Newbie who just got his permit and getting into the world of guns. Looking for good CCW / first handgun. (Ultimate goal is to use this firearm as my CCW). Would like to stay in the range of $500-$700 range.

 What do you guys use and how do you like it? Any suggestions? What caliber is good to use? (Google search says .380 is a popular choice, but my peers say 9mm 🤷🏾‍♂️)

Thanks in advance!

my 2 CCW guns are a Sig p365XL and Glock 19. I mainly use the Sig as it hides better under my usual work attire.

.380 is a popular choice for women and small boys.      Seriously, the size of the majority of .380 pistols is a good fit for a smaller hand.  Medium and large hands have to really work to get a good purchase on one (flesh to firearm contact).

I compare it to trying to use a beefy full size screwdriver to a shorty screwdriver that's meant for very tight spaces.  The larger one is much easier to grip for added leverage if loosening stubborn screws.  The more contact it has with your hand, the more power and control you have.

.380 ammo can be difficult to find and may tend to be higher priced than comparable 9mm ammo.  I believe there's a wider selection of 9mm bullet materials, weights and types than you normally find in .380 without ordering online.

A .380 may be slightly easier to conceal and lighter, depending on the specific models being compared.

A .380 is often less ergonomic making it harder to shoot accurately.  YMMV based on hand size and strength.

i think a .380 would make a good backup pistol for close-up, personal encounters.

With the number of options in 9mm pistols and ammo today, i'd go with a 9mm.  Not only does it make an effective CCW and HD weapon, if you decide to change up with another pistol, the 9mm will be easier to resell than a .380 IMO.

Have you ever gone to the range with a .380?  if not, i suggest you do a "taste test" -- shooting a .380 and a 9mm.  Try to use comparable sizes to make the test fair.

Based on experience, you're more likely to pick 9mm as your favorite.

Sig 365 and Glock 43x are popular and a good choice for people with small and regular size hands.  9mm is a good choice and lots of ammo available.

Glock 17 and 43x/48 for me. Used to carry 19 as well. I would recommend any of those. I don’t own a P365, but I’ve shot them a lot and a bunch of friends shoot/carry those. I’d recommend those as well.

I’d also highly recommend RDS, but that goes outside your price range. Can always add later.

Just like asking what gun for any other type of purpose, you will get may different answers. Here's my input on why I chose what I CCW.

Shield Plus SMith and Wesson
Smaller size
Stippled grip
nice trigger
Cost
Availability of hoslters
Availability of replacement parts
Ammo availability (9mm)
Optics ready

THe other 2 guns in the contending was a G43X and a P365X.

But

G43x Cons
Trigger sucks, so either deal with it or spend more on after market. With the added cost of another trigger, it was the same price of a Shield and now I have to worry if the trigger would ever fail since it's a part you're messing with.  Odds are it won't, but still...Or answer if used in self defense why you installed another trigger.
Irons suck, but if you RDS right away ,then it's not too much a factor.

P365X Cons
Higher cost than the above 2
You lose your rear sight when RDS. But if you get a Holosun 507K, then it's not a factor as it has a rear knotch.

All 3 have lots of holster choices, ammo available in 9mm, and replacement parts.

I'm not a fan of carrying a bigger gun like my VP9 or a G17, etc...Odds are you won't be using the gun, so comfort is a factor and I definatly notice the difference when CCWing the VP9 over the smaller Shield. Add in that HI has a 10rd mag limit, so a regular VP9 that has a 15rd mag can't be owned. Which is 1 advantage of carrying a bigger gun.  If I base the performance of a bigger gun vs my CCW gun on the HI CCW test, then I did slightly better with my Shield.  But I did score 100% of both guns multiple times (1st CCW and 2nd CCW as the law changed).

In the end, you get what you want. If I had to do it over, I would get the P365X with the flat trigger as it looks way more cooler than the Shield. But again, it does cost more.  I would have to think about upgrading to a cooler looking slide that Strike Industry makes.

I think I had a post about this in greater detail a few years ago. Try look for it.

#1  Depends on your size and build for carry.
I cannot conceal carry a G19 with RDS with or without light.

Weight is another factor as you will have this additional.

