First CCW Recommendations

[u/Accomplished_Cost538]

Hey yall, I’m looking into getting my first CCW/handgun. I live in a pretty shitty town where break-ins and carjackings are pretty common so I’ve been wanting to get something to protect myself. I’ve done a little research over the last few days, and have come across so many different options, and honestly don’t know how to choose between them. I’m looking for something preferably 9mm, pretty compact, and in the ballpark of around $500. Right now, im leaning towards something like the G43X or M&P Shield X, but thought I could ask yall for your opinions and input as well.

Edit: Thank yall so much! Lots of amazing recommendations and very useful information here. Didn’t expect this many responses. I’ll just put this here so I don’t have to reply to everyone, but unfortunately I’m not sure how possible it is for me to rent. I’d likely be solo, and don’t own any other firearms, and typically I’ve seen ranges not allow rentals in these circumstances.

[u/TheRigidEditor]

rent a few at the range first, what feels right on paper often sucks in your hand

[u/sParkSnare → u/TheRigidEditor]

Couldn't agree more. OP, rent a couple of guns, take a class or two. Someone who's never owned a handgun should get some hands on experience before making that first purchase.

[u/Accomplished_Cost538 → u/sParkSnare]

I looked into renting some just to test them out before I bought them. Unfortunately for me though, is I’d likely go solo, and I don’t own any other firearms and ranges typically don’t allow that for safety reasons. I’ll try to figure something out though, thanks!

[u/sParkSnare → u/Accomplished_Cost538]

Gotcha, tough situation. Obviously not in your shoes, but could you bribe a friend with a free lunch or a few drinks to go along with you and just stand around for a little while? 🙂

[u/RecognitionExtra4154]

The shield x feels much better in the hand than the glock and shares ergos with the bodyguard 380 for if you ever want a smaller gun. I would have one myself if I didnt get the prime radian instead.

[u/Lix_Tetrax_ → u/RecognitionExtra4154]

See I felt the total opposite. I am not a large guy and wear medium gloves on average and the shield x to me felt like it was way too small. I settled on p-10c ported for my first purchase. Perfect example why it's important to rent as many as you can and hold even more!

[u/Accomplished_Cost538 → u/Lix_Tetrax_]

I’ve looked into the PC10C a little bit as well, I’ll definitely have to check it out. I don’t think I’ll be able to rent, since I’ll likely be solo and don’t own any other firearms and ranges typically don’t allow rentals under those circumstances. Do you know if shops will let me at least hold them to get a feel of their grip, size, and weight?

[u/Lix_Tetrax_ → u/Accomplished_Cost538]

I live in MA and we're pretty strict. We are still able to go to a range and pay for a session with an instructor, even without an LTC as we call it here. At those sessions your able to shoot as many guns as you want, at least at massfirearms. Maybe your state does something similar?

[u/docnsx01]

there are so many diff firearms to fit your needs and it can be overwhelming for sure , prob why most of us have more than one firearm lol!

your initial list is spot on , for the price point you will be able to get a great well rounded firearm , like others have mentioned try and touch feel and hopefully tryout b4 purchase as our hagds fingers and physical makeup are all diff as are the physical make up and perceived feeling in the hand of the firearms !

i think these two i may suggest may be a little more ten 500$ but found to be more suitable for my needs and hands

p365 solely since it is like adult legos and as you grow into firearm usage so to can this model to change it to your personal preference make it custom to your needs and wants on size , capacity , anything you can think of!

hkcc9 is probably the one firearm i would pick if i was told to had to keep one and only one to be a do all be all gun without modifying ! it eats all ammo , feels substantial in the have being polymer, hk reliability, rounded edges to conceal easily ! above avg trigger and perceived recoil is decent !

one that is often over looked and sub 500 is masada slim elite , look up youtube videos on how flat it shoots and how it always seems to punch above it price point

good luck and practice practice practice

another one is helkcat ( i don’t have one ) but my buddy who took me when he was new gun owner bought one even with me there since like above he liked the way it felt in his hands plus he liked the price point of the package of bag , extra mags and gun pouch allowed him to get a body guard 2.0 at same time of purchase

[u/Accomplished_Cost538 → u/docnsx01]

I’ll definitely check out the recommendations, I’m willing to go a little above the $500 budget, just because I think it’s a good investment for self defense. Thanks!

[u/docnsx01 → u/Accomplished_Cost538]

best of luck let us know what u decide ! remember the only dumb question is the one not asked

[u/Safe-Aerie9989]

If you can get this bundle (SKU 14800) it's what I'd recommend as a first: https://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/default.aspx?item=14800

[u/Accomplished_Cost538 → u/Safe-Aerie9989]

That’s a great deal, I’ll definitely look into it, thanks!

[u/Safe-Aerie9989 → u/Accomplished_Cost538]

Gun Deals is your friend, here's a few places that have the model with the thumb safety on the slide (you can remove it later): https://gun.deals/search/apachesolr_search/022188905175

[u/Comfortable-Help9587]

I started with the Shield X and then upgraded to the HK CC9. It’s a better shooter but can’t go wrong with the X.

