Help with carry weapon

[terryg]

Hi all,

I am hoping some of you may be willing to give additional input on a carry weapon. I have gotten some feedback in another post about my first carry outing:
viewtopic.php?f=53&t=36267" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have adjusted my initial list based upon the feedback and some hands-on time with some of the models: Here is what I am considering (in no particular order):

Taurus Millennium
Springfield XD Subcompact
CZ 2075 Rami
Ruger SR9c
Bersa Thunder 9UC

I plan to go the Houston show on Saturday and fondle them some more.

Any comments on these models and/or any additional recommendations are appreciated. Here are the general qualifications I am after:

1. Size/weight are important. I think I want to stay under 2 lbs when fully loaded.

2. I would like 10+ rounds - 12 to 13 would be even better.

3. I probably want 9mm. I like shooting .45 and I like the stopping power. But I also like to shoot a bit and .45 ammo cost $$$. 9mm seems to be a pretty good balance of stopping power vs. $ with each trigger pull. Plus the rounds are lighter than .45. But I am open to other calibers as well as long as the meet that formula.

4. I think I like DA/SA. Somehow with the kids around (random hugs and all), I like the thought of knowing that there is no stored energy in the hammer mechanism. DAO might be ok as well. Maybe more time packing will change my mind on this ...

5. I like the 1911 style safety lever - I don't know what else to call it. A full sweep of the thumb near the first joint - it feels solid and natural. I can reliably hit it while still drawing. I don't like the high safety lever of say the Beretta PX4SC.

6. I think I'm ok with dual opposing passive safety mechanisms like the ones on a Springfield. If, and only if, it has a grip safety and a trigger safety, I think I'm ok with out the manual safety.

7. I would like to stay around $300 - and $400 is probably about my max.

I am also considering this Bladetech OWB paddle holster:
http://www.blade-tech.com/Paddle-holster-pr-1021.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I like it that the cant can (sounds weird - 'cant can') be adjusted.

[lowonair]

out of your options the xd would suit your needs. i dont think the subcompact comes with the safety lever but it has the grip safety and trigger safety. i used to have quite a few xd's and never had a problem with any of them.

[longtooth]

Out of your list I recomend the XD too.
I own one, my son, & my sonInlaw. excellent choice.

[MoJo]

XD

Take a look at the M&P.

[karl]

I've never used an XD but I hear a LOT of good things about it, for the price it gets my vote as well.

And for some reassurance... if you don't touch the trigger the gun will not discharge. Your BladeTech will keep that trigger safe, you'll look back on your worries and smile. Better to err on the side of caution.

[terryg]

Lot's of recommendations for the XD. I just realized its a bit more than the max $$ I set. I might be convinced to spend a bit more if its warranted...

[lowonair]

you can find a good used one in your range. if it is a little more it's worth it.

[chartreuse]

I suspect that many of us will recommend one of our our regular carry weapons. In that vein, I'll throw my weight behind the Bersa 9mm UC.

It's DA/SA, has a manual safety (which is also a de-cocker), is fully ambidextrous and holds 13+1 in a surprisingly compact package. It's pretty accurate, for a small gun, too.

Do give some thought to your holster, as well. I keep mine in a Crossbreed Supertuck IWB, which works well for me, but something different may work best for you - sometimes you need to try a few out.

[terryg]

XD

Take a look at the M&P.

Adding the S&W M&P Compact to the list ...

Thank you!

[terryg]

I suspect that many of us will recommend one of our our regular carry weapons. In that vein, I'll throw my weight behind the Bersa 9mm UC.

It's DA/SA, has a manual safety (which is also a de-cocker), is fully ambidextrous and holds 13+1 in a surprisingly compact package. It's pretty accurate, for a small gun, too.

Do give some thought to your holster, as well. I keep mine in a Crossbreed Supertuck IWB, which works well for me, but something different may work best for you - sometimes you need to try a few out.

Yep, the Bersa Thunder 9 UC is there. This is one I haven't gotten a chance to see yet at all. Looking forward to Saturday.

The holster I am considering is:
http://www.blade-tech.com/Paddle-holster-pr-1021.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I like it that the cant can (sounds weird - 'cant can') be adjusted.

I figure it will let me try quite a few positions and angles. When i find one I really like - I can then look for a better fixed holster if I have any problems with it. But others seem to like blade-tech - so it might be fine.

[longtooth]

Lot's of recommendations for the XD. I just realized its a bit more than the max $$ I set. I might be convinced to spend a bit more if its warranted...

You arevery correct here. Ask yourself how long you will own the gun? Divide your price by that many days & see how cheap firearms really are. You do get what you pay for.

[Teamless]

I started with the Taurus PT111 Millennium Pro in a Crossbreed Minituck holster (which by the way, I have for sale, with 4 magazines and the holster for $400)
The Taurus has a manual safety on it.

I traded up to the XD9sc, in a Comp-Tac MTAC.
The XD9 has a trigger safety as well as a backstrap safety.

The Taurus is 12+1, the XD9 is 13+1 if i use the short magazine.
When I started, the Taurus seemed to me to stick out everywhere, but in a week, I lost those fears and would carry with a simple slightly oversized t-shirt over it, and the XD9 is about the same size weapon, so it carries quite nicely.

the biggest thing, as I see it.

Get a good holster (IWB) and a good gun belt.

I have a membership at PSC Range, if you are interested in trying the Taurus or the XD9 for the feel of either, prior to your outing this weekend to GRB.
Give me a shout if you want to test either. (No, I am not selling the XD9, but it is always nice to get a feel for the weapons prior to buying)

[CompVest]

terryg,

If you get to the GRB Show this weekend, stop at Cypress FireArms. SRVA will be there Saturday and we will both be there Sunday! It is nice to put faces to members.

[terryg]

I started with the Taurus PT111 Millennium Pro in a Crossbreed Minituck holster (which by the way, I have for sale, with 4 magazines and the holster for $400)
The Taurus has a manual safety on it.

I traded up to the XD9sc, in a Comp-Tac MTAC.
The XD9 has a trigger safety as well as a backstrap safety.

The Taurus is 12+1, the XD9 is 13+1 if i use the short magazine.
When I started, the Taurus seemed to me to stick out everywhere, but in a week, I lost those fears and would carry with a simple slightly oversized t-shirt over it, and the XD9 is about the same size weapon, so it carries quite nicely.

the biggest thing, as I see it.

Get a good holster (IWB) and a good gun belt.

I have a membership at PSC Range, if you are interested in trying the Taurus or the XD9 for the feel of either, prior to your outing this weekend to GRB.
Give me a shout if you want to test either. (No, I am not selling the XD9, but it is always nice to get a feel for the weapons prior to buying)

Thanks Teamless - That's an amazing offer. I kinda thought PSC was rifle oriented shooting club. I didn't realize they had a pistol area.

I'm not planning to buy on Saturday - just fondle and hopefully, weed my list down to 2 or 3 prime candidates. The Real Gun show will be in Pasadena 8/14 - 8/15 and High Caliber will be in Pasadena 8/28 - 8/29. Hopefully, I will be able to purchase the winner then. But if your offer is still good for after this weekend - I just may take you up on it.

[terryg]

terryg,

If you get to the GRB Show this weekend, stop at Cypress FireArms. SRVA will be there Saturday and we will both be there Sunday! It is nice to put faces to members.

I sure will. Unless something changes, it will be Saturday.