So I think I have narrowed it down to these 3 choices.

1. Sig P239 is first on my list so far. I like the .40 round a lot, and this thing fits very comfortable in my hand. Size is very good for CCW.

http://www.sigarms.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=9&productid=71

2. Coming in a close second is the P229. I like the overall form better, and I really like the rail built in if I decide to add accessories ever. However, down side is overal length and size is bigger than the 239.

http://www.sigarms.com/Products/ShowCatalogProductDetails.aspx?categoryid=8&productid=63#specs

3. Tied for 2nd is the Kimber Pro Carry. Again, fits my hand great, although it feels wider than the sig. .45 is a bonus, as I love the round also, but I also do not like the beaver tail on the back.

http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/compactprocarry/procarry.php

Primary function is a carry gun, but I wanna enjoy shooting it as well. I think that will be accomplished with any of the three. So what would you do, and more important to me WHY? :beer:

The 229 is a pretty easy to conceal piece, it would be my choice out of the 3 listed due to being a proven handgun, accurate, and it is not going to gouge you with beaver tails, cocked hammers, or any of that other stuff, not to mention being more reliable than a shorty 1911.

Sigs are great quality guns. Have you shot one yet? I don`t care for them because they have more percieved recoil due to the high axis of the bore centerline in relation to the grip. And I have never cared for DA auto`s. My choice would be the Kimber out of these three only because I`m familiar with 1911`s and prefer SA auto`s. If you`d have thrown in a Glock, that would be my choice.

229, I would bet it's more accurate too. You can get the short trigger resets for them now, trigger pull is :bounce2:

I guess I haven't noticed anymore recoil from mine vs all the other guns I have shot?

I'd stay away with the Kimber...they are probably the last 1911 I buy. I don't think I've shot a Kimber without problems.

Buy both Sigs and see what's more comfortable. I'm currently carrying a USP .40c IWB and love it!

Just curious...what county are you getting your CCW in...and are you sure you can get it? California doesn't like issuing CCWs depending on what county you're in.

Sounds like I need to buy all 3 :laughing: I only get 3 on the permit, and one for sure is going to be my XD-9.

Placer County Jason.

I LOVE my 229. But I also love my Kimber. So I am no help.

I bought a 239 today for the permit, but I plan to get both of the others very soon. I wanna find em used so I dont have to wait 30 fawkin days

I handled a P239 today, and the squareness of the front of the grip really bothers me. Does anybody make any flavor of grip retrofit that deals well with that? I really like how (other than the square profile) it fits my hands, and how everything is laid out, but the corners under my fingers really bug me.

I like the P229 feel a lot better, but it's also a fair bit bulkier in general. I don't understand how they managed to make the grip so good on the 229, and screwed it up so bad (IMHO) on the 239.

Am I just being dumb about something that sooner or later, I'll just have to deal with?

I handled a P239 today, and the squareness of the front of the grip really bothers me. Does anybody make any flavor of grip retrofit that deals well with that? I really like how (other than the square profile) it fits my hands, and how everything is laid out, but the corners under my fingers really bug me.

I like the P229 feel a lot better, but it's also a fair bit bulkier in general. I don't understand how they managed to make the grip so good on the 229, and screwed it up so bad (IMHO) on the 239.

Am I just being dumb about something that sooner or later, I'll just have to deal with?

Man, I couldn't have said it better myself. That is exactly how I feel. However, I got over it pretty quick :flipoff2: I have medium size hands, and the square, while noticeable, didn't seem to hinder my grip at all. I went with the 239 for carry purposes, but I plan on a 229 very soon for fun purposes :grinpimp:

I cant seem to make a decision on the Kimber Pro Carry II. I like it, in fact love it styling, feels pretty good (a little wide for me but I am sure :rolleyes: I can find a grip for it) What I cant get over is the sights. black blocks....that is it. At least that is all my local place had. I know it is offered with upgrades, but I dont wanna deal with that. Is $699 a good price? Knowing that I have to spend a hundo or so for a decent set of sights on it?

Man, I couldn't have said it better myself. That is exactly how I feel. However, I got over it pretty quick :flipoff2: I have medium size hands, and the square, while noticeable, didn't seem to hinder my grip at all. I went with the 239 for carry purposes, but I plan on a 229 very soon for fun purposes :grinpimp:

Guess I'm just really stubborn.

