Need help finding a new carry gun.

[Mr.JAG]

Like the title says, I need some help finding a new carry gun. Currently, I own the ever hated S&W Sigma 9mm. I actually like the way it feels in the hand, how it points, and how reliable it's been every time I've went to the range.

However, I just don't feel comfortable carrying the gun around with a round in the chamber because of the lack of safeties. Yea, I know plenty of you actually prefer a gun with minimal safeties, but I personally don't feel comfortable with them. Consequently, it doesn't help much to carry a gun that requires a rack of the slide before firing.

So the following is what I'm looking for, and I would love anyone's input.

- No hammers (i.e. Px4, 1911 style etc)
- Must have manual thumb safety
- Small enough to conceal (sigma size is about as big as I'm willing to go)
- Grip safety is a plus but not required
- Preferable in 9mm (Ammo is cheaper, and still gets the job done)
- Must be reliable and fun to shoot as well

So far, the only gun's I've found like this are the SR9c and the M&P. Does anyone know of any others or have opinions about the two I listed?

 

[pudly]

Those are both quality firearms and get good reviews. Both also have the option for the full sized or compact models. You can't go wrong with either. Just figure out which fits your hand best and try to get some test shooting in if possible. Let us know what you eventually end up with.

 

[ATF Consumer]

How about this?

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/firearms/108133-taurus_9mm_pt111_millennium_pro.html

I'll even throw in 200 rounds of ammo.

 

[jojoa55]

No experience with the M&P line, but they get great reviews and seem very nice... i have shot my buddy's SR9c a couple different times and it is a nice gun. Accurate, 10rnd capacity with the standard mag, plus ruger gives you a back up 17 rnd mag i believe (someone correct me if i'm wrong). I know he had some trouble with light primer strikes at first, but since he has shot ~250 rnds through it and has had no more trouble with it. I personally think its a nice gun from the little trigger time i have had with it. I'm sure others will be along shortly to give you better details on the two more than i can.

 

[karodger]

You could also look at CZ's like the 75 Compact, 2075 RAMI, or the P01. Or maybe a Smith and Wesson 4506. There are also some small 1911's that you could look at like the Para Warthog.

 

[1546]

The M&P9c would be a great choice

 

[Mr.JAG]

Hmmm... let me bounce around some of my thoughts here.

ATF Consumer: I totally forgot about the Taurus line-up, so thanks for reminding me. It is unfortunate though, as I have shot the millennium pro my buddy carries and it jammed on me 3 times through just 5 mag loads. Maybe yours doesn't have the same problem, but I've always been skeptical of the Taurus semi-auto line up because of that encounter (along with it's less than stellar rep).

karodger: All good suggestions, however those are all hammer guns. I'm not 100% against that style, but I'd like to look for something without a hammer first.

I know that Springfield makes an XD with a thumb safety as well, but I believe its only on the duty .45 pistol (I think). I wish they had that available on a compact 9mm. It would basically have most of the features of a 1911 without the hammer. I'm wondering about the possibilities of a 9mm conversion on that (if only to save money on practice rounds and have options). Either way, it would probably still be too large to carry around comfortably.

I was thinking about visiting IndyGunSafety this Sunday... I see their gun search has both the SR9c and the M&Pc avail for order, but neither list that they are in stock.

Keep your suggestions coming guys.

 

[karodger]

ah I guess I skimmed over the hammer part. It does seem much harder to find a striker fired pistol with a thumb safety. It seems to me that the best option would be the M&P.

 

[doug1980]

Well I know most people hate Taurus, but I've owned 3 and never had any problems with them. I just bought a pair of PT 709 "slims" one for me and one for the wife. They have a thumb safety which is why I chose it over the Ruger LCP, plus it's a 9mm instead of a 380. Might be worth looking at, I love mine.

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

I have a M&P9c that came with the thumb safety...

It's a FANTASTIC pistol. Has chambered and fired every. single. cartridge. that it's been asked to.

Capable of quite good accuracy, too, for such a short-barreled pistol.

Add in an Apex replacement sear (contact through their website or INGO member Flork) and the trigger pull and reset clean up nicely.

Downside: Mags are still a bit expensive. But some time spent scouring the 'net can get you into them for ~$25.

Can also use the full-sized mags + grip spacer; makes for a great range combination.

I like mine...and carry it often (but not as often as my J-frame...ahem).

-J-

with Raven Phantom holster and mag carrier

w/ FS mag + X-Grip grip spacer

-J-

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

Also, OP, how long have you been carrying your pistol? And how familiar are you with "gun stuff"; IE, new hobby/choices been around it a long time but new to INGO?

And Welcome to INGO!

-J-

 

[rcflyer]

CZ 82. Inexpensive($200), Cheap Ammo, 12 rds capacity, cock and lock safety. To your door if you have a FFL03(Every gun person should have one).

 

[GARANDGUY]

^^^^very nice! I would say M&P,Glock,XD/XDM,or Ruger SR9C!

 

[kludge]

However, I just don't feel comfortable carrying the gun around with a round in the chamber because of the lack of safeties. Yea, I know plenty of you actually prefer a gun with minimal safeties, but I personally don't feel comfortable with them.

Why?

Acknowledging you have a problem is the first step.

 

[lwilli]

I personally carry the Glock 19, but I also really like the Beretta 92FS. It has some unique safety features that make it worth considering...in my opinion!

 

[Cru]

I was thinking about visiting IndyGunSafety this Sunday... I see their gun search has both the SR9c and the M&Pc avail for order, but neither list that they are in stock.

Keep your suggestions coming guys.

Randy @ Indy Gun Safety is really great! If you call the # on the website, you can usually get an "appointment" and he'll meet you at the shop.

I put appointment in "" because USUALLY all you have to do is say "hey can I come to your shop?" and he'll reply "I'll be there in a few minutes, see you soon"

 

[rimfire_crazed]

However, I just don't feel comfortable carrying the gun around with a round in the chamber because of the lack of safeties. Yea, I know plenty of you actually prefer a gun with minimal safeties, but I personally don't feel comfortable with them.

What are you afraid of? You have a trigger safety on a DAO pistol with a 10 lb pull and it can't fire when dropped. It's just about as safe as it can get. Unless you're constantly training with your new thumb-safety pistol, that safety is likely to cause you more problems than it solves in a self defense situation.

 

[aetucker1]

what i'm currently carrying

9mm Springfield XDm 3.8. 19 rounds. no mag extension. hell of a good time to shoot. trigger and grip safety...no hammer. cocked indicator, chamber indicator.

 

[abrumlev]

The M&P9c would be a great choice

+2341123123

Roommate has one with the ambi safety. Great little gun, with the adjustable backstraps and two mags (1 with pinky ext.) it comes with a great package.

I love shooting it too. Accurate and concealable.

 

[ATF Consumer]

No FTF or FTE on mine...your buddy maybe never cleaned his ramp or something.
Perhaps he was using really dirty ammo.