Sidearms & Scatterguns Lookin into a new carry pistol.

[desertrat1979]

Well, I have been carrying one of two full size USPs (40 and 45) for the last 5 years now and I am thinking of something a little different, and maybe slightly smaller for CC. Whatever I pick is going to be a semi-auto. I have owned a 9mm, a couple .40s and .45s, and I am looking at the .357 sig.

I am choosing this based on a couple reasons. I like the ballistics and stopping power, similar to its magnum brother. Good accuracy reports as well. I also plan to go with it because I have no experience shooting this, and would like to add it to the list.

I am not looking to get another HK, looking for something else. I have considered a Glock 32, they are more affordable, and I am use to the G22 we are issued at work. But thats about all I have found that has caught my attention. I would jump at the opportunity to get a Sig, they have a broader range of mid-size pistols, but would require brown bagging my lunch a bit longer to afford it. I am looking for the pistol to have a barrel of 4 inches at the most, capacity to be at least 10 rounds or more (preferably more). Must be able to get a full grip. I hate sub-compacts that have no room for my pinky.

Aside from recommending gun choices, I would like to hear from folks familiar with the .357 Sig and how it would compare to the .40 or .45 as far as comfort level, accuracy...ect. Thanks for any input fellas.

 

[Drifter]

Re: Lookin into a new carry pistol.

I have shot the Sig 229 in the 357 sig. Very sweet shooting guns, and the 357 is a hot round. You can really tell the velocity difference next to a couple 45 ACPs. Accuracy was great and the pistol functioned flawlessly.

I looked at the 357 sig a while back and ballistics are very close to the 40sw. I ended up just sticking with my 45s and 40. The ammo cost and availability was the deal breaker for me. But with the 40 usually it is a barrel swap if you have the itch later.

Since you have an issue weapon already that tells me you are eligible for the Glock Blue label deal which will save you some money. Just google that and find a BL dealer in your area.
Its really just an issue of what platform you prefer. SiG offers a good pro deal For LE and military as well.

 

[kraigWY]

Re: Lookin into a new carry pistol.

I tried the Heavy gun bit, I found a heavy revolver or pistol is too often left in the truck.

I went with a 642 w/ standard (non +P) 38s. It goes in my pocket and its always there. ALWAYS.

It does what I need to do. Haven't shot any bandits, but I pop a rattler in the yard every now and then, put down injured horses. Shot coyotes stealing my chickens. Even used it to put a rabbit in the pot while camping or horseback riding.

Used it when I had a rifle hunting, while stocking an antelope, crawling through the grass I came nose to nose with a rattler. The 642 was there.

Yeah there are better guns out there for each of these situations, but I didn't have the better guns, I did have a pocket revolver.

Small snub nose revolvers work if one only takes the time to learn to shoot them.

To each his own, but I want a carry pistol/revolver that I can carry all the time without discomfort.

 

[opshin556]

Re: Lookin into a new carry pistol.

The first rule in a gunfight = Have a gun.

That being said, lets move to subject;

You are correct that a fullsize pistolo will be left in truck more often than you will admit, especially guys like me who carry 24/7.
I have (3) carry guns for CCW here in california.
(1) S&W model 37 airweight .38
This is my shorts and large dinner gun, it weighs 15 ounces unloaded, i carry hydrashox.
My other (2) are identical guns, both glock 23s, same size as your Glock 32.
they carry well with tshirts and IWB holster, I can wear all day, with minimum discomfort, id say driving is the most irritable.
In regard to the .357 sig round.
I think its an excellent choice, and would be my #2 next to my .40s.
Find a good IBW holster and run, you wont be unhappy.
Just remember the glock will require a holster that covers the trigger guard if you carry condition one, which I feel is the only way.
Comfort level 1 being worst 1o being best with smith = 9.5
Comfort level with glock 23s = 8.5
Its a good pick

 

[Drifter]

Re: Lookin into a new carry pistol.


Definitely great info and experience showing up on this post.

I usually carry a 4" 1911 IWB, but as said above it can get uncomfortable, and its heavy. It conceals great but I do end up leaving it back more often than I would like.

Lately I have been looking for something a bit lighter with better mag capacity which pushed me towards the Glock 23. I have one inbound as we speak, along with a Galco V-hawk (until I can score a MS VMII). I will give that a try and see how she works out.
My buddy is a cop and is ALWAYS armed, he has been carrying a Glock 19 for the 15 years I have known him. He has tried a few other guns but has always gone back to the Glock. He has been telling me for years that is the way to go. I think they are ugly as f#$@ but you can't argue with their track record.

 

[LongArm]

Re: Lookin into a new carry pistol.

Kahr CW9 or CW40 or CW45

 

[desertrat1979]

Re: Lookin into a new carry pistol.

Speaking of a barrel swap. I have heard thats all that is usually done with pistols that already came in the .40. Since the .357 sig is based off the .40SW it will work in the mags as well. So my question is, since a G23 is way more available from prety much any gun shop, would a barrel change be all that is needed for my .357 sig adventure? All the internals and stuff should be the same. Maybe a stiffer recoil spring to handle the extra snap in the round? Modding the gun, to a degree, is not an issue, as long as it doesnt effect reliability.

 

[3O8Junkie]

Re: Lookin into a new carry pistol.

If you have a G23 and want to run .357 sig all that is required is a barrel swap yes. The .357 sig will also run in the .40 mag, but I personally would get some mags specifically for .357 sig if I was going to CCW with it.

Modding the gun in any way is not required beyond a drop in barrel from someone like KKM or Lonewolf.

This is just what I gleaned from my research before I purchased my G23. I am in no way an expert on the subject. The person I purchased mine from had a drop in barrel (.357 sig) that I decided against just because of ammo prices.

 

[LongArm]

Re: Lookin into a new carry pistol.

http://www.budspolicesupply.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/2_21/products_id/155

if you want

 

[simmy952]

Re: Lookin into a new carry pistol.

Will agree with you that Glocks are ugly but they work. They are simple and easy to use. Price is usually good too. Alot of guns have come and gone but I still have my first Glock, a G27. Calibers in a Glock can usually just be changed with a barrel change. Just recently picked up my first .357 Sig handgun. Nice round but pricey. Still fun to shoot. I have a M&P .357c w/ a factory .40 barrel. The recoil is a little more manageable with the .357 Sig. Both calibers in the M&P line use the same mags. All that needs to be done is swap out the barrels. I also ended up finding a .357 Sig barrel for my P229 .40. Sig also uses the same mags for both calibers. The M&P ergos are great and makes a very nice CCW. Kentucky Gun Co had a special running for the M&P kit. Was a very good deal.