The Perfect CCW Handgun

I have a few handguns in my collection but I'm not in the profession where I can holster the weapon in clear view or in a state where handguns are the norm (CT). It needs to be hidden, hence my new quest. I need a handgun that is easy to conceal (even during the summer), 100% reliable, affordable, and have enough stopping power. Also, what type of handgun, pistol or revolver? These were my starting points when looking into my new purchase.

One more thing before I continue. The calibers which I selected include .38 special, 9mm and .357 magnum. Anything less, and you start the debate on firing a cap gun (personally, if you need a gun, then anything is better than nothing). Anything more, then you're dealing with a painful weapon to fire and control issues due to the recoil.

After researching various websites, interviewing gun dealers and law enforcement personnel, asking questions on specific gun owners websites - I've narrowed it down and limited to a few good weapons. They are:
S&W 642 - .38+p snub nose revolver ( fully enclosed hammer )
S&W 640 - .357 mag snub nose revolver ( fully enclosed hammer )
Kahr PM9 - 9mm pistol
Glock 26 - 9mm pistol
Kel-Tec P11 - 9mm pistol

All of the above guns have good points and bad, which I'll point below, but they all answer my questions and requests I have above (concealable, stopping power...)

S&W 642
This little snub nose revolver holds 5 rounds of .38 caliber ammo and can handle +P loads. I haven't heard a negative comment about the weapon. Most police officers have this as their primary backup piece, why? Well its 100% reliable, concealible, and shootable. The gun is easy to shoot due to the limited recoil of the .38 ammo used, which is also cheap to purchase. The only real negative is the limited capacity.
Weight: 15oz.
Length: 6 3/8"
Barrel length: 1 7/8"


S&W 640
A little longer than the 642 and calibrated in .357 magnum. Its also a little heavier at 23 oz. which helps control the recol. You can get a lighter piece but you'll lose recoil control due to the hot loads. I included this piece because of the noted stopping power of the .357 magnum caliber plus you can use .38 ammo at the range if you prefer. The negatives relating to this gun are the high cost of the weapon, ammo and limited capacity.
Length: 6 5/8"
Barrel Length: 2 1/8"


If price is an issue and you like revolvers, check out the Taurus line (which is basically a S&W copy). Specifically models 650 and 850.

Now, if you're not into revolvers I have three other choices...


Kahr PM9
The PM9 is a sweet little piece, and I mean little. When I first saw it, I couldn't believe it was a 9mm. It holds up to 7 rounds of this cheap ammo in its16.7 oz compact frame. Its received a lot good press from some very reputable magazines and testers which you can review on Kahr's website. I have also reviewed some negative comments from users stating jamming, stovepipes... Which makes me a little hesitant about it being a 100% reliable weapon. With all handguns, people will bitch about something so you have to take it with a grain of salt. Kahr states you need to run ~200 rounds through the piece to get the gun working smoothly so if you do purchase it make sure you listen to the recommendations and maintain it to the max. I personally like the piece. The only real downfall is the expensive price, aroung $550.
Length: 5.3"
Height: 4.0"
Width: 0.9"
Barrel Length: 3.0"

Reviews
Guns & Ammo
The Gun Rack
Police Magazine
American Rifleman
ShotGun News
Women & Guns


Kel-Tec P11
Very similar in size to the PF-9 but holds upto 10 rounds of 9mm ammo . Its small, powerful and has high capacity. Kel-Tec offers a complete line of accessories for the P-11 (trigger shoes, belt clip, optional gray composite grip frame, grip extension magazine, a steel recoil spring guide rod and much more). One cool thing about this gun is that you can buy a series 59 Smith & Wesson 15 round magazine to increase you shooting time.
Length: 5.6"
Height: 4.3"
Width: 1.0"
Barrel Length: 3.1"

Reviews
GunWeek
MouseGuns
GoldenLoki


Glock 26
The Glock 26 (chambered in 9mm) has been around since 1995 and is the largest of all the subcompacts listed here. The 26 has similar dimentions (height, width) as the othe semi-autos, but is the longest handgun, mainly due to its 3.46 inch barrel. Often referred to as the "Baby Glock," the 26 has created a true and practical autopistol alternative to the standard five-shot snub-nose revolver. Glock also calibers a varierty of subcompacts with the same dimitions as the 26 but in different calibers. They are...
Glock 27 in .40
Glock 28 in .380 Auto
Glock 33 in .357 Sig

When gripped firmly (to avoid limpwrist), this handgun cycles any type of 9mm made without a jam/stovepipe. Its durable, accurate, and concealable. It holds 10 or 12 rounds (dependant upon magazine) and has molded grips. I highly suggest the finger extention for better handling.

Length: 6.29"
Height: 4.1"
Width: 1.18"
Barrel Length: 3.46"

Reviews
Hipowersandhandguns
Chuckhawks


There are many more guns out in the marketplace but I focused only on conceal carry - A gun you can stuff in your shorts or put in a woman's handbag. I omitted other makers due to their high price (over $600) and lack of credible information. Well, thats all for now. Once I get more data, I'll update the site ASAP.

Enjoy!