What is a Good Concealed Carry Pistol for a large-handed novice?

[jrootpa]

Hello,

I am trying to begin carrying a weapon for personal protection. I have my permit (CCW in PA) and I currently own a Ruger P95 9mm pistol. It is a little large for concealed carry; at least in my novice understanding of CCW. The Berreta PX4 seemed to fit my hands very well, but I tried it in an IWB holster and it was not very comfortable. I had a Colt 1991A1 Commander Compact in 45ACP and it was very difficult for me to hold on to. I believe it was because of the single stack and shortened magazine well. Thank you in advanced!

 

[rGlock36]

Try a Glock 30 or 30sf that might fit the bill.

 

[paulhuse]

I'm going to assume that you don't have a caliber preference since you've spanned 9mm to 45ACP (the PX4 comes in both 9 and 40 IIRC). You're looking for a pistol with grip girth (double-stack prob) and smooth/formed so that it holds to the body well without creating new orifices from sharp corners and sights. The previously recommended G30/30sf packs the 45 with 10 rounds as the default.

I'd recommend sticking with the 9 or 40 vs the 45 (cue the trolls) but that's just me. Today's def ammo has the stopping power from 380-up IMO. That being said, the following 6 guns have the same dimensions in their respective 9 and 40 versions—so go 40 for the extra umph with a marginal loss of 1-2 rounds.

As such, you have the Glock 19 and 26 in 9mm compact or subcompact, respectively. Moving to the 40mm, you have the G23 and G27 in same form factor as the 9's. The compacts have 13-15 rounds and subs have 9-10 depending on caliber. All four have thicker grips and the Gen4s have backstraps that can help size up/down for your preference. I've shot with each of them but never owned one... but I would welcome any of them to my gun locker.

Another option, and one I'd lean to personally, is the Springfield XDm 3.8 in either 9 or 40. They fit between the G's compact/sub size and hold between 11 and 19 rounds (+1) depending on mag and model. I currently have a 4.5 and could conceal it well if the full-size grip wasn't so long. The 3.8 addresses that fact but still has enough grip to regain your target quickly.

The M&P is another common option but I can't speak for them as I've never sent a live round through one.

The holster is just as important as the right gun choice. I'm a fan of whitehat and crossbreed IWB models. The right one makes a marginal CCW choice into a perfect choice. Good luck. Go rent a few and send some rounds down range—and don't skimp on the leather.

 

[sig_man]

I also have a large hand and I like the Sig P250C as well as the Springfield XDm

 

[shogun82]

Glock 27 Gen 4 works well for me

 

[ares338]

The M&P 9 compact is certainly small enough to conceal and has three different sized back straps to fit different hand sizes. The best part is that it is really accurate and you can run the full size mags in it (17+1) for range use. I love mine!

 

[longslide10]

The XDm series does have adjustable back straps too. I have an XD service 45 and it hides fairly well in some coats and vests and if I were a tad bit less round in the middle like I was a couple years ago it is not too bad in a crossbreed supertuck. The downside is it's a wee heavy with a full mag. I just carry 2 extra mags to balance the other side. That's 40 rounds btw.

 

[Vern]

I am a big guy with big hands....I carry a Ruger P95 in a Kolster IWB holster quite comfortably.

 

[GreenhawK]

I am 6'3" 270# with large hands, and I like the Glock 27 and the Springfield XD Sub Compact equally as well. I have the XD in 9mm, and the G27 is a 40cal. I just got a Ruger LCP, and while I really like the ease of carrying it, I don't shoot it as well yet. The small handle is problem for me I think. I especially like shooting the G27 and the XD with the extended magazines, but for carry purposes I trained with the standard length magazines and barely notice the difference anymore.

I think the most important thing is to practice and become proficient in whichever gun you choose.

 

[towboater]

Xd 45 3.8. Great grip in a smaller gun.