caliber works best for you and then make SURE you stock it with a good personal defense round. I'd take a 380 with a good round over a .50 AE with a FMJ any day of the week.

All things being equal - get the gun and caliber that best suits you. As Andrewmr says - that is what is MOST important!

So many great carry guns these days, one will stand out to you - so don't force it. Then find a great carry option so you will be comfortable and carrying will become 2nd nature. I like the minimal IWB options because as andrewmr said - it's hard to carry when it is hot. I also suggest a good gun belt if you are going to carry IWB. Makes a huge difference. I have a KORE EDC that I love and wear almost daily. While super comfortable, it has extra stiffness to keep it from sagging with a gun on it. Keeps the gun tight to the body for minimal printing.

COMFORT is a must if you plan to carry often. If you are not comfortable - you will find an excuse to not carry.

Good luck to all those looking!

[Smgs1992]

Theres plenty of great guns out there. My EDC is a Taurus G2C and its not from lack of funds as my other typical carry gun is a Kimber 1911
The Taurus despite some peoples opinions this model in particular is a great gun. Extremely reliable(myself and 4 other people i know have a combined 6000rds through our G2Cs) well built, great capacity 12+1 light recoil and very easy to conceal. Plus they run about $200-250 new. The trigger could be improved but it is far from the worst.
There is also the s&w shield. sig 365. Kimber micro 9. A commander size 1911, glock 19/23/26/27/42/43
If youre a revolver guy i just finally got to shoot my Ruger SP101 3in .357 today and it was great! It has some kick to it for sure but nothing uncontrollable. Very easy with .38special

[340ix17]

Originally Posted by Jordan's World

Thoughts on a good first hand gun? In the process of obtaining my concealed carry permit here in FL, so will be a CCP.

I want something small yet powerful.

Thanks!

Sound advice already provided, it really comes down to too many factors to name (comfort, are you righty or lefty- this may limit your options, your body size and how well it conceals, etc.)

I personally prefer nothing less than a 9mm for CC. Depending on the time of year, I carry either a Glock 43, SR9C, or a 1911 (.45) in colder weather where it's easier to conceal.

Older Glocks models like the Glock 26/27 should not be discounted, but there are too many options these days it will literally make your head spin!

Hellcat, P365, XDS, etc. are all options I would consider. If you're a lefty, H&K has several options and are excellent firearms (Sig as well).

I've really grown to like the XDS, and may pick one up as my next gun.

For conceal carry, also check out the HK VP9SK.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

The pistol purchasing permit process in NJ is apparently broken because when I submit the online for I just told to try again later. I reached out to the town Detective for help. Let's see what happens.

Meanwhile I decided on a standard P365 with manual safety instead of the smoothed-out SAS version. I just don't think I want the ported barrel. I could replace the barrel, but I think I want conventional sights.

Now that I'm looking more closely at this pistol I see the decent aftermarket support. Gray Guns makes a nice milled trigger and slick laser stippled grip modules.

https://grayguns.com

[JN1]

Love my Sig P239, I have had it since I was a junior in college. However, for a carry I kinda wish I had a P238 or .380 of sorts. Actually looking for something that size to conceal carry once I get permitted.

My only rec I can give is go to a range where you can rent handguns and see what fits you best.

[Nuckle]

Originally Posted by Dog Face Pony Soldier

The pistol purchasing permit process in NJ is apparently broken because when I submit the online for I just told to try again later. I reached out to the town Detective for help. Let's see what happens.

Meanwhile I decided on a standard P365 with manual safety instead of the smoothed-out SAS version. I just don't think I want the ported barrel. I could replace the barrel, but I think I want conventional sights.

Now that I'm looking more closely at this pistol I see the decent aftermarket support. Gray Guns makes a nice milled trigger and slick laser stippled grip modules.

https://grayguns.com

I really like my plain factory P365 but the gun in the picture is amazing and I want one. I'll be checking into that. Huge sig fan here. I have:

P365 9mm
P239 9mm
P220 .45
P220 10mm
P227 .45
P226 9mm
P226X5 9mm
P229 .357sig
P229 .40SW
Mosquito.22LR
Sig .556 Standard

I like them all!

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by Nuckle

I really like my plain factory P365 but the gun in the picture is amazing and I want one. I'll be checking into that. Huge sig fan here. I have:

P365 9mm
P239 9mm
P220 .45
P220 10mm
P227 .45
P226 9mm
P226X5 9mm
P229 .357sig
P229 .40SW
Mosquito.22LR
Sig .556 Standard

I like them all!

Yea I like Sigs too. theyre about an hour away from me and the pro shop and the rest of the grounds are really nice. I have an M400 and an M17, I sold my P226 .40 shame they stopped making the caliper swap kits for it

[Killed by Death]

Originally Posted by Jordan's World

Thoughts on a good first hand gun? In the process of obtaining my concealed carry permit here in FL, so will be a CCP.

I want something small yet powerful.

Thanks!

Glock or Kahr, don't believe the uninformed about them being dangerous. Having the safety on the trigger doesn't seem logical. However, speak with a gunsmith or someone who can explain the system and how it works.

[tcphoto]

I don’t know about jumping into CCW without previous firearm experience.

[Smgs1992]

Originally Posted by tcphoto

I don’t know about jumping into CCW without previous firearm experience.

Gotta start somewhere. In my ccw class even though i had plenty of firearm experience they taught most of the basics and offered more help to those who are unfamiliar with firearms. Then spent a couple hours at the range. Took about 4-5weeks for my card to come in the mail which would allow time to practice at the range some more and get familiar with the basics of a gun before carrying. I think a ccw class is a good place to start if you dont know anyone who is knowledgeable about firearms and its usually taught by LEO

[DocL]

After you decide on the right gun to buy, make sure you get a good IWB holster and a proper belt. I can carry any of my guns and it doesn't even feel like I have a cellphone clipped to my belt.

[Murf]

I would also toss the Ruger SR9c in to this mix - external safety not a bad idea for a first time handgun owner.

[1MOREMOD]

What about cz

[Smgs1992]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

What about cz

Always heard good things about the CZ75 but ive got no personal experience with them.

[Nuckle]

Originally Posted by Jordan's World

Thoughts on a good first hand gun? In the process of obtaining my concealed carry permit here in FL, so will be a CCP.

I want something small yet powerful.

Thanks!

Go look at a sig P365.

[Killed by Death]

Also consider ease of break down, cleaning and reliability! Have the dealer demonstrate while comparing models. Look for nooks, crannies and oddities that don't make common sense. My old department supplied Smith & Wesson pistols and we went through at least 5 different models. The first was OK and the last few were pieces of unreliable $hit. RUN away from anyone pushing S&W!!!

BTW, the department always went with S&W because they provided free parts for the life of the gun. They cared more about saving money than our safety. Never had to shoot anyone thank God!!! But, in the back of my mind, I never trusted it. Thats a BAD feeling to have. At any rate good luck with your search and training. It will be fun

And don't go below 9mm!

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by Smgs1992

Always heard good things about the CZ75 but ive got no personal experience with them.

Yeah I have a pre b cz75 but wont work for me for carry because cant work thr safety properly with my grip, need monkey thumbs I guess.