So I did some more searching, and the HK USP Compact is very very very close to the same size as the P239, looks like the controls are similar, but the grip looks more like something I'd like. Now to find somebody who has both at the same place, so I can compare them side by side. :)

Kinda grated on me a bit that there was a young guy there last night, on military leave, whose DL had expired while he was in Iraq. Had valid military ID, but they wouldn't run a BG check for him to buy something because his DL was expired, and his military ID doesn't have his address on it. Guess I don't get how the BG check works, I thought it was through the state, but into a federal database--if I'm in there as disqualified from buying a gun in Colorado, I don't magically un-disqualify myself by moving to Wyoming.

Guess I'm just really stubborn.

So I did some more searching, and the HK USP Compact is very very very close to the same size as the P239, looks like the controls are similar, but the grip looks more like something I'd like. Now to find somebody who has both at the same place, so I can compare them side by side. :)


The USPc are closer to the same size of a 229 then a 239. 239 is still smaller. I have small hand and I love my 229 and the USPc is the only other gun that I really like how it fits me.

I'll tell you that the most important thing in you choice of carry sidearms is what you feel the most comfortible with. I don't mean look or caliber, or what've the greatest most modern bells and whistle that are placed on it. Because this tool is one that will be called on for use at the worst possible time. The firearm you choose should be the one that you can reliably place the bullet where you want it over and over and over. Get STOCK, no modifications the lawyers love it when the gun is modified. Use the same type of ammo as law enforcement, not an old box of black talons or reloads. Forget night sights and laser sites, save the money and go to the range over and over take some tactical classes.

A well placed 22LR is more effective than a 50cal fired into left field, I don't count on some BS scare factor. To scare a bad guy away with a big bang.

I have used a handgun for protection, low light with no night sights. A stock Glock 27 with 185gr hydroshocks. In the end each bullet I fired went where I intended it. Nobody in my family was hurt and I didn't send any stray rounds towards my neighbors.

"you will not rise to the occasion, you will default to your level of training." GG

So my buddy bought the 229 today, which I am glad cause now I can shoot before I buy :grinpimp: And I couldnt resist, so I put the Pro Carry on layaway :laughing: I have a sickness. Wont even be able run DROS on it till Aug 1. Fawkin CA 30 day laws... Anybody got any local guns for sale private party :evil:

I'll tell you that the most important thing in you choice of carry sidearms is what you feel the most comfortible with. I don't mean look or caliber, or what've the greatest most modern bells and whistle that are placed on it. Because this tool is one that will be called on for use at the worst possible time. The firearm you choose should be the one that you can reliably place the bullet where you want it over and over and over. Get STOCK, no modifications the lawyers love it when the gun is modified. Use the same type of ammo as law enforcement, not an old box of black talons or reloads. Forget night sights and laser sites, save the money and go to the range over and over take some tactical classes.

A well placed 22LR is more effective than a 50cal fired into left field, I don't count on some BS scare factor. To scare a bad guy away with a big bang.

I have used a handgun for protection, low light with no night sights. A stock Glock 27 with 185gr hydroshocks. In the end each bullet I fired went where I intended it. Nobody in my family was hurt and I didn't send any stray rounds towards my neighbors.

"you will not rise to the occasion, you will default to your level of training." GG

Speaking only from the experience of those who have trained me, this is dead on. I've not had to fall back on training yet, but those who have always point out the same things to me.

Priorities for me:

1) reliability.
2-9) Reliability
10) RELIABILITY
11) Being able to shoot it well. Too many guns require me to "think" to be able to put rounds on target. They are fun to shoot but I won't bet my life on them.
12)magazine capacity. Be real, when you go to the mall, how often do you carry a spare mag in an accessible location?
13) Size. I'm a relatively small guy (6' - 175lb) and it's hard to conceal ANYTHING under a T-shirt and shorts in the summer time.

And for the guy who GOT THE FAWK OUT of komifornia as soon as possible, what's this BS about "3 on a permit?" do they make you link particular guns to your CHL? Granted I'm in TX now where the laws are more friendly, but as long as I have a current CHL I can carry anything I want as long as it's a legal gun.

Have to list the 3 by make, model, caliber, and serial number. Only allowed to carry those 3.

Don't buy the kimber! Save up for a nicer 1911. :D

Who else makes a "nicer" 1911 that is carry size and only $700 :flipoff2:

You can pick up a Colt Commander or even an Officer for a good price. I prefer the Wilson Professional, though. :D

Man, I couldn't have said it better myself. That is exactly how I feel.

Since I was griping about it, I figured I should point this out. No experience, no idea if it's any good, etc., but it looks cool.

Hogue wraparound grip for P239 (http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=277576)

I have a Hogue grip on my Ruger P90 and I really like it, so I was thinking of going that route here as well. Once I get the pistol in hand and shoot it I will see more clearly what I need.