Conceal Carry Options...Glock 19, Walther PPS or Kel Tec

[fdegree]

I'm considering a second conceal carry gun to have on hand, and I have reduced my desires down to the following:
Glock 19
Walther PPS 9mm
Kel Tec PF9
Kel Tec P11

I realize this is a personal choice with a number of variables, so there is no way anyone can say for certain which is best for me. I'm hoping to get some thoughts about the good and bad that people have experienced with these guns so I can become better educated and maybe even narrow my list down before going out and trying these on for size.

Concerns that I already have with these guns:
Glock 19 -- Gen 4 spring issues regarding ejection of weaker ammo...I think Glock has solved this problem though.

Walther PPS -- Magazine release lever seems like an awkward method of dropping the magazine.

Kel Tec -- The small grip. I would prefer to have all fingers securely on the grip and not under it.


Any feedback is greatly appreciated...

 

[disneyr]

Glock 19. I've carried one since 1988 (with the exception of a Glock 26 since 2001 when I'm not carrying the 19) and it has carried and functioned flawlessly. My G19 Gen 2 has been upgraded and re-parkerized for free by Glock. Can't beat it.

 

[B2Tall]

I have a PF9. Highly concealable. It's a harsh pistol to shoot and doesn't have the nice fit & finish as some of the other guns on your list but it's very accurate and 100% reliable. It's also inexpensive. I like it.

 

[bilbo]

ditto on the PF9... a small Hogue rubber grip cover helps... the PPS is very nice but bigger and the mag release could be a problem under pressure (which is why I don't carry it)...

 

[Glocker001]

Always go with glock! I carry a 19c by day and a 26 at night neither ever let me down in any way!

 

[fdegree]

I have held the Walther, and I REALLY like how that fits. But, the mag release was difficult for me to operate, so I'm hesitant to get that one.

I don't like having my pinkie under the grip...I prefer to have all fingers help hold the gun. So, the Kel Tec's are probably out.

I am leaning more toward the Glocks. A previous mention of the Glock 26 has me thinking. The small grip gives the Glock 26 the same concern as the Kel Tecs, but the grip extension kind of takes that worry away.

If the grip extension is added to the Glock 26, is it really that much different from the Glock 19? I realize the 19 is about 1" longer than the 26...is that a significant difference when trying to conceal it?


Maybe it's time to find the Glock 19 and 26 so I can try them out...

 

[disneyr]

I would definitely recommend test shooting a Glock 19 & 26.

The G26 is small enough to pocket carry with a DeSantis Nemesis in cargo shorts/pants or khaki pants or even dress pants(which is what I do). Can't really pocket carry with jeans unless they are really baggy. Perfect for summer carry with cargo shorts or year around for the most discrete carry. I would recommend if you do pocket carry to not use the pinky extension. Just practice and you'll find the 26 very accurate.

The G19 is perfect for IWB carry especially with something like a supertuck. Also perfect to carry the G19 as a main carry with a G26 as BUG since the functionality and mags fit both. I am obviously biased toward the Glock but for good reason. I've carried them for about 23 years now and they are very good.

 

[bluedefender]

I have a G19 and G26. Takes getting used for concealed carry but the key is to have a variety of holsters that match the weather, and thus, the garb. My DeSantis Tuck This 2 is a great IWB. However, I find that the cheapy Glock Tactical Holster works great to hold either one very close to the hip OWB.

I've heard of carrying the 26 on the ankle but after 8 hours of my LCP on my ankle, I've had enough. I can't imagine carrying more weight. There are many options out there. I have the fortune of borrowing holsters from colleagues to try out. Some work some don't. Buy the ones that work for you and your lifestyle. One day you'll get to the point where you're carrying concealed no matter what you're wearing.

 

[The_Outlaw]

I'm considering a second conceal carry gun to have on hand, and I have reduced my desires down to the following:
Glock 19
Walther PPS 9mm
Kel Tec PF9
Kel Tec P11
Any feedback is greatly appreciated...

I'll let Mister Hickok45 answer your question for me....

 

[Chris Reitsma]

Glock 19 hands down. All my classroom guns are Glock 19 as well as my personal carry gun.

 

[disneyr]

Hickok45 is great and that is one of his best videos. I loved Glocks way before I had ever heard of Hickok45 (or there was even a YouTube) but he sure makes Glocks look good. Or the Glocks make HIM look good. Great stuff, fun to watch.

 

[fdegree]

Now, the only question I have at this time is...
When considering the Glocks...Gen 3 or Gen 4?

I really like the changes they have made to the Gen 4, but the problems they have been having makes me little hesitant. Does anyone know if these problems have been fully rectified?

 

[fdegree]

A little research is indicating that the G26 gen4 was not changed too much from the gen3...so these are not really having any problems. But the G19 gen4 had a few different changes that resulted in some problems. It appears as though these problems have been solved by Glock. The earlier releases of the G19 gen4 are being fixed by Glock at no cost to the owners...Glock is even paying shipping charges. The newest releases of the G19 gen4 seem to have the updates already installed, and are performing much better. Apparently, the change over date from earlier vs. newer releases is 10/10/11.

This is making me feel better about the gen4's. Of course, these are mechanical devices, and mechanical devices occasionally fail...sooner or later.

I am seriously leaning toward the Glock 26 gen4. But, I have to try one out first.

Thanks to everyone for their help and guidance!!!

 

[gkeil961]

+1 on G26 Gen 4, i have one, put 850 rds through it, without a single issue..... It shoots like a dream, being extremely accurate.

I would recommend the G26 Gen 4 time and time again !!!!

 

[KAT65]

Tried 2 of 3

I just traded my KelTec P11 for a Walther PPS. The KelTec will beat you up and I found it to be a bit finicky about ammo. I have not shot the pps, only did a bunch of research and fondling. I do have a walther p22 and LOVE it. I will let you know the outcome. I am most excited about how slim the PPS is. I will likely carry more often as it will be very easy to conceal.

 

[fdegree]

I just traded my KelTec P11 for a Walther PPS...I will let you know the outcome. I am most excited about how slim the PPS is. I will likely carry more often as it will be very easy to conceal.

I would have purchased the Walther PPS for my first conceal carry if hadn't been for the mag release...I liked everything about it except for that. I still can't seem to get that to work well for me. Otherwise, it's a very nice gun.