Bought my first CHL gun today

[Vic]

I own two FEG PA-63 handguns (Hungarian manufacture, 9x18mm Makarov chambered) but I don't trust them to defend my life with, so I did exhaustive research into what I should get for carry.

I started with the cliched "what is the best handgun" search on Google. While there is obviously no one-size-fits-all answer to that question, the hits it pulls up, if you are willing to read through hundreds of pages, are enlightening. I learned about guns that I did not know existed, if nothing else, by doing that type of research.

The second step was to pare down the dizzying list of options to a few choices that seemed to be what I am looking for. Well, actually, I suppose the second step is decide what I'm looking for in a handgun for concealed carry purposes. I want it to be small enough, but not too small to fit my hand, lightweight enough not to noticeably droop my pants when I'm carrying it, have adequate firepower (this is the most controversial decision, and many arguments arise from it), and adequate capacity of ammunition (depending on if you carry reloads or not).

I wanted something in a "service caliber" ( a new term I learned in my Google searches during Step 1), so 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP were all a good choice for me. My personal tastes dictated that it be any of these three, but not lower.

Luckily for me, about 10 days after I first started looking into the topic of which gun I should get for everyday concealed carry, a gun show came to a nearby town. Guns shows aren't always the best place to get a good price, but my intention was to use it sort of like a "gun catalog come to life". I can walk around, look at many different types of firearms that may fit my needs, handle them so see if they fit well and balance well in my hand, inspect their quality, and get a sense of what price these guns sell for.

After my Internet research, my debates with myself about what I would or would not feel comfortable with if the situation ever arose that I needed to defend my life with a handgun, and my time spend handling the firearms that were on my short list (with the goal of making my short list into one singe choice), I mulled it over for another two days, then made my choice.

I went to my local gun store (I researched the gun stores in my area to get a sense of which one would likely be the best in terms of location, price, service, and knowledge) and placed my order. $541 later, including taxes, shipping, and such, my Glock 23 in .40 S&W will be here tomorrow.

My short list, in case you are interested, consisted of the Glock 23, the Glock 19 (9mm), the Smith and Wesson M&P 40c, and a Kel-Tec P-11 (9mm subcompact). I really liked the M&P, but found it to be heavier that the Glocks. I still like the KelTec P-11, and I may even buy it for a backup gun for those occasions that in-the-waistband carry would be impossible (I'd carry the KelTec in my front pocket, in a pocket holster). I may pocket carry one of my PA-63s on those occasions until I get a KelTec. If Ruger made an LCP in 9mm, I'd get that instead of the KelTec. I can't see myself paying for a Kahr, even though I know they are quality firearms.

The Glock 23 will be my main carry, once my permit arrives. I've got some practicing to do!

[MTICop]

Good stuff!!! Congratulations on the purchase!

[wgoforth]

Congrats on your carry guns! BTW, there is not a thing wrong with your FEG's....Ive probably had a dozen of them. Be sure to change out springs, slap on a Marschal wood grip, and they can be really nice guns. Ammo certainly cheap enough. Let me know if I can help you on those.

Welcome to the forum, BTW

[silverbear]

Congrats on the Glock. If history is any indication, it won't be your only one. I'm shopping for my second now!

[Vic]

I don't hate the FEGs, but I'd like more than 7+1 and I'd strongly prefer at least a full 9mm Luger over the 9x18 Mak.

One of them will definitely stay in my collection because it belonged to my father (passed away 5 years ago tomorrow).

The other one will probably get traded in when I find a "pocket gun" that I like a lot. The KelTec P-11 is close, but that trigger needs work. I can afford nice guns, but not two in the same month!

[cougartex]

Congratulations.

[Mastodon]

I don't own a Glock. However, recently at the range a gentleman let us fire his G 23. My wife (in particular ) and I found it immediately accurate at distance and comfortable. 40 S&W should be comforting enough. I like that cartridge.

Congrats on your purchase; we all know its a very personal and at times difficult decision.

Now hurry up permit!..

[Vic]

Well, I'll have to wait a bit longer.

My NICS check came back with a "Delay". Hopefully by Friday I can pick it up...

