I've hunted archery but never firearm. And this will be my first gun.
Mr. POtter....let me give you some advice and some information. And this is for anyone thinking of getting a concealed carry permit or just carrying a gun period. First off, with the dangers we face today it is important to remember this....you are not a cowboy or a hero and no one expects you to be. The main and really only reason for a concealed carry permit is for self defense...for your family and you.
When faced with a danger or threat, you really have 3 options: 1. Face the threat 2. Run from the threat 3. freeze in fear. No one really knows what they will do until they face any given situation. If at all possible, think about what you think you might do. Number 1 and number 2 are really the best. They give you the best chances....freezing in fear....well that leaves it up to the threat (bad guy or guys).
I think with a carry permit....your main idea is to neutralize a threat and give you and your family a chance to get to safety. Remember....unless you are law enforcement, no one expects you to be a hero.
So with that, a concealed carry permit and gun can give you a chance in many situations. The right to bear arms is a right, not a privilege. Don't let anyone tell you different. There is a reason our founding fathers put it in the Bill of RIGHTS....notice the word RIGHTS...not bill of privileges.
So, in terms of purchasing a concealed carry gun...here is my opinion. You simply want what I call a "GET BACK GUN." you want something to get the bad guys back away from you and your family. Remember this...if you are faced with a terrorist threat and they are carrying military grade weaponry or automatic machines guns and such, none of us really stand a chance regardless of what you are carrying. But for most situations, you want a "GET BACK Gun"...which is simply a small caliber gun that can neutralize or scare away a simple threat.
I think for most situations, a .380 caliber gun in a pocket size is the way to go. Others will have different opinions...but for the size and ease of concealment, they can't be beat.
There are three different .380 guns I would recommend and I will give you my opinion on each one.
The first is the Ruger LCP...the LCP stands for lightweight compact pistol. You can actually buy the LCP in a 9 mm caliber...but that is an awfully small gun for a 9mm and the .380 is sufficient for most situations. I think the Ruger LCP holds 6 rounds. This will run you somewhere in the range of $400....maybe a little cheaper depending on where you live and where you buy. Check out pocket holsters or a holster you can conceal under a shirt. Google DeSantis holders.
The 2nd is the Kel-Tec P 3AT. This is one of the smallest lightest and cheapest on the market. You can get one for about $300...they come in different colors too...I like black or gray but a buddy has a camo that looks kind of neat.
The 3rd option and this is what I recommend over any other .380 is the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard MP .380. This will run about $350 to $450...and it holds 6+1 in the chamber. When purchased it comes with an extra magazine and a nice soft case. Some features I like....it does have a thumb safety as opposed to the Ruger and Kel tec. A lot of folks hate a safety but for me it provides a little extra security. It also has a place you can see to tell if there is a round in the chamber...another safety feature. It does have a long trigger pull. Unloaded this gun only weighs about 12.5 ounces....so you barely know it is there. Another good thing.....it is made in the USA.
I hope this helps. Good luck.