S & W 642 Airweight revolver weighs 15oz (under 1 Lb)  5 rounds
G 43     19.6 oz    (1 lb 3oz)    loaded        8 rounds  (7+1)
Sig p365   22.6 oz (1.5 lbs)  loaded      11 rounds (10+1)
G19          30 oz    (almost 2 lbs)    loaded  11 rounds (10+1)

G 43 fits nice and an extended mag gives you a bit more real estate to hang on to + 2 more rounds.
S & W 642 Airweight is an easily concealable and comfortable carry.
  You'll get arguments on not having 10+ rounds but most "conflicts" occur with in the halitosis range so how many do you really need ?

   Regardless of what you get, the holster is of utmost importance.
It's not concealed if it shows or you're constantly fidgeting with it.
When HI first started LTC, I saw so many with new small guns in holsters tucked in their pants for the first time who constantly swept themselves (especially non-dom hand or leg) or others
Draw and dry fire ALOT before you even think of cc.

Welcome to the train !

     Rocky

#1  Depends on your size and build for carry.
I cannot conceal carry a G19 with RDS with or without light.

Weight is another factor as you will have this additional.

S & W 642 Airweight revolver weighs 15oz (under 1 Lb)  5 rounds
G 43     19.6 oz    (1 lb 3oz)    loaded        8 rounds  (7+1)
Sig p365   22.6 oz (1.5 lbs)  loaded      11 rounds (10+1)
G19          30 oz    (almost 2 lbs)    loaded  11 rounds (10+1)

G 43 fits nice and an extended mag gives you a bit more real estate to hang on to + 2 more rounds.
S & W 642 Airweight is an easily concealable and comfortable carry.
  You'll get arguments on not having 10+ rounds but most "conflicts" occur with in the halitosis range so how many do you really need ?

   Regardless of what you get, the holster is of utmost importance.
It's not concealed if it shows or you're constantly fidgeting with it.
When HI first started LTC, I saw so many with new small guns in holsters tucked in their pants for the first time who constantly swept themselves (especially non-dom hand or leg) or others
Draw and dry fire ALOT before you even think of cc.

Welcome to the train !

     Rocky

Weight and duration of carry is also one "considerable" factor.  I've carried my 43x for 10+ hours that included tasks similar to yard work (i.e. range days) and didn't notice the gun.  The BELT helps with that alot though, at least IMO (before mr. I own nothing chimes in      ). 

I've carried my G17 for full days as well.  Not a big deal, but def notice the weight more, esp with the 17 round mags.  When carrying in free states of course.  While I shoot the 43x and 48 fine, "definately" shoot the full size frames better.  Shooting more with magwell for the 48 and that definitely helps, with the grip not the reloads.  Will try to shoot that setup more in matches and see. 

won't the magwell print more?
if one owned any guns to put one on...

Weight and duration of carry is also one "considerable" factor.  I've carried my 43x for 10+ hours that included tasks similar to yard work (i.e. range days) and didn't notice the gun.  The BELT helps with that alot though, at least IMO (before mr. I own nothing chimes in      ). 

I've carried my G17 for full days as well.  Not a big deal, but def notice the weight more, esp with the 17 round mags.  When carrying in free states of course.  While I shoot the 43x and 48 fine, "definately" shoot the full size frames better.  Shooting more with magwell for the 48 and that definitely helps, with the grip not the reloads.  Will try to shoot that setup more in matches and see.

won't the magwell print more?
if one owned any guns to put one on...

If you put the massive competition ones on your imaginary pistols.

Seriously tho, there are some slimmer “carry” models that don’t negatively impact printing. At least not for my rounder shape.

you was rounderer before...

If you put the massive competition ones on your imaginary pistols.

Seriously tho, there are some slimmer “carry” models that don’t negatively impact printing. At least not for my rounder shape.

Glock 43/43x/48 (9mm)
Pro - generally large aftermarket support for Glock   and generally lower prices for aftermarket parts/accessories
Con - some mention the trigger is junk ….but Milspec Mojo rips with a stock Glock.  It’s the Indian….not the arrow….you losers!!   

Just kidding.  The trigger isn’t that bad … but it wasn’t meant to win pistol matches

I’ve never owned any of the other recommendations so I have nothing to say about them

Idk if a red dot is really needed for a ccw. For me, I would get an optic ready pistol if possible….in case I want to use a red dot in the future.   It’s nice to have options.

