Looking For Suggestions On New EDC

[Bigtanker]

I just thought of another one you could look at. The Bersa TPR9. It should be easy on your wallet too.

[video=youtube_share;Y4o0B6Vd1lo]http://youtu.be/Y4o0B6Vd1lo[/video]

 

[eric001]

The trigger on the M&P 2.0 is very good. Good, crisp break and tactile reset. Much better than the 1.0 generation M&Ps. Although I've never really had a problem with the 1.0 generation triggers, either. Most striker fired triggers are very good nowadays.

Here's a good review:

[video=youtube;VgB0F6m-TaA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgB0F6m-TaA[/video]

Yes indeed--very nice review, and I think I just found a new channel to watch on the Tube!! Thanks very much for that Route 45!

 

[eric001]

Pm me sometime I'll let you shoot my cz75 and my 2.0. Neither has the safety. I like the decocker 75 and slick side mp, but they will let you get hands on.

Well now... I may just have to do that!! Probably won't be until June at the earliest, when I will finally have free time after the school year is done.

And I'll have to soft-pedal this around the wife...the last time I went to the range with INGOers, I ended up a with a very nice but pricey new-to-me Tavor just a few months later--I think that might have started a trend--an expensive one at that!

And for the record, the one thing I truly love about INGO is folks who will happily share not just their gun-porn, but actually share the shooting thereof as well. Thank you Ggreen!

 

[eric001]

VERY nice suggestions indeed. More than I'd hoped for to be honest.

Yup. going to have to do more hands-on...but at least now I have a list of very likely candidates. FNX-9, M&P 2.0, Bersa TPR 9, CZ's...
And @Bigtanker: I've never seen the Bersa in person, but now I'm rather interested.

Of course, now I'm starting to think of what will happen if/when I shoot multiple of these and fall in love with more than one...Oh, the trouble I'd be in!!!!

Thank you ALL for the advice and suggestions so far by the way.

 

[ToddR]

Look into a Springfield XDS 3.3" 9MM. It doesn't meet all of your requirements but it's right at $500. There isn't a thumb safety but it's got a trigger and palm safety that have never failed me and I've tested them multiple times. Comes with a flush mag and an extended mag so your pinky issue is probably OK. It's snappy, though. Sorry, can't fix that one. P.S. Springfield is sort of on the sh*t list because of the deal they tried to work out with Illinois. That aside, I'm happy with it as an EDC.

I'm considering an upgrade to a Sig P226 which is quite a bit larger. But, I put about 200 rounds through one last week and it's a really nice piece of work. But, it comes in at $1300 so it'll be a while before my banker lets me take the plunge.

FYI, Point Blank in Carmel always has about 20-30 rental pistols and you can swap them out over the course of an hour. Might be time well spent.
Good luck.

 

[shawnppickett]

https://www.cdnnsports.com/eaa-sar-k2p-9mm.html#.WuCUVjMh2Uk
https://eaacorp.com/index.php/guns/handguns/sar-k2p-semi-auto-pistol-sarsilmaz-115

I've had mine for just over a year, and have only fun ~300 rounds through it, but works great for me. I'm 6'2" and can get a full solid grip on it.

 

[TheJoker]

Two years ago, I swapped the Walther PPK that I have carried for at least a decade to a Walther CCP. I am really happy with it and carry it every day. The CCP uses a gas piston locking system which reduces recoil and muzzle climb. An added benefit of the system is that it can use a lighter main spring making it easier to chamber the first round. It has a thumb safety and is very accurate.

 

[D.R.SCOTT]

Based on your criteria, I would highly reccomend a CZ 2075 Rami. Its what I used to carry back in my semi auto days before I made the switch to Revolvers, so I have some personal experience with it as a EDC. I have the Decocker model, but it comes in a manual safety as well. It also came with a very solid mag plate for a bigger grip, but all I needed was the normal sized one. Check em out.

 

[eric001]

Yet more good suggestions--I should have started this thread years ago...sigh. Hindsight.

@ToddR: I had an acquaintance that had an XDS--at least I think that's what it was--that felt really good in the hand and never, ever had issues for him...but I am steadfast about that external thumb safety (though to be completely honest, an external decocker works just as well for me--guess I failed to make that distinction/addition originally).
I just don't feel comfortable carrying a semi that doesn't have one. Maybe it's strange that I never think twice about it on the revolvers I carry now. Meh, either way, it's a hangup for me, so I just accept that I'm stranger than most and go on. And, yup, I know it's MUCH easier to find everything in my wishlist if I ignore the thumb safety thing.

