I would like a 9mm concealable pistol, what to consider?

[_RaT_]

Thanks Tim, great comments all the way around. My wife would kick my bum at target practice. She is quite good, I am not so good, lousy really. If I can't hit them with a bullet I'll impress them with my ability to smash an aluminum can with my bare hands, that means Curly Dave will run with fear! :thumbsup:

Since you have large hands, you may find that some of the Kahr and Keltec models are just plain uncomfortable to shoot. Since your wife is a cop, I expect there'll be a lot of "fun" time at the range, so sticking with a 9mm will keep enough dough in the wallet to afford dinner afterward.

Glock and Sig makes good carry-sized weapons, though I have a favorite of my own... My hand's aren't particularly large, but they're kind of broad. A sub-compact isn't a good option. (except for 1 I'll mention)

A CZ75 Compact (safety model) or the PCR (decocker model) are excellent choices. Good size frame and concealable.
CZ-USA -> CZ 75 D PCR COMPACT

My personal every-day-carry is a CZ clone by EAA: (Known for their excellent trigger mechanism)
It's an EAA Witness P Carry. The "carry" size by EAA has a "compact" slide, but a full size frame. There's not as many holsters listed for them, but the older model I have fits nicely in a CZ75 Compact holster. (These have safeties but no decocker.)
EAAcorp.com - European American Armory Inc. - Homepage

Finally, my other favorite, a Bersa Thunder Ultra Compact 9mm with 13 round capacity. Like the EAA, it's not a "sexy" gun that's going to get a lot of press, but they're super-accurate and very concealable. (These have decocker and a safety.)

If I were going to buy a gun today, it'd likely be a Witness P Carry in 10mm, or a Bersa UC Pro 9. My hand size and preference to carry "cocked and locked" may make my taste in guns different from yours.

 

[RobertN]

My 2 cents...

I hike the same woods, but with Boy Scouts most of the time. We can't carry while on a Scout hike. Aint never had a problem. Having your food packaged and stored well is best. Prevention... Put it in a bear canister, store it away from camp, hung where bear can't get to it. We have not lost a Scout to bears yet. And they, are not as good about precautions; us adult leaders have to remind them.

The other thing, is make sure you are not the slowest in your group ;-) But, don't run and leave your kid behind...

In regards to weapons, I would start at Cordova Shooting Center. You can rent and try a variety of pistols there. Try a few styles and brands to see what fits you, and what you feel comfortable with.

There were a couple of indoor ranges in the Sacramento area. Not sure if they are still around. Worth checking in to though.

I would also look over at J&G over in Granite Bay. They have a good selection, and could direct you to ranges where you might try some pistols.

ps - I'm in the 45ACP or 10mm camp. A 9mm reminds me of a 22lr... Personal preferences...

 

[AlanB]

I have a ruger P89 and a XDM in 9.

As another poster said, you can afford to practice with a 9, and they are enjoyable to shoot.

Personally, I feel many folks are kidding themselves on what they are going to hit with a pistol when they are in a high stress situation and I don't really care what kind of gobstopper giant bullet is spitting out the end, if you miss, you miss.

Couple the long magazine on the XDM and the ability to shoot it often because of the relatively low cost of ammo makes me familiar with it and while you never know exactly how you will handle that high stress situation, familiarity with the weapon is awful hard to replace.

I will also third or fourth the reccomendation to shoot a bunch of different ones to find what fits / works for your hands and body.

Good luck