.380 - expensive.  I assume it has pretty decent availability…even during panics…cause it is not a commonly used caliber.  If you have the $$, I think 380 is ok….otherwise go 9mm.  9mm isn’t really that much better than 380 “ballistics” wise….so you really aren’t losing much going to 380 in terms of stopping power.   If 380 was the same price as 9mm, I would use 380

Sig P365 with or without RDS
its small so can conceal with any type of clothing. I use either a holster or fanny pack to carry
P320C is good too. slightly bigger than the P365. depends on your hand size too
Glock 19 is good too. can't go wrong with a Glock

P365 with trigger guard holster and lanyard.  You carry it in your pocket with the adjustable lanyard secured to your belt loop.

When you draw the pistol the lanyard will yank the trigger guard holster off the pistol as you draw.

I prefer pocket carry over IWB or OWB.

P365 with trigger guard holster and lanyard.  You carry it in your pocket with the adjustable lanyard secured to your belt loop.

When you draw the pistol the lanyard will yank the trigger guard holster off the pistol as you draw.

I prefer pocket carry over IWB or OWB.

Pocket carry is one of my options too. I have a pocket holster for my P365. I'll look into that lanyard. Sounds like a good setup for pocket carry. Thanks 

I have three options: fanny pack, OWB, pocket

Pocket carry is one of my options too. I have a pocket holster for my P365. I'll look into that lanyard. Sounds like a good setup for pocket carry. Thanks 

I have three options: fanny pack, OWB, pocket

I like it but I've found that it's not a very fast draw.  I don't think it can ever be as fast as say IWB or OWB.

Of course practice, practice, practice will help in the speed and efficiency of any draw.

There are many brands available and SIG also has one for the P365.

Glock triggers are average.  Won't make a difference out to 10 yards or so.

Stangzilla mentioned that G19 as another option.

For a very first pistol, a compact (G19) is a good middle of the road choice.  They work well for home defense and are small enough for ccw. The G19 is slightly wider (1.29” vs 1.09”) compared to the G43/43x/48 and fill your hand better.  I find the G19 easier to shoot more  accurately compared to the G48.  The G19 also seems slightly less snappier cause it is a little wider (recoil impulse spread over a bigger area) and I can grip it better

I thought I would like the G48 better because I have small hands….but the grip seemed a little too small for me.  I prefer shooting the wider G19…even added a hogue grip to the G19 I use for fun at the range.  So I figured I would try to ccw  my other G19 since it is only .2” wider and with my ginormous gut I could probably ccw a desert eagle

The other thing about the G19 is that it has the largest aftermarket support bar none….new and used…especially since the patent expired a few years ago.

I feel for a first gun, that it should be one that you enjoy shooting at the range.  It might become your ccw….it might not.  But at least you will have a gun you like for the range and for home defense.

Maybe check Honolulu Gun Club and X ring to see if they have rentals and try all the pistols you are interested in.

And then re-assess your needs/wants after trying out the various pistols

For me, I sold the G48.

YMMV

Whatever size you get full-size, midsize/compact or subcompact…..or 380/9mm….or red dot ready or not…..or brand/make…..the only recommendation I make is to get something that is    vetted (been around for say 5 years or more) and is from a company that has good/decent quality control…..like Glock, CZ, Walther, HK, Sig, etc….they sell to military branches & government agencies so they generally test their products

I try to avoid new models…even from established companies.  Cause no one is perfect and could put out a lemon.

A lot people like M&P’s.  For me I avoid S&W because they seem to have hit or miss QC….monday morning hangover…Friday afternoon hukipau.  It seems S&W will take care of you if there is an issue.  But I don’t want a pistol for HD or ccw that may not work.  Also, I feel for new products, S&W uses customers to beta test their products.  Google MP gen1 issues.  I think a lot of police depts went to MP40 but later switched back to Glock.  I’m not sure but I think the only military that uses the M&P is Iraq…..and only because we gave the M&P’s to Iraq.

(I bought a MP gen 1 recently…but only for range use…S&W fixed the issue in 2010-2011)

Aw crap…I bought a M&P shield 9EZ that is meant for my daughter.   Oh well, she can get rid of it if she wants.

Also consider if you want a striker fired or hammer fired pistol

I have several glocks, but if I really planned to ccw, I would want to use a da/sa pistol to make drawing or holstering a little more safer