@shawnpickett: that actually looks interesting, though the discontinued/no longer importing thing could be an issue. And I'm looking for one that I can shoot forever, so eventually I will be wearing things out and needing parts--that tends to happen when I find one I really love. Probably could have bought a small country for the ammo I put through my first .45 and I still grumble about having sold it years ago.

@TheJoker: I actually have a PK380 as a backup, and love everything about it...except it's about as concealable as a brick. During cold weather that's not a problem though...
So I might want to look through the other Walther offerings.

@D.R. Scott: Kind of interesting that the more I look into and hear about CZ, the more I'm thinking they're the "gold standard" guns--don't know if that's just because of the sources I'm looking at or maybe CZ is just that good? Either way, I've got a list of CZ's to seriously look at, and it seems to just keep growing. This is my current list from them that I think I need to get in-hand and on the range: p-07, 75 bd, 75 SP-01, 75 Compact, 97 B, P-09...from just the looks of the 2075 Rami, I think I may well have grip issues with my big hands. Maybe that would change with actually getting to fondle one, not sure. And, as Todd suggested, I'll be visiting Point Blank, probably Bradis and a few more this summer looking to get a feel for as many as possible before making any real decisions.

Oh, and sorry for all the @_______ business...I just never have figured out how to do multiple quotes in one response. Sigh... one of these days!

As always, I really do appreciate the suggestions, folks. I'm getting new and much better ideas that I ever would have come up with on my own thanks to y'all.

 

[MinuteManMike]

You really need to get out and shoot different guns. People can give you opinions all day and that won't tell you a thing for what is best for you.

1st response got it right.

Your hands are YOURS. What you think looks cool or has "the perfect features" might simply not work at all when you shoot it.

I liked my first pistol fine in the store. And on the range.

But when I started trying others and renting guns, I found others that suited me much better. To the point I HATE shooting that gun now. I will probably never sell it but I wish I'd never bought it.

 

[gregkl]

I think eric and Doddg should get together. I think they would become fast friends. They sound a lot alike by the way they post.

 

[IndyTom]

The CZ P07 comes configured with a decocker but is supposed to be easy enough to switch over to a safety (I haven't done it, myself). I got an email that was suggesting the Ruger Security-9 (because I'd bought a gun recently and clearly needed another) that looked decent except for the fact that it has a safety. From what I've read, the grip tends to run a little smaller, but not uncomfortably so.

 

[D.R.SCOTT]

@Eric001

CZ's are like hidden jewels. CZ is one of the largest manufactures in the world, but get over looked often as they are more of a older Eastern Bloc weapon outfitter and have only had a USA presence for about 20 years. They have a unique design for their pistols where the frame grips over the slide instead of the normal slide gripping over the frame. That change eliminates a lot of slide wiggle and creates more of a surface area for the slide to create friction, making recoil a bit smoother but creating less surface area to manipulate with the hand, which is no prop for me but it may take getting used to if you are accustomed to racking a slide with a vice grip on the rear sides of the slide.

I also have a P-09, its full sized so the P-07 would be a better option if looking to conceal. The 75 SP-01 on my to buy list. The trigger is amazing, better than the p-09 and its all steel which I like in a full sized pistol. I do know that as IndyTom said that my P-09 also came with the parts to easily change the decocker into a manual safety, so if you handle one and like it and all they have are decockers for sale ask to see if it comes with the parts and there ya go. Good luck!

 

[BE Mike]

OK, so I've looked at many, handled a few, and still can't seem to find just what I would like in a new carry gun.

It will probably take me quite a while to convince the wife I *need* to spend the $$ on a new gun, so this is not going to be an overnight decision and I'd like to get something I will be happy keeping and shooting pretty much forever...

I'd appreciate suggestions from the vast knowledge pool of the INGO expertise to see if I could get a little help finding a gun with these qualities:
1. semi-auto--I'm open to different calibers so I'm not wanting to exclude much here...let's say minimum .380, though probably 9mm or above most likely
2. external thumb safety--ambi is nice but not absolutely necessary
3. grip fits pretty big paw--I'm 6'1" with big hands and really don't like not getting to use my pinky on the grip
4. fun to shoot--kind of goes with #3, but I am not fond of really snappy guns that are difficult to keep on target due to excessive perceived recoil
5. at least fairly concealable IWB
6. "reasonably" priced--let's say under $500 or at least in that ballpark--I will just never win the argument that I *need* to spend a thousand on another new gun...sigh.
7. hopefully not mutually exclusive with #5, but reliable as well; I'm not a snob when it comes to manufacturers as I've had a S&W that got sent back twice and an old Taurus that I shot until I finally wore out the recoil spring, replaced it and it kept going...STILL unhappy I sold that one.

So, with all those conditions in mind, what do you all know have experience with/know of that might eventually become my new pride and joy??

