After messing around buying this or that handgun after getting my CHL, I’ve decided to get serious and rethink my personal armory with a more comprehensive plan. The big decision was deciding that an AR was a necessity (not for concealed carry, of course), and I’ve pretty much narrowed the AR down to Colt 6920, BCM middy, or DD XV and will be patient as the piggy bank gets a little fatter…It helps that prices are falling and ammo is getting to be available again.
I want to get some good training with the AR and have noticed that most of the carbine classes require a handgun for transition exercises, etc. Although I have a Colt Combat Commander in .45 and a S&W 442 J-frame in .38 Sp, the Colt is a little heavy and the 442 is a little light caliber-wise.
Considering the training requirements, I am leaning towards a Glock 19 to go with the AR for use in training (and as an ocassional CCW), as well as possibly a G26 for a lighter CCW. It seems to me that a Glock would more than adequately address my needs, but I am interested in other opinions.
Again, I am looking at the personal armory matter from a comprehensive approach…thanks for the input.
Incidently, this is my first post, and I want to say thanks to the forum…You’ve definitely prevented me from making some serious mistakes in my initial AR purchase. I may not be able to buy two of them, but my first one will definitely be a keeper. Stay safe…
The choice of handgun is intensely personal and replies to threads like these invariably become a “this is what I use so you should use it too” list.
For what it’s worth, I own two Glock 19s. I carry a Glock 19 every day. I practice at the range with my Glock 19, and I participate in training with my Glock 19. My secondary weapon when I am training with a longun is one of my Glock 19s.
So take from that what you will… and don’t read too much into the actual model of pistol.
Don’t complicate things with 2 differently sized guns of the same type. I’m sitting at work in corporate America with a G19 concealed (with company blessing).
You cannot go wrong with a G19. Spend the money you were to use on the G26 on a 2 day pistol shooting class and ammo.
Just FYI, the G26 isn’t that much smaller. The slide length is not important because both slides are contained in the holster, so there is no gain there. The grip length, with a mag extension, is the same as a G19 without a mag extension. So you give up 2 or 3 rounds to have the same length (for practical purposes) grip. They also weigh close to the same with ammo.
Thanks. Excellent points, and I’ll take the advice…
I realize that handguns are very personal decisions, but in all honesty the Colt and J-frame I bought probably both represent dollars that could have been more effectively spent. I didn’t use the best rationale for buying either one, but I have to admit that I enjoy both.
As I said, however, it’s time to put away (to a certain extent) buying whatever looks or sounds good and begin acquiring items that are no nonsense, serious, practical, dependable, and possibly life-saving tools.
Don’t discount the 442. They fill a niche thats hard for any other gun of its size. Get a set of Crimson Trace 405s for it. Also, I want to add another vote for the Glock 19 for the reasons already mentioned. I also have two currently and use it more than any other handgun I own. Smith J frames make up the other half of my handgun battery.
The choice of handgun is intensely personal and replies to threads like these invariably become a “this is what I use so you should use it too” list.
I carry a RAMI, but it fits more into the niche of that J-Frame. If I was going to fill the “what to take to carbine class” need, I’d be looking at the SP-01 & that is 100% personal preference, not remotely a statement of “what is better”.
if you put a mag extension on the G26 you really gain nothing in terms of concealment though. i dont’ find them necessary.
i carry a G19 in the cooler months when i’m wearing a long sleeve shirt or a jacket a lot, and my g26 in the summer, when it conceals fine IWB under a t-shirt or in a smart carry.
i shoot both guns equally, but can draw a little faster with the 19.
The DDXV is still a better deal with the $250 gift card which pretty much pays for the rail. Only other difference is the stock, the vertical grip and a case and it costs $450 more.
I switch between a Glock 19, a Glock 26, and a Kel-Tec P3AT for CCW. I carry the 19 when I can, the P3AT when I have to, and the 26 the rest of the time. Personally I find the 26 significantly easier to conceal and carry all day than the 19.
That said, for your purposes I would get the Glock 19. It will serve well as a secondary in classes, and is definitely concealable. You may find that you’re fine carrying it and there’s no need to look at anything smaller for CCW.
I’m surprised no one has recommended the M&P yet, and it is worthy of consideration. If I weren’t already so accustomed to shooting my Glocks (not to mention being up to my eyeballs in Glock holsters, magazines, etc), an M&P would probably be on my short list.
As someone already stated the choice of a pistol is a very personal and subjective matter, but you certainly couldn’t go wrong with a Glock. Very well made and reliable pistols. Also, their customer service is excellent and it is very easy to mantain the weapon yourself as well.
If you had not mentioned that you are budgeting and/ or saving-up for a rifle I would have suggested that you look at any one of the following pistol brands: H&K, SIG, Smith and Wesson, Berretta, and of course Glock. I have owned all and they are well made and reliable.
However, because you can join the GSSF and obtain a certificate/ coupon to purchase one Glock pistol (9mm or .40SW) at a reduced price. I would certainly go that route. By spending $50 and joining the GSSF and shooting a match (there are matches held all over the U.S.) you can buy a G-19 at the LE discount for just under $400.00 before DROS and taxes. That is a great deal.
Another plus for the G-19 is that it seems to point better for some folks versus the full-size 17 model. I own both and seem to shoot better with the 19. In addition, of most of the brands, Glock magazines and parts are inexpensive and readily found from a variety of sources as well.
Good Luck with your purchase.
SkiDevil
P.S. As others are chimming-in on your plans for the pending AR purchase. I would take a serious look at the BCM.
I’m primarily a pistol shooter, but I would have to say that it just isn’t that big an issue. I used a wheelgun most of my LEO career and was still using it at the end. It’s the shooter, not the gun. Even the 442 beats throwing rocks (I have one). I used a Colt Commander for work for a while and it’s a fine gun. The Glock M19 works fine.
I can choose from the following, and think they’re all good tools: 1911s, BHP, Ruger Security Six, GP-100.
I’d just “make do” very nicely with what you now own and spend the time and money on practice. Especially in this economy…
