I took similar classes but in reverse order. I took the CCW class Saturday and walked out feeling much more prepared than I thought I would be for any situation I could face. Then I took a basic firearms course with my mom. I was more of a spectator than a participant really since I knew 90% of the material. But at least I walked out knowing a couple of new things.
And I’ve thought about getting a P226 but I keep having to think: do I need it? Maybe. if so, what for? Possibly around the property. Could I carry it? Possibly, though the grip might be too big. And it’s expensive too. Though if the SEALs had that gun for a while it must be pretty darn good (I hear more SEALs are choosing a G19 over the P226).
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This goes for everyone that asks, buy what your hand tells you what to get. It’s all in the size and comfort fit.
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I also just got a Sig P365 and I really like it! I’m glad I bought it.
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I really need to get a 365, @Pamela! I’ve shot one and heard great things about them. There are just too many guns to purchase 
Is the 365 your first carry gun?
My first gun was a SCCY. Mainly because it was well priced and the warranty is superior. I didn’t want a big investment until I was sure this was something I was really going to get into. It has a very long trigger pull and I think that was a good learning experience for me as well.
I took a basic pistol course and then decided to take the CCDW course and apply for my permit. I live in the country so I can practice in my backyard. My son and I are building a little range which I hope to have finished soon.
Now I’m very hooked on shooting and am going to move on to my first AR with my Son’s help.
The P365 is a very easy gun to work with and just the right size for my hands. I also put a green dot Lima laser sight on it but haven’t used that yet. Will test that out this weekend!
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That’s right! I read that in your introduction! (Thanks for posting your intro!)
You’ll have to let me know what you get for an AR. I’m debating what I’m going to get/build for one right now. This thread might be of interest to you as well: Which AR is the best? - #8 by Dawn
Can’t wait to see what you decide!
I agree with others! Rent a few at the range and see what you like.
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Personally I’m not a fan of manual safeties for self defense but in all honesty if you practice enough on your presentation and preparing to fire it will become still a trained but fully automatic response.
I prefer the Springfield for many reasons but mostly because it incorporates not only the trigger safety similar to Glock along with the backstrap safety similar to the 1911 requiring you to grip it properly or it will not fire.
There are almost endless options out there today and numerous manufacturers of very high quality handguns so pick any of the reputable manufacturers and find something that fits your hand well, that you are confident and comfortable in shooting, and that you can shoot accurately and you’ll do fine.
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Kimber Ultra Carry II .45 ACP
I’ve carried my Kimber as my primary CCW for the last 3 years and I’ve found it to be the perfect size, weight, and concealabitity …
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Personally I like the 1911 model Israeli Arms Desert Shield .45acp I carried in the military, but I prefer the 5” barrel for stability
Also the S&W .40 ACP isn’t too bad either
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I’ve carried a kahr cm9 for 3years and it is great. 100 percent reliable, light. Can pocket carry or in a vedder’s light tuck.
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The Sig P365 is a micro-compact, 9mm and is small enough to carry just about any place on your body you want. Another option is the S&W Easy 380; it’s small, easy to rack the slide, and easy to load the magazine. If you load Critical Defense or other such ammo, the caliber shouldn’t be an issue.
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Plus, the P365 can load an incredible 10 rounds of 9mm; that’s a lot for such a small gun.
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This is my personal view. The one and probably only one thing I think is I am only going to defend myself or family with my concealed weapon. Point n shoot is all I practice at the range.
Looking at the front site back site oversite means nothing to me within a 15-20 foot attack. Other than for fun practice shooting distance is not what I ever intend to do in self defense.
I see many fancy targets at the range and just wonder how r those going to help me in a close range attack. Shooting at lead targets or a piece of cardboard with a circle works just fine.
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Just to put in my 2 cents worth, if you train to disengage the external safety, you will automatically disengage the safety, even if there is none. In other words, your thumb will simply move to disengage the safety, as a natural automatic action, without your thinking about it. If your firearm does not have an external safety, you do not lose anything, as the thumb action comes as you draw and bring the firearm on target, and if you ever have a firearm with an external safety, you will not fail to disengage the safety.
The only real issue is to be sure the type of safety, as most disengage when moved down, while there are some that disengage when moved up.
It is a personal preference, and I had trained on revolvers and the Browning Hi-Power and 1911, as well as TT-33’s and various other firearms, while the revolver naturally did not have a safety to disengage, most of the others did, so that it is simply a habit to disengage the safety, yet if I pick up a Glock, I have no problem and do not lose time even if my thumb does move to disengage a safety that is not there.
Something to think about. The Sig is a very nice ‘little’ firearm, and little is in quotes because it is a solid firearm, and .380 is a very functional round.
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The 1911 still has a place in the special operations command… though they are being forced to change.
The P226 is a great firearm, and again, check on the change, is it a preference, or is it command decisions at the upper levels… such as the Pentagon.
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Mmm that’s a good point Kevin. I’ve been looking at plenty of guns lately. Just not going to have money anytime soon lol.
As much as the 1911 is great, companies make them super expensive since so many people want them these days.
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There are a lot of affordable 1911s out there. Once you have the frame, you can rebuild with custom parts as you go.
Or you might want to consider used.
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I also have the Ruger Security 9 and it’s been great. At this point I have put over a thousand rounds through it without any failures. Ruger now offers a compact version which is identical other than being a bit smaller and carrying 10 rounds instead of 15. I have handled one and it fits fairly well into my somewhat wide hands.
Check for one at you LGS where you can get it in your hands and see how it feels. My local Rural King has them right now for $319.00, so easy on the wallet as well.
Regards
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David, you confuse me.
My understanding is that the Security 9 is a compact already and not a subcompact. Not to mention that the 10 round magazine was just to comply with the unconstitutional states like NY, CA, NJ and others.
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