Springfield Armory

[LWM]

My suggestion on a CCW weapon is smaller is better. Find a weapon that you are comfortable with that is EASY to conceal and that you will not mind carrying EVERYWHERE with you. If the weapon is too big you will pick and choose when to carry and then you might as well leave it at home because the bad guy will strike the time you deceide not to carry anyway.

Also pick a weapon that you can manipulate without much thought, I love the Glock for that reason. You point the weapon and pull the trigger, you do not need to mess with the safety as it is built into the trigger.

[hoaxci5]

When we were shopping for our first pistol (my wife enjoys shooting too) we went to the range and rented.. Turned out we both liked the feel of the XD best of the couple choices we had. So we rented one and shot for the day and left with a new one. I'd recommend doing the same if possible. Renting is usually only about $10 per pistol, and then you will know for sure if you like the way it handles or not. I personally feel that a service size pistol (in my case xd9 with 4" barrel) is too large to comfortably conceal. Can I do it? Sure, but not with my typical shorts and t-shirt attire. Just another thing to keep in mind.

[Tymac]

Great suggestion. When purchasing a weapon, holster or accesories always wear the clothes you'd typically have on when you plan to carry. It's make for a better purchase.

7 months of the year I'm in shorts and tshirt the rest of the time is a fleece pull over and jeans.