I bought a rifle last month and there was no delay. 10 minutes from entering store to leaving with rifle. This time, the "Delay" buzzkill.

[eugeniuss]

congrats... does having a CHL speed up the buying process in a store?

[USA1]

congrats... does having a CHL speed up the buying process in a store?

Yes. You still have to fill out the form but they don't have to call for the check/approval.

[Mike from Texas]

Great choice in the G23 regardless of what the tupperware haters around here say.

My first choice would have been the G19 but I am an admitted non fan of the 40 S&W caliber. I would also look at the PF-9 in the Kel Tec rather than the P11.

Congrats on your purchase.

[Vic]

... I am an admitted non fan of the 40 S&W caliber.

I am interested in why people say that. I've seen that sentiment expressed on may forums all over the Internet.

Before the threat of turning this into a 9mm versus .40 S&W versus .45 ACP debate, I like all three calibers, as I noted in my original post. I would have been happy with any of the three. For me PERSONALLY, I wanted a bit more "punch" than the standard 9mm (even though I am fully aware that a modern JHP 9mm cartridge will deliver effectively), but more capacity at the same weight as a .45 ACP. The .40 S&W is a "compromise cartridge", but that's precisely what I was looking for. That is what led me to choose the .40 S&W. The recoil does not bother me. I have most of my handgun experience with the FEG PA-63, a Dan Wesson .44 Magnum, and my father's off-duty gun which is a J-frame S&W Airweight with .38+P. Needless to say, I am more used to recoil than not. I think the Glock 23's recoil will feel like a gentle tap to me, given what I am used to!

I'd still be interested in all opinions on why others are not a fan of the .40 S&W cartridge.

[surprise_i'm_armed]

Vic:

Welcome to the forum sir, where we have both gun nuts and
gun enthusiasts (your choice!).

The choice of one's gun is the easy part. Now you have the
hard work to do - choosing your rig (carry holster)!!

Your original post was long, but you know how to hit the space
bar so we don't have to read one giant, seemingly endless
paragraph - kudos to you for using white space, the gift that
keeps on giving.

SIA

[Mastodon]

I found the Glock 23 .40 S&W cal. recoil akin to the two 9mms I was firing that day(CZ-75B, CZ RAMI 2075), or atleast the latter one; the "subcompact" as it were. Difference being perhaps not as sharp a snap-recoil as my 2 9mm's. A bit of a push back more than a sharp snap up that I am long used to with my 9mm pistols. That's my recollection at the moment anyways.

I liked it. Don't own a Glock. Nor a .40S&W. However, I wouldn't mind firing that pistol a little more just for kicks.

My new 38sp j-frame won the recoil prize for my wife and me that day.
Now that's fun....and reminds you later you've fired a gun once or twice that morning..

Congrats on your purchase. I own metal guns. But if that gentleman offered me his G23, I would have been obliged to accept it

Having 8(?) 40S&W cartridges by your side will be plenty comfy.

Now just dress around it.

[jmra]

... I am an admitted non fan of the 40 S&W caliber.

I am interested in why people say that. I've seen that sentiment expressed on may forums all over the Internet.

Before the threat of turning this into a 9mm versus .40 S&W versus .45 ACP debate, I like all three calibers, as I noted in my original post. I would have been happy with any of the three. For me PERSONALLY, I wanted a bit more "punch" than the standard 9mm (even though I am fully aware that a modern JHP 9mm cartridge will deliver effectively), but more capacity at the same weight as a .45 ACP. The .40 S&W is a "compromise cartridge", but that's precisely what I was looking for. That is what led me to choose the .40 S&W. The recoil does not bother me. I have most of my handgun experience with the FEG PA-63, a Dan Wesson .44 Magnum, and my father's off-duty gun which is a J-frame S&W Airweight with .38+P. Needless to say, I am more used to recoil than not. I think the Glock 23's recoil will feel like a gentle tap to me, given what I am used to!

I'd still be interested in all opinions on why others are not a fan of the .40 S&W cartridge.

The great thing about your 40cal glock is for a little less than $100.00 each you can buy conversion barrels that will allow you to also shoot 9s and 357sigs. 3 guns in one. Came in real handy when ammo was hard to find.