So, are you wanting it in single-action, traditional double-action or double action only?

 

[eric001]

@D.R.Scott: You are a WEALTH of info on the CZ questions I didn't even know I had--THANK YOU!!!

@BE Mike: My first autos were single-double, and I kind of liked that combination...but if everything else fit, I wouldn't be too upset about double only. If that's the case, it'd better have a hammer I can get ahold of easily with my thumb though.

 

[BE Mike]

@D.R.Scott: You are a WEALTH of info on the CZ questions I didn't even know I had--THANK YOU!!!

@BE Mike: My first autos were single-double, and I kind of liked that combination...but if everything else fit, I wouldn't be too upset about double only. If that's the case, it'd better have a hammer I can get ahold of easily with my thumb though.

Have you considered a Sig SP 2022?

 

[BehindBlueI's]

I'm considering an upgrade to a Sig P226 which is quite a bit larger. But, I put about 200 rounds through one last week and it's a really nice piece of work. But, it comes in at $1300 so it'll be a while before my banker lets me take the plunge.

What P226 are you looking at that's $1300? Unless you're looking at a "Romeo" optics equipped one, I'd say the price is on the high side. You can get into one significantly cheaper. As in half that or less. Maybe a third of that if you're willing to look at .40s.

Police trade in .40 for $410: https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/products2.cfm/ID/175296

New 9mm Enhanced Elite for $800: https://www.cdnnsports.com/sig-sauer-p226r-9mm-enhanced-elite.html#.WuXRQIgvzIU

 

[daddyusmaximus]

You really need to get out and shoot different guns. People can give you opinions all day and that won't tell you a thing for what is best for you.

I carry a M&P 9c with a 17rd mag, which would fit your criteria. The shorter barrel is more comfortable for me to carry, and the full size mag is more comfortable for me when I am gripping the pistol. Of course it also gives me more rounds as well.

^^^ This.

1st response got it right.

Your hands are YOURS. What you think looks cool or has "the perfect features" might simply not work at all when you shoot it.

I liked my first pistol fine in the store. And on the range.

But when I started trying others and renting guns, I found others that suited me much better. To the point I HATE shooting that gun now. I will probably never sell it but I wish I'd never bought it.

^^^ and this.

I haven't seen you report yet on trying out any potential choices. Even if you don't rent them, and shoot them, I have a strong belief that you should at least hold them, and see how well they fit your hand, and how well they naturally point for you.

For most of my life I was a big 1911 fan, and I still am. Partly because I learned to shoot a pistol at the age of 17, with a 1911A1 in basic training. However, the big thing about a 1911 is the grip. Nothing fits my hand like a 1911. It just feels right. The handgun I can shoot the most accurately is the 1911. Again, the grip, but also that excellent single action trigger. Years go by and they're coming out with double stack pistols that hold 17 rounds, everybody is Glock this, and Glock that... I go try one out. They just didn't feel right in my hand. I'm caliber flexible. I like the thumb safety, but it's not a deal breaker with the modern designs. The grip just didn't feel right because those stupid finger grooves don't line up with my fat fingers. Great gun, just not for me. Well, then I was reading about modifications people do to guns (including Glocks) and learned about how you can undercut the trigger guard of a Glock frame. I now have a Glock 17 that I did an undercut on, and it fits me fine. In fact it is very comfortable in my hand. I have 2 hand guns now, and they are on opposite sides of the "fan boy" spectrum lol.

Not saying get a Glock. I am saying take all this online advice to heart, and go play with some guns at your local gun store. In fact, go to a few stores so you can try the feel of the biggest variety of guns. If you find one you like, go for it.

If you find one you like that may be a bit out of your price range, keep an eye on the INGO classifieds. I gave my last gun store bought pistol to my son when he graduated high school 3 years ago. Both my current handguns (S&W 1911 & Vickers edition Glock 17) are INGO classified finds.

 

[sheepdog697]

Id maybe look to the shield with a safety

 

[eric001]

Hate to give a false sense of completion, daddyusmaximus! I won't have time to do much real hands-on research until mid-late May, maybe even beginning of June. Once the school year is done and the rugrats are no longer driving me into mental oblivion, I am looking to do several shop visits, handle many and hopefully shoot a few. That also gives me time to do the online checks on all these wonderful suggestions up front to have some idea of what ought to hopefully be a likely choice... Oh, AND to work on getting the wife, er, She Who Must Be Obeyed, to come around to the idea that I really, really, REALLY need a new gun. Over the years I have learned patience is much better than apologies from the doghouse.
Once I DO get to the hands-on part, I'll definitely be posting updates of what I've tried and how it felt...hopefully followed by finding the perfect for me gun.