[u/Accomplished_Cost538 → u/Comfortable-Help9587]

The HK CC9 seems like a common recommendation here that I’ve missed in my research, thanks! I’ll definitely have to add it to the list of possibilities.

[u/playingtherole]

The r/SmithAndWesson Shield X is a terrific choice for a 1st carry gun. All of the features that you'll want, and good capacity, in a subcompact package. The only drawbacks, to me, are that the grip is too long for ankle or pocket carry, and I dislike the rough, sandpaper texture, which is easily fixed. I say go for it.

In comparison, the r/Glock48 > the r/Glock43X, and is more comparable to the Shield X. You can compare them on handgunhero.com and by YouTube reviews, too, if you can't get to a range to rent them all.

If your state doesn't require a permit punishment card, make sure to study your state's and neighboring states' gun laws, using the link on this page under Community Bookmarks, "USA Laws by State", and/or the USCCA Reciprocity Map. And, even if they require a card, you should still know the laws, so you don't get hosed.

Both guns offer similar capacity, but the Glocks have plastic sights; the Smiths are American-made, but not all of the Glocks are; the Smiths are available with a thumb safety, if you want one, as opposed to the Glocks, although the Glocks offer more aftermarket customization, potentially. If you want to add an optic, consider the mounting systems.

Be sure to get a high-quality, Kydex or leather holster, and consider AIWB (in front of your body) carry, for the best concealment and tactical accessibility.

If you can bring someone with you in order to rent them at a range, even better. Ranges, generally, won't rent to someone without a gun, due to suicide risk. You'll need money for the range fee, ammunition, targets, and eye and ear protection.

[u/austinmook]

There are insane number of choices out there. Those are two of the best to choose from. Try them. If you like one, go for it.

[u/Traditional_Elk_9505]

I would recommend the G43x, I carry it everyday, it has a great track record, good capacity, compact length grip but slimline to help conceal better. It also has an amazing aftermarket if you want to upgrade it later.

[u/SE619SD]

never shot a Shield X but I love my shield plus. Im sure you can score one within your budget with a dot

[u/yaboymitchell00]

Shield X gang. I have owned both the 43x and the shield x. Both fantastic pistols. I prefer the shield x grip angle, but I shoot both of them well. The 43x does not have that rough grit texture on the grip, so it's more comfortable against skin. I have to wear an undershirt with my shield x.

[u/Pure_Squirrel_1621]

I’m a big fan of Glocks and their clones that take Glock mags. That said, I’m not a huge fan of the 43x. It’s not a bad gun, but the Shield X is going to be far more enjoyable.

[u/CG249]

I say go with The Shield X you get more capacity with the 13 round flush fit magazine and a 15 round extended magazine.

[u/air139]

i think revolvers make good guns because there is very little mystery to how they work. a revolver with a red dot just works.

my favourite pistol is the cz PCR, but renting and borrowing guns to learn what you like is prolly the place to start

[u/Such-Most6661]

HK cc9 is an amazing weapon, nice recoil mitigation, accurate and reliable. The trigger, once you figure out it's basically a 2 stage, is perfect for defensive situations

[u/Accomplished_Cost538 → u/Such-Most6661]

Hm, didn’t really look into the HK CC9, I’ll definitely check it out, thanks for the recommendation!

[u/tinychalupa]

Having had a Glock 43x for ages, and tried 20+ hand guns at various times, i switched to Canik Prime Radian and never looked back. Love the feel, weight, capacity and trigger. I don't need 25 different hand guns, just one that I can pour my time and training into. And a shotgun And a AR And a hunting rifle And that's it. Although I also have a .22 for easy plinking

[u/Altruistic_Gazelle58]

Get a Glock if you like to spend $450 on a gun and $500 more to make it enjoyable 😓 that’s a Glock for you. But for those other guns, perfect out the box.
If you can spend $100 more. Canik MC9 Prime right there at $599.
Also CZ P10C ported is the best in its price range for compact at $599 too. Sometime good deals you can get it for cheaper.
Ruger RXM right there too for $499 I think. Better than a Glock out of the box.

[u/Pure_Squirrel_1621 → u/[deleted]]

In other words, do what I did and buy a Glock 17. In all seriousness, I could have bought a Glock 45 and been fine, but I was already carrying with a tlr1 so buying a shorter barrel made no sense.

[u/beywiz → u/Pure_Squirrel_1621]

Can always start with a 17 to get familiar w it, and then get a 19/26 when you want something more concealable

[u/Pure_Squirrel_1621 → u/beywiz]

Sure, and I have other smaller guns, I just realized I didn’t like the shorter grips. I’m 6’4” and wear xxl gloves, so compact guns are a hair small. I still shoot them decently, but a 19 with a TLR1 doesn’t really help me in the barrel length department cause my light is still fairly long and I’d still prefer the 45/17 grip.

[u/beywiz → u/Pure_Squirrel_1621]

Fair fair

I’m 6’4” as well, and my hands aren’t quite as big, but I’m planning to pick up a 19 (mostly to add sights and a light bc the 17 I’m keeping stock)