Advice for an EDC

[scref]

Interesting post, and only 1 unsolicited Glock recommendation and no unsolicited 1911 recommendations. Asking for advice choosing between these two handguns is like asking for advice choosing between an Indian Motorcycle and a Chevy Blazer. They really serve difference sub-markets within Concealed Carry Market. Let me ask this, have you shot either of them and if the answer is yes I have to ask which did you shoot the best? Finally how do you plan to carry and which do you personally like the best? All other issues such as magazine capacity, weight, customer service, and so forth can be trained around or dealt with. And in all honesty those criteria can be worked around and dealt with as well.

I have not shot any of them yet. I am trying to narrow my list down before I shot them. I would rather not have a list of 6+ guns to arrange to test shoot.

[terryg]

I have not shot any of them yet. I am trying to narrow my list down before I shot them. I would rather not have a list of 6+ guns to arrange to test shoot.

Getting a long list of guns when considering an EDC is pretty hard to avoid. However, you should be able to rule out many of them by simply handling them at the store or a gun show. Consider the weight, but know that they will be heavier when loaded. Look at the profile from the behind the hammer/striker and think about how thick it is. Look at the styling, many manufacturers are working to smooth the lines so that any bulges that are produced are round bulges instead of sharp corners. Grip it in your hand to see how it feels.

But, also remember, that no matter how big the gun (within reason), it can be concealed. A larger gun will likely require you to change how you dress, but you will conceal it. People don't notice bulges as much as it seems like they might ... they don't really notice them at all.

I can conceal my SR9c in 95% of what I wear. The only time I need my PF9 is if I am wearing a tighter t-shirt or trying to tuck in with dress slacks.

[n5wmk]

People don't notice bulges as much as it seems like they might ... they don't really notice them at all.

Agree. My body already has a number of bulges anyway.....

I carry a Kel-Tec PF9. I did buy their magazine extension that converts it from a 7+1 to 8+1. The reason for that was not the extra round, but because my big ham hands fit better with the extra length.

Like others have said, check out the feel of the gun at the store if you can. Make sure you're comfortable with the weight, width, etc. And if you can go to a range that has that model as a rental gun to try before you buy, do that too. The PF9 is a double-action only gun. Meaning the hammer is never cocked, you have to shoot it like you would a hammerless revolver. That means a really long trigger pull compared to other semi-auto guns like the Glock, S&W, Springfield Arms, etc. But it's safer that way, IMHO for daily carry.

[Iunnrais]

Can't say which of the two I'd choose personally. Neither made it onto my list when I was looking. However, can't be said enough to hold em and at least try the trigger before you make up your mind.

I've got 3 options for myself: full size 1911, Glock 29sf (they call it a sub-combact, but... it's fat) and a Walther PPS. Each works well depending on how I'm dressed.

My wife has a SR9c that she adores. I've shot it, it feels nice, but I'll stick with my Glock for the double stack. I almost went with a LC9 over the Walther... Loved the way it fit my hand. Then I put 50 rounds through the LC9 and decided there was no way I was going to live with that trigger. Same reason a perfectly good P229 now resides in a buddy's safe and not under my roof.

Hold em, shoot em, and figure out which one works best for you.

You can always come back and add to your collection later if it turns out to not be perfect in all situations.