- Joined
- Jul 9, 2013
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I need some help. I'm a new LTC holder looking for a first handgun for EDC and I've narrowed my choices down but I'm having a hard time making a decision.
Some Background: I'm a larger guy so I have bigger hands and concealment shouldn't be an issue. For comparison, I've held a Bodyguard 380 and my pinky was completely off the grip (extended) and it wasn't comfortable at all. My price range is $450-$550 and I'm fairly sure 9mm will be my preferred caliber. I've shot my fair share of weapons before but have not owned one. Also, this will be my home carry/bedside gun for the foreseeable future, so it's dual purpose.
My Choices:
Shield 9mm: I've fixated on the shield for the longest time. It seemed like it would fit my needs. Given it's popularity, I've only recently been able to even get my hands on one to feel how it fits. It was thinner than I even imagined and when I tried a 9c next to it, the 9c fit better. I'm worried I won't have the proper trigger control if it's not fitting my hand correctly. Other than the grip, the Shield seems like the perfect gun in every other area. Price seems to be hovering around the $500 mark given their availability has been increasing. Availability seems to be getting better, but is still an issue. I'm not in a rush but given I own nothing at this point, I'd rather pull the trigger (no pun intended) by the end of the year.
M&P 9c: I admit this gun wasn't even a contender. I was browsing a local shop and just decided to feel it in my hands for the hell of it and it felt amazing. I'm sure everyone's had one of those experiences with a hand gun where they grip it and they just know this is the one. Given it's the same foot print as the shield with only a bit more girth, I thought this was the gun for me. I thought I had found the one. Then my heart sank when I saw it didn't have an external safety. I was quickly informed that MA Compliant models of the 9c just didn't have a safety (odd). For many of you, I'm sure this is a non-issue, in fact I'm sure for many having a safety at all WOULD be an issue. However as a first time gun owner and first time concealed carry holder, I still have to get over the fact that I'm carrying a gun, a loaded gun, everywhere I go. I'm not even there yet and it still freaks me out. It's something I have to get over and I'd rather feel this way then be complacent and un-safe. Add the fact that it's loaded AND doesn't have a safety and I just don't think I can do it, at least not for my first purchase. These seem to be running as low as $500 which seems like a great price.
Ruger SR9c: Not sure how I stumbled onto the SR9c, but in doing research it seems like a solid option. They can be had for as little as $450 which is another benefit. I've held one and the fit was ok and the slide was extremely stiff, but I'm sure that would loosen up with time/use. Also, I didn't like the gripability on the slide like I did on the M&P9c. Again, this is a solid option, but it doesn't make me as giddy as the M&Ps.
If you've read through my wall of text and are still here, I'd appreciate any and all recommendations on the options I've listed out here, as well as any other options you may have opinions on that I have not outlined here. Thanks in advance!
Some Background: I'm a larger guy so I have bigger hands and concealment shouldn't be an issue. For comparison, I've held a Bodyguard 380 and my pinky was completely off the grip (extended) and it wasn't comfortable at all. My price range is $450-$550 and I'm fairly sure 9mm will be my preferred caliber. I've shot my fair share of weapons before but have not owned one. Also, this will be my home carry/bedside gun for the foreseeable future, so it's dual purpose.
My Choices:
Shield 9mm: I've fixated on the shield for the longest time. It seemed like it would fit my needs. Given it's popularity, I've only recently been able to even get my hands on one to feel how it fits. It was thinner than I even imagined and when I tried a 9c next to it, the 9c fit better. I'm worried I won't have the proper trigger control if it's not fitting my hand correctly. Other than the grip, the Shield seems like the perfect gun in every other area. Price seems to be hovering around the $500 mark given their availability has been increasing. Availability seems to be getting better, but is still an issue. I'm not in a rush but given I own nothing at this point, I'd rather pull the trigger (no pun intended) by the end of the year.
M&P 9c: I admit this gun wasn't even a contender. I was browsing a local shop and just decided to feel it in my hands for the hell of it and it felt amazing. I'm sure everyone's had one of those experiences with a hand gun where they grip it and they just know this is the one. Given it's the same foot print as the shield with only a bit more girth, I thought this was the gun for me. I thought I had found the one. Then my heart sank when I saw it didn't have an external safety. I was quickly informed that MA Compliant models of the 9c just didn't have a safety (odd). For many of you, I'm sure this is a non-issue, in fact I'm sure for many having a safety at all WOULD be an issue. However as a first time gun owner and first time concealed carry holder, I still have to get over the fact that I'm carrying a gun, a loaded gun, everywhere I go. I'm not even there yet and it still freaks me out. It's something I have to get over and I'd rather feel this way then be complacent and un-safe. Add the fact that it's loaded AND doesn't have a safety and I just don't think I can do it, at least not for my first purchase. These seem to be running as low as $500 which seems like a great price.
Ruger SR9c: Not sure how I stumbled onto the SR9c, but in doing research it seems like a solid option. They can be had for as little as $450 which is another benefit. I've held one and the fit was ok and the slide was extremely stiff, but I'm sure that would loosen up with time/use. Also, I didn't like the gripability on the slide like I did on the M&P9c. Again, this is a solid option, but it doesn't make me as giddy as the M&Ps.
If you've read through my wall of text and are still here, I'd appreciate any and all recommendations on the options I've listed out here, as well as any other options you may have opinions on that I have not outlined here. Thanks in advance!