I have never owned a gun, but have shot occasionally here and there on a shooting range. I understand the basics of gun safety and can get around the day-to-day of gun ownership. My wife and I are thinking about doing a full on safety training + CC so that both can use this gun we are purchasing in case anything happens.

I have been eyeing a few guns here and there, but wanted to get your thoughts on what would you recommend in my situation:

  • At least 12 bullets per mag as stock mag
  • Lowest recoil possible
  • Compact enough without it being an issue on accuracy (need something that is big enough to be accurate but small enough that I can CC from time to time, very occasionally)
  • Easy enough for my wife to handle. She’s not into guns, but probably something that would throw her off is a lot of recoil
  • Comfortable grip

The guns that I have tested up until now:

  • Glock 19 Gen 5
  • S&W M&P M2.0

Guns I am still considering:

  • Sig Sauer P320
  • Sig Sauer P365 XL

Any thoughts?

  • @Fecundpossum
    5•1 year ago

    I own a Glock 19 and a Glock 43x. The 19 collects dust in the safe. The 43x is 10+1, significantly thinner, yet with the same grip length making it a joy to shoot. The difference in weight and profile on the hip is very noticeable, and the 43x vanishes under all of my lightest summer clothing.

    I’ve carried many handguns. Like, more than a dozen over the last decade or so? I’m convinced. This one is perfect. I still like to lay the 19 at my bedside though.

    • @sollymayOP
      2•1 year ago

      I was leaning towards a Glock 26 as you have more options in terms of how many rounds but didn’t know a 43x even existed lol. I think for my use case either a 26/43x or a 19 is enough. As I mentioned, the most important thing for me is accuracy and low recoil as I am barely going to carry this gun on a day to day basis. This is gonna be mostly sitting in a gun safe.

      • SSTF
        2•1 year ago

        I know I earlier suggested other guns, but if you do go the Glock route, I would suggest the 19 over the 26, if it comes down between the two. Both can be CC’d but the 19 is more shootable. Although the 26 has a smaller barrel and grip, it is just as wide as the 19, so for practical carry terms it makes nearly as big of a print.

        If you do go for a 19, you may perhaps find one used or for a good price, and take your excess budget towards getting an optics cut slide and optic. Or if you can find a 19 for sale already with one. You will still have to practice, but your accuracy and importantly, practical accuracy will improve faster.

        A Glock 19 can also easily host a flashlight, which you might not use but it doesn’t hurt to have.