My 21st birthday is in July, and I am going to be looking for a CCW, What are some suggestions?
~ not absurdly priced
~Fit
Large hands
Thanks
I'd suggest going to the local gun shop and get a feel for some of them. If there's a gun store with a range, that's even better as you can usually test fire different models.
One of the biggest decisions you'll have is choosing your caliber/round. Caliber will be debated nonstop. My CCW is a .40 while my home defense/target is a 9mm. 9mm is a great round for target as it's quite a bit cheaper to shoot.
One note on choosing your caliber, get one that has a 'comfortable' recoil so that you don't flinch while pulling the trigger as you're anticipating a painful recoil. Remember a good hit with a .22 is better then solid miss with a .45
A JHP (jacketed hollow point) round is preferred over a FMJ (full metal jacket), for self defense, as there's less chance of over penetration. JHP's cost a lot more though, which is why my magazines are loaded with JHP rounds (for SD) and then whenever I go to the range I swap them out with cheaper FMJ rounds. I'd suggest shooting some JHP's though just so that you're familiar with them.
Regarding different gun manufacturers, everyone has their own opinion, I'd just make sure that you get one of the top brands (there are some crap guns out there). I like my Glocks for their simplicity. They fire in virtually any condition (search YouTube for proof) and have no external safety to hinder you. They do have 3 internal safeties that prevent the gun from firing unless you pull the trigger (the only time your finger should be inside the trigger guard is if you're firing). Both my handguns are in a Blackhawk Level 2 Duty holster (hard plastic) with a round chambered.
http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Level-2-Duty-SERPA-Holster,1172,1412.htm
A quality gun will last a really long time, so look at it as an investment. I think I have ~$650 in my G27 (.40) with night sights (HIGHLY recommend) and a couple extra mags.
Since you have large hands, you might want a compact instead of a subcompact.
If you want to sip that Glockoolaid... there's the G19!
When you go to buy one just buy from a good dealer, get a trusted name, and one that fits in your hand.
James...give us some of your CCW knowledge!! By the way...how many inches do you go up on your pants size to accommodate the pistol/holster?
If it's primary purpose is CCW I'd still get the subcompact and if needed get an extended grip magazine that gives you the pinky grip back.
I utilize the point-&-shoot method (another topic that can be debated until the sun comes up), so the loss of the pinky grip isn't a problem as I shoot with my middle finger.
If/when I do carry it's usually in my inside coat pocket or during the summer in the small of my back with a leather Galco IWB holster, so no I don't change my pant size.
http://www.usgalco.com/HolsterPG3.asp?ProductID=907&GunID=51