Are you interested in carrying a handgun for self-defense, but there are too many to choose
from? With so many options out there, someone wanting to carry a handgun for the first time can
be overwhelmed. After we list a few of the best options, take the time to try several of them out.
A local gun shop especially will take the time to introduce you to the gun’s features, discuss
holsters and accessories that fit your needs, and be there if you have questions after you buy.
Now let’s look at a few of our favorites.
Staccato CS 2011
You can’t go wrong with any Staccato 2011 model, but the CS is specially designed for those
wanting to conceal carry. Because of its concealed carry design, it is a smaller frame gun. If you
are buying a handgun for the first time, you should know that many smaller framed guns suffer
from what is called muzzle flip.
In other words, the gun is short and light, and the barrel flips up when you fire. For some handguns, it’s so bad that it’s hard to hit a target after the first shot. Not so with the Staccato CS. The reduced muzzle flip is partly due to Staccato’ss patent-pending Dawson Precision 3.5″ Tool-less Recoil System.
The handle design makes it easier to handle the CS when firing. The shape and texture of the
grip are comfortable regardless of your hand size. The narrow grip is comfortable, and the
texture on the handle is also light, so it comes out of a holster easier.
The CS 2011 is a light 9mm, weighing only 23 ounces, but extremely accurate. It comes standard with three 16-round clips. It is compatible with weapon lights like the Streamlight TLR-7 and SureFire XSC-B. It’s easy and fun to shoot at the range. The more you go to the range, the more comfortable you will be handling your handgun and the better shot you will become.
Glock G48 MOS
Many who are planning to conceal carrying for the first time will select a handgun that is just too wide to carry comfortably. First-time gun owners feel as if they are trying to conceal a howitzer. The Glock 48 Slimline is the answer. It is thin enough to carry and not print but also has a wide grip that gives you complete control of the handgun.
It is similar to the G19 but slimmer and easier to carry daily. It boasts a Glock Marksman Barrel, and the magazine holds ten rounds of 9mm. The Staccato holds 16 rounds, but you should try out both at your local gun shop. Holster one fully loaded and then the other. Make sure the added weight of a fully loaded 16-round clip is something you’re comfortable with.
The G48 MOS (Modular Optics System) is designed for you to add optics. If you find you are inaccurate with standard handgun sights, you will find a red dot sight is much easier to use. A sight like a Trijicon RMRcc Adjustable Red Dot Sight is a great addition to a G48. With a red dot, you are quickly on your target and much more accurate. If you add a red dot to your G48, ensure it fits in the holster you conceal carry with.
Glock G19
The Glock 19 is the most popular for those who carry it every day. It’s been around for a while and has a ton of add-ons available. Even though it has a 15-round magazine, it is light, easy to carry and easily removed from a holster. One improvement Glock made to the G19 is a better grip. The new grip does not have the finger grooves the older models had. Finger grooves are great if they fit but uncomfortable when they don’t.
The Glock 19 is known for its reliability. You know, when you are at the range or in a situation where you need your handgun to absolutely work, the Glock always does. It’s something that Glock owners just take for granted and the main reason they are so popular. It’s also easy to break down, clean and reassemble. The average Glock contains 35 parts. Your local gun shop can show you how to tear it down, clean it, and reassemble it.
Sig Sauer Macro
The P365-XMACRO from Sig Sauer has all the features you expect in a full-size handgun but is integrated nicely into a handgun you can carry every day. It has an integrated compensator to reduce muzzle flip and more accurate follow-up shots. Unlike compensators from other manufacturers, the Sig compensator does not touch the barrel. The result is a very flat shooting handgun.
The all-new Macro-compact grip module with standard 1913 rail is comfortable for all hand sizes. The MACRO is a 9mm with a 17-round magazine that is fun to shoot. The 17-round magazine can be a bear to load the 15th, 16th, and 17th rounds in. Sig Sauer includes a magazine loader with this handgun, and it will make your life easier.
This is a very easy-to-carry concealed handgun. Often the grip of a concealed handgun will rest against your skin. The etching or grip texture often irritates your skin so much you have to make a change. The grip of the Sig Sauer Macro does not do that, so if your days are long and you need to carry, the Sig Sauer Macro is a solid choice.
About Optics
We mentioned optics when reviewing the Glock 48 MOS. In reality, any of the handguns we discussed are either optics-ready, have an optics-ready option or can be made optics-ready. If you want a handgun to point and shoot, you probably don’t need optics on your handgun.
Likewise, you may not want optics if you are experienced with stock front and rear sights.
If you are a beginner or new to the handgun world, optics can really help your accuracy. Full-service gun shops like Dutch Mountain Armory can help you choose a red dot sight for the handgun of your choice.
They will ensure your handgun and optics work with your holster choice. Better yet, they will be there if you have questions about your handgun, optics or shooting form. My experience has been that a local gun shop keeps up with the latest and greatest and can keep from spending money on obsolete gear.
The Choice is Yours!
It is easy to be overwhelmed when looking at the thousands of handguns in a big box store. For so many, it’s choosing a number, standing in line, and hoping the clerk can answer your questions. If you’re going to conceal carry, let a professional help you select the right handgun. After learning more about the Staccato, Glock and Sig Sauer, you can visit your local gun shop for a more personalized experience. They will help maximize your investment and be there